Tues 02 / 11

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Tue 02 / 11 Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou

Cup Day was to be an interesting day as were travelled into the high altitude of Jiuzhaigou (Joo-si-go)

With a wake up call at 06:00 it was breakfast pack and go by 8:00 to catch a 10:15 flight

Chengdu is a very busy place with interesetions the size of the MCG.

Arriving at the terminal at 09:15 it was obvious this would be an interesting day as the two earlier flights to Jiuzhaigou were delayed and still awaiting departure

During our patient wait decks of cards were available to pass the time and at 12:00 noon a hot lunch was provided

Eventually boarding the plane at 14:00 we landed at the highest airport in China, 3564m above sea level, at around 2:35 with light snow falling

The airport here sits on the top of a mountain with tall adjacent snow capped mountains giving a feeling of Wow

With the 4 hour delay we headed by bus directly 171 kn up he straight to Huanglong National Park high in the hills at 4100 m above sea level

Unable to rush due to the thin atmosphere and lack of oxygen we strolled for a couple of hours through the magnificently beautiful snow forest

Rebecca picked up a couple of locals wanting a lift and so we assisted

With the late walk we travelled by bus in darkness down the narrow winding road as snow fell towards our accommodation - normally 2 1/2 hours away

As was typical this day our trip down was further delayed as a truck head-on into a tourist coach (similar to our own) had blocked the roadway. After a very cold 1+ hour wait we were on our way

Arriving at the hotel at around 20:00 dinner was provided (out of hours) with much appreciation

We eventually booked into our rooms around 20:45

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