16 Days Tibet Mount Everest and Gama Valley Trekking Tour
Tour Overview
Eastern side of Mount Everest and Gama Valley were praised to be one of the “Top Ten Landscapes in the World”, “the most beautiful valley in the world” and...
Code of Tour: YCT0000000150
Length of Travel: 16 Day
Destinations of Tour: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Tingri - Trekking (Chutang Village, Sakytang Base Camp, Orchid Valley, Gama Valley Base Camp, Sakya) - Shigatse - Lhasa
Departure City: Lhasa
Price of Tour: Request
Type of Tour:
Features of Tour: Nature Hiking Culture Climbing
Eastern side of Mount Everest and Gama Valley were praised to be one of the “Top Ten Landscapes in the World”, “the most beautiful valley in the world” and “one of the top ten classic trekking routes in the world” by American and British explorers last century. The whole trekking route is inside the Mount Everest Nature Reserve with overwhelming landscapes. You can appreciate Mount Everest (World first), Mount Lhotse (World fourth) and Mount Makalu (World fifth). The whole valley is an untraveled region with a large area of virgin forest. You can appreciate rapid replacement of natural sceneries from river valley (in more than 2000 meters) to high peaks (in more than 8000 meters) from eastern side of Himalayas within dozens of kilometers. You can also see broad-leaved forest, needle-leaved forest, brushwood, Alpine meadow, Alpine desert, permanent snow zone, majestic snow-capped mountains and glaciers.
Highlights:
- Experience one of the top ten classic trekking routes in the world.
- Trekking inside the Mount Everest Nature Reserve with the most beautiful Gama Valley.
- Appreciate the top mountains of the world on your way including Mount Everest (World first), Mount Lhotse (World fourth) and Mount Makalu (World fifth).
- Enjoy your stay in local ethnic villages to fully appreciate the daily lives and ethnic cultures of local people.
- Experience Tibetan Buddhism in significant monasteries in Lhasa.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Lhasa Arrival
- Day 2: Lhasa
- Day 3: Lhasa
- Day 4: Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse
- Day 5: Shigatse-Youpa Village
- Day 6: Youpa-Showo-tso Pond
- Day 7: Showo-tso Pond-Dolshang
- Day 8: Dolshang-Tangsung Viewing Platform
- Day 9: Tangsung Viewing Platform-Paltang
- Day 10: Paltang
- Day 11: Paltang-Tangsung Viewing Platform
- Day 12: Tangsung Viewing Platform-Tsosho-rim
- Day 13: Tsosho-rim-Lhundupling Village
- Day 14: Lhundupling Village-Zhaxizom-Shigatse
- Day 15: Shigatse-Lhasa
- Day 16: Lhasa Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Lhasa (3650m)
Sightseeing and Activities:Arrival in Lhasa (3650m)
Accommodation:Lhasa
Meals:None
When you arrive in Lhasa either by train or flight, your guide will greet you and take you to your hotel. Tourists may view theYarlungTsangpo River/ Bhamaputra river (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and Lhasa river on their way to Lhasa. After arriving in Lhasa, you can take a rest and get acclimatized to high altitude. If you feel to go out, then you can go to the Potala Square, where you will enjoy the fountain with different colors and get amazing photos of the Potala and around. Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Insider Tips:
For the new-comers of Tibet, to get acclimatized to the high altitude in Tibet. Having a good sleep in your hotel is a good option. Don not rush to visit attractions inside Lhasa city.
Day 2 Lhasa
Sightseeing and Activities:Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Accommodation:Lhasa
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
Today’s tour will first bring you to the Potala Palace which is the winter palace of the Dalai lama. It was put to use since the 7th Century by the 33rd great king of Tibet. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.
Then after lunch, tourists head to Jokhang Temple which was founded by the 33rd great king of Tibet in the 7th century. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.
Besides, We can taste Tibetan tea with locals in tea house; The welcome dinner will also be arranged accordingly;
Optional:
With time permitting, you may go with tour guide to visit Tibetan handicraft art or Tibetan Traditional Medicine center. You can upgrade your service to enjoy Tibetan Culture Show in the evening (fr. 60USD). Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 3 Lhasa
Sightseeing and Activities:Drepung monastery, Sera monastery
Accommodation:Lhasa
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, you are going to visit Drepung Monastery which is one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet, founded in 1416 by Jamyangchoge, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. You can visit biggest monastery kitchen inside the monastery and enjoy Buddhist Sculpture Carving workshop near Drepung.
