![Looking back for a last view of Cho Oyu (8153m)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712143.2bWvoDA7.TibetOct084532.jpg) Looking back for a last view of Cho Oyu (8153m) |
![Paving the Friendship Highway west of Old Tingri headed to Nepal](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712145.cWl8Dcfh.TibetOct084533.jpg) Paving the Friendship Highway west of Old Tingri headed to Nepal |
![The roadside from Tingri to Nepal is littered with the ruins of old mudbrick buildings](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712148.o02dVs2A.TibetOct084535.jpg) The roadside from Tingri to Nepal is littered with the ruins of old mudbrick buildings |
![Ruins of a mudbrick fort melting back into the landscape](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712151.3y8cc5Us.TibetOct084536.jpg) Ruins of a mudbrick fort melting back into the landscape |
![Road construction, Friendship Highway](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712153.xFSwJXI8.TibetOct084544.jpg) Road construction, Friendship Highway |
![Cyclists passing km 5219 on the Friendship Highway - 167 km to go to the Nepal border](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712156.6PXt8AFq.TibetOct084545.jpg) Cyclists passing km 5219 on the Friendship Highway - 167 km to go to the Nepal border |
![Ruins which may date to the 1791 invasion of Tibet by Nepal](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712158.Nh9hniD9.TibetOct084547.jpg) Ruins which may date to the 1791 invasion of Tibet by Nepal |
![Construction of a small bridge along the Friendship Highway](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712161.bbeMTEHU.TibetOct084549.jpg) Construction of a small bridge along the Friendship Highway |
![Small bridge under construction, Friendship Highway](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712163.diwMe5vq.TibetOct084550.jpg) Small bridge under construction, Friendship Highway |
![Tibetan working on the road crew](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712168.lge0ieb1.TibetOct084556.jpg) Tibetan working on the road crew |
![More ruins off the Friendship Highway near Gutso](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712166.EXYQoTn1.TibetOct084551.jpg) More ruins off the Friendship Highway near Gutso |
![More ruins off the Friendship Highway near Gutso](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712171.c7dLrPbF.TibetOct084557.jpg) More ruins off the Friendship Highway near Gutso |
![Tibetan village Gutsuo](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712174.OBNPmOLn.TibetOct084559.jpg) Tibetan village Gutsuo |
![Tibetan village Gutso](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712176.mhZXq6xu.TibetOct084560.jpg) Tibetan village Gutso |
![Village painted with the Sakyapa colors](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712179.9mWX2NMQ.TibetOct084561.jpg) Village painted with the Sakyapa colors |
![Kids in Gutso](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712182.9xyzvOCx.TibetOct084563.jpg) Kids in Gutso |
![Looking back along the Friendship Highway with the High Himalaya from Everest to Cho Oyu](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712180.TC5rlzTk.TibetOct084562.jpg) Looking back along the Friendship Highway with the High Himalaya from Everest to Cho Oyu |
![Tibetan farmer plowing a brown field with a pair of yaks](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712183.PW20mlYz.TibetOct084564.jpg) Tibetan farmer plowing a brown field with a pair of yaks |
![Men Chu River, Tibet](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712184.nnK1DJCS.TibetOct084566.jpg) Men Chu River, Tibet |
![Soon the entire Friendship Highway will be paved all the way to the Nepal border](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712185.wLMaZZAG.TibetOct084567.jpg) Soon the entire Friendship Highway will be paved all the way to the Nepal border |
![Gateway across the Friendship Highway](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712186.ZM5ja1YA.TibetOct084568.jpg) Gateway across the Friendship Highway |
![More ruins in the distance](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712187.jBOa5NIR.TibetOct084569.jpg) More ruins in the distance |
![Ruins along the friendship Highway](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712188.LXuT4dB1.TibetOct084573.jpg) Ruins along the friendship Highway |
