Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tsochen to Gertse (257km)
From Tsochen to the junction of the northern road (S301) is a journey of about 180km;
Gertse is another 77km, making a total drive of around five hours. If you plan to stay in
Gertse, take your time as the route is far more interesting and scenic than the town.
About 43km north of Tsochen, the road passes the 5090m
Nor Chung-la
(Small Wild
Yak Pass) before descending to the dramatic turquoise waters of
Dawa-tso
(4680m), an-
other superb camping spot. For the next 60km the route passes from one attractive valley
to another, sometimes connected by the river and gorge, at other times by minor passes.
After the scenic
Nor Gwa-la
(Wild Yak Head Pass; 5250m), and for the next 50km, the
road runs alongside a dramatic range of 6000m-plus glaciated mountains. After the road
meets the northern road proper (linking Amdo with Ali) it's a long 15km drive in an
arrow-straight line towards
Dung-tso
, with its purple mountain backdrop and salt marsh
foreground looking like whitecaps on the water from a distance.
From the junction it's 90km (two hours) west to Gertse through a wide valley dotted
with sheep and prayer flags. There's a checkpoint 24km before Gertse.
Gertse
0897 / Elev 4445m
Gertse (Gǎizé) is the biggest town along the northern route before Ali. The main street
(Luren Lu) begins from the yak statue roundabout and runs from east to west about 1.5km.
Dazhong Lu is the most interesting street, lined with Tibetan teahouses and pool tables.
Several shops sell colourful
chubas
(Tibetan cloaks) with fake sheepskin lining.
There are several hotels in town, though none have hot running water. If you need a
shower look for the public baths or ask your guide to show you. Restaurants in town offer
the usual Sichuan and Uighur fare.
Budget some time to visit the long wall of chörtens, mani stones, prayer flags and yak
horns to the south of town.
