STEVE RAZZETTI MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHY AND JOURNALISM

HIMALAYA: TIBET

"From mid-sky heaven, seven-stage high

Heavenly sphere, azure blue,

Came our king, Lord of men,

Son divine, to Tibet.

Land so high, made so pure

Without equal, without peer,

Land indeed! Best of all!

Religion too, surpassing all!"

Stone inscription, translated and quoted by Snellgrove and Richardson in "A Cultural History of Tibet"

"Drake himself, confronted with the same discouragements, might well have degenerated into a stay-at-home"

A.P. Herbert 1935

The north face of Everest (8858m) at sunset from the moraine of the Rogbuk glacier above base campBronica ETRSi, 150mm, Fuji Velvia
   
Evening light on Gurla Mandhata (7694m), seen from the Plains of Barkha, south of Mount Kailas.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
From the shores of Manasarovar LakeBronica ETRSi, 75mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
Kang Rimpoche to the Tibetans, seen here from Chhiu Gompah on the shores of Manasarovar Lake in the province of Ngari, Western Tibet.
  
The Potala, seen from the base of Chokpuri Hill. The old West Gate to the city was here, demolished long ago by the Chinese to make way for the modern road.Nikon F5, 17mm, Fuji Velvia
   
A decorative plaque on the wall of the holiest of Tibetan temples in Lhasa. A dragon blows a conch shell (dun), symbolising the spoken word.Nikon F5, 35mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
A fantastic panorama of (l to r) Lhotse, Everest and Makalu.Nikon FM2, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
   
Chomolungma to the Tibetans, the north face is seen here from the Pang La.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
A view south to Api, Nampa and Saipal - the most remote peaks in north-west Nepal. Taken from the road to the Gurla La from Purang, south of Kailas / ManasorovarBronica ETRSi, 150mm, Vuji Velvia
     
  
The holy mountain, seen here from the roof of Chhiu Gompah on the shores of Manasarovar Lake.Bronica ETRS, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
   
A view east across this sacred lake, from the vicinity of Chhiu GompahNikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
This is a chakstal-gang or prostration station on the outer kora around Mount Kailas. The kora is the circuit trail used by pilgrims to circumambulate Kailas, and at every point on the route from which Kailas is visible there is a chakstal gang, where the devout throw themselves to the ground in hommage.Beyond, across the plains of Barkha, Manasorovar Lake and the distant peaks of the Nepal Himalaya can be seen.Bronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
A view of the rooftopsNikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
A collection of ancient sutras in the library at the Jokhang Temple in LhasaNikon FN2, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
   
A pilgrim on the Kailas kora - the ritual circumambulation of Mount KailasBronica ETRS, 75mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
A Tibetan Buddhist pilgrim on the Kailas KoraBronica ETRSi, 75mm, Fuji Velvia
   
A Tibetan Buddhist pilgrim on the Kailas KoraBronica ETRSi, 75mm, Fuji Velvia
   
A Tibetan Buddhist pilgrim on the Kailas KoraBronica ETRSi, 75mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
A Tibetan Buddhist pilgrim on the Kailas KoraBronica ETRSi, 75mm, Fuji Velvia
   
A Tibetan Buddhist pilgrim at the Dolma La on the Kailas KoraBronica ETRSi, 75mm, Fuji Velvia
   
A Tibetan Buddhist pilgrim on the Kailas KoraBronica ETRSi, 75mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
A Tibetan Buddhist pilgrim on the Kailas KoraBronica ETRSi, 75mm, Fuji Velvia
   
Padmasambhava means "the lotus-born", and this famous Buddhist teacher is always depicted seated on a lotus flower. The Tibetans call him Guru Rinpoche, and he was instrumental in the spread of Buddhism in Tibet during the 8th century. This statue is at Shigatse.Nikon FM2, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
   
The founder of the Gelug-pa or Yellow Hat sect of tantric Buddhism. This staue is at Shigatse.Nikon FM2, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
Peaks on the border between Tibet and Bhutan, seen from Yamdrok Yam Tso on the old road from Lhasa to Gyantse. In the centre is the broad bulk of Khula Kangri (7554m), and at the far right is Gangkar Peunsum (7570m)Nikon F5, 180mm, Fuji Velvia 100
   
This stunning turquoise lake is held back by a recent hyrdo-electricity projectNikon F5, 17-35mm, Fuji Velvia 100
   
Tashilhunpo is one of the greatest of all the Gelukpa monasteries in Tibet, and the seat if the Panchen Lama. This temple houses the largest statue of Maitreya (the future Buddha) in the world.Nikon f5, 17-35mm, Fuji Velvia 100
     
