This 12-day trek takes you to the Gyama or Gama Valley which many have claimed is one of the most beautiful mountain valleys in the world. The valley leads up toward the base of Makalu and Everest from the east in a region that few tourists visit. The region is known for its orchids, azaleas, and numerous wildflowers as well as forested slopes at the lower elevations. The high point on the trek is Shauwula Pass at 4900m. Since the area is remote and seldom visited trail conditions can be quite difficult and it’s important to bring an experienced guide who knows the region well. The Gama trek is much like stepping back in time as you will meet locals from a variety of cultures such as the; Monpa, Lhoba, and Sherpa who still maintain the traditional ways.
Gongar Airport or From Kathmandu Via Road
4 Hours Before Flight Time
Kathmandu-Gongar-Potala-Gaden Monastery, Tseb La-Samye-Lhasa-Kathmandu
Norbulingka Hotel/Similar/ Luxury Camping at the Campsite
1 to 2 Pax SUV Car | 2 to 8 Pax: Toyota Hiace Bus | 8 to 16 pax: Toyota Coaster Bus.
Local Tibetan English Speaking Trekking Guide/ language Guide upon extra payment (German/Spanish/Chinese/Italian/Japanese speaking Guide)
First day L/D and last day only breakfast before Departure. All meals during Trekking
Welcome to Tibet! Upon arrival, be greeted by local guide at airport and be presented with traditional Tibetan White Scarf to wish you good luck!
Then our driver will take you to your hotel. You will enjoy the spectacular scenery and the typical Tibetan villages on the way.
Stay at the hotel after arrival for adapting to the high attitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days, and try to drink some water just and now.
After breakfast, we go to the Potala Palace, a golden feather upon the roof of the world, which Tibetans proudly claim to be the prime miracle since the creation of this world. It is visible from any distance, with the golden roof shining in the sun, spend one hour wandering around the inside of this magnificent building exploring the rooms previously used by the Dalai Lama and the many Buddhist icons within.
In the afternoon we go inside the Jokhang Temple. The Jokhang, like most of the larger temple structures, has numerous individual temples within it dedicated to specific enlightened beings, protectors, high lamas, or saints. Images, both sculpted and painted, are everywhere. Every inch of the wall and ceiling is brightly painted with images of clouds, beings, mandalas, or decorative patterns. Colorful silk banners, three stories high, hang in various places. Color, pattern, and images crowd in around you. The central image inside the building is a 30-foot-high gilded image of Maitreya Buddha.
Then stroll around the back alleys of the Barkhor area of Old Lhasa. The streets smelled of yak butter and incense while hordes of pilgrims shuffled along the main Kora (circumambulations) around Jokhang Temple. If someone just walked at a normal pace, one kora would take about 15-20 minutes.
Today, we first go to Dadong Village, which is known as the most beautiful village in Lhasa. It is only around 25 kilometers away from Lhasa city center. Here we will first visit the Nyimatang Monastery. Then go for a leisure trek to visit the local Tibetan family. You can experience the country life of local Tibetans, and enjoy authentic Tibetan food here at lunch.
After lunch, you are going to visit Sera Monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As roses are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild roses”. Today still 200 lamas live there. You can have a little hike for the beautiful valley scenery nearby and picnic there. And you may have the chance to see the famous monks’ debate (usually from 15:00 to 17:00) before returning back to Lhasa.
After fully exploring Lhasa, you’ll have a chance to get lost in the endless Tibetan landscape while you take a short hike along the turquoise waters of Lake Yamdrok, one of the four holy lakes in Tibet. This dazzling lake is normally first seen from the summit of the Kamba-la (4700m). The lake lies several hundred meters below the road, and it is shaped like a coiling scorpion. Far in the distance is the huge massif of Mt. Nojin Kangstsang (7191m). Afterward, pass by the 5,010 m high Karo-la and the Simi La forward to Gyantse (3,950m).
In Gyantse, you will visit Pelkor Monastery and Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) nearby, both of them built in the 15th century and situated on the northwestern edge of Gyantse.
In the afternoon drive about 90 kilometers to Shigatse (3880m), the second largest city with 40,000 inhabitants in Tibet and the traditional capital of the Tsang.
Circumambulate its kora and visit restored temples. Enjoy a picnic overlooking the stark landscape. Camp at nearby Gyama Valley, 13,000′
Begin the trek, considered “one of central Tibet’s finest moderate treks” (McCue, Trekking in Tibet). Ascend through pastures where yak herders camp in yak wool tents. Camp beneath the stars at 14,400′
Continue gradually, hiking through fragrant dwarf rhododendron and juniper. Magnificent views unfold. Camp close to 15,800′
The trek begins from the base camp and climbs slowly to Tseb La Pass and descends through a series of meadows where nomadic herders camp. (14,000′)
End Trek at Samye: Descend through vales of flowers and rushing streams. Visit meditation caves. Cross the dry plains to Samye, its chortens gleaming from a distance. Overnight in guesthouse
Visit the monastery compound. Drive to Yarlung Valley, “Valley of the Kings” and Yumbulakhang, the oldest building in Tibet. Overnight in a hotel in Tsetang or near the airport
Free time at Kathmandu. Relax in Hotel or go around Thamel town where you get to see the colors of life.
After breakfast drive to airport and see off.
Error: Contact form not found.
