We drove westward from Darchen and entered the Lha Chu valley and stopped at the prayer-flag festooned Tarboche (4750m) pole. The pole is replaced each year at the major festival of Saga Dawa, marking the enlightenment of Shakyamuni. If the pole stands absolutely vertical all is well, but if it leans towards Kailash things are not good, if it leans away, things are even worse. Although we started our trek from Tarboche, you can drive to the Chuku bridge.