Historic Tibet 2010
The motorbike tour through Tibet.

Kumbum Monastery (Qinghai)
The main entrance gate to the monastery.

Kumbum Monastery (Qinghai)
Street market selling all the stuff you need in the temples. The yellow packages contain butter for the lamps.
Street market selling all the stuff you need in the temples. The yellow...

Kumbum Monastery (Qinghai)

Take a look at the protecting animals on the upper level.

Some temples have statues and tankas on the upper floor.

Monks holding a special ceremony in the temple yard.

The newly built temple with the golden roof was not accessible yet.

The yard of a house with monk's living rooms.

An overview of the whole monastery. In the background on the hill you can see a part of the Kora around the site.
An overview of the whole monastery. In the background on the hill you can see...

Jiu Tian Xuan Nv Zugong (Qinghai)
A newly built Chinese temple (12 years old). Jiu Tian Xuan Nv means the "Spiritual Maiden of the Heavenly Realm".
A newly built Chinese temple (12 years old). Jiu Tian Xuan Nv means the...

Typical Restaurant Kitchen

Lake Kokonor (Qinghai)
My Yamaha YBR250. The bikes we brand new and the license plates we got at the end of the journey in Lhasa.
My Yamaha YBR250. The bikes we brand new and the license plates we got at the...

Lake Kokonor (Qinghai)
The road from the main street to the shoreline of the lake.

Lake Kokonor (Qinghai)
Near the shore.

Zakou Pass, 3817m (Qinghai)
On the road from Lake Kokonor and Golmod the highest point is this quite flat Zakou Shankou (pass) with 3817m.
On the road from Lake Kokonor and Golmod the highest point is this quite flat...

Wan Gai Xiu Pass, 3672m (Qinghai)
Between Lake Kokonor and Dulan.

River Crossing (Qinghai)
On the route from Lake Kokonor to Golmud near the village Guri.

Nomahung (Qinghai)
Nomahung is a small village on the route from Lake Kokonor to Gormo/Golmud. Luckily there is a small shop with refreshments.
Nomahung is a small village on the route from Lake Kokonor to Gormo/Golmud....

Between Nomahung and Golmud (Qinghai)
On the route from Lake Kokonor to Golmud. This part to Golmud can get very windy and has less sight due the sand in your eyes.
On the route from Lake Kokonor to Golmud. This part to Golmud can get very...

Between Golmud and Kunlun Pass (Qinghai)
A river crossing and all the trucks had to bypass a long military convoi.

Between Golmud and Kunlun Pass (Qinghai)

Kunlun Pass, 4765m (Qinghai)
The monument at Kunlun Shanku (4765m).

Kunlun Pass, 4765m (Qinghai)
Kunlun Shanku (pass) with 4765m is the entry point to the Tibetian plateau. From here you travel on a height between 4500m and 5200m for the next 800 to 1000km.
Kunlun Shanku (pass) with 4765m is the entry point to the Tibetian plateau....

Tibetan Plateau (Qinghai)

Tibetan Plateau (Qinghai)
In the background is the mountain Longyala (6104m).

Dang Pass, 5231m (Qinghai/Ü)
The Dang La/Tanggula (5231m) is a pass and the highest road point on the Tibetan plateau. The train is on the other side of the mountain with its highest point at about 4900m.
The Dang La/Tanggula (5231m) is a pass and the highest road point on the...

Thog'yü Pass, 5170m (Ü)
The Thog'yü La/Tou'erjiushan is a pass with 5170m completely in the flat Tibetan plateau.
The Thog'yü La/Tou'erjiushan is a pass with 5170m completely in the flat...

Amdo Main Street (Ü)
The city center of the Chinese part of Amdo. The Tibetan houses are on the other side of the river.
The city center of the Chinese part of Amdo. The Tibetan houses are on the...

Between Nagqu and Damshung (Ü)

8 Stupas of Sugata (Ü)

Garage, Damshung (Ü)

Tibetan Motorbiker (Ü)
The 125ccm motorbikes are still the most used vehicles in Tibet.

Small Market, Damshung (Ü)

Public Toilet, Damshung (Ü)

Young Tibetans (Ü)

Laken Pass, 5190m (Ü)
Some Tibetans still use their yaks for riding (not only for tourists).

Laken Pass, 5190m (Ü)
The view from the Laken Pass/Lakenla (5190m) down to the lake Nam Tso Chukmo. Unfortunatly the next daily snowstorm is hiding the lake.
The view from the Laken Pass/Lakenla (5190m) down to the lake Nam Tso Chukmo....

Nomad Tents (Ü)
The daily snowstorm forced us to ask the nomads for shelter.

Inside a Nomad Tent (Ü)

Nam Tso Chukmo (Ü)
A first view on the lake after the snowstorm.

Road to Nam Tso Chukmo (Ü)
Riding a motorbike with street tires is very funny and slippery in about 5cm of melting snow.
Riding a motorbike with street tires is very funny and slippery in about 5cm ...

