9 Days Classic Lhasa Tour with Tsurphu Monastery to Yangpachen Trek

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region! Upon your arrival at the airport in Lhasa, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel in downtown Lhasa (100km, about 1.5 hours’ drive) . You can have a good rest to get used to the altitude (3,650m) in your hotel and get ready to explore Lhasa with your guide the next day.

Lhasa is located in the southern part of the Tibetan Plateau and southwestern China. Traveling to Tibet is convenient by air, railway, or road. There are five airports in Tibet, with Lhasa Gonggar Airport being the most popular for flights from Chengdu (which is also popular), Chongqing, Xian, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, Xining, Shangri-La, and other cities. One international airline even connects Lhasa and Kathmandu. Moreover, travelers can take the train to Lhasa from Xining (21 hours, the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway), Lanzhou (24.5 hours), Chongqing (35.5 hours), Chengdu (36.5 hours), Xian (31 hours), Beijing (40.5 hours), Shanghai (47 hours), Guangzhou (52.5 hours), Shigatse (2.5 hours), Nyingzhi (4 hours), and other cities.

Kind Reminds: 1.It is good to avoid altitude sickness by slowing down, keeping warm, drinking water frequently, avoiding showers for the first one or two days, taking it easy, and sleeping well.2.You should always follow your doctor's advice regarding altitude based on your health condition.3.Be sure to let your guide or the hotel staff know whenever you feel unwell or need help. The people there are always willing to help and are good at dealing with altitude sickness.

Notes for Trekking: During your initial two days in Lhasa, Tibet, it is important to take it easy and dedicate ample time to acclimate to the elevated altitude. This is a crucial step in preparing yourself for the trek ahead.

Today, you and your group will explore Lhasa by visiting Jokhang Temple, a world cultural heritage site renowned for its brilliant architecture, culture, art, and history. After that, you will experience Tibetan Buddhism by witnessing the Monks' Debating in Sera Monastery. Finally, you can stroll through the famous Barkhor Street with locals and learn more about the daily kora life of Tibetans.

Located in the heart of Lhasa for over 1300 years, the Jokhang Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. Famed as the spiritual center of Tibet, it is said that the Jokhang Monastery was built for King Songtsen Gampo's two brides: Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. "Jokhang" means "House of Buddha", and it houses a life-size statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni, which is considered a treasure of the Buddhist world. This is why Buddhist pilgrims consider it the holiest destination. The Jakhong temple is also renowned for its beautiful architecture. You can admire the intricate carvings, colorful murals, ornate decorations, and details of the building, which is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Time seems to stand still as you watch people pray in front of the temple during the day and night. (Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the reservation of your Jokhang Temple Ticket Reservation.)

In the afternoon, drive approximately 30km (50 minutes) to visit Sera Monastery, which is one of the three great Gelug university monasteries of Tibet. It offers the opportunity to experience Tibetan Buddhism up close. The highlight of Sera Monastery is watching the monks' debate, which takes place around 15:00-17:00 (except on Sundays). The debate is an interesting form of exchange, where one monk acts as the questioner, standing while the answerer or group of answerers sit. The standing monk asks questions and slaps his palms and stomps, each action having a special meaning, such as activating wisdom, and are not meant to be aggressive. You will also have the chance to attend prayer ceremonies, visit meditation halls, and learn about the monastic way of life. It is a must-visit destination to gain insight into the beliefs and practices of Tibetan Buddhism.

Afterward, head back to downtown Lhasa for a walk on busy Barkhor Street near the Jokhang Monastery, which was a place for Buddhists to do a kora (pilgrim circuit) in ancient times. Nowadays, it has become a thriving local market where you can drink a pot of yak butter tea, dress in Tibetan clothes for photos, and pick up some local Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts and souvenirs.

Today you will explore the world’s highest palace for its brilliant architectures, culture, and history, then visits to one of the "great three" Gelug university monasteries in Tibet - the Drepung Monastery.

