Oh, yes – this was lucky day… The morning flight departed on time. Before landing in Shangri La I had opportunity to enjoy the panoramic view of the snowy mountains. Shangri La has new air terminal in Tibetan-like style. I was running through expecting that there will be city bus waiting in front of the stylish building. Nothing like that! Expensive taxis only (40y). But there were people vith little van collecting Tibetan monk from the same flight and they offer me free lift to the bus station. It took us about 20 minutes to cross the legendary city – I will be back here!
-I want to buy the ticket to Deqin!? – no problem – the lady in the window sold me the ticket for 58 yuans. Bus is departing at 10.30… It was around zero Celsius, but lovely sun was shining when I was waiting with other passengers in the courtyard of the bus station. Well, it is China… The bus was 1,5 hours delayed, but I was still happy.
We started to climb the mountains. Yunnan – Tibet highway offers wonderful views. Now I know that this segment (Shangri La – Deqin) can be added to the most beautiful mountain roads. We were climbing to the snows… The highest pass is on the level 4292 m! On the western side of the pass even more snow, but the road was passable. What a journey for just 9 US dollars!
We reached Deqin (they pronounce [decin] after 4,5 hours. Deqin is the last settlement before the border of Tibet. It lies in the valley, but still on 3500 m above sea. Deqin has strong Tibetan flavor… I found warm room in the hotel 200 m from bus station and in the eatery nearby ordered for 9 y a plate of my favorite dumplings. No, I cannot go west into Tibet – foreigners are not allowed to travel this route, even with the local escort. And that’s why so few tourists are coming via this fantastic road!
