Tsurphu to Yangpachen Trek itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Lhasa
Arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport (62 km / 39 miles from the city, approx. 1 hour drive) or at the train station, which is located within Lhasa itself. Along the way, enjoy your first views of Tibet’s rugged mountains.
After checking into the hotel, you may rest or explore depending on your arrival time.
Suggestions include:
➾ A gentle stroll around Barkhor Street, where pilgrims and monks circumambulate the Jokhang Temple.
➾ Visiting nearby temples or trying authentic Tibetan cuisine.
➾ Shopping for local crafts and souvenirs.
Remember: Lhasa sits at 3,650 meters (12,000 ft)—take it slow, relax, and let your body acclimatize.
Day 2 – Lhasa Sightseeing: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street
Today’s tour highlights Tibet’s most important cultural and religious sites.
➾ Potala Palace: The seat of the Dalai Lamas since the 17th century. We begin
with panoramic views from Chak Pori Hill, followed by a guided visit inside the palace (1.5–2 hours).
➾ Free time for lunch and optional walk around the palace with Tibetan pilgrims.
➾ Jokhang Temple: Built in the 7th century, it houses the revered Jowo Shakyamuni statue, a golden image of Buddha at age 12.
➾ End the day with a walk around Barkhor Street, a lively pilgrimage circuit and marketplace.
Day 3 – Lhasa Sightseeing: Drepung & Sera Monasteries
A full day exploring Lhasa’s two greatest monastic centers:
➾ Drepung Monastery: Once the largest monastery in the world, home to over 10,000 monks and an early residence of the Dalai Lamas.
➾ Free time for lunch.
➾ Sera Monastery: Founded in the 15th century, it is famous for its dramatic monk debates held in the courtyard an essential part of Buddhist learning.
Evening at leisure to pack and prepare for the trek.
Day 4 – Drive Lhasa to Tsurphu Monastery (2 hrs)
We drive through lush valleys and mountain rivers, passing nomadic camps along the way.
At Tsurphu, we set up camp by the river at the base of the valley. In the afternoon, visit Tsurphu Monastery, reconstructed after extensive damage, and explore its chapels.
Day 5 – Trek Tsurphu Monastery to Leten (11 km / 4 hrs)
The trek begins! We follow the valley westwards, walking along rushing streams and through areas where wild blue sheep are sometimes seen. Mani stones carved with Buddhist mantras line parts of the trail.
We reach the nomadic settlement near Leten and camp in a peaceful spot below the village.
Day 6 – Trek Leten to Bartso via Lasar-la Pass (15 km / 5 hrs)
A challenging yet rewarding day.
➾ Ascend to Lasar-la Pass (5,300 m), adorned with prayer flags and cairns.
➾ On clear days, enjoy breathtaking views of the Nyenchen Tanglha range, its peaks snow-covered even in summer.
➾ Descend steeply into the Yangpachen Valley.
Camp overnight near Bartso village.
Day 7 – Trek Bartso to Dorje Ling Nunnery (15 km / 4 hrs)
We pass through Tajung village and across wide meadows where wild animals often graze. The distant Nyenchen Tanglha mountains add to the dramatic scenery.
By afternoon, we arrive at Dorje Ling Nunnery, where we camp overnight.
Day 8 – Trek Dorje Ling Nunnery to Yangpachen Monastery & Drive to Lhasa (14 km / 4 hrs)
➾ Follow the Nyangpo-Chu River as it flows into the Yangpachen Valley.
➾ Stop to fill your bottles at a stream that powers a mani wheel.
➾ After around 3 hours, reach the Yangpachen Hot Springs a perfect place to soak and relax.
➾ Continue to Yangpachen Monastery before driving back to Lhasa for the night.
Day 9 – Departure from Lhasa
Transfer to the airport (1 hour) or train station (30 minutes). Departure guidelines:
➾ Arrive 3 hours before international flights (e.g., to Nepal).
➾ Arrive 2 hours before domestic flights.
