A couple of days at Khao Yai.

Sunflower Field

Khao Yai is about 3 hours drive from Bangkok but we were there at the end of 2017 so the highway was bumper to bumper with city folks retiring to the outskirts for the year-end holiday. It was interesting to see these folks returning to their homes with mattresses, furniture and electrical appliances. A family of three was sleeping on a mattress at the back of a dingy truck. At petrol kiosks along the way, mini bazaars offering street food tempt the palette.

Unfortunately, the Hobbit Hole wasn't in the itinerary. Perhaps another time. 

The Bloom - floral center.

Primo Piazza - alpaca

Farm Chok Chai

Farm Chok Chai

Farm Chok Chai

Secret Art Garden

The Bloom

Back to Chengdu

We traveled from Chengdu to Hailuogou on a tarred highway which required many more hours to reach Tibet. Along this stretch of the highway, Tibetan influence on the architecture, designs and diet prevailed. There were no decent washrooms (those we were accustomed to) on this stretch. An accident along the highway put our bladder through much inconvenience so we were obliged to step into their version of a washroom.

Broad and Narrow street at Chengdu (formerly an elite Manchurian residential zone)

Calling that "an appalling experience" is an under-statement. The washroom was accessed through an open passage with no doors. It consisted of three adjoining open cubicles separated by a 3 feet high wall. An open latrine on the floor collected your toxic liquids which flowed out to obscurity. No sign of a water flushing system and no sink to clean your dirty little fingers. Outside the washroom is a common bucket containing water collected from a nearby spring.

Traffic was at a standstill due to the accident. Out of the clear blue, men and women appeared with grilled corn, held by grubby fingers. These were pushed through the windows of the vehicle and offered for sale.

Returning to Chengdu was a better  experience. This time, we traveled through a newer highway with better facilities. We detoured towards a state-run outlet selling Tibetan cordyceps, saffron, wolf-berries, silver, jades and all other product. Looking back, I wouldn't mind a second trip to Hailuogou some time in the indeterminable future. There is more to see than meets the eye if only time permitted. The Bus Shuttle Service made many stops along the way to pick up or drop hikers who trudge through the paths in the woods to arrive at the various scenic locations. It should be a good plan to put up at the hotel near the Cable Car Station for a week or more to explore the area at leisure.

Culture Exhibition at the Broad & Narrow Street (Tourism Promotion)

We only explored about 20% of Hailuogou. If I live long enough and stayed fit enough, I might return. By then, I hope not to see any more open latrines in open cubicles with walls so low you are obliged to gaze at the exposed derriere of the occupant in front.

Dessert served after lunch consisting of local Chengdu snacks.

The Glazier Mountain

The air was so thin that it was barely detectable. I was a cozy little bundle so the cold was bearable. Breathing was a problem.

A lady in her forties near the cable car exit had breathing complications. Luckily for her, a nurse complete with oxygen canisters rushed to her aid.

Climbing up and down the wooden stairs to the various viewing deck left me breathless. I started to loosen my garment but it did not help. Someone suggested that I held my breath a little longer to retain the oxygen and that helped some. Or maybe it was the supplements we took which helped.

The view was spectacular.

Lunch was not.

Back to the Cable Car Station below where lunch was served at a restaurant next to a quaint little hotel.

The Cable Car Service

Wash Rooms and Souvenir Kiosks.

The draping whites are food for the monkeys

Up the winding long and narrow.

A group of local tourists gasped when they saw the peak.

Preparing for Hailuogou

It was something like 4°C on the morning where we gathered for the ride to the Glazier Mountain. (Hailuogou) The tour guide (Jason) came prepared with oxygen canisters. The glazier mountain was at some 3000+ m above sea level so altitude sickness was a concern.

Hotel at Moxi Town

A supplement (picture below) were distributed to us last night. We were instructed to drink two little vials before every meal. These supplements enhances the absorption and retention of oxygen in our blood.

Off we went to the Bus Shuttle Service at the foot of the Glazier Mountain. (Gongga Mountain, maybe) The shuttle service took us up a narrow winding road towards the Cable Car Station. They were the only vehicle allowed on this stretch.

Poor dear looking forlorn and lost.