Tibet Travel Notes | Mount Kailash (Part 2)

 

words written in front

In this "place closest to the stars" on this earth, I cried once again because of beauty. This is a touch that touches my heart and comes from the instinct of life.

return home

June 18th-19th Talqin Town-Cuoqin County-Nima County 1,250 kilometers

June 20-June 21 Nyima County-Namtso-Lhasa 720 kilometers

I woke up naturally and went to eat at the same Sichuan restaurant I had when I first arrived in Talqin Town. Seeing us entering the store, the proprietress said with a smile, "I was waiting for you to finish walking around the mountain to have dinner last night, but it was past eleven o'clock and there was no one there." Ahem, I'm really sorry, my legs are short and I walk too slowly. This meal was probably the most delicious meal in the past week. The satisfaction came not only from the authentic Sichuan cuisine, but also from the joy of completing the trip.
After discussing with us, Wei Ge temporarily adjusted the return route, gave up the plan to go to Mount Everest Base Camp, and took the Ali Xiaobei Route instead. In Ali, a place rarely visited by people, Weige took us on a crazy journey of running 800 kilometers in one day, so that when we look back now, we can only think of the endless highway, the Tibetan antelopes jumping across the road together, and those unknown people. It’s a mistake that the name is too beautiful to be true... Oh, by the way, there is also the embarrassment of arriving in Tsoqin County late at night and having no room to sleep. The three of us were really too casual and didn't book a hotel in advance. Finally, we found a bathing center run by Sichuan people. It was clean and warm. We also admired our resourcefulness and thanked the Sichuan compatriots everywhere.
The next day, it was still the legendary "one mistake after another".
Zhari Namtso, hidden among the peaks of the Gangdise Mountains, is the largest saltwater lake in the Ngari region and the third largest in Tibet. The road to Zhari Nam Co is wide and undulating, and Weige's cross-country heart was fully released, while my friends and I were bumped up and down. Although it was exciting, we won't do it next time.
The deep blue came into view, and my excitement seemed to have a switch, automatically switching to calm mode. I walked alone to the edge of the cliff closest to the lake. I suddenly felt sad for no reason, and an extremely ridiculous idea popped up in my mind. Thoughts: Even if you die now, it's worth it.
After hearing what I said, Wei Ge joked, "Just wait, there will be something more beautiful later." Don't deceive me, the diamond is as bright as a sapphire and makes me want to live happily again. The lake is as silky and the ever-changing blue under the sun is so pure and clean. At the end of the blue ribbon is the silvery Daguo Snow Mountain. In this "place closest to the stars" on this earth, I cried once again because of beauty. This is a touch that touches my heart and comes from the instinct of life.
Overnight in Nyima County, I woke up and continued on my way.
When I climbed up the high cliff and saw the whole of Serincuo for the first time, I believed that this was the Maldives. Vast is the first word that pops into my mind. Serinco is really too big. After checking the information, I found out that with its area increasing year by year, it not only surpassed Namtso to become the largest lake in Tibet, but also the largest lake in China. The third largest saltwater lake.
In Tibetan, Serincuo means "the devil's lake that reflects its majesty." Judging from the way it continues to expand and quietly connects to other surrounding lakes, it is indeed quite devilish. Sitting on the cliff and looking into the distance, the lake and the sky are connected, giving me the illusion of looking at the sea; the sunshine is just hot enough, and there is a hint of coldness in the air. I once fell into a state of emptiness. Time is like quicksand in a hourglass, slow and powerful, If I were not on a journey, I would really like to set up a recliner here and do nothing but lie down.
On the way to Namtso, we passed a reserve built for black-necked cranes - Tso'e Bird Island. June is the season with the most migratory bird species. It is said that tens of thousands of Mediterranean brown-headed owls will fly here to settle down. Friends who like bird watching are worth a visit. I don't know much about migratory birds. What impressed me most was that this section of the mountain is particularly picture A woman lying flat.
Maybe it was because I saw too many beautiful things along the way, maybe I was too tired from the rush, or maybe I felt like I had entered a noisy tourist attraction with restaurants everywhere. Anyway, I didn’t feel excited at all when I arrived at Namtso, and I was even a little bit excited. Not happy. I randomly found a hotel to put down my luggage, and walked to the lake to watch the sunset. There were tourists all around, and I wasn't in the mood to stay long. I came back in despair and couldn't sleep well all night.
It was almost evening when we returned to Lhasa the next day, and we stayed at Sister Damai’s Ruixin Inn. After returning to the city from the wilderness, you probably need a delicious meal to reward yourself. We did not avoid the customs. We put down our luggage and went to eat the buffet hot pot. Heaven is beautiful, but the fireworks on earth are also worth it.
/Sister Damai gave us an unexpected surprise, a perfect birthday.

