Day 19: Lhasa - Flight with KLM Chengdú - Amsterdam - Barcelona (Best photos of Tibet)
It's 3:45 in the morning when the alarm sounds, after dreaming of the best photos of Tibet We have been fortunate to be able to enjoy these days and begin what will be the last day of this trip to Tibet and the day we will fly from Lhasa to Chengdu and then to Amsterdam and Barcelona with KLM.
We have to say that it was not an easy task to find a flight "direct", with the same airline or group, that would take us from Tibet to Barcelona, linking with some European city, even if it was making transit in some Chinese city. This combination in the end we found it with KLM, something that has allowed us to gain a lot of time , besides being much more comfortable, since we have the security of flying with the same group and with very tight schedules, something that has given to enjoy this trip to Tibet until the last moment.
The journey from the Tashitakge Hotel Lhasa to the airport is 60 kilometers which we do in just over 1 hour, practically without traffic, at this time of the morning.
The Sichuan Airlines counters open a couple of hours before the flight, which is at 9 in the morning, so we have to wait a bit and after saying goodbye to Tre who stays in the car, we go with Pasang to the check-in counter To leave everything in order.
With the tickets and the checkin already done, and our billed backpacks, we say goodbye to Pasang and go straight to the A3 gate from which our flight will depart in an hour.
The truth is that at this time we can only thank the great professionalism and closeness of both Pasang and Tre, who have made traveling to Tibet one of the most incredible trips we have made to date. Not only for the destination itself, but for being able to share it with them, who have been the best hosts we could have had.
Being the time it is and without having been able to have breakfast since we have left very early, we cannot avoid entering a cafeteria to have a couple of coffees for 120RMB ... more expensive than a dinner, but that bring us back to life on the first drink .
And so, reviewing this incredible journey, the best photos of Tibet who return with us and the many anecdotes that we have lived, it is time to embark, on time, on a first flight that will take us to Chengdu.
Lhasa Airport
We have to say that yesterday, when we tried to check in with Sichuan Airlines, we had a small problem, which solved KLM's 24-hour service with professionalism and speed, which undoubtedly made us trust them even more than We did it.
As soon as we took off, we began to fly over Tibet enjoying an experience as incredible and unforgettable as the trip itself. And it is impressive to see on such a clear day the views of the mountains and the Himalayas on the horizon and under the plane ...
Flying over Tibet
It is 11 in the morning when punctual, we landed in Chengdu for when it is 11.30 to be already waiting to pick up the backpacks to re-invoice them, since from Lhasa it is not allowed to do international billing.
Our flight has reached the T1 of Chengdu and the flight to Amsterdam from KLM also leaves the T1, so the process is quite simple and fast, although we will not deny that we are looking forward to finally face each other with KLM and a western system, which differs so much from the Chinese.
Collection of backpacks in Chengdu
With the backpacks already with us, we go up to the second floor and right in front of you we find the KLM counters where thanks to the online ckeckin, that great invention, we can skip a huge queue, putting ourselves directly at the counter "baggage drop OFF"where in less than 5 minutes we have all the paperwork done and we are already heading to the boarding gates.
Luggage delivery at the KLM counter
But first we have to pass the passport control and security control, which we have to confess, nothing becomes heavy, when it is 12:30 already at the door where KLM will take us home.
Terminal 1 Chengdu
KLM flight from Chengdu to Amsterdam
After boarding so fast, we hardly realize it and we have to say it is very much appreciated, especially when compared to other airlines where the boarding becomes eternal and the access procedures are endless.
KLM flight from Chengdu to Amsterdam
For this 10-hour flight, which will take us from Chengdu to Amsterdam, we fly on the KLM Economy Comfort class, something that we are not going to deny, is appreciated and much more in a long flight like this.
Economy Class Comfort KLM
Economy Class Comfort KLM
We have to confess, that after the experience, we have thought a lot about this subject. On many occasions, if not all, we do not consider doing this upgrade And the truth is that for the price difference, it is worth and very worthwhile, especially if we take into account the extras offered by this category:
- Reclining the seats twice as usual.
- More space between seats.
For us, especially on a long flight, that seats recline to the fullest and have more legroom, is something we value and a lot.
Economy Class Comfort KLM
In addition to the extras that the KLM Economy Comfort class has, this airline has many other details that make us opt for it on all the trips we can.
- Something very important for us is punctuality, especially on flights where we have some traffic. In this case, KLM is among the first in the world, something we value and much.
- Have usb and laptop plugs in the seats.
- Onboard entertainment with latest releases, including the relax option, perfect for enjoying the most peaceful flight.
