Today I woke fresh and well. I cycled up the Gata Loops (21 hairpin bends) and over the Nakeela Pass. The top of the next pass was in view. It was early and so I pushed on. My first 5000+m pass and oodles of amazing views.
The view down from Lachung La
My theory about my sickness yesterday is that my water filter contains evil bacteria. I ate almost nothing and what I did eat went straight through me. My body couldn’t get any protein to make new haemoglobin, hence the new round of altitude sickness. I’m now well fed, and free of gastro, and no headache at all. All ready to attack the double pass of Nakeela and Lachung La.
The road followed the river, with one stunning view being replaced by the next around every corner.
Leaving Sarchu
Road from Sarchu
Road from Sarchu
The Gata Loops at the start of the Nakeela Pass saw a few traffic jams as the road is only wide enough for one car.
Climbing the Gata Loops
Finally I passed the Nakeela Pass, only to see the pitiful Whisky Nalah straddling a dry creek bed just below.
Nakeela La
The disappointment of Whiskey Nala with Lachung La in the background
I couldn’t stay here, and there was time, so I climbed the Lachung La and descended an extremely beautiful but bumpy road into Pang.
Lachung La
View down from Lachung La
Towards Pang
Towards Pang
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