| Location |
Southeast of Lhasa |
|
| Start |
Samye |
| Finish |
Lhamo Latso |
| Grade |
Medium-Difficult |
| Season |
March-November |
| Accommodation |
Tented Camp |
| Trekking Time |
8 Days |
| Passes |
Lung-la (4968m) |
Overview
The pilgrimage from Samye Monastery to Lhamo Latso is richly
varied and has much to offer: high snow mountains, a
magnificent monastery, seldom visited cave hermitages,
nomads and their black-tent culture, and a sacred "oracle
lake". The trail follows the flat Tsangpo Valley with its
sand dunes and myriad freshwater pools. Small, untouched
villages and monasteries dot the way to the Yulung Chu
Valley. Near its head, close to high snowcapped peaks, are
the delightful nomad settlements of Shindu and Amando. Being
at the radiant oracle lake of Lhamo Latso is a high point of
this journey. It is the foremost "vision" lake in Tibet and
sitting Dalai Lamas were obligated to come here at least
once in their lifetimes, usually on the lake's surface,
concerning his future.
Itinerary Day by Day
Day 01 Arrive at Lhasa by air
Today's highlights: Airport pickup and transfer to
hotel, Acclimatize to the High Altitude.
Details:
Fly into Lhasa. Local Tibetan guide will meet you and
transfer you to Lhasa. On the way, you can appreciate the
heart-beating highland view along the Yarlong Tsangpo river
(the longest river in Tibet and highest river on the earth
with an average altitude of 4,000 meters), originating from
Jiemayangzong Glacier on the northern
Himalayas.
Day 02 Sightseeing in Lhasa
Today's highlights: Jokhang Temple is the pilgrimage
center of Tibetans / Potala Palace, Jokhang temple, Barkhor
Street
Details:
The cardinal landmark of Lhasa, Potala Palace, is a
structure of massive portions. Its towering image already
appearing on various occasions, but your first sight of the
Potala will still be an awe-inspiring moment. Potala Palace
is a place where you can appreciate the Tibetan culture,
religion and art of architecture as well.
Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Tibet. Every day,
pilgrims from every corner of Tibet trek a long distance to
the temple to pray for their now and future. The temple is
the product of Han, Tibetan and Nepalese architectural
techniques. Barkhor Street, the oldest street in a very
traditional city in Tibet.
Day 03 Lhasa-Ganden or Drak Yerpa-Lhasa
Today's highlights: Ganden Kora, Drak Yerpa
Details:
Drive to Ganden monastery, the first monastery belonged to
Yellow Hat sect. You could see the countryside views there.
One the way have a family visit (optional) You can have a
easier or harder hike at Ganden. High kora or low kora
depends on your physical condition. The high kora climbs
Angkor Ri south of Ganden and then drops down the ridge to
join up with the lower kora. The low kora is easier than
high kora.
Drak Yerpa hermitage is one of the holiest cave retreats in
Tibet. The site is deeply peaceful and has stunning views.
There are many caves and retreats higher up the cliff face.
There, you can have a climb on the hill. It is said that
Lhasa is the shrine of Tibet, Drak Yerpa is the shrine of
Lhasa. Without seeing Drak Yerpa in Lhasa is just like
making a dress without the collar.
Day 04 Lhasa-Samye
Today's highlights: Samye Monastery
Details:
In the morning drive to Samye Monastery, located in south of
Tsetang, is the first Buddhist monastery erected in Tibet.
The first floor is of the Tibetan style and the second the
Han style and the third the Indian style. Stay overnight at
the poor guesthouse near Samye.
We will start our Samye-Lhamo Latso Trekking at Samye
Monastery next day.
"Life Spirit"-Lhamo Latso LakeThe pilgrimage heads east from
Samye along the north bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo to the
village of Lo. During the rainy season of July and August,
this sandy area can be flooded, making the going difficult.
After Lo, the train disappears. Stick close to the river and
walk towards the low bluffs that come down to the water. It
takes 5 hours from Samye to reach the entrance of the Doh
Valley, running north-south. From here stay close to the
Tsangpo for four more hours to Gerpa Ferry, a small landing
by the river. The going can be muddy along the trackless
north bank.
Day 06 Trek from Gerpa Ferry to Ngari Tratsang 7hrs.
Wade across a small river that flows south into the
Tsangpo.This region is barren. A trail following the Tsangpo
starts east of here and makes the going easier. From the
ferry to the last bluff takes 4 hours. The snow peak to the
south is Yala Shampo, across the river is Tsetang. The trail
now heads north, veering left just before another ferry.
Crosses a small bridge and after 3 hours reaches the village
of Chermen or called Timen at the entrance of Yon Valley.
Tagka Sho is a short distance to the east.
Day 07 Trek from Ngari Tratsang to Zangri Karmar 8hrs.
Follow the well-defined track 1km north of the river to
Jang. Goats, sheep and donkeys abound in this prosperous
area. From Jang walk 1/2 hour to a small village next to the
main path. At this point a track on the left zigzags up a
range of mountains to the northeast. A 3 hours walking along
it leads to Densatil Monastery. After returning from
Densatil, continue along the river to Pumdru. Leave the main
track that continues along the river, and follow a side
trail, lined by transmission towers, up the hill to the
left. Cross a small rise and then descend towards
Zangri.Follow a motor road for 10 minutes to where wooden
posts block the road. Take a side road to the left. 10
minutes further along the main road is a small hill on the
left. From Jang to here is 5 hours. Climb for 15 minutes to
the Gelugpa monastery of Zangri Karmar.
