Tsurphu to Yangpachen trek

Attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Bakhor Street

Today, we will begin exploring Lhasa. In the morning, our guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to visit Jokhang Temple, located in the heart of the Old Lhasa city. This sacred temple attracts devoted local pilgrims and offers an insightful cultural experience. Afterward, you will have time to wander around Bakhor Street, a vibrant market that has transformed into a tourist shopping center over the years. In the afternoon, we will visit the renowned Potala Palace, a magnificent architectural masterpiece and the historical residence of the Dalai Lama. Take the rest of the day to acclimatize further and overcome any jet lag. Overnight in Lhasa.

Attractions: Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

In the morning, we will visit Drepung Monastery, which was once the largest monastery in the world and served as the residence of the Dalai Lama before the construction of Potala Palace. Despite experiencing some destruction over the years, the monastery still offers fascinating sights, including a walk through the monks’ apartments that resembles a typical village. In the afternoon, we will explore Sera Monastery, founded in the fifteenth century and home to several hundred monks from different parts of Tibet. Witness the famous Buddhist philosophical debates among the monks, a daily occurrence except on Sundays. Take the rest of the day to continue acclimatizing and alleviating jet lag. Overnight in Lhasa.

Attractions: Scenic Tibetan villages, farmland, and Tsurpu Monastery

We will embark on a scenic drive from Lhasa to Tsurphu Monastery. Following the Qinghai-Tibet highway, we will cross the Lungpa Zampa bridge after 26km from Tolung Dechen on the east bank of Tolung-Chu. From there, we will traverse an inclined rough road for approximately 2 hours until we reach the monastery. Driving through the Drowolung villages and barley farmlands within the narrow valley, we will discover Tsurpu Monastery, situated deep in the valley at an altitude of 4480m. This monastery serves as the traditional seat of Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu sect. In the afternoon, you will have time to explore the monastery complex and its aged buildings. Overnight at Tsurphu Monastic Guesthouse or camping.

Attractions: Shupshading herder’s camp and nomadic life

Our trek begins as we head west along the Kora trail. The day’s trek covers a distance of 12km and takes approximately 4-5 hours. You will walk through a green valley, crossing mountain streams and watercourses along the way. Keep an eye out for herds of mountain goats camouflaged among the rocky hills. Later in the day

Attractions: Lasar Pass (5400m) and Damchen Nyingtri (cairn, 5270m)

Today, we will embark on a steep ascent over a small mountain, leading us into a captivating valley. Along the way, you will come across common cairns built on high passes in Tibet. These cairns are believed to bring good luck or aid in finding places to stay in the afterlife during the Bardo state. As we continue through the valley, you will have the opportunity to witness the nomadic way of life on the high plateau. We will cross the Lasar Pass (5300m), the highest point of the day, which offers the first breathtaking view of the Yangpache valley. Finally, we will reach Bartso, a small village inhabited by about six nomadic families surrounded by Juniper trees. Camping will be set up near Bartso village.

Attractions: Nyinga Ri (4800m) and Dorje Ling Nunnery

Today’s trek is one of the highlights of the tour, where you will encounter nomadic herders and visit the Dorje Ling Nunnery. Follow the wide trail and catch sight of the holy Mount Nyenchen Thangla (7111m) from a ridge. This majestic mountain holds great spiritual significance, with locals praying and hanging prayer flags for the well-being of all sentient beings. After setting up camp near the Dorje Ling Nunnery, take the opportunity to visit the nunnery and interact with the Buddhist nuns residing there. Camping will be arranged near the nunnery.

Attractions: Yangpachen Monastery, Yangpachen Hot Spring, Tibet train routes, and Namtso Lake

Embark on a 4-hour trek through the green valley, following the Lango River until reaching the Yangpachen-Shigatse road. After a two-hour walk, you will come across a steel bridge (4400m) spanning the river. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit Yangpachen Monastery, founded in the 15th century under the guidance of Shamar Rinpoche, a leading lama in the Kagyupa order. Inside the monastery, you will find intriguing murals. Our car and driver will meet us at the monastery. On the way, we will make a stop at the famous Yangpachen Hot Spring, where you can relax and enjoy a bath to relieve fatigue from the day’s trekking (Hot spring fees are not included). In the late afternoon, we will drive back to Lhasa. Tonight, we will stay overnight in Lhasa.

Attraction: Tibetan Nomadic Family

Today, we will retrace our journey back to Lhasa along the Qinghai-Tibet train track. Along the way, we will make a stop at a nomad family tent. This will provide an opportunity to experience the interior of a nomad’s home and spend some time getting to know the lifestyle of the plateau nomads. We will cross the Legen Pass and follow the Damchu River downstream to Lhasa via Tulong. Overnight stay in Lhasa.

Today, our staff will accompany you to the train station or Lhasa Airport for your departure from Tibet.

In conclusion, the Tsurphu to Yangpachen Trek in Tibet offers an incredible journey through the stunning landscapes and cultural treasures of the region. This trek combines breathtaking mountain passes, picturesque valleys, and encounters with nomadic herders, providing a truly immersive experience of Tibetan life and nature.