Tibet trekking & hiking tours
Despite modern developments, most parts of Tibet still remain remote and rarely visited by tourists. Our “Tibet trekking tours" are so designed as to take you to these remote regions and help you experience deeper cultural experience, have an opportunity to see some of the world's most remote and untouched corners , and a moment to enjoy the pristine beauty of its mountains and lakes. Hiking in Tibet is strenuous, but the rewards are immense.
A trekking in Tibet is mostly a walking trip to its famous mountains and lakes and at times it is a walk from one monastery to another monastery in a remote village. Here are some of the main trekking tours in Tibet.
This is a trek from Kharta village near Nepal Tibet boarder to the east face of Everest also called the Khangsung face . A trek of unparalled beauty , but a strenous one.
This trek offers both natural and cultural beauty of Tibet. This is a trek from Ganden monastery near Lhasa to the Samye monastery in the Yarlung valley.
Namtso Lake is one of the biggest and most beautiful lakes, with snow capped mountains in its skyline. Hiking excursions from Lhasa to Namtso is getting increasingly popular. However do not take this hike lightly as it involves high passes and demands proper altitude preparations.
Shishapangma is a hidden treasure of Tibet and the trek to its base camp is short, scenic and not strenuous compared to other trekking in Tibet. All the treks in Tibet are fully supported camping treks. Almost all our Tibet hiking tours are combined with a tour of Lhasa, unless you suggest it otherwise. We believe that only knowing the culture as well as nature of the country forms a complete experience.
Highlights of Tibet trekking
The Tibetan plateau possesses uniquely beautiful desert terrain. Walking on the highest land on earth is a unique experience enhanced by frequent encounters with nomads, yak and sheep herds, and visits to ancient villages and beautiful monasteries, not to mention the spectacular snow capped mountains and serene lakes of Tibet.
Best time for hiking in Tibet
Time without snow is the best time for hiking in Tibet .During the snowfall not only the mountains are inaccessible but the highways that take you to the trail heads are blocked. Rain is not a problem for trekking in Tibet as it receives only little rain being in a rain shadow zone behind the Himalayas. Rather rainy season is the best time for trek, as the weather is mild and the ground in mountain valleys turn green and alpine flowers bloom in profusion. Specially the Kharta valley trek is remarkable for alpine flowers.
Clothing and equipments
They are the same as for any high altitude hiking.If you stop at kathmandu before entering Tibet , you can buy or hire hiking gears cheaply at Kathmandu .
Altitude sickness while trekking in Tibet
Altitude sickness is the single most important concern on hiking in Tibet .Even the average land in Tibet is above 4000m , which is enoughto trigger altitude related problems. As almost all treks involve high passes one needs proper preparation about combating altitude sickness.
What is an altitude sickness?
The higher altitude has lesser oxygen in the air. When we ascend substantial height in a short time our body can not adjust to that low level of oxygen in the higher altitude. This develops symptoms like reeling, headache, vomiting, bad dreams, loss of appetite and sleeplessness. The best treatment for altitude sickness, once the symptoms appear is to descend down to lesser height.
We can avoid altitude sickness walking slowly and ascending only a certain height in a single day , drinking enough liquid ( but avoiding alcohols) not making much exertion and taking rest days ( acclimatization days ) in between the trek days. The medicine " Diamox " helps in altitudes sickness but this is supposed to be taken before any symptoms develops . We strongly recommend to consult with your physician before undertaking any trekking tour in Tibet.