ABOUT
8 days of trekking ✨ 9 nights of wild camping!✨
This itinerary is perfect for experienced hikers looking for a wild adventure while experiencing Tibet culture, & discover the beauty of Mt Everest.
Let's hike 1 of the top trekking routes in the World!
HIGHLIGHTS
⭐️Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple
⭐️Yamdrok Lake: 1 of the 3 holy lakes in Tibet
⭐️Pelkor Monastery & Gyantse Kumbum
⭐️ Shauwula Pass, Nangmala Pass & Eastern slope of Everest Base Camp
⭐️ Gama Valley trek route: World's most beautiful valley & 1 of top 10 trekking routes
⭐️ Orchid valley
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive in Lhasa. Enjoy free airport pickup at 10h, 13h30, and 17h. If you don't want to wait or your flight arrives after the last shuttle you can take a taxi (taxi fee not included).
After the hotel check-in, you can have a rest and get acclimatized to the high altitude. If you feel like going out, you can walk to Potala Square and get amazing photos of the Potala Palace and its surroundings.
Rest well and pace yourself during your stay.
🛌 Accommodation: Local 4* Hotel in Lhasa
🍚 Meals: /
〽️ Altitude: ~3600m
Day 2
Visit Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. We will have the chance to see the Stupas Tombs of the past Dalai Lamas.
Visit Jokhang temple which was founded in the 7th century to promote the Buddhist religion. Inside we can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni (the most venerated object in Tibet Buddhism). Walk around Barkhor street where we can kora (circling the Barkor street) locals and watch pilgrims making prostration.
A welcome dinner (included) will be arranged in a local restaurant for the group.
🚗 Transportation: Private
🛌 Accommodation: 4* Hotel in Lhasa
🍚 Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
〽️ Altitude: ~3600m
Day 3
In the morning, we will drive from Lhasa to Shigatse.
On the way, we are driving over the Gampala pass (4790m) and will stop at Yamdrok lake (4400m). In the distance, you can have a spectacular view of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, and later on of the Korola Glacier.
You will then arrive in Gyantse and visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum.
After one and a half hours of driving, you will arrive in Shigatse, which is the second-largest city in Tibet.
🛌 Accommodation: 4* Hotel in Shigatse
🍚 Meals: Breakfast
〽️ Altitude: ~3600m > ~4400m > ~3800m
Day 4
In the morning, we will leave Shigatse and drive to Youpa Village via Chutang (Qudang) village - a small farm village located at ~4700m elevation.
On the way, we will have some stops at the famous Gawu La Pass (5198m). It is probably one of the best spots to appreciate the mind-blowing views of top 5 highest peaks (all of them over 8000meters) of the whole world.
Tonight, we will be camping at Youpa Village. Time to get some rest and prepare well for tomorrow's trek.
🛌 Accommodation: Camping
🍚 Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
〽️ Altitude: ~3800m > ~5200m > ~3750m
Day 5
Hope you had a good night rest because the real challenge starts today! Are you ready?!
🎒During the hike, we will just carry a small backpack with what we need for the day (water, snacks, extra layer, camera...). The rest can be stored in duffle bag or big backpack for Yaks to carry.
Today's trek from Youpa Village to Showotso is about 10km with a total elevation of almost 900m.
~11am, we will start our trek. It starts with ascension right away so make sure to pace yourself to keep energy for the whole hike! After going trough a pass, the road will be more rocky and bumpy, carefull where you put your feet ;)
Gently flowing at corner of the valley is Showotso lake: our final destination for today. Here, you will be amazed by the tranquil beauty, and the stunning alpine scenery with snow-capped mountains in the background.
In May, the lake bank is full of beautiful orchids, if the timing is right, you might see it.
Tonight, we will be camping by the lake! Pretty cool right? Here we will fully experience Outdoor camp life, so get ready to help set up tents, make bonfire and maybe even assis the cooking team.
🛌 Accommodation: Camping
🍚 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
⛰ Hike: ~10km
> Elevation ~900m up
〽️ Altitude: ~3750m > ~4650m
Day 6
Today's trek from Showotso to the Orchid Valley is about 14km with a total elevation of 250m up and ~900m down.
