11 days Reting Tsangpo Whitewater Rafting Trip

Trip Length

4 Days on the water

Distance

100km

Grade

Class III / IV whitewater

Overview

We access the Reting Tsangpo by its north fork, putting into a small alpine stream with incredible views of the Nyenchen Thanglha range near Lake Namtso. The north fork enters the main river on day two and we paddle big water through incredible alpine juniper forests and past nomad camps.Grand Canyon style rapids are interspersed with lazy flat sections and awesome surf waves for kayakers. This is the quintessential Tibetan rafting experience. Its wonderful mix of mountains, nomads, monasteries and superb whitewater is bound to make this new discovery a classic. The put-in is at 4450m elevation so you MUST be acclimitised to undertake this trip.

The Reting Tsangpo is a 240km classic expedition run. Beginning high on the Tibetan plateau east of Nagchu. The Reting has its source in the same region as the Salween and Yigong Tsangpo. Drive towards Nagchu and turn east off the Qinghai - Tibet Hwy about 15km before Nagchu. This gravel road is the road to Jali Shan. The road follow the Salween fo a few kilmoters before heading over a pass into the Upper Reting drainage. The river is called the Mirig or Miti Tsangpo at the put-in. Put-in at the obvious bridge. The first 3 days are easy class 1 and 2 but the lack of rapids is made up for by the incredible alpine scenary, interaction with local nomads and beautiful campsites. We encountered stunning thunderstorms on this section that rolled across the hills at high speed dumping short but heavy rain and clearing quickly with beautiful light and sunny evenings. On the 4th day the East Fork of the Reting flows in from the East (Just after a road bridge) and the fun really starts. (The east fork holds about 15km of fun class 3+) The next 60km is classic big volume clas 3/4 boater with super surf waves and beautiful juniper forests.

Itinerary Day by Day

Day 01 Arrive at Lhasa for acclimatization by air or train

Today's highlights:

Airport/train station transfer to hotel, Acclimatize to the High Altitude.

Details:

Fly into Lhasa or arrive in Lhasa by train. Local guide will meet you and transfer you to Lhasa. On the way, you can appreciate the heart-beating highland view along the Yarlong Tsangpo river (the longest river in Tibet and highest river on the earth with an average altitude of 4,000 meters), originating from Jiemayangzong Glacier on the northern Himalayas.

Day 02 Sightseeing in Lhasa

Today's highlights:

Potala Palace, Jokhang temple, Barkhor Street

Details:

Today, you will visit the highest palace in the world-Potala Palace which is the Dalai Lama's winter palace. It locates on the red hill, a good viewing point in Lhasa.

In the afternoon, we go to the renowned Jokhang Temple which will provide you one of your first sights of devout Tibetans. In the temple you will see the glistening Sakyamuni statue which is considered as Tibetan Buddhism's rarity.

After then, stroll around the bustling Barkhor Street.

Day 03 Sightseeing in Lhasa

Today's highlights:

Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Norbulingka

Details:

Morning time will be spent visiting Drepung monastery which is on the hillside west of Lhasa. Drepung is a Gelugpa monastery. To reach it, you have to climb up a small hill which will be a kind of interesting.

Later, we will go to visit the Sera monastery where lively lama debating will be seen (except Sundays). This is very interesting. Many lamas sitting or standing in the yard debate a certain topic their teacher has given.

Rest time would be spent in Norbulinka which is Dalai Lama's summer palace.

Day 04 Lhasa-Yamdrok Yumtso-Lhasa

Today's highlights:

Yamdrok Yumtso Lake

Details:

About hundred kilometers, you will appreciate the holy Lake of Yamdrok Yumtso Lake.The sacred lake of Yamdrok Yumtso is revered as a talisman, supporting the life-spirit of Tibet. It is said that should its waters dry, Tibet will no longer be habitable. Down to the Lake to have a picnic or hike.

Day 05 Lhasa-Ganden-Lhasa

Today's highlights:

Ganden Monastery, Ganden Kora, Familiy Visit in Countryside

Details:

Drive to Ganden monastery, the first monastery belonged to Yellow Hat sect. You could see the countryside views there. One the way have a family visit (optional) You can have a easier or harder hike at Ganden. High kora or low kora depends on your physical condition. The high kora climbs Angkor Ri south of Ganden and then drops down the ridge to join up with the lower kora. The low kora is easier than high kora.

Day 06 Lhasa-Drak Yerpa-Lhasa

Today's highlights:

Drak Yerpa

Details:

Drak Yerpa hermitage is one of the holiest cave retreats in Tibet. The site is deeply peaceful and has stunning views. There are many caves and retreats higher up the cliff face. There, you can have a climb on the hill. It is said that Lhasa is the shrine of Tibet, Drak Yerpa is the shrine of Lhasa. Without seeing Drak Yerpa in Lhasa is just like making a dress without the collar.

Day 07 lhasa-foot hills of nyenchen thanglha range

Today's highlights:

Drive to the foot hills of Nyenchen Thanglha Range, Half Day Rafting

Details:

Pick you up at your hotel at 08:00 a.m around. Drive nearly half day to the foot hills of the Nyenchen Thanglha Range. Half day spent on rafting.

Day 08 Reting Tsangpo White Water Rafting Trip

Today's highlights:

Reting Tsangpo Rafting

Details:

Full day rafting on Reting Tsangpo River

Day 09 Full Day Rafting

Today's highlights:

Whole day rafting, Reting Monastery

Details:

Full day rafting and exploring Reting Monastery

Day 10 Reting-Lhasa

Today's highlights:

Half day rafting, Back to Lhasa

Details:

After half day rafting trip, we drive back to Lhasa in the afternoon.

Day 11 Bid farewell to Lhasa

Today's highlights:

Airport/train station transfer

Details:

Transfer to Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station to take flight or train out of Lhasa.

What We will Provide for Rafting

Transport to and from the river
All personal rafting gear including: full length wetsuit, lifejacket, helmet and wetsuit boots
All meals on the 4-day rafting trip
English/Chinese/Tibetan speaking guides
Water resistant container for personal essentials
State of the art rafts and expert safety kayakers

What You Need to Bring

Bathing/swim suit
Towel
Sun hat and sunscreen (SPF 15 lip balm is recommended)
Sunglasses with strap
Refillable water bottle
Camera and protective camera bag
Pair of shorts to go over wetsuit
Warm clothing for off the river and evenings
Sleeping bag (available for rental if required)
Personal Toiletries
Spare film and batteries
Small torch/flashlight
A book or cards

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