Yamdrok Tso Lake

Wednesday 12th September

We left our Shigatse hotel at 8:30 am for the drive back to Lhasa. On the way we took a detour up a steep, winding mountain road for about 40km to view the Yamdrok Tso Lake, one of four holy lakes in Tibet. We climbed to an altitude of 4,900 metres above sea level. As we drove, our breath was taken away, not just by the high altitude, but by the spectacular views. It was like being in an aircraft looking down on the valley below. We also gasped at each bend of the narrow road, as the local custom of taking a blind bend on the wrong side of the road was practised by buses, trucks and donkeys alike.

When we arrived at the top, the view of the lake, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains was to die for. A couple of the locals were enterprising and provided some amusement, with a saddled yak that could be ridden with the opportunity to take photos, for a small donation.

We descended the mountain again, calling in on an elementary school in a local village to pass on some gifts that each of us had brought with us. Education in Tibet is compulsory up to 9th grade. This year, school fees have been abolished, making it easier for families, particularly those on very low incomes. The children are delightful and gave us a warm reception.

It was then back to the hotel for our final night in Lhasa. We went out to dinner at a fabulous restaurant for a final farewell to our wonderful guide, Chimpel and our hat wearing, ever-smiling driver, Lobsang.