12 Days Yamdrok Lake Circular Trekking Tour (A Full Journey through the Outer and Inner Circuits of the Sacred Lake)

Upon your arrival in Lhasa (3,650m), our Tibetan guide will welcome you at the airport or train station with a traditional white Hada.

You'll then be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa. Our guide will give you a brief overview of the itinerary and provide helpful tips for adjusting to the altitude. Once you've checked in, take some time to rest and allow your body to acclimate to the high altitude.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Insider Tips:
For the newcomers to Tibet, it's important to allow enough time to acclimatize to the high altitude. Having a good sleep in your hotel is a good option. Do not rush to visit attractions inside Lhasa city.

• Tibetan tour guide greets you at Lhasa Airport.
• Lhasa River

In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Sera Monastery, which is another one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet. The highlight is the monks' debate, held from around 3 to 5 in the afternoon, Monday to Saturday. In addition, you can tour the Tibetan religious scripture printing house. Inside the monastery, you‘ll also get the chance to see three sand Mandalas and a colorful Rock Painting of Buddha.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelug monasteries of Tibet
• Monk Debate is a highlight of Sera Monastery

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities.

In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside, you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrations in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.

Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Potala Palace is always the No.1 attraction for travelers visiting Tibet.
• A Tibetan pilgrim is worshipping Jokhang Temple

In the morning, you’ll take a drive for about 2.5 hours until you reach Dongla Village. On the way, you’ll see the roaring Yarlung Tsangpo River and pass Jiarela Mountain, where you can get a panoramic view of the sacred Yamdrok Lake.

After arriving in Dongla Village, you will start today’s trek to Gangba Village. You’ll trek along the lakeshore to enjoy the serene beauty of Yamdrok Lake at a close distance.

Camping in Gangba Village.

• Yamdrok Lake at Gampala Pass, where you can get a marvelous bird's-eye view of the lake.
• Viewing Yamdrok Lake from Gangba Village

Today, you’ll walk through a very beautiful part of the whole trekking route.

After breakfast, you’ll trek along an off-the-beaten-path route to Tsayu Village. You can take a side road to enjoy the hidden beauty of Yamdrok Lake along the lakeshore. If you take this trek in winter, you can enjoy the migratory birds in the lake, while in summer, you’ll have the floral view of the rapeseed field scattered in the grassland.

Upon arrival in Tsayu Village, you can visit Tsayu Temple, a small temple with only 4 monks. This is possibly the smallest temple you will ever visit.  You may be welcomed by the hospitable monks and locals, and will be offered Tibetan tea.

Then, you’ll keep trekking to Zhangda Village. En route, you’ll take a short visit to Riduo Monastery on the small island in the center of Yamdrok Lake. From Rutog Island, you can enjoy a broader view of Yamdrok Lake and the surrounding islands.

Next, after passing a small mountain pass, you’ll be astounded by the gorgeous Gamalin Prairie in front of you. Sheep, yaks, and horses graze peacefully in the pastures, distant bells echo in the air, and clouds feel almost within reach. It’s one of the most magical moments of your entire trek.

Camping in Gamalin Prairie.

• The stunning Gamalin Prairie in summer
• Visit Yamdrok Lake and Rutog Monastery.

Today, you’ll enter the core part of Yamdrok Lake.

Starting your trek in the morning, you’ll pass through the most uninhabited section of the entire route and enjoy the most pristine alpine views along the way.

Along the way, you are going to see several islands scattered across Yamdrok Lake. After trekking to Nyimalung Village, you can see Bajiu Tso, one of the three ‘guardian’ sub-lakes of Yamdrok Lake.

Camping in Nyimalung Village.

• Bathing in sunshine, Yamdrok lake is dispalying its dazzling beauty to visitors both home and abroad.
• Welcome to Yamdrok Lake, one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet.

After breakfast, you’ll continue the trek and be amazed by the island views.

Later, you’ll enjoy the far view of Yamdrok Lake together with Thapla Village. This is a small village with only a dozen families nestled between the Yamdrok Lake and the snowy mountains.

Finally, you’ll trek along the scenic route until you reach Duoque Village.

Camping in Duoque Village.

• Freely walk along the shore of Yamdrok Lake
• Enjoy the fascinating scenery of the holy Yamdrok Lake

In the morning, you’ll start today’s trek from Duoque Village to Dalong Town. You’ll go away from the road along the lake and wind through a plain grassland.

After arriving in Dalong Town, you can visit the Dalong Temple and appreciate the traditional wooden carvings.

Camping in Dalong Town.

• A uniquely shaped small island in Yamdrok Lake near Duoque Village
• Visit the Dalong Town

After breakfast, you’ll take a drive from Dalong Town to Arza Township. En route, you will take a short stop in Nargaze County to get yourself replenished.

Then, you’ll continue the drive to Arza Township, where your driver will drop you off. You’ll visit the other two ‘guardian’ sub-lakes of Yamdrok Lake: Kongmu Tso and Zhen Tso. Also, you can enjoy the beautiful views of Rongbuduo Island.

Later, you’ll start trekking the inner circle of Yamdrok Lake and reach Dongba Village.

Camping in Dongba Village.

• Kongmu Tso, a beautiful satellite lake of Yamdrok Lake
• Zhen Tso appears turquoise in winter

Today, you’ll continue the inner circle of Yamdrok Lake from Dongba Village to Guoba Village.

Along the way, you’ll appreciate the unique inner circle views of Yamdrok Lake.

Camping in Guoba Village.

• The lesser-traveled inner circuit trekking trail of Yamdrok Lake
• Camping under a starry night

In the morning, you’ll enjoy the sunrise of Yamdrok Lake and the far view of Gangbala Mountain.

Then, you’ll trek about 30 km to Xueqing Village, the ending port of the entire trekking route. Your driver will pick you up there and then drive you back to Lhasa.

Upon your arrival in Lhasa, you can take a good rest and enjoy the rest of the way as you like.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Enjoy the scenic village views along the Yamdrok Lake trek
• The view of the Yarlung Tsangpo River on your way back to Lhasa

Today marks the end of your Tibet tour.

Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station.

Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet in the future.

• Big farewell to Lhasa, and may you have a safe and pleasant journey back home!
• Your guide will escort you to Lhasa Railway Station if you depart Tibet by train.