Return to Lhasa III

From Shigatse to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

Final leg of the journey, but at least this one represents a novelty for all of us. The Friendship Highway section between Shigatse and Lhasa was not previously traveled as we passed through Gyantse. It turns out to be a pleasant surprise as the road follows the Yarlung Tsangpo River Throughout the route, highlighting the stunning crystal-clear colors within narrow gorges and barren areas with no vegetation. Alongside, a river frequently flows. the train which serves as an extension of the Xining-Lhasa line. There are plans to continue this and bring modernity even further than Shigatse, similar to how the railway in the Far West led to the disappearance of the indigenous population. As the valley opens up... the wheat fields They take over and farms begin to dominate the landscape, which becomes increasingly tame. Finally, we enter the chaos of Lhasa and are taken to the square opposite. the Potala for some group photos and for complete the pilgrimage of the same Potala Palace. The beautiful day makes the palace look like a diamond embedded in the rock, while at the base hundreds of golden prayer wheels are constantly rotating. We return on foot, taking a halfway through the Barkhor, we continue to earn merits, and before dinner a strong wind shakes the awnings hanging on the walls, even some drops fall. The owner of the restaurant, New Mandala, is also Nepalese and offers excellent cuisine that we could describe as cross-border.