Saturday, July 14, 2012

Aryabal Monastery

We all had a burst of energy after a lazy afternoon by the river - and we decided to hike up to the Aryabal Monestery.  It's a decent way up the mountain, but there are a few things to stop and see along the way. 

It is really quite a lovely jaunt.
One of the things I liked least was that you had to cross a rope bridge over a fairly deep ravine.  It doesn't hold more than 2 or 3 people at a time - and the boards from the bridge pop up depending how you step.  Not terribly comforting as you are crossing.
 After the hike up the hill, and crossing the bridge - then you hit the stairs.  It looks like a bit more here, but there are exactly 109.  Our driver/guide said that the number was important - but didn't seem to know why.
 And the view you are rewarded with once you've made it.  I made the mistake of wearing very wrong shoes.  It started raining on the way down and trying to stay upright was definitely the most challenging part of the trip.
The altar inside the monastery.  For 3000 MNT (about $2.50) you can take pictures.  Even so, it seemed a bit weird to pull out the camera.  I did take a couple.
I believe I've confessed my lack of knowledge about Buddhism, but this is one of the spots where you can leave an offering.  
 Prayer wheel. 

No comments:

Post a Comment