
Top 5 Must-Visit Tibet Routes for Trekkers
Tibet has the world's densest collection of high-altitude trekking routes, with dozens of classic trails concentrated near the Himalayas alone. The allure of trekking in Tibet lies in the perfect blend of breathtaking natural landscapes, profound cultural heritage, and personal challenge. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a first-time adventurer, you can find a trail that suits your level of expertise.
Route 1: Trek at the Foot of Eastern Side of Mount Everest - Karma Valley
Starting Point: Youpa Village (Tingri County, Tibet)
Ending Point: Everest Base Camp
Highest Point: Nangma-la Pass
Trekking Length: 85km
Duration: 7 to 8 days
Altitude: Ranges from 2,800m to 5,545m
Sights en route: Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu (world's 1st, 4th, and 5th highest peaks)
Karma Valley (pristine forests, glacial valleys)
Rongbuk Monastery (oldest Tibetan monastery near EBC)
Yamdrok Lake (sacred turquoise lake)
Tangshang and Nangma-la Pass (alpine meadows and snowfields)
Sherpa Villages (cultural interactions)
Route 2: Trek around Mount Kailash - Kailash Kora
Starting Point: Tarchen (Zanda County, Ngari Prefecture, Tibet)
Ending Point: Tarchen
Highest Point: Dolma La Pass
Trekking Length: 52km
Duration: 3 days
Altitude: Ranges from 4,500m to 5,630m
Sights en route: Mount Kailash (sacred peak for Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon);
Lake Manasarovar (holy turquoise lake)
Driapuk Monastery and Dzultripuk Monastery (ancient temples)
Rakshas Tal (demon lake, contrasting Manasarovar)
Tarboche Flagpole (spiritual center for prayer flags)
Sherpa and Tibetan nomad camps (cultural immersion)
Route 3: Trek from Tsurphu Monastery to Yangpachen Monastery
Starting Point: Tsurphu Monastery (Lhasa)
Ending Point: Yangpachen Monastery (Damxung County)
Highest Point: Lasar-La Pass
Trekking Length: 60 km
Duration: 3 to 4 days
Altitude: Ranges from 4,300m to 5,300m
Sights en route: Tsurphu Monastery: Explore the 1189-founded monastery, the seat of Karmapas, and its iconic silver statue of the "floating Buddha" .
Lhasa Valley: Traverse lush valleys and alpine meadows with nomadic herders.
Lasar-La Pass: High-altitude ridge with views of snow-capped peaks and Tibetan antelope herds. Dorje Ling Nunnery: A remote nunnery offering insights into Tibetan Buddhist monastic life.
Yangpachen Geothermal: Soak in sulfur-rich hot springs after the hike.
Nyingchi River Valley: Pass through forests and traditional Tibetan villages.
Route 4: Trek from Ganden Monastery to Samye Monastery
Starting Point: Ganden Monastery (Lhasa)
Ending Point: Samye Monastery
Highest Point: Shuga La Pass
Trekking Length: 70 km
Duration: 4 to 5 days
Altitude: Ranges from 3,600m to 5,250m
Sights en route: Ganden Monastery: Explore the Golden Stupa Hall and Tsokhang Chenmo prayer ground.
Shuga La Pass: High-altitude ridge with Himalayan vistas.
Tsotup Chu Valley: Alpine meadows and glacial streams.
Herders' Camps: Nomadic yak herders and traditional tents.
Samye Monastery: Visit the Chim-puk Hermitage and Yarlung River valley.
Route 5: Trek from Gangga to Everest Base Camp
Starting Point: Gangga (Tingri County, Shigatse)
Ending Point: Everest Base Camp
Highest Point: Nam-La Pass
Trekking Length: 70 km
Duration: 4 to 5 days
Altitude: Ranges from 4,300m to 5,200m
Sights en route: Gangga: Historic town with Tibetan nomadic camps and views of Everest's north face.
Lungchang Valley: Alpine meadows and glacial streams.
Nam-La Pass: High-altitude ridge with Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam vistas.
Zommug: Sherpa villages and prayer flags.
Rongbuk Monastery: The highest monastery in the world, offering direct views of Everest.
Everest Base Camp: Iconic campsite at Khumbu Icefall's edge.
Conclusion
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35 Comment ON "Top 5 Must-Visit Tibet Routes for Trekkers"
Asked by Liliana Me** from N/A
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash