7 Days Tibet Sapu Kangri Hiking Tour from Lhasa

Tour Overview

The 7 Days Sepu Kangri Trek offers an exceptional adventure that explores the remote and pristine landscapes of Northern Tibet. This private tour will take you on a journey...

Code of Tour: YCT0000018647

Length of Travel: 7 Day

Destinations of Tour: Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Nagqu - Biru County - Sepu Base Camp- Biru County- Changtang Grassland - Lhasa

Departure City: Lhasa

Price of Tour: Request

Type of Tour:

Features of Tour:

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The 7 Days Sepu Kangri Trek offers an exceptional adventure that explores the remote and pristine landscapes of Northern Tibet. This private tour will take you on a journey through the famous Changtang Grassland, one of Tibet’s most untouched regions, and provides a chance to visit some of the most iconic spiritual landmarks like the Potala Palace (布达拉宫) and Jokhang Temple (大昭寺) in Lhasa (拉萨). The trek focuses on Sepu Kangri (萨普神山), a sacred mountain known for its stunning triangular shape and towering glaciers. This journey includes visits to breathtaking natural wonders, such as Namtso Lake (纳木错), Biru Skull Wall (比如人骨墙), and Sepu Base Camp (萨普大本营), offering travelers a chance to witness the spectacular landscapes of Tibet’s highest plateaus, glaciers, lakes, and snow-capped mountains.

Starting with a spiritual exploration in Lhasa, you will venture deep into the wilderness, trekking through Sepu Kangri’s sacred grounds, immersing yourself in the stunning Tibetan highland scenery, and finally returning through the Changtang Grassland, a place where wildlife, wide meadows, and breathtaking vistas await. The best time to visit is from May to September, providing ideal weather for trekking and stunning views of Tibet’s natural beauty.

Tour Highlights

1. Lhasa’s Spiritual Landmarks

• Potala Palace (布达拉宫): Explore the iconic structure that symbolizes Tibetan culture, a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama.

• Jokhang Temple (大昭寺): Visit Tibet’s most sacred temple, located at the heart of Lhasa, and experience the devotion of Tibetan pilgrims.

• Barkhor Street (八廓街): Wander through this ancient circuit surrounding Jokhang Temple, a bustling area full of Tibetan culture, markets, and sacred rituals.

2. Sacred Lakes and Glaciers

• Namtso Lake (纳木错): One of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, known for its serene beauty and spiritual significance. Visit Tashi Island for a closer look at this mystical lake.

• Sepu Sacred Lake (萨普圣湖): Formed by the melting snow of Sepu Kangri, this pristine lake is known for its purity and natural beauty, offering an unforgettable trekking experience along its shores.

3. Sepu Kangri (萨普神山) and the Trek

• Sepu Kangri (萨普神山): Trek to the Sepu Base Camp (萨普大本营), located at over 5000 meters, for a chance to view the iconic Sepu Kangri peak (6956 meters) and the surrounding glaciers. The mountain’s unique triangular shape and stunning snow-capped peaks will leave you in awe.

• Trekking along the Sepu Glacier: The trek from Sepu Base Camp to the glacier offers spectacular views of Sepu Kangri and the surrounding landscape, including pristine meadows, sacred lakes, and majestic snow-covered peaks.

4. Biru Skull Wall (比如人骨墙)

• Visit this unique and mysterious site in Biru County, a wall made of human skulls, and learn about its cultural significance. It’s a rare and fascinating sight in the Tibetan Plateau.

5. Changtang Grassland (长塘草原)

• Explore the Changtang Grassland, known for its vast expanses, rich wildlife, and panoramic views. This grassland, which stretches across northern Tibet, offers a glimpse into the nomadic life of Tibetan herders and the diverse ecosystem of the Tibetan plateau.

