Film Chronicles | Lhasa

In September 2018, I found myself on an unforgettable journey to Tibet, a place that had always held a certain mystique in my mind. This trip wasn’t just about exploring a new landscape; it was about reconnecting with an old friend who had found her calling in the high-altitude beauty of Lhasa. What started as a visit to see her quickly turned into an adventure, as we decided to embark on a journey to one of the most remote and mysterious regions of Tibet: Medog.

The moment I arrived in Lhasa, I was struck by the sheer beauty and spirituality of the city. The air was crisp and thin, and the golden light of autumn bathed everything in a warm, ethereal glow. The towering peaks of the Himalayas framed the city, creating a dramatic backdrop that was both awe-inspiring and humbling. Lhasa, with its ancient temples and vibrant streets, felt like a city suspended in time, where the past and present coexisted in perfect harmony.

My friend had been living in Lhasa for over a year, and she had become deeply connected to the culture and people of Tibet. She took me to some of her favorite spots in the city—the bustling Barkhor Street, where pilgrims circled the Jokhang Temple, spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras; the serene Sera Monastery, where we watched monks engage in lively debates; and the majestic Potala Palace, which stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of Tibetan Buddhism. Each place we visited left an indelible mark on me, and I could see why my friend had fallen in love with this place.

After a few days of exploring Lhasa, my friend suggested that we take a trip to Medog, a place she had always wanted to visit but hadn’t yet had the chance. Medog, known as the “secret lotus” of Tibet, is one of the most remote counties in the region, surrounded by dense forests and steep mountain ranges. It’s a place of stunning natural beauty, but also one that is notoriously difficult to reach. The road to Medog is treacherous, often cut off by landslides and heavy rain, and for many years, it was completely inaccessible by car.

The idea of venturing into such a remote and challenging place was both exciting and daunting. But the thought of experiencing Tibet’s untouched wilderness was too tempting to resist. So, we packed our bags, filled with anticipation and a little apprehension, and set off on our journey.

The road to Medog was as challenging as we had been warned. We drove through winding mountain roads that hugged the cliffs, with sheer drops on one side and towering peaks on the other. The landscape changed dramatically as we descended from the high plateau of Lhasa into the lush, subtropical forests of Medog. The air grew warmer and more humid, and the vegetation became increasingly dense. It felt as if we were entering a completely different world.

As we traveled deeper into Medog, we encountered several roadblocks—both literal and figurative. Landslides had blocked parts of the road, forcing us to wait for hours as workers cleared the debris. The rain was relentless, turning the dirt roads into slippery, muddy tracks that were barely passable. But despite the challenges, there was a sense of adventure that kept us going. Each obstacle we overcame brought us closer to our destination and deepened our appreciation for the rugged beauty of the land.

When we finally arrived in Medog, it was as if we had discovered a hidden paradise. The village was nestled in a valley surrounded by towering mountains, with a river running through it. The air was filled with the scent of flowers and the sound of birdsong, and the vibrant green of the forests contrasted sharply with the stark, rocky landscape we had left behind. Medog was a place of incredible biodiversity, with rare plants and animals that couldn’t be found anywhere else in Tibet.

We spent several days in Medog, exploring the surrounding forests and valleys. We hiked through dense jungles, crossed rickety suspension bridges over rushing rivers, and marveled at the waterfalls that cascaded down the mountainsides. The beauty of Medog was overwhelming, and it felt like we were the first people to ever set foot in this untouched wilderness. The locals we met along the way were incredibly warm and welcoming, eager to share their stories and traditions with us. Their connection to the land was evident in everything they did, and it made our experience all the more enriching.

As I look back on that journey, the memories of Lhasa and Medog are forever etched in my mind. The contrast between the spiritual serenity of Lhasa and the untamed wilderness of Medog made this trip one of the most profound experiences of my life. The photos I captured on that journey tell only part of the story—the rest is held in the feelings of awe and wonder that I felt as I walked through those ancient streets and untouched forests.

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