Chele - Tamagaon (3750m) part 2

After having reached the pass of 3800m we had to go down again to a level of 3500m to the ancient hermitage of buddhist monks. It lies in a valley surrounded by big mountains, and i guess mostly this area is snowed down for more then half a year. We still walk over some snow parts, and have to cross over a small stream. To come to the cave again you have to walk up a bit and from far you can see the praying flags waving in the wind. Also the Cave is coloured outside with dark red, to make it a distinct place of worship. Finally we came and nocked on the door, but no one opened (later we found out that the monks had gone for some puja in some private home next village). The door where open and we entered. Suddenly a huge Cave manifested in front of us its whole opulence. A pathway lead us deep inside, and all around the walls and floor as well, sacred prayers where chiseled on the granite. One could feel the prayers still vibrating inside the air, and it is filled with smoke from the pujas etc. The cave is black smoked and some deities have manifested it self from within on the ceilings. In the middle of the cave is a ancient and huge stalagmite, representing the mount Kailash which one can circulate. In front is a big raised altar, installing Padmasambhava or also named Guru Rinpoche (the founder of tibetan buddhism) and the great teacher and reformer of tibetan buddhism Atisha (11th century) along with Avalokiteshwara, the Buddha of Mercy.
It is said Padmasambhava has fought some Demons here, and made them surrender and serve the higher doctrine of Mercy and Forgiveness. Both teachers has come here, stayed here and did some long and austere meditation in this place.
One who visits this ancient cave and walks around the Kailash*stalagmite gets the same benefit as one would go to the real Kailash in western tibet.
The cave is really impressive and we were happy to have come here. A wonderful place for retreats i guess, but not so much for the general western mind as there is NO comfort at all here.
After having done our prayers we left with fresh energy to climb up again to one pass of 3750 meters and come down to the village Tamagaon. Stayed there in our tent, got some chinese noodles for dinner and slept well after such a day of trekking.