In the morning, you can walk into Potala Palace (World Heritage), the traditional residence and winter palace of the Dalai Lama (1649-1959). It takes 365 steps from potala gate to reach the Red Palace which is the highest palace in the world at an altitude of 3,700m. Through the principal halls, chapels, and shrines of past Dalai Lamas in the Red Palace, you will be astonished and touched by its remarkable paintings, gorgeous jeweled works, skilled carving, colorful ornamentation, and the mystery stories behind the treasures. Inside the Potala Palace you will meet lots of Tibetan pilgrims who come all the way from afar to this sacred site to pray as their life time destination. You can also ask your guide to share more information about Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet, who first build the Potala Palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. (Note: We may adjust the visit order due to the visiting time of your Potala Palace Ticket. All visitors must visit the Potala Palace with a tour group while staying inside for an hour. No photo inside.)

Then, drive about 35 minutes (12km) to visit the Drepung Monastery, which was the largest Tibetan monastery (of the Gelug Sect) in Lhasa. It used to be the palace of the Dalai Lama before he moved to the Potala Palace in the 17th century. Today, it is famous for the Drepung Shoton Festival held each August, where people come to offer yogurt to the monks who have finished their 100 days of meditation. You can also witness the grandest Buddha/Thangka Unfolding Ceremony. Besides the unique architecture and amazing buildings, you can watch monks debating in Tibetan Buddhism, which is vibrant and active with expansive gestures, clapping, and stamping. After visiting the Drepung Temple, you will have about a 2-hour Tibetan culture tour, which includes an introduction, Tibetan incense making, and block printing.

Camping Altitude: 4500m | Distance: 76km | Duration: 2 hours’ drive

On this day, drive about 2hours (76km) from Lhasa to Tsurphu Monastery (4,500m) via the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. The road to the monastery is picturesque, winding its way through lush green valleys. Along the mountain river, you will pass many Tibetan camping tents. In the afternoon, you can pay a visit around the Tsurphu Monastery, have a good rest and get used to the altitude. Overnight at Tsurphu monastic guesthouse or camping around Tsurphu Monastery.

The Tsurphu to Yangpachen Trek is a well-known, mature trekking route in Tibet that starts from Tsurphu Monastery. This route is medium difficulty and perfect for those who enjoy hiking but are not experts. You will be supported by a Tibetan local guide, an experienced porters, and hard-working yaks or horses.

Lies deep in the valley, Tsurphu Monastery is located 76 kilometers from Lhasa at an altitude of 4,500 meters. Dating back to the 11th century (over 800-year-old), it is a gompa that served as the traditional seat of the Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Every year, during the 9th, 10th, and 11th days of the 4th Tibetan month (around May), people come to celebrate the Saga Dawa festival by performing ritual cham dancing and unfurling a great Thangka on the platform across the river from the monastery. Tsurphu Monastery is the place where the living Buddha reincarnation system of Tibetan Buddhism began. Now it is also the residence of the current living Buddha Karmapa, the reincarnated lama of the Kyigyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Notes for Tsurphu to Yangpachen Trek:

1. Late May to early October is the best season to do the Tsurphu to Yangpachen Trek. During this season, the weather is good and warm while avoiding snow that blocks the road.

2. It is advisable to avoid coming during the rainy season in July and August, as the roads can be muddy and difficult to navigate.

3. Due to the high altitude, it is advisable to undergo a physical examination before traveling to Tibet.

4. There is a significant temperature difference between day and night in Tibet, and the ultraviolet rays can be very strong. Therefore, it is important to bring warm clothes and sunscreen to protect yourself from the harsh weather conditions.

Camping Altitude: 5090m | Distance: 11km | Duration: 4 hours’ trekking

The first day of trekking will take about 4 hours to cover 11km and reach Leten, a small village at an altitude of 5,090m. During the trek, you will be able to appreciate the breathtaking scenery and capture the typical beauty of Tibet landscapes.

