Leaving Chozo, we crossed the East Pho Chhu and started the steep climb towards the Sintia La (5200m). Vegetation gradually disappeared as we climbed higher, eventually reaching the rocky pass.
After the pass the terrain flattened out into a Tibetan-style barren plateau, the only vegetation seemed to be very small ground covering plants, typically with red leaves. An amazing place, just a shame about the ever present, thick cloud cover. We reached our campsite at Tsho Chena eventually for a high and cold night.
More high plateau the next day and we crossed the Loju La (5145m) on our way to another high, and this time snowy campsite called Jichu Dramo. The following day would see us cross our highest pass, the Rinchen Zoe La (5326m).
My favourite part of the whole trek was probably this day. After crossing the magnificent pass, with nearby lakes of various colours and snowy peaks and glaciers, we crossed a large plateau with more lakes including one that was steaming, fed by a geothermal hot spring. This lake was our lunch spot and we watched as our yaks caught up and passed us. The barren landscape, steam from the lake and the trudging yaks made for an incredibly picturesque moment and one that I'll remember for a long time.
The last part of the day wasn't quite so pleasant, as thick fog with snow and rain descended. Eventually we reached our camp at Tsho Tsho Tshang.
Next up we complete the trek, making it all the way to our final stop at Sephu.
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