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Oracle Lake Lhamo Latso Trek |
 Highlights of this route
-Cultural highlights in Lhasa.
-Cradle of the Tibetan civilization - Tsetang.
-5 days trekking to oracle lake Lhamo Latso and Chökorgye Monastery.
This pilgrimage to Lhamo Latso is richly varied and has much to offer: high snow mountains, a magnificent monastery, seldom visited cave hermitages, nomads and their black-tent culture, and a sacred 'oracle lake'.
Being at the radiant oracle lake of Lhamo Latso is a high point of this journey. It is the foremost 'vision' lake in Tibet and sitting Dalai Lamas were obligated to come here at least once in their lifetimes.
Except for the high passes, this pilgrimage goes through areas noted for their warm, dry climate. Rain can be expected in July and August, less in June and September, and virtually none during the rest of year. Heavy snow, however, can blanket the passes from December through February. For nine months of the year this pilgrimage is a good bet.
Itinerary day by day
Day01 Air Chengdu - Lhasa
In the morning transfer to airport, fly to Lhasa. Upon arrival at the Gongga airport, take another 1.5-hour-drive to the city proper (3650 m). On the way you will enjoy the spectacular scenery, and the typical Tibetan villages.
Day02 Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor street
The first day of sightseeing starts from Lhasa's cardinal landmark- Potala Palace, a structure of massive portions. Its towering image already appearing on various occasions, but your first sight of the Potala will still be an awe-inspiring moment. It takes at least a good 2-hour to visit those rooms, halls and chapels
In the afternoon, we will drop a visit of the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet. Everyday, pilgrims from every corner of Tibet trek a long distance to the temple. The temple is the product of Han, Tibetan and Nepalese architectural techniques. Then we will visit Barkhor, the oldest street in a very traditional city in Tibet
Day03 Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastey
About 8km west of central Lhasa is the Drepung, once world's largest monastery with about 10,000 monks. This day's sightseeing begins with these white monastic buildings piled up on the hillside. Walking up to the hill is a pleasant thing, an easy break from the solemn ambience inside the halls and chapels. At the plat roof of hillside, you can have very good views of the whole Lhasa city and the distant mountains.
Drepung is one of Lhasa's two great Gelugpa monasteries, the other is Sera. Around 5km north of central Lhasa, Sera may not be as grandiose as Drepung, but is more serene surrounded by many small temples. The 'Buddhism Scriptures Debating' in Sera is very famous.
Day04 Lhasa - Tsetang
In the morning drive to Tsetang. Located in the southeast of Lhasa. In terms of geography, the fertile valleys of Yarlung and Chongye here are appropriate for development of Tibetan civilization; there were once numerous temples, shrines and Stupas in this area. And, Chonggye is the birthplace of the 5th Dalai Lama (1617-1682).
Day05 Tsetang sightseeing
Visit Samye 40 km west to Tsetang. It is the oldest monastery of Tibet (8th century). After lunch we make a trip in the Yarlung valley to visit the Yumbulakhang, a castle built in the 7th and 8th centuries during the time of the first Tibetan kings.
Day06 Tsetang - Sangri - Woka
In the morning drive about 40 km to Sangri via Tsetang Bridge. On the way visit the remains of the Densatil Monastery located on the Phagdru Mountain, which is the ancestor temple of the Phagdru Kagyu, the most influential one of the four main sub-branches of the Kagyu Sect. After lunch at Sangri, drive downhill to Woka Waterpower Station. And then drive uphill for about 20 km and reach Woka village (3800 m), where you can take a hot spring bath at your own expenses. Prepare for trekking such as hiring horse, arranging luggage, etc.
Day07 Trekking (26 km, 7-9 hours, 3800m-3900m)
Hike on the winding mountain path, through small valleys. After Qulong Temple, hike about 30 minutes, reach Qulong village and visit Qusang Temple, where Tsongkhapa once stayed to spreading Buddhist teachings of Gelug Sect.
Day08 Trekking (about 28 km, 8-10 hours, 3900m-4100m)
Get up in the early morning to watch the sunrise appearing from the summit of the 5400m-Gyeluo La Snow Mountain. Afterward, begin trekking along the chattering brook. Clumps of azalea tree grow everywhere. So quiet the world that you feel just out of the world. Set up camp at Nayu valley.
Day09 Trekking (about 23km, 7-9 hours)
Start trekking from Nayu valley, uphill first and then downhill along the mountain ridge. The slope is somewhat gentle all the way. Set up camp near the village in the lower reaches of the Dagu valley.
Day10 Trekking
Trek downhill and reach the Lhamo Latso Lake (4900 m) along the valley. Surrounded by high mountains, the hoof-shaped lake cavers an area of about 2 square kilometers. Numerous believers regard it as the treasure mirror, which is able to reveal their fates. Highlighted with the now peaks, azaleas and the remains of the old temple, the scenery around the lake is very beautiful.
Day11 Lhamo Latso Lake - Chökorgye - Cuijiu
Pass by Chökorgye Temple and trek downhill about 24 km to Cuijiu (4300 m) for 8 hours. As long as reach Cuijiu, end the trekking.
Day12 Cuijiu - Gyatsa - Tsetang
On the way visit the relic site of the Mansion of Lhagyari situated in Chusum County. It was originally built in 13th century and symbolizes the local ruling privilege of the descends of the Tobo Kingdom through the Sakya and Phagdru regimes. In the late afternoon reach Tsetang (3500 m) the "Playground of Monkeys" in legend.
Day13 Air Tsetang - Chengdu
Transferred to the Gongga airport (90 km) in the morning and fly back to Chengdu or other destinations.
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