This morning, we will start our hike and head to Showola Pass. This part is a bit Challending so follow the guide to safely reach the top. Slowly & steady!
At the top, you will be rewarded with an amazing view. On clear days, we will even be able to see Mt. Makalu.
We will then start going down to reach the Orchid Valley. Watch your steps are the way down is a bit steep and narrow. Once we enter the heart of Gama Valley, we can witness so many beautiful wild flowers, stunning waterfalls, meadows, snowy peaks...a paradise.
We will stay at Orchid Valley campsite for the night.
🛌 Accommodation: Camping
🍚 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
⛰ Hike: ~14km
> Elevation ~250m up / ~900m down
〽️ Altitude: ~4650m > ~4900m > ~4000m
Day 7
Today's trek from Orchid Valley to Tangsung is about 14km with a total elevation of 500m up.
This morning, we will first trek up to Tsonangtso Lake (via Dolshangand pass). After enjoying breathtaking alpine scenery in the past few days, it's now time for lush vegetation & dense forest. Depending on the season you may also witness beautiful flowers such as Azalea. On the
way, we will also have an amazing panoramic view of the Gama Valley!
We should reach Tsonangtso Lake by lunchtime. When the weather is clear, the lake becomes this beautiful mirror that reflects the snow-capped mountains in its pristine water.
We will then continue our trek through the Xialong Pasture (do you see all those beautiful wild flower?) to reach our destination for today: Tangsung viewing platform.
What a beautiful day... Time to relax, have dinner and enjoy our camping spot for the night.
🛌 Accommodation: Camping
🍚 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
⛰ Hike: ~14km
> Elevation ~500m up
〽️ Altitude: ~4000M > ~4500m
Day 8
Today's trek from Tangsung to Paltang is about 11km with a total elevation of 600m up.
This morning, we will follow the zig zag path down to Badang and reach Ega Prairie. On the way, you will notice a gorge with a stream running through it. That's the source of Gama Valley!
In the afternoon hike, we will pass a swamp. Not to worry, locals already built a bridge with trunks of trees to help travelers cross safely. We will then make our way through some gigantic rocks to reach to Paltang, where we will rest for the night.
Tomorrow’s hike is a challenging one, so get a good rest.
🛌 Accommodation: Camping
🍚 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
⛰ Hike: ~11km
> Elevation ~600m up, ~150m down
〽️ Altitude: ~4500m > ~4950m
Day 9
Today's trek from Paltang to Mt Everest East slope and back is about 18km with a total elevation of 350m up and down.
>> Because it's a loop (meaning we will come back to the Paltang) this trek is optional. But would higly recommend not to skip it ;) While this hike is tough it is also a really rewarding one!
The hike up to Mt Everest East Slope (~5300m, we're not going to the top of Mt Everest!) is not a piece of cake! We will have to walk through some huge rocks (45 degrees) for about 350m elevation.
High altitude will make it more challenging, so remember to breath deeply and keep a slow & steady pace.
Finally. We've made it to the top! Youhou! Enjoy the view of the little-known Mt. Chomo Lonzo (7804m) and marvelous glaciers along the eastern slope of Mt Everest. Wow 🤩 Fabulous!
After resting for a while, we will follow the same path and hike back to Paltang campsite.
🛌 Accommodation: Camping
🍚 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
⛰ Hike: ~18km
> Elevation ~350m up and down
〽️ Altitude: ~4950m <> ~5300m
Day 10
Today's trek from Paltang to Tangsung is about 11km.
We will follow the same route and trek back to Tangsung Viewing Platform, where we'll be camping for the night. Rest well.
🛌 Accommodation: Camping
🍚 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
⛰ Hike: ~11km
〽️ Altitude: ~4950m > ~4500m
Day 11
Today's trek from Tangsung to Tsosho-rim is about 11km with a total elevation of 500m up.
We will be trekking all the way up north towards the campsite of Tsosho-rim - right below the snow-capped mountains.
We will have a magnificient view on the whole 4 greatest peaks: Mt. Everest (8844m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Makalu (8463m) and an unclaimed peak (7000m).
