Beautiful trek running through the valleys and mountains of Central Tibet. We will spend the first 3 days in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. We will visit the most important landmarks of the capital, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and two main monasteries – Sera and Drepung. Staying in Lhasa at an altitude of 3600 meters will allow you to acclimatize before we head towards the Tsurphu Monastery.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrive in Lhasa by plane or by train
You arrive at the Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the train station. The airport is 62 km/ 39 miles away from the city, and it takes approximately one hour to get to the hotel from there. On the way to Lhasa, you will enjoy beautiful views of mountains. The train station is located in Lhasa, and you will only need a short transfer to the hotel.
Depending on the time of your arrival, you might have some free time to spend in Lhasa. Our guides will be happy to advise you on what you can do with your time in Lhasa. Remember, that Lhasa is located at 3,650 meters/ 12,000 ft above sea level and you will need some time to acclimatize.
After you check in the hotel, you are welcome to explore the city, visit nearby temples, do some shopping, try delicious Tibetan food in one of the local restaurants, or just take a rest.
Walking around Barkhor Street can be an excellent choice for your first day in Lhasa. You will join crowds of pilgrims, local Tibetans, and monks circumambulating the Jokhang Temple.
Most importantly, on your first day in Tibet, be sure to relax, enjoy your day and allow some time for acclimatizing. It is essential to acclimatize to the high altitude of Tibet to prepare for the upcoming trek.
Day 2 Lhasa Sightseeing: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (Walking Tour)
This tour visits the two most important religious sites in Tibet.
The Potala Palace was the seat of the Dalai Lamas since the 17th century. First, the guide will take you to the Chak Pori Hill to take photos of the majestic Palace. We will then go inside and spend approximately 1.5 – 2 hours there. While there, you will see many of its most famous artifacts.
There will be free time for lunch after visiting the Potala Palace.
Time permitting, you can walk around the Potala Palace and join many of the local Tibetans.
Next, we will walk towards the Jokhang Temple. It was built in the 7th century to display the Jowo Shakyamuni Statue – the statue of the 12-year-old Buddha before his enlightenment. The statue was created at the time when the historical Buddha lived. It is elaborately decorated with gold, jewels, and precious stones.
After visiting the temple, we recommend taking a walk around Barkhor Street.
Day 3 – Lhasa Sightseeing: Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery
We are visiting the two most important monasteries in the capital.
We will first visit Drepung Monastery, which once was the largest monastery in the world with over 10,000 monks living there. It was the residence of Dalai Lamas before the Potala Palace was built.
There will be free time for lunch after the Drepung Monastery.
In the afternoon we are visiting Sera Monastery. It was founded by Tsongkhapa’s disciple in the 15th century. Nowadays it is famous for monks debate that you can witness. Debates are a very important part of learning and understanding Buddhism. Monks gather in the courtyard in the shade of the trees to refine their knowledge.
In the evening you will have some time to pack for our trek and prepare everything you might need.
Day 4 – Driving from Lhasa to Tsurphu Monastery.
It takes about two hours to drive from Lhasa to Tsurphu monastery. The road to monastery is very beautiful going through the green valleys, along mountain river passing by numerous Tibetan camping tents.
We will set up our tents on the bank of the river, at the bottom of the valley.
In the afternoon we will visit Tsurpu monastery. The monastery was well reconstructed after the severe damage. We will spend time visiting chapels of Tsurpu.
Day 5 – From Tsurphu Monastery to Leten (11km, 4 hours)
In the morning we will start our trekking adventure by walking up the green valley to the West from Tsurpu. The path will take us along rapid mountain streams. In this area we might meet herds of wild blue sheep. On the valley we will see mani stones (stones with carved mantras) piled into some wall-like arrangements. After passing by these mani stones, it will be a short walk to the nomadic settlement. We will set up our tents in a quite area below Leten.
Day 6 – Leten to Bartso (15km,5 hours)
Today we continue walking from Leten towards Lasar-la pass at 5300 meters above the sea level. We will see the Dham chen Nyingtri peak with cairns and prayer flags. The train up to the pass is widening. After we reach the Lasar-la pass, we will walk down the steep train towards Yangpachen valley. On the clear day we will get an incredible view on the holy Nyenchen Tanglha mountain range. The mountain is so high that it is covered by a snow cap even during summer months.
We will stay in a camp by the Bartso village
Day 7 – From Bartso to Dorje Ling Nunnery (15km,4 hours)
Today we continue our journey towards Dorje ling nunnery. First, we will pass Tajung village. After the village, we will cross a vast meadow where we often see grazing wild animals. Nyenchen Tanglha range can sometimes be visible in the distance. We will descent and reach Dorje Ling nunnery.
Day 8 Dorje Ling Nunnery / Yangpachen Monastery / Lhasa (14km, 4hours)
Fill up your water bottle with a stream which rotates the mani wheel. Follow Nyangpo-Chu which drains into Yangpachen valley. After over 3 hours you will reach Yangpachen hot spring, you can have a bath there. Drive back to Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 9 – Lhasa to Airport/Train station
Please prepare in advance for your departure. It takes approximately one hour to drive to the airport and around thirty minutes to reach the train station. We will arrive at the airport three hours before your departure flight if you are traveling to Nepal and two hours before any domestic flight.