![Tibetan nomad tents along the river across from the ruins](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712189.Gv0xsCVG.TibetOct084574.jpg) Tibetan nomad tents along the river across from the ruins |
![Passing through another Tibetan village along the Friendship Highway](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712192.ByoBOCG9.TibetOct084578.jpg) Passing through another Tibetan village along the Friendship Highway |
![Another group of cyclists bound for Nepal](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712194.bl7i1iFa.TibetOct084579.jpg) Another group of cyclists bound for Nepal |
![Roadside ruins](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712195.U4tigbQr.TibetOct084582.jpg) Roadside ruins |
![Soon, these ruins will entirely melt away](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712196.VpAHVF22.TibetOct084583.jpg) Soon, these ruins will entirely melt away |
![Men Chu River valley along the Friendship Highway](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712197.MrUcIw3k.TibetOct084584.jpg) Men Chu River valley along the Friendship Highway |
![Tibetan man walking his yaks](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712198.HAZ7j0zX.TibetOct084585.jpg) Tibetan man walking his yaks |
![Whitewashed Tibetan house along the Friendship Highway](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712199.m7zhD3J6.TibetOct084587.jpg) Whitewashed Tibetan house along the Friendship Highway |
![The camp of a Chinese road crew along the Friendship Highway](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712200.JWV9q49J.TibetOct084588.jpg) The camp of a Chinese road crew along the Friendship Highway |
![Road construction on the Friendship Highway](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712694.lAQstneD.TibetOct084589.jpg) Road construction on the Friendship Highway |
![Roadside village, Tibet](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712695.E9P86Hmo.TibetOct084592.jpg) Roadside village, Tibet |
![Camp set up for the cyclists we passed](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712696.3GWRahd0.TibetOct084593.jpg) Camp set up for the cyclists we passed |
![Sign for Mt Shishapangma (Mt. Xixiabangma) and the road through the Kyirong Valley, 5263](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712697.qhx0j8l5.TibetOct084594.jpg) Sign for Mt Shishapangma (Mt. Xixiabangma) and the road through the Kyirong Valley, 5263 |
![Road leading west through the Kyirong Valley and Mt. Xixiabangma base camp](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712698.SyzvgpW5.TibetOct084595.jpg) Road leading west through the Kyirong Valley and Mt. Xixiabangma base camp |
![Not Mt. Xixiabangma but rather Gang Benchen (7299m) in the Langtang Himal at N28.555/E85.543](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712699.8PvRiaTz.TibetOct084596.jpg) Not Mt. Xixiabangma but rather Gang Benchen (7299m) in the Langtang Himal at N28.555/E85.543 |
![Looking back down to the base of La Lung-la Pass and the junction for Kyirong Valley](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712700.FOn0g8mO.TibetOct084597.jpg) Looking back down to the base of La Lung-la Pass and the junction for Kyirong Valley |
![Road crew working on the Friendship Highway as it climbs the La Lung-la Pass](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712701.t1TACJnz.TibetOct084598.jpg) Road crew working on the Friendship Highway as it climbs the La Lung-la Pass |
![Mt. Shishapangma ( Xixiabangma) 8013m / 26,289ft](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712702.GhYJDY27.TibetOct084599.jpg) Mt. Shishapangma ( Xixiabangma) 8013m / 26,289ft |
![Sheep grazing at 5000m with the Lapche Kang massif](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712704.8zqUn1xv.TibetOct084602.jpg) Sheep grazing at 5000m with the Lapche Kang massif |
![Mt. Shishapangma (8013m / 26,289ft)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712705.bWqNPlyT.TibetOct084603.jpg) Mt. Shishapangma (8013m / 26,289ft) |
![Friendship Highway with Lapche Kang massif](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712706.xyByXG3X.TibetOct084605.jpg) Friendship Highway with Lapche Kang massif |
![La Lung-la Pass (5124m / 16,811 ft)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712707.soLJboRv.TibetOct084607.jpg) La Lung-la Pass (5124m / 16,811 ft) |