Young Tibetans (Ü)
"Gimme Money" is the first thing the kids learn in the tourist areas.

Tashi Do Monastery (Ü)

Nam Tso Chukmo (Ü)

Tashi Do Monastery (Ü)
Inside one of the older caves of this monastery.

Tashi Do Monastery (Ü)
The view from the main temple entrance over the lake.

The Buddha of the future in the main hall.

Nam Tso Chukmo (Ü)
These yaks you can hire for riding around in this area.

Tibetan Restaurant (Ü)
A tent-like restaurant and guesthouse near the lake.

Nomad Tents (Ü)
The same picture as before during the snowstorm. A couple of hours sunshine melts the snow away.
The same picture as before during the snowstorm. A couple of hours sunshine...

Laken Pass, 5190m (Ü)
Nearly the same picture as before, but the weather is better and you can see the lake Nam Tso Chukmo.
Nearly the same picture as before, but the weather is better and you can see ...

Up to Shogula (Ü)

Up to Shogula (Ü)
The mountain in the background is Jomo Gangtse.

Shogu Pass, 5300m (Ü)
The first pass after the Tibetan plateau with real up and downs. The mountain in the background is Jomo Gangtse. Some maps show this pass with 5100m, some with 5400m. The GPS thinks its 5400m.
The first pass after the Tibetan plateau with real up and downs. The mountain...

Jomo Gangtse, 7048m (Ü)
The Jomo Gangtse/Qungmoganze is the highest mountain in this reagion. The picture was taken at about 5000m.
The Jomo Gangtse/Qungmoganze is the highest mountain in this reagion. The...

Mani Stones (Ü)

Dongu Pass, 4960m (Ü)
Not so nice as Shogula, but it has a good view to the Tsangpo valley.

From Dongula to the Tsangpo (Ü)
This is the valley from Dongu pass down to the river Tsangpo.

Tsangpo Valley (Tsang)

Tashilhünpo Monastery (Tsang)

Tibetan Farmers (Tsang)

Ana Lhakhang Monastery (Tsang)

Typical Tibetan House (Tsang)

Yülung Pass, 4950m (Tsang)

Lhakpa Pass, 5267m (Tsang)

Mt. Everest/Qomolangma (Tsang)
Just a few kilometers after the Lhakpa pass is the first view on the Mt. Everest/Qomolangma.
Just a few kilometers after the Lhakpa pass is the first view on the Mt....

Main Street, New Tingri (Tsang)
This village is the overnight stop for most Everest Basecamp travellers.

New Tingri (Tsang)
Horses are still used for getting around in this area. The owner currently is inside the bar.
Horses are still used for getting around in this area. The owner currently is...

Pang Pass, 5150m (Tsang)
The view to the north on the way up to the Pangla.

Pang Pass, 5150m (Tsang)
Souvenir stall on the Pangla. The mountains from left to right are Mt. Makalu (8463m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m) and Mt. Everest/Qomolangma (8844m).
Souvenir stall on the Pangla. The mountains from left to right are Mt. Makalu...

Mt. Everest/Qomolangma (Tsang)
The hill near Pnagla (about 5250m) has a marvellous view over all the Himalayan mountains. The mountains from left to right are Mt. Makalu (8463m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m) and Mt. Everest/Qomolangma (8844m.
The hill near Pnagla (about 5250m) has a marvellous view over all the...

Pang Pass, 5150m (Tsang)
The southern part of the Pangla down to Peruche. The mountains from left to right are Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Everest/Qomolangma (8844m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m).
The southern part of the Pangla down to Peruche. The mountains from left to...

Road to the Everest Basecamp (Tsang)
The mountain in the background is Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m).

Road to the Everest Basecamp (Tsang)
The mountain in the background is Mt. Everest/Qomolangma (8844m).

Ancient Ruins (Tsang)
These and more ruins are along the road to the Everest Basecamp near the village Peruche.
These and more ruins are along the road to the Everest Basecamp near the...

Peruche (Tsang)
The small village Peruche is the last village with guesthouses and restaurants on the road to the Everest Basecamp.
The small village Peruche is the last village with guesthouses and...

Road to the Everest Basecamp (Tsang)
From here on you have to take the public bus to the Everest Basecamp.

Everest Basecamp, 5200m (Tsang)

Everest Basecamp, 5200m (Tsang)
The valley down from the Everest Basecamp. Here the public buses stop and you have to walk further.
The valley down from the Everest Basecamp. Here the public buses stop and you...

Parking Area, 5000m (Tsang)
This is the final parking space from the road to the Everest Basecamp. From here on you have to take bus or walk.
This is the final parking space from the road to the Everest Basecamp. From...

Rongbuk Monastery (Tsang)
A small monastery at about 5000m. The monastery also runs a small guesthouse.

Rongbuk Monastery (Tsang)
Monks making statues from Tsampa and butter for a ceremony.

