Lhasa to Gyantse Drive
Embark on the ride of a lifetime along the Lhasa-Kathmandu Southern Highway that runs parallel to the Himalayas. After half an hour from the city, you will drive across the Yarlungdzangbo River and the road gradually climbs to Kamba La (4797m / 15,820ft) from where you will have the first view of brillant turquoise blue Yamdrok Tso Lake that lies several feet below the road. This is one of the four holiest lakes of Tibet and the home of wrathful deities.Along with the lake, the view in the distance massif of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang (7191m) can be seen. The road runs almost 40 miles along the bank of the lake before it finishes at Nangkartse, the only largest town on the lakeside and popular place for lunch stop. From here, the road climbs over Karo La (5,010m / 16,500ft) and after crossing it, there is an awesome roadside view of the Nojin Kangtsang Glacier. The road drops steadily and you begin to see several settlements and villages, until you reach Gyantse.
Near Lhasa to Gyantse Drive
More to see around Lhasa.
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Barkhor
Barkhor is an area of narrow streets and a public square located around Jokhang Temple in the old part of Lhasa.
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Chagpo Ri
Opposite of Potala to the south east is the 3,725m Chakpori, believed sacred to Vajrapani, the bodhisattva of Energy and Power.
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Drak Lhalupuk
Next door to Drubthub Nunnery is Drak Lhalupuk cave temple, said to be the meditation retreat of King Songtsen Gampo in 7th century, which has relief rock carvings.
