8 days Trek from Shalu Monastery to Nartang Monastery
Itinerary
This two or three day walk is a good opportunity to get a feel for trekking in Tibet. The two passes en route, Showa-la and Char-la, are not very high or difficult and the trailheads are easily accessible from Shigatse.
This trek begins at the historic Shalu Monastery and traverses west over a couple of small ranges to Ngor Monastery. From Ngor it is a downhill slog to Nartang Monastery. The route passes through several villages as well as uninhabited dry canyons. It is about a 10 hour walk to Ngor from Shalu, which is best divided into two days and another seven hours from there to Nartang. This trek tour can be done from April to the end of October.
Upon arrival at Lhasa airport or train station, to be met and transferred to your hotel in Lhasa. Then have a good rest to acclimatize the high altitude. Overnight at Lhasa.
After breakfast, visit Jokhang Temple, it's the most sacred shrine in Tibet which was built in the 7th century and located at the heart of old town in Lhasa, the circuit around it called Barkhor street, which is a good place to purchase souvenirs. Then visit Potala Palace, the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). Both of them are the focal points of pilgrims from the Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. Overnight at Lhasa.
Today you will be arranged to visit Drepung, Sera monasteries. Both monasteries are Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect monastic colleges. Drepung monastery was the seat of the Government prior to Potala, it was once the world largest monastery in the history with 10,000 monks hailed from different monasteries all over Tibet. Sera monastery is famous for its Buddhism philosophical debate practice, the clapping sound and aggressive expression of the monks are well worth to see.
Head to Kambala pass which is 4794m high, you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-Tso there. It is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. Then drive to Chushul along Nepal friendship way to Gyantse, visit the famous stupa - Gyantse Kumpum, the most stunning architectural wonder in Tibet. Overnight at Gyantse.
Drive to Shalu Monastery from Gyantse, only 49km away. Visit Shalu Monastery the seat of Buton Rinchendrub (1290-1346) who was the great codifier of the Tibetan translations of the Indian Buddhist canon. Then start trekking in the afternoon to Upper Lungsang. Camping.
Today trek through the fields to the day's destination Ngor village, the Ngor monastery is renowned for its Sanskrit library and Newar-style murals. There were once five assembly halls, 18 colleges and 400 monks, but presently there are only 25 monks. Our driver will pick you up there and drive to Shigatse, stop to visit Nartang Monastery. Overnight at Shigatse.
Visit Tashilunpo Monastery and its spectacular tombs of Panchen Lamas in the morning, afternoon drive back to Lhasa via northern friendship highway, following along the Brahmaputra river. Overnight at Lhasa.
Your guide and driver will see you off at the airport or train station, end of the trip. Wish to see you again in the future.
Inclusions
Tour notes:
General inclusions:
General exclusions:
You may also like
