Photos

Sinche La is the highest pass on the Laya-Gasa trek in Bhutan. From 5005m you can the great panorama of distant peaks of eastern Bhutan.

Prayer flags strung along mountain ridges and peaks in the Himalayas bless the surrounding countryside. Woodblock printing is traditionally used to imprint the cotton flags with images, mantras, and prayers. Flags are always white, blue, yellow, green, or red, and are flown in sets.

Often at the center of a prayer flag is an image of the Wind Horse which bears the Three Jewels of Buddhism. On the four corners of the flag might display images of Garuda, Dragon, Tiger, and Snow Lion symbolizing the four sacred animals representing the four virtues of wisdom, power, confidence, and fearless joy.

Prayer flags are attached to cords and hung so they may flutter in the wind. The movement is believed to "activate the power of the mantras and bestow protection and merit." The flags are commonly known in Tibet as "dar cho": dar meaning to increase in life, fortune, health and wealth, and cho meaning all sentient beings.