Drigung Til Monastery... some info...

Drigung Til is the head monastery of one of three main schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It suffered some damage during the Cultural Revolution, but it is in better shape than most other monastic centers in this region. It was established in 1167, and has always been devoted to the instruction of contemplative meditation. There are currently 270 monks residing here. It clings to a high, steep ridge overlooking the Drigung Valley. A steep thread of a path makes its way up into the complex from the village below. The 180 degree views from the main courtyard are spectacular, and a serene stillness pervades the sight. The main temple/assembly hall is the largest and most treasure filled building here. The monastery kora will lead you to the true reason for the existence of this entire complex. Follow the kora up the side stairs of the main hall, then as it heads up the hill to the main durtro.This is the holiest sky burial site in the Lhasa region. People travel hundreds of miles to bring their deceased relatives here.There is a boundary fence well before the ritual site, and you will see this if you stay on the kora. We got lost on our way up the hill, and found ourselves obviously way off the kora. We kept following the next main path we came to... which led us directly to the site of an active sky-burial... pictures follow.