Tsurphu to Yangpachen trekking is suitable for trekkers who love to get close contact with the nomads and their semi-nomadic lifestyle. This trek is one of the easiest trekking routes in Tibet.
The Trek starts at Tsurphu monastery and runs along the rugged route, passes several alpine valleys and emerges into the broad and windswept Yangpachen Valley.
This trekking route experiences a combination of tundra and sweeping mountain panoramas. Moreover, you will find the real local Tibetan culture’s taste in monasteries and a nunnery.
In an actual sense, this is the trip of a proper balance between cultural visits and wilderness activities. Overlooking a broad sweep of trans-Himalaya peaks, the trip concludes at Yangpachen Monastery on top of the hillock at the left of the road to Shigatse.
Lhasa Gongkar Airport (Google Map)
Upon arrival at the Lhasa Gongkar airport / Lhasa train station, our client will be warmly welcomed by our Tibetan local tour guide and the driver with a traditional Tibetan white scarf.
Driving for about an hour from the airport to Lhasa and half an hour from the train station to the hotel. After check-in at the hotel, the guide will brief the tour itineraries for the next day. The rest of the day is for you to relax in the hotel to acclimatise to the high altitude.
We will begin our visit at Jokhang Temple, one of the most sacred temples in Tibet, which was built in the 7th century by the 33rd king of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo. “Jokhang” means the temple of the Buddha built for the enshrinement of the Shakyamuni image, which is believed to have been nonexistent before the lifetime of Shakyamuni.
After visiting the temple, you can explore the surrounding Barkhor street and spend time walking around the Temple following pilgrims from all over the Tibetan plateau. In the afternoon will visit Sera Monastery, one of the three great monasteries of the Gelugpa school and attend the debating session of the monks, which is quite popular in Sera.
Today we visit the stunning Potala Palace – the landmark of Lhasa. Potala is the winter palace that was built in the 17th century by the fifth Dalai Lama.
In the afternoon, we visit the Norbu Lingka Palace, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. The Palace was built in the 18th century by the seventh Dalai Lama.
Only 60km up to Tsurpu monastery – the mother monastery of the Kagyupa tradition. Camping this evening next to the monastery and ready for the next day’s trek. The Tsurphu monastery is at an altitude of 4,500m above sea level. It’s a good place to spend a night to acclimatise.
3.1/2 HOURS / 11KM / 500M ASCENT
Today is the first day of our Tsurphu to Yanpachen trekking tour. The trek begins by heading west or up the valley. Walking for about one and a half hours, you will see a line of ruins of a Chorten (Stupa). By continuing 2hrs, you will reach Leten. Leten is a Drokpa (Nomads) area where several families live year-round.
5 HOURS / 15 KM / 300M ASCENT / 600M DESCENT
Today we are crossing the Lasar-La pass (5400m). This point is the highest point of our trek.
After crossing the Lasar-La pass, descend steeply into the north-running valley. They have a superb view of the surrounding mountains. And finally, you will reach the settlements of Bertso. This small village and the village are covered with Juniper.
4 HOURS / 15 KM / 150M ASCENT / 150M DESCENT
In today’s walk, you will see an excellent view of the Nyanchen Tanglha Ranges. Nyanchen Tanglha is the holiest mountain in central Tibet, the haunt of a divine white warrior on a white horse. The range is part of the trans-Himalaya, dividing southern Tibet from the Changthang Northland.
In the end, you will see a small temple, and that’s the Dorjee Ling Nunnery. The camping site for tonight.
4 HOURS / 14KM / MOSTLY LEVEL
Today is the last day of our trek, and we finish at the 15th-century Yangpachen monastery. There, our driver is waiting for you and will drive back to Lhasa in the afternoon.
Our Tsurphu to Yangpachen trekking tour officially ends today. Have a safe journey after that.
