Entering Shika Snow Mountain 石卡雪山

I found the driver of the van from the previous day. He seemed to be a nice old man who was just looking for guests to bring around. The ladies from yesterday seems to be pleased with his services, instead I opted for the public bus service, though joining them was a tempting option. There were a few touts for van services at the entrance of the town, it seems that they are forbidden to tout inside, which is good. Anyway, I confirmed to the driver that I wanted to go to Shika Snow Mountain and anything along the way. Unfortunately, he was busy that day, and instead forwarded me to his son. The son, like the father, was also ethnic Tibetan and he also has his own van. It was quite brand new and he confirmed it himself. The son was young and eager to bring me around, though he did seem to have a little difficulty speaking Mandarin, either that, or it was totally my fault for not understanding him. All too often I would have to ask him to repeat something he said several times as I didn’t catch what he was saying, maybe it was his thick Tibetan accent which made it difficult for me to understand him, but no matter, as long as he can understand me somewhat I will be okay with, I think.

I was surprised to know that Shika Snow Mountain was just outside of Shangrila town. There was a tall mountain nearby and it seems that it was much taller than I thought it would be. The road to the Shika Snow Mountain was lined with Mani stone and wooden racks which was a nice but creepy touch. I asked why they were there but it seems that it was only there for decorative purposes, or maybe he didn’t understand me. At the foot of the mountain was naturally the visitors center which was where he dropped me off. There was a large parking area in front and he left the vehicle there, it seems he would be joining me in entering the mountain. I would later learn that he, as a resident, has free access to the mountain, visitors have to pay to go up. The visitors center has a nice Tibetan touch to it with the entrance lined with prayer wheels. I love going up mountains, the easy way, and I am looking forward to the splendid views from the top.

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