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Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
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Anabasis to Desta Away
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Post: #76
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
Amazing thread.

One place that's left a lasting impression on me was Kakopetria, Cyprus. Beautiful little town in the Cypriot highlands. Walking down the streets i felt like i was back in the middle ages or in a fantasy city like Dorne or Kings Landing in Game of Thrones. Felt like arming myself with a sword, putting on some armor and ride around town on a horse.

Would love to own a vacation condo over there.

[Image: maritsa-lodge-kakopetria.jpg]

[Image: 640px-Kakopetria_01.JPG]

[Image: 43470519.jpg]

[Image: 10051734_19_z.jpg]
(This post was last modified: 04-28-2016 12:33 AM by Anabasis to Desta.)
04-28-2016 12:28 AM
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Kona Offline
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Post: #77
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
An odd mind blowing place if you like nature is Alton Illinois. It's a little North of St. Louis. The road goes along the Mississippi River like this:

[Image: 93a08ad99d35655c7ed152ade817a886.jpg]

If you go in January its cold,but thats where the Bald Eagles live. They are everywhere:
[Image: 6e4b281a0132a742a921052c3632903f.jpg]

Aloha!
04-28-2016 12:48 AM
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one-two Offline
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Post: #78
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
(07-07-2015 02:50 PM)Mojorisin808 Wrote:  Na pali coast, west-side of the island of Kauai, Hawaii.

Simply the most stunningly beautiful place I've ever been.

We took a catamaran along the whole west coast, and camped on the beach there for 3 days. Awesome!

I'm planning a trip there this summer. Got any tips for the Na Pali coast hike?
04-28-2016 01:34 AM
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IDrinkYourMilkShake Offline
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Post: #79
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
Wow, great thread. Very inspiring to just looking at the pics posted here and to read peoples experiences. For me I have to say that hinking around the Andean mountains in Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Argentina is something very breath taking. The nature shifting depending on the elevation is really cool, not to forget the Inca trail (though crowded by tourists af) with all the temples where Machu Pichu is the final destination.

For me, one of the most beautiful places is the north of Sweden. The trail of Kungsleden that leads to our highest peak, Kebnekaise (2097m.a.s) and the national park of Sarek was very 'humbling' when I first went there. Btw, not my pics.


[Image: IMG_2860_optimized.jpg]

[Image: Stotta-Kungsleden.jpg]
04-28-2016 05:00 AM
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Atheistani Offline
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Post: #80
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
Kashmir valley in Northern India


   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   
(This post was last modified: 04-28-2016 11:24 AM by Atheistani.)
04-28-2016 11:23 AM
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Kona Offline
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Post: #81
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
(04-28-2016 01:34 AM)one-two Wrote:  
(07-07-2015 02:50 PM)Mojorisin808 Wrote:  Na pali coast, west-side of the island of Kauai, Hawaii.

Simply the most stunningly beautiful place I've ever been.

We took a catamaran along the whole west coast, and camped on the beach there for 3 days. Awesome!

I'm planning a trip there this summer. Got any tips for the Na Pali coast hike?

I got a few tips:

1) FOLLOW THE RULES! The DLNR Cops like their jobs. They are looking for anybody doing anything wrong, and they are hiding in the trees watching you. Here's the rules: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/camping-lodgi...tate-park/. Get the permit. Kauai is beautiful, but its jail sucks.

2) Watch out for homeless. Like all of Hawaii's parks, Napali Coast is over run with mainland transplants that have decided the park is their home. These people will rob you. If anyone at the camping area looks like they've been there more then a few days, stay away from them. There's all types of tricks with the permits these deadbeats do to remain in the park. I think one permit covers four people sometimes, so they just switch names. They are ALL on drugs.

3) There's naked people on the beaches. Especially Kalalau.

If you have any other questions about Kauai, let me know.

Aloha!
04-28-2016 09:55 PM
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Adonis Offline
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Post: #82
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
Ive had the good fortune to see many places around the world courtesy of our favorite benevolent uncle.

