2017 Himalayas - Tibet: Day 1

We were up at 4 this morning, ready for our 5 AM departure for the airport. Getting to the gate involved lining up in a specific order to present our passports and get our boarding passes stamped to indicate we were on the group permit to go to Tibet. Security then diverted our group from the usual inspection spot and took us to a screening location on another floor, where we had a very thorough examination of the contents of our carry on luggage. We were on the plane in time for our scheduled 7:30 departure, but sat on the tarmac for over 3 hours watching the dozens of other planes held up by the weather. 

 

It was an hour ride through valleys and tunnels from the Lhasa airport to the city. We crossed the holy river Bhramaputra, which flows from sacred Mount Kailash and eventually joins the Ganges. We were surrounded by low mountains under a solid bank of clouds. Our Tibetan guide said that if the rains come the clouds may be swept away and we'll be able to see some of the towering snow covered peaks that surround the Tibetan plateau. Let's hope for a good rain!

Tibet, known since 1965 by China as the Autonomous Region of Tibet, has a population of just under 3 million people scattered over 3 million square kilometers. (By contrast, China has 1.6 billion.) Another 3 million live outside of Tibet. About a million people live in the Lhasa area, but on our drive through the capital to our hotel, it had a small city vibe. There was an amusement park and housing construction near the train station as we approached Lhasa, but further into the city the buildings are older and low, mostly 2 or 3 floors. 

Our hotel, Tibet Denang Hotel, is an older towering building of 5 floors. As we unloaded from the bus, we were greeted by two dancing yaks and presented with scarves knotted by the welcoming staff. The hotel lobby is stunning.

 

 

 

After a short rest and dinner at the hotel, Elaine and I did a little exploring on our block, which is mostly homes and shops for locals, before turning in. We are all adjusting to the 12,000 ft altitude and moving slowly, avoiding stairs. So far, so good.

 

 

Across the street from our hotel.