Tsurphu to Yangpachen Trekking tour

Your journey to the enchanting land of Tibet begins with a warm welcome at the airport or the Lhasa train station. From there, our friendly team will accompany you to your comfortable hotel, ensuring your arrival is as smooth as possible. We understand the importance of acclimatization in Tibet’s high-altitude environment, so we recommend taking it easy upon your arrival.

It’s advisable to rest and avoid activities that might lead to dehydration, such as bathing. The first day is all about acclimatizing and giving your body the time it needs to adjust. Many travelers find that a brief nap helps them feel refreshed. In the evening, we’ll visit your hotel to have a friendly chat about the itinerary and answer any questions you may have. If time allows, we’ll have the pleasure of dining together at a Tibetan restaurant, where you can savor the local flavors and start immersing yourself in the rich Tibetan culture. So, relax, unwind, and get ready for an incredible journey ahead.

Visit Jokhang Temple and Sera monastery.

Your Tibetan adventure begins in the morning, right after you’ve enjoyed a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Your friendly guide will be there to greet you and kickstart your day of exploration. The first stop on this incredible journey is the sacred Jokhang Temple, a place of immense significance in Tibetan Buddhism. Since your hotel is conveniently located in the Tibetan quarter of Lhasa city, you’ll have the opportunity to take a leisurely walk to the temple, soaking in the local atmosphere.

Once you’ve explored the Jokhang Temple and absorbed its spiritual aura, you’ll have some free time to wander the charming streets of the Old Lhasa city. Your guide will assist in setting up the perfect time and place for your next adventure.

In the afternoon, prepare to be captivated by the grandeur of the Sera Monastery, one of Tibet’s best-preserved monastic sites. Here, you can witness a unique and captivating sight as monks engage in passionate debates about Buddhist philosophy in the tranquil monastery courtyard. You’ll have the option to sit back and observe, and if you’re a photography enthusiast, this is the perfect opportunity to capture the essence of these intellectual discussions. If you’d like some moments of solitude to explore the monastery at your own pace, don’t hesitate to let your guide know. Your Tibetan journey is full of rich cultural experiences and moments of contemplation, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this extraordinary destination.

Visit Potala Palace,  and Drepung Monastery

In the morning you will visit the grand Potala palace. We will visit the famous Potala Palace, the Important landmark of Tibet and the masterpiece of Tibetan architecture, first built by 33rd King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and later extended in 17th century rebuilt by 5th Dalai Lama, since then it was home to the Dalai Lama and his government. Walking up the long steps are challenging but it is worthwhile to leave your footsteps in the spiritual palace of God of compassion which was listed in the world heritage in 1994. After the visit is over you will be descending from the backside of the palace.

In the afternoon we will visit the Drepung Monastery, once the world’s largest monastery that housed for more than 10,000 monks, it was resident of the Dalai Lama before to Potala Palace, You have lots of things to see by walking through numbers of the twisted and narrow lane through the monks Living quarters is thrilling.

Distance: 65km, Sleeping Elevation: 4480m, Duration: 4 hours

Our journey begins with a scenic drive to the revered Tsurphu Monastery, a sanctuary nestled along the picturesque Qinghai-Tibet Highway. Setting off from Tolung Dechen on the eastern bank of the Tolung Chu River, our route spans 26 kilometers before we embark on an exciting river crossing. Beyond this point, the trail diverges from the main road, leading us on a meandering path through quaint villages and lush barley fields. The adventure is as thrilling as it is beautiful, taking approximately 2 hours to reach the monastery, which rests serenely in the valley at a breathtaking elevation of 4480 meters above sea level.

The Tsurphu Monastery holds a significant place in Tibetan Buddhism as the traditional seat of the Karmapa, the revered head of the Karma Kagyu sect. This sacred site, constructed in 1187 by Dusum Khyenpa, has been an integral spiritual center for centuries. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to wander through the intricate network of lanes that wind through the ancient monastery complex, allowing you to absorb the rich history and spirituality of this remarkable place. You’ll spend a memorable night at the Tsurphu monastic guesthouse or choose to camp, immersing yourself in the tranquility and mystique of this unique Tibetan retreat.

Distance: 11kms, Sleeping Elevation: 5090m, Duration: 4 hours, Ascent: 500m

Embark on an exhilarating trek that commences by heading west, tracing the enchanting Kora trail, enveloped by the tranquility of the surrounding forest. This day-long trek spans 4-5 hours, covering an impressive distance of 12 kilometers. As you make your way into the lush green valley, you’ll cross over mountain streams and watercourses, creating an immersive experience in the heart of nature.

Throughout the journey, the rocky hills that line your path serve as a haven for elusive mountain goats, often blending seamlessly with the gray rocks, challenging your observation skills. As the day progresses, you’ll stumble upon nomadic camps scattered across the landscape. This presents a unique opportunity to pause and visit their tents, offering a glimpse into the nomadic way of life.

