A four-day trek to the Tibetan Everest Base Camp (on the North face) forms the centrepiece of this adventure holiday, which can be adapted to be combined with sightseeing in Kathmandu, Lhasa and/or other parts of Tibet, according to your individual requirements.
The actual trek begins at Lao Tingi (Old Tingi), a traditional trading town on the Friendship Highway, which has splendid views of Mt Everest and Mt Cho-Oyu. The ultimate goal of the trek is the base camp of Everest, which will be reached four days later.
There are no teahouses or lodges en route, so this is a strictly a camping trek and all necessary gear, food and the service crew are brought from either Kathmandu or Lhasa.
Depending on your travel plan your journey can begin in Lhasa (you may fly to Lhasa either from Kathmandu or from mainland China) or from Zhang-Mu, which is a town on the Nepal/Tibet border. A four-hour journey overland from Kathmandu brings you to Zhang-Mu.
The trip can end in either location, at your convenience.
The ideal time for this trek is May-September, although hardier travellers do visit in April and October, when the weather tends to be a bit more harsh. It is not advisable to make this trip between October and March.
The duration of this trek can be varied and the following itinerary is just one example:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu. We meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel
Day 02: Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
Day 03: Fly Kathmandu to Lhasa. Our guide meets you at the airport and transports you to Lhasa (98 km)
Day 04: Lhasa tour including Potala Palace, Jokhang temple & Norbulinkha Palace
Day 05: Lhasa tour including Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery and Tibetan Medical Center.
Day 06: Jeep tour: Lhasa to Gyantse (3950 m); overnight in guest house
Day 07: Jeep tour: Gyantse to Shigatse (3900 m) ; overnight in guest house
Day 08: Jeep tour: Shigatse to Lhatse via Sakya (3950 m) ; overnight in guest house
Day 09: Jeep tour: Lhatse to Lao Tingri (4300 m) ; overnight in guest house
Day 10: Trekking – Lao Tingri to Tsojan Village (4500 m); overnight camping
Day 11: Trekking – Tsojan village to Lama La Pass (5100 m); overnight camping
Day 12: Trekking – Lama La pass to Zemukh (4910 m); overnight camping
Day 13: Trekking – Zemukh to Rongbuk village; overnight camping
Day 14: Trekking – Rongbuk village to Everest Base Camp
Day 15: Jeep tour: Everest Base Camp to Nyalam (3750 m); overnight at Nyalam Guesthouse
Day 16: Overland journey back to Kathmandu via Zhangmu & Kodari
Day 17: Free time
Day 18: Fly out from Nepal
Nam Tso, or the ‘Sky Lake,’ is Tibet’s largest lake, a magnet for pilgrims, many of whom undertake a ritual circumambulation (taking 18 days), as well as a sanctuary for many fascinating species of native and migratory birds.
The lake, 190 km from Lhasa, is 70 km long, 30 km wide and is situated at an elevation of 4718 metres.
Our trek takes you across Nyenchen Thaglha, Tibet’s magnificent median range, whose snow-capped mountains flank the lake, with the highest peak Mt Nyenchen Thanghla (7088 metres), towering above the water.
The trek is circular, beginning and ending in the Damzhung Valley. We climb out of the valley via Largen-La (4970 metres), and then descend to the Tashi Dorje hermitage on the lake’s south-eastern peninsula. Here there is a network of dozens of deserted limestone caves, some of which contain unusual, primitive cave paintings. This part of the lake, with its unsurpassed sense of space, is among the most breathtakingly dramatic areas of central Tibet.
From Tashi Dorje, we trek back to the Damzhung Valley via the remote region of Nyenchen Thanglha and the 5150 metre Kang-La pass.
The best season for trekking around the Nam Tso Lake is late May to mid-October. However you should be prepared for the possibility of wet weather, snow and cold winds at any time. Summer rain can be quite persistent during July and August and fallen snow sometimes blocks the route at Largen-La.
Because this region is very remote, we always carry camping and kitchen equipment and provisions for the whole trekking portion of this holiday.
We can customize the trekking programme from 2-7 days, depending on your available time. It is also possible to combine the Nam Tso Lake trek with a Lhasa tour – or with any Tibet tour that begins and ends in Lhasa.
Fly in / drive out
Mode of transport: Land Cruiser
Total duration: 14 days
The duration of this trek can be varied and the following itinerary is just one example:
Day 01: On arrival in Kathmandu, we meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel.
Day 02: Guided tour of Kathmandu
Day 03: Early morning, fly Kathmandu to Lhasa. Meet at the airport and transport you to Lhasa (98 km); overnight in hotel
Day 04: Lhasa tour including Potala Palace, Sera Monastery & Norbulingkha Palace
Day 05: Lhasa tour including Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery & Barkhor Market
Day 06: Morning drive to Damxung and start trekking; overnight camping
Day 07: Trekking around Nam Tso Lake; overnight camping
Day 08: Trekking around Nam Tso lake; overnight camping
Day 09: Trekking around Nam Tso lake; overnight camping
Day 10: Trekking back to Nagenla Pass then drive back to Lhasa
Day 11: Jeep tour: Lhasa to Gyantse
Day 12: Jeep tour: Gyantse to Shigatse
Day 13: Jeep tour: Shigatse to Lhatse via Sakya Monastery
Day 14: Jeep tour: Lhatse to Mt. Everest Base Camp
Day 15: Explore around the Base Camp
Day 16: Jeep tour: Everest Base Camp to Nyalam
Day 17: Jeep tour: Nyalam – Zhang-Mu then drive back to Kathmandu
Day 18: Free time
Day 19: Departure from Kathmandu
This connoisseur’s tour takes you to some of the highest trekking country in the world, giving you the opportunity to savour a region of astonishing natural beauty that is still relatively unexplored and unknown.
The Kharta Valley area is a fabled and still pristine part of Tibet, while the Khangshung Glacier, which hangs from the eastern face of Mount Everest, is an awesome ice spectacle.