In the Afternoon, Tourists will visit Sera Monastery which is another one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet. The hot attraction is the Monks debate at around 3 – 5 in the afternoon. In addition, you can tour the Tibetan religious scripture printing house; inside the monastery, you can see three sand Mandalas and colorful Rock Painting of Buddha. Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 4 Lhasa- Shigatse via Gyantse 360 km
Sightseeing and Activities: Yamdro-tso Lake, Mt. NyenchenKhangsar, Kora-la Glacier, Gyantse Kunbum, Tashilhunpo Monastery
Accommodation:Shigatse
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, drive from Lhasa to Shigatse .On the way, drive over the Gampala pass (4790 m), and you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m) .The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount NyenchenKhangsar, (7191m) the highest mountain near Lhasa .
Later, we will pass and enjoy the Karo-la Glacier on the roadside; At Manak Dam Lake, you can hang pray flag at Simila Mountain Pass; Then, we will arrive in Gyantse, historically Tibet’s third largest city (after Lhasa and Shigatse).In Gyantse, we will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum(Pelkor Chode Monastery) and enjoy the Far view of Gyangtse Fortress.
After one and a half driving, we arrive in Shigatse, which is the second largest city in Tibet. In Shigatse, we may visit the home of Panchan Lama – Tashilhunpo Monastery. It stands among the six most sacred Buddhist temples in Tibet and was built, in 1447, by the 1st Dalai Lama. Stay overnight in Shigatse.
Day 5 Shigatse—Tingri–Chutang—Youpa Village (350km, 3770m)
Sightseeing and Activities:Gawu La Pass, Youpa Village
Accommodation:Youpa Village
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, we will take the tour vehicle and head to Tingri via Lhatse. On the way, you will stop by the famous Gawu La Pass (5198m). It is the best place to enjoy mind-blowing vistas of top 5 highest peaks (all above 8000m) along majestic Himalayas. Then we will follow the winding road to Youpa Village and acclimatize to the new altitude. You may get prepared for the trekking and yak registration. Stay overnight in the guesthouse in Youpa Village.
Day 6 Youpa– Showo-tso Pond (10km, 4677m)
Sightseeing and Activities:Trekking from Youpa to Showo-tse Pond
Accommodation:Camping
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
After a tight sleep, we get up in the morning and put all the trekking gears and supply on the yak caravan. You can travel light and only pack things like water and food and other stuff. At around 11:00, our trek will begin from Youpa Village. With blinding sunshine and fluffy clouds above the head, we ascend gradually through steppes and rugged paths. The 10km’s trek will final lead you to the camping site around enchanting Showo-tso Pond. There is a total of 900m ascent during the day trek. Camping at the lakeside of Showo-tso.
Day 7 Showo-tso—Showola pass(4900m)–Dolshang(Orchid valley, 4030m, 14km)
Sightseeing and Activities:Trekking from Showo-tso to Dolshang(Orchid valley)
Accommodation:Camping
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
At 10:00, we are about to leave camping site at Showotso. The following challenge is to climb over lofty Showo la Pass and later descend to Dolshang valley via gushing brooks covered by vibrant unknown flowers and shrubs. Doshang forms the initial parts of Gama Valley and picturesque brooks surrounded by amazing snow-capped mountainshelp to breed massive colorful orchid flowers. Once getting down to the valley, you instantly find yourselfintoxicated by the alluring scent of orchid flowers. The stunning waterfalls,exuberant meadows, snowy peaks, etc make you wonder if you venture into a fairyland. Camping in Dolshang Valley
Day 8 Dolshang(Orchid Valley)–Tsonang-tso—XialongPasture–Tangsung Viewing Platform (4510m,12km)
Sightseeing and Activities:Trekking from Dolshang to Tangsung Viewing Platform (4510m,12km)
Accommodation:Camping
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, we keep trekking upwards from Dolshangand pass through thepristine forest. While climbing through the ridge of the mountain, we can look back and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of Gama Valley. If we arrive at the right time, you can even capture the grandeur of Mt. Makalu (8,463m). We will reach Tsonang-tso lake at around noon. Cuddled by snow-tipped mountains, Tsonang-tsolake flows through Gama Valley via a underground outlet. The crystal-clear water face of Tsonang-tso reflects the spectacular symmetric image of surrounding snowy summits. After lunch, we need to pass another mountain pass to reach splendid Xialong Pasture, blanketed with colorful wild flowers. The final part of the trek will lead us to camping site of Tangsung Viewing Platform. Camping around Tangsung Viewing Platform.
