The Ultimate Guide to trekking Gama Valley

In the region of Mt. Everest, to the east of the mountain, lies the Gama Valley
region. One of four “Great Valleys”, including Ya Dong Valley, Gyirong Valley,
and Zhangmu Valley, that lie in the shadow of the Himalayas, in Shigatse
Prefecture. Praised as the most beautiful valley in the world, and one of the
top ten trekking routes in the world, the natural landscape is unique and
overwhelming.

The landscape varies through the valley, which measures 8km across and
55km long. The changes in the eco-zones along the length of the valley range
from evergreen forest, through deciduous woodlands and right down to alpine
meadows and desert. The whole valley is a botanical paradise, with diverse
vegetation and an abundance of animals, some of which are very rare.

For avid trekkers, this place is indeed a paradise. Although it is a paradise

that is hard to get to. Driving to the valley is impossible, and the only
transportation is horse or yak. The trek along the valley is arduous and
challenging, and requires stamina and fitness. However, with the range of
ecological environments and the amazing views of the lofty mountains, it is a
trek that is worth the effort.

Highlights of Gama Valley

One of the major highlights of the Gama Valley region is the Sherpas. These
indigenous people are born to be mountaineers, which is what makes them
such amazing guides in the region. Sherpas have lived in the Solu Khumbu
region for centuries, and are well adapted to the harsh climate of the region.

The name Sherpa comes from the Tibetan “shar” meaning east, and “pa”
meaning people. The name originated through a mistake of census recorders,
who did not recognize that some cultures, like the Sherpa culture, do not use
surnames. In place of the surname, they wrote “Sherpa”, or “eastern people”,
to fulfill the census requirements. It was later adopted by the people, and is
often used as a last name when needs require one.
Another major highlight is the Juniper forest in the valley, which covers a huge
area of the untamed landscape. Junipers are a tree that rarely grow in such
quantities together, and the whole forest looks like it has come straight out of
the Jurassic period. Covered in hanging moss on the branches of the huge
trees, it can feel like you have traveled back in time.

For those with a love of botany, the Orchid Valley, a campsite in the Gama
Valley, is covered with beautiful flowers during the blooming season in May.
The Rhodiola Rosea, also known as Arctic Root or Golden Root, is prolific in
the valley, covering every part of it. You can be forgiven for mistaking the
valley for a scene from The Sound of Music, as these beautiful blooms are
found growing naturally in the wild arctic-like regions of Europe, especially
Alps in Switzerland.

Gama Valley Trekking Map (the map will be provided by us)

There are four routes you can take when trekking through the Gama Valley.

The Best Time to Trek in Gama Valley

With winter being a definite no for trekking this region, the best times to go
would be spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). Visibility is
good, and you get great views of the surrounding mountains, and less mist in
the forest regions of the valley, which can happen more in the rainy season
and early winter. May to June is especially good for the flowers, as they bloom
at this time, turning the green forests into a gamit of color, and bringing the
delightful scents of the blossoms to exhilarate your senses.

Itinerary for a classic Gama Valley Trek

For those wanting to trek through the Gama Valley, Tibet Vista has a classic
trekking tour that would be perfect. Rated as the most beautiful valley in the
world, Gama Valley is the perfect place to trek and get in touch with nature
and your inner self. The route through the Gama Valley has a special charm
and is unique in its landscape and flora and fauna.

The treks start from Tingri, in Shigatse Prefecture, and cover four routes
through the valley. The most classic tour for the Gama Valley starts in Lhasa,
and is a 13 day long tour, which includes visits to other sights on the route to
Shigatse, where you will begin your trek. From Lhasa, you will visit Yamdrotso
Lake, Karola Glacier and Gyantse Kunbum monastery, on the way to
Shigatse. The second day also consists of some driving, as the route from
Shigatse to Tingri is long. On day three, you will travel from Tingri to Chutang
Village, the start of the trek. Once there, the rest of the day will be spent
preparing for the arduous trek, and arranging yaks for porterage.

On the fourth day the real journey begins, as you leave Chutang Village. The
first part of the trek is relatively easy, with a gravel-paved road to Youpa
Village, Where the truly challenging trek begins. The route from Youpa to
Showotso is only 6.4km long, but goes upwards almost 1,000 meters, to an
elevation of 4,656 meters in Showotso. The route runs through the first
mountain pass of the trek, and crosses some very rocky terrain. Showotso is
an oasis of peace and tranquility that can help relieve your tiredness as the
waters fill the corner of the valley.

