Once we left Lhasa, our 5 day overland journey across Tibet, west toward Mount Kailash begun.
Leaving Lhasa early morning, we initially drove north-west of the city to
Drepung, which was founded in 1416 and was once the world's largest monastery,
housing more than 7,000 monks.
We then followed the west bank of the Kyi-chu downstream to Takar, stopping briefly at Nyetang Dolma Lhakhang, an 11th century temple founded by the Bengali master Atisha and his Tibetan disciple Dromtonpa.
Crossing to the south bank of the Brahmaputra, we ascended the switchback to
Gampa La pass (4,794m) which offers outstanding views of the Nojin Gangzang snow range and
the turquoise-coloured Yamdrok Lake below. Soon the road descends to skirt the
northern and western shores of the lake, and after the town of Nakartse, it cuts through
the glaciers adjoining Khari La pass (5,045m) to enter the province of Tsang.
The roads were in surprisingly good condition, as was our Landcruser that would be our transport for the next 3 weeks. In good company, we were joined by Norbu, our Tibetan cultural guide and Zudo, our driver.
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| Buddha painted on the rocks outside of Drepung Monastery |
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| Buddha Images inside the temple |
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| Lake Yamdrok-tso |
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| Khari La Pass (5,045 m = 16,335 ft) |
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| Lake Yamdrok-tso |
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| Carly, Goat, and Local |
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| Mt. Nojin Kangtsang (Snow Mountain |
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| Khari La Pass Glacier and a Stupa Marking the pass |
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| Ubiquitous Prayer Flags |
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| Pelkor Chode Temple Stuppa |
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| Gyantse |
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| Painting of compassion Buddha inside the monastery |
