“THE GAMA VALLEY TREK”

“THE GAMA VALLEY TREK”

“THE GAMA VALLEY TREK”

Activities:
Tibet Trekking & Hiking
Duration:
15 Nights / 16 Days Days
Grade:
Moderate

INTRODUCTION
The “Gama Valley Trek”, nestled in the eastern slope of Mount Everest within Tibet (Xizang Autonomous Region), is celebrated as one of the world  most spectacular and ecologically diverse high-altitude trek.
This is the part of "Four Great Valleys" in Tibet of Shigatse (alongside Gyirong, Zhangmu, and Ya Dong), Gama Valley stretches 55 km in length with elevations ranging from 2,100 meters to over 5,000 m / 16,400.00 ft. This is
considered one of the most beautiful valley in the world by early 20 th century explorers, it lies within the “Mt. Everest Nature Reserve” and serves as a botanical gene bank with unparalleled biodiversity. The trek merges the Himalayan wilderness with profound cultural encounters, demanding resilience but offering
unmatched rewards.

Itinerary In Detail

  • 01: Arrival in Tibet Gongar Airport and drive to Lhasa City (3,660m / 12,004ft)

    After arriving at Gonggar Airport in Tibet, complete immigration formalities and drive an hour to Lhasa. It’s advisable to rest and take an easy for the remainder of the day, due to Lhasa’s altitude.
    Overnight at hotel.

  • 02: Sightseeing tour of Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar.

    Am: Potala Palace.
    This morning, we will visit the Potala Palace, which dominates the city of Lhasa. A spectacular building, it contains the private quarters of the Dalai Lama as well as numerous grand staterooms and many important chapels. There has been a palace on this site since the 5th or 6th century, but the present palace was constructed in the 17th century. A visit to the Drepung Monastery this afternoon will complete a truly awe- inspiring day. Founded in the
    14th century, this monastery was once the largest in the world with a population of around 10,000 monks. These days that figure is down to several hundred, but there is still much here of interest as it was left relatively unscathed during the Cultural Revolution.

    Jokhang Temple: Situated in the heart of old Lhasa houses Tibet’s most precious religious relic, a golden Sakyamuni
    Buddha that was brought as a gift by the Chinese princess Wen Cheng on her wedding to the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. Devout pilgrims prostrate themselves at the entrance of the temple and make the inner holy circuit to offer yak butter to the gods and pay homage to the golden statue of Sakyamuni. Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is the busy bustling Barkhor Bazaar. A marketplace, which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa. This is the Spiritual
    Center of Tibet and is also the heart of Lhasa.

    Barkhor Bazaar: Barkhor, a circular street at the center of Old Lhasa, is the oldest street in a very traditional city in Tibet. It is a place where Tibetan culture, economy, religion and arts assemble and a place to which a visit must be paid.
    It has been said that in the seventh century Songtsen Gampo, the first Tibetan King (617 – 650) who unified Tibet, married Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepal princess Tritsun. Later Princess Tritsun built Jokhang Temple to accommodate the twelve-year-old Jowo Sakyamuni, brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng.

    Barkhor is the road, where pilgrims tramped out around Jokhang Temple through centuries. Buddhist pilgrims walk or progress by body-lengths along the street clockwise every day into deep night. Most of Lhasa & floating population is comprised of these pilgrims. The pilgrims walk outside four columns on which colorful scripture streamers are hung, a custom, which began in the Tubo period (633-877) as a way to show respect.
    Dinner and overnight at hotel.

  • 03: Sightseeing tour of Norbulingkha and SERA Monastey.

    Am: Visit the Norbulingkha: The ‘Jewel Park’ as it is known in Tibetan, was built in the 18th century and served as the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lamas. This colorful garden landscape was the site of picnic and public gatherings. The place is richly decorated, creating an atmosphere of peaceful repose.
    Pm: Visit the SERA Monastery: 5 Km (3 miles) north of Lhasa. Sera’s setting is one of the prettiest Once a community of more than 5,000 monks, it was virtually extinguished by the Chinese invasion. The restored monastery sits below the brow of the hill on which Tsongkhapa built a hermitage and spent several years in meditation. One of the monk disciples started building the Sera in 1419 AD”.
    Dinner and overnight at hotel.

  • 04: Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery and drive to Youpa village (3,770 m /12,365 ft.) via New Tingri .