Rongbuk Monastery (Tsang)

Tibetan Kids (Tsang)

Mt. Everest/Qomolangma, 8844m (Tsang)
The Mt. Everest early in the morning.

A Tibetan women selling souvenirs at this marvellous location. The mountains from left to right are Mt. Lhotse (8516m, behind clouds), Mt. Everest/Qomolangma (8844m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m).
A Tibetan women selling souvenirs at this marvellous location. The mountains ...

Sakya Monastery (Tsang)

Debating Monks, Sakya Monastery (Tsang)

Street Scene, Sakya (Tsang)

Pelkor Chode Monastery, Gyantse (Tsang)
The remains of the former big monastery in Gyantse.

Dzong, Gyantse (Tsang)
The famous Dzong/castle from Gyantse.

Pelkor Chode Monastery, Gyantse (Tsang)

Kora, Pelkor Chode Monastery (Tsang)

Library, Pelkor Chode Monastery (Tsang)
The monasteries in Tibet are also libraries with books along the temple walls. The books are normally wrapped in silk.
The monasteries in Tibet are also libraries with books along the temple...

Kumbum, Pelkor Chode Monastery (Tsang)

Pelkor Chode Monastery, Gyantse (Tsang)
The Chinese have destroyed all the buildings inside the monastery walls. Some are now rebuilt. This view is from the top of the Kumbum.
The Chinese have destroyed all the buildings inside the monastery walls. Some...

Gyantse (Tsang)
The view from the top of the Kumbum (Pelkor Chode Monastery) over the old town of Gyantse and the Dzong.
The view from the top of the Kumbum (Pelkor Chode Monastery) over the old...

Old Town, Gyantse (Tsang)

Gyantse (Tsang)

Market, Gyantse (Tsang)

Simi Pass, 4370m (Tsang)
On the overland route from Gyantse to Yamdrok Yumtso is the barrier lake with Simi La in the background.
On the overland route from Gyantse to Yamdrok Yumtso is the barrier lake with...

Nochin Kansang, 7138m (Tsang)
The mountain Nochin Kansang (7138m) dominates the view on overland route from Simi La to Yamdrok Yumtso.
The mountain Nochin Kansang (7138m) dominates the view on overland route from...

Kharola Glacier, 5560m (Tsang)
Just below the Karo Pass (5086m) is this marvellous view on the glacier.

Yamdrok Yumtso (Tsang)

Kamba Pass, 4799m (Tsang)
For most tourist this is the first view to the lake Yamdrok Yumtso from Kamba La (4799m), when they arrive from Lhasa. This picture was taken with usual "Gimme money for Yak photo" yell along the tourist routes.
For most tourist this is the first view to the lake Yamdrok Yumtso from Kamba...

Yumbhu Lhakhar (Ü)

Tsangpo Valley (Ü)

Budrang Pass, 4910m (Ü)

Tsangpo Valley (Kham)
Still very dusty and sandy roads.

Tsangpo Valley (Kham)

Typical House (Kham)

Tsangpo Valley (Kham)
This is the point where Nyang Chu leads into the Tsangpo.

Lamaling Monastery (Kham)

Lamaling Monastery Library (Kham)

Lamaling Monastery (Kham)
The Buddha statue is already built up and protected. Now they start to build the temple around it.
The Buddha statue is already built up and protected. Now they start to build ...

Bayi Market (Kham)

Along the Tibet-Sichuan Highway
A rebuild castle in ancient style.

Along the Tibet-Sichuan Highway
A small bridge along the main road.

Along the Tibet-Sichuan Highway
Nomad tents on the way up to Ma La.

Ma Pass, 4270m (Kham, Ü)
Ma La with a nice scenery.

Rutok (Ü)
Road scenery along the Tibet-Sichuan Highway.

Ganden Monastery (Ü)
The rebuilt monastary from the street up from the valley.

Ganden Monastery (Ü)
Some additional building.

Ganden Monastery View (Ü)
View to the south east.

Ganden Monastery (Ü)
View from the road.

The street to the Ganden Monastery (Ü)
Lots of nice curves and turns for motorbikers ;-)

Sera Monastery (Ü)
Street scene.

Sera Monastery (Ü)

Debating Monks, Sera (Ü)

Potala (Lhasa)
The Potala as seen from the Jokhang temple.

Old Town (Lhasa)
The place in front of the Jokhang temple with the Potala in the background.

Jokhang Temple (Lhasa)
In front of the Jokhang temple are the pilgrims and lots of military.

Jokhang Temple (Lhasa)
The main roof of the Jokhang temple.

Jokhang Temple (Lhasa)
Tibetan women repairing the roof of the temple.

Potala (Lhasa)
On the way up to the Potala.

View from the Potala (Lhasa)
The view from the Potala down to the main place of Lhasa.

Kora around the Potala (Lhasa)
Parts of the original Kora around the Potala.

The Jokhang temple in the evening.

Tibet Train Impressions
GPS coordinates estimated.