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Xining and the Train to Lhasa
In Xining
We visit a famous and ancient monastery in Xining, Kumbum Monastery, and the Longevity Temple there.
No photos from inside.
Entrance to Kumbum Monastary
Longevity Temple in Kumbum.
Had no idea at this point how many prayer drums we'd see over the next 6 days!
Monks with electronic devices were common.
Lunch is ready!
Interesting dish at lunch.
The Train from Xining to Lhasa
Miles and miles of rugged tundra and mountains, as we ride the highest train in the world over a pass that tops 16,000 feet! Oxygen is pumped into the compartment (we think).
On the way out of Xining on the train: huge apartment buildings replacing the low housing units. Seems to be happening all over Tibet.
We pass a grazing herd of ?Wildebeast?
A few snow-capped mountains along the way, but overall very little snow and miles of tundra.
These appear to have been done by hand, and they almost line the track sides. We never found out why.
Our first sighting of the Yak.
Magnificent creature! We didn't see many in colors other than black.
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Very well dressed and no one (but us) for miles!
Yak Yak
All bundled up, a determined stride, but all alone out there.
One last snowcapped in the distance.
Huge modern train station in Lhasa, as we arrive four hours late.