Fighting between the Chinese communist army and the Khampa resistance was raging throughout Tibet. It was becoming more evident every day that the ancient Buddhist culture in Tibet would be snuffed out like the flame of a lamp.

Realizing that the time had come for him to leave Tibet in order to ensure the preservation of the Dharma, Rigpei Dorje informed the Dalai Lama of his intentions. Thus, on the fourth night of the second month of the Earth Pig year, the Gyalwa Karmapa, dressed in lay clothing and accompanied by one hundred and sixty people, left Tsurphu, carrying with him the precious relics and ritual instruments light enough to enable a speedy journey. His entourage was composed of tulkus, monks and laypeople. Shamar Rinpoche, Gyaltsab Rinpoche, the meditation master Drupon Tenzin Rinpoche, Dabtrul Rinpoche, Khandro Chenno the wife of the 15th Gyalwa Karmapa Khakyab Dorje, and others also accompanied him. The group fled across the Himalayas towards Bhutan. They had just enough food supplies to last for two weeks. They went through southern Tibet and were aided by the local population. Along the way, they made quick visits to Marpa Lotsawa's home, in Lhodrak, and a temple dedicated to Milarepa, the famous nine-story tower built on Marpa Lotsawa's request. There, the Gyalwa Karmapa granted the Milarepa initiation and performed his sadhana.

Upon reaching the last snow-filled pass, Mon La Gar Chung (at an altitude of nearly 6000 meters), marking the border between Tibet and Bhutan, the Gyalwa Karmapa began to hasten the expedition, explaining that they had to get through the pass that very same day. With the help of the local guides, the group pushed on, mustering their last strength to reach Bhutan.

The next night...