China Day 12 - G318 - G349 Lhasa – Nargarze – Shigatse

Back on the road and this time we were doing a big detour to go see Everest Base Camp on the China side. The detour would take two days trip going a near 800km one way detour. Instead of traversing the G318, our journey took us to Nargaze County going through G349 national route instead.

First stop was Yamdrok Lake going up a small pass but this time every scenic viewpoint stop along the way was filled with tourist attraction. The main attraction was photo taking with the Tibetan Mastiff dog, or a baby goat and last but not least a Tibetan Yak.

Tibetan Yak

Tibetan Mastiff Dog 

The Mastiff dog was huge and I had no idea they exist until I saw them just sitting at their chairs in a trained manner by their owners which tried to persuade tourist to take a picture for a small fee. It was a magnificent creature and one of the rarest breed of dog in the world.

Yamdrok Lake had many scenic view along the route and I stop a few places to see the view taking the journey slowly. Locals were performing dance in traditional clothing making all the scenic tourist spot like a mini funfair where everyone get to experience or at least see some cultural parts of Tibet in the vast empty landscape.

Yamdrok Lake 

Local Folkdance around scenic spots 

Altitude 4441m around Yamdrok Lake 

The roads were also way better then G318 having no construction and no potholes. This made the ride going through mountains and lakeside a different kind of thrill after the last few days fighting potholes along G318 to Lhasa. We came up to another mountain pass which was Karola Glacier at 5020m elevation.

To the locals, the Karola Glacier which originates from Mt. Noijin Kangsang, one of the four holy mountain of Tibet is like a place for prayers. 

Karola Glacier 

Altitude Marker at Karola Glacier 5020m

Prayer flags were sold and I was bullied somewhat into buying one to be hanged up. So how it goes is that the flag is sold by the locals, and then you write your name and wishes on the flag and put it up to be blown by the wind. 

Last stop was Ancient Fortress of Gyantse Zongshan but when I got there, the clouds were starting to pour rain and sunset was quickly approaching. There was too much loitering at scenic spots spending much time just enjoying the nature around Yamdrok Lake so I gave up exploring the Fortress. 

In hindsight, the required climb up the fortress was also a major decision factor being at high altitude.

We reach Shigatse late in the evening with minimal exploration of the city. Quick food and off to bed to rest up for the next days journey.

Traveled on: May 2024