Venturing further, the ridges reveal numerous rock house structures that nomads use during their migrations from place to place. In Leten, a nomadic settlement, you’ll encounter families dwelling in modest black tents, each surrounded by their flocks of sheep and herds of yaks. This trek is not just a journey through breathtaking landscapes but also an immersive experience into the nomadic culture and way of life that thrives in this rugged terrain.

Distance: 20kms, Sleeping Elevation: 4950m, Duration: 8 hours, Ascent: 300m, Descent: 600m

As you trek steeply upward, scaling a small mount, you’ll find yourself entering a captivating valley that unfolds before your eyes. Along this scenic route, you’ll come across numerous cairns, which are common sights on high passes in Tibet. These cairns hold special significance, with some locals believing that constructing them on the lofty mountain peaks can bring about good fortune. Others hold a belief that these small house-like cairns are meant to guide the deceased in the intermediate state between death and rebirth known as the Bardo.

Journeying further through the valley, you’ll have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the extraordinary life of the plateau-dwelling nomads. Crossing over the Lasar La Pass, standing proudly at an altitude of 5300 meters, you’ll reach the pinnacle of your day’s adventure. From this vantage point, you’ll be treated to your first panoramic view of the breathtaking Yangpache valley.

Shortly after, you’ll arrive at your destination for the day – Bartso, a charming hamlet inhabited by approximately six nomad families. Nestled amidst Juniper trees, this serene location offers a perfect spot for camping, allowing you to connect with the beauty of nature and the rich nomadic culture of this high plateau.

Sleeping Elevation: 4474m, Ascent: 150m, Descent: 150m,

Today marks a highlight of your trekking adventure, as you’ll have the chance to witness the intriguing lives of nomadic herders and interact with the dedicated nuns at the Darjeeling Nunnery. The day’s journey continues along a broad trail, leading you to a breathtaking view of the sacred Mount Nyenchen Thangla, which soars to an impressive 7111 meters. This majestic mountain holds immense significance in the local culture, with prayers and prayer flags being offered in front of it, a gesture aimed at promoting the well-being of all sentient beings.

After establishing your camp adjacent to the Darjeeling Nunnery, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this serene sanctuary and engage with the Buddhist nuns who call it home. It’s a unique chance to immerse yourself in their spiritual world and experience the tranquil atmosphere of this special place. Camping beside the nunnery allows you to connect with the beauty of the natural surroundings and the cultural richness that defines this remarkable region.

Sleeping Elevation: 4747m, Duration: 4 Hours

Today’s trek unfolds with a captivating four-hour journey through a lush green valley, tracing the path of the meandering Lango River. As your exploration continues, you’ll eventually intersect with the Yangpache-Shigatse road, leading to a two-hour walk through the awe-inspiring landscape to a sturdy steel bridge, suspended gracefully at an elevation of 4400 meters. This bridge serves as a gateway to the northern road to Shigatse.

Your destination for the day is the Yangpachen Monastery, an ancient spiritual haven established in the 15th century under the guidance of Shamar Rinpoche, a respected lama in the Kagyupa order. Inside the monastery, you’ll find a treasure trove of fascinating murals that offer insights into the region’s rich history and culture.

After your visit, our trusty car and driver will meet you at the monastery. On the way to your next stop, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the renowned Yangpachen Hot Spring, providing soothing relief after a rewarding day of trekking.

Following your time at the hot spring, we’ll embark on a journey to Namtso Lake via Damshung town. The lake is a three-hour drive from Yangpachen, with a scenic route leading to the Lagen Pass, which stands proudly at an elevation of 5190 meters and is adorned with colorful prayer flags. From this vantage point, you’ll catch a breathtaking view of Namtso Lake in the distance.

Descending into the valley, you’ll find yourself amidst vast grasslands, where nomadic black tents dot the landscape. Namtso Lake, the second-largest saltwater lake in all of China, stretches out for 70 kilometers in length and 30 kilometers in width. Your overnight stay at the guesthouse promises a memorable experience, offering you the chance to immerse yourself in the natural wonders and cultural richness of this remarkable region.

Sleeping Elevation: 3656m, Duration: 4-5 Hours

As our journey unfolds, we retrace our path back to Lhasa, following the picturesque route along the Qinghai-Tibet train track. Along the way, we make a memorable stop at a nomadic family tent. These resilient nomads are known for their migratory lifestyle, except during the winter months. This unique opportunity allows us to step inside their homes and gain an intimate understanding of plateau nomadic life. We spend quality time with them, soaking in their traditions, and getting to know the nomadic way of life.

Continuing our journey, we cross the Legen La Pass and follow the enchanting path along the Damchu River downstream. This scenic route guides us back to the heart of Lhasa, with a brief stop in Tulong. As evening approaches, we find ourselves back in the vibrant city, ready for a comfortable overnight stay. This day has been filled with rich cultural experiences and unforgettable encounters, offering a deeper insight into the unique lifestyle of plateau nomads.