Nam-tso or the “Heavenly Lake” in Tibetan, situated at an elevation of 4,718 (15, 475 ft) and located at 240km (150 miles) north of Lhasa is a famous pilgrimage destination for the devout Tibetans and a perfect trekking destination for adventure enthusiasts. This vast sapphire-blue inland sea on the Tibetan plateau is the second largest salt water lake in China, the largest being Kokonor Lake of Qinghai province. Surrounded by spectacular snow-covered mountains, it is a place of desolate beauty and the site of a holy hermitage that draws pilgrims from all over Tibet. It’s also a sanctuary for migrating birds that journey to Tibet from as far away as Siberia during the summer months.
On this exceptional trek, you’ll tread upon the ancient caravan route of salt traders of the Changthang region and cross the glaciated valleys and mountains of the Nyenchen Thanglha range to the pebbled shores of the lake, visiting sacred spots, holy shrines, and passing nomadic herdsmen along the way. Once at the lake, you will get opportunity to join the devout Tibetans on a short kora hike in the vicinity of the Tashi Do Hermitage, and enjoy superb views of the mountains across the lake.
This is a 5 days strenuous trek that involves hiking in steep and rocky terrain and crossing of Kong La, 5240m ( 17, 187 ft). You will enjoy the serene beauty of the lake, spectacular views of Nyechen Thangla range of mountains that ring the lake and have an opportunity to peep into the lives of drokpas (Nomads), who dwell in the 4-sided yak-hair tents.
Day 01: Arrival in Lhasa. You will be met by our representative at the airport and transferred to hotel. Take rest for acclimatization. Accommodation in Dhod Gu Hotel or similar.
Day 02-03: At Lhasa. Spend two days in Lhasa, visiting Potala Palace, Norbulingkha Palace, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jorkhang Temple and Barkhor Street. Accommodation in Dhod Gu Hotel or similar.
Day 04: Begin trek. Drive 3 ½ hrs to Damxunga via Yangpachen Hot spring and begin trek. Camp by the riverside at 14,000ft. Total trekking 1 ½ hrs today.
Day 05: Acclimatization. Today, explore the nomad camps and a nearby monastery and stay overnight here for acclimatization.
Day 06: Trek to herder’s camp. Today’s trek is a bit tough, requires 7-8 hours walking and crossing of several rivers on horseback; trail passes through sparse vegetation, rocky terrain, hummock fields, meadows and wild flowers. Camping at herder’s camp at 4, 725m (15,500ft)
Day 07: Cross Kong La. Conquer Kong La (17,187 ft) with spectacular views of Namtso Lake, Tibet’s second largest saltwater lake with a surface area of 798 square miles. Descend to a broad basin of red hills and green meadows intersected by large, rolling moraines. Camp at an elevation of about 4, 940m (16,200 ft.)
Day 08: To Tashi Do and Nam-tso Lake
En route, visit a few herders’ camps. Camp at the foot of the cliffs or by the wind-protected mani walls (rock with carved inscriptions) between the Tashi Do hills at 15, 100ft (7-8 hours hiking.)
Day 09: Explore the cave hermitage on the lakeshore, remarkable monastery, make short circuit around Tashi Do Chung, and enjoy the view of Nyenchen Tanglha mountain range. Overnight guesthouse.
Day 10: Return to Lhasa by jeep and visit Tsurpu Monastery, en route.
Day 11: Depart Lhasa for your next destination
Travel Note
Accommodation in Tibet Lhasa has a few Chinese managed 4 star hotels on the top end but we pick mid range Tibetan managed properties located in the Barkhor Area. We use Thangka Hotel, Dhood Gu, Tibet Gorkha Hotel and Yak Hotel which are 3 star standard properties with private bath. In Tsedang, we use Yulong Holiday or Snow Pigeon Hotel of 3 star standards. At Gyantse and Shigatse, we take the hotels of the top end, which are also 3 star properties. Rest of the places in central Tibet, we have mostly primitive guesthouses with share toilet. Toilets are Tibetan style squats and you have to bring your own toilet papers. The guesthouses usually do not provide showers and do charge extra if they have any. For trekking, we provide complete camping gears that include 2 persons sleeping tents, kitchen tent, dinning tent, toilet tent, camping chairs and tables, mattresses and kitchen utensils. On request, we can also provide sleeping bags but usually we recommend bringing your own.
