Gama Valley to Everest Eastern Slope 16 Days Trekking Tour

Day 1: Lhasa arrival

Upon arrival, our guide will be waiting for you at the airport/train station and welcome you and take you back to Lhasa city for check-in. You will see the Yarlung Tsangpo River and Lhasa River on the way back. After you arrive the hotel, the rest day is for you to rest and get acclimatized. If you feel well, it's OK to walk around or nearby but it's suggested to take good rest so you can be prepared for the sightseeing next day.

Day 2: Lhasa city tour

Today we will visit the famous Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery.

Drepung Monastery is the largest of all Tibetan monasteries that housed for more than 10,000 monks. It was the residence of the Dalai Lamas until the Great Fifth Dalai Lama constructed the Potala. It was known for the high standards of its academic study, and was called the Nalanda of Tibet. And then you also can visit the biggest monastery kitchen in the monastery and enjoy Buddhist sculpture carving workshop near Drepung.

Sera Monastery is one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet. We will watch the Monks Debate at around 3 - 5 in the afternoon. In addition, you can tour  the Tibetan religious scripture printing house and see three sand Mandalas and colorful Rock Painting of Buddha inside the Monastery.

Optional: If you want to, we can arrange the Wencheng Pincess Show at night. Price starting from 60 USD.

Day 3: Lhasa city tour

Today we will visit the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street.

Potala Palace is the winter palace of the Dalai lama. It was put to use since the 7th Century by the 33rd great king of Tibet. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

Jokhang Temple is known as the center of the Tibetan Buddhism, features Buddhist prayer wheels, reclining deer, golden sutra streamers. Around the temple, you can see a great many of pilgrims praying in front of the temple. If you want to, we can do kora with local pilgrims.

We will stroll in the old alleys of Barkhor Street where you can drink the sweet tea, chat with locals and even bargain with the street vendors to understand the real life in Lhasa.

Day 4: Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse

Today we will drive from Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse. On the way, we will pass Gangbala Pass and have bird view of the beautiful Yamdrok Lake (1 of 3 Holy Lakes in Tibet). Later on we will pass Karola Glacier and Manda Dam on the roadside. After we arrive in Gyantse, we will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and enjoy the far view of  Gyantse Fortress. After we reach Shigatse, we will pay a visit to Tashiluno Monastery, built, in 1447, by the 1st Dalai Lama.

Day 5: Shigatse-Tingri-Chutang-Youpa Village (350km, 3770m)

Today we will drive from Shigatse to Youpa Village, about 350km. On the way, we will stop by the famous Jiawu La Pass (5198m). It is the best place to enjoy mind-blowing vistas of top 5 highest peaks (all above 8000m) along majestic Himalayas. After we arrive Youpa Village, we will make preparations for the trekking and make arrangements for the yak rental. Tonight we will stay in a local guesthouse at Youpa.

Day 6: Youpa-Showo-tso Pond (trekking 10km, 4677m)

Today we will trek from Youpa Village to Showo-tso Pond, which is about 10km. Our yak will carry our big luggages so we can travel light with some necessities only. Today we will ascend about 900m during the 10km trekking. After we reach the Showo-tso Pond, we will camp nearby.

Day 7: Showo-tso-Showola Pass(4900m)-Dolshang (Orchid Valley, trekking 14km, 4030m)

Today we will trek from Showo-tso to Dolshang, which is about 14km. Departing at around 10:00, we will climb over the Showola Pass and then descend to Dolshang Valley, which is also called Orchid Valley as there will be massive colorful orchid flowers blooming when in spring. You will be astonished by the stunning waterfalls, exuberant meadows, snowy peaks, etc.

Day 8: Dolshang-Tsonang-tso-Xialong Pasture-Tangsung Viewing Platform (trekking 12km, 4510m)

Today we will trek from Dolshang to Tangsung Viewing Platform, which is about 12km. During the trekking, we can have breathtaking panoramic view of Gama Valley and capture the  grandeur of Mt. Makalu (8,463m). We will arrive Tsonang-tso at around noon, which flows through Gama Valley. In the afternoon, we will continue to head to Xialong Pasture, blanketed with colorful wild flowers when the weather is warm. At last we will reach our camping site at Tangsung Viewing Platform.

Day 9: Tangsung Viewing Platform-Badang-Ega-Paltang (trekking 11km, 4950m)

Today we will trek from Tangsung Viewing Platform to Paltang, which is about 11km. In the mroning we will descend from Tangsung Viewing Platform to Badang. During the descent, a looming gorge and glaciers start to take shape on your right side. We need to wade through rugged and gigantic rocks to make it to Paltang, where we will camp tonight.

Day 10: Paltang-Eastern Slope of Mt.Everest Base Camp(5310m)-Paltang (trekking 18km, 4950m)

Today's trekking is tough but rewarding. We will do a loop from Paltang to Everest Base Camp (eastern slope) and then back to Paltang, which is about 18km. The first part from Paltang to EBC involves a difficult upward walk amid huge rocks. From the slope you can gaze at the little-known Mt. Chomo Lonzo(7804m) and marvelous glaciers along eastern slope. Afterwards we will head back to Paltang to take good rest.

Day 11: Paltang—Ega--Tangsung Viewing Platform(trekking 14km, 4510m)

Today we will go from Paltang back to the Tangsung Viewing Platform.

Day 12: Tangsung Viewing Platform-Tsosho-rim (trekking 11km, 5013m)

Today we will rek northward from Tangsung Viewing Platform to Tsosho-rim, which is about 11km. We can appreciate the epic vistas of Mt. Everest (8844.43m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Makalu (8,463m) and a unclaimed peak (7000m).

Day 13: Tsosho-rim-Nangma-la Pass(5344m)-Lhundupling Village (trekking 21km, 3990m)

Today we will trek from Tsosho-rim to Nangma-la Pass, which is about 21km. During the trekking, we will climb over 2 soaring mountain passes: Nangma-la pass(5344m), the highest pass of entire trek, and other nameless pass with the altitude of 5000m. After passing the Latsetso Lake, we will get to Lhundupling Village and stay in the local guesthouse inside.

Day 14: Lhundupling Village-Zhaxizom-Shigatse

Today we will drive from Lhundupling back to Shigatse. Relax on the vehicle and enjoy the long ride back to Shigatse. 

Day 15: Shigatse-Lhasa

Today we will drive back from Shigatse to Lhasa following  the  Yalong Valley and enjoy the scenery of on the way.

Day 16: Tibet departure

Our guide will drop you to the airport/train station based on your departure time. Tour ends.