Frequently Asked Questions about Lhasa Trekking
When is the best time to enjoy a Lhasa trekking trip?
As Lhasa lies in a more moderate climate area on the plateau, it is possible to visit this amazing city throughout the year. Winters in Lhasa are comparatively mild, and allow for decent trekking around the outskirts of the city and the surrounding hills. And with temperatures above freezing in the daytime, you will not be too cold on your trek.
However, it is best to travel in Tibet from mid-spring to early autumn, for the best weather in the year for trekking and hiking. The main hiking season in Lhasa generally runs alongside the peak season, as well as the main shoulder seasons. This makes the best time for trekking from May to October, when the weather is generally warm enough to be comfortable without heavy winter clothing. And while summer may be the monsoon season, there is little rain that falls throughout the day.
Which route is recommended for trekking around Lhasa?
The best routes for trekking around Lhasa really depend on your own requirements. If you are looking for a nice one-day trek, then the hike from the Pabonka Monastery to the Pubjoi Temple is ideal, as is the trek around the famous Ganden Kora.
For slightly longer treks, up to 2-3 days long, the hike from Ganden Monastery to Samye Monastery is the perfect adventurous trek, crossing the mountains into Shannan Prefecture and down to the cradle of Tibetan civilization. You can also take the trek from the Tsurphu Monastery in northern Lhasa to the famous Yangpachen nunnery, with its delightful hot springs to ease away the aches.
For those who want a real challenge, you can try the trek around the kora route of Lake Namtso, the Heavenly Lake in northern Lhasa. An epic adventure, the trek gives you some of the best views of the sacred lake and the nearby Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, not to mention being great for experiencing the local nomadic herders on the Changtang Plains.
Will I suffer from altitude sickness during my Lhasa trekking trip?
Generally, almost everyone suffers from some of the effects of altitude sickness once they arrive in Lhasa, whether by train or flight. But with a few days to acclimatize, you will soon find you are able to shake off the altitude sickness. It is advisable to remain in the city sightseeing for the first few days to allow your body to adjust.
Lhasa is generally at a lower altitude than many of the famous trekking areas, such as at Everest Base Camp and the Kailash Kora Trek. This means that you are less likely to feel further effects of altitude sickness while trekking around the city. However, you still need to pay attention to how you feel, and should still notify your guide if you feel any effects at all. Altitudes do change somewhat along the trekking routes, especially those heading further north, around Yangpachen and Lake Namtso.
How about the physical demand for trekking around Lhasa?
Lhasa may not be at the higher elevations of Mount Kailash or the Everest Base Camp, but it is still high enough to be physically demanding, even on someone with a good level of physical fitness. The effects of the lower oxygen levels of the atmosphere at higher altitudes means that the simplest trek can be demanding on the body, and a good level of stamina and fitness is still needed for even the easiest of treks. Before traveling to Tibet for trekking, you should prepare yourself for the physical demands and increase your stamina. Regular exercises and training are necessary, even for the short day treks in Tibet.
Ask a Quick Question