2009 Progress Report

Our work is almost complete on the gyalpo (the most sacred temple) at the Chairro monastery. Since the temple was dismantled in the spring, two groups of volunteers participated in the rebuilding effort.  Working under crisp, blue Himalayan skies, volunteers gathered stones from the nearby riverbed, sifted and mixed mortar, cleaned temple paintings and laid a slate floor. 

But it wasn't all work! We also enjoyed a lama dance, harvested apples, taught English classes at the local school, hiked to nearby villages and visited Muktinath, the town that is holy to Buddhists and Hindus alike. Instead of returning home, some of the volunteers used Chairro as a launch pad for other trekking adventures. Meanwhile, after the volunteers left, the seventeen local craftsman and villagers continued working hard and long to prepare the structure for the onset of the winter snows.

After many seasons of work, the monastery has reached the stage where it can be actively used by monks. During our stay, for the first time ever, we witnessed several monks of the area perform special all-day prayer ceremonies that they hold each year. It's a very special addition to what is already a wonderful adventure, so please do join us and experience it for yourself.