Tibet Tourism Info > Facts for the Visitor > Activities > Trekking

Trekking

Preparation

Due to the high altitude, trekkers to Tibet should be in good physical condition, especially if you plan on backpacking with all their supplies. You should start physical training a few months before arriving in Tibet. Walking for long periods, hiking, backpacking, and aerobic conditioning such as running, cross-country skiing, swimming, running flights or stairs, and bicycling. A habit of regular exercised will help you get the most out of your trek.

Equipment: Backpack, duffel bag, sleeping bag, inner sheet, sleeping pad, rain gear, tent, fuel stove (kerosene is most convenient), water bottle, maps, flashlight, sunglasses, sunscreen, moisturizer, chapstick, camera

Optional (keep weight limits in mind): Pocket knife, sewing kit, duct tape, compass, altimeter, gaiters, insulated booties, umbrella, waterproof ground sheet/poncho, cooking pots, utensils, nylon cord, toilet paper, feminine products, cigarette lighter (instead of matches), towel, moist towelettes, plastic bags, journal, binoculars, radio, money pouch, pictures from home, watch, easy to prepare food

Clothing (think layers): Thermal underwear, socks, cotton underwear, long and short sleeve shirts, pants (shorts are never acceptable), sweater, jacket, jacket, insulated coat w/ hood, hat, scarf, gloves, and several bandannas/handkerchiefs.

Planning

If you don't wish to carry your bags yourself, people frequently hire a pack animal such as a yak, burro, or horse which may cost anywhere from 30 to 70 yuan per day. A single animal is usually sufficient to carry the bags of two or three people for a two week trek. Consider trekking with a private group if you want benefits such as full meals, a guide, custom designed sightseeing, supply truck, fuel, cookware, and pack animals. For a commercial company, all your needs will be taken care of, yet the itinerary is so fixed that it is difficult to take time aside for a spontaneous adventure.

May to October is the best time to go because the weather is mild, although it can get cold in the evenings. It has been known to snow at any month of the year so bring winter clothing is always advised.

Short Treks Around Lhasa

Some areas around Lhasa offer excellent opportunities to view Tibet while slowly acclimatising to the altitude to prepare for longer treks. The caves of Drak Yerpa are a good location for an overnight trek, and Pabonka Monastery and Shugsheb Nunnery also offer good opportunities for viewing the land.

Longer Treks

• Ganden-Samye trek is the most popular trek in Tibet, and it generally takes four to five days to cover the 80 km. It is best to go with a tour group because camping in the high-altitude woods can be difficult for an individual. Mid-may to mid-October provides the best opportunity to take advantage of the gorgeous landscapes.
• Tsurphu to Yangpachen trek is 55 km long and requires three to four days to complete. The best months are mid-April to mid-October and offer an intimate perspective of nomad life. This area is sparsely inhabited so you must be self-sufficient.
• Shalu to Nartang is a 40 km walk that lasts two to three days. The beginning of April to the end of October is the best season, and the summer months are less rainy than other areas of Tibet. This trek is suitable for beginners or those new to trekking in high altitudes.
• Everest Base Camp to Tingri is a challenging trek that requires you to be essentially self-sufficient. The trek contains regions in high altitudes and the cold temperatures and strong winds force trekkers to be well prepared. It is suggested that you bring a tent and stove because there are few facilities available. This trek is 60 km and takes three to four days. This trek passes through the 34,000 sq km Qomolangma Nature Preserve which charges a fee that goes towards maintenance of facilities and nature preservation. The goal of this preserve is to foster tourism while ensuring that neither the local population nor the environment is harmed.

Contributors to this Page

Elizabeth Tseng