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Archive for October, 2007

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Tashkurgan

Wednesday, October 31st, 2007

Tashkurgan obviously not the most popular place this time of year, I was the only person for the bus. So that got cancelled and put with another bus. But the scenery great, passing along the Pamir mountain range with 7000m plus mountains. Taskurgan in the Tajik autonamous region which explains why the people are different, but on the China / Pakistan border.

Arriving anywhere in China seems to be pot luck on whether it will be nice or ghastly depending on when it was last ” upgraded ” and Tashkurgan got the short straw. Admittedly a very out of season feel and places either closed or under reconstruction. Certainly the surrounding senery and people a lot more interesting than the town center.

Today another bus back , this time everyone seemed to be trying to get onboard ( or escaping ) but got back to Kashgar no problem.

Tomorrow go to Karghilik and then Hotan.

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Karakul Lake

Monday, October 29th, 2007

Yesterday did a one day trip to Karakul Lake which is towards the border area. The scenery very very good. A mixture of dry arid rocky landscapes backed by huge snowcapped mountains. As you get nearer there are various lakes covered by ice and sparsely populated by people of the central asian republics ( I cannot remember of hand which but seemed friendly ) often living in white yurts and the occasional camels and donkeys.

Karakul lake itself a turquoise coloured laked backed by high snow capped mountains. Pretty enough but in an area of stunning beauty probably no more so than the journey there. Overall a great day out. In warmer conditions would be nice to stay overnight but even on a sunny day bitterly cold – winter approaching !!.

Tomorrow make a return journey but continue onto Tashkurgan which is at the border of Pakistan and the infamous Karakoum Highway – sadly no visas issued in Kashgar and it now closes for the winter but it would be good to continue…

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Kashgar

Saturday, October 27th, 2007
Yesterday felt exhausted after the 28 hour trip here, not sure if its possible to get bus lag but certainly felt it. Journey nothing special in the way of sights and more than happy to arrive. As it ... [Continue reading this entry]

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Turpan Kashgar

Friday, October 26th, 2007
After a 28 hour bus journey thru desert to here Kashgar, Jingle Bells was not the music I was expecting to here blasting out in the square but a nice touch anyway. Anyway to backdate. Took the 10am sleeper bus ... [Continue reading this entry]

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Jiayuguan

Monday, October 22nd, 2007
Took the sleeper bus from Lanzhou to here, arrived 6.30am. Jiayuguans claim to fame is its the beginning of the great wall so spent the day checking out sights. The Jiayuguan Fort interesting enough, fine displays with a ... [Continue reading this entry]

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Xiahe to Lanzhou

Friday, October 19th, 2007
Following on from my last post, at least the fireworks were good. But then had to stay inside and the shutters were brought down whilst "order" was restored. Eventually given a police escort out and checked for cameras ... [Continue reading this entry]

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Xiaheaa

Wednesday, October 17th, 2007
Been a hectic day. Took an early bus to Hezuo with the monks and the nomads. A very good road and good bus so made quick progress. Arrived in Hezuo, jumped in a taxi with a chinese ... [Continue reading this entry]

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Lamusi 2

Tuesday, October 16th, 2007
Has a fairly relaxing day wandering around the hills. Some great views with snow topped mountains in the background and the usual monasteries, yaks etc to provide a good Tibetan scene. But now starting to feel more wintry, ... [Continue reading this entry]

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Lamusi

Monday, October 15th, 2007
Another early one with a 6am bus to Lamusi. Given the weather in Songpan and the fact that the tv was saying the area was having unusually bad weather, was expecting a tough trip. Stocked up with double ... [Continue reading this entry]

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Songpan

Saturday, October 13th, 2007
An early bitterly cold start for the 3 hour bus for Songpan. A picture postcard trip, heavy snow during the night had left the trees white with beautiful white snow capped mountains in the background. Could have been ... [Continue reading this entry]

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