Namtso Lake

We set off from Lhasa again.. this time heading northwards. We pass by stretches of railway - the newly completely Qingzang Railway.

Scenery
Vast expense of grassland with snow-capped mountains in the distance.
The railway tracks in the foreground.
Elevated railway tracks.
Qingzang Railway 青藏铁路. This railway was constructed to be eco-friendly, the authorities had consulted the locals regarding land preservation etc etc..

There were and are many technical difficulties for such a railway. About half of the second section was built on barely permanent permafrost. In the summer, the uppermost layer thaws, and the ground becomes muddy. Chinese engineers dealt with this problem by building elevated tracks with foundations sunk deep into the ground, inserting vertical pipes that circulate liquid nitrogen and cold nitrogen gas into the ground, building hollow concrete pipes beneath the tracks to keep the rail bed frozen, and using metal sun shades.

These columns seem to be built on sturdy grounds. The quote above is probably referring to the tracks on higher elevations.

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Crossed over Mt Nagenla which was 5190m above sea level.
Got down to take photo (it was BRRRRRRRrrrrr cold!) The temperature can drop drastically as we ascend to a higher altitude.
A glimpse of Namtso Lake 纳木错 from Mt Nagenla.
Namtso Lake

The lake, which lies at an elevation of 4,718 m, is the highest saltwater lake in the world. It has a surface area of 2,470 square kilometres.

Waves along the shore of the lake.

Lots of tourists!

The white patches on the cliff is not snow. They are white pieces of cloth thrown up onto the cliff.

Prayer flags.

There was a legend about two lovers who were immortalised when they were turned into these two geological structures.

Enterprising locals offer rides on their yaks for a fee. Fees vary depending on the type of "services" rendered-- take a photo while riding on the Yak, ride around the area on the yak, the Yak backing into the water (thought this was a little weird) .. etc etc.. I had taken this photo discreetly.

Yaks grazing.

This photo was a surprising find! I had stuck my camera out to take a photo of the prostrating devottees.... but had managed to capture one of my tour mates leaning out to take a photo!