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September 21, 2006

Arrival Lhasa!

Click on image to play video (high speed connection advised).

LOCATION: Lhasa, Tibet
SEE WHERE WE ARE!
Longitude: N: 29.65°
Latitude: E: 91.13°
Miles from Singapore: 4271

Lhasa has just gained one new tourist, which judging by the throngs of Chinese that are already here won't tip the balance too much. I'm VERY relieved to be here. I couldn't fully share it in the updates until now but these past three weeks have been hyper-critical to the onward progress of the expedition's route around the world. Eastern Tibet is for all intents and purposes 'closed' to individual travelers. Had I been arrested and deported from Tibet/China the alternative routes were very limited. Myanmar (Burma) is likewise closed to individual travelers, so the only option would have either been to backtrack all the way to Singapore and pedal Moksha across to East Africa: very costly in terms of time and money.

For the 800kms from Lhasa to the border with Nepal I can acquire a legitimate permit from the PSB (Public Security Bureau) and be all above board (subject to some unforeseen change in the political climate which can happen at any time of course). I'll spend a few days here in Lhasa to rest and try and elbow my way through the crowds to see a couple of the local sights of historical and cultural interest. Although I fear the local monasteries are now nothing more than museums for tourists and just it's all about the money. Lhasa is extremely expensive, as much as four times the price for a basic hotel room than I've paid for anywhere else in China.

If you click back tomorrow I have a special treat in store; a vlog of a chance visit with some traditional nomads I ran into and shared a 'cuppa cha' with yesterday before arriving in Lhasa. For any of you interested in the 'old' Tibet, I think you'll enjoy it.

Thanks for being with me these past few weeks. When things were particularly trying it was always a comfort to know there were a few others along for the ride...

jason

Posted on September 21, 2006 4:06 PM

Comments

Posted by: chris.pike at September 22, 2006 10:28 AM

Posted by: sharon at September 22, 2006 12:33 AM

Posted by: gl. at September 21, 2006 7:21 PM