On the road in Tibet

We very reluctantly left Lhasa yesterday.  We enjoyed our stay there immensely and now do not have the tiny amount of luggage we started off with.  We were picked up in a 4WD with a driver and a guide and headed off to the south west township of Gyantse.  The drive blew us away with the scenery so magnificent.  Towering treeless mountains and wide plainlands presented at every turn.  We went up through two passes over the mountains at four and half thousand metres.  One of the passes presented the view of Yamdrok Lake, a turquoise shimmering huge body of water which we drove along for many kilometres - not the water, the road that ran by the water.  It was a spectacular day and we thoroughly enjoyed it.  The mountains, which our guide calls hills, were often snow capped and one of our stops was at the Karola glacier, picturecard white against a brilliant blue sky.

We stayed overnight in Gyantse, a town inhabited mainly by Tibetans and not Chinese.  We were very impressed by a walled mountain temple perched on a huge sheer rock outcrop and the necessary abundance of photos were taken.  Were not impressed however by the cold shower in the hotel room as the temperatures here at night drop quite low.  However the days are blue and warm and set off the scenery perfectly.   

Today we have come on only a short trip to Shigatse.  On the way I actually helped a Tibetan farmer plough a field behind two galloping yaks.  Quite an experience!!!  We are jacking up about just seeing monasteries and have told our guide enough is enough - and for us enough was a while ago.   

Tomorrow we head for Shegar which is at the entrance to Everest Base Camp where we hope to spend a night and two whole days.  I am sure, like you Jimmy Seaha, a tear or two will be shed looking at that big mountain and we are hoping for a continuation of the wonderful weather we have been having. 

Internet is a big scarce here so can't post photos but will do that when we are in Kathmandu. 

Cheers everyone!!!