Economy Class Comfort KLM
- Super professional attention in all aspects.
- And something that has caught our attention: the crew is, for the most part, over 50, something that gives us a lot of confidence and also makes us think that KLM is a company that takes care of its workers.
- And in addition to all the above, to our surprise, we have Wi-Fi available. What more could you want?
Economy Class Comfort KLM
And so, when it's 14:35 o'clock, our KLM flight rises over the skies of China to return us home on a flight of almost 10 hours, which we have to say between comfort, entertainment and Wi-Fi, For the first time, we would not have cared that it would have lasted twice as long.
Economy Class Comfort KLM
Punctually we landed in Amsterdam, when it is 7 in the morning, after passing the security checks and passports, and above all take a good shot of reality, which with cultural change, which is very noticeable, when it is 8 o'clock In the morning we are at the boarding gate from where the flight from Amsterdam to Barcelona will take off.
Flight Amsterdam-Barcelona with KLM
While we wait for our turn to board, we cannot fail to comment on modernity, professionalism and at the same time the great efficiency of the services that Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has. I wish everyone had it as an example.
Punctual again, when it is 8:35 in the morning, our last flight of the day takes off, the one that will take us from Amsterdam to Barcelona and with which we will finish this incredible trip to Tibet.
Sunrise with KLM
While we travel these last kilometers until we get home, lying in our seat, while enjoying a sandwich and coffee, which at this time bring us back to life, we can not stop reviewing those that have been for us, the best photos of Tibet.
Best photos of Tibet
Shanghai
Although this trip is centered in Tibet, we cannot forget Shanghai, a city that although it was not precisely our main objective, has pleasantly surprised us.
To travel to Tibet by train, making the full 48-hour tour, we had the possibility to go from Beijing or Shanghai. In our case, that we already knew Beijing from the trip to China for free that we did a couple of years ago, we preferred to opt for Shanghai, so that we could also know the city for a few days, which would serve us as a start to this incredible trip.
Shanghai in one day
Train of the Clouds
If there was something we had in mind for years, in addition to wanting to travel to Tibet, it was to arrive with the train from Shanghai to Lhasa, one of the most beautiful train routes in the world. After the experience, we can only recommend it.
Train from Shanghai to Lhasa
Lhasa
What to say about one of the most incredible cities in the world. Although initially we always think of the Potala Palace when we think of it, we have to say that Lhasa is much more than that.
We know that it may not be easy, but if you can, do not forget to dedicate 5 or 6 days to the city, we are sure you will not regret it.
Potala's palace
Namtso Lake
In addition to the visits we made to the surroundings of Lhasa, such as the Sera Monastery or the Drepung Monastery, another one of the day visits that you cannot miss is Lake Namtso, one of the most impressive natural enclaves we have ever seen.
Namtso Lake in Tibet
Yungbulakang Palace
As soon as we started the route through Tibet by car we found one of the most incredible places we could expect: Yungbulakang Palace.
Yungbulakang Palace
Samye Monastery
Touring Tibet with a guide in Spanish, as has been our case with The China Guide, we have to say that it has been a privilege, not only for the explanations of all the places we have visited, but for all the conversations we have had , especially in some of the long days by car, such as the one that took us to Samye Monastery, one of the most incredible in Tibet.
Samye Monastery
Tashilumpho Monastery
There is no doubt that there are thousands of places to see in Tibet, many of them so far away, that in general they do not enter within the tourist routes, although there are others, such as the Tashilumpho Monastery in Shigatse, which we recommend not to get lost for anything in the world .
Tashilumpho Monastery
Sakya Monastery
Sakya Monastery is one of the places you cannot miss if you are on your way to Everest Base Camp. This is one of the least visited monasteries due to its location. We advise you not to miss a little off the road to enjoy one of the most beautiful places in Tibet.
Sakya Monastery
Sunrise at Everest Base Camp
If you are looking for an incredible and unbeatable end to any trip to Tibet, we are sure that a Sunrise at Everest Base Camp will not disappoint you.
Although it is not easy to reach, nor fast, not even cheap, we assure you that it is one of the most magical places in the world. One of those who do not forget. The best ending that could be written for any trip through Tibet.
Amazing sunrise at Everest Base Camp
“Go to Tibet and visit many places, as many as you can. Then tell the world ” His Holiness the Dalai Lama
* We have made this trip to Tibet by maintaining a collaboration with The China Guide, KLM and Mondo. This has not influenced the opinions throughout the guide, which are all a summary of our experience and feelings during this incredible journey.
