Lapchi Region

Southwest of Tingri and east of Nyalam lies the sacred Lapchi, also known as Milarepa's Hermitage. Milarepa, a famous Tibetan yogi, poet and singer, lived in this region, thus making it the most sacred destination in Tibet after Kailash and Tsari. There are many cave hermitages in Lapchi; the most famous belonged to Milarepa.

Our trek begins in Pelgyeling (near Nyalam) along the Friendship Highway. From here we trek to Tashigang, where we will see the cave of Sang Phuk and a chapel founded by Dhuldzin Rinpoche, via Jamgang La (Kang-La) to Lapchi. We'll spend a day exploring Lapchi and then return to Nyalam by retracing our steps.

You could also begin this trek in Kodari as Nyalam is only 35 kilometers from this Nepalese border town. You will need five hours to drive from Kathmandu to Kodari if you choose this route. It is also possible to fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu (as indicated in our sample itinerary) or mainland China and then travel to Tashigang via Gyantse and Shigatse by 4WD. The best time for trekking in this region is between May and September.

Trekking itinerary for Lapchi (Fly in / drive our tour)
Duration : 16 days
Best time: May - September

Sample Itinerary

Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa (3650 m) / Overnight in hotel
Day 02: Lhasa tour
Day 03: Lhasa tour
Day 04: A full-day sightseeing trip to Ganden Monastery / Overnight in Lhasa hotel
Day 05: Drive to Tsurpu Monastery / Overnight in guesthouse in Yangpacheng or Tsurpu
Day 06: Tsurpu Monastery
Day 07: Drive back to Lhasa / Free time in the afternoon
Day 08: Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse (3950 m) via Yamdrok Lake
Day 09: Gyantse - Shigatse (3900 m)
Day 10: Shigatse - Tingri (4330 m)
Day 11: Tingri - Nyalam (3750 m)
Day 12-14: Commence trekking from Nyalam-Tashigang-Jamgangla-Lapchi, visit Milarepa's Caves / Overnight camping
Day 15: Back to Nyalam
Day 16: Drive to Zhangmu, cross border then drive back to Kathmandu

Cost includes:
All Tibet travel permits
Ground transportation by private vehicle as indicated in itinerary
Accommodation in Tibet on twin sharing basis with breakfast
All entrance fees on sightseeing tours
English speaking Tibetan Guide
Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa
Tibet visa
All applicable taxes and service charges

Price doesn't include:
Meals other than breakfast in Tibet (one meal costs approximately US$8 to US$10)
Nepal re-entry visa fee if necessary (US$25 for 15-day; US$40 for 30-day; US$100 for 90-day)
Mainland China visa if necessary
Accommodation in Kathmandu
Travel and medical evacuation insurance
Urgent visa fee for Tibet if necessary (only required if you do not have a week to process visa)
Transportation to next destination from Lhasa
Tips for staff
Any additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances

Tell me more about Lapchi Region