Epic Hikes of the World ( PDFDrive )

prayer flags. Snow-streaked granite peaks encircle us. The place is crowded with
ghosts and good intentions, from the sombre Tibetan portraits to money pegged to
boulders. Every scrap of colour speaks to human endeavour. I join a group of
strangers sharing chocolate and fermented snacks before the pitched 1970ft
(600m) descent.
We reach the valley floor with our feet barking in our boots. A pot of milky tea
restores the warmth to my bones. Sun shining, we work our way down the valley
alongside the tumbling Dzong-Chu river. Dinner is served from a vat of scalding
noodles. Perched high on the slope, I listen to the chanting of the monks of Zutulpuk.
I don’t know if my sins have really left me, but there’s a peace here that
logically follows the trials of the trail.
On the final day we travel 9 miles (14km) on a gentle road that leads us back to
the sparkling Barkha plain. Our circle nearly completed, we keep a steady onward
pace. A human pace. In the distance, trucks whistle across the steppe. CMC
DRÖLMA DO
The Drölma Do is a landmark cubic boulder on the Drölma-la pass. It’s believed
that when Gotsangpa got lost pioneering the route, 21 wolves led him up the pass
and merged into one before becoming the boulder itself. They were emanations of
Drölma, or Tara, goddess of mercy and protector of the pass. The pass is
considered the point of rebirth and forgiveness. Pilgrims circumambulate the
boulder and may paste money there or attach prayer flags.
ORIENTATION
Start/End // Darchen
Distance // 32 miles (52km)
Getting there // Ngari Gunsa Airport is about 200 miles (330km) from Darchen.