Next comes the daunting ascent to Shauwula Pass, which is often considered
the most difficult part of the route. The pass lies 4.900 meters above sea
level, and the climb to the top is hard and tricky. However, the view from the
pass is spectacular, and on clear days you can see Mt. Makalu. The descent
is more tricky than the ascent, and you need to take care with your footing on
the steep and narrow path. A hiking stick is a useful tool in this treacherous
terrain.

Once down you will reach the Orchid Valley, a breathtaking sight where many
visitors camp for the night. The beauty of the valley is unrivaled anywhere in
the world, with the lush vegetation and rich forests. The route on day seven
runs through Orchid Valley, and the lush meadows of Shalong Pasture, en
route to Sakytang Base Camp. The Sakya monastery is mostly built from the
local trees, which all lean towards the monastery, as if reaching for its walls to
combine with their kin.
From Sakytang, day eight has you trekking through damp, primeval forests
straight out of the Jurassic era. A mysterious place, full of solemnity, it is good
to dwell on the origins of life in this place of gigantic trees and hanging moss.
After passing through a swamp - there are log bridges built over it by the
locals - you will reach Gama Valley base camp, where you will rest for the
night.

The next morning the route runs through a treacherous region that is prone to
landslides, so care with your footing is needed here. The path to Chentang
village is well trodden over many years, and it is a good idea to stick to it and
not stray. Chentang is well known for the wine they brew from three-toed
millet, shaped a little like a chicken’s foot, but much tastier. You will spend the
tenth day resting in Chentang, and can taste the delicious wines, before
moving on to Dinggye county the following day.

The last leg of the trek is only around three hours, however, it is up to a
mountain ridge for the closest road for the journey back to Lhasa. The cars
will then take you to Dinggye county, over 2,000 meters higher than Chentang
village, and you will see the changes in climate and landscape as you climb
upwards.

The drive back to Shigatse takes several hours, and includes a visit to Sakya
Monastery on the way, and the last day of travel is from Shigatse to Lhasa.
You will have the last night in Tibet to reflect on the wonders you saw in the
shadow of the mighty Himalayas, before departing for home the next day.

What to Pack

Packing for Tibet will always include warm clothes, as it can get clod at night,
even in the height of summer. Warm jacket or sweaters and pants are
recommended at night, though in the daytime, less layers need to be worn as
you will be trekking hard. You can easily over-exert yourself trekking this
rough terrain in heavy clothing. Lighter clothes is much better in the warmer
climate from spring to fall.

Heavy duty hiking boots are a necessity here, as the trails are often rough and
treacherous. A good grip is needed for hiking in the mountains of Tibet. Thick
socks are also a good idea, as they can help prevent blisters from your boots
rubbing your feet. It is also a good idea to bring or buy a good hiking stick for
the trek. Some of the trails are slippery or stony, and it is easy to lose your
footing if you are not careful.

A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, gloves, and a water bottle are also
necessary in this climate. While the sun may not appear hot, it can easily burn
your skin in the thinner atmosphere at higher altitudes. And high energy
snacks are a must, as they will help replace energy quickly while on the move.
At high altitudes your body burns energy faster than at sea level.

Trekking Accommodation and Camping

Accommodation on your tour can range from a luxury 5-star hotel to a tend in
a field. What you want to experience is up to you, although there are no hotels
in Gama Valley to stay in, so you will be camping for the duration of the trek.
Some villages have guest houses for visitors, or homes that people open up
for visitors to stay in. For all the latest information, Tibet Vista have a full list of
guest houses in the Gama Valley region for you to stay at.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is always an issue in Tibet, as the region is, on average,

over 4,000 meters above sea level. Acclimatization is necessary prior to the
trek, and you will have the time to acclimatize before reaching Chutang village
to start trekking. If you experience any of the following symptoms, let your
guide know, and rest until the symptoms are gone. If the symptoms persist, or
get worse, descend to a lower elevation and rest to recover from altitude
sickness.

Most cases of altitude sickness are mild, and easily recovered from with rest.
Symptoms include:

headache

nausea

dizziness

Exhaustion
In some cases, altitude sickness can cause a build up of fluid in the lungs,
causing wheezing as you breathe.If the symptoms of more serious case of
altitude sickness present themselves, seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms include:

a bubbling sound in the chest

worsening breathlessness

coughing up pink, frothy liquid

clumsiness and difficulty walking

confusion leading to loss of consciousness

Gama Valley is a wondrous and beautiful place, with a huge diversity of

landscapes, and an amazing variety of plant and animal life. It is one of the
few natural places left in the world that have been untouched by the
modernization of mankind. In this rare and beautiful valley, you will be able to
get a better sense of what nature wants, and why such places should be
preserved for the benefit of our future generations. Please make sure that
when visiting such areas, you leave nothing behind but footprints, as a
testament to your achievements.