Day 9 Tangsung Viewing Platform—Badang-Ega—Paltang (4950m, 11km)
Sightseeing and Activities:Tangsung Viewing Platform—Badang-Ega—Paltang (4950m, 11km)
Accommodation:Camping
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
Follow the zigzag trails we move down to the Badang, where the Ega Prairie situated. During the descent, a looming gorge and glaciers start to take shape on your right side. The running water there makes up the source of of Gama Valley. We need to wade through rugged and gigantic rocks to make it to Paltang, the final camping site of the day trek. You can have a good rest and save energy for tomorrow’s challenging trek. Camping in Paltang.
Day 10 Paltang–Eastern Slope of Mt.Everest Base Camp(5310m)—Paltang (4950m,18km)
Sightseeing and Activities:Trekking to the Eastern Slope of Mt.Everest Base Camp
Accommodation:Camping
Meals:Breaakfast, Lunch
Today’s trek would be a tough one. Firstly, we trek to the base camp at the eastern slope of Mt. Everest. The initial part of the trek involves a difficult upward walk amid huge rocks with slope measuring 45 degree. From the slope you can gaze at the little-known Mt. Chomo Lonzo(7804m) and marvelous glaciers along eastern slope of Mt. Everest. After the trek is done, we will head back to Paltang. If you prefer having a good rest instead of trekking to Eastern Slope of Mt.Everest Base Camp, you can simply enjoy the picturesque view around the camping site in Paltang.Camping in Paltang
Day 11 Paltang—Ega–Tangsung Viewing Platform( 4510m, 14km)
Sightseeing and Activities:Trekking from Paltang to Tangsung Viewing Platform
Accommodation:Camping
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
Follow the same route and trek back to Tangsung Viewing Platform. Camping at Tangsung Viewing Platform.
Day 12 Tangsung Viewing Platform–Tsosho-rim (5013m, 11km)
Sightseeing and Activities: Trekking from Tangsung Viewing Platform to Tsosho-rim
Accommodation:Camping
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
Treknorthward towards the camp site of Tsosho-rim below the majestic snow-feathered peaks; you can appreciate the epic vistas of Mt. Everest(8844.43m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Makalu (8,463m) and a unclaimed peak(7000m). Camping at Tsosho-rim.
Day 13 Tsosho-rim–Nangma-la pass(5344m) -Lhundupling Village (3990m, 21km)
Sightseeing and Activities:Tsosho-rim–Nangma-la pass(5344m) -Lhundupling Village (3990m, 21km)
Accommodation:Lhundupling Village
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
Today, we will climb over two soaring mountain passes, one is the Nangma-la pass(5344m), the highest pass of entire trek, and the other nameless one is above 5000m. Passing deep-blue Latsetso Lake, we will get to Lhundupling Village. Stay overnight in the guesthouse of Lhundupling Village。
Day 14 Lhundupling Village—Zhaxizom—Shigatse
Sightseeing and Activities:Ride to Shigatse
Accommodation:Shigatse
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
Pack all the stuff and enjoy the long ride back to Shigatse. On the way, you can enjoy again the lofty mountain peaks along Himalayan Range. After the arrival in Shigatse, have a dinner and shower and enjoy the last night in Shigatse. Stay overnight in hotel in Shigatse.
