A few days ago we left the kids at home with Yangdol and took off to the west to visit Matho Gompa which was founded in the 16th century by Lama Dugpa Dorje. Within its walls there are four hundred year old thangkas and a mad monk who suggested that I looked at least 60, maybe 70. He had a great collection of swords too, and wandered around with us calling out random numbers.

He was just slightly deranged.

The gompa is the only one in Ladakh belonging to the Sakyapa Lineage. In February two oracles run blindfolded on the roof defying the deadly drop, calling out predictions for the coming year, while cutting there necks and chests with knives. Afterwards, there is no evidence of the cutting.

The countryside is marked by grand residences and fields superbly demarcated by double width mud brick walls.

After a few hours we tried to hitch home for dinner, but managed to walk most of it due to a lack of traffic.