INCLUDED IN TOUR
The tour package includes:
- All necessary Travel Permits to travel in Tibet
- All accommodations in hotels and guesthouses when staying in cities/towns/villages
- Breakfast when staying in hotels
- All meals during the trek
- Pack animals during the trek
- Cook during the trek
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Tents during the trek: two persons per tent
- Mattress
- Ground transportation in a clean and comfortable vehicle
- English speaking Tibetan guide
- All entrance fees, tickets to the attraction sites and monasteries outlined in the itinerary
- First Aid Kit
- Oxygen supply
- Camping equipment: stove, gasoline for the stove, cooking pots and utensils
Not included in a tour package:
- Passport and Chinese visa fees
- International airfare to and from China or Nepal
- Photography fees inside monasteries (where available)
- Flight or train tickets to Tibet
- Lunch and dinner in the cities and all meals outside of the cities when not trekking
- Travel insurance
- Medical expenses
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks and porters
- Sleeping bag
- Personal expenses: laundry, shopping, phone calls, etc.
OUR CLIENTS ABOUT US
A wonderful journey
Our trip was nothing short of magical — breathtaking landscapes, deeply spiritual monasteries, and the warmest, kindest people I’ve ever met. From the turquoise beauty of Yamdrok Lake to the sacred peaks and peaceful valleys, every day was filled with awe and meaning. A heartfelt thank you to Tashi, our outstanding guide. His deep knowledge… Read more “A wonderful journey”
Незабываемое путешествие по Тибету
Только вернулись из путешествия по Тибету, было невероятно! Огромная благодарность организатору поездки Гяльтсену, и нашему гиду Дорджи. Настолько внимательные к деталям и заботливые люди! В таком непростом путешествии, как Тибет и Эверест, очень важно быть именно с местной компанией, которые в момент решают все вопросы. Начиная от получения оригинала разрешения на посещение Тибета (получали в… Read more “Незабываемое путешествие по Тибету”
Excellent!
I would like to say thank you to the agency and our tour guide Dorrji. Everything was great from the beginning to the end. The agency went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable, helped us create good itinerary and provided with all the instructions during the trip. Agency also provided oxygen and local… Read more “Excellent!”
Excellent experience!
I would like to say thank you to the agency and our tour guide Dorrji. Everything was great from the beginning to the end. The agency went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable, helped us create good itinerary and provided with all the instructions during the trip. Agency also provided oxygen and local… Read more “Excellent experience!”
The best guide, we have ever met – thank you Gyaltsen very much!!!
August 2018 – It was wonderful trip to Tibet. Our friendly guide, Gyaltsen, has told us a lot about religion and culture of this amazing country! He has also made our journey very comfortable, since everything was very well planned. He told us about Tibetan traditional medicine preventing altitude sickness – we could sleep well… Read more “The best guide, we have ever met – thank you Gyaltsen very much!!!”
Private 16-Day Trip in Tibet
I had a fulfilling & satisfying 16-day trip in Tibet with my ever so attentive tour guide & driver. My fears and uncertainties were allayed as I began my travels with them. It had been such an enjoyable pilgrimage that I looked forward to travel with them soon; real soon. Terry Singapore
A perfect trip
Our trip to Tibet in April 2015 exceeded our expectations on every level, the whole experience was nothing short of magical. In April 2015 we joined a 7 day tour in Tibet. Far and away, the highlight of our trip was our local guide, Gyaltsen.So fantastic that we felt like he became part of our… Read more “A perfect trip”
An experience for life in Tibet thanks to guide Gyaltsen
It is my pleasure to write this review about our trip with guide Gyaltsen in Tibet. It was our second trip to this fascinating country and culture. We – my wife, daughter and me – were interested in the history, culture and religion of Tibet and in its amazing landscape and nature. During 10 days… Read more “An experience for life in Tibet thanks to guide Gyaltsen”
A must visit
It was with great experienced having the private tour with Mr.Gaps. Realizing the much differences between Tibetan and others. So much mysteries to know about. We were having a birthday party too! It is a peaceful and tranquil place everyone dreams of. Away from the hustle and bustle of cities, people go round chasing something… Read more “A must visit”
Rongbuk Temple Meditation Liberation
Gaps is very humble and helpful, thoughtful and insightful, and able to flavour a tour in quite a unique manner, catering even to spiritual desire. It was Gaps that introduced me to Lama Acu Sangye at the foot of Mount Everest. And I have him to thank for such an enlightening experience. The meeting of… Read more “Rongbuk Temple Meditation Liberation”
TOUR INQUIRY
TREKKING IN TIBET
ABOUT TIBET TOURS
PACK ANIMALS AND YAKS
For most of our trekking tours, we use yaks to carry heavy items that we don't use during the day. Yaks are walking very fast. Usually, we will see them in the morning and in the evening when we reach our campsite. It allows hikers to carry only the day pack with small amounts of necessities and some snacks and water.
On some trekking tours, we can use horses. Horses can carry lighter loads, but a horse can walk alone with a horseman, while yaks only walk in groups.
CARS IN TIBET
For our group tours, we use a variety of cars depending on group size and weather conditions. On some of the days, we will be driving long hours and we are trying to arrange the most comfortable car for your journey.
Here you will find photos and descriptions of cars: Transportation in Tibet
ADD EXPERIENCES
PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP
TOURS YOU MIGHT LIKE
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Both group and private tours are available
