Chendu to Palpung monastery

If setting out from Chengdu before noon, one could stay overnight at Kangting or Daofu. A standard suite of a nice hotel will cost no more than $180 RMB. On the second day, one can stop over at Garze for a night since it takes a whole day to get to Derge. The journey between Garzi and Derge is a comfortable ride except a lap of two-hour macadam. From the highest point of Queershan mountain, which is six thousand meters above sea level, to Derge, the descending pass becomes narrow and cliffy. During rainy seasons of May and June or snowing seasons of fall and winter, the mountain pass can be sealed or one-way only from time to time. It is strongly suggested to check at Garze before entering this area.

One more thing to mention is that the altitude from Kangting is getting higher and higher; before reaching the acme of Queershan Mountain, there are two peaks with an altitude of over three thousand meters above sea level. For those with altitude illness, it is very likely to fall ill on the road. It is recommended not to rush but rest as much as possible.

Palpung monastery is on the way from Derge to Palyul, the birthplace of the present Kenting Tai Situpa, it is not a really long route but could probably take four to five hours to travel since the route is off the main road and into the mountain area; in this backcountry mountain area, mudflows and landslides strike often and this makes the journey very bumpy and time consuming. Under these circumstances, it would be better to stay one night in Derge to have the transportation be ready before traveling to Palpung monastery.

Despite the trip is a long way to go, the non-stop beautiful scenery throughout the journey makes it worthwhile; a section deserved to be mentioned is the area from Xienduchiao to Daofu where was once described an absolutely heavenly land in the eyes' of Photographers. Here you can see magnificent views of rolling round gradual chain of mountains that is full of horizontal prayer flags, broad tranquil valleys and a vast field called ''Ta Gueng Campo''. During the mid October, when both sides of the road filled with splendid pure gold leaves trees, you may begin to wonder if you place yourself in a picture.

Transportation

There are quite a few runs of scheduled buses either from Chendu or Kangting to Chang-du, relevant traveling information for room and board will be supplemented in the future. For a jeep renting, it will cost from RMB$600 to $800 per day; on top of that, travelers need to take care of driver's mess and an additional RMB$50 allowance for driver's accommodation. You can also check with the local hotels for quotations of transportation cost. On the return trip, you can catch the local jeep or car from Derge to Chendu or Shuang Liou where the airport is located.

From Palpung monastery to Derge

There is neither electricity nor telephone in the Palpung monastery (it is said the facilities will be equipped in the end of 2007). Only two working trucks are available but no private-owned conveyance in the monastery. If one doesn't travel by jeep, it is necessary to request for a favor from the monastery to arrange for a ride from Derge or make an appointment with a driver on your own in advance.

Some travelers reminders

	Telephone facilities: In the neighbors of most cities and towns, China Mobile service is accessible.
	The temperature differences are substantial between day and night; it is important to keep warm. To prevent from getting cold during the windy days, it is recommended to bring earflap.
	It is highly recommended to wear mountaineering boots and outfits of waterproof windbreaker.
	In the area of Derge and Palpung monastery almost only Tibetan was spoken; therefore interpreters or tour guides should be arranged in advance.
	Piped water facility is not available in the monastery therefore it is impossible to have a shower or a bath; at the same time meal can only be provided by the monastery or local guesthouses; meal of choices including noodle, yak jerk, porridge, roasted barley flour, milk tea or buttered tea only.
	For those foreigners who wish to visit Xizang Autonomous Region, one must first apply for an approval to enter Xizang Autonomous Region.
	Every year from July to October, those monks who perform rituals normally do not stay in the monastery so if you wish to attend or participate any ritual or celebrating ceremony, please do so in the period from November to June.

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