Additionally, this trek takes you to the verdant valley of the Lakes, where you can see a string of 14 enticingly glittering emerald-green lakes – and to the Karma valley, which boasts magnificent Alpine scenery with many mountain wild flowers, as well as the highest forests in the world.
Three of the highest peaks on the globe, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu, overlook the valley and the views, especially of Makalu, are magical.
For anyone trying to find an unusual trek in a remote and still unspoiled area, this tour is ideal and will fit the bill precisely.
The starting point of this trek is the Kharta valley, 140 km south of Xegar (one of the ‘gateways’ to the Everest region, situated on the Kathmandu-Lhasa Friendship Highway). From the Kharta Valley we trek ahead to the Khangshung face via the Karma Valley, which offers views of such giants as Makalu, Chomo Lonzo, Pethangtse, Lhotse and Mount Everest itself. This is just about the highest trekking territory on earth, with passes getting up to 6000 metres. The Kharta Valley and Khangshung Face trek can be started from Zhang-Mu (a Tibetan border town); a four and a half hours’ drive from Kathmandu. Alternatively, the journey can be started at Lhasa, so travellers coming into Tibet from mainland China can join this trek also.
Due to the isolated nature of this region, the tour is via camping only. We bring all the necessary supplies (food, camping and kitchen equipment) as well as personnel from Kathmandu or from Lhasa.
The best time of year to do this trek is between May and September.
A trek to the Kharta Valley can be combined with any of our Lhasa tours – we will design your itinerary to suit your individual needs.
Maximum elevation: 5100 meters
Total duration: 23 days (19 days in Tibet + 4 days Nepal)
The duration of this trek can be varied and the following itinerary is just one example:
Day 01: Upon arrival Kathmandu. We meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel
Day 02: Guided tour of Kathmandu valley
Day 03: Early morning flight to Lhasa. Our guide meets you at the airport and transports you to Lhasa (98 km)
Day 04: Lhasa sightseeing tour including Potala Palace, Norbulinkha & Barkhor Square
Day 05: Lhasa sightseeing tour including Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery & Tibetan Medical Center
Day 06: Jeep tour: Lhasa to Gyantse (3900 m)
Day 07: Jeep tour: Gyantse to Shigatse (3950 m)
Day 08: Jeep tour: Shigatse to Xegar (4300 m)
Day 09: Jeep tour: Xegar to Kharta valley; overnight camping
Day 10: Trekking – Kharta valley to Yueba; overnight camping
Day 11: Trekking – Yueba to Base of Langma-La; overnight camping
Day 12: Trekking – Langma La to Cave; overnight camping
Day 13: Trekking – Cave to Pethang; overnight camping
Day 14: Trekking – Pethang to Pethang Ringmo; overnight camping
Day 15: Trekking – Pethang Ringmo to Sharlung; overnight camping
Day 16: Trekking – Sharlung to Sharo; overnight camping
Day 17: Trekking – Sharo to Yueba; overnight camping
Day 18: Trekking – Yueba to Kharta; overnight camping
Day 19: Jeep tour: Kharta valley to Xegar (4300 m); overnight camping
Day 20: Jeep tour: Xegar to Nyalam (3750 m); overnight camping
Day 21: Jeep tour: Nyalam to Zhangmu then drive back to Kathmandu; overnight camping
Day 22: Free time in Kathmandu
Day 23: Departure
This is an evergreen favourite among Tibetan trekkers, largely because it links two of the most important monasteries in Tibet, both of which have enormous cultural and religious significance.
Ganden Monastery, 45 km east of Lhasa, was built on a ridge called Gokpo Ri, the site being chosen by Tsong Khapa during a special period of meditation.
The foremost monastery of the Gelugpa sect, Ganden was begun in 1409 and denotes the Paradise of Tushita and the abode of Jampa, the future Buddha. Today it offers a pilgrimage route around the perimeter which is widely regarded as the most spectacular of Tibet’s monastery circuits.
Although Ganden was the most devastated of the so-called ‘Great Six’ monasteries after the revolution, heroic rebuilding efforts have been made during the last twenty years.
Our trek connects Ganden with the other most important monastery in central Tibet: Samye. We follow a route crossing the Yatro Dak range of mountains, which divides the Tsangpo basin from the Lhasa valley and takes you through areas of superbly unspoiled countryside.
Samye, founded in the eighth century, is Tibet’s first monastery and its establishment coincides with the formal inauguration of Buddhism as the Tibetan state religion.
The Samye site has a unique mandala-shaped design, with many temples and chortens (stupas) surrounding the large central Cathedral of Utse. The pattern formed by the buildings is a replica of the Buddhist cosmological order and Samye has played a pivotal role in the overall development of Buddhism in Tibet.
Although the Chinese Communist party declared Samye a protected cultural site in the early 1960s, this did not deter the Red Guards from wreaking havoc at the monastery and causing a great deal of pillaging and destruction. Samye still suffered less damage than some of the other Tibetan religious centres.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Upon your arrival in Kathmandu we meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel to brief you about your tour.
Day 02: Guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu
Day 03: Early morning flight Kathmandu to Lhasa. Our guide meets you at the airport and transfer you to Lhasa
Day 04: Lhasa sightseeing tour including Potala Palace, Jokhang temple and Barkhor Square
Day 05: Lhasa sightseeing tour including Norbulunkha Palace, Drepung & Sera monasteries
Day 06: Jeep tour: Lhasa to Ganden then start trekking to Hepu village; overnight camping
Day 07: Trekking. Hepu village to Yama Do; overnight camping
Day 08: Trekking. Yama Do to Tshotup Chu valley; overnight camping
Day 09: Trekking. Tshotup Chu to Herders Camp; overnight camping
Day 10: Trekking – Herders Camp to Wango
Day 11: Trekking – Wango to Samye Monastery valley; overnight at guest house
Day 12: Tour of Samye then jeep tour to Tsedang; overnight at hotel or guest house
Day 13: Tsedang tour: visit Yambulakhang, Thandrek and The Tombs of Tibetan Kings
Day 14: Fly out, Lhasa – Kathmandu
Day 15: Free time
Day 16: Transfer airport – flight to onward destination
Shisapangma (the word means ‘the big grassy field’) is the highest mountain wholly within Tibet – and Tibet’s only 8000 metre+ peak, just making the grade at 8012 metres!
