May 12 - Day 8: Lhasa to the base of the Khamba La pass

May 12 - This is our first real day of cycling and although there was little uphill, I found it challenging.  Not easy keeping up to people who are super fit!!

We stopped off at the Potala Palace for a group photo and then we were off. 

Potola palace

We stopped on the outskirts of town, then another water stop before lunch.  And then we were into a headwind until we got to the campground.  Where we are camping is a nice little spot with few trees.  It is located at the base of the hill that we are climbing tomorrow...I'm trying not to look at the hill as I'm already terrified!!! 

A Man spinning yarn by hand

Not much Greenery

Day 8: Lhasa to the base of the Khamba La pass We leave our hotel in convoy out of Lhasa, stopping outside the Potala Palace for a group photograph to mark the start our epic journey. Once outside Lhasa you can take advantage of the flat roads and go at your own pace, with the opportunity to stretch your legs and get warmed up for the climbs to come! The route follows the deep green water of the Kyi Chu (Lhasa River), with hills forming a picturesque backdrop as we head towards Chusul. The road pulls away from the river as we pass the recently constructed bridge and tunnel to Lhasa airport and gain our first views of snow-capped mountains ahead. We stop for some lunch and then it's on towards Daga where we cross onto the south bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River; the highest major river in the world, with an average elevation of about 4000 meters. The route continues on the south bank some 10 km to our camp at the base of the Khamba La pass. We have a short walk to the river to freshen up before dinner is served by our Nepalese cooks.

Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 3,617m
Sleeping Altitude: 3,608m
Distance: 84km