Wal Footrot and the Guge Kingdom

Further into Western Tibet from Mt Kailash (and over another breathtaking pass) lies the ruins of the Guge Kingdom. Rarely visited by foreigners (only 10 visited the day we were there) due to the required permits (the area is especially sensitive given its proximity to the Indian border) and atrocious roads with perilous drops (thankfully only one tyre had to be changed on the 5 hour 150km drive and 3 Chinese checkpoints cleared (despite being lippy Michaela wasn't detained at the one above)) the area is reminiscent of the Grand Canyon with the ruins of Petra tucked away in the cliffs.

Feeling a bit like kiwi versions of Indiana Jones we explored the ruins which are separated into 3 levels and are connected either by exposed pathways or tunnels which could be blocked in the event of attack.

At the top of the complex sits the summer palace where the King and his household lived. The only access up is via a steep tunnel. In winter the royal household would retire to their winter palace - a short climb down into the hillside through another tunnel to 12 rooms/caves that had been hollowed out (clearly the idea of visitor safety is not high on the agenda of the authorities as at the bottom of the steep tunnel into the winter palace there is a large hole with a vertical drop to the valley floor below).

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