Lama Deshi lives in the Gompa above Manang. He accepts visits from trekkers, though you should be ready with a small donation. However after you have paid your way, he will be happy to be photographed, and will perform a short Buddhist puja ceremony for you to ensure your success on the Thorung La. You can see from his red hat that he is a Nyingma Pa red hat lama. The Dalaia Lama is a yellow hat. The red hat chaps are to be found in the mountain regions bordering Nepal.
Copyright Ian P Johnson 1998