Ulcinj, Montenegro
Small town on a bay 45 min from Bar. Decent beach, great food, cool history, and crazy discos at night. Ended up with some Finnish nurses on holiday.
[attachment=31283]

Singapore
Been there at least a dozen times and always have a blast. Ive never seen such a confluence of the best parts of different cultures. Women, food, history, etc. Very clean, very expensive, friendly girls. Had easiest luck with expat girls from the Commonwealth.
[attachment=31284]

Hong Kong
Wow is all I can say. If Tokyo and New York banged and had a kid, it'd be HK. Absolutely crazy place 24/7.
[attachment=31285]

Australia
As a member of the US military, I enjoyed it very much. I preferred the smaller cities like Cairns to Sydney. I have very few pictures from there.

Alaska
Absolutely amazing place if you like the outdoors.
[attachment=31286]

King's Canyon National Park
I think it's better than Yosemite, especially the JMT portions.
[attachment=31287]

Italy
Italy is hot, dirty, expensive, and the people are cunts. But God damn the history is un-fucking-believable. To see the things I read about in an encyclopedia or saw on TV when I was a kid is unreal.
[attachment=31288]

My bucket remains: Switzerland, Patagonia, Beirut, Himalayas
04-29-2016 01:25 PM
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Vinny Offline
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Post: #83
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
There were two places that made me feel in awe. Places that have a special feel to them.
Special emotion which is only triggered in my conscience when I remember my travels there. (so thanks for making me relieve it again)

1. Subterranean River, Puerto Princessa, Palawan, Philippines
Underwater river that stretches kilometers into the landmass, with vast caves and and huge domes.
As you go deeper, it gets darker and darker. Sounds are echoing.
Oars splashing, droplets falling from the stalactites. Strange shape stalactites that make you see faces.
Millions of bats sleeping.
The best moment is when you come out of the cave, as if reborn too see the white sandy beaches and blue water again.
Truly amazing experience.
And yet it is easy, safe and cheap. I would be willing to pay more and work harder to see this world wonder.

   
   

2. Tara River Canyon, Montenegro.
Serbia and Montenegro are amazingly beautiful countries to travel.
I would highly recommend to rent a car and drive from Belgrade to Kotor bay while visiting all national parks on your way.
Tara river Canyon is one of the biggest in the world. 2nd largest so I've been told when I was there.
You get special feel when you get on top of the viewing point and see all this beauty below.
All is amazingly beautiful to the smallest detail, every square meter of ground is beautiful with flowers, grasses, small stones and leaves.
The place looks amazing and it is the best air I have ever breathed.

   

Did I forgot to mention that both Serbia and Philippines are amazing for meeting women?
(This post was last modified: 04-30-2016 03:46 AM by Vinny.)
04-30-2016 03:41 AM
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Post: #84
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
[Image: IMG_3962.jpg]

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04-30-2016 05:38 AM
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Selembao Offline
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Post: #85
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
Switzerland.

- Medieval towns and castles
- Snowy mountains
- Every single river or lake is safe to swim, and the water is always potable
- Adventure such as Kayaking, rafting, bungee jumping, wingsuit etc.
- No pollution
- Super efficient public transportation
- Small country, short distances (about the size of Maryland)
- World class museums
- Low crime
- Very easy to get around, perfect infrastructure

There is really so much to see, and every single village, no matter how remote its location, is connected to public transportation. Infrastructure in general is phantastic.


[Image: csm_Swiss_Image_sts3495_820ec33d1f.jpg]
Minusio at Lago Maggiore

[Image: csm_Swiss_Image_sts3536_b25b6d73f8.jpg]
Lake Hallwil

[Image: PI1684-hr.jpg]
Morcote

[Image: aletschgletscher_2_gr.jpg]
Aletsch Glacier

[Image: SetRatioSize12001200-AareschluchtBild-KW...-Renzo.jpg]
Aare Gorge

[Image: 1163260649.jpg]
Matterhorn

[Image: brienzer-rothorn-bahn.jpg]
Brienz Rothorn Bahn
04-30-2016 11:20 AM
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Post: #86
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
[Image: a_bern_view_by_erezmarom.jpg]
City of Berne

[Image: 8999515.jpg]
Verzasca Dam. James Bond Goldeneye location and great for bungee jumping

[Image: tr_schiff_so_xxxxxx_00293a1-1.jpg]
Lake Brienz

[Image: creux-du-van-830x554.jpg]
Creux du Van

[Image: Schloss-Chillon.jpg]
Chillon Castle

[Image: Zurich.jpg]
Zurich.

