Tibet Trekking FAQs

Nestled in the shadows of the Himalayan Mountains, Tibet has always been a land of mysticism and spirituality. With its breathtaking landscape and unique culture, Tibet has always drawn travelers to its high plateau for the landscape, the mountains, its immense lakes, and its sacred monasteries and temples.

While backpacking around Tibet is not permitted for foreign visitors, trekking is a perfect way to explore this remote region at the roof of the world. You will get to see the landscape close up, instead of through the window of a car or train, and experience some of the more interesting aspects of Tibetan culture.

Trekking in Tibet can be categorized into three different types; pilgrimage treks, culture treks and sightseeing treks. There are many routes you can take on any of the three types of treks, and each has its own unique experiences, taking you to places you never imagined existed.

The Classic Tibet Trekking Routes

The classic trekking routes have been well established and it is an unforgettable experience to trek through arid landscapes and up mountain passes.

Dezhong to Drigung Thil Monastery Trek - 1 day

This trek is a relaxing, easy route, and is ideal for novices and experienced trekkers alike. Starting in Dezhong, in Maizhokunggar county, you can first enjoy a relaxing dip in the famous hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties. It is definitely good for the skin, and for anyone with joint or muscle aches. It is then a short trek to Drigung Thil monastery, which is one of the major temples of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is also a site for the Tibetan sky burial, although viewing it is taboo for visitors. The dead are chopped into pieces and fed to the vultures, which is believed to be an offering of your flesh to the other living creatures of the world.

Mt. Kailash Kora Trek - 2 days

A “kora” is a trek around a holy site of the Buddhist religion. Thousands of people from all over the world come to Tibet to walk the kora around places like Mt. Kailash. The holy mountain is the most sacred of places for Buddhists from around the world. Mt. Kailash is a challenging route, which is both physically and mentally challenging. The route around the mountain has an average elevation of around 4,700 meters above sea level, and at Drolma La Pass you will climb up to a heady 5,630 meters, before dropping down into the valley on the other side.

Sai town to Baimalin tso - 2 days

In Shannan Prefecture lies Sai town, and the famous Saika Gutuo monastery. This is the birthplace of the Kagyu sect of Buddhism, and the monastery includes a nine story watchtower that is believed to have been built by Buddha Milarepa. At the foot of the holy mountain, Mt. Gulha Kangri, which stands 7,538 meters tall, lies Baimalin tso. This beautiful lake is surrounded by lofty mountains, and legend says if your destiny brings you here, you can see all your past life when you look into its waters.

Lhasa to Tsurphu Monastery, to Yangpachen - 2-3 days

An old classic when it comes to trekking routes, this trek is one of the most famous and popular routes in China. The trek to Tsurphu Monastery is a relatively easy one, and the monastery itself is another major site of the Kagyu sect. Built at the end of the Tubo Dynasty of the Tibetan Empire, the Kagyu sect was the dominant religion in Tibet for more than 100 years. The second day of the trek takes you to Yagpachen, and its famous hot spring resorts. An abundance of geothermal springs, it is the ideal place to refresh after the trek.

Lhasa to Samye Monastery, via Ganden Monastery and Chimpuk - 4-5 days

One of the most popular monastery treks, it takes a route that includes some of the most famous monasteries in Tibet. Ganden Monastery, one of the three great monasteries of the Gelug sect, is the first stop. Founded by Je Tsongkhapa Lozang-dragpa, in 1409, it lies in a hilly natural amphitheater 40 km northeast of Lhasa. The next trek to Samye Monastery is an easy walk, and the monastery itself is steeped in history. The first monastery in Tibet, it was founded around 775 AD by King Trisong Detsen. The last stop is at the Chimpuk Hermitage, a group of cave-shrines to the northeast of Samye. Once the meditation retreat of Guru Rinpoche, it is surrounded by high mountains giving a very spiritual feel to the caves.

Namtso Lake Trek - 7-10 days

One of the most sacred lakes in Tibet, Namtso Lake sees a large number of tourists and pilgrims every year who come to walk the kora around the lake. This spiritual and religious worship to the Tibetan gods is a huge part of both Tibetan culture and Buddhism. At an elevation of 4,718 meters, it is a challenging trek in high altitude that can take around a week to complete one circuit of the lake. The largest lake in Tibet Autonomous Region, it has five uninhabited islands that are sometimes used as spiritual retreats for pilgrims.

