We start at 9:00 a.m . On our 6-7 hour drive to Shigatse we make the first stop at Yalu Tsangbu, the longest river in Tibet, 6th longest river in China, highest large river in the world and flows into the Indian Ocean in India.
We drive on into the mountains. Our driver’s car is really cool and has steam under the hood. It is a Beijing 40. It travels comfortably. We stop for a photo stop over the huge plain. With large dogs that wear a fur collar to make them appear even bigger, you can take photos for a fee. Or would you like a kid with a headdress? Otherwise, dressed up yaks are a good idea. And who do we see there? The surprise from last night. It’s still unbelievable that we met.
Now we come to the Gambala Pass, which is located at 4,998 m above sea level. With the wind it is really fresh. It is again a great view. Below us lies the turquoise blue Yandrok Lake. The snow-covered mountain in the background of the lake is called Nianqjngkangsang 7200 m.
Far in the distance you can see a 7000 peak from the outer end of the Himalayan mountain range.
Let’s drive down to the lake: It is located at 4,444 meters above sea level. Lake Yandrok has 638km2 and is 40m deep at its deepest point. It has the shape of a goddess and was canonized. Here, too, the photographers have set up all kinds of scenarios with which you can be photographed for a fee.
For refreshment we go to a Tibetan restaurant where all tourists go. Nevertheless, it was very tasty: noodle soup with yak meat.
Then after another ride the glacier appears. Very imposing and yet sad. Because this has also declined considerably. The dealers who want to sell you some bracelets or necklaces cheaply, cheaply, disturb the picture quite a bit. Hey friends, it’s freezing cold, the cap had to be well fastened to the head, otherwise it will fly away.
Quickly back in the car and off to Gyantse. The journey is quite exhausting. We fall asleep all the time… In Gyantse we stroll along a street that is still typical. There was also the first coffee house there.
Here we visit the famous Kumbum Stupa, which is about 35 m high and houses countless Buddha statues. It is really impressive and one of the most spectacular monuments in Tibet.
Afterwards we visit the Phelkor Monastery with its beautiful paintings and statues, it is very impressive, but slowly it repeats itself.
The menus are also clear and repetitive.