Shangrila

The Lost Horizon

To me Shangrila is associated with dreams, fantasy and euphoria; a land of freedom and peace. Close to Tibet and Bhutan the culture and practices of the people of Shangrila are similar to them. We were informed that in 2001 a major fire broke out and destroyed a fair bit of the city and today we see a new township being constructed to replace the ruins. 

After the Tiger Gorge climb we were told that we had to conquer a flight of 220 steps to see an overall view of the new township! Again, the advice on the oxygen tank came up and this time we were to drink another tonic to increase our breathing capacity. At an elevation , we heard stories of tourists gasping for breath in the middle of sleep in this city.

To believe or not to believe?

We escaped without a scratch.

The tour guides exaggerated.

In the ancient city, the architecture of the past is still in tact and bright colours adorned the buildings and sculptures. Yellow seems to be the chosen and preferred hue.

Beef and yak meat are local favourites and they are served fresh or preserved. Big slaps of stone lined the streets and add an ethos of nostalgia. It was already late evening when we reached the old part of the town and we did not see many tourists.

Local costumes and attire were attractively sewn but did not whet my appetite.

 The architecture is unique and concorded to local taste.

 This northern city is also acclaimed for its silver industry. Silver is naturally found here and it is not strange to see cutlery and thermos flasks not forgetting earrings, necklaces, bracelets and anklets all displayed and sold at its purest form; 99 % silver. The tour guide went to the extent of claiming that silver has medicinal values and the health of the user can be detected by the colour of the silver after a period of time.The older generation prefers silver to gold; so we were informed.

It is also common to see squares occupying the city. I believe they are the centers of activities during special events and religious celebrations where people meet to participate in dances and songs.

Life is good.

The figurines depicted the livelihood of the indigenous; silversmiths are a stone's throw away and competition is stiff. You can get anything at a preferred price with perseverance. 

Just keep on haggling !

Standing at a square in the newly constructed city after the big fire.

Squares are a part and parcel of their culture. 

 The potala palace at the background is a cultural museum where tourists are brought in to see some cultural practices of the local people. Earlier we were brought to a temple to see the World's Biggest Prayer Wheel. We were not comfortable with the way religion was explained and after that we refrained from visiting prayer alters lest we did not give the due respect and might offend others.

The yak is a revered animal here and appropriately sculptured and given its rightful status at this square. All should be reminded that the locals love the yak for the way it can support their livelihood.

The Dalai Lama has the highest order of religious say here and even the army gives them the reverence?

 Old and rugged. Walking towards the spot where we had to scour 220 steps to reach the summit to see the city of Shangrila. It is not as illusive as I imagined it to be.

Buildings are in blocks and built for the weather here; wintry and parched.
 The needs of different locales vary and adaptations are made.

We cannot deny though that carvings are an integral local must haves. It reflects the artistry and skills of the Tibetans. Beautifully sculptured.  

Another view of the city.

The old and the new.

 Shangrila is rugged and dry.

It is not what I thought it was.

But that's only my illusive imagination; I need to face reality. 

Go visit the lost horizon.