Until recently it was eclipsed in fame by the Himalayas’ other high peaks, being tucked behind the Jugal Himal range and therefore mostly concealed from the Nepal side.
This peak was first climbed from the north side in 1964 by an expedition group from China and is now scaled by six or seven parties annually.
Our trekking route from Nyalam gives stunning views of the Jugal Himal, the upper peaks of the Langtang Valley, and Shisapangma’s south face. The trek begins overland from Kathmandu to Nyalam, where we allow a day for acclimatisation to the higher altitude. After the rest day we continue by road to the pass of Nyalam Thong La (5100 metres), before branching westwards and continuing along a grassy road that takes us to the base camp.
This is an elongated series of meadows wedged between the ridge and the river draining from the Yambukangala glacier, the main ice floe on this side of the mountain.
There is a long, but rewarding hike between base camp and the advance base camp, where we see the snout of the glacier with its uneven surface of frozen ice waves. Another bracing hike follows the crest of the ridge directly across the river from base camp, providing outstanding views of the entire Shisapangma and Peiku Lake region.
Base Camp is so far from the glacier that it is not possible to trek to and from advance base camp within the same day.
A trek to Shishpangma can be combined with visits to Lhasa, Everest Base Camp (north face) or Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.
Travellers can fly to Lhasa – where they may spend a few days sightseeing and acclimatizing – either from Kathmandu or from mainland China.
After visiting Lhasa they travel to Gyantse via Yamdruk Tso (the Turquoise Lake), Shigatse, Sakya and finally to the north face of Everest Base Camp. There is a one-day trek to the base camp, followed the next day by travel to Shisapangma Base Camp.
After trekking for two days in the Shispangma area, we travel to Kathmandu via Nyalam and Zhang-Mu.
Those wishing to combine a trek to Shisapangma with a visit to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar can visit Shisapangma first. After the trip to Mount Kailash and the lake, they can return to Kathmandu via the same route OR travel to Lhasa and fly back from there.
The ideal seasons for trekking in the Shisapangma area are April to June and October to December.
Drive in / drive out from Zhang-Mu
Mode of transport: Land Cruiser
Maximum elevation: 5100 meters
Total duration: 14 days
The duration of this trek can be varied and the following itinerary is just one example:
Day 01: On arrival in Kathmandu, we meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel.
Day 02: Free time.
Day 03: Fly Kathmandu to Lhasa. Our guide meets you at the airport and transports you to Lhasa
Day 04: Lhasa sightseeing tour including Potala Palace, Jokhng temple & Norbulinkha
Day 05: Lhasa sightseeing tour including Norbulinkha Palace, Sera Monastery & Drepung Monastery
Day 06: Jeep tour: Lhasa to Gyantse (3950 m)
Day 07: Jeep tour: Gyantse to Shigatse (3900 m)
Day 08: Jeep tour: Shigatse to Lhatse (3950 m) via Sakya Monastery
Day 09: Jeep tour: Lhatse to Lao Tingri (4350 m)
Day 10: Jeep tour: Lao Tingri to Peiku Tso (Lake)
Day 11: Jeep tour: Peiku Tso to Shisapangma Base Camp (4700m)
Day 12: Trekking in Shisapangma Base Camp
Day 13: Trekking in Shisapangma Base Camp
Day 14: Trekking in Shisapangma Base Camp
Day 15: Jeep tour: Shisapangma Base Camp to Peiku Tso Lake
Day 16: Jeep tour: Paiku Tso to Zhang-Mu
Day 17: Overland journey, Zhang-Mu to Kathmandu; overnight at hotel
Day 18: Free time
Day 19: Fly out from Kathmandu
This journey to the Milarepa Cave region is generally considered among the finest pilgrimages which Tibet has to offer, with Lapchi the next most sacred destination in the Himalayas after Mount Kailash and Tsari.
Milarepa was a hugely well-loved Buddhist master, who lived in this region from 1040-1123. Devout pilgrims flock from all over Tibet to visit the hermitages and monasteries associated with this illustrious yogi and poet. Lapchi, situated to the southwest of Tingri and east of Myalam, is also connected with the important Tantric cult of Demchok.
The fabled retreats of Tashang, Chumar, Drin, Drakmar and Lapchi are all within the mountains of the Lapchi Kang range and despite the ravages of the Cultural Revolution, these sites and their surrounding countryside still retain a magical quality.
The abrupt transition of the terrain from the arid, high altitude desert of Dingri to the lush green valleys of Lapchi is breathtaking and it is difficult to conceive of a more powerful visual contrast.
We begin our trek from Pelgyeling near Nyalam, on the Friendship Highway. We hike to Tashigang, where the cave of Sang Phuk can be seen, as well as the chapel founded by Dhuldzin Rinpoche and Jamgang La (Kang-la), eventually reaching Lapchi.
In Lapchi we spend a day exploring the region, before returning to Nyalam via the same route.
Nyalam is situated inside Tibet, about 35 km from Kodari on the Nepal border, which is the most practical starting point for this trek. Kodari is a five-hour journey overland from Kathmandu. Alternatively, travellers can fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu. Another option is coming from mainland China by travelling to Tashigang by jeep via Gyantse and Shigatse and then beginning the trek to Lapchi.
The best time to undertake this trek is between May and September.
Trekking itinerary for Lapchi (Fly in / drive our tour)
Duration: 23 days
Itinerary:
Day 01: On arrival in Kathmandu, we meet you at the airport and transport you to a hotel.