The trek will begin with a climb up the green valley to the west of Tsurphu Monastery, following the Kora trail which is surrounded by trees and mountain streams. The rocky hills along the route are home to herds of mountain goats, which are disguised among the gray rocks. During the summer, you may see nomads camping for herding. Why not stop for a break and stop for a cup of yak butter tea in a local people’s yak-hair tent? A visit to their tents can help you to learn more about Tibetan nomads’ daily life. Also, the piles of Marnyi stones (Mani stones carved with mantras) scattered in valleys are great spots to take a rest. After passing by the mani walls, you will reach some rock house structures that are used by seasonal nomadic families and their livestock. Set up your tents in a quiet area below Leten.

Camping Altitude: 4950m | Distance: 15km | Duration: 5 hours’ trekking

The second day of trekking will take about 5 hours to cover 15km and reach Bartso, a nomads village at an altitude of 4,950m. The highlight of today’s trek will be reaching the Lasar-la Pass at 5,300m, which is the highest point of this trek.

Depart from Leten Village and walk steeply up over the first small pass, the Damchen Nyingtri Pass (cairn, 5270m) which will lead you to a fascinating valley with meandering streams. The prayer flags and cairns there can bring you the peace and you can enjoy the beauty of nomads life on the high plateau along the way. Three hours later, you will cross the Lasar La Pass (5300m), and from there, you will have the first view of the wide-open Yangpache Valley. On the way down to the valley, you may have the chance to view the holy Mt. Nyenchen Thanglha Peak (7,162m, the local mountain god), on a clear day, its snow-capped peak is visible even in summer.

This evening you will camp near Bartso, which is surrounded by juniper trees. By the way, the juniper trees are commonly used for incense all over the Tibetan world.

Camping Altitude: 4474m | Distance: 15km | Duration: 4 hours’ trek

The third day of trekking will take about 4 hours to cover 15km and reach Dorje Ling Nunnery at an altitude of 4,474m. The highlight of today will be meeting the nomads herders as well as nuns at the Dorje Ling Nunnery.

Today, you will leave behind the village of Bartso and continue on the trails across a wide valley. After passing a ridge, you will be rewarded with another breathtaking view of the Nyenchen Tanglha Range (7162m) from a different angle. As the holiest mountain in central Tibet, Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains is believed to bless the Tibetan people who live around it. You may encounter nomadic boys and girls herding yaks and sheep along the way.

Towards mid-day, you will arrive at Dorje Ling Ani Gompa (Dorje Ling Nunnery), a small nunnery, where the friendly nuns may invite you for tea and share yak meat with you. Take your time to visit the nunnery and interact with Buddhist nuns there. You will camp around the nunnery for overnight.

Overnight Altitude: 3650m | Distance: 14km | Duration: 4 hours’ trek

On the fourth (last) day of the trek, you will cover 14km in about 4 hours and reach Yangpachen Monastery at an altitude of 4,300m.

Following the Nyango Chu River, you will go through a grassy valley towards Yangpachen Monastery, a Gelugpa monastery, historically the second seat of Shamarpas of Karma Kagyu from the time of the 4th Shamarpa (1453-1524) through the time of the 10th Shamarpa (1742-1792). Founded in 1540 by the 4th Shamarpa, the monastery is a symbol of everlasting support for Kagyu teachings. Perched on top of a ridge above the village, the Yangpachen Monastery (Yangpachen Gompa), provides a perfect spot for overlooking part of the Trans-Himalaya Ranges.

After sightseeing at Yangpachen Monastery, your 4-day Tibet Tsurphu to Yangpachen trek comes to the end, and your driver will be waiting for you at the monastery.

Travel notes:

1.The Yangpachen Monastery is near the Yangpachen Hot Spring, where you can take a relaxing bath (self-paid) and get relief after the trekking days. Late in the afternoon, drive back to Lhasa.

2.The Sacred Namtso Lake is about 100 kilometers from Yangbachen. You can add one day sightseeing tour to visit Namtso Lake.

It is time to end your 9-day Tibet Trekking Tour. Your guide will escorts you to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.

Extension Ideas: If you prefer to travel longer in Tibet, you can extend your trip to other highlighted parts of Tibet, including Shigatse, Gyantse, Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Tibet tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!