We will stay overnight at Tsosho-rim campsite.
🛌 Accommodation: Camping
🍚 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
⛰ Hike: ~11km
> Elevation ~500m up
〽️ Altitude: ~4500m > ~5000m
Day 12
Today's trek from Tsosho-rim to Lhundupling village is about 21km with a total elevation of 350m up and 1350m down. It is also the last hike of our itinerary, so remember to enjoy every step 😊
Today, we will hike over the highest point of the itinerary, the Nangma-la pass at an altitude of 5344 meters. After passing the deep-blue Lhatsetso lake, we will arrive at Lhundupling Village ( (3990m).
Tonight, we will camp in Lhundupling.
🛌 Accommodation: Camping
🍚 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
⛰ Hike: ~21km
> Elevation ~350m up, ~1350m down
〽️ Altitude: ~5000m > ~5350 > ~4000m
Day 13
The hiking part is over, it is now time to head to Shigatse.
After breakfast, we will pack our bags and drive to Shigatse. On the way, we will have an amazing view on the Himalayan Range Peaks.
Free time for the evening. If you'd like, you can try one of the best local restaurants which has Tibetan dance performances. Let's enjoy our night in Shigatse.
🛌 Accommodation: Local 4* Hotel in Shigatse
🍚 Meals: Breakfast
Day 14
Follow the Yalong Valley to drive back to Lhasa.
Drop off at the hotel in Lhasa.
Stay overnight in Lhasa .
🛌 Accommodation: local 4* Hotel in Lhasa
🍚 Meals: Breakfast
Day 15
Today, you may leave Lhasa at any convenient time.
Note that the free airport drop-off is scheduled at 06h30, 08h, and 12h (time of departure from the hotel). If you don't want to wait or your flight leaves after the last shuttle you can take a taxi (fees not included).
What an Adventure! Back home sweet home, head full of wonderful memories!
🛌 Accommodation: /
🍚 Meals: /
PHOTOS
Get a glimpse of the the Tour Experience!
DETAILS
Price
On-demand
Included
- Documents: Tibet travel permit and all the necessary local permits
- Airport pickup and dropoff on given time (Airport Pick-up Schedule: 10:00, 13:30, 17:00; Airport Drop-off Schedule: 06:30, 08:00, 12:00)
- Transportation: comfortable Tourist Vehicle
- Guide: English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Tents, sleeping bags, mats
- All meals listed in the itinerary
- Entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary
- Cooking team and their allowances
- Yak, yakman, local helper team and their allowances
- Oxygen: Oxygen bottle provided during the tour if necessary
- First Aid kit
*Price is based on shared room occupancy, please let us know your sharing preferences upon signing up. If you’re a solo traveler or don’t have another person to share the room with, M2adventure will do its best to help find a roommate whenever possible but if no one is available to share, please note that you will have to take the single room supplement (see price below). Thank you for your understanding.
Date
On-demand
Excluded
- Flight or train to and out of Tibet
- Drinks and meals not mentioned in included (most meals are about 30-100rmb/meal)
- Tips to the tour guide, driver, and local helpers
- Personal expenses
Optional:
- Single Room Supplement: to be confirmed
Cancellation Fee
- Between booking and 15 days prior to departure: 500rmb
- Between 14 and 5 days prior to departure: 4000rmb
- Between 4 and 1 days prior to departure: 50% of the price
- On departure day or no-show: 100% of the price
Cancellation Policy
If the weather is terrible and represents a risk to people's safety, or if there is any government restriction we would cancel the trip and refund the deposit. Note that we are NOT responsible for flight cancellation fees. This would need to be dealt with the airline company directly.
Important Notes
- There is often a level of uncertainty with Tibet, regulations have a tendency to change fast.
- For the flights, we recommend buying fully refundable flights/trains (or a very low cancellation fee) or waiting until you get the permit. Note that we do not cover any flights/train cancellation fees.
- If the permit is not approved or if there are some changes of regulations from the government and the trip cannot happen, the trip prepayment will be fully refunded (we do not cover flights/train ticket cancellation fees).