Lhasa can be reached overland from Zhongdian (nowadays called Shangri La) in Yunnan. The trip is adventurous and takes you through places that are quite non-touristy with a lot of interesting stops on the way: monasteries, salt wells and (depending on the weather) great views. The road passes the valleys of three rivers: the Yangtze, the Mekong and the Bhramaputra. If you are on your own it is a bit time consuming; you have to find people tot join you, and get 5 permits that take as many days. But it was a trip I wanted to do a long time. And it was amazing and wonderful.

Shangri la to Deqin

This part is technically in Yunnan, China. Goes though the picturesque town of Benzila, along the Yangtze, where most people jsut seem to be hanging out, doing very little. Past this town are the monastery of Dongzhulilarge and the Shoshon nunnery. Near Deqin is Meili a place with views over Meili Snow Mountain and a few other peaks or, as in my case, a view of clouds.

Deqin to Yanying

Yanying means salt well. Once more than half of the province of Kham got most of its salt from there. The salt pans are a beautiful sight, brown and on stilts. In Yanying there are hotsprings where you can soak next to the Mekong River, the second river in the trio. And there is the Chizong Catholic Church with its own special version of the prayer flag (is was May). However, this time they look a little but more Tibetan.

Yanying through Markham to Zuogo

The first part of the road is very steep. It is called the 126 bents or 99 bents, depending on your source. Just before Markham is the Gartok Monastery. And there the road meets the road from Sichuan. Zuogong is on the Yu Chu River. And yes; high passes with snow if you are lucky.

Zuogo to Rawok

Gelukpa monastery on the way. Rawok Tso is a lake with mountain views, that is if the weather permits it. There is a nice hotel on the lake shore. The pictures in this album are not just elected for being the best pictures I had. The are meant to tel the story.