Meals: Our tour features breakfast only when you are in the cities. Breakfast can be western or Chinese or Tibetan style. There are choices of restaurants in the cities serving western, Chinese, Indian and Nepali dishes. You can expect to spend US$ 7 -8 per meal in regular restaurants. Meals in the hotels can be priced higher. During trekking, there will be a special cook and some helps (depending on group size) to prepare 3 tasty, plentiful and nutritious meals daily with a variety of local and Western dishes. To start the day, breakfast consists of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereal followed by omelet, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional breads. After a long day on the trail, dinner is a hearty 3-course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetable, meat, rice and pasta dishes and completed with a simple dessert. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are also provided at all meals. We use as much fresh produce as possible and our cooks and kitchen crew maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness and food preparation hygiene. Special dietary requirements can always be catered for. Besides, its advisable to bring on your own some dry fruits, energy bars, chocolates, supplement vitamins etc to eat on the way.
Guide and Crews Right upon arrival at Lhasa airport, you will be met by your guide who will accompany you throughout the trip. We pick knowledgeable, friendly and flexible guides who are also recommended by our former clients. The guide, beside working as an interpreter and giving a valuable insight into the Tibetan way of life, he helps you check in hotel, co-ordinates with drivers and other crews and deals with local bureaucracies as and when required. Your guide carries all necessary vouchers and documents required in connection of your trip. On trekking trips, besides guides there will be a special cook and additional helps depending on group size and animal drivers. The crews are responsible for setting up and breaking down camps. We do use pack animals (Yaks or ponies) to transport the gears and supplies during trekking. The drivers and animal drivers do not speak English but you will be impressed by their sense of hospitality and service.
Transportation in Tibet There is rehabilitation works going on in Tibetan roads. So, at times, it can become quite rough and impassable for many vehicles, so for this reason we use Land cruiser 4WDs (Toyota 4500). These vehicles are extremely reliable and will make the journey as comfortable as possible. As for the trekking trips, depending on the duration of the trip, we might require to hire additional vehicle, usually a truck to transport gears and supplies to the trail head and again bring them back from the finish point. As road condition is not so good, we might come across flat tires or other mechanical issues but the driver will fix it while you are engaged in capturing the scenes. Usually, we drive 6 hours in average, stopping along the way for photography or places of special interest and also stop for tea and snacks and lunch and arriving in the destination usually by 4 or 5 pm.
About our Trekking Trips in Tibet Our all trekking trips in Tibet are fully catered by our qualified and experienced crew from Tibet. Depending on group size, we may also hire professional Nepali Sherpa Crews who are well renowned for organizing trekking trips. We hire English speaking Tibetan Guide for all our trips but on large expeditions, one of our Nepali Tour Manager will lead the trip.
A typical trekking day begins with a hot cup of tea or coffee served at your tent early morning. You are provided a bowl of hot water for washing. You will pack up your stuff and appear in the breakfast table by 7 or 7.30am. We leave the campsite usually from 8 to 8.30 am for days trekking. Your luggage is carried by porter or pack animal and all you need to carry is a small daypack containing a water bottle, camera, sun cream, hat, rain-jacket and a warm jumper, just in case. The afternoon's walk is generally shorter and we arrive at camp in time for a nice cup of tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the nearby villages, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book or give hands to the kitchen crews to add your taste. Dinner is usually served between 6 and 7pm and after dinner, the evening is often spent playing cards or talking with the crews. If it’s a large group, the crews might take initiative in singing and dancing before turning into the tent for a well-earned sleep.
Health Issues There are no mandatory vaccination required to travel to Tibet but you may consider vaccination against rabies and Hep A. Travelers with cardiac-pulmonary issues or any other medical conditions are recommended to consult their physician before you sign up a trip to Tibet. The main health consideration in Tibet is altitude related illness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You may experience some mild symptoms initially, such as headache, lethargy, nausea and sleeplessness, but these should lessen within a few days. A supply of bottled oxygen is carried in the vehicle at all times should it be required. We also carry a Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) on all our Tibet treks. We also carry basic first aid kit, but it’s good to bring your own as well. Hotels in Lhasa are equipped with oxygen. Doctors will also be available on call. Based on our experience, less than 1% percent of our clients got altitude sickness but that was nothing serious. In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which generally does not happen; you shall be driven by a land cruiser to nearest Nepal border or flown out of Lhasa. It’s recommended that you should bear a valid travel insurance covering emergency medical transportation. You should start some physical exercises like jogging, swimming, cycling, hiking and aerobics about several weeks ahead of the trip that keeps you fit and lessens the chance of getting altitude sickness. You should have a good sleep the night before you fly to Lhasa and take complete rest on the first day. Its also advisable to drink 3-4 litres of water daily and consume liquid food.
