Up the Potala

Tibetans think that Westerners are plain weak people and it is easy to see why as Kathy walks up the serpentine stairs of the Potala Palace the day after we arrived in Tibet. Adjusting to the high altitude of Lhasa which is 3700meters (12,139 feet) above sea level takes time no matter how 'strong' you are. Having to walk up another 117 meters (384 feet) worth of steps to get to the top of the Potala Palace is harder than it seems the day after you arrive in the country. The view though is certainly worth it once you get to the top.

Our guide's brother is actually one of the senior monks at the Palace so we were given an extra special tour and he gave us each traditional Katas (white silk scarf) that lends a positive note to the start of any enterprise which we thought was rather nice way to start our trip in Tibet.

As I look at this video now, I wonder why I didn't hold longer on that amazing view at the top Up the Potala 7.5 megs 1:58min quicktime