The people of Kham are rugged, big hearted and fearless. They live with hardship on the edge of life and death. There are no doctors or clinics and a small infection can easily lead to death. Kham has the highest mortality rate in childbirth in China. Many nuns have chosen the monastic life to avoid the likelihood of death through pregnancy. In spite of all this they are cheerful, generous and uncomplaining. Kham probably has the worst roads in Asia. Many times we literally traveled across countryside, crossing straight through creeks, over narrow mountain passes that even scared our horses. Even though we broke down often it is almost impossible to get stranded.  Someone will always stop to help.  I witnessed nomads leaving their tent camps in the middle of the night and walking miles in a snow storm to help pull our jeeps out of a ravine. While I was shivering they were laughing, singing and carrying on like they were at a picnic.

Some of the yogis and yoginis I met have practiced meditation in solitary retreat for more than fifty years.  Many have become adept in the most advanced tantric practices.  I hope my portraits reveal the self-confidence that comes from devotion, practice and a simple life.

More images in the Kampa Gallery