![La Long-la Pass (N28.614/E86.136) km 5276](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712709.FobcWMM8.TibetOct084609.jpg) La Long-la Pass (N28.614/E86.136) km 5276 |
![Lapche Kang I (7367m) (Labuche Kanga I), Rolwaling Himal](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712710.JnPZZMGe.TibetOct084611.jpg) Lapche Kang I (7367m) (Labuche Kanga I), Rolwaling Himal |
![Friendship Highway descending La Long-la Pass in front of the Lapche Kang massif](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712708.iZR929vc.TibetOct084608.jpg) Friendship Highway descending La Long-la Pass in front of the Lapche Kang massif |
![Road equipment on an unpaved section of the Friendship Highway](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712711.bx8lZX2q.TibetOct084613.jpg) Road equipment on an unpaved section of the Friendship Highway |
![Gate over the Friendship Highway near La Long-la Pass](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712712.wc9KOC2K.TibetOct084615.jpg) Gate over the Friendship Highway near La Long-la Pass |
![Friendship Highway, La Lung-la Pass](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712713.0c9BiD7M.TibetOct084616.jpg) Friendship Highway, La Lung-la Pass |
![Friendship Highway in front of the Lapche Kang massif](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712714.12uB0mpP.TibetOct084617.jpg) Friendship Highway in front of the Lapche Kang massif |
![The small valley between the La Lung-la and Tong-la passes](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712716.cV7OIFyW.TibetOct084619.jpg) The small valley between the La Lung-la and Tong-la passes |
![Friendship Highway climbing towards Tong-la Pass in front with Lapche Kang (7367m / 24,156 ft) on the left](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712717.4JVikHvE.TibetOct084622.jpg) Friendship Highway climbing towards Tong-la Pass in front with Lapche Kang (7367m / 24,156 ft) on the left |
![Land Cruiser fording a small stream at km 5282](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712718.df7TXGBq.TibetOct084627.jpg) Land Cruiser fording a small stream at km 5282 |
![A new bridge underconstruction as part of improvements to the Friendship Highway (N28.581/E86.149)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712719.xqYF8I1S.TibetOct084628.jpg) A new bridge underconstruction as part of improvements to the Friendship Highway (N28.581/E86.149) |
![Mt. Shishapangma (8013m / 26,289ft)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712720.j4CAQ4rD.TibetOct084631.jpg) Mt. Shishapangma (8013m / 26,289ft) |
![Friendship Highway headed for the Lapche Kang massif with Lapche Kang (7367m) on the left](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712721.4oaRlB4V.TibetOct084632.jpg) Friendship Highway headed for the Lapche Kang massif with Lapche Kang (7367m) on the left |
![Mt. Shishapangma and the nearby peaks Nyanang ri, Phola Gangchen,](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712722.iqNjeTQy.TibetOct084633.jpg) Mt. Shishapangma and the nearby peaks Nyanang ri, Phola Gangchen, |
![Attention! Do not shortcut and destroy rangelan. Insist your driver follow the road. Nomads and wildlife depend on grassland...](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712723.rop8rAje.TibetOct084634.jpg) Attention! Do not shortcut and destroy rangelan. Insist your driver follow the road. Nomads and wildlife depend on grassland... |
![Tong-la Pass (5120m / 16,797 ft) km 5289](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712840.M7WuX86P.TibetOct084635.jpg) Tong-la Pass (5120m / 16,797 ft) km 5289 |
![Shrines of Tong-la Pass with Mt. Shishapangma (8013m](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712841.fGE2dGrD.TibetOct084636.jpg) Shrines of Tong-la Pass with Mt. Shishapangma (8013m |
![Lapche Kang massif with prayer flags on windy Tong-la Pass](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712842.SZS5WzQW.TibetOct084637.jpg) Lapche Kang massif with prayer flags on windy Tong-la Pass |
![Lapche Kang massif south of Tong-la Pass (N28.309/E86.241)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712843.UQsQUmmv.TibetOct084638.jpg) Lapche Kang massif south of Tong-la Pass (N28.309/E86.241) |
![Lapche Kang massif south of Tong-la Pass (N28.304/E86.320)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712844.jjbRC8GB.TibetOct084639.jpg) Lapche Kang massif south of Tong-la Pass (N28.304/E86.320) |