Best Time to Trek in Tibet While trekking trips can be undertaken from April through late October, May, June, September and early October are the best period. High Himalayas blocks the monsoon cloud and Tibet is generally dry but still there is some chance of rain during July and August. Trekkers must be prepared for the extremes in climate, even in the middle of the summer. Weather can change very quickly and unexpectedly. Night temperatures at 4500m (14,760ft) and above can fall below freezing even in July and August and its very much windy on high passes.
Clothing During the day a light shirt or jumper and lightweight pants will be suitable, but a warm fleece or down jacket is recommended for the evenings. Below is the general clothing and equipment list for trekking in Tibet.
* Down jacket or warm fleece top * Thermal underwear (top and bottom) * Cotton shirts (short and long sleeved) * Warm and cotton trousers * Sun polarized sunglasses * Beanie or warm woollen hat and gloves * Scarf (to keep out dust as well as cold) * Sandals (flip-flops) * Towel * Sleeping bag (for camping/trekking) * Rain jacket * Strong sun cream and lip protector * Moisturizer * Water bottle * Camera (and plenty of film and spare batteries)
Getting into Tibet You can enter Tibet from major Chinese mainland cities as well as from Kathmandu of Nepal. Flights from Bangkok, Hong Kong and from many Chinese cities connect at Chengdu. You can also travel overland from Kathmandu, Nepal.
Chinese Visa and Tibet Permits. Chinese visa and Tibet Permits are not that complicated as they sound to be. If your travel begins in Nepal, we will have to pre-process your visa application but final visa work will be done in Kathmandu upon your arrival only. We will take care of all the visa works. If your travel begins in Bangkok or Honkong or any mainland Chinese cities, all you have to care is obtain Chinese visa on your own from the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate in your come country and provide us a copy of it about a month ahead of your travel. Then, leave rest of things to us.
Booking and Cancellation
Tour Deposit US$150 Final Payment: Balance payment is due 60 days prior departure. Payment schedule may vary with customized and private trips on case to case basis. If your trip involves internal airfares or train tickets, we may have to purchase the tickets within the deadline given by the airlines and we may request you the cost of the ticket along with tour deposit.
Notice of cancellation and refund request must be received in written form. Cancellation Fee 90 day prior departure, US$ 30 admin fee, 60-89 days prior departure US$ 250 or 25% of the land cost whichever his higher, 45-59 days prior departure US$ 450 or 50% of the landcost which ever is higher, 30-44 days prior departure US$ 600 or 75% of the landcost whichever is higher. Cancellation received less than 30 days attracts 100% cancellation fee. Airlines, trains, hotels and government controlled destinations may have their own cancellation and refund policies which will supersede High Asia Tour’s Cancellation Policy to the extent of their difference.
Duration:
10 Nights/11 Days, including 6 days trekking.
Accommodation:
Hotels, guesthouse and tented camps.
Activities:
Sightseeing
Trekking/Hiking
Trip Type:
Popular
Group Size:
2-10 pax
Start From:
Lhasa
Finish In:
Lhasa
Highest Altitude:
17,187 ft at Kong La
Best Season:
May, June, September and October
Tour Cost
US$ 1698 (2-3 pax)
US$ 1298 (4-5 pax)
US$ 1150 (6-9 pax)
US$ 220 (Single Room Supplement)
Internal Airfares
Beijing to Lhasa US$ 360 for one way and US$ 720 for roundtrip.
Chengdu to Lhasa US$ 2
Optional Activity
Meditation
Rafting
Cultural shows
Mountain Biking
Trips Highlights
Potala Palalce, Drepung Monastery, Jorkhang Temple, Sera Monastery etc in Lhasa.
Nomadic people and their encampments.
Kong La Pass
Nam-tso Lake ringed by the Nyechen Tangla Mountain Range
Tashi Do Monastery
Tsurpu Monastery
Inclusive
Mid range hotel in Lhasa, guesthouse in Namtso Lake and rest of the places tented camping.
Daily breakfast in Lhasa and full board during trekking
All transfers and sightseeing by a 4WD jeep and support truck for gears and supplies.
All camping gears that include sleeping tents, dinning tents, kitchen tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows etc.
Service of English speaking tour guide, cook, driver and necessary helps.
Pack-animals to carry luggage, gears and supplies
Tibet entry permits.
Sightseeing admission fees
Exclusive
Lunch and dinner during hotel stays.
Drinks, tip and other expenses of personal nature such as laundry, telephone etc.
Airfares into and out of Lhasa.
Airport taxes
Extra expenses due to nature and unforeseen events.
Travel insurance