Nyenchen Tanglha Traverse

Are you ready to embark on a remarkable journey to the mystical land of Tibet? Whether you opt for a short flight or a scenic train ride, your adventure begins with a breathtaking view of the majestic Himalayan ranges. As you cross the mighty Thangu-la ranges during your train journey, you’ll be treated to captivating vistas that will leave you spellbound.

Upon your arrival at the Gonggar airport or Lhasa Train Station, you’ll receive a warm welcome from our experienced Tibetan guide and driver. They will be your companions throughout this incredible journey. The drive from the airport to Lhasa covers approximately 70 kilometers, taking around 1.5 hours, while the train station is only 25 kilometers away, a half-hour drive.

After checking in at your hotel in the heart of Lhasa city, it’s time to relax and allow your body to acclimatize to the high altitude and overcome any lingering jet lag. The rest of the day is yours to take it easy and savor the anticipation of what lies ahead.

Your first night in Lhasa promises the beginning of a life-changing experience, surrounded by the rich cultural heritage and awe-inspiring natural beauty that Tibet has to offer. So, are you ready to take in the enchanting sights and sounds of this remarkable destination?

Visit Jokhang Temple and Sera monastery.

Are you ready for a day filled with cultural immersion and unique experiences in the heart of Lhasa? Your morning will start with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, followed by a warm welcome from your knowledgeable guide. The first stop on your itinerary is the revered Jokhang Temple, a place of immense significance in Tibetan Buddhism. This architectural marvel dates back to the 7th century when King Songtsen Gampo ordered its construction to house the sacred Buddha statue brought to Lhasa by his Nepali wife. Your journey to the temple is a pleasant walk from your Tibetan quarter hotel, allowing you to soak in the local atmosphere.

After your visit to the Jokhang Temple, you’ll have some free time to explore the charming Old Lhasa city and its bustling Barkhor street. These hours are yours to wander at your own pace, immerse yourself in the local culture, and perhaps find unique treasures to take home as souvenirs.

In the afternoon, your adventure continues with a visit to the Sera Monastery, a well-preserved and remarkable place of worship. As you enter the monastery, you’ll find yourself in the midst of lively debates on Buddhist philosophy, a practice that has been carried on for centuries. This is a golden opportunity to capture the monks in the midst of their spirited discussions. If you crave some solitude and wish to explore the monastery independently, feel free to ask your guide for some free time.

So, are you ready for a day of cultural exploration and unique encounters in the heart of Lhasa? It’s a chance to delve into the rich history and spirituality of Tibet, all while creating lasting memories.

Visit Potala Palace, and Drepung Monastery.

Are you ready for an exciting day of exploration in the heart of Lhasa? Your morning begins with a visit to the magnificent Potala Palace, an architectural wonder that stands as a testament to Tibet’s rich history and culture. Your guide will coordinate your visit according to the ticket timing, ensuring a seamless experience. It’s important to note that liquids, including drinking water, are not allowed inside the palace, so be prepared to either consume or dispose of them at the checkpoint. Photography inside the palace is restricted to preserve its historical integrity.

Your time inside the Potala Palace is limited to two hours. This limitation ensures that the centuries-old palace can accommodate the numerous visitors while safeguarding its structural integrity. Your guide may gently hurry you along to make the most of your visit, but if there’s a particular spot you’d like to spend more time exploring, don’t hesitate to let them know.

In the afternoon, your journey continues with a visit to the Drepung Monastery, one of the most significant monastic complexes in Lhasa and central Tibet. At the turn of the 20th century, it held the distinction of being the largest monastic complex in the world. A walk around the monastery’s circuit provides breathtaking views and takes approximately an hour, allowing you to soak in the spiritual atmosphere and take in the stunning surroundings.

Are you ready for a day of historical immersion, cultural appreciation, and incredible vistas? It’s an opportunity to delve into the heart of Tibet’s heritage while creating lasting memories.

Distance: 350 km, Duration: 7hrs.