![Lapche Kang massif south of Tong-la Pass (N28.309/E86.241)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712847.cge9sxcj.TibetOct084641.jpg) Lapche Kang massif south of Tong-la Pass (N28.309/E86.241) |
![Tong-la Pass (N28.510/E86.156) with Mt. Shishapangma (8013m](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712848.oNdvo9ys.TibetOct084642.jpg) Tong-la Pass (N28.510/E86.156) with Mt. Shishapangma (8013m |
![Wind-powered prayer wheels, Tong-la Pass (5120m)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712849.lci8tRLP.TibetOct084643.jpg) Wind-powered prayer wheels, Tong-la Pass (5120m) |
![Shrines at Tong-la Pass (5120m)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712850.8BxFX5mh.TibetOct084645.jpg) Shrines at Tong-la Pass (5120m) |
![Descent from Tong-la Pass at 5120m (16,797ft) to the Zhangmu at 2350m (7710 ft) in 89km of road](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712851.JcXUEVNP.TibetOct084646.jpg) Descent from Tong-la Pass at 5120m (16,797ft) to the Zhangmu at 2350m (7710 ft) in 89km of road |
![View of the Lapche Kang massif from Tong-la Pass looking south](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712852.7bLcYtxW.TibetOct084648.jpg) View of the Lapche Kang massif from Tong-la Pass looking south |
![Falcon of some type soaring in front of Mt.Shishapangma (8013m)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712853.YAvs06yP.TibetOct084650.jpg) Falcon of some type soaring in front of Mt.Shishapangma (8013m) |
![Off-road down the Tong-la Pass with Mt. Shishapangma (8013m / 26,289ft) 40 km away](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712854.mVs0m21c.TibetOct084653.jpg) Off-road down the Tong-la Pass with Mt. Shishapangma (8013m / 26,289ft) 40 km away |
![A sign told drivers to stick to the main road but of course my driver ignored this](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712855.MsCigH9m.TibetOct084656.jpg) A sign told drivers to stick to the main road but of course my driver ignored this |
![Friendship Highway is all downhill now headed for Nepal](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712856.IMvbXFC7.TibetOct084657.jpg) Friendship Highway is all downhill now headed for Nepal |
![Descending the Tong-la Pass offroad](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712857.5F7QmsHE.TibetOct084658.jpg) Descending the Tong-la Pass offroad |
![Village at the base of the Lalung-la Pass, Tibet](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712858.DYTTP9N1.TibetOct084659.jpg) Village at the base of the Lalung-la Pass, Tibet |
![Ruins of a fortress (N28.401/E86.108)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712859.p0JYmW8P.TibetOct084661.jpg) Ruins of a fortress (N28.401/E86.108) |
![Phola Gangchen (7716m / 25,314ft) from the east](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712860.031bbduR.TibetOct084662.jpg) Phola Gangchen (7716m / 25,314ft) from the east |
![Friendship highway at N28.363/E86.086 with the summit of Phola Gangchen blocking the view of Shishapangma](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712861.eg47oESO.TibetOct084664.jpg) Friendship highway at N28.363/E86.086 with the summit of Phola Gangchen blocking the view of Shishapangma |
![Village of Ru Jia Cun (N28.363/E86.070) elevation 13,960 ft](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712862.CKIC7rKz.TibetOct084665.jpg) Village of Ru Jia Cun (N28.363/E86.070) elevation 13,960 ft |
![Gravel quarry along the Matsang Tsangpo river (N28.334/E86.047)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712864.UlLFVWXw.TibetOct084669.jpg) Gravel quarry along the Matsang Tsangpo river (N28.334/E86.047) |
![Clouds forming along the Tibet-Nepal border from the warm humid air of the Indian Subcontinent](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712865.lKngVQTV.TibetOct084670.jpg) Clouds forming along the Tibet-Nepal border from the warm humid air of the Indian Subcontinent |
![Quarry in the Tibetan farmer plowing a field along the Matsang Tsangpo river](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712867.eTpUUOYi.TibetOct084671.jpg) Quarry in the Tibetan farmer plowing a field along the Matsang Tsangpo river |
![Yak with plow on break](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712868.BGVslG52.TibetOct084672.jpg) Yak with plow on break |
