The Western Treasure House: Tibet Prescript

Strictly speaking, the Tibetan Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, I depart Beijing on another Epic Train Journey of 53 hours headed for a land closed off to foreigners for such a long time due to the Cultural Revolution taking place in China.

This time I'm not alone, as I was in SiChuan. My companions are two of my fellow teachers who, fortunately, show equal enthusiasm for what I'd ideally do there.

Plans are as follows:

• Lhasa, Tibet's capital city. 3 days acclimatisation at 3600m. Time will be spent taking photos and getting over actually being in Tibet (probably not going to happen)
• Hire 4x4 for 5/6 day excursion covering a fist full of ancient Tibetan villages; Namtso Lake, the world's highest salt water lake; and of course Everest Base camp.

The list may be lacking in bullets but I'm sure it covers 11 days in a very over stimulating fashion. Especially to a 'Mountophile' like myself.

May the adventure commence!