Tibet trekking tours
Hidden deep in Lhozhag County, Shannan, Tibet, near the border between China and Bhutan, lies a place few have heard of and even fewer have explored. Yet those who encounter it unanimously rank it among the world’s top trekking routes, dubbing it the “Little Annapurna.” Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers, this region rivals Nepal’s EBC (Everest Base Camp) in grandeur and challenge. Along the journey, you’ll discover Shannan’s most iconic and mystical landscapes, including a series of breathtaking alpine lakes that immerse you in deep blues beneath the sky.
This is Mount Kula Kangri, one of the “Four Sacred Mountains” of central Tibet. Standing at 7,538 meters, it dominates the central ridge of the Himalayas, flanked by three main peaks and six other summits over 7,000 meters. Together, they form an awe-inspiring icy fortress. The mountain’s sheer north and south rock faces plunge into valleys dotted with four glaciers—two stretching 10 kilometers on the northern slopes. Here, you’ll witness surreal ice formations: towering seracs, icy cliffs, and steep slopes, with frequent thunderous ice collapses and avalanches that leave visitors spellbound.
Join us on this extraordinary trek into the heart of Kula Kangri and the hidden realms of the eastern Himalayas—a journey to sacred mountains and holy lakes!
Trip Highlights
- Trekking Adventure: Get up close to sacred peaks like Kula Kangri, YarLha Shampo, Gurlha Kari, and Karjiang, while exploring legendary lakes such as Yamdrok Lake, Lake Puma Yumco, Baima Lake, Zhigu Lake, Three Holy Lakes (Zhegong Tso), and Jiejiu Tso.
- Tibetan Cultural Immersion: Dive into Tibet’s roots—visit Samye Monastery (Tibet’s first Buddhist temple), Yumbulagang Palace (Tibet’s earliest palace), and Sodang (Tibet’s first farmland)—to experience authentic Tibetan traditions.
- Hidden Gems: Venture into untouched landscapes, photograph Yamdrok Lake from unique angles, and visit Rituo Temple, dubbed “the world’s loneliest temple.”
- Epic Himalayan Exploration: Traverse Shannan’s most iconic and secret trails, ensuring a one-of-a-kind, non-repeating route.
- Premium Service: Led by professional guides (groups of 6+), enjoy free guided tours at Yumbulagang, plus photography services with cameras or drones.
- Small-Group Experience: Limited to 6 travelers per vehicle for safety, flexibility, and maximum enjoyment!
Pricing Details
Included in the Cost
- Transportation: Round-trip mountain transfers in vehicles suited to group size.
- Accommodation: 4 nights in twin-share hotels + 2 nights in guesthouse twin rooms.
- Meals: 6 breakfasts included.
- Staff: Professional outdoor guide.
- Fees: Entrance tickets for Samye Monastery, Yumbulagang Palace, and Rituo Temple, plus Kula Kangri environmental fee.
- Insurance: Outdoor high-altitude accident insurance.
Not Included
- Flights/Transport: Travel costs to/from Lhasa.
- Lunches & Dinners: Meals beyond breakfast are self-funded (participants should prepare 3 days’ packed lunches for trekking).
- Personal Expenses: Alcohol, beverages, and other individual purchases.
- Border Permit: Required for entry.
Packing List
Essentials
- Luggage: 24-inch suitcase + 20L daypack.
- Clothing:
- Quick-dry shirts/pants, waterproof jacket/pants, fleece layers, down jacket.
- Hiking boots (mid/high-ankle), gaiters, multiple pairs of socks.
- Sun hat, gloves, neck gaiter (complimentary), sunglasses.
- Gear: Trekking poles (available for loan—1 pole provided), reusable water bottle, rain gear.
- Health/Safety: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm, personal medications, toiletries.
- Documents: ID card + Border Permit (mandatory for Shannan Prefecture).
Pro Tips
- Layer clothing for extreme temperature shifts (freezing mornings to sunny afternoons).
- Break in hiking boots before the trip to avoid blisters.
- Pack light but prepare for high-altitude weather (wind, snow, and intense UV exposure).
Why This Matters
- No Hidden Costs: Clear pricing ensures you focus on the adventure, not logistics.
- Safety First: Insurance and professional guides prioritize your well-being in remote terrain.
- Cultural Compliance: Border permits are legally required—we’ll guide you on how to obtain them hassle-free.
Ready to conquer the Himalayas? Gear up and let’s go! 🎒✨
Tour Plan
Day 1
Arrival in Lhasa
Highlights: Group assembly, acclimatization, pre-trek briefing.
- Meals: Self-funded.
- Accommodation: 4-star oxygen-enriched hotel in Lhasa (twin room).
- Altitude: 3,650 meters.
Details:
Travelers from across China will gather in Lhasa. Check into our designated hotel after arrival. For those arriving early, explore Lhasa at your leisure.
- Transport Tips:
- Lhasa Train Station: 10 km from downtown (taxi to hotel).