  
The Kelzang Kyamra is the great courtyard where ceremonial dances are performed during festivals. This view is lookong west to the Dukhang or Assembly Hall - the oldest building at Tashilhunpo. The Panchen Lama has been more accommodating than most Tibetans to the Chinese since the invasion, and this may help to explain the $10 million the latter have reputedly lavished on refurbishments hereNikon F5, 17-35mm, Fuji Velvia 100
   
While the scintillating first rays of sun catch the peaks above, this camp lies in the grip of the night's heavy frostNikon F5, 17-35mm, Fuji Velvia 100
   
Beneath the towering north face of Chomolonzo (7677m), the incomparable Kharta Valley drains the eastern (Kangshung) face of Everest.Nikon F5, 17mm, Fuji Velvia 100
     
  
Nikon F5, 17-35mm, Fuji Velvia 100
   
Pethang Ringmo, by the snout of the Kangshung glacier, is the base camp for expeditions to the Kangshung (east) face of EverestNikon F5, 17-35mm, Fuji Velvia 100
   
Chomolonzo at dawn from Pethang in the Kharta Valley.Nikon F5, 35mm, Fuji Velvia 100
     
  
At dawn, from Pethang Ringmo on the Kangshung glacierNikon F5, 180mm, Fuji Velvia 100
   
Part of the summit ridge, seen through breaking cloud from just below the Langma LaNikon F5, 180mm, Fuji Velvia 100
   
One of our drivers from Lhasa taking a break during the journey to Everest.Nikon F5, 35mm, Fuji Velvia 100
     
  
Sunrise on the Kangshung Face, from Pethang Ringmo (4983m) on the Kangshung Glacier.Nikon F5, 180mm, Fuji Velvia 100
   
The first rays of sun illuminate the east faces of Lhotse and EverestNikon F5, 17-35mm zoom, Fuji Velvia 100
   
The main summit, glimpsed brifly through a hole in the cloud from the descent from the Langma LaNikon F5, 180mm, Fuji Velvia 100
     
  
The rarely seen northern side of this incredible mountain, from the Kangshung Glacier.Nikon F5, 180mm, Fuji Velvia 100
   
The classic view of Everest from base camp on the Rongbuk glacier.Nikon F5, 180mm, Fuji Velvia 100
   
Detail of a Buddhist mural in this fantastically located monastery beneath the north face of Everest.Nikon F5, 50mm, Fuji Velvia 100
     
  
The north face of Everest, seen from Rongbuk Monastery.Nikon F5, 17mm, Fuji Velvia 100
   
Two Tibetan pilgrims resting during their koras of this, the holiest of Lhasa's Buddhist sitesNikon F5, 17-35mm zoom, Fuji Velvia 100
   
Statue of the Maitreya or future BuddhaNikon F5, 17-35mm zoom, Fuji Velvia
     
  
A Tibetan pilgrim pauses whilst completing his koras on the Barkhor, the sacred circuit of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.Nikon F5, 35mm, Fuji Velvia 100
   
Buddhist monks taking an afternoon stroll in the huge plaza in front of the Jokhang.Nikon F5, 17mm, Fuji Velvia
   
A layman helping out with the chores in the kitchens below this ancient monastery in a side valley close to Lhasa city.Nikon F5, 17mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
Nikon F5, 35mm, Fuji Velvia 100
   
The Abbott poses for a photograph with a group of monks who have just completed a year's retreat at this beautiful monastery in a high valley near Lhasa.Nikon F5, 17mm, Fuji Velvia
   
A novice monk.Nikon F5, 35mm, Fuji Velvia 100
     
  
Monks chanting a puja (service).Nikon F5, 17mm, Fuji Velvia
   
A young novice of the Gelug-pa sect. Headed by the Dalai Lama, this is the most powerful of all the sects in Tibet and was founded by Tsong Khapa in the fourteenth century.Nikon F5, 35mm, Fuji Velvia 100
   
Buddha figures in one of the many small temples within the precincts of the JokhangNikon F5, 17mm, Fuji Velvia 100
     
  
The architectural icon of Tibet and former residence of HH the Dalai Lama. Gone are the green fields and parkland that used to surround this incredible building, replaced by a modern Chinese plaza, a main road and concrete buildings.Nikon F5, 17mm, Fuji Velvia
   
New tourist emporia contrast with the timeless power of the Potala in Lhasa.Nikon F5, 17mm, Fuji Velvia 100
   
All day on this holy route, a constand stream of shuffling, chanting people circle the Jokhang. This is life as meditation....Nikon F5, 180mm, Fuji Velvia 100
     
  
A woman pilgrim resting with her son in the courtyard.Nikon F5, 35mm, Fuji Velvia
   
