Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Lhasa (3650m/12,000ft)
You will be met at Gonggar Airport by your Tibetan guide with a "khata"
(a traditional ceremonial white scarf for good luck) and a warm greeting
- Tashi Delek.
A 1.5-hour drive along the beautiful Lhasa River leads you to Lhasa, lying at an altitude of 3650 meters
(12,000ft). It’s advisable to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa’s altitude.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Lhasa
After breakfast, You will be guided to tour the famous Potala Palace
dominating Lhasa's skyline. You will immerse yourself in an array of
intricate Tibetan murals, temples, sculptures and tombs of eight
past Dalai Lamas. Potala Palace was first built in the 6th century and rebuilt in the 13th century.
After lunch, you will visit the most sacred shrine in Tibet - Jokhang Temple.
Surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkhor Street - a maze of narrow cobbled streets with stalls of Tibetan merchandise
and souvenirs. Enjoy a Tibetan dinner and a traditional Tibetan dance show
(optional).
Day 3: Sightseeing in Lhasa
On this day you will get more acquainted with the mystiques of Lhasa.
After breakfast, you will visit Drepung Monastery where you can observe nuns and monks
chanting and performing religious discourses. In the afternoon, you will visit
Sera Monastery. You can do the Sera Kora walk for 1 hour and catch
the famous debate session of the monks before returning to Lhasa.
Day 4:
Lhasa / Ganden Monastery (4500m/14764ft)
Ganden has stupendous view of the Kyi-chu Valley. At the south-west
corner of Ganden is a large rock draped with prayer flags, a religious
destination among the locals of Ganden. You will further the
night here to acclimatize and prepare for your forthcoming adventure.
Day 5:
Trek to Yama Do (~6 hrs)
We will start trekking from Ganden Monastery in the morning.
The trail gradually ascends for 1.5 hrs before reaching a saddle marked by a cairn with views of Kyichu valley
to Lhasa. Traversing the west side of the ridge from the saddle, the trail reaches a spur surmounted by a cairn,
a spring and then the village of Hepu in 2 hrs. After 1 hr from Hepu we will reach Ani Pangong, a small nunnery.
The trail climbs steadily for 1 hour through marshy meadows to Yama Do.
Day 6:
Trek from Yama Do to Tsotup (4~5 hrs)
Two hrs past Yama-Do we will ascend Shug—la pass (5250m/17,224ft) -
the highest point on this trail. It takes
about 2 hrs from the basin negotiating boulders
and uneven ground to reach the final steep climb to the pass. The route continues over the Shug—la pass
(easily recognizable by large piles of cairn wrapped by prayer flags and
yak horns). Following the
cairned trail descending gradually to reach the valley in 1.5 hrs from the pass.
The trail crosses the Tsotup Chu river.
Nomad herders with their yaks, goat and sheep can be found here.
Day 7: Tsotup-chu - Herder's
Camp (~5 hrs)
From the Tsotup Chu valley, you come across main water course following from the south-east and a tributary from
the south-west.
The route winds steeply upwards for 30 mins until you reach a large basin. The trail further opens into the valley
progressing south to the Chitu La at 5100 meters (16,732ft) capped with several cairns. The trail further brushes
past a sheer rock wall on its south flank. Thereafter, follows a descent into a basin showcasing three turquoise
lakes. Further on, the trail moves on to the west side of the stream and after 30 minutes approaches campsite.
Many herders’ camps can be seen at the nearby locations. The trail at many points is not clearly marked and
goes past several seasonal camping sites before it reaches the valley floor.
Day 8:
Herder's Camp to Yamalung (5~6 hrs)
The trail is now wide and easy to follow and goes through forest of shrubs for 3 hrs. The trail winds through
a series of meadows before reaching Gen Do, a place with a ruined stone structure. The forest thins rapidly
and we reach the first permanent village of Chantan (4020m/13,188ft) after leaving Hebu. In
another 30 - 40 minutes we will arrive at the turn off at Yamalung Valley. Yamalung Hermitage is another 1 hour
steep climb from the valley floor. You may choose to skip the steep ascent at the end of the day. Ancient history has it that
Guru Rin Poche, after rigorous meditation attained spiritual enlightenment with the blessings from the deity of Amitayus
(Tibetan: Tsepame) at Yamalung (also called Emalung). This hermitage houses small temples which shelters monks,
sacred springs and stone carvings of 8th Guru Rin Poche, King Trisong Detsen and Indian pundit Shantarakshita.
Day 9: Yamalung to Samye (~4 hrs)
From Yamalung Valley it takes 3.5 - 4 hrs to Samye. At its lower end a hill called Hepo Ri appears into picture.
This is regarded very sacred. The trail winds through the ridge of Dragmar towards verdant fields and villages of Samye.
A partially rebuilt palace is nestled on the summit. History boasts that the palace is the birthplace of King Trisong
Detsen and had a grand temple in the ancient time. From there we go past the villages of Nyango, Wango and
Pisha. From Pisha the entire lower valley of Samye and the golden spires of Samye Monastery can be
seen. Then finally a ride (by car) for 40 km to Tsetang. Tonight you
will get your well-deserved rest at a comfortable guesthouse.
Day 10: Tsedang
Sightseeing
On the Southeast of Tsedang, you will get to observe mesmerizing views of mountain
Gangpo Ri standing at 4130 meters (13,550ft) above sea level. Tibetans regard this mountain as their legendary birthplace
and consider it to be immensely significant. You will visit Valley of Tombs and Tandruk (Trandruk) Monastery, a 7th century monastery,
which holds fantastic wood carved altar, interesting relics and murals. You will also explore Yambulakang, the castle
perched dramatically on a pinnacle above the valley is the oldest known dwelling in Tibet,
reputedly the home of the Yarlung Kings. Don't miss the chance to walk up along the ridge which provides a fabulous view
of the Yarlung Valley.
Day
11: Tsedang to Gonggar Airport, depart Lhasa
You will be transferred to Gonggar airport to catch your flight home.
Note: You may choose to add a day or two into
the itinerary to better acclimatize.
For further enquiry please feel free to mail us at: enquiry@AccessTibet.com |