6. Cultural Insights

• Experience the daily lives of local Tibetans, their rich culture, and spiritual practices, especially in Lhasa and surrounding regions. The visit to the Pala Pagoda (帕拉塔) and its Buddhist significance adds a deeper layer to your understanding of Tibetan religious life.

7. Photography Opportunities

• With stunning views of snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, glaciers, and the Tibetan Plateau’s vast landscape, this tour offers countless opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of Tibet’s natural wonders.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa
Day 2: Lhasa Sightseeing
Day 3: Lhasa – Namtso Lake – Nagqu
Day 4: Nagqu – Biru County – Sepu Base Camp
Day 5: Sepu Base Camp Trek (10km) – Biru County
Day 6: Biru County – Changtang Grassland – Lhasa
Day 7: Lhasa Departure

Details of Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa

Arrival in Lhasa (拉萨)

• Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport (拉萨贡嘎机场) or Lhasa Railway Station (拉萨火车站), you’ll be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel.

• Altitude: 3,650 meters – Take this day to acclimatize to the high altitude. Rest and avoid overexertion to prevent altitude sickness.

• Free time in the afternoon to explore the city on your own, perhaps strolling around the streets near the hotel, but be sure to rest early.

Overnight: Stay in Lhasa.

Day 2: Lhasa Sightseeing

Morning: Potala Palace (布达拉宫)

• After breakfast, your guide will take you to the Potala Palace, one of the most iconic landmarks in Tibet.

• Built in the 7th century by the 33rd Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo (松赞干布), the Potala was later expanded in the 17th century by the 5th Dalai Lama.

• The Potala Palace served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the stunning architecture, and grand halls, and learn about Tibetan history and culture.

Afternoon: Jokhang Temple (大昭寺)

• Visit Jokhang Temple, one of the holiest temples in Tibet. This ancient temple attracts pilgrims from all over Tibet, especially during festivals and religious events.

• The temple holds a sacred Jowo Sakyamuni statue, a revered statue of Buddha.

• Walk around Barkhor Street (八廓街), the religious circuit surrounding the temple. This bustling market is filled with local handicrafts, prayer flags, and Tibet’s vibrant culture.

Overnight: Stay in Lhasa.

Day 3: Lhasa to Namtso Lake to Nagqu (420km, 6.5 hrs)

Drive to Namtso Lake (纳木错)

• After breakfast, begin your journey to Namtso Lake, located about 240 kilometers north of Lhasa. The drive takes about 6.5 hours, passing through beautiful landscapes of grasslands and rivers.

• Altitude: 4,718 meters – Namtso is one of the Three Sacred Lakes of Tibet. The lake is surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains, creating a stunning natural landscape. It’s considered the “Heavenly Lake” by Tibetans.

Tashi Island (塔什岛)

• Upon arrival, visit Tashi Island, which sits on the north shore of Namtso Lake. You can get close to the water, take a walk around, and enjoy views of the surrounding peaks.

• The lake’s crystal-clear waters are believed to have spiritual significance, and the area is popular among pilgrims who come here to perform religious rituals.

Continue to Nagqu

• After visiting Namtso, continue your journey to Nagqu. The drive will be through beautiful Tibetan plateaus.

• Overnight: Stay in Nagqu.

Day 4: Nagqu to Biru County to Sepu Base Camp (360km, 6 hrs)

Drive to Biru County (比如县)

• Start the day with a scenic drive to Biru County, about 180 kilometers away from Nagqu. Along the way, you’ll pass Tibetan villages and experience rural life in northern Tibet.

Biru Skull Wall (比如人骨墙)

• Visit the Biru Skull Wall, a unique and eerie site where human skulls are arranged on the walls of a structure. It’s believed to be a traditional practice of Tibetan Bon religion, where skulls symbolize the passage of life and death.

• Nearby, see the Celestial Burial Platform, where Tibetan people used to perform sky burials, an ancient ritual for the deceased.

