- Overview
- Itinerary Detail
Overview
Namtso lake trek also known as the Heavenly Lake Trekking is ideal for all those trekkers who love to camp and walk in the middle of regal mountains, up and down the hills and offers the magnanimous amount of opportunity to understand the depth of nature and its invincible features. Namtso Lake at the altitude of 4,718m is situated 240km north of Lhasa is also a famous pilgrimage destination for the Tibetans. Namtso Lake is a highest and biggest salt water lake in the world. This perfect trekking destination offers the spectacular view of sunset over the Mt Everest which is second to none. This trek is a fine blend of architectural enormity of Lhasa and virgin natural beauty.
Namtso Lake trek is an extraordinary trek that will walk through the ancient caravan route of salt trader of Changthang region and through the glaciated valleys and mountains of Nyenchen Thanglha range to the pebbled shores of the lake, holy monasteries, shrines and the nomadic herdsmen. Garlanded by the snow capped mountains the place is known for its flamboyant beauty offering habitat to different species of native as well as migratory birds.
This strenuous trek involves hiking in steep and rocky terrain and crossing Kong La and Yangpachen pass. Throughout the whole trek you will be enjoying the blissful view of lake and spectacular vista of Nyechen Thangla range.
Itinerary Detail
Day 1: Fly to Lhasa
Today we will catch a flight from Kathmandu to Gongkar airport over some of most beautiful and highest mountains in the world. As you land in the airport you will be transferred to your hotel and get relaxed and some rest.
Day 2-3: Explore Lhasa
In the second and third day of our tour we will explore the most authentic and culturally blessed Lhasa. We will devote this two days for the architectural beauty of Lhasa city. We will pay our visit to Jokhang temple, Sera and Drepung monasteries and Potala Palace. The history of Jokhang temple goes back to 7th century and has a huge statue of Sakyamuni Buddha and is considered as the holiest place in Tibet. Sera and Drepung monasteries were built in 1419 and back then Drepung monasteries used to have 8,000 monks to teach traditions of Vajrayana, Mahayana and Sutrayana. Another place of visit is Potala Palace which has 1000 rooms and 13stories which is elegantly decorated with Thanka paintings, Frescos and images created hundreds of year ago and considered as the most popular tourist hub in Tibet.
Day 4: Start the trek
We will start with a long drive along the Tibet Qinghai highway to Yangpachen and then to Damsung(4: 130m). From here we will begin the trek through the alpine meadow which ultimately brings us to the camping site. We will visit the timeless monasteries that will come in the way.
Day 5: Continue the Trek (7-8hours)
We will continue the walk through the glaciated valleys, alpine meadows, sparse vegetation, rocky terrain, hummock fields and wild flowers. We will spend overnight in herder’s camp.
Day 6: Continue the trek (6-7hours)
We will start with the downhill walk to the Broad basins and wide green Tibetan meadows and cross Kong la(17,187ft) which offers the spectacular view of Namtso lake and Nyenchen Thangla range. We will camp in the elevation of 4,940m in a tented camp.
Day 7: Trek to Tashi Do and Namtso Lake (7-8hours)
Crossing the herder’s camp through the green alpine meadows we will arrive to Namtso lake. We will have the lunch by the lake and follow the jeep trail to Tashi Do. We will camp in the foot of cliffs in the tented camp.
Day 8: Rest and Exploration day at Tashi Do
Today we will explore the Tashi Do hermitage and the lake, monastery situated in the vicinity and make a short circuit around Tashi Do Chung and treat ourself with the magical view of Nyenchen Tanglha mountain range.
Day 9: Namtso to Lhasa
We will catch a ride back to Lhasa via Yangbachen. Stay overnight at hotel in Lhasa.
Day 10: Drive to Gyangtse(3990m); 350km
We will continue the drive through Yamdrok and cross Kampa La pass (5050m) and Karo La(5045m) pass which ultimately bring us to Gyantse. On the way we will visit Kumbum stupa and Pelkor Chode monastery.
Day 11: Drive to Shigatse(3860m) via Shalu; 90km
Today we will drive to Shigatse and on the way we will visit Shalu monastery and Tashihunpo monastery which is the seat of Panchen Lama. Panchen Lama is the second most respected Buddhist tutor in Tibet after Dalai Lama.
Day 12: Drive to Shegar/ Dingri(4350m) via Sakya
We will drive to Shegar crossing Tsoula pass (4500m) and Gyatso La pass (5220m). In route we will pay our visit to Sakya monastery.
Day 13: Drive to Rongbuk(5050m)
Today we will drive to Rongbuk monastery via Pangla pass (5200m). Rongbuk is the world’s highest monastery situated at the altitude of 5200. Stay Overnight at Rongbuk guesthouse.
Day 14: Drive to Nylam
After witnessing the charismatic view of sunrise over the Everest in Rongbuk which is just 4km away from the northern base camp of Everest we will drive to Nylam for overnight stay.
Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu via Zhangmu
Today we will drive to Zhangmu and then to Kathmandu. On the way we will visit Milarepa cave. The path descends from the high Tibetan plateau to lush green Nepalese country side making a perfect ending of this perfect trek.