    Am: After breakfast visit Tashilhunpo Monastey. This monastery is one of the largest functioning Monastery in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding wall. Later visit local market and have lunch in a nice restaurant.
    After lunch continue along the Friendship Highway, marveling once more at the barren yet spectacular landscape of Tibet. Beyond the small town of Lhatse we cross Gyamtso La (5,220m) and descend to the plains, passing monasteries and camps of nomadic herder to New Tingri. From Tingri we ascent towards Gawa La (5,198 m / 17,049 ft.) from here you witness Panoramic view of Majestic Himalayas including Mt. Everest, Cho Oyo, Makalu, Lhotse and Shisapangma. Later continue through winding road to Youpa village.
    Dinner and overnight at guesthouse.

  • 05: Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery and drive to Youpa village (3,770 m /12,365 ft.) via New Tingri .

    Am: After breakfast visit Tashilhunpo Monastey. This monastery is one of the largest functioning Monastery in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding wall. Later visit local market and have lunch in a nice restaurant.
    After lunch continue along the Friendship Highway, marveling once more at the barren yet spectacular landscape of Tibet. Beyond the small town of Lhatse we cross Gyamtso La (5,220m) and descend to the plains, passing monasteries and camps of nomadic herder to New Tingri. From Tingri we ascent towards Gawa La (5,198 m /
    17,049 ft.) from here you witness Panoramic view of Majestic Himalayas including Mt. Everest, Cho Oyo, Makalu, Lhotse and Shisapangma. Later continue through winding road to Youpa village.
    Dinner and overnight at guesthouse.

  • 06: Trek to Showo Tso (4,670 m / 15,317 ft.)

    After breakfast, our trekking support team load the Yak Caravan with all our Camping gears, food supplies and fuel. After the full preparation we begin our first day trek which start from Youpa village, we ascend gradually through grasslands and rugged trail reached to camp site in an enchanting Showo Tso which is approximately 10km. Showo Tso is an alpine lake under the Showol ass. When the weather is good, you can see Mt.Everest (the highest peak in the world at 8,844 m) and Mt. Makalu (the fifth-highest peak in the world at 8,463m). Rest of the day is free to stroll around Camp site while enjoying the surrounding beauty of Gama Valley.
    Dinner and overnight at Camp.

  • 07: Trek to Dolshang Valley (4,030 m/13,218 ft.) via Showa La pass (4,900 m/16,072 ft.) – 6~7 hrs.

    Enjoy outdoor breakfast while enjoying the sunrise refection of Mt. Everest and Mt. Makalu on the Showo Tso. This
    is only the best location to enjoy the view of Mt. Makalu in whole trek. After breakfast start climb towards Showo La (4,900 m / 16,072 ft.) and descend down to Dolshang valley at an altitude of 4,030 m / 13,218 ft. During the trek we pass through gushing brooks covered by vibrant unknown flowers and shrubs. Dolshang forms the initial parts of Gama valley and picturesque brooks surrounded by beautiful snow-capped Mountains and massive colorful orchid flowers. Therefore, Dolshang is also knows as Orchid valley. Once getting down to the valley you instantly find yourself intoxicated by the alluring scent of Orchids. This stunning waterfulls, exuberant meadows, snowly peaks etc. makes your wonder if you venture into a fairyland.
    Dinner and overnight at Camp.

  • 08: Trek to Tangsung (4,510 m/14,972 ft.) – 12 Km/6~7 hrs.

    Dolshang is a demarcation point of climate and vegetation in Gama Valley. The lower altitude below Dolshang, the more abundant the vegetation will become. Dolshang is the uppermost boundary of the
    virgin forest distribution in Gama Valley. In the morning, we continue to hike up from Dolshang and pass through the virgin forest. As we climbed over the ridge, we could look back at the breathtaking panorama of the Gama Valley. If we arrive at the right time, you can even capture the grandeur of Mt. Makalu. At around noon, we will reach Tsonang-tso Lake. Its crystal-clear water reflects the spectacular view of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. After lunch, we need to pass another mountain pass to reach the scenic Xialong Pasture (4,400m), blanketed with colorful wildflowers. If the weather is good, Everest will always show in front of us from the pasture. The final part of the trek will lead us to the camping site of Tangsung Camp (4,510m/14,972 ft).
    Overnight at Camp.

  • 09: Trek to Palthang (4,950 m/16,336 ft.) – 12 Km/6~7 hrs.

    Enjoy sunrise breakfast at Tangsung Camp. This is one of the most picturesque spots, where one can witness sunrise over giant snow-capped mountains including Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Makalu together.
    After breakfast start trek following zigzag trails we move down to the Badang, where the Ega Prairie (4,310m/14,136 ft.) is situated. During the descent, looming canyons and glaciers to your right, where flowing water forms the headwaters of the Gama Valley. We need to wade through rugged and gigantic rocks to make it to Paltang (4,950m/16,336 ft.) Campsite. Paltang is a large pasture as well as a super viewing platform from where we can get the closest view of Mt. Everest.
    Dinner and overnight at Camp.