Day 02: Guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Our guide meets you at the airport and transports you to Lhasa (98 km)
Day 04: Lhasa tour. You visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Norbulinkha Palace
Day 05: Lhasa tour. You visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery and Tibetan Medical Center
Day 06: Jeep tour: Lhasa to Ganden – Lhasa tour
Day 07: Jeep tour: Lhasa to Tsurpu Monastery – Lhasa
Day 08: Free day in Lhasa
Day 09: Jeep tour: Lhasa to Gyantse via Yamdrok Lake and sightseeing tour
Day 10: Jeep tour: Gyantse to Shigatse and sightseeing tour
Day 11: Jeep tour: Shigatse to Lao Tingri
Day 12: Jeep tour: Lao Tingri to Nyalam
Day 13: Lapchi trekking. Nyalam – Tshigang
Day 14: Lapchi trekking. Tashigang to Jamgang-La
Day 15: Lapchi trekking. Jamgang-La to Lapchi
Day 16: Explore around the caves in Lapchi
Day 17: Trekking back to Nyalam
Day 18: Trekking back to Nyalam
Day 19: Overland tour, Nyalam – Zhang-Mu – Kathmandu
Day 20: Drive to Zhangmu, cross border then drive back to Kathmandu
Day 22: Free time
Day 23: Fly out from Nepal
If you are one of life’s truly adventurous spirits, preferring to explore the wildest kind of terrain where superlatives of nature abound, then this ultra-special Tibetan trek will fulfil all your pioneering aspirations.
The Tsangpo is the highest flowing river in the world and its monumental gorge – a staggering three times deeper than the Grand Canyon – is a uniquely awesome spectacle.
Add to this the largely unheralded splendour of the Namche Barwa peak (7756 metres), first scaled only in 1992, and you have the makings of a journey, the drama and beauty of which will be forever imprinted on your memory.
Very few trekkers have ever witnessed the hidden treasures of this fabulous region and it is our privilege to be one of only a handful of companies offering you this once-in-a-lifetime trekking opportunity.
Namche Barwa, which was conquered for the first time in October 1992 by a combined Chinese/Japanese group of mountaineers, has a base camp at an unusually low altitude (1600 metres) – and this affords great views of the bulky mountain’s snow-swathed peak.
The Tsangpo River makes a huge loop round the mountains’ massif before continuing on its way south to India. As the Tsangpo plunges an incredible 7000 metres it has created the astounding gorge outrivaling the Grand Canyon or the Kali Gandaki in Nepal. The whole region is also a treasure trove for nature lovers, with an area near Dostong La nicknamed ‘Rhododendron Fairyland’ and an abundance of other diverse and exotic flower species.
Another very photogenic site is a beach of shimmering white sand, set on the banks of the Tsangpo and surrounded by luxuriant forest. Beginning in Lhasa and taking in a preliminary route through Samye and Tsedang, our trek follows the course of the Tsangpo close to the disputed Indian border – to arrive at the village of Lusha near the big bend in the river.
Passing through the villages inhabited by the Loba people (a Tibetan minority group) we make our way through the forested region of Pei to the Namche Barwa Base Camp.
After a circumambulation of the holy mountain of Atsom Neh, we continue to the Gyala Monastery before making our return to Lhasa via Gengbu Jiangda and Ganden.
The entire route offers more than the usual share of daily excitement and promises a captivating experience in what must be one of Tibet’s – and the world’s – most interesting and remotely beautiful areas.
Please note that the itinerary below is recommended for advanced and confident trekkers only. If you would like to trek in this region, but are a little less experienced, please contact us for details of our intermediate level Namche Barwa and Tsangpo Gorge trek.
The best months for trekking in this area are April, May, August and September. In June and July the heavy rain can swell the river, causing flooding on parts of the trekking route.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Fly, to Lhasa. We meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel in Lhasa
Day 02: Lhasa Sightseeing tour
Day 03: Lhasa sightseeing tour
Day 04: Ningchi is 420 km from Lhasa – on the way we cross the Mang Shung La pass (5000 metres); overnight in Ningchi
Day 05: Drive to Lusha then start trek to Punkar
Day 06: Trekking, Pungkar to Pe
Day 07: Trekking, Pe to Tripe
Day 08: Trekking, Tripe to Beach Camp
Day 09: Trekking, Beach Camp to Gyala
Day 10: Trekking, Gyala to Kumang (9 km)
Day 11: Trekking, Kumang to Nyuk Sang (13 km)
Day 12: Trekking, Nyuk Sang to Senge Dzong (12 km)
Day 13: Trekking to Pemako chung Monastery
Day 14: Trekking back to Sange Dzong
Day 15: Trekking, Sange Dzong to Nyuk Sang
Day 16: Trekking, Nyuk Sang to Kumang
Day 17: Trekking, Kumang to Gyala
Day 18: Trekking, Gyala to Beach Camp
Day 19: Trekking, Beach Camp to Tripe
Day 20: Trekking, Tripe to Pe
Day 21: Trekking, Pe to Pungkar
Day 22: Trekking, Pungkar to Lush
Day 23: Drive back to Lhasa
Day 24: Fly out from Lhasa
Kashgar, also called Kashi, was once a major stop for caravans on the Silk Road. It is now a prosperous commercial centre with a population composed of Uighur, Tajik and Kirgiz peoples. Here it is the Han Chinese who are in the minority.
Id Kah Mosque & Square are the centre of the Kashgar which is the main shopping market. One of the attractions not to miss is the Sunday animal market in the large field which is situated at a distance of half an hour walk eastward from the main market. The main attraction of Khasgar is the “Abakh Khoja Tomb”. It is nearly an hour walk from the main market to reach the tomb. The Tomb of Xiang Fei, a concubine of the Emperor Quinlong, and her relatives, are in the mosque. There is a cemetery behind the mosque where one can see the occasional bone protruding from the ground.