Gama Valley Trek - 10-15 days

In Shigatse, in the south-east of Tibet, lies Gama Valley, a snow melt-formed valley surrounded by towering mountains. One of the most beautiful valleys in the world, it is a popular route for trekking in Tibet. The green valley, with its rare plants and varied wildlife is part of the Everest Nature reserve, and the home of the famous mountaineers, the Sherpas. There are four trekking routes through the valley, and it is not for the faint-hearted. The routes are all challenging and best for very experienced trekkers.

Xiazayü to Gongshan Trek - 20-25 days

Possibly the longest trek in Tibet, this route follows the ancient Tea Horse Road, and is a big challenge, even for the most experienced trekkers. The route can take up to a month to complete, and the Tea Horse Road dates back to the Song Dynasty in China, around 700 AD, and is part of the network of caravan routes that run through Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou. The scenery is spectacular as the trek takes you through lush valleys and arid mountain slopes that have been trod by men and ponies for 1,300 years.

When to Trek in Tibet

While travel to Tibet is available almost all year, trekking in winter is not recommended. April to October is the perfect time to trek, as the climate is mild, and not so cold. Summer is one of the best times to visit Tibet for trekking as the lush grass and plants all come to life after the monsoon rains, and the land turns a beautiful green. Rain is not really a problem in Tibet, even in the rainy season of summer. At such a high elevation, and with the surrounding mountains, there is very little rain in the west of Tibet, and it makes trekking more fulfilling.

What to Pack for Tibet trekking

At almost any time of the year, warm clothes are a necessity in Tibet. While it might get quite hot in summer, the nighttime temperatures can still drop to almost freezing, so some warm clothes would be required. For trekking during the day, light clothes are sufficient, with a windproof jacket. It is recommended that you bring certain items with you, for safety’s sake. A first aid kit, water purification tablets and sun lotion are recommended. You would also need to have a sleeping bag, comfortable hiking boots and socks, water bottle, toilet paper, a suitable backpack, hat, dust mask and sunglasses.

How to Avoid High Altitude Sickness

It is advisable that your first aid kit has medication for altitude sickness, but it is better if you are fully acclimatized before attempting a trek at high altitude. As the entire region is above 4,000 meters, altitude sickness can easily occur, especially if you are not acclimatized to the altitude yet. A few days acclimatizing in Lhasa is needed before you start the trek, and if you feel any of the symptoms of altitude sickness, you should let your guide know. The best way to treat altitude sickness is to descend to a lower altitude, like Lhasa for a few days to rest.

Visa and Permit Requirements

To get into Tibet, you will need a Chinese entry visa, and a Tibet Travel Permit. The permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, and can be obtained by us. For travel outside Lhasa, which is all of the trekking routes, you will also need the Alien’s Travel Permit, and for some areas, a Miliary permit as well. We’ll help you get all of the travel permits you will need for a Tibet trekking.

Individual Travel in Tibet

Visitors to Tibet are not permitted to travel alone, so a guide is required for your trek. Tibet is a vast region full of mountains and valleys which can be dangerous if you are not familiar with the landscape and terrain. A guide is always a necessity when trekking in areas of wilderness, as trekking alone is also very dangerous. Mountainous regions like Tibet can be very unpredictable.

Horses are available for your trek, and can be ridden or carry your packs to make the walking easier for you. Horse treks are also very popular in Tibet, and the Tibetan ponies are sturdy and strong, as they are bred in the high altitude mountains.

Just tell us your Tibet trekking plan, and our Tibetan local travel experts will take care all rest of it.

One of the main highlights of trekking in Tibet is the experience. This is one experience you cannot get anywhere else in the world, and the plateau is breathtakingly beautiful, with many hidden surprises along the routes. You will encounter yaks, herds of sheep and goats, nomadic villages and the astounding monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Add to that the lofty mountains and the serenity of the lakes, and it makes Tibet the most spectacular place to visit, and to trek around. Guaranteed, one Tibet trek in your life will never be enough, and it will leave you yearning for more.