Exploring Tibet: The guardian of a bygone kingdom

The decision to trade modernity for reclusion came to him naturally.

"I like it. It all starts from devotion," Pasang Tsering told CGTN when asked about the reason he has chosen this job.

Pasang Tsering and his fellow guards get up before the sun rises every day, and prepare to welcome the first guests, who usually start flocking in at around 9 am.

"However, some tourists will knock at my door as early as 6:30 in the morning," he noted.

Dozens visit the ruins every day, aiming to get a breathtaking view of the surrounding a desolate valley from the top of a winding flight of stairs. During peak season, the number swells to over 500.

Pasang Tsering's task ranges from relics preservations to patrolling and cleaning.

"We do all these by ourselves, including cooking," said Pasang Tsering. "If we want to buy ingredients, we have to travel 17 kilometers to the county."

Internet was a latecomer to the region, with cables erected only this year. "We could only watch TV since this year," the man said, admitting that he went through times when he felt lonely.

"But it's joyful for me to do what I like to do," he added.

"Some people have never done what they like. But if you don't do it when you are young, you will never do it."