This tour can be commenced either from Kathmandu, Lhasa, OR mainland China (Chengdu or Beijing). The trip can be designed to accommodate your personal preferences for time and destinations.
Here, we have offered a program that commences from Kathmandu with an hour flight to Lhasa. Then we journey onward to Mt. Kailash via Gyantse (the ancient trading center of Tibet) and Shigatse (the second largest city of Tibet). We then enjoy a 3-day trek around Mt. Kailash then continue our journey to Khasgar via Tirthpuri, Tholing, Shiquanhe and Yecheng.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Pick up group at Kashgar, drive to Yecheng; overnight at Telecom Hotel
Day 02: Jeep tour: Yecheng to Ritok; Overnight at Ritok guest house
Day 03: Jeep tour: Ritok to Gar, (Shiquanhe); overnight at Shiquanhe Hotel
Day 04: Jeep tour: Shiquanhe to Tsada; overnight at Guest house
Day 05: Sightseeing tour of Tholing and Guge Kingdom; overnight at Tsada guest house
Day 06: Jeep tour: Guge Kingdom to Tirthapuri; overnight at guest house
Day 07: Jeep tour: Tirthapuri to Darchen; overnight at Hotel Kailash
Day 08: Jeep tour: Darchen to Serson then start trekking around Mt. Kailash; overnight at guest house
Day 09: Trekking – Diraphuk Gomba – Dolma-La (5600 m) – Zutulphuk Gomba; overnight at guest house
Day 10: Trekking – Finish trekking then drive to Chhurgu Gompa; overnight at guest house
Day 11: Jeep tour: Chhurgu Gompa to Paryang; overnight at guest house
Day 12: Jeep tour: Paryang to Saga; overnight at guest house
Day 13: Jeep tour: Saga to Lhatse; overnight at guest house
Day 14: Jeep tour: Lhatse to Shigatse via Sakya Monastery
Day 15: Jeep tour: Shigatse to Gyantse; overnight at guest house
Day 16: Jeep tour: Gyantse to Lhasa
Day 17: Lhasa tour
Day 18: Lhasa tour
Day 19: Fly out from Lhasa
The Kingdom of Guge was founded in 868 and became a focal point for the preservation of Buddhism in Tibet until the 17th century. After the assassination of King Lang Darma in 842 by his own brother, Buddhism in Tibet was completely snuffed out for nearly 100 years. In 1040, a renowned Indian Pandit named Atisha arrived in Guge Kingdom and spent some time at Tholing Monastery where he created a resurgence of interest in Buddhism that eventually spread all over Tibet. Tsaparang and Tholing retained their importance within Western Tibet as political and religious centres until the 17th Century. Today, more than 300 years later, all that remains is a huge complex of caves, living quarters and temples, some of it in an excellent condition, the rest in ruins. This place can be visited in combination with the Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar Tour via either a northern route (Shiquanhe) or a southern route via Saga – Paryang and Manasarovar. The trip can be designed to accommodate your personal preferences for time and destinations.
Below, we have designed an itinerary that commences in Kathmandu to Zhang-Mu then continues onward to Western Tibet. The tour eventually takes us to the Guge Kingdom and brings us back to Kathmandu via Zhang-Mu (the Tibetan border town).
Route: Kathmandu – Mt. Kailash – Guge Kingdom and return back
Mode of transport : Land Cruiser
Maximum elevation : 5400 m
Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Free time
Day 03: Jeep tour: Kathmandu to Nyalam
Day 04: Jeep tour: Nyalam to Saga, meet with group
Day 05: Jeep tour: Saga – Paryang
Day 06: Jeep tour: Paryang – Lake Manasarovar (Chhurgu Gompa)
Day 07: Jeep tour: Chhurgu gompa to Darchen via Rakash taal
Day 08: Jeep tour: Darchen to Darboche then start trekking to Dera Phuk Gomba (4860 m)
Day 09: Trekking, Dera Phuk Gomba to Zutul Phuk (4750 m)
Day 10: Trekking, Zhutulphuk gomba to Darchen
Day 11: Jeep tour: Darchen to TirthaPuri
Day 12: Jeep tour: Tirthpuri – Guge Kingdom
Day 13: Sightseeing around Tholing and Guge Kingdom
Day 14: Jeep tour: Guge Kingdom to Tirthapuri
Day 15: Jeep tour: Tirthapuri to Chiu Gompa
Day 16: Jeep tour: Chiu Gompa to Paryang
Day 17: Jeep tour: Paryang to Saga
Day 18: Jeep tour: Saga to Nyalam
Day 19: Drive, Nyalam – Zhangmu – cross the border then drive back to Kathmandu
Lhasa (Tibet) has regular air connections with other major cities of China such as Beijing, Chengdu, Xian and Shanghai etc. Therefore, people who are interested in commencing their tour from mainland China can join us from one of these cities. We have numerous choices of tours which can be arranged according to your requirements and the tour can commence at any time according to your convenience.
When making a tour to Tibet from mainland China, you are not required to obtain a Tibet visa. However, you do need a Tibet travel permit which will be issued by the TTB (Tibet Tourist Bureau) office in mainland China. The tour program and itinerary must be finalized before we apply to the TTB for the permit, and the permit will only be valid for the length of your tour. After completion of your tour you can take a flight back to either mainland China or Kathmandu, or alternatively, you can make the overland journey to Kathmandu via the Friendship Highway.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Upon arrival in Gonggar airport (Tibet) then drive to Lhasa (98 km – 2-hour drive)
Day 02: Lhasa tour – Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar
Day 03: Lhasa tour – Drepung Monastery, Potala Palace and Norbulinkha Palace
Day 04: Lhasa to Ganden tour. Evening travel back to Lhasa
Day 05: Tour: Lhasa – Shigatse
Day 06: Tour: Shigatse – Gyantse
Day 07: Tour: Gyantse – Samye
Day 08: Tour: Samye – Tsedang
Day 09: Tsedang sightseeing tour
Day 10: Fly out from Tibet
Lhasa has an age-old mystique, largely due to its isolation from the rest of the world. Tibet’s capital is situated at 3683 metres, next to the Kyichu, or Happy River. These days there is a Chinese facade to much of Lhasa, but this cannot hide the fact that the city is rich in history, dating back to its creation in the 6th century, when King Songtsen Gampo moved his capital there from the Yarlung valley. After King Langdrama was assassinated in 842, Lhasa lost its political importance, but acquired a more spiritual significance.
