Recommended Trekking Routes in Tibet in Winter

Winter in Tibet is also a very suitable season for travel. There are many unique natural landscapes to see. Without the crowds of summer, Tibet appears extraordinarily quiet and solemn. Here are some recommended routes for winter travel in Tibet.

1. Kula Kangri Snow Mountain Trekking

Itinerary: 7 days

Highlights: Rhododendrons in summer, blue ice in winter, Kula Kangri Snow Mountain, sacred lake Yamdrok Yumtso, Ganden Tso, temples in Shannan, Yumbulagang, Samye Monastery, stay in oxygenated rooms

The Kula Kangri route is one of the introductory trekking routes in Tibet. It is not only scenic but also low in difficulty, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. Especially after Chen Kun led a team on this route in the 2017 Walking Power event, it has gained fame and attracted many hikers to experience it.

The biggest highlight of this route is the sacred mountains, sacred lakes, and culture. The main attraction, “Kula Kangri Snow Mountain,” is one of the four sacred mountains in Tibet. At 7538 meters above sea level, it towers into the clouds and is surrounded by six peaks over 7000 meters, creating an awe-inspiring sight that is both majestic and intimidating.

In autumn and winter, the meadows of Yamdrok Lake turn from green to yellow, and the azure water seems to be free from restraint. It shines brightly in the vast expanse of heaven and earth under the winter sun. Standing at the Pushong Temple and looking out towards Pumoyongtso, you can see birds soaring through the air, the wind howling across the snow, and the azure lake becomes the most dazzling presence.

Every winter, this blue expanse of water stops flowing and forms blue ice, resembling a giant “sapphire.” Additionally, you can visit the three-color lake at Baima Lintso, where you can glimpse into the past and present. You can also admire the snow-capped mountains from Ganden Tso, enjoying a visual feast.

Shannan is the origin of Tibetan civilization. As you travel along this route, you will visit Samye Monastery, Kajue Monastery, Rito Monastery, Pushong Temple, and more, savoring the temples in the autumn and winter months…

2. Pilgrimage to the Himalayas

Admire blue ice, glaciers, and get close to Mount Everest

Itinerary: 8 days

Highlights: See Pumoyongtso, Yamdrok Lake blue ice, encounter the 40 glaciers, Qu Deng Nima, Karo La glacier, photograph world-class peaks in the Himalayas, explore winter temples, watch the sunrise, sunset, and cloud seas on Mount Everest

When it comes to the Himalayas, Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, is undoubtedly a desire in everyone’s heart. This towering snow-capped peak appears particularly majestic in winter.

The sunrise and sunset on its slopes always create different moods. The sunrise and sunset on Everest make this sacred mountain seem exceptionally grand and majestic. The golden light spills onto the mountain, evoking a sense of sanctity.

Beyond that, there are countless other world-class peaks, including Kanchenjunga, the third highest in the world, Lhotse, the fourth, Makalu, the fifth, Cho Oyu, the sixth, and countless other large and small snow-capped peaks, allowing you to roam through a world of snow-capped mountains.

The Himalayas are not only home to mountains but also nurture countless lakes. Among the most beautiful in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in winter is blue ice. This shade of azure is no less impressive than Iceland or Lake Baikal. On this route, we will take you to Pumoyongtso and Yamdrok Yumtso to witness the allure of blue ice.

No matter which route you take during a winter trip to Tibet, glaciers are a must-see. Those glaciers, frozen for thousands of years, exude a cold chill that strikes the soul.

If you have the opportunity, we will visit the remote 40 glaciers, admire the “edge of the world”—Qu Deng Nima glacier, and the typical continental glacier—Karo La.

3. Sa Pu Loop

Itinerary: 7 days

Highlights: Sa Pu sacred mountain, Sa Pu glacier trekking, visit the three-color lake, check in at Medika Wetland, see the Bujia glacier up close, visit Zizhu Monastery, explore the Skull Wall

Sa Pu sacred mountain, after being introduced to the world by Shu Xiaojian in 2017, has welcomed more and more outdoor enthusiasts. The “bloody” love-hate relationship between the sacred mountains adds a touch of human drama to this place.

Sa Pu glacier is located on a glacial lake, unique in its scale and breathtaking beauty. Those who have seen glaciers in Iceland would feel lost in this place. The photos taken here are so similar that they are hard to distinguish, which is a testament to its beauty.

Bujia Snow Mountain is a sacred mountain of Bon religion and one of the seven sacred mountains in Tibet. It has a long history and culture, as well as the moving legend of the founding of the Gesar Kingdom, adding a touch of human history to the scenery. Bujia Snow Mountain has five large hanging glaciers, the densest concentration of hanging glaciers in the world.

