Tibet-China: 2 days in a train

Instead of flying or driving out of Tibet we decide to take the train into Mainland China. This journey lasts for 46 hours and allows us on one hand to rest and on the other hand to enjoy more of these fantastic views. This is said to be the highest train-line on earth (sometimes at 5000m) and is–if you have booked soft sleepers- very comfy.

As long as you are in Tibet, the rails are guarded by soldiers roughly every 500 meters, so you can feel very protected. ;-)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qinghai–Tibet_Railway

Tibet- around Lhasa

On the last day in Tibet, we visit Drak Lhalupuk, where monasteries are built around caves. The scenery and the landscape are absolutely breath taking.  

Tibet- Lhasa

While most of Lhasa looks like a typical Chinese city, there still remains an oldish quarter around Jokhang Temple. Hundreds, maybe thousands of people keep wandering around this sacred place for religious purposes at any time of the day. For us, this is a perfect opportunity to observe them and take pictures. If something remains Tibetan in Lhasa, you may find it here.

The other main attraction of Lhasa is undoubtfully Potala Palace, former home of the actual Dalai Lama. Today it looks more like a museum and visiting groups are scheduled by the hour. Still, the dominance of the building is impressive.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potala_Palace

Tibet- Lhasa

The first place we visit in Lhasa is Drepung Monastery. Here we witness the annual painting where hundreds of locals devote themselves in a collective effort to embellish their heritage. This is quite a funny activity as it mainly consists in spilling colour (made of milk and other obscure substances) on walls. Kids –and some adults- in Europe would love it. In the end, everyone and everything is white.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drepung_Monastery

After lunch, we visit Sera Monastery where we stroll around for hours.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sera_Monastery