It was only in the 17th century that Lhasa once again became the seat of Tibet’s government. In the 1950’s Tibet’s history took a dramatic turn with the Chinese occupation in 1951, leading to Chinese administration being imposed after the uprising in 1959.
Tibet became an autonomous region in, with Lhasa designated as the capital. In September 1985 celebrations were held to mark the 20th anniversary of this autonomy, but restrictions on Tibetans and foreigners turned the policy into an unconvincing charade.
Lhasa has many historical and cultural attractions including the two palaces of the Dalai Lama, Potala Palace and Norbulinkha, the Jokhang Temple with the surrounding Barkhor bazaar and two major monasteries, Sera and Drepung.
Lhasa to Kathmandu tour (8 days)
The tour can be commenced from Chengdu, Xian, Xinning, Shanghai and Beijing as per your convenience and ends at Kathmandu. The tour covers all major highlighted places of central Tibet such as Lhasa, Gyantse, Yamdruk Tso, Shigatse, Sakya and Lao Tingri.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Fly, Kathmandu to Lhasa (3650 m) – 1 hour flight
Upon arrival in Lhasa by plane OR by train our guide / representative will meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel. Overnight in Hotel Flora or similar accommodations (room with attached bath)
Gyantse TownDay 2: Lhasa sightseeing tour
After breakfast we set off for a full-day guided sightseeing tour. Today, we visit Potala Palace, Norbulinkha Palace (the summer palace of Dalai Lama) and Jokhang temple & Barkhor Square. Overnight at Hotel Flora or similar accommodation (room with attached bath).
Day 3: Lhasa sightseeing tour
Today we visit two very significant monasteries: Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery of Tibet. Both monasteries are located near the main city. Also, we will visit the Tibetan Medical Centre in the evening. Overnight at Hotel Flora or similar accommodation (room with attached bath).
Day 4: Drive, Lhasa to Gyantse (3950 m) – 7 hours
Early in the morning we proceed to Gyantse via Lake Yamdruk (Yamdruk Tso). Gyantse is the fourth largest city in Tibet (after Shigatse and Chamdo). It is small as cities go (population perhaps 15,000) and largely Tibetan in character as it has not been touched so much by outside Chinese influence. Strategically sited at a junction between Shigatse and Lhasa, it lies along the caravan routes from Sikkim and Bhutan in the south. Gyantse has assumed an important role as a military centre and market town- particularly for wool and handicrafts. Gyantse is also jewelled with ancient monasteries and stupa. We will visit the Khumbum stupa, Gyantse Dzong and Palkor Choide Monastery in Gyantse. Overnight at Hotel Utse or similar accommodation (room with attached bath).
Day 5: Drive, Gyantse to Shigatse (3900 m) via Shalu Monastery – 3 hours
After breakfast we head to Shigatse. On the way we will visit Shalu Monastery. In Shigatse we will visit the Tashilungpu Monastery, the official Panchen Lama’s residence, built in 1447, although it did not really become the seat of the Panchen Lama until almost 200 years later. Overnight at Hotel Everest Friendship or similar accommodation (room with attached bath).
Day 6: Drive, Shigatse to Xegar (New Tingri) via Sakya Monastery – 7 hours
Today you have an extensive distance to travel to reach Xegar (new Tingri) via two high passes en route. Also, you will visit Sakya Monastery along the way. Overnight at Xegarpost Guesthouse or similar accommodation (dormitory room + common toilet only).
Day 7: Drive, Xegar to Zhangmu (2100 m) – 8 hours
Today is your last journey on the Tibetan Plateau. Zhangmu, also known as Khasa or Dram, lies on a mountainside 10 km inland from the Friendship Bridge that spans the Bhotekoshi (the Sun Koshi) River. This small town has become a major trading post between Tibet and Nepal. The subtropical climate endows the small town with warm, humid weather and beautiful scenery throughout the year. The town is built along a winding road that is lined with private homes, shops, restaurants and government buildings. Overnight Hotel Gyangjong (dormitory room + common toilet only) OR Sherpa Guesthouse.
Day 8: Drive, Zhangmu to Kathmandu – 5 hours
A 15-minute drive from ZhangMu takes you to Friendship Bridge. In Friendship Bridge, our representative from the Kathmandu-office will meet you and help you to complete the immigration formalities in Nepal. After the immigration process is completed you will drive to Kathmandu. This scenic journey takes four and half hours.
Price:
Our price includes the following services:
1. All necessary Tibet travel permits
2. Transportation in Tibet with 4WD Land Cruiser (deluxe model)
3. Budget accommodation in Tibet on room sharing basis with breakfast
4. Two-day guided sightseeing tour in Lhasa
5. Tibetan Guide (English speaking)
6. Monastery entrance fees / sightseeing entrance fees
7. Nepal/Tibet border (Kodari) to Kathmandu transfer with private vehicle + office representative
8. All applicable taxes and service charges
9. Tibet visa (U.S. citizens need to add $83 for additional visa costs)
Our price does not include the following services:
1. Meals other than breakfast in Tibet
2. Nepal entry visa fee (US $ 30 per person)
3. Your travel insurance
4. Insurance for any loss and damage
5. Personal tip for guide and driver
6. Any additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances.
Travellers who are keen to visit Tibet Everest Base Camp (North side) along with Lhasa and other major attractions of Central Tibet may choose to join this tour. This tour flies to Lhasa where we enjoy a two-day sightseeing tour. After Lhasa, we take a Jeep tour to Everest Base Camp via Gyantse and Shigatse.