The best thing is, you can just skip the well known tourist hotspots and go off the beaten track, and there's still a great experience. There is so much to see and to do in this small country.
04-30-2016 11:22 AM
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Off The Reservation Away
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Post: #87
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
The Blue Ridge Parkway (photos from the net)

[Image: Blue-Ridge-Parkway.jpg]
[Image: Cowee-Overlook-Blue-Ridge-Parkway-NC.jpg]
[Image: BlueRidgeParkwaySTOCK6.jpg]
05-19-2016 11:45 PM
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GlobalMan Offline
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Post: #88
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
La Mesa, Colombia


[Image: 25zN6wN.jpg?1]

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(This post was last modified: 05-20-2016 01:56 AM by GlobalMan.)
05-20-2016 01:53 AM
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Post: #89
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
Bump. This thread needs to continue
10-15-2016 07:45 PM
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Santo Offline
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Post: #90
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
I was for more than 4 weeks in Albania and predominantly Albanian Areas in Balkans this summer.

I liked Albania a lot for specific reasons

- Lots of amazing National Parks and amazing mountains ( mostly in Northern Albania)
- Beautiful seaside and lots of hidden germs
- not crowded yet by millions of tourists even though i saw literally lots of Poles, Slovaks, Italians and Germans this summer there ( rasisng a lot the market of gamming girls)
- Cheap is most of things
- 4 UNESCO sites mostly in Southern Albania
- Lots of old castles, ancient cities
- Very Rich Christian ( especially Orthodox heritage) I was in like 8 very old Orthodox Churches Churches and Monasteries more than 800 years old
- The Capital Tirana even though it is not Vienna, it has lots of cultural attractive areas in terms of museums , art galleries , and it is dynamic, much more than Skopje or other Balkan capitals. Lots of good and very good Hotels, bars, open bars, pubs, night clubs, restaurants and near to the city you have the biggest Cable Car in Balkans in the National Djati Park.
- Tirana is full of hot Chicks, but Albania overall is not a good place to game, still conservative for western standards, some cities are not big enough and people are still a bit nationalistic.

- Safe and never had any problem.
- Good roads but the country needs to invest more in the railway upkeeping and big resorts of which some are going to get built this year.

I liked a lot the city of Gjakova in Kosovo and Ulqin in Montenegro which are both mostly Albanian cities and the Albanian Alps which stretch all over Western Kosovo, North Albania and southern Montenegro.


Anyways the places I liked the most

1. National Park of Theth in Northern Albania ( part of the Albanian Alps)

[Image: 53_big.jpg]
[Image: thethi.jpg]
[Image: 1241422-theth-3.jpg]


2. National Park of Valbona in Northern Albania ( Albanian Alps)

[Image: a63cd9e38964634741a5a3fe89055308_L.jpg]
[Image: 77_big.jpg]
[Image: IMG_5320.JPG]


The same highlands continue in southern Montenegro that belong to the same areal called '' Albanian Alps'' btw.

