We set off at 9:00 am. On our 6-7 hour journey to Shigatse, we make our first stop at the Yalu tsangbu, the longest river in Tibet, the 6th longest river in China, the highest major 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 plenty of steam under the bonnet. It's a Beijing 40, so it's comfortable travelling. We stop for a photo over the vast plain. For a fee, you can take photos with large dogs wearing a collar of fur to make them look even bigger. Or would you prefer a kid with a headdress? Otherwise there are some dressed-up yaks. And who do we see there? The surprise from last night. It's still unbelievable that we've met.
Now we come to the Gambala Pass, which lies at 4,998 metres above sea level. It's really fresh with the wind. The view is great again. Below us lies the turquoise blue Yandrok Lake. The snow-covered mountain in the background of the lake is called Nianqjngkangsang at 7200 metres.
Far in the distance you can see a 7000 metre peak from the outer end of the Himalayan mountain range.
Let's drive down to the lake, which lies at 4,444 metres above sea level. Lake Yandrok covers an area of 638 km2 and is 40 metres deep at its deepest point. It has the shape of a goddess and has been canonised. Here too, photographers have set up all kinds of scenarios with which you can have your photo taken for a fee.
For refreshment we go to a Tibetan restaurant where all the tourists go. Nevertheless, the noodle soup with yak meat was delicious.
Then, after a further drive, the glacier appears. Very impressive and yet sad. Because it too has receded considerably. The traders who want to sell you some cheap, cheap bracelets or necklaces spoil the picture quite a bit. Hey friends, it's freezing cold, your hat has to be fastened tightly to your head, otherwise it will fly off.
Quickly back in the car and off to Gyantse. The journey is pretty exhausting. We keep falling asleep... In Gyantse we stroll along a street that is still typical. There was also the first coffee house.
Here we visit the famous Kumbum Stupa, which is around 35 metres high and houses countless Buddha statues. It is truly 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 it is becoming repetitive.
The menus are also clear and repetitive.