The three-color lake has different colored water, each imbued with different stories by believers, making it seem divinely blessed.

4. Exclusive New Play: Packrafting in Southeastern Tibet

Itinerary: 8 days

Drift on Basongcuo Lake, trek to Xincun, admire the sunset on Nanga Parbat, enjoy the scenery of mountains and lakes, explore the Yigong Zangbo Grand Canyon, approach Lai Gu Glacier

Basongcuo Lake is also a fairyland, surrounded by mountains that seem to stretch endlessly. The emerald lake water is like a jewel embedded in the mountains, sparkling brightly. You can also take a boat and cruise around the lake, a rare treat among the sacred lakes in Tibet.

Beyond that, if you have the opportunity, you can go kayaking on the lake. At Ranwu Lake, you can see the sacred lake that is a must-see on the 318 Highway. The snow-capped mountains reflect in the lake, adding a unique charm.

You can also go trekking to the end of Basongcuo Lake—Xincun. This is a true “paradise,” untouched by humans, like walking through a painting.

After autumn and winter, the heavy snow falls, and the glaciers sparkle in the white snow with an azure light. As one of the “three glaciers of the world,” Lai Gu Glacier is not the name of a single glacier but the collective name of six glaciers, which gives you an idea of its grandeur.

Witness the beauty of the snow-capped mountains, canyons, glaciers, and glacial lakes of southeastern Tibet. Travel through the pristine wilderness and enjoy the fun of trekking. The unhurried pace of the itinerary will allow you to enjoy the mountain scenery more comfortably.

5. Eastern Tibet Ring Road

Itinerary: 13 days

Explore the perilous canyons, gaze at the sunrise on Nanga Parbat, enter glaciers, search for the Tibetan “Peach Blossom Source,” explore Zizhu Monastery, listen to the story of the Skull Wall at Damu Monastery, experience the perils of the Zham-Mo Highway

This is the junction of the Nyainqentanglha Mountains, Himalayas, and Hengduan Mountains. It allows you to enjoy a feast of snow-capped mountains, with rolling mountain ranges like a silver dragon winding through the land of eastern Tibet.

You will pass through a Feng Shui treasure land, known as “Tibetan Jiangnan,” Linzhi. In spring and summer, the peach blossoms bloom in succession, creating a breathtaking sight. In autumn and winter, the trees and shrubs turn yellow, forming a golden ribbon in the canyons and riverbeds, offering a unique charm.

Here, you can also face a sacred mountain—Nanga Parbat. Leaving behind the rainy season, you have a better chance of seeing the mountain in its entirety. The massive mountain range comes into view, with a snow-capped peak that remains perpetually white, surrounded by swirling flag clouds, creating a magnificent spectacle.

The best time to view Nanga Parbat is from October to March of the following year. If you are lucky, you might witness the magnificent sight of the sun shining on the mountain.

Beyond that, Bujia Snow Mountain, the snow-capped mountain section of Ranwu Lake, and Xiagong La Mountain will also present us with a feast of snow-capped mountains. The glaciers hidden within are also worth exploring. The Renlong Glacier, which can be touched, the Lai Gu Glacier, which is isolated from the world, and the Sa Pu Glacier, which is mysterious and less known, will not disappoint.

6. Ultimate Himalayas: New Version of Ali Ring Road

Itinerary: 13-15 days

Highlights: Three great sacred lakes, Kailash kora, encounter numerous glaciers, admire multiple world-class peaks, explore the mysterious ancient Guge Kingdom, approach the Mount Everest fortress

Known as the “peaks of a thousand mountains, the source of ten thousand mountains,” the Ali region, with its high altitude and harsh conditions, has nurtured countless magnificent and breathtaking landscapes, as well as inherited beliefs, making this land shrouded in mystery.

The Ali Grand Loop. Simply visiting one place may not allow you to “touch” its soul. Only by forgetting time and immersing yourself in its entirety will you truly appreciate its charm.

In autumn and winter, snowflakes begin to fall, giving the snow-capped mountains and glaciers their most beautiful appearance. The Himalayan ridge hides countless snow-capped mountains, and along the way, we will witness multiple world-class peaks, such as Mount Everest, Lhotse, Kailash, etc.

The glaciers hidden within are magnificent and beautiful. We will admire Qu Deng Nima Glacier, known as the “edge of the world,” where the wonders of nature and the unique Tibetan civilization are enveloped in a sense of sanctity.

Kailash is a highlight of this route. The oval-shaped mountain stands out among the many snow-capped mountains in Tibet. It is a sacred mountain for many religions, and perhaps the scenery is not the most important thing when you come here to circumambulate it. Instead, you seek to discover what secrets it holds.