3. Highlands of Rugova in Western Kosovo ( Albanian Alps)

[Image: rug04.jpg]
[Image: 22-Rugova-Valley-Kosovo.jpg]

4. '' Blue Eye'' National Park in Southern Albania

[Image: Syri_i_kalter2.jpg]

[Image: 1444315675_1!!-!!blue-eye-spring-3.jpg]
10-16-2016 03:35 AM
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Santo Offline
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Post: #91
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
5. Vlora- Rradhim - Dhermi - Himara - Saranda seaside and Llogara National Park in southern Albania ( I recomend to visit all the places)

[Image: per-web_1a1e2a18ec69da234e76816c8d2b6c54.jpg]
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[Image: 9a3a86f184e3e4a649471dcd7451c965.jpg]
[Image: himare.jpg]
10-16-2016 03:36 AM
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Post: #92
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
7. Ksamil , Saranda in Southern Albania

[Image: KsamilSarande.jpg]
[Image: ksamil-hotels-saranda-albania-5.jpg]
[Image: bora%252520bora%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800]


8. Berat, Southern Albania ( in UNESCO)

[Image: alb120002.jpg]
[Image: 088-28-07-2009-castello-di-berati.jpg]
[Image: Favim.com-berati-albania-481404.jpg]
[Image: 15796199490_8b826b109b_b.jpg]



What can I say,n I liked all the places I went through and I am not mentioning all.

I recommend you to go in the Albanian city of Ulqin in Montenegro ( dont forget Budva of course), in Gjakova in western Kosovo ( lots of catholic Albanians there).

Ancient and Medieval UNESCO cities of Gjirokastra and Butrint were amazing as well, I liked a lot Gjirokastra and its stone houses and castles

( Special mentioning of the castle of Kruja where Albanian Princes fought the Ottomans for 40 years and probably saved the entire Europe in the 15th century , as the center of their state in those times)

[Image: gjirokaster-albania-2.jpg]
[Image: girocastro-Gjirokaster-crop.jpg]
[Image: 8fb9a47b2c05eb9d565e0b2e2f895703.jpg]

I think in 5 years Albania will be more or less like Croatia, especially since by 2017 3 huge luxury resorts are going to get built and it will lose it's flavor as a less crowded place.
10-16-2016 03:40 AM
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GringoSolo Offline
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Post: #93
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
Tigray, Ethiopia.

I'm a surfer and rarely go anywhere without a coastline with waves but this is still one of my favourite trips. Over 120 rock churches to explore, an ancient culture and great locals. If you're Christian or into Rasta history Ethiopia is a must.
10-21-2016 03:52 PM
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ElFlaco Away
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Post: #94
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
The American southwest is amazing. I love the desert. Here's Joshua Tree, only a three-hour drive from Los Angeles.

[Image: TxsW1Cx.png]
10-21-2016 04:05 PM
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Que enspastic Offline
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Post: #95
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
For best beach in the world, Cable Beach, Brooke, Western Australia. 18km long, no development other than a surf life saving club, golden sands and perfect sunsets.
10-21-2016 04:17 PM
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Sombro Offline
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Post: #96
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
Mt. Pilatus, Switzerland

[Image: 01_klimsenkapelle_seen_from_oberhaupt_pilatus.jpg]

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto (and adjacent cemetery)

[Image: Kiyomizu-dera_in_Kyoto-r.jpg]
[Image: photo-kiyomizu-dera-cemetery-22625.jpg]

Fort St. Catherine, Bermuda
[Image: fort-st-catherine-bermuda-7-wonders.png]
10-23-2016 05:49 PM
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Post: #97
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
The Lost Sea, Tennessee
[Image: 5857214544_038e4ca844.jpg]
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10-23-2016 06:02 PM
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Post: #98
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
Spain is a beautiful country. Cruising the Balearic Islands allows to find some gems in this popular tourist destination.

Cabrera Island was used to house French prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars. Of 9,000 sent to Cabrera, only 3,600 survived.

[Image: luxury-yacht-charter-isla-de-cabrera-02.jpg]


Mallorca Island is the location of some scene of the movie Cloud Atlas
[Image: coastline--a.jpg]

Hundreds of prehistoric man-made caves In Calas Coves, Menorca Island:
[Image: 110718-menorca-1067-calas-coves.jpg]


Formentera is not the most beautiful island of the archipelago, but is a laid back island.
[Image: formentera.jpg]


Espalmador Island is close to the town of Ibiza. Lot of boats with hot girls on them.
[Image: &NCS_modified=20160623144756&...139999.jpg]


Everybody knows Ibiza:
[Image: Walking-Ibiza-Ibiza-essentialibiza-2011_23.jpg]
01-23-2017 05:13 PM
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Post: #99
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
Epic Thread. Surprised Victoria Falls hasn't been mentioned yet.

