Zhongdian

A solemn looking group pose for a photograph.   Moments later they break up as Jasmine shows them the results on her digital camera.

High up under the roof of the temple is the kitchen where a young monk lives and works, preparing the meals for the head of the Lamasery.

We reach the highest point of our trip, 3800m.  Up here the Tibetan Highway, a succession of switchbacks & hairpin bends has deteriorated to a narrow road barely wide enough of two vehicles to pass.  Our driver leans on his horn at every bend to warn of our approach.  There are few photo ops for obvious reasons.

A steady stream of trucks pass on their way from Tibet.  We are relieved to find ourselves on the inside track and try not to think about the return journey.  We cover our faces while our driver overtakes slow moving truck or buses with fainthearted drivers.  Having been to the very brink of the precipice we break into spontaneous applause when we realize we are safely past.