Today saw our arrival on the Tibetan plateau. We left our overnight accommodation in Kangding at 2700 metres to start climbing for what seemed forever. On leaving town the weather was so nice that Maurie and I decided it was a roof off day so we stopped and removed the roof for what was our silliest decision; as 20 minutes later we are at the side of the road putting it back on as the rain had started and to find warm clothes as the temperature was dropping rapidly.
We went over the top of the ridge at 4300 metres with the hope that as we went down the other side we would warm up. No – so we only dropped a couple hundred metres and travelled along on the plateau. Another stop was made for the good gloves and more clothing before we got warm and cosy. Reg told us later in the day the temperature was 4o C at the top – so that explained all the clothing stops.
On topping the mountain pass, we passed the tradition Tibetan flags and Stupa that is on most mountain passes. The rest of the day has been flags everywhere and prayer wheels being driven by water. Since reaching the top we have been at 3400 metres and higher and it will continue like this for the next 6 or 7 days.
Not long after getting up on to the plateau we all stopped near a roadside shop to make a cuppa and while there tried the local tea made on Yaks milk. Yaks milk tea has a very different flavour, which on the first sip you never want to try again. However it’s a flavour that grows on you very quickly with each sip getting nicer and by the bottom of the cup I’m happy to have a second cup.
On the way to our overnight stay in Dawu, Frank and Ross along with Maurie and I decided to stop in this little town to find lunch. As we pulled up on the street side the chaos started with us being surrounded by about a hundred people with them all over the road and the traffic not being able to get past. We just shut up our cars and walked off up the street and found beautiful fresh bread in one shop and the nicest hot dumplings in another shop. We returned to the cars to find people sitting in Frank’s car for photos shots. The only way out was to get in our cars and drive slowly so the crowd parted. It was by far the biggest crowd that I’ve ever seen drawn in by old cars on any trip. Up here on the plateau wheat is grown instead of rice hence the nice bread being available and all the livestock is Yaks and horses.
Till next time thank you to everyone who follows my travels.
Sallymae Bailey
Fantastic photos and reflections on your trip. Love the photos of the Tibetan plateau – such colour amongst the people.
Your blog is my early morning escape from the office in Sydney. Hope you keep getting connectivity.
Keep safe and enjoying!