![Himalaya along the Friendship Highway](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712869.SatFxNg9.TibetOct084673.jpg) Himalaya along the Friendship Highway |
![Tibetan farmer plowing a field along the Matsang Tsangpo river with a pair of yaks](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712871.IzIttj0F.TibetOct084674.jpg) Tibetan farmer plowing a field along the Matsang Tsangpo river with a pair of yaks |
![Tibetan farmer plowing a field along the Matsang Tsangpo river with a pair of yaks](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106712873.ljGFBF7f.TibetOct084675.jpg) Tibetan farmer plowing a field along the Matsang Tsangpo river with a pair of yaks |
![Double yak plow, Tibet](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713285.CPO8SCAc.TibetOct084676.jpg) Double yak plow, Tibet |
![Bridge across the Matsang Tsangpo river on the Friendship Highway (N28.3007/E86.0313)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713286.CfrO1ub6.TibetOct084677.jpg) Bridge across the Matsang Tsangpo river on the Friendship Highway (N28.3007/E86.0313) |
![Blue sky with snowy peaks to the west of the Friendship Highway](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713287.scglGXRP.TibetOct084678.jpg) Blue sky with snowy peaks to the west of the Friendship Highway |
![Matsang Tsangpo river valley descending towards Nyalam and Nepal (N28.254/E86.015)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713288.CHIiMDV7.TibetOct084679.jpg) Matsang Tsangpo river valley descending towards Nyalam and Nepal (N28.254/E86.015) |
![Clouds forming along the Tibet-Nepal border from the warm humid air of the Indian Subcontinent](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713289.AclSpDBD.TibetOct084680.jpg) Clouds forming along the Tibet-Nepal border from the warm humid air of the Indian Subcontinent |
![Tangdong (Za Xigang) Village, Tibet (N28.251/E86.024)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713290.Gt70v2nc.TibetOct084681.jpg) Tangdong (Za Xigang) Village, Tibet (N28.251/E86.024) |
![Zig zag road cut into the mountain south of Tangdong (Za Xigang) Village](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713291.xnRSpGZc.TibetOct084682.jpg) Zig zag road cut into the mountain south of Tangdong (Za Xigang) Village |
![Snowy peak southeast of Tangdong (Za Xigang) Village](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713292.hVMjaYrf.TibetOct084683.jpg) Snowy peak southeast of Tangdong (Za Xigang) Village |
![Village at Milarepa's Cave, 10 km north of Nyalam](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713293.sSidcGu4.TibetOct084684.jpg) Village at Milarepa's Cave, 10 km north of Nyalam |
![We stopped here for a short walk down the slope to Milarepa's Cave](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713294.g68hnNNn.TibetOct084685.jpg) We stopped here for a short walk down the slope to Milarepa's Cave |
![Village kids tagged along](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713295.A6fx0ffh.TibetOct084686.jpg) Village kids tagged along |
![Village at Milarepa's Cave](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713296.e6XIFVw9.TibetOct084688.jpg) Village at Milarepa's Cave |
![Path to Milarepa's Cave and Nyalam Pelgye Ling temple](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713297.IaQeIKLi.TibetOct084689.jpg) Path to Milarepa's Cave and Nyalam Pelgye Ling temple |
![Along the path to Milarepa's Cave](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713298.ZZ7YOQJf.TibetOct084690.jpg) Along the path to Milarepa's Cave |
![Milarepa's Cave and Nyalam Pelgye Ling temple](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713299.Erm4AJUf.TibetOct084691.jpg) Milarepa's Cave and Nyalam Pelgye Ling temple |
![The monks were on holiday so we could just peek in through the window](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713300.yka0EVnI.TibetOct084693.jpg) The monks were on holiday so we could just peek in through the window |
![Matsang Tsangpo river valley looking north](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713301.nx1CNpau.TibetOct084696.jpg) Matsang Tsangpo river valley looking north |
![Buddhist shrine near Milarepa's Cave](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713302.1017r8bY.TibetOct084698.jpg) Buddhist shrine near Milarepa's Cave |
