Urumqi 5.10.13 to Heaven's Lake and to Kashgar

Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.  With the opening of the Silk Route, Urumqi became a junction for cultural exchange between east and west.  Today it is an interesting insight into communist architecture.
Today we went up to the Heaven's Lake high in the Celestial Mountains.  First an hour in the bus to the foot of the Tian Shan mountains, then another hour in a shuttle bus to the lake up an incredibly steep narrow road.  We walked on up the hill to the lake which is at 2000 metres.  The lake is nestled in amongst the mountains with the highest peak, Bogda Peak,  5445 metres, in the background.  The deep blue lake is framed by fir trees and mountains and is very picturesque.  Judy, John, Bill and I, had a picnic lunch on a grassy knoll overlooking the lake and that was a most pleasant interlude.  We wandered further uphill and around the lake to take photos.  The scenery is very traditionally Chinese.  Repeated the bus trip in reverse then went to the airport to catch a plane to Kashgar.  We arrived at 10pm and were met by Abdul, our guide for this last section in China.  A nice hotel and bed about midnight. 

Bill at Heaven's Lake, Celestial Mountains

In the Celestial Mountains

Bill and Jenny

Judy and John

Heaven's Lake