14 Days Itinerary of Milarepa Trek (Shishapangma)  & Lhasa Tour

Day 01: Drive Kathmandu – Nyalam (3780 m)

Early in the morning drive to Nyalam.

Day 02: Rest day in Nyalam

Today we spend a rest day in Nyalam in order to acclimatize before heading up higher. A short way out of town there is a small temple, Nyalam Pelgye Ling, which is associated with the eleventh- and twelfth-century poet lama Milarepa.

Day 03: Trek to Draabochhan (4110 m)

On the first day of trekking tour we head towards Draabochhan along Tshongde Phu river valley. We trek around this valley and rest in the camp.

Day 04: Trek to Shingdip (4560 m)

Today we start by climbing to the top of a ridge. From the summit we walk to the ridge along some nice hills that are covered in dwarf rhododendrons. We end the trekking in Shingdip, a beautiful meadow camp with a large boulder near the junction of converging moraine valleys.

Day 05: Trek to base camp (4980m)

From Shingdip we take a cross-country route west towards the Base Camp. We reach the base camp by a little glacial lake after a two-hour walk. Shisapanga is out of view from base camp, so we head towards the high base camp. There are magnificent views of Shisapanga on a boulder-plateau above base camp.

Day 06: Trek to Draabochhan (4110m)

Today we walk all the way down to Draabochhan, a trek that offers outstanding views of Jugal Himal. We walk through the beautiful alpine meadows and the dwarf rhododendrons on the hills. After a long descent we once again use the herders’ camp in Draabochhan.

Day 07: Trek to Nyalam (3780 m)

Today we reach lower and more fertile ground in the Tshongde Phu river valley just before we head back to Nyalam.

Day 08: Trek to Herder’s Camp

Today’s drive takes us from the lush, green lower hills into the dry and arid landscape of the Tibetan Plateau. We cross several high passes including the Lalung La [5,050m], which, offers the most breathtaking panorama of the Himalayan range including Mt Everest – a fitting backdrop to the vastness of the Tibetan Plateau.

Day 09: Drive to Shigatse (3900m)

Continuing along the Friendship Highway, we pass lonely monasteries and the camps of nomadic herders. We then cross the highest pass of our journey, the Gyamtso La [5,220m] before descending once more to the barren splendour of the plains. Tonight we stay in Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet.

Day 10: Drive to Gyantse (3950m)

This morning we will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet, before setting off on the relatively short drive to Gyantse. Once in Gyantse we can explore the Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Gyantse Kumbum. The Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa and its many chapels house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals.

Day 11: Drive to Lhasa (3650m)

This spectacular drive takes us over the Karo La [5,045m] for the awesome sight of a huge glacier tumbling down. Beyond the small, developing town of Nagartse the road follows the bank of a beautiful turquoise lake, the Yamdrok-tso. We then cross the Khamba La [4,794m.] and continue on to Lhasa.

Day 12: In Lhasa (3650m)

After breakfast we will drive you to visit the Sera Monastery, Norbu Lingka and Jokhang Monastery.

Sera Monastery: Sera Monastery is one of the three largest monasteries of Gelugpa, sits at the foothills of Tatipu and the next two are Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery which both have longer histories. Sera, in Tibetan, means “Wild Rose Garden” since opulent wild rose woods once grew around it. It was founded in 1419; the site occupies nearly 12 hectares, comprising the Tsokchen (Great Hall), 3 tratsangs, and 30 khangstens. Sera Monastery is one of the best-preserved monasteries in Tibet.

Norbu Lingka: Situated in the western suburbs of Lhasa, Norbu Lingka was built in the middle of the 18th century during the reign of the 7th Dalai Lama and served as the Summer Palace of Dalai Lama where they handle political affairs, practiced religious activities and spent holidays. Traditionally the Dalai Lamas would leave the Potala Palace every spring and spend the summer in Norbu Lingka.

Jokhang Monastery: Built some 1300 years ago, Jokhang is probably Tibet’s first religious institution. This temple is considered as one of the holiest shrines in Tibet. Pilgrims come from all over the world to pay homage to this temple. Located in the heart of Lhasa’s colorful Tibetan quarter, Jokhang is the spiritual center of Tibet and also the heart of Lhasa.There is a golden statue of the Buddha Shakyamuni in the temple, which was brought here by the first wife of Songtsen Gampo.

Day 13: In Lhasa

This morning we will visit the Potala Palace and the Drepung Monastery .In the evening you can scroll around the local market.

The Potala Palace: The Potala Palace, winter palace of the Dalai Lama since the17th century, symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and its central role in the traditional administration of Tibet. It is built on the red mountain in the center of the Lhasa valley at an altitude of 3700 m. The Potala Palace is the world-renowned symbol of Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Drepung Monastery: Drepung Monastery, the largest and richest monastery in Tibet, was founded in 1416 by a disciple of Tsong Khapa under the patronage of a noble family and later enlarged by the Fifth Dalai Lama. Drepung, which means rice heap in Tibetan, lies 8 kilometers west of Mt. Gambo Utse. The monastery covers a floor space of more than 200 thousand square meters. At its peak, it had a registration of more than 10,000 thousand monks. Many high and learned lamas had studied here.

Day 14: Lhasa to Kathmandu Fly

In the morning drive to Lhasa Airport and then fly back to Kathmandu.

Contact Us

Cost Includes

1. Assistance in acquiring the Chinese visa
2. All the necessary Tibet travel permits
3. Pick up and drops from airport or train station and hotels
4. Everest National Park admission fee and Grass dame charge
5. Transportation from Kathmandu to Tibetan borders in a comfortable private vehicle and from Tibetan borders to Lhasa on Land Cruiser 4WD Toyota(No AC) or Hiace or bus
6. Accommodation in Tibet on twin-sharing basis with breakfast
7. English speaking, trained and experienced Tibetan guide
8. All fees for sightseeing and visits to monasteries as outlined in the itinerary
9. All applicable taxes and service charges

Cost Excludes

1. Accommodation in Kathmandu
2. Chinese visa fee which is US$ 175 for the US nationals and US$ 85 for other nationals (visa fees subject to change without prior notice)
3. International flights to Kathmandu and out of Lhasa
4. Travel insurance
5. Meals other than breakfast in Tibet
6. Tips for guides and driver
7. Nepal visa