Namt-So lake Trekking - 11 days
Nam-Tso or the “Heavenly Lake” in Tibetan, situated at an elevation of 4,718 (15, 475 ft) and located at 240km (150 miles) north of Lhasa is a famous pilgrimage destination for the devout Tibetans and a perfect trekking destination for adventure enthusiasts. This vast sapphire-blue inland sea on the Tibetan plateau is the second largest salt water lake in China, the largest being Kokonor Lake of Qinghai province. Surrounded by spectacular snow-covered mountains, it is a place of desolate beauty and the site of a holy hermitage that draws pilgrims from all over Tibet. It’s also a sanctuary for migrating birds that journey to Tibet from as far away as Siberia during the summer months.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Lhasa: Upon your arrival at Lhasa (Gonggar
Airport 96km from the main city) Transfer to Lhasa and Hotel check
in. Afternoon free for acclimatization. O/N in Hotel.
Day 02: Lhasa sightseeing: Sightseeing in Lhasa,
visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Market. O/N in Hotel.
Day 03: Lhasa sightseeing: Sightseeing in Lhasa,
visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery. O/N in Hotel.
Day 04: Begin trek: Drive 3 ½ hrs to Damxunga via Yangpachen
Hot spring and begin trek. Camp by the riverside at 14,000ft. Total
trekking 1 ½ hrs today.
Day 05: Acclimatization: Today, explore the nomad camps and a nearby monastery and stay overnight here for acclimatization.
Day 06: Trek to herder’s camp: Today’s trek is a bit tough, requires 7-8 hours walking and crossing of several rivers on horseback; trail passes through sparse vegetation, rocky terrain, hummock fields, meadows and wild flowers. Camping at herder’s camp at 4, 725m (15,500ft)
Day 07: Cross Kong La: Conquer Kong La (17,187 ft) with spectacular views of Namtso Lake, Tibet’s second largest saltwater lake with a surface area of 798 square miles. Descend to a broad basin of red hills and green meadows intersected by large, rolling moraines. Camp at an elevation of about 4, 940m (16,200 ft.)
Day 08: To Tashi Do and Nam-tso Lake : En route, visit a few herders’ camps. Camp at the foot of the cliffs or by the wind-protected mani walls (rock with carved inscriptions) between the Tashi Do hills at 15, 100ft (7-8 hours hiking.)
Day 09: Explore the cave hermitage on the lakeshore, remarkable
monastery, make short circuit around Tashi Do Chung, and enjoy the
view of Nyenchen Tanglha mountain range. O/N guest house.
Day 10: Back to Lhasa. O/N in Hotel.
Day 11: Departure onward Destination.