Tours to the Everest Base Camp (fly in – drive out) will operate from April through the end of October only due to a lack of flights between Lhasa and Kathmandu from the end of October until the end of March.
We operate this tour for both individual travellers and small groups. For individual travellers we strive to build groups of at least four travellers to lower your costs.
Our company will arrange a Tibetan group visa and all necessary travel documents in advance, all you need to do is to choose the departure date as per you convenience and send your passport photocopy by fax or post.
Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour: 11 Days (Fly in – drive out)
Itinerary:
Day 01: Upon arrival in Lhasa. We meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel. Evening tour briefing.
Day 02: Lhasa sightseeing tour
Day 03: Lhasa sightseeing tour
Day 04: Jeep tour: Lhasa to Gyantse (3950 m); Overnight at Hotel Utse
Day 05: Jeep tour: Gyantse to Shigatse (3900 m); Overnight at Hotel Friendship
Day 06: Jeep tour: Shigatse to Xegar (New Tingri – 4300 m); Overnight at Xegar Post Guesthouse
Day 07: Jeep tour: Xegar to Everest Base Camp (5000 m); Overnight at Ronggbuk Guesthouse
Day 08: Jeep tour: Everest Base Camp to Lhatse; Overnight at guest house
Day 09: Jeep tour: Lhatse to Lhasa
Day 10: Free time in Lhasa
Day 11: Fly out from Lhasa
Price (per individual in a group of four)
Our price includes the following services:
01. All necessary Tibet travel permits
02. Kathmandu – Lhasa flight ticket
03. Transportation in Tibet with 4WD Land Cruiser (normal model)
04. Budget accommodation in Tibet on sharing basis with breakfast
05. Two-day sightseeing tour in Lhasa
06. Tibetan Guide (English speaking)
07. Monastery entry fees / sightseeing entrance fees
08. Zhangmu (Tibetan border town) – Kathmandu transfer by private vehicle
09. Tibet group visa (U.S. citizens need to add $83 for additional visa costs)
10. All applicable taxes and service charges
Price doesn’t include the following services:
01. Meals other than breakfast in Tibet (two meals i.e. lunch & dinner costs approximately US $8 to US $10)
02. Airport tax in Kathmandu (US $25) while flying to Lhasa
03. Nepal re-entry visa fee (US $30)
04. Your travel insurance
05. Any additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances
It is possible to make a tour to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar combining with the major attractions of Central Tibet (Tsedang, Samye, Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Yangpachen and Sakya). Generally our tour covers Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and Sakya and eventually it merges with the main route from Kathmandu to Kailash in Saga (a small Tibetan town). Our tour to Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar from Lhasa requires at least 19 days. However, depending on the time frame and places you choose to cover in the tour, the tour can be made longer or shorter.
Lhasa to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar tour commences from Kathmandu with an hour Trans-Himalayan flight to Gonggar Airport in Tibet. Our Tibetan guide meets you at the airport and escorts you to the main city (Lhasa), which is 98 km away from the airport. In Lhasa, we will enjoy a two-day guided sightseeing tour that covers almost all the major attractions situated inside Lhasa. After that we start our journey to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar via Gynatse, Shigatse and Sakya Monastery. As usual, “Lhasa to Mt. Kailash Tour” consists of a 3-day circumambulation around holy Mt. Kailash. The tour ends at Zhang-Mu.
Lhasa – Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar – Lhasa tour
Itinerary:
Day 01: Upon arrival in Lhasa – meet at the airport and transport you to your hotel
Day 02: Sightseeing tour of Lhasa: Potala Palace, Sera Monastery and Norbulinka
Day 03: Sightseeing tour of Lhasa: Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Square
Day 04: Jeep tour: Lhasa to Gyante
Day 05: Jeep tour: Gyatse to Shigatse
Day 06: Jeep tour: Shigatse to Lhatse via Sakya Monastery
Day 07: Jeep tour: Lhatse to Saga; overnight camping
Day 08: Jeep tour: Saga to Paryang; overnight camping
Day 09: Jeep tour: Paryang to Lake Manasarovar (Chhurgu Gompa)
Day 10: Jeep tour: Lake Manasarovar to Darchen via Chiugompa; overnight in guest house
Day 11: Trekking around Kailash – early morning drive to Tarboche then start trekking to Deraphuk Gomba
Day 12: Trekking around Kailash – Cross Dolma-La pass then trek to Zutul Phuk Gomba
Day 13: Trekking around Kailash – finish trek and drive to Lake Manasarovar (Horaa Qui)
Day 14: Jeep tour: Lake Manasarovar to Paryang ; overnight camping
Day 15: Jeep tour: Paryang to Saga; overnight camping
Day 16: Jeep tour: Saga to Lhatse; overnight in guest house
Day 17: Jeep tour: Lhatse – Shigatse
Day 18: Jeep tour: Shigatse – Lhasa
Day 19: Free time in Lhasa
Day 20: Fly out from Lhasa.
Easy access from Kathmandu means that both Langtang and Helambu are favoured trekking regions for travellers with less time to spare.
Langtang, in particular, has the added advantage of offering wilderness style treks with the true spirit of adventure, because many of its trails are still not greatly frequented.
Many trekkers take the road from Kathmandu to Trisuli and Dhunche to begin hiking in this beautiful, predominantly Alpine region.
Langtang admittedly cannot boast any of the giant Himalayan peaks, but nonetheless its scenery is just as spectacular and photogenic as that on the more popular trails.
The Langtang people are from the large and diverse Tamang clan; they are Buddhist in religion and often use the surname ‘Lama.’
