Kathmandu to Lhasa overland – Day 3
Tingri to Xigatse
Leaving Tingri
Kathmandu to Lhasa overland – Day 3. I was feeling worse for wear due to the altitude. A lot of water, a good breakfast and extra Gingko Biloba got me on my feet again.
Leaving Tingri, on the road to Xigatse, the river valley widens. It reveals villages surrounded by the brilliant yellow of the canola fields with the glorious high peaks in the distance.
Crossing another high pass – Gyatsola at 5220 metres
Whilst I was at Gyatsola Pass at 5220 metres, I was a little light-headed from the altitude but otherwise fine. We were greeted by a group of Tibetans. It was amazing to consider that they get on with their lives at such a high altitude.
Gyatsola Pass to Xigatse
At moments, when the clouds clear, the intensity of the light and contrasting colours of the sky and the surrounding mountains are spectacular. And with the approach to the great swathes of yellow fields even more so.
Approaching Xigatse
We arrived at Xigatse after thirteen hours on the road. This was the longest driving day on the journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa. It was obviously tiring, but filled with magnificent scenes and good-natured people on the way. The long day also guaranteed a good night’s sleep.
