The car was packed tight with our bags, flags, and snacks and our journey to Mt. Everest began!
We headed towards the town of Shigatse (about a 9hr drive) where we would spend one night before reaching our destination. Along the way there were several checkpoints - those for permits but also speed checkpoints. A new law was instated to help regulate traffic and speeding or so it seemed. Rules could not be clearly explained to us. Tenzin said if he couldn't tell us, he would say 'I don't know' - we got a lot of that. Our driver would pull over at a check point and grab a piece of paper stating when he could pass the next checkpoint. If arrived too early, a ticket would be issued.
We headed towards the town of Shigatse (about a 9hr drive) where we would spend one night before reaching our destination. Along the way there were several checkpoints - those for permits but also speed checkpoints. A new law was instated to help regulate traffic and speeding or so it seemed. Rules could not be clearly explained to us. Tenzin said if he couldn't tell us, he would say 'I don't know' - we got a lot of that. Our driver would pull over at a check point and grab a piece of paper stating when he could pass the next checkpoint. If arrived too early, a ticket would be issued.
We drove through the countryside and villages before beginning to climb altitude over some mountains to reach Yamdrok lake.
At Yamdrok lake we pulled over to stretch our legs and take in the spectacular view of the lake. It is a freshwater lake and one of three sacred lakes in Tibet - no fishing here! Everyone from the Dalai Lama and local villagers make pilgrimages to his location.
We stopped at another area of the lake for a bathroom break and another stretch before getting back on the road to Shigatse. There are usually peddlers in areas like this selling merchandise but here you could pay to hug a mastiff and ride a yak - so we did! Tenzin also brought along cappuccinos for everyone; I gave mine to B ;)
A little further down the road we took another quick rest at a glacier - nothing but views in Tibet!
Our driver, Kaison.
Along the road you would see pyramids built out of rocks for luck.
B decided to build us one for luck on our journey to see Everest!
Ready for more driving!
Another 4hrs or so from here!
By evening we were in Shigatse, had dinner (more yak!), and ready to tackle another 9hr drive to reach the top of the world.
TIBET - Part 5: Mt. Everest
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