![Villagers at Milarepa's Cave processing the harvest](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713303.kuNIi5i0.TibetOct084701.jpg) Villagers at Milarepa's Cave processing the harvest |
![Tractor in the village of Milarepa's Cave](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713304.iakUJbkd.TibetOct084702.jpg) Tractor in the village of Milarepa's Cave |
![Nyalam, a large town at 3,750 metres (12,300ft) on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713305.SOiDM9a5.TibetOct084707.jpg) Nyalam, a large town at 3,750 metres (12,300ft) on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau |
![Nyalam, Tibet, 35km from the Nepali border](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713306.B8qR9leI.TibetOct084709.jpg) Nyalam, Tibet, 35km from the Nepali border |
![Nga-dhon Hotel, Nyalam](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713307.cWwIJpjn.TibetOct084710.jpg) Nga-dhon Hotel, Nyalam |
![Friendship Highway passing through Nyalam, Tibet](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713308.gKWEH8Ch.TibetOct084711.jpg) Friendship Highway passing through Nyalam, Tibet |
![The final descent to Nepal 35km of treacherous road](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713309.M9SsJBdk.TibetOct084712.jpg) The final descent to Nepal 35km of treacherous road |
![As the road descends, the vegetation changes and becomes significantly greener](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713310.WFewzOL2.TibetOct084713.jpg) As the road descends, the vegetation changes and becomes significantly greener |
![Friendship Highway from Nyalam to Zhangmu](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713311.rKyxCnTj.TibetOct084714.jpg) Friendship Highway from Nyalam to Zhangmu |
![Parts of the Friendship Highway the Nepal border have been paved easing what had been a very adventerous road](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713312.EcxKeZBU.TibetOct084715.jpg) Parts of the Friendship Highway the Nepal border have been paved easing what had been a very adventerous road |
![Friendship Highway to Nepal](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713313.Jutd8gSi.TibetOct084717.jpg) Friendship Highway to Nepal |
![From Nyalam to Zhangmu, the Friendship Highway descends 1450m (4757ft)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106713314.10jpJ5UN.TibetOct084720.jpg) From Nyalam to Zhangmu, the Friendship Highway descends 1450m (4757ft) |
![Freshly paved portion of the Friendship Highway north of Zhangmu](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714029.4T3ECK4k.TibetOct084722.jpg) Freshly paved portion of the Friendship Highway north of Zhangmu |
![Friendship Highway descending with the Matsang Tsangpo river](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714030.P7tcoHBk.TibetOct084724.jpg) Friendship Highway descending with the Matsang Tsangpo river |
![Matsang Tsangpo River, Nepal's Sun Kosi River](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714031.9VPm4Wue.TibetOct084725.jpg) Matsang Tsangpo River, Nepal's Sun Kosi River |
![Chinese construction crew working on the Friendship Highway](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714032.9RtoMPlg.TibetOct084726.jpg) Chinese construction crew working on the Friendship Highway |
![Road crew blocking most of the road with their dump truck](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714034.UC97UDLv.TibetOct084727.jpg) Road crew blocking most of the road with their dump truck |
![Right on the edge...I'll walk this part, thanks](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714035.tvuUnN7k.TibetOct084730.jpg) Right on the edge...I'll walk this part, thanks |
![Guiding the driver along the edge](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714036.P7a9NYvO.TibetOct084732.jpg) Guiding the driver along the edge |
![Fresh rock slide partially blocking the newly paved road](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714037.94DtdEfM.TibetOct084734.jpg) Fresh rock slide partially blocking the newly paved road |
![Into the clouds](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714038.muC3y8fx.TibetOct084736.jpg) Into the clouds |
![A sharp snow covered peak in front of clouds formed by the warm humid air of the Indian subcontinent](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714039.rUuk5gD8.TibetOct084739.jpg) A sharp snow covered peak in front of clouds formed by the warm humid air of the Indian subcontinent |
