Overview

The Tsurphu Monastery to Yangpachen trek is one of Tibet’s most celebrated trekking routes, offering an immersive experience in the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural history. This 9-day journey takes you through remote valleys, traditional nomadic camps, and stunning alpine scenery. Starting from the ancient Tsurphu Monastery, a major seat of the Karmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism, you will cross high mountain passes and visit sacred sites before concluding at the hot springs of Yangpachen. The trek is moderate in difficulty and is suitable for adventurers with a good fitness level and a passion for cultural exploration.

Highlights

Tsurphu Monastery: Start your trek at Tsurphu Monastery, one of the most important monasteries in Tibet, known for its historical significance and serene mountain setting. The monastery is a key pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists.
Scenic Landscape: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Tibetan Plateau, with expansive grassy meadows, rugged hills, and snow-capped peaks. The trek offers a beautiful contrast between barren mountain landscapes and green valleys.
Rural Tibetan Villages: As you trek, pass through small, traditional Tibetan villages where you can interact with locals and observe their daily life, customs, and culture.
Yangbajain Hot Springs: The trek ends at Yangbajain, famous for its natural hot springs. After days of trekking, enjoy a relaxing dip in the warm, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by the stunning Tibetan wilderness.
Mountains and Wildlife: Throughout the trek, you will encounter dramatic mountain vistas and a chance to spot wildlife such as Tibetan antelope, yaks, and various bird species, offering an authentic experience of Tibet’s wildlife.
High-altitude Terrain: The route offers a mix of rocky paths, high-altitude grasslands, and mountain passes, providing a challenging yet rewarding trekking experience. The altitude adds an element of adventure as trekkers gain elevation.
Spiritual Atmosphere: The presence of monasteries and the remoteness of the trek provide a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere, allowing trekkers to connect with the calm and sacred landscape of Tibet.
Cultural Heritage: As you walk through this sacred landscape, you will encounter ancient Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags, stupas, and sacred sites, adding a cultural and spiritual dimension to the trek.
Moderate Difficulty: This trek is considered moderate in difficulty, suitable for trekkers with a reasonable fitness level. The route offers a good balance of challenging sections and opportunities for acclimatization.
Photography Opportunities: With its dramatic landscapes, monasteries, and cultural landmarks, the Tsurphu to Yangbajain trek provides excellent opportunities for photography, capturing the beauty of Tibet’s natural and spiritual heritage.

Itinerary

Highlights: Arrival in Lhasa, free exploration
Upon your arrival in Lhasa, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day acclimatizing to the high altitude. You can explore the vibrant streets of Lhasa, experiencing the local culture and lifestyle. The day is free for you to rest and adjust to the altitude.

Highlights: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Begin your exploration of Lhasa with a visit to the Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. Next, visit the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet, where pilgrims from all over the region come to pay their respects. Conclude your day at Barkhor Street, a bustling market where you can shop for traditional Tibetan handicrafts.

Highlights: Tsurphu Monastery
Today, we embark on a scenic drive (approx. 70km) to Tsurphu Monastery, nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by rugged mountains. Tsurphu Monastery is the traditional seat of the Karmapa, one of the most significant lineages in Tibetan Buddhism. Upon arrival, explore the monastery and learn about its rich history. Spend the night in a guesthouse near the monastery, preparing for the trek ahead.

Highlights: Tsurphu Valley, nomadic camps
Distance Covered: approx. 10km
The trek begins with a gentle ascent along the Tsurphu Valley, following the Tsurphu River. The trail winds through a landscape of lush green meadows dotted with wildflowers and grazing yaks. Along the way, you will pass by nomadic camps, where you can observe the traditional lifestyle of Tibetan herders. The day ends at Leten, a small, picturesque campsite surrounded by rolling hills.

Highlights: High-altitude pastureland, panoramic mountain views
Distance Covered: approx. 12km
Today’s trek takes you through expansive high-altitude pasturelands, where you will be greeted by panoramic views of snow-capped peaks in the distance. The trail climbs gradually, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains. As you approach Bartso, a traditional Tibetan village, you’ll witness the simplicity of rural life in Tibet. Set up camp near the village and enjoy a night under the starry Tibetan sky.

Highlights: Lasar La Pass (5,340m), Dorje Ling Nunnery
Distance Covered: approx. 15 km
This is the most challenging day of the trek, as you will cross the Lasar La Pass, the highest point of the journey at 5,340 meters. The ascent to the pass is steep and demanding, but the views from the top are worth the effort. As you stand on the pass, you’ll be surrounded by majestic peaks and vast, open landscapes. After a short rest, descend towards Dorje Ling Nunnery, where you will camp for the night. The nunnery is a peaceful retreat, offering insight into the lives of Tibetan nuns.

Highlights: Yangpachen hot springs, nomadic culture
Distance Covered: approx. 14 km
The final day of trekking leads you to Yangpachen, famous for its natural hot springs. The trail descends gently through valleys and pastures, offering more opportunities to see local wildlife and nomadic camps. Upon reaching Yangpachen, you can relax and rejuvenate in the hot springs, soaking in the mineral-rich waters while enjoying the surrounding mountain views (the bath cost is not included). Camp near the hot springs and savor your last night in the Tibetan wilderness.

Highlights: Return to Lhasa, shopping, farewell dinner
After breakfast, drive back to Lhasa, taking in the last glimpses of the Tibetan countryside. Upon arrival, you can spend the afternoon shopping for souvenirs and exploring any remaining sights in Lhasa. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Tibetan restaurant, celebrating the completion of your trek.

Highlights: Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Lhasa airport / train station for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of your trek through Tibet’s stunning wilderness.

Services

Include:

Accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Lhasa, guesthouses and camping during the trek
All necessary Tibet travel permits
A Professional Tibetan English-speaking tour guide
All entrance fees to the sites and monuments as mentioned in the itinerary
One private vehicle and one experienced driver to and from the trekking starting / ending point
Breakfasts at hotels and all meals during the trek
Camping equipment incl. tents, sleeping bags, mats
Cooking equipment incl. stove, pots, clean water, utensil
Pack animals (yak or horse) and/or porters for carrying equipment and supplies
Oxygen and first aid kit for emergency use
Accident / Casualty Insurance

Not Include:

International and domestic flights / trains
Meals not mentioned above
Tips for guide and driver
Personal expenses like snacks, drinks etc.
Other expenses not noted in the above including list

Our Services Guarantee:

We pride ourselves on transparency. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges during your trip.

If you need to cancel your trip for any reason, we offer a full refund if the cancellation is made at least 3 months before the departure date.

As a trusted and experienced travel company, we have no difficulty in obtaining all the necessary Tibet travel permits for you. We guarantee that there will be no failure in securing your permits due to any fault on our part. Rest assured, you won’t need to worry about any documentation from our side.

Whenever possible, we strive to offer complimentary hotel upgrades to enhance your comfort and overall experience.

We ensure that all transportation, accommodations, and activities meet the highest safety and health standards in Tibet, including measures for altitude sickness prevention.

Your tour guide and driver will be available 24/7 for support and assistance during the whole trip.

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