Here animal skulls are decorated,and rocks are carved with sacred mantras,
groups of syllables that are considered to have spiritual power.
The reciting of the mantras is believed to create a magical sound
that reverberates through the universe.
The landscape is decorated with multi-coloured flags which
represent the five elements - fire, wood, earth, water and iron.
The flags are printed with prayers to purify the air and pacify the gods,
and the wind blows the prayers to heaven.
The poles on which the prayer flags are mounted are regularly replenished with fresh flags.
The old flags are treasured. Those nearest the top of the pole
are the most auspicious,
so competition for these can get fierce.