This amazing journey will take you to one of the least know, yet highest peaks
in the world. Shishapangma, hidden from Nepal by the Himalayan range, is highly
regarded as our most remote and most scenic trips in all of Tibet. The high
altitude walk is a little easier as there are no major passes to ascend.
However, the landscape and scenery along the way rivals any other Himalayan
Trek. The lack of other tourist along the way also makes this journey even more
rewarding. The beautiful weather during the day, yet rain at night, allows for a
wondrous walk through lush meadows and blossoming wildflowers.
After our awe-inspiring trek we will visit the historic city of Lhasa. This
wondrous city is generally regarded as the heart of Tibet and is filled with
unparalleled history, culture, and beauty. The Potala Palace dominates the
skyline with its powerful and ancient architecture. The numerous temples and
monasteries surrounding the city, such as the Jokhang and Drepung, allow
travelers to experience Tibetan Buddhism first hand. A visit to these ancient
monasteries will leave you with a sense of astonishment for years to come! Stops
will be made along the way in the small towns of Gyantse and Shigatse. Allow
yourself to relax in these extraordinary towns and immerse yourself in the rich
Buddhist culture. You can learn a lot from these Tibetan people. It will be even
easier to enjoy Tibet as nothing but the best Tibetan hotels will be provided
for you.
ITINERARY
Day 01 Drive Kathmandu - Nyalam [3780M]
Day 02 Rest day/ acclimatization
Day 03 Trek to Draabochhan [4110M]
Day 04 Trek to Shingdip [4560M]
Day 05 Trek to base camp [4980M]
Day 06 Trek to Draabochhan
Day 07 Trek to Nyalam
Day 08 Drive to Lhatse
Day 09 Drive to Shigatse
Day 10 Drive to Gyantse
Day 11 Drive to Lhasa
Day 12 In Lhasa
Day 13 In Lhasa
Day 14 Fly Lhasa/Kathmandu
DAY 01 DRIVE KATHMANDU - NYALAM
Our group will assemble in Kathmandu in the morning and drive through gorgeous
Nepalese countryside for nearly 123 km. Upon reaching Kodari the group will
complete visa procedures and border formalities with the help of our guides. On
the way to Nyalam we will drive through numerous passes and valleys using a
system of steep switchbacks. We will even drive through a mossy gully containing
wondrous cascading waterfalls.
DAY 02 REST DAY/ ACCLIMATISATION
Today is a day for you to rest and take in the beauty of Nyalam. It is important
that we take it easy today and properly acclimatize to the high altitude. To
provide some excitement to the day we can visit Nyalam Pelgye Ling, a small
temple right out of town.
DAY 03 TREK TO DRAABOCHHAN [4110M]
Today we will begin our trekking adventure as we head out of town along
the Tshongde Phu river valley. It is completely up to you whether we take a
shorter day and head straight to our campsite at Draabochhan or make the
pilgrimage trek to Tara Tsho Lake. If you are up for the steep walk along the
way, the magical lake is well worth it. Legend has it that the lake was made
from a piece of ice that a lama carried from Mt. Kailash. Beautiful prayer flags
and stone monuments cover the banks of the lake. We will spend the night in a
comfortable campsite at Draabochhan.
DAY 04 TREK TO SHINGDIP [4560M]
Our second day of trekking leads us to the top of the ridge. Alluring views and
blossoming rhododendrons surround us as we follow the ridge. Our night will be
spent in an amazing meadow camp in Shingdip. Get a good sleep, because tomorrow
we will reach the base camp!
DAY 05 TREK TO BASE CAMP [4980M]
Today we will head west as we follow the ridge once more. The Jugal Himal peak
looms over us as we walk. After only two hours of walking we reach the base
camp! Unfortunately there are no views of Shishapangma at the actual base camp.
However, we have plenty of time to explore the glacial lakes and boulder
plateaus which do offer impressive views. Advanced base camp is in close walking
distance as well.
DAY 06 TREK TO DRAABOCHHAN [4110M]
After an amazing day at the base camp we will descend back to Draabochhan. Along
the way, wondrous alpine meadows, rhododendrons, and views of Jugal Himal
surround us.
DAY 07 TREK TO NYALAM [3780M]
On our seventh day we will follow our route back through the Tshongde Phu river
valley. Another amazing day of trekking! The night will be spent back in Nyalam.
DAY 08 DRIVE TO LHATSE
Some amazing days of driving ad sightseeing begins today as we observe the vast
difference in the lush lower hills and the barren Tibetan Plateau. Throughout
the day several high passes, including Lalung La, will be crossed. From these
passes, widespread views of Mt. Everest and the entire Himalayan range can be
seen. Tonight will be spent in the small town of Lhatse.
DAY 09 DRIVE TO SHIGATSE
The beauty of the drive continues as we cross Gyatsmo La, the highest pass of
our journey. On the way a string of quiet monasteries and herders can also be
seen. The night will be spent at one of two traditional hotels in Shigatse, the
second largest city in Tibet
DAY 10 DRIVE TO GYANTSE
Today we only need to drive a short amount so the morning will be spent
exploring the Tashilhunpo Monastery. This beautiful place is one of the largest
functioning monasteries left in Tibet. Our first true experience of Tibetan
culture! Our final destination is the small city of Gyantse. We will be given
the opportunity of experiencing more wondrous Tibetan culture as we see the
Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Expansive views of the valley can be seen from the
ancient Dzong fort. The Kumbum is much more than a stupa, as it is surrounded by
numerous Tibetan murals and small chapel houses. Even if you are no art
connoisseur you will be amazed by these ancient murals and architecture.
DAY 11 DRIVE TO LHASA
The highlight of today is the Karo La pass. At this pass, a towering glacier
rises nearly straight up from the road. Much more is seen today as we drive
through several small towns and even Yamdrok-tso, an amazing turquoise lake. The
day will end in Lhasa at the Dhood Gu hotel.
DAY 12 Exploring Lhasa
Haven't you always dreamed of visiting the ancient Tibetan monasteries? Our
knowledgeable English speaking guide will show you everything there is to see in
some of these renowned sights. First off we will explore the beautifully
preserved Sera Monastery. Many of the pictures you see of Tibet are of these
buildings with their white washed walls and golden roofs. To this day several
hundred monks live and study in this architecture. The afternoon will be spent
exploring the Jokhang temple and Norbulingka. The Norbunglinka is another
astounding piece of architecture and was once the summer palace of the Dalai
Lama. Jokhang Temple will provide you one of your first sights of devout
Tibetans, as hundreds visit this sacred shrine each day. The central market of
Lhasa, the Barkor, surrounds the Jokhang Temple. In these cobbled streets you
can experience more Tibetan culture and even purchase some amazing crafts.
DAY 13 Further Exploration of Lhasa
To explore some of the ancient quarters of the Dalai Lama we will visit Potala
Palace in the morning. Be prepared for astonishment as this grand palace has
been around since before the 17th century. To add even more history and culture
we will also visit Drepung Monastery. Once home to over 10,000 monks, the
Drepung Monastery is still a beautiful sight to see. Miraculously it was one of
the few sights to escape the Cultural Revolution without widespread damage.
DAY 14 FLY LHASA - KATHMANDU
Experience the wondrous sight of the Himalayas for one last time as we fly back
to Katmandu! I am sure your flight will be filled with sadness at the
culmination of such a wondrous trip. However, you will have memories which will
last a lifetime.
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