On the 8th of November, 1774, we rode up to the gate of the palace, and walking into the court, went up the ladders to our apartments.

Desheripgay is situated in a narrow valley, and at the foot of an abrupt and rocky hill. The palace is small; it is only two stories high, and is surrounded on three sides by rows of small apartments with a wooden gallery running round them, which altogether form a small court, flagged with stone. All the stairs are broad ladders. The roofs are adorned with copper-gilt ornaments; and on the front of the house there are three round brass plates, emblems of Om, Han, Hoong. The Lama's apartment is at the top; it is small, and hung round with different coloured silks, views of Potalla, Teshu Lumbo, &c. About two miles from Desheripgay is the castle of Chamnamring.

Immediately after our arrival, the Lama sent us a pot of readymade tea, boiled rice, four or five sacks of flour and of rice, three or four dried sheep's carcasses, and some whisky. I had also compliments of tea from several of his officers, and many visitors whom curiosity brought to see me.

My room was small, but neatly furnished; it was immediately above the church, and I was entertained with the never-ceasing noise of “cymballines and timballines” from morning to night. But as soon as it grows dark everything is still as death, and the gates are shut about an hour after sunset.