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H.H. Chetsang Rinpoche and our Kargyu lamas have directed us to address environmental issues in the Upper Lapchi Valley. Undoubtedly, there are many areas that need to be addressed. It is easy to see however that the greatest cause for concern is the unchecked erosion arising from the devastating river outburst of 2012.

Above the confluence of the Lapchi Gang and the slightly larger Rongshar Chu lies a small plateau nestled below the impressive bulk of Lapchi Kang, the “Lapchi Snow Mountain. ” In the early 1830’s the great Shabkar Tsogdruk Rangdrol reopened the “Cave of the Subjugation of Mara” and then constructed a small monastery, Chorkor Gephel Ling, not far from the cave.

Unfortunately, the river outburst of 2012 irrevocably altered the landscape below the Lapchi Snow Mountain. The flood tore away the toe of the plateau supporting Chorkor Gephel Ling Monastery, allowing the poorly consolidated soils of the plateau to cascade into the river. Today the problems have only increased. Currently the headwall of the erosion slope is a mere twenty meters from the front gate of the Monastery!

Initially it was believed that river undercutting was responsible for the precipitous erosion of the plateau. Tarps were employed to stop downward slope movement while a barricade of Gabbons were laboriously constructed to prevent further undercutting. None of these expedients were successful.

Unfortunately the extreme grade of the slope and the predominantly sandy soil limits the range of our response. Moreover, the entire Lapchi Valley, from Lamabagar to the border with Chinese Tibet, has become increasingly subject to the effects of climate change. Monsoonal floods and earthquakes are common, along with devastating landslides that frequently close the trail- the only access to the Monastery.

Under these circumstances we were extremely reluctant to proceed without understanding the exact cause of this runaway soil erosion. It immediately became obvious that the local community, in the guise of the Lapchi Village Association, possessed more than a thousand years of experiential knowledge regarding their environment. When we partnered with them they suggested we send a mixed team of geologists and civil engineers to do a site survey. The survey team would work Pro Bono, and Friends of Lapchi would pay all further expenses. We eagerly agreed.

Our survey team has recommended a threefold approach of River Training, Drainage Management (above the crown), and most importantly, stabilizing the steepest section of the slope, the crown, with Soil Nailing. This all seems feasible. Moreover, they suggest a second site survey accompanied by a laboratory analysis of the soil composition. Again we concur.

It may seem that we are proceeding unreasonably slowly. This is not true. In less than a year we have determined the cause of the problem and the most probable solution. We are working steadily towards fund raising and construction.

We urge all beings interested in Milarepa, Lapchi, and the wonder of our creation to join us in protecting this precious site!