A visit to the Langtang Valley is a great opportunity to explore the colourful Tamang culture, as well as to climb some smaller peaks and explore glaciers at a more comfortable altitude than most of the other trekking regions.
Our Langtang itineraries incorporate a rest day at Kyanjin Gompa, to allow time to explore the extensive glacier system in the higher valley.
There is much scope to vary treks in this region and one popular choice is to extend the hike through to the sacred lake of Gosainkund (4300 m), which is said to have been created by Shiva, along with the two smaller adjoining lakes, when he jabbed his trisul (trident) into the ground to form the headwaters of the Trisuli river. Treks in Langtang and Helambu can be very effectively combined, by crossing the Laurebina Pass near Gosainkund.
Helambu, again, is easily accessible from Kathmandu, being located in the Melemchi Khola valley north-east of the capital and south of Langtang.
There are some beautiful forests here, as well as some interesting settlements, principally populated by Sherpa people. However, these Sherpas differ from the Everest region branch of the caste in language, dress and family lineage!
This is one of the most highly rated of the shorter duration treks in Nepal, encompassing some excellent lush scenery and fantastic views of Langtang Lirung (7400 m).
We begin with a drive to Syabrubesi, where we stay overnight. Next comes a four-day walk through outstandingly beautiful country with forests of oak, rhododendron and pine, with ancient settements slotted in between.
Above the tree-line, the valley widens for the Langtang Lirung vista and then there is a gradual ascent towards Langtang village, the headquarters of the Langtang National Park and the last spot hospitable enough for all-year round habitation. The people here are Tibetan speaking pastoral farmers whose lifestyle is unchanged from that of their ancestors who first colonised the valley from Kyirong, Tibet, more than 300 years ago. Before this time Langtang had been regarded as a ‘hidden’ valley and was uninhabited.
Next we move on to the summer settlement of Kyangjin, where we have a rest day to visit the small gomba and the cheese factory. Here there is also an opportunity to admire the higher mountain scenery and to further explore the extensive glacier system.
Two days are taken re-tracing the trail before re-ascending to Syabru village – one final short day away from Syabrubesi, for our drive back to Kathmandu.
Langtang Valley Trek
Maximum Altitude: 3900 meters
Duration of Trek: 9 days with accommodations in mountain lodges
Itinerary:
Day 01 : Arrival Kathmandu – transported to hotel – tour briefing
Day 02 : Kathmandu sightseeing
Day 03 : Kathmandu drive – Syabrubesi (8 hours)
Day 04 : Syabru besi / Lama Hotel (2480 m)
Day 05 : Lama Hotel / Langtang village (3541 m)
Day 06 : Langtang village / Kyangjin Gompa (3900 m)
Day 07 : Rest day for exploration.
Day 08 : Kyangjin Gompa / Ghora Tabela (2950 m)
Day 09 : Ghora Tabela / Bamboo (2100 m)
Day 10 : Bamboo / Syabru village
Day 11 : Travel to Kathmandu
Day 12 : Free time
Day 13 : Transported to airport – flight to onward destination
This itinerary adds a dramatic extension to the basic Langtang Valley trek, in which we undertake a challenging hike across the Gyanja La pass, with two nights under canvas in some fairly wild and remote countryside.
Our journey begins with a drive to Syabrubesi, where we stay overnight. Next comes a four-day walk through astonishingly beautiful country with forests of oak, rhododendron and pine, and ancient settlements slotted between. Above the tree-line, the valley widens for fantastic views of Langtang Lirung (7400 m) and then there is a gradual ascent towards Langtang village, the headquarters of the Langtang National Park and the last spot hospitable enough for year-round habitation. The people here are Tibetan speaking pastoral farmers whose lifestyle is unchanged from that of their ancestors who first colonised the valley from Kyirong, Tibet, more than 300 years ago. Before this time Langtang had been regarded as a ‘hidden’ valley.
We move on to Kyangjin, where we have a rest day to look at the gomba and visit the cheese factory. Here there is also an opportunity to admire the higher mountain scenery and to further explore the extensive glacier system.
From Kyanjin Gompa we take a day to hike to the foot of Gyanja-La, where we rest for a night for acclimatisation and to gauge the suitability of the weather. If it is fine enough, we press on upwards next morning to cross the pass, before making a steep descent.
Then we reach our two days of camping in remote terrain, completely away from human settlements. On the third day we reach Sermathang, a beautiful Sherpa village in the Helambu region, where we stay overnight. The next morning we descend to Melamchi Bazaar before the journey back to Kathmandu.
Langtang and Helambu Trekking via Gyanja La Pass
Maximum Altitude: 5120 meters
Duration of Trek: 9 days with accommodations in mountain lodges and 2 days camping over the pass.
Itinerary:
Day 01 : Arrival Kathmandu – transported to hotel – tour briefing
Day 02 : A full-day Kathmandu sightseeing
Day 03 : Drive, Kathmandu / Syabrubesi (8 hours)
Day 04 : Syabru besi / Lama Hotel (2480 m)
Day 05 : Lama Hotel / Langtang village (3541 m)
Day 06 : Langtang / Kyangjin Gompa (3900 m)
Day 07 : Rest day in Kyangjin Gompa
Day 08 : Kyangjingompa / Ngegang Kharka (4000m)
Day 09 : Cross Ganja-La pass (5120 m) and trek to Keldang (4270 m)
Day 10: Keldang / Dukpu (4080 m)
Day 11 : Dukpu / Tarke Ghyang (2550 m)
Day 12 : Tarkeghyang / Shermathang (2300 m)
Day 13 : Shermathang / Melamchi Pul Bazaar then drive back to Kathmandu
Day 14 : Free time in Kathmandu
Day 15 : Transported to airport -flight to your onward destination
A four-day trek to the Tibetan Everest Base Camp (on the North face) forms the centrepiece of this adventure holiday, which can be adapted to be combined with sightseeing in Kathmandu, Lhasa and/or other parts of Tibet, according to your individual requirements.