Day 15 Shigatse—Lhasa(260km)
Sightseeing and Activities:Shigatse—Lhasa(260km)
Accommodation: Yalong Valley
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
Today, we will drive back to Lhasa by following Yalong Valley. You can stand on the viewing platform and view the vast Yalong River bed. Finally the guide will transfer you back to your hotels in Lhasa. Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 16 Depart from Lhasa
Sightseeing and Activities:Depart from Lhasa
Accommodation:None
Meals:Breakfast
The guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board.
Recommended Hotels
| Destination | 5 Star | 4 Star | 3 Star |
| Lhasa | Luxury St. Regis Lhasa Resort | Lhasa Gang Gyan Hotel | Lhasa Xiongbala Hotel |
| Shigatse | / | Shigatse Manasarovar Hotel | Jiumu Yamei Hotel in Shigatse |
Service Included:
- Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary;
- Accommodation with breakfast as listed in the itinerary;
- Private English-speaking tour guide and vehicle for transfers & sightseeing;
- Service charge & government taxes;
- Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
- Tibet travel permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet;
- Two bottles of mineral water each day.
Service Excluded:
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Chinese visa fees;
- Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
- Single room supplement;
- Tips to guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
- Personal travel insurance;
- All optional programs;
- Domestic flight/train not listed in the itinerary. (We can provide you the domestic flight/train ticket booking service at the BEST discount price; please contact us our travel experts for the details.)
Travel Tips:
- Tibet Permits
There are several permits required to visit Tibet. Tibet Entry Permit, issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau, is the most important one which has to be obtained before your trip because you must have it to take your flight/train to Tibet. To get the permit, you have to book a Tibet tour with us, and send us your passport and Chinese visa about 20 days in advance, and then let us apply for the permit (all Tibet permits can only be applied by travel agency). If you travel to other prefectures like Shigatse, Nyingchi, Shannan, etc, you also have to obtain an Alien Travel Permit. If you travel to Mount Everest, you have to obtain a Border Permit. (Tibet Discovery, with office in Lhasa, has always kept up with the latest news on Tibet Permits. Traveling with us, all your permits are guaranteed as long as you are qualified to the requirements.)
- Available Months to Visit Tibet
Generally speaking, May to early October is the best time to for a Mount Kailash trip. July and August are the peak season and rainy season. It may be too cold to travel in Kailash area from November to March. There is usually heavy snow. The conditions in Namtso Lake and Mount Everest area are quite similar with Kailash. While other places like Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse are suitable for travel all year around.
- High Altitude Sickness
The average altitude of Tibet is about 4000 meters above the sea level (Lhasa: 3700m; EBC: 5200m; Namtso: 4718m). You may suffer a bit from High Altitude Sickness in the beginning days of your Tibet trip if you haven’t had rich high plateau travel experience. But don’t worry too much, the high altitude can be acclimatized usually in 2~3 days. Our suggestion is to take a physical examination and get suggestions from your doctor, and also bring some medicines to prevent from High Altitude Sickness before your trip. While in Tibet, you should keep warm all the time, avoid strenuous activities, drink more water and eat more vegetables and carbohydrates. You’d better not take showers during the first two days after your arrival at Tibet. If you don’t feel well, get help from your tour guide or go to the hospital without any delay.
- How to Go to Tibet
Basically you have two options – flight and train. Currently, you can take a flight to Lhasa from Beijing(4.5hrs), Xian(3.7hrs), Chengdu(2.5hrs), Chongqing(3hrs), Kuming(3hrs), etc. Among all these cities, Chengdu and Xian have more frequent flights to Lhasa. Kathmandu also has several flights to Lhasa each week.
If you a train travel, you can take a train to from Beijing(40.5hrs), Xian(32hrs), Chengdu(43hrs), Shanghai(47hrs), Chongqing(42hrs), Lanzhou(25hrs), Xining(22hrs), Guangzhou(54hrs).
- Packing and Wearing Ideas
Firstly you can’t forget your passport and Chinese Visa. A large backpack and a smaller one are recommended (the smaller one can be used for daily activities). Also bring the necessary medicine you need. Other stuffs like sunglasses, snow glasses, hats, lip balm, sun block are recommended. As for wearing, you are suggested to dress in layers (both thin and thick jackets). Down jacket is necessary in Spring and Autumn. A pair of durable and comfortable shoes is necessary.