Are you ready for a journey of acclimatization as a prelude to the incredible Nyenchen Tanglha Traverse trekking tour? We kick off our adventure with a drive towards Shigatse in the southwest. As we ascend the winding road, we’ll reach the Kampa la pass at 4700 meters, offering you a mesmerizing view of the sacred Yamdrok Lake, with its vivid turquoise waters and the distant snow-capped peak of Mount Nyenchen Khangsar. The scenic drive along the lakeside leads us to our lunch stop at Nagar-Tse, a quaint village.

The rest of the day promises to be an exploration of magnificent valleys and charming Tibetan villages. En route, we’ll make a stop at Karola Pass, situated at a lofty 5150 meters, where you can marvel at the Karola Glacier on Mount Nyenchen Kangsar. Upon reaching Gyantse, we’ll visit the Kumbum stupa and Palchoe Monastery, a remarkable structure boasting multiple doors and the distinction of being the largest stupa in Tibet. It’s renowned not only for its architecture but also for the ancient sculptures and paintings adorning its inner walls.

As the day winds down, we’ll continue our journey to Shigatse, a mere 90 kilometers away. The promise of a cozy night’s rest awaits you in Shigatse. It’s an opportunity to acclimatize, soak in the breathtaking scenery, and prepare for the adventures that lie ahead in the Nyenchen Tanglha Traverse trekking tour. Are you ready to embark on this extraordinary journey?

Distance: 280km, Duration: 6hrs.

Are you ready to delve into the rich tapestry of Tibetan Buddhism and history? Today, our journey leads us to the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, a significant site built by the 1st Dalai Lama, Gedun Drup, back in 1447. Over time, this monastery evolved into the seat of the Panchen Lama lineage within the Yellowhead sect of Tibetan Buddhism, part of the Gelugpa tradition.

At Tashi Lhunpo, you’ll have the privilege of witnessing the tombs and stupas of the seven previous Panchen Lamas. As you explore the monastery, you’ll find yourself wandering through bustling cobbled lanes that wind their way around the ancient buildings that once served as monks’ quarters. It’s an authentic and immersive experience that allows you to connect with the spiritual and historical heritage of Tibet.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll return to Lhasa, our base for the final preparations before embarking on the Nyenchen Tanglha Traverse trekking adventure starting tomorrow. Your overnight stay in Lhasa promises comfort and relaxation as you prepare for the thrilling experiences that lie ahead. Are you eager to explore the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, a treasure trove of Tibetan history, and gear up for the upcoming trekking expedition?

Distance: 163km, Duration: 3hrs. Elevation 4290m

Get ready for a journey that will take you along the awe-inspiring Qinghai-Tibet highway, a route laden with breathtaking vistas and cultural gems. Today, our destination is Damxung, and we’ll kick off our adventure from Tolung Dechen on the east bank of the TolungChu River. Along the way, we’ll make a fascinating stop at the Yanpachen Hotspring, offering a chance to soak in the rejuvenating waters while surrounded by pristine landscapes. Here, you can also explore the Yangpachen Monastery, a place steeped in spiritual significance.

Yanpachen Monastery is particularly notable as it’s the residence of the Black Hat, a sub-sect within the Karma Kagyu tradition. The spiritual ambiance and historical richness of this place make it a must-visit.

After an enriching day, you’ll find comfort and rest at a hotel in Damxung. It’s an opportunity to recharge and prepare for the adventures that await in this remarkable region. Are you excited to experience the wonders of the Qinghai-Tibet highway and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Yanpachen Monastery?

Elevation 4790M, Duration: 5 Hours, Distance: 18km, Ascent: 480M

Are you ready for the first exhilarating day of the Nyenchen Tanglha Traverse trek? The adventure commences as we depart from our hotel and make our way to the Kyang-Rag Monastery, where a warm welcome from yaks and their trusty yak men awaits us. From the monastery, our trek begins, an ascent of 480 meters stretched across 18 kilometers.

Initially, we follow the eastern side of the valley as we hike upstream. After about an hour, we ford a stream to the west side, leading us into a rocky gorge. Here, you’ll encounter several stream crossings, making it a wise choice to have dedicated hiking sandals for this purpose. After navigating the fords and finally breaking free from the gorge at the last crossing, we find ourselves back on the east side of the valley.