![This road first opened in May 1967 linking Tibet and Nepal](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714040.XRNiah8L.TibetOct084740.jpg) This road first opened in May 1967 linking Tibet and Nepal |
![A new bridge on the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway (N28.079/E86.000)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714041.urFVuISR.TibetOct084742.jpg) A new bridge on the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway (N28.079/E86.000) |
![Clouds giving the valley an eerie look](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714043.fD03mSlw.TibetOct084745.jpg) Clouds giving the valley an eerie look |
![Waterfalls](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714044.qpIRpR5T.TibetOct084747.jpg) Waterfalls |
![The Matsang Tsangpo River far below](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714045.X1JxtFzA.TibetOct084748.jpg) The Matsang Tsangpo River far below |
![Matsang Tsangpo River valley leading to Nepal](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714046.aFSlVmif.TibetOct084749.jpg) Matsang Tsangpo River valley leading to Nepal |
![This must be impressive in the rainy season](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714047.y4wtcnEV.TibetOct084751.jpg) This must be impressive in the rainy season |
![Unpaved section of the narrow Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway leading to Zhangmu](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714048.bcbsrNQX.TibetOct084752.jpg) Unpaved section of the narrow Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway leading to Zhangmu |
![Matsang Tsangpo River valley](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714050.MTuukika.TibetOct084756.jpg) Matsang Tsangpo River valley |
![The road far below (N28.038/E85.986)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714049.UuxxX7rC.TibetOct084755.jpg) The road far below (N28.038/E85.986) |
![Hairpin curve on the Friendship Highway](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714051.LPJgsmLT.TibetOct084758.jpg) Hairpin curve on the Friendship Highway |
![Unimproved stretch of the Friendship Highway](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714052.TlsTbm3F.TibetOct084759.jpg) Unimproved stretch of the Friendship Highway |
![Waterfall along the Friendship Highway](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714053.5b2HvW61.TibetOct084760.jpg) Waterfall along the Friendship Highway |
![Friendship Highway cut out of the mountain in the 1960s](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714056.nltimx04.TibetOct084765.jpg) Friendship Highway cut out of the mountain in the 1960s |
![Descending towards Zhangmu and the Nepal border](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714375.o5ID5yIT.NepalOct08001.jpg) Descending towards Zhangmu and the Nepal border |
![Waterfalls feeding the Matsang Tsangpo River](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714376.T5nvewv5.NepalOct08003.jpg) Waterfalls feeding the Matsang Tsangpo River |
![Matsang Tsangpo River](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714377.5SMEokng.NepalOct08004.jpg) Matsang Tsangpo River |
![Original 1960s portion of the Friendship Highway outside Zhangmu](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714378.u6MrEHu6.NepalOct08005.jpg) Original 1960s portion of the Friendship Highway outside Zhangmu |
![The Friendship Highway passing under a waterfall](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714379.aVHSM1Nt.NepalOct08006.jpg) The Friendship Highway passing under a waterfall |
![Welcome to Zhangmu, China Post](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714380.O2hwAudh.NepalOct08008.jpg) Welcome to Zhangmu, China Post |
![Narrow street of Zhangmu](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714381.To2nYABC.NepalOct08009.jpg) Narrow street of Zhangmu |
![Trucks from Nepal clog up Zhangmu's narrow main street](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714382.xPTDnW0G.NepalOct08010.jpg) Trucks from Nepal clog up Zhangmu's narrow main street |
![The Nepali trucks aren't allowed further into Tibet](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714383.AdpSptFU.NepalOct08011.jpg) The Nepali trucks aren't allowed further into Tibet |