The ruins of the once magnificent Palkhor GompahNikon f5, 180mm, Fuji Velvia
   
This stupendous monastery is more like a small walled city, and is the seat of the Panchen Lamas. Of all the major monastic centres in Tibet, Tashilhunpo has survived more or less intact and had much lavish restoration work done on it - probably because the Panchen Lama chose to co-operate with the Chinese after the invasion.Nikon F5, 17mm, Fuji Velvia 100
     
  
The snout and terminal morain of this enormous glacier, from the trail to Pethang Ringmo.Nikon F5, 17-35mm, Fuji Velvi 100
   
The first rays of sun catching the summits of Chomolonzo, from Pethang Ringmo.Nikon F5, 180mm, Fuji Velvia 100
   
Prayer flags silhouetted against the afternoon sun at Everest base camp on the Rongbuk glacierNikon F5, 17-35mm, Fuji Velvia 100
     
  
As the road to Darchen climbs north out of Taklakot, this magnificent vista appears to the south. These are the peaks of the Gharwal Himal.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
Descending north from the Gurla La, this is the first sight pilgrims get of the holy Kang Rinpoche or Mount Kailas, across the shimmering turquoise waters of Raksas Tal.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
All around the sacred kora route, pious pilgrims leave stones carved with the mantra Om mani padme humNikon FM2, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
Tibetan prayer flags in the five auspicious colours swathe the rocks and cairns at the Dolma La (5630m), the highest point on the Kailas kora.Nikon FM2, 24mm, Fuji Velvia
   
Legend ascribes many incredible feats to Guru Rinpoche or Padmasambhava, including victory in a duel of magic with the Bon deity Naro Bon-chhung to secure Mount Kailas as a holy site for Buddhists. He is also reputed to have meditated in this tiny cave beneath Chhiu gompah, at the back of which lies this ancient mani-stone depicting the saint.Nikon FM2, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
   
In the Barkhor SquareBronica ETRSi, 75mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
Monks shopping in the Barkhor SquareBronica ETRSi, 150mm, Fuji Velvia
   
The market in front of the Jokhang temple in Barkhor SquareBronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
   
A view of the roof-topsBronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
An enormous gold-leafed example of a dpal-be or cylindrical banner depicting the Buddhist victory over ignorance and deathBronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
   
A fine selection of the distinctive woolen aprons worn by married Tibetan women over their chhubasBronica ETRSi, 75mm, Fuji Velvia
   
Two men meeting on the Barkhor in LhasaBronica ETRSi, 150mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
Bronica ETRSi, 150mm, Fuji Velvia
   
The magnificent view south from the Pang La on the approach to Everest from Tibet. On the skyline, from left to right, are Makalu, Chomolonzo, Everest, Cho Oyo & Gyachhung KangBronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
   
A view to Makalu and Everest from this spectacular pass on the road to Everest from TibetBronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
Bronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
   
A magnificent darma wheel (one of the eight sacred elements of Buddhism) on the roof of the Potala in LhasaBronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
   
The guilt roofs of HH The Dalai Lama's private apartmentsBronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
A stone mason working on renovations at this huge monastic complex in Shigatse (Xigatse)Bronica ETRSi, 75mm, Fuji Velvia
   
Seen from the Tang La (5050m), this is the only one of the world's 14 8000m peaks that lies entirely within Tibet. Actually it is the highest peak in the Langtang Himal, and is also visible from several high points in this much visited part of Nepal to the southBronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
   
An artist applying gold-leaf to a mural during renovations at the seat of the Panchen Lama in ShigatseBronica ETRSi, 75mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
Artists working on a mural during renovations at the seat of the Panchen Lama in Shigatse (Xigatse)Bronica ETRSi, 75mm, Fuji Velvia
   
Detail of the gilded roofs in this enormous monastic complex in ShigatseBronica ETRSi, 150mm, Fuji Velvia
   
Children at the hot springs at this widswept stopover on the Lhasa - Kathmandu highwayBronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
From beyond the horizon, the distant peaks of the Himalaya cast their eerie shadows across the dusk skyBronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
   
A colourful scene in the Barkhor SquareBronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
   
One of two giant juniper hearths in front of the holiest temple in LhasaBronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
     
  
In 1999 NASA announced that the height of the world's most famous mountain was actually 8850m - up 2m from the previously accepted figure of 8848m. This is the north face, seen from the Rogbuk glacierBronica ETRSi, 150mm, Fuji Velvia
   
The gilded roofs of this huge monastic complex at Shigatse, under a stormy skyBronica ETRSi, 50mm, Fuji Velvia
   
Golden roofs under a threatening skyBronica ETRSi, 150mm, Fuji Velvia