Tibetan Buddhism, Annapurna Trek

Why all the prayer flags? Trekking this circuit means passing countless Buddhist shrines decked in colorful prayer flags, 'mani walls' loaded with inscribed stones, and countless prayer wheels, large and small. Each, in fact, contains the printed prayer chant "Om mani padme hum", which basically pays homage to Buddha. Worshipers believe that the more often this magical phrase is recited, the more protection from evil will be received. You may have heard the chant in yoga class: me, not so much. As the flags flutter and the prayer wheels spin, this mantra is spread far and wide: the wind releases the power. Throughout the 'Tibetan' areas of Nepal, Buddhist values and culture make a unique and interesting impression.