May 15 - Day 11: Lungmar to Gyantse

May 15 - *****I've updated the last three days, so look back for my updates.

Today was another fantastic day.  We woke up with some frost on our tents, and although it was cool during the night I was comfortable.  We have a couple of people in our group who have never camped before, and they are doing really well.  Now... this isn't really like camping as our tents are put up and taken down for us...and they are cooking some amazing meals out of this little cook tent.  So not really roughing it...but a good first experience for them!!!

I left before the group and enjoyed 30 minutes of cycling on my own, enjoying the peace and solitude, waving to the locals as they shout out "hello" as I pass by.  I will try to post some photos of the hills...they are spectacular and they all look different.  Different shapes, sizes and colours.

 Every few kms there's a settlement...sometimes only a few houses, sometimes as many as 20.  Everyone seems to be busy in the fields or doing some type of construction.  The houses mostly look the same...square with flat roofs and very colourful trim and these fabulous wooden doors.  We are lower down so we now see a bit of green grass growing by the side of the road.

Typical Tibetan House

Rugs put out to dry in the sun

Lunch was served in the home of a local Tibetan family that our guide knows.  They showed us around their home....larger than I thought...and fully painted in the Tibetan style. 

Inside Tibetan home

Only two short uphills today, and after lunch was a group ride into town.  After a quick shower we were off to see another monastery.  Each is similar, yet unique.  I'm glad I haven't missed any tours... we were only four on the tour today. 

In the monastary - Chanting room

Monastary

Another great day of riding... I'm feeling really good.

Thanks for reading... I'm off to bed as it's an early and long riding day tomorrow.

Today begins with a gentle climb of 15km to the top of the Simi La followed by an easy ride of 35km, mostly downhill to Gyantse. The town is home to some magnificent military and religious sights dating back to the 15th C. The most famous of its monasteries is the Kumbum, a gold-topped pyramid barely touched by the passage of time and one of the most spectacular buildings in Tibet. You will be free this afternoon to enjoy looking around Gyantse.

 Accommodation: Hotel

 Maximum Altitude: 4,516m
 Sleeping Altitude: 4,048m
 Distance: 59km