Gama Valley Trek in Tibet Is Closed (2026 Update)
- Mariane
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
Travel status updated: 2026
Hi! I’m Mariane — French, 15 years exploring China, co-founder of M2adventure.
Today, I wanted to talk about one of my favorite hikes in Tibet: Gama Valley (嘎玛沟). It’s one of those rare places that still feels truly wild — far from the usual routes, with stunning views of Everest’s east face and a deep sense of immersion. It’s not the easiest trek, but that’s exactly what makes it special.
Sadly, this year we won’t be able to go :(
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Is Gama Valley Trek in Tibet Open in 2026?
The Gama Valley trek in Tibet is currently closed, and permits are not being issued. This means trekking in Gama Valley is not possible in 2026.
There hasn’t been any clear official announcement, but from what we’re seeing locally, this likely relates to safety concerns following an incident last year.
There’s no confirmed timeline for reopening yet.
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Why Is Gama Valley Closed?
In recent years, trekking in Tibet has become more controlled — especially in remote areas like Gama Valley. These routes are simply harder to manage, so closures like this do happen from time to time.
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What This Means for Your Trip?
It means that no one can hike Gama Valley this year — and if you ask me, it’s not likely to reopen anytime soon.
Hopefully, in a few years we’ll be able to go again, and I’ll be the first to share an update when that happens.
If Gama Valley was on your list, I know it can be disappointing. The good news is that Tibet itself is still open to foreign travelers, and some other routes are just as incredible.
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Where to Go Instead?
If you were drawn to Gama Valley, my top recommendation would be the Mount Kailash trek — a very different experience, but just as powerful in its own way.
It’s a 3-day circuit at high altitude, with raw landscapes and a deep spiritual atmosphere.
You can explore the Kailash tour here.
If you were planning Gama Valley, these are the routes our travelers are choosing instead:
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Will Gama Valley Reopen?
Closures like this aren’t unusual in Tibet — some eventually reopen, and some don’t.
In general, my philosophy is simple: if a remote place is open, go while you can. More and more trekking routes in China are getting restricted, so it’s often better not to wait too long.
As always, I’ll keep an eye on things and share any updates as soon as there’s news.
— Mariane
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