  • 10: Day trek to Eastern Slope of Everest Base Camp (5,320 m /17,450 ft.) – 16 Km / 8~9 hrs.

    Today,s trek is tough but rewarding. From Paltang, we will trek to the Everest Base Camp of the Eastern Slope (5,320m /17,450 ft). The initial part of the trek involves a gravel slope of about 45 degrees, from which you can gaze at the spectacular glacier on the north face of Mt. Everest. After crossing two seasonal alpine lakes, you will continue trekking along the river valley and finally get up to base camp on the eastern slope of Everest. It,s a relatively gentle meadow where very few people arrive here. After the exploration we will return back to Campsite in Palthang.
    Dinner and overnight at Camp.

  • 11: Backtrack to Tangsung.

    After breakfast, start backtrack to Tangsung.
    Dinner and overnight at Camp.

  • 12: Trek to Tsosho Rim (5,013 m / 16,442 ft.)

    After breakfast start trek north to Tsosho – rim (5,013m / 16,442 ft.). This is the highlight of entire Gama Valley trek. This is also the best shooting point in the east slope route of Mount Everest. Tsosho-rim consists of 5 small alpine lakes, located at the foot of Tuolagang Poche Snow Mountain. We will camp by the nearest small lake to the grassland. Weather permitting one can see Mt.Everest, Mt.Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and other peaks.
    Dinner and overnight at Camp.

  • 13: Trek to Lhundupling village and drive to New Tingri.

    We start very early from Tsosho Rim towards Langma La pass (5,350 m /17,548 ft.) it takes three stages of climbing to reach the Langma La Pass, among which the first stage of climbing shortly after setting off from the camp has a steeper slope. Langma La Pass is the highest point of the entire trek. After passing the pass, it begins to descend
    straight down, and after crossing the rocky beach, it descends all the way to the lakeside of Latsetso. Continue down the river valley, cross the large meadow at the lower part of the mountain, and you will see the road. After crossing the small iron bridge, continue along the road and take a big turn, you will see Lhundupling Village at the bottom of
    the mountain. Upon arrival in a village meet waiting vehicle and drive to New Tingri. Upon arrival check in at hotel for hot shower and rest.
    Dinner and overnight at hotel.

  • 14: Drive to Shigatse and High-altitude train ride to Lhasa.

    After leasurely breakfast at hotel. Leave Tingri and start drive to Shigatse for lunch. After lunch transfer to Shigatse train station for Journey to Lhasa. Upon arrival in Lhasa City transfer to hotel. Rest of the evening is free.
    Overnight at hotel.

  • 15: Final departure for onwards Journey.

    After breakfast, transfer to Gonggar Airport for final departure to onwards Journey.

15 Nights / 16 Days Days From

USD
Asiatic Roads

Any Question?
Feel free to call our travel experts.

+977 9851189018, +977 9801089018 info@asiaticroads.com

Date & Prices

Start Date End Date Price
August 17, 2026 January 01, 1970 USD Book Now

Whats Include and Exclude

Services Inclued

The cost includes: –
1. Hotel accommodation (as above) on twin / double room sharing basis inclusive of all males.
2. All transfers and drive as per Itinerary by private Car.
3. Service of local Tibetan Guide.
4. Fully camping arrangements during the trek including Yak and Yak man, Service of local Sherpa support
kitchen team, camping arrangements.
5. All meals prepared by our local cook during the trek and at restaurant while staying at hotel.
6. All applicable permits and Monastery entrance fees.

Other Costs (if Applicable)

Particulars Cost per person in US Dollars
Additional cost for Nepali Guide if case if you are willing to hire cost US$ 3,200.00 net per person.

Accomodations

15 Nights / 16 Days Days From

USD
Asiatic Roads

Any Question?
Feel free to call our travel experts.

+977 9851189018, +977 9801089018 info@asiaticroads.com

15 Nights / 16 Days Days From

USD
Asiatic Roads

Any Question?
Feel free to call our travel experts.

+977 9851189018, +977 9801089018 info@asiaticroads.com

Reviews

In my 2 week stay, John was very professional and took me around to experience all that Kathmandu and surrounding areas has to offer. Sites were seen and many locals were met through John’s network.

Steven Stone

Steven Stone

Traveller

In my 2 week stay, John was very professional and took me around to experience all that Kathmandu and surrounding areas has to offer. Sites were seen and many locals were met through John’s network.

Steven Stone

Steven Stone

Traveller

15 Nights / 16 Days Days From

USD
Asiatic Roads

Any Question?
Feel free to call our travel experts.

+977 9851189018, +977 9801089018 info@asiaticroads.com
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