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 Many
of high places in Dolpo are associated with the spirits
an deities and the magical events of myths and legends
passes down through oral traditions. The caves and the
hermitages (small simple dwellings), hermits (holy men
or ascetics who forsook normal life to persue spiritual
goals) meditated for many years.
Sometimes disciples follow them and small communities
grew up. The trails to this remote places are very
difficult and some of the holy men were reputed to be
able to fly through the sky. Traditions says they were
the first settlers in Dolpo, attracted thousands of
years ago by its remoteness from human influence and the
harsh purity of the environment.
Undertaking a journey, or pelgrimage, to a sacred place
is an important religious activity for people of the
Buddhist and Bonpo faiths. Yhe effort and expense of the
journey, especially if it involves some hardship, and
being in a holy place in the presence of the spirits are
believed to give merit and help the pilgrim on the road
to enlightment. Four pilgrimages are regulary observed
in Dolpo, and considered to be of special importance: |
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 The
Shel Ribo Drugdra ( Crystal Mountain Thunder Dragon Roar) is a
site in the Crystal Mountain where the holy man Dupthop Senge
Yeshe meditated and achieved enlightment. It is undertaken every
12 years, in the Dragon Year of the 12-year Tibetan calendar.
The 25th day of the sixth Tibetan month (July-August) and the
new moon (considered a "time of fulfilment" of the seventh month
are considered especially auspicious dates. |
 The
Bantshang Kulha Palsang (Glorious Master Site) is most important
during the Serpent year of the Tibetan calandar. The 25th day of
the second Tibetan month (March-April), and particulary the new
moon day, are considered especially auspicious dates. |
 The
Tiserong (Sadu) commemorates the holy man Dhar Senge, who
conquered the demons that dwelt in this mountain, which is
important for the resemblance to the holy Kailash mountain.
(Tiser is Tibetan for Kailash). The 25th day of the first
Tibetan month (February-March) and the 25th day of the seventh
month (August-September) are deemed particulary auspicious. |
 The
Buddha Mountain near Dho Tarap was blessed by the Guru Rinpoche
when he meditated there. The sixt Tibetan month (July-August) is
the most auspicious time, especially the 25th day and the
new moon day.
Every 12 years, in the year of the
rabbit, there is a particulary big pilgrimage. |
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