- Gonggar Airport: 65 km from downtown. Take the airport shuttle (CNY 30) to the CAAC terminal, then taxi to the hotel.
- Acclimatization: Rest upon arrival. Avoid strenuous activity, alcohol, and showers. Hydrate and eat light.
- Evening Briefing: Mandatory pre-trek meeting to review safety and logistics.
Notes:
- Arrive 1-2 days early to adjust to altitude if possible.
Day 2
Lhasa → Samye Monastery → Yumbulagang Palace → Shannan/Tsöme
Highlights: Ancient monasteries, Tibet’s cultural roots.
- Meals: Breakfast included; lunch/dinner self-funded.
- Accommodation: Twin room in Shannan or Tsöme.
- Distance: 180 km, ~3.5 hours by road.
- Altitude: Yumbulagang Palace (3,700m), Shannan (~3,600m).
Details:
- Morning: Drive along the Lhasa River to Samye Monastery (8th century)—Tibet’s first Buddhist temple blending Tibetan, Han, and Indian architectural styles.
- Afternoon: Visit Yumbulagang Palace (Tibet’s first palace, 2nd century BCE) perched atop a hill near Shannan.
Day 3
Shannan/Tsöme → Lake Zhigu → Kagyü Monastery → Sê Township/Lhozhak
Highlights: Alpine lakes, sacred monasteries, Himalayan wildlife.
- Meals: Breakfast included; lunch/dinner self-funded.
- Accommodation: Twin room in Sê Township/Lhozhak.
- Distance: 310 km, ~6 hours by road.
- Altitude: Lake Zhigu (4,616m), Kagyü Monastery (4,019m), Sê Township (3,700m).
Details:
- Lake Zhigu: A vast grassland teeming with wildlife (Tibetan antelope, wild yaks).
- Kagyü Monastery: A hidden gem for Buddhist meditation, home to rare birds like the Himalayan monal.
- Optional: Visit Sekar Gutok Monastery (self-funded CNY 20) to see its iconic 9-story tower with a perilous circumambulation path.
Day 4
Sê Township → Lake Baima → Tsoyü Village/Sê Township
Highlights: Trekking to glacial lakes, close-up views of Kula Kangri.
- Meals: Breakfast included; pack lunch, dinner self-funded.
- Accommodation: Twin room in Tsoyü Village/Sê Township.
- Trek: 6 km, ~6-7 hours (gentle slopes).
- Altitude: Lake Baima (4,550m), max elevation 4,800m, Tsoyü Village (4,160m).
Details:
Hike along Lake Baima, famed for its shifting blue-green hues and views of Kula Kangri’s glaciers. Opt for a shorter lakeside stroll if needed.
Notes:
- Tsoyü Village may swap with Sê Township lodging based on availability.
Day 5
Tsoyü Village/Sê Township → Gurlha Kari → Three Holy Lakes → Tsoyü Village/Sê Township
Highlights: High-altitude trekking, sacred glacial lakes.
- Meals: Breakfast included; pack lunch, dinner self-funded.
- Accommodation: Twin room in Tsoyü Village/Sê Township.
- Trek: 12 km, ~6-7 hours (rocky/gravel paths).
- Altitude: Three Holy Lakes ridge (5,100m).
Details:
Ascend to the Three Holy Lakes beneath Gurlha Kari Peak (7,000m+). This challenging hike rewards with panoramic views of turquoise lakes and snow-capped giants.
Notes:
- Turn back anytime if altitude affects stamina.
Day 6
Tsoyü Village/Sê Township → Lake Jiejiu → Lhozhak
Highlights: Alpine ridge hikes, optional hot spring soak.
- Meals: Breakfast included; pack lunch, dinner self-funded.
- Accommodation: Twin room in Lhozhak.
- Trek: 9 km, ~6-7 hours; drive 1 hour.
- Altitude: Lake Jiejiu ridge (4,800m), Lhozhak (3,800m).
Details:
Hike to Lake Jiejiu for front-row views of Kula Kangri. Descend to the lakeshore or explore glacial streams. Unwind at a natural hot spring en route to Lhozhak.
Day 7
Lhozhak → Lake Puma Yumco → Yamdrok Lake → Rituo Temple → Lhasa
Highlights: Sacred lakes, "world’s loneliest temple."
- Meals: Breakfast included; lunch/dinner self-funded.
- Accommodation: Self-arranged.
- Distance: 350 km, ~7 hours by road.
- Altitude: Lake Puma Yumco (5,010m), Rituo Temple (4,500m).
Details:
- Lake Puma Yumco: A seasonal stunner—emerald in summer, frozen blue in winter.
- Yamdrok Lake: Visit the secluded Rituo Temple, perched on a peninsula for 360° lake views. Return to Lhasa by evening.
Notes:
- Book flights after 7:00 PM if departing same day.
- Overnight in Lhasa recommended for relaxed departure.
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