Here is some pics I took years ago... and this was with a pretty basic camera.

[Image: 15964_213616311263_730916263_4093387_4533240_n.jpg]

The Moroe pyrimids in Sudanese Sahara were incredible too. Camped out in the desert and head the place completely to ourselves.

[Image: n730916263_1144753_9615.jpg]

I also second Antarctica. Most amazing trip of my life.

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01-26-2017 04:25 PM
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Jagnum Offline
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Post: #100
RE: Places Around the World that Blew Your Mind (Raw Beauty, Adventure, Culture)?
Great posts guys.

Really giving me ideas to add to my list.

Nobody mentioned it here yet, so I'm going to add it to the thread.

When people always ask me,

"Where's your favorite place you have traveled?"

The answer I give without hesitation

"Tibet."

I was in China for a month many years ago, and had a 7-day trip to Tibet booked, after hitting up Yunnan province, which some of you guys already mentioned earlier.

Yunnan was cool, don't get me wrong, but Tibet blew it out of the water.

An incredible, traditional, preserved culture despite the Chinese annexation in the early 1950s, the exile of about hundred thousand Tibetans, and the destruction of many cultural monuments.

Despite it all, Tibetans, those in Tibet, are arguably the most generous, proud, religiously devoted, and joyful people I've interacted with anywhere in the world.


[Image: zapHCHBl.jpg]

[Image: o2F6ajQl.jpg]

[Image: Hirn5iUl.jpg?1]


I was also blow away by the Potala Palace, the traditional Winter Home of the Dalai Lama.

I had seen plenty of tall buildings before, but I'd never seen a building so wide as this one. It's size is hard to fathom until you see it with your own eyes.


[Image: 0XiqsHTl.jpg]


Lhasa the capital, is 12,000 feet high, so it's above the tree line. The starkness of the place is apparent when you can't see any trees because the vistas are magnificent.

The city is bounded by these enormous light brown hills, which make it all the more stark.

You're only allowed to visit Tibet if you go through a tour company (all Chinese-owned), but usually staffed with a local Tibetan guide who speaks English. We had a great guide, and spent most of our trip visiting monasteries and other parts.

Some of my most memorable moments from the trip to China were in Tibet.

We went to three cities as part of the tour, but Lhasa was the most interesting of the bunch. But the drives between the cities we stopped at scenic locations, some as high as 16,000 feet.

The clearest, bluest water I've ever seen in my life was in Tibet. Not to mention, we got to stop by a glacier runoff and drink the water out of a stream from a glacier.

As for food, I'm not sure it was all that memorable, but they have this thing in Tibet called "Yak butter tea". It's the richest drink I've ever had, with only the homemade mulberry "raki", a type of hard liquor, from an Albanian gypsy woman a close second. Yak butter tea is a rich, thick, creamy drink that's very nutritious and satisfying.

[Image: 3MaAFGDl.jpg]

[Image: wHhvz8Pl.jpg]

[Image: xJIMlW5l.jpg]

That last photo we were standing at 17,000 feet.

Tibet is massive. There are mountains in the west of Tibet that we didn't have a chance to see, it would take a day or more to get to, or even those in the South, Mt. Everest being the best known one, which is accessible from Shigatse, although still a couple hour drive.

There is enormous beauty in the people and the landscape there. You will not regret it. Just don't forget to take Diamox beforehand. It worked wonders, we had no problems with the altitude at all.

7 days lets you see only a small fraction of it, but well worth it for the traveling man.

(07-13-2015 04:02 AM)Suits Wrote:  If you're serious about self improvement and make real effort, this forum will always have your back.
01-29-2017 12:30 AM
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