14th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Tranquility at the Samding Monastery in Tibet

Also known as the “Temple of Soaring Meditation,” it was located near a village that was in the middle of a field. The monastery was quiet and serene, an atmosphere that I was beginning to happily grow accustom to. A monk was kind enough to greet us and show us around, something that I thought was very humbling. The weather progressively became more overcast throughout the day where there was a slight drizzle mid afternoon. Nonetheless, the scenery was alluring with clouds drifting behind the mountains and monks quietly chanting mantras.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2016
Date Uploaded: 11.2016
Photo Location: Gyangtse/Tibet, China
Camera: NIKON D5300
Copyright: © Christa Hoskins