Driving From Shigatse to Gyantse
The drive from Shigatse to Gyantse was another all-day drive, longer than usual because the Chinese Government was busy doing the usual "building during the summer" routine and we had to detour all the way around.
Uphill all the way through desolate mountains and beyond the Kampa La Pass. Yamdrok Tso Lake, a beautiful turquoise blue, was below us and I would have loved to take some photos but our driver's car was acting up again and none of us wanted to stop in isolated areas in case the car wouldn't start again. (We think the carburater was completly clogged with dirt...understandable on these roads.) The road ran parallel to the Lake for several miles until we reached Nakartse. More ascents until we reached Kao La Pass (5,010m/16,437'), with its glacier touching the road.
Looking out the windows on the ascent, I thought I was hallucinating. A bicyclist was coming down from the pass. Followed by more bikers, followed by runners! Runners at this altitude? A bicycle race and footrace was taking place. Unbelievable...
A few more hours, and the high walls of Gyantse could be seen in the distance.
