Closer to Lhasa
January 8th 2009 11:57
Docile Creature.
Karo La Pass Locals!
No easy height to be at . Many of the group were suffering from headaches and just phased out by the pressure that they started to feel.
Oxygen had to be administered to some members of the group as we edged our way towards the pass. In one of my earlier posts I think I mentioned I suffered altitude sickness but by this stage I had aclimatised and was fine.
At this point I ended up looking after some of the group and making sure they felt comfortable and not suffering.
It is an immensely odd feeling to describe and I am sure each and every person who has ever suffered altitude sickness, and heavy headedness coupled with this sensation of not enough air in your lungs would say it can be quite a scarey event. Of course once you have a whiff of the oxygen , via oxygen bottle or can ,you feel much better.
Once arriving at the Karo La Pass the view was absolutely breathtaking and the yaks were in abundance at this altitude.Also the locals in the area came to see and just watch us with curiosity.
Along the Winding Roads
What a view!
Strange as we may have semed to the Tibetans, they looked resplendant in their traditional clothes. Their hair , the way they knotted their belts, the woven plaits that roped around their heads and the magnificent colours of their weaves.Not visble on all the women'sclothing as some were holding shawls which covered them.
Also with the locals came the yaks , black ones and more rare white one. The temptation to get closer to these magnificent animals was too much and some of the group decided to even sit on them and just savour their beauty and funnily enough the softness of their wonderful coats.
From here we continued our journey descending and coming to the most exhilirating sight in the world , at 4340 metres the breathtaking Yamdrok Tso Lake which is one of the highest lakes in the world.
A lake that has an abundance of Fish and Bird life a place of rare beauty and a feast for the eyes. A picture so unbelievable it defies description. One must experience the view to believe it.
Rooftop Lake!
In perfect weather the lake is a shade of deep turquoise and the sunlight just sparkles on its waters , making your eyes dance and flicker to the movement of the water.
It is one of the four holy lakes for Tibetans . The other lakes are NamTso, Manasarovar and Lham La Tso. It is also believed that the lakes are the home of the wrathful deities.
The Tibetan pilgrims often walk around Yamdrok Tso, it is a journey of around 7days.
The vested interest though by the Chinese is that of hydro electricity. So it is interesting to see how the two groups of people who have access to the lakes view the use of it.
Only 82km out of LHasa we cross another pass. The Kamba La Pass at 4794metres .Remember we go from one altitude to another at quite a good pace so much of our trip is feeling better feleling a little light headed , feeling relief and oooohhh , feeling light headed and headachey again.
It is an amazingly different way to travel but worth every moment as it is so enlightening.
Richest Farming Lands of Tibet
As we descend again , we cross the Brahamaputra River , this is the highest river in the world, this river winds its way to the Bay of Bengal.
For the first time in a long time we are on sealed roads again and we have descended onto rich fertile plains which are he richest farming land in Tibet.
Highest River in the world!
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Comment by Wilson Pon
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By the way, Kate. Have you ever seen the Tibetan's Mandalas?
Comment by Anonymous
Yes, I have seen many mandalas and actually visited some schools where they were painting them. A lot of time and effort goes into their work.
I have also watched sand mandalas being made.