Here, the valley broadens, and the western slope is adorned with lush forests. The trail skirts the eastern edge of the slope. In roughly two to two and a half hours, we’ll reach the treeline at 4790 meters, offering a selection of excellent camping spots.

The journey’s first day promises both challenges and stunning natural beauty. As you set up camp, you’ll be surrounded by the unspoiled landscapes of the Nyenchen Tanglha Traverse, providing a perfect backdrop for the adventures that lie ahead. Are you excited to embark on this trek and experience the wilderness of Tibet firsthand?

Elevation 5120m, Duration: 8-9 Hours, Distance: 25km, Ascent: 540m, Descent: 540m,

Are you ready to continue your journey through the mesmerizing landscapes of the Nyenchen Tanglha Traverse? As you progress along the trail, after 200 meters, it veers back to the east side of the valley, a region it will hug until you cross the pass. The valley will gradually become more sinuous and steeper, creating an exhilarating sense of adventure. The trail leads you into the tundra zone, where it may at times become faint, offering a taste of true wilderness exploration.

Throughout this stretch, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the towering peaks of Nangchen Thangla that dominate your line of travel. As you delve deeper into the valley, it narrows and steepens, and the trail remains primarily on the east side, though it might become barely visible.

A significant landmark to look out for is the line of brown cairns that marks the Kyang-la Pass at an elevation of 5330 meters. Beyond this pass lies the renowned Kyang valley. Make sure to refill your water supply here, as it’s a precious resource on your descent into the valley. The valley takes a northward turn and gradually leads you to the Namtso basin.

Before you know it, the splendor of the great lake, Namtso, will unfold before your eyes. In just 45 minutes, you’ll find yourself on the valley floor, which widens and opens up. After a few moments, you’ll reach the campsite at Kyang-Do, a place to rest, rejuvenate, and immerse yourself in the incredible surroundings. Are you excited to explore these diverse terrains, from tundra to breathtaking mountain passes and the stunning vistas of Namtso?

Elevation 4730m, Duration: 4-5 Hours, Distance: 17km, Descent: 80m,

Are you prepared for the final leg of the captivating Nyenchen Tanglha Traverse trekking adventure? Today marks the culmination of your three-day journey through this remarkable terrain. As you bid farewell to the valley, you’ll find yourself skirting its western side while traversing the open plain. Within just an hour, you’ll arrive at the base of a prominent hill.

Here’s a valuable tip: even though staying on the valley floor might initially appear as the easiest route, venturing further down could lead to swampy ground that stands between you and your destination, Tashi-Do. To avoid this, simply circumnavigate the tawny hill and keep an eye out for a white building to the north.

As you make your way towards this structure, you’ll discover that our drivers are waiting to greet you. They will be your guides to Tashi-Do, a guesthouse nestled on the shores of the majestic Namtso Lake. It’s here that you’ll spend the night, reflecting on the incredible journey you’ve undertaken and the breathtaking landscapes you’ve traversed.

The end of this trek doesn’t mark the end of your adventure, but rather a transition to a new phase. Namtso Lake’s tranquil beauty awaits you, offering a serene and picturesque setting to wrap up this incredible journey. Are you excited to explore this final leg and unwind by the shores of Namtso?

Elevation 3656m, Duration: 4-5 Hours, Distance: 250km

As the Nyenchen Tanglha Traverse trekking adventure nears its conclusion, today, we embark on the journey back to Lhasa. The return to Lhasa promises a sense of familiarity and comfort, a place where your Tibetan journey began. Upon your arrival in the afternoon, you’ll find yourself with some precious free time to explore the vibrant Barkhor area.

The Barkhor, a bustling street in Lhasa, is the perfect place to pick up unique gifts and souvenirs for your loved ones back home. Its colorful market stalls are brimming with treasures that reflect the rich culture and traditions of Tibet. It’s an opportunity to find something special that will forever remind you of your incredible journey through this enchanting land.

As the day comes to a close, you’ll spend the night in Lhasa, your base for one final evening in this remarkable city. Are you excited to explore the Barkhor and bring a piece of Tibet’s charm back home with you?