Day 08 Trek from Zangri Karmar to Cholung Monastery 6.5
hrs.
Blue Lotus is in full bloom at Lhamo Latso areaA scenic
motor road runs north for 22km from Zangri Karmar, along the
east bank of the Tsangpo river, to a power station. After
the station follow the wider of the two valleys to the left.
Carry on along the valley for 1 3/4 hours to a small bridge.
Here the valley divides again. The motor road continues to
the left. Take the dirt track to the right through a side
valley. This is the Woka Valley, trending to the northeast.
After 1 1/4 hours on a level path, the valley widens, with
good views of sacred Wode Gungyal to the right. Ignore the
small bridge that crosses the river on the right. Continue
for 15 minutes to good campgrounds, then follow the jeepable
track to Woka. From the camping area to Woka is 3.5hours.
From woka cross a small bridge and head east towards the
mountains along the right side of the Woka Valley. Cross a
range of low hills to reach Cholung Monastery.
Day 09 Trek from Cholung Monastery to Nomad Camp 4.5 hrs.
For hours from Cholung, the valley abruptly becomes a narrow
gorge flanked by sheer cliffs. Climb a small bluff, bearing
to the right. Cross a bridge at the top and descend to a
small lateral valley with nomad tents. It's possible to stay
with the herdsmen, surrounded by yaks and snowcapped
mountains.
Day 10 Trek from Nomad Camp to Amando 7 hrs.
Cross a small hill on the north side of the valley and
descend back down to the Yulung. 1.5hours to another side
valley opening to the right. Black tents sometimes mark the
spot. Bypass the valley and walk for 2 hours to a broad open
area with many black tents. That is Shindu nomad camp.
Ignore a side valley left of Shindu. Follow the west bank of
the main river for one hour to a stone hut enclosed by a low
stone wall. The valley divides here. Take the left branch,
known as Layuena. After 1 hour reach another stone hut and
shortly afterwards a couple of black tents. Continue for 1
1/4 hours to a clearing with about ten tents. This is Amando.
Day 11 Trek from Amando to Chokorgye 6.5 hrs.
Chokorgye Monastery is not far from Lhamo LatsoWalk up to
the Lung La, 1.5hours from Amando.Only the final half an
hour is strenuous. At the top, to the left, is a field of
thick snow covering the sides of a prominent peak, with a
small lake at its base. This is one of 21 sacred lakes in
the area, consecrated Drolma. Descend steeply, curving to
the right. After 1.5hours cross the river on stone steps to
the east bank. Follow the river for 3/4hour, then wade back
to the right bank at a point marked by stone cairns. Reach
Chokorgye Monastery after a further 2 3/4 hours of easy and
pleasant walking. Chokorgye is a lovely spot to spend a rest
day.
Day 12 Trek from Chokorgye to Lhamo Latso 4hrs
Overlooking Lake Lhamo Latso Follow a path over a bridge to
the entrance of the northeast valley from the east wall of
the Chokorgye monastery. Follow the valley for 1 hour, along
the left bank of the river, to an area marked by many
cairns. Cross the river here on stepping stones to a nomad
camp. Then climb abruptly and steeply north to reach a side
valley that runs perpendicular to the main river. A small
burbid pond, on the left, is reached in one hour. This is
Yoni lake. Follow your left river for one hour to a flat
pateau. Look behind for a close, dramatic view of Mount
Lhamo Nying. Directly ahead is an amphitheater of seemingly
impassable mountains. Reach the pass overlooking Lake Lhamo
Latso after 1 hour. This spot, crammed full of praer flags
and stone cairns, is know as Shugtri, the Dalai Lama's
Throne. Pilgrims usually stay here for several hours,
chanting prayers, meditating, and making offerings.
Our trek ends here, but it will cost you another 3 hours
walking to return to Chokorgye.
Day 13 Chokorgy-Tsetang
Yambu Lakhang was the first palace in Tibet
Today's highlights: Your vehicle will come to pick you up to
Tsetang
Details:
he vehicle will come to pick you up at Chokorgy. Drive back
to Tsetang to have a good rest
Day 14 Tsedang-Gonggar Airport
Today's highlights: Airport transfer, Say goodbye to Tibet
Details:
Transfer to Gonggar Airport to take flight out of Lhasa to
next destination. Bid farewell to Tibet.
Permits Required
A visit to Lhamo Latso requires four permits (3-7 days to
process). The place you are likely to be checked is at
Chokorgye Monastery or Gyantsa County.
Sleeping and Eating
Lhamolatso is difficult to reach and receives few foreign
visitors. You should be prepared for rain, snow and cold
weather-the lake is at an altitude of 5000m. The nearest
accommodation to Lhamolatso is at Choforgye Monastery, which
has basic dorm rooms at outrageous prices. There are good
camping spots behind the temple walls if you have a tent.
Tips for Trekking
1. The weather is changeable, as well as the temperature;
2. Lots of places are damp, so equipped with the
waterproofed camera;
3. Except for the high passes, this pilgrimage goes through
areas noted for their warm, dry climate. Rain can be
expected in July and August, less in June and September, and
virtually none during the rest of year. Heavy snow, however,
can blanket the passes from December through February. For
nine months of the year this pilgrimage is a good bet.
4. Respect the people here and respect their local custom;
5. Drink lots of water before departure;
6. No alcohol;
7. Avoid catching cold and bring some medicine;.
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