Today we drove to Lake Namtso about 200 km away. It is the world’s highest salt lake and a must do pilgrimage for Buddhists all over the world. It took us 6 hours to get there. The road was windy and passed along lush farms, fast flowing glacier rivers, quaint bridges, and sheep, mountain goats and yak herds. As the road climbed up, we entered the nomad land and saw their tents and normal life. The pass (18,000 ft) was surrounded by peaks between 21-23 thousand feet. We walked around a little and afterwards the guide checked everyone’s oxygen levels. We survived the first test ;-)
Jagdish with a pile of Yak..xxxx Family at 18,800 Ft.
Nomad’s tent The drive up
A little descent brought us to our destination, Lake Namtso. We were excited to walk around, play and enjoy the Glacier fed lake. It is a popular Chinese wedding destination. There were at least four wedding pictures being taken.
Lake Namtso and Glacier peaks Jagdish and the motorcycle
Wedding and the recently marrieds Lake and the Mountains
After a simple dinner, we hit our beds (very rustic). This was the only lodging at the lake. No heat or water in the rooms. There were outhouses with squat toilets without water or electricity, but (thankfully) open on top. Every one of us got sick from the altitude and by morning we were walking like zombies :-) This was our taste for the altitude of about 15,000 ft., and a very rustic (camping) accommodation. We were supposed to climb up a tiny hill to see the sunrise, but even Anupam and Theresa did not try it. Amazing thing is after coming back to Lhasa and taking shower, brushing teeth, we feel like we have come back home. The altitude of 12,200 ft. feels normal to our body.
Yaks came for a visit Devotees doing Kora around the mountain
I was too sick (just out of energy) to write the blog, but even in that remote location Wi-Fi was available. Jagdish was shocked to see that I did not even attempt to open the laptop.
We are safe in Lhasa. There was news of a bus accident in Tibet where 9 people died. If you were worried, be assured we are all safe. Our guide did not tell us about the news (did not want to scare us) until after we came back.
Just got a nice massage done by the school for blind people. There is an organization called, “Blind without Borders” and they are doing great things for blind people all over the world. The girl who massaged me was talking about India and Hindi music. I very stupidly asked if she has seen any Hindi movies; she either did not understand me or forgave me for asking such a stupid question. :-/ Anyways, Bollywood is very much here too. You hear Bollywood songs a lot of times. Bollywood has made India famous! :-)
A Mantra carved in stone. (Om, the jewel in the lotus be there)
I feel blessed to have a comfortable bed and an attached bathroom (non squat) and running hot water. With that thought, good night from Lhasa.
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