Some little experiences about mountain climbing

 

Personally, I feel that the most comfortable months for mountain trekking in Kailash are June and September, which are neither cold nor hot, and avoid the snow season and peak season. It is recommended by friends who have more free time. The whole journey around the mountain is about 55 kilometers, with an average altitude of more than 5,000 meters. On the way, you have to cross the Zhuomala Pass, which is 5,600 meters above sea level. Although the road over the pass is relatively flat, it is really long. Therefore, basically except for Tibetans or long-term people, Except for friends who are hiking training, ordinary people cannot complete the tour in one day, so it is recommended to arrange at least 2 days.

 

You don’t need to prepare too many belongings when traveling in the mountains in June. I only carried a small bag on my back, which contained a thermos cup, toothbrush and toothpaste, wet and dry tissues, sunscreen, charger, power bank, and a bear doll (I will I left it near the pass), and a raincoat (this is very important, be sure to prepare it. The one I brought was a thicker raincoat, not disposable. It turned out to be really helpful at critical times. The raincoat caused hail the next day after turning up the mountain. protect). You can bring a small amount of snacks such as chocolate, Snickers bars, raisins or beef jerky according to your physical condition to replenish your energy at any time. Friends who like to drink coffee or tea can bring their own for one day. Hot water is sold at tent supply points along the way. Those with severe mysophobia can bring a thin sleeping bag. In short, try to travel as lightly as possible, otherwise it will be a burden in the end.

 

In terms of equipment, windproof and rainproof jackets and fleece pants, as well as waterproof high-top outdoor hiking shoes are standard. You should have a down jacket, you can take it off when it's hot or add it when it's cold, don't take it too much trouble, and don't overestimate your ability to keep out the cold. Bring at least one hiking pole so you can use it when you can't walk. A pair of sports knee pads with springs. Don’t be cheap, be sure to buy the professional version. Your knees will thank you for protecting them as you get older. Hats and UV protection sunglasses are available.

 

Friends who like photography or recording can carry a SLR lens depending on their physical strength. If you are traveling lightly for photography, it is recommended to bring a GoPro and clip it to your chest to record along the way.

 

In terms of medicines, some basic medicines such as cold granules, antipyretics, band-aids, and vitamin C effervescent tablets were prepared when entering Tibet. You can carry them as appropriate according to your own situation when traveling to the mountains. Friends who suffer from high altitude sickness should still act according to their ability and prepare oxygen cylinders or bags. After all, the altitude of the whole mountain transfer is above 5,000 meters, so don’t be pushy.

 

I won’t go into details about other matters related to entering Samoa. For example, remember to apply for a border defense permit, which can be found online. The route schedule this time is relatively tight, and it will be easier if we add 2-3 days. In short, remember throughout the whole process: safety first, health first, pay attention to keeping warm and cold (even in summer, the plateau air is very cold, if you are not careful, the cold air will enter the lungs and cause coughing), do not show off your strength and do not get excited.

 

The main cost of the whole trip was round-trip air tickets, accommodation and car rental; adding the latter two together, the total cost for my friend and I was about 15,000 yuan. All in all, a trip to the mountains costs 15,000 yuan per person, which is a relatively comfortable cost.

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