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Finally, one of my long standing wishes was about to come true: visit Tibet (Xizang in Mandarin). I did not know what to expect.
In preparing for the journey I came across the phenomenon of AMS. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) represents the body's intolerance of the hypoxic (low oxygen) environment at one's current elevation. No doubt each person’s body will react differently to this phenomenon. So what to do? I decided not to let my time in Tibet spoil by the possible consequences of this phenomenon and travel “safe”. The route chosen was to fly to Xining (capital of Qinghai) to adjust to the altitude “halfway”. After one day of sight seeing in Xining, travel to the heights of Tibet with the recently opened railway line, a trip of approximately 24 hours. After all, it is a holiday-trip so no rush.
Apart from some occasional compulsory rests to gasp for some air and needing water to wet the mouth,
there were no real negative experiences.
The trip route is presented briefly as this speaks further for itself. Tibet is known for Buddhism and its’ many monasteries (> 1000 monasteries?): the itinerary included a few of them.
July 10 Xining, Visit Kumbum monastery (Ta'er Si) of Gelug Sect.
Overnight Train Xining ==> Nagqu (Nakchu)
This is a journey of more than 1,500 km and took over 21 hours across the Tibetan Plateau joining
Qinghai and Tibet. From Xining till Golmud (Ge Re Mu in Mandarin) the trip is done in the dark hours.
After that, it is resting, eating and looking through the window. A Toyota landcruiser with driver and
guide was waiting at Naggu’ station. This was the travel company for the rest of the trip.
July 12 Damxung ==> Lhasa, Visit Namtso Lake
July 13 Lhasa, Visit Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Barkhor Street
July 14 Lhasa, Visit Tibet Museum, Sela Monastery
July 15 Lhasa-Shigatse, Yamtrok Tso Lake
July 16 Shigatse-Everest, Drive to Everest Base Camp.
July 17 Everest-Shegar, View: Rongbuk Monastery, Everest Base Camp. Afternoon drive back to
Shegar
July 18 Shegar-Shigatse, Visit Sakya Monastery and Tashilunpo Monastery on the way; drive back to
Shigatse
July 19 Shigatse-Gyantse-Tsetang, Drive to Gyantse to visit Pelkor Monastery and Kumbum Stupa;
drive to Tsetang.
July 20 Tsetang, Visit Samye Monastery
July 21 Tsetang-Lhasa Gongga Airport
Transfer to Gongga airport: farewell to Tibet (Xizang).
This trip was a real experience.
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