I wasn't sure what to expect. There are still major tensions between The Republic of China and TAR, (Tibetan Autonomous Region). We had our one permit checked three times at the Pudong airport before we departed; this included having Chinese agents take us to a separate booth to log our trip in their 'books'. It was never an uneasy feeling but the definite twinge of tension between the two regions was felt.
With not knowing what to expect, we were exposed to warm Tibetans who still dress in traditional garments, are hard working, and people who stick with their generations of values.
Our friend, Josh, took the journey with us. It began with months of planning and organization with our tour guide, Tenzin. We had to have letters prepared from Disney regarding our job descriptions to present to the Tibetan authorities (ensuring we weren't in the journalism business) in order to gain our permits (4 in total!), present copies of our passports, Chinese residence permits, and work permits; airfare had to be booked and confirmed prior to applying for the permits, and travel insurance investigated before we began the journey on August 30th - only two days after receiving our permits. Talk about nerve racking!
We flew from Shanghai to Xi'An, then Xi'An to Lhasa; about a 6 hrs in total from Shanghai.
Upon landing in Lhasa, Tenzin (our fantastic guide recommended to us from Todd & Rebecca) met us at the airport and presented us with traditional Tibetan scarves for luck and prosperity. We had about a 45 minute drive to the hotel and drank lots of water upon instruction from Tenzin due to the altitude. After a quick rest, we headed to dinner at a wonderful restaurant where we experienced Yak! Yak curry and yak steak and nan. It was delicious!
Of note:
Lhasa is 3,650m above sea level or 11,450ft.
Shanghai is 4m above sea level or 13ft.
Mt. Everest Base Camp is 5189m or 17,026ft.
The highest point in the world unless you apply for permits to trek further :)
As comparison....
Atlanta is 320m above sea level or 1,050ft.
Los Angeles is 71m above sea level or 233ft.
To help our bodies adjust to the altitude, we took pills twice a day that I purchased in the states made for high altitude sporting, and tons of water.
In the evening, we discovered the roof of the hotel had incredible views. I can only describe the lighting as 'God-like' as it was the most beautiful light I've ever seen; highlighting the mountains and back lighting the Potala Palace. Incredible!
We were finally in Tibet and in arms reach of Mt. Everest!
TIBET - Part 2: Sights of Lhasa
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