![Zhangmu clings to the side of a mountain](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714384.cPtOBJWs.NepalOct08013.jpg) Zhangmu clings to the side of a mountain |
![Trucks making the road through Zhangmu nearly impassable](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714386.nW9ZWoEv.NepalOct08015.jpg) Trucks making the road through Zhangmu nearly impassable |
![Zhangmu. Tibet's border town](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714387.0qUFGmQe.NepalOct08017.jpg) Zhangmu. Tibet's border town |
![Zhangmu, Tibet](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714389.QrWu581L.NepalOct08018.jpg) Zhangmu, Tibet |
![Zhangmu, Tibet](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714390.ne9jnu28.NepalOct08019.jpg) Zhangmu, Tibet |
![Zhangmu clinging to the side of the mountain high above the river valley](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714391.OHK82rfA.NepalOct08021.jpg) Zhangmu clinging to the side of the mountain high above the river valley |
![Zhangmu, Tibet elevation 2300m (7545 ft)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714392.hM5KSWxc.NepalOct08022.jpg) Zhangmu, Tibet elevation 2300m (7545 ft) |
![Zhangmu, Tibet](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714393.G3OpmAjo.NepalOct08026.jpg) Zhangmu, Tibet |
![Zhang Mu Hotel, the last night in Tibet](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714394.iLmStH7I.NepalOct08027.jpg) Zhang Mu Hotel, the last night in Tibet |
![Base Camp western food and coffee bar](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714395.3DGda8GA.NepalOct08028.jpg) Base Camp western food and coffee bar |
![Zhangmu is 10 km from the Friendship Bridge, the border wtih Nepal](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714397.F1bDAhjL.NepalOct08030.jpg) Zhangmu is 10 km from the Friendship Bridge, the border wtih Nepal |
![In front of the Zhangmu Hotel](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714398.nEsik9jG.NepalOct08032.jpg) In front of the Zhangmu Hotel |
![Trucks lined up along the Friendship Highway](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714399.0TlRQOpT.NepalOct08033.jpg) Trucks lined up along the Friendship Highway |
![Leaving Zhangmu in the morning for Tibet](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714401.58I1JNsr.NepalOct08034.jpg) Leaving Zhangmu in the morning for Tibet |
![Zhangmu, like all of China, is on Beijing time so there's a 2hr 15 min time change at the border](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714403.mHbUEYPJ.NepalOct08035.jpg) Zhangmu, like all of China, is on Beijing time so there's a 2hr 15 min time change at the border |
![Waterfall in a narrow slot canyon outside Zhangmu](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714404.m1JWR5iE.NepalOct08036.jpg) Waterfall in a narrow slot canyon outside Zhangmu |
![Driving the last few km to the Nepal border](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714405.Dhe6bKy4.NepalOct08037.jpg) Driving the last few km to the Nepal border |
![The green around Zhangmu is a stark contrast to the brown of the Tibetan Plateau](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714406.sFdPg8Cv.NepalOct08039.jpg) The green around Zhangmu is a stark contrast to the brown of the Tibetan Plateau |
![Zhangmu behind us](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714407.X9BIRhuB.NepalOct08040.jpg) Zhangmu behind us |
![A temple on the Nepal side of the border (N27.975/E85.963)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714408.fusvmmet.NepalOct08041.jpg) A temple on the Nepal side of the border (N27.975/E85.963) |
![The transition to Nepal is visible with terraced fields built right up to the border](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714409.6oFIGvYj.NepalOct08042.jpg) The transition to Nepal is visible with terraced fields built right up to the border |
![The Friendship Highway has run 740km from Lhasa to here the last few km](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714410.pXtzZkxq.NepalOct08043.jpg) The Friendship Highway has run 740km from Lhasa to here the last few km |
![The Friendship Bridge - the border with Nepal (left) and China (right)](https://a4.pbase.com/o2/93/329493/1/106714411.bB8OayEo.NepalOct08045.jpg) The Friendship Bridge - the border with Nepal (left) and China (right) |