A Texan in Tibet - Riding Day 4 Plan

"No battle plan survives contact with the enemy."
-Colin Powell

Shegar to Shegatse

This will be another red tape day that includes motorcycle inspection for a temporary license plate and a vision test in order to get my Tibetan temporary motorcycle license.  At only 240km/150 miles, this will be another short day in terms of terrain traversed.  The first leg will be a scenic, albeit flat stretch of 150km/93 miles, followed by another 90km/56 miles over a small 4,300 meter/14,100 foot mountain pass into Shigatse.  The interactive map is here.

The second largest city in Tibet, Shigatse is described as a fairly modern city with a population of over 100,000 and sits at an elevation of 3,845 meters/12,615 feet.  Since I can't predict the amount of time I'll spend getting my license and plates, I'll make this my fourth day's stop and see the sights.  In fact, the delays cound be substantial enough that I won't get my license until the next day.  If that proves to be the case, I will rise and shine and be the first in line at the police station on day 5.

The main attraction in Shigatse is the Tashilhunpo Monastery, which was founded in 1447.  I suspect I will get my fill of monasteries before this trip is over.  Shigatse is a primary gathering place for tourists heading to Everest, so I anticipate having the opportunity to meet ans talk with plenty of people.