Tibet is popularly known as a land of spirituality but Tibet is also a land of mountains. Aptly known as the ‘roof of the world’, Tibet houses some of the highest mountains in the world. Located in the shadows of Himalayas, Tibet has a lot of challenging treks for mountaineers and climbing enthusiasts. There are mountains and hills to climb for every person—be it a first time climber or an experienced climber with Tibet Travel Agency. You can mountain vistas, crystal blue sparkling lakes, rolling grasslands, Tibetan wildlife, snow peaks and much more. Tibetan mountains give an amalgamated sense of adventure, challenge, and spiritual vibes. The local Tibetan travel agencies offer a wide range of trekking itineraries for all kinds of climbers—beginners, moderate climbers, experienced climbers. It is advisable to not to throw bottles or plastic wrappers. Here is a list of most popular trekking itineraries in Tibet.
Tsurphu to Yangpachen Trek
Tsurphu Monastery is located 65km from Lhasa. The popular festival celebrated in this monastery is the Saga Dawa Festival. The unfurling of huge Thangka on a platform across the river and the free Tibetan beer, local dance performance are the highlights of this festival. This monastery is located in the middle of a valley and there is ample space to do Kora and trekking to Yangpachen. In Yangpachen you can visit the famous Yangpachen hot springs. The water boils at 70 C throughout the year. During this trek you will be able to see Tibetan nomad’s lifestyle. Tibetan nomads travel for most part of the year with their animals.
The trekking route is rugged with ancient monasteries, sweeping mountains, and rolling grasses. It takes about 4 days to complete the trek. Here is the trekking itinerary:
Day 1: Tsurphu Monastery to Leten
Day 2: Leten to Bartso
Day 3: Bartso to Dorji Ling Nunnery
Day 4: Dorji Ling Nunnery to Yangpachen Valley
Ganden to Samye Trek
Ganden Monastery to Samye Monastery trek is regarded as one of the best treks in Asia. It is also a pilgrimage route which takes about 4-5 days to complete. The trek is 80km long and starts at altitude of 4,180m. The highest point during this trek is Shogu-La Pass (5,630m). During the trek you will pass high passes, blue lakes, fresh grasslands, small villages, herder camps, and a lot more untouched beauty. This trek is only recommended to those who are at least moderately experienced in mountain climbing. Camping is the only option of accommodation during the trek. You can also choose to go on a Yak or horse.
Day 1: Ganden to Yama Do
Day 2: Yama Do to Tsotup- Chu Valley
Day 3: Tsotup- Chu Valley to Herders’ Camp
Day 4: Herder’s Camp to Samye Monastery
Old Tringri to EBC Trek
For those who can’t climb to the peak of Mt Everest, Tingri to Everest Base Camp is a perfect trek to experience a little of the Everest magic. It is a 70km trek that takes about 4-5 days to complete. The trekking starts at an altitude of 4, 390m and end at EBC at an altitude of 5,200m. The highlights of this trek are full of attractions associated with superlatives: the highest primary school, the highest monastery, and the views of highest mountain in the world. Basum Primary School is at an altitude of 4, 700m and Rongbuk Monastery is at an altitude of 4, 980m.
Day 1: Tingri to Lungthang
Day 2: Lungthang to Lamna La
Day 3: Lamna La to Zommug
Day 4: Zommug to Rongbuk Monastery
Day 5: Rongbuk Monastery to Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp to Advanced Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp (EBC) to Advanced Base Camp (ABC) is the only trek that will take you as close as possible to Everest peak. This trek is for those who have only basic climbing skills or non- climbers who still want to experience the majestic feel of Everest up close. While climbing to the top is not possible for everybody,, trekking to Advanced Base Camp is something that can be achieved with basic skills. The trek starts at EBC at an altitude of 5,200m and ends at ABC at 6,500m. This is one of the treks where the altitude of the route only gets higher. It is important to get acclimatized properly before starting the trek. You can trek till Everest Base Camp, rest for a night in Rongbuk Monastery and start the trek towards Advanced Base Camp.
Day 1: EBC to Camp 1
Day 2: Camp 1 to Intermediate Camp
Day 3: Intermediate Camp to Camp 2
Day 4: Camp 2 to ABC
3- Day Mt. Kailash Trek
Mt. Kailash Trek also known as Mt. Kailash Kora is one of the famous pilgrimage treks for people of Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, and Bon faiths. Kora is the act of circling around a mountain or a temple, or a monastery. Pilgrims consider Mt. Kailash as a holy mountain and try to do this trek at least once in their lifetime. Many seasoned pilgrims and local monks finish this trek in a day, but usually people take at least three days to finish it. This trek starts and ends at Darchen (4,657m). The highest point in this trek is Drolma La Pass (5,630m). You can camp or stay in guest houses that provide basic facilities. Some of the highlights in this trek are view of Mt. Kailash, Lake Mansarover, ancient Tibetan villages, and the five monasteries around Mount Kailash: Nyari Monastery, Dirapuk Monastery, Songchu Monastery, Gyangzha Monastery, and Thailong Monastery.
Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery
Day 2: Dirapuk Monastery to Dzultripuk Monastery
Day 3: Dzultripuk Monastery to Darchen
The above mentioned treks can be customised or extended according to your wish. Most of the treks are possible to be climbed by everyone. Make sure you get acclimatized properly before starting any trek. Make sure to keep altitude sickness medications and small oxygen tanks with you at all times. Most of the trekking routes are through remote regions and you might not be able to buy anything. Have appropriate clothing and shoes for the treks and don’t go far off from your guides, it is easy to get lost in the mountains.