Pala Pagoda (帕拉塔)

• Continue your journey to Pala Pagoda, known for its crystal towers. The pagoda is a significant place of pilgrimage and is surrounded by colorful prayer flags and sacred relics.

• Take in the magnificent views of the Nujiang River (怒江) and explore the surroundings.

Arrive at Sepu Base Camp (萨普大本营)

• Continue driving to Sepu Base Camp, which sits at an altitude of over 5000 meters. The camp is the starting point for trekking around Sepu Kangri.

• Sunset Views: At the base camp, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Sepu Kangri (萨普神山), a sacred mountain, and its surrounding glaciers. This is a great spot to capture the golden hues of the mountains at sunset.

Overnight: Stay at Sepu Base Camp.

Day 5: Sepu Base Camp Trek (10km) to Biru County (210km, 4 hrs)

Trekking to Sepu Glacier (萨普冰川)

• In the morning, embark on a 10-kilometer trek around the Sepu Glacier. The hike will take you across meadows, lakes, and glaciers, offering magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks of Sepu Kangri.

• Sepu Sacred Lake (萨普圣湖): The lake, formed by the melting snow from Sepu Kangri, is crystal clear and a perfect spot for photography. The lake is split into two parts: the Samu Co Lake near the mountain foot and the larger Sepu Glacier Lake.

Return to Biru County

• After the trek, head back to Biru County for a well-earned rest. Enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery as you travel back.

Overnight: Stay in Biru.

Day 6: Biru County to Changtang Grassland to Lhasa (350km, 6 hrs)

Drive through Changtang Grassland (长塘草原)

• Start the day with a drive through the Changtang Grassland, one of the most remote and untouched areas in Tibet. The grassland is home to nomadic herders and a variety of wildlife.

• The landscape is vast, dotted with lakes, yaks, and the occasional wild Tibetan antelope.

Scenic Drive

• The drive will take you across the Kunlun Mountains, Tanggula Mountains, and Gangdise Mountains, offering incredible views of the Tibetan Plateau. You’ll pass through high-altitude areas, with panoramic views of lakes and rugged terrain.

Return to Lhasa

• Continue the journey back to Lhasa, where you’ll arrive in the late afternoon or early evening.

Overnight: Stay in Lhasa.

Day 7: Lhasa Departure

Departure from Lhasa

• After breakfast, you will be transferred to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station for your onward journey.

• The tour ends as you head off to your next destination.

Service Included:

• Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet.

• All entrance ticket fees for tourist attractions listed in the itinerary.

• Experienced local English-speaking tour guide.

• Travel-licensed vehicle according to group size & season requirements, including gas and parking fees.

• Accommodation: Choose from luxury 5-star international hotels, comfortable 4-star hotels, economical 3-star hotels, or guesthouses. Please inform us of your preference.

• Breakfast provided by hotels.

• Pick-up & Drop-off service from the airport/railway station.

• Travel Agency Liability Insurance.

• Government tax.

• Express delivery fee for the Permit (e.g., SF Express).

• Food & lodging for the guide and driver.

• Oxygen tank for emergency use.

• Two bottles of mineral water per person per day.

Service Excluded:

• International flights to and from China.

• Chinese Visa/China Group Visa:

  (Note: We can assist by providing hotel or domestic flight reservation copies for your Chinese Visa or an invitation letter for your China Group Visa).

• Domestic flights/trains to and from Lhasa:

  (We can help book domestic flight/train tickets at the best price. Please contact us for details).

• Meals are not included. However, we will recommend good dining options based on your preferences. Typically, meals cost USD 5-15 per person.

• Gratuities for guide and driver (not mandatory, but expected). Recommended USD 8-15 per day in total based on service quality.

• Transaction fees such as PayPal or Bank commissions and taxes when making a payment (e.g., PayPal — 4.4%, Wire Transfer — 2%).

• Personal expenses, including laundry, phone calls, snacks, soft drinks, and optional tour activities.

• Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.