China

A relaxing day in Kashgar.We went for a stroll round the old town with Tensing, who had not been to Xinjiang Province for 5 years, and he bought a bag … Read more

At the police checkpoint on the outskirts of Sanliuling, we were asked if we could give a lift to a soldier for about 300 kms to Khotan. Tensing said that … Read more

It was necessary to go to the police station at Rutog, about 70 miles from Ali for the permit to be stamped, and a very pleasant police woman sorted things … Read more

The road to Ali passed through yet more incredible scenery, going over high passes of nearly 5,000 metres before plunging into deep gorges. The bare rock was a myriad colours … Read more

China is such a country that, just when you think you have seen the most beautiful and impressive site, you see something even better. We drove about 30 kms from … Read more

Day 142, 16th October, Tholing Monastery (Dada) The road running westwards from Mount Kailash went over a pass of 5,198 metres and we saw the most amazing sight before us, … Read more

Climbing over a steep pass, we descended a short distance to a wide arid plain of semi-desert with a small river running through it. This is the Indus River, which … Read more

In the morning, we twisted Tensing’s arm and he gave us an extra hour to visit the ruins of the Rongbuk (Rongpu or Rongbu) Monastery shortly before the barrier stopping … Read more

We continued along the G318 to the rapidly-growing town of Lhatse and then to Old Tingri, which the Chinese have renamed Piebar. This is the gateway to Everest with a … Read more