The journey from Nyalam to Saga was the most nerve racking, on the way to Kailash. With passes at 5000 meters, the drive was very treacherous. Though we were prepared for the cold and lack of oxygen, we were most hit by the dust in the air which made breathing very difficult. Surgical masks came out of bags and that helped blocking of nose to some extent.
The road leading to the highest motorable pass in the world-"La Lungla"
Snow capped mountain close to saga
Saga is the biggest town in the entire route from Nyalam to Kailash. It has a large military base which gives the feel of a garrisoned town. Apart from a fairly large super store, the city also boasts of a near 3 star accommodation by the same name. The 'Saga Hotel' was a great relief at an altitude of nearly 4800 meters. The attached bath and a warm bed was necessary to recharge our body cells. Local Tibetans had given way to touch chinese businessmen in the city to run all commercial establishments. Photography was discouraged in the main city and prohibited closer to the presence of the military establishment.
Lunch stopover on way to Saga
The problem at Nyalam which I encountered for the first time (perhaps because of increased altitude) was sleeplessness and heavy headedness. Mornings were specially bad due to lack of oxygen while sleeping. We lived with a mild headache during day time and heavy aches in the morning for the rest of the onward journey. Next stop Prayang.
Satyan Mishra,
Managing Director, Drishtee
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