Tibet > The photogenic Yumbu Lagang palace

We pack our suitcases again, and after breakfast, we leave Samye. The luggage is loaded back onto the roof. Although we have rented the bus exclusively, several Tibetans want to join us and stand inside. We are fine with that, and the bus fills up. At the ferry, the luggage is transferred, and we cross to the other side. The current is favorable, and in about half an hour, we reach the opposite shore. Just before reaching the bank, life jackets are handed out again. Presumably, controls are only on this side. The current in the water doesn’t appear to be particularly dangerous.

Tibet - Yumbu Lagang Palace towers high above the surroundings

On the other side, our driver is waiting for us. Meanwhile, he has had the tire repaired. By bus, we drive to the Yumbu Lagang Palace. Along the way, we pass beautiful mountains and, surprisingly, stunning sand dunes. The Yumbu Lagang Palace sits right atop a rock outcrop, making it perfect for photos. Like most Tibetan monasteries, it has been fully restored after the destruction during the Cultural Revolution. The palace is very touristy. At the parking lot, we are immediately approached by vendors offering rides on horses, donkeys, yaks, and even camels. We opt to walk. Sellers of flags and necklaces follow us along the entire way despite our repeated “no.” Entrance to the palace is relatively expensive (70 Yuan; about 7 euros), especially considering there are only two rooms inside. From the outside, however, the palace looks much more impressive. We climb a nearby hill for an even better photo opportunity. Back on the bus, we head toward Lhasa again. There is technically another temple on the itinerary, but a certain “temple fatigue” has set in. Jozalien suggests skipping it, and everyone agrees. There will be plenty of temples and monasteries later in the trip. We have lunch along the way and then drive four hours back to Lhasa. At the hotel, we pick up our luggage and continue to the New Mandela Hotel, located on the opposite side of the Tibetan quarter. It’s nice to step into a warm shower again, and having a proper toilet feels good.

Tibet - The sun sets at Barkhor Square in Lhasa

My digestive system is still a bit off, but it’s no longer a major problem. At the hotel, we also see Herman again. Thankfully, he is feeling better and can continue the trip. In the evening, we have dinner on the rooftop terrace of the New Mandela restaurant on the edge of Barkhor Square. From the terrace, we watch the sunset over the Jokhang Temple. After dinner, we walk back to the hotel in the dark. The hotel isn’t as charming as the previous one, but it will do. We buy extra water from the shop next door and go to bed.