16 Days Mt.Kailash Tour Lhasa to Mt.Everest Mt.Kailash Tibet Group Tour

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region! Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, our friendly Tibetan guide will greet you with a Hada (a traditional white silk scarf) and warm blessings. than bring you to your hotel.

To preempt altitude sickness, we suggest you have a good rest and do not get too excited. We haven’t arranged any activity for this first day of your trip, in order to give you time to acclimatize. There is a chance you might suffer from symptoms of altitude sickness, including abnormal tiredness or headache. If you need any help, your guide is on 24-hour standby. If you feel good, feel free to explore this gorgeous ancient city on your own. Take it easy and move slowly.

Tip:
Always ask your guide whether you can take a photo inside of monasteries.

Enjoy some time on the square in front of the Potala Palace at night. It’s a good chance to see more of the locals, as Lhasa people like to get together there at night

Today, let's have fun in the Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center for a close touch of Tibetan culture. After that, you will experience Tibetan Buddhism by witnessing the Monks' Debating in Sera Monastery.

In the morning, enjoy the experience in the Lhasa Traditional Handicraft Art Center, fully immerse yourself by making Tibetan incense, Tibetan calligraphy, and the secrets of block printing. Tibetan incense is typically burned as an offering during religious ceremonies and rituals in Tibetan Buddhism. The ingredients used for Tibetan incense usually include juniper, sandalwood, cedarwood, cinnamon, cloves, and various medicinal herbs. Besides learning how to make Tibetan incense, you can also participate in writing your own name in the Tibetan Language with the help of a local teacher, and engraving and printing it out. Handmade Tibetan incense and printed text can be taken home as a souvenir of the Tibetan cultural experience.

In the afternoon, drive approximately 7km (about 20 minutes) to visit Sera Monastery, which is one of the three great Gelug university monasteries of Tibet. It offers the opportunity to experience Tibetan Buddhism up close. The highlight of Sera Monastery is watching the monks' debate, which takes place around 15:00-17:00 (except on Sundays). The debate is an interesting form of exchange, where one monk acts as the questioner, standing while the answerer or group of answerers sit. The standing monk asks questions and slaps his palms and stomps, each action having a special meaning, such as activating wisdom, and are not meant to be aggressive. You will also have the chance to attend prayer ceremonies, visit meditation halls, and learn about the monastic way of life. It is a must-visit destination to gain insight into the beliefs and practices of Tibetan Buddhism.

Today, it is the time to explore Lhasa by visiting the world-famous Potala Palace, a World Heritage site and the picture behind the 50 RMB. you will explore Lhasa by visiting Jokhang Temple, a world cultural heritage site renowned for its brilliant architecture, culture, art, and history. Finally, you can stroll through the famous Barkhor Street with locals and learn more about the daily kora life of Tibetans.

In the morning, you can walk up to the Potala Palace to explore. Not only is it the landmark of Tibet, but it is also the traditional residence and winter palace of the Dalai Lama (1649-1959). After climbing 365 steps from the gate of the Potala Palace to reach the Red Palace, you will arrive at the highest palace in the world at an altitude of 3,700m, where you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of Lhasa city. As you explore the principal halls, chapels, and shrines of past Dalai Lamas in the Red Palace, you will be amazed and moved by its remarkable paintings, gorgeous jeweled works, skilled carving, colorful ornamentation, and the mystery stories behind the treasures. Inside the Potala Palace, you will meet many Tibetan pilgrims who come from afar to pray at this sacred site, making it a lifetime destination for them. You can also ask your guide to provide more stories about Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet, who first built the Potala Palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty.

Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the visiting time specified on your Potala Palace ticket. All visitors are required to visit the palace with a tour group and remain inside for one hour. Please be advised that photography is prohibited inside the palace.

Located in the heart of Lhasa for over 1300 years, the Jokhang Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. Famed as the spiritual center of Tibet, it is said that the Jokhang Monastery was built for King Songtsen Gampo's two brides: Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. "Jokhang" means "House of Buddha", and it houses a life-size statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni, which is considered a treasure of the Buddhist world. This is why Buddhist pilgrims consider it the holiest destination. The Jakhong temple is also renowned for its beautiful architecture. You can admire the intricate carvings, colorful murals, ornate decorations, and details of the building, which is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Time seems to stand still as you watch people pray in front of the temple during the day and night. (Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the reservation of your Jokhang Temple Ticket Reservation.)

This evening, you will enjoy dinner with the group, featuring Tibetan cuisine.

Tips for Visiting Potala Palace
1. The number of visitors to the palace is strictly limited to 2,300 per day. Visitors can only visit during the time specified on the admission ticket.
2. Admission tickets to visit the Potala Palace are sold out almost every day, so it is strongly recommended to book your tickets several days in advance.
3. There are many steps at the Potala Palace, so it’s best to take it slowly to avoid possible altitude discomfort.
4. Visitors should respect the rules while visiting. Do not wear hats, wear revealing clothes or step on thresholds as these actions violate local customs.
5. Photography and the taking of videos are forbidden inside the Potala Palace.
6. A security search will take place at the entrance to the palace. Explosives, flammables, knives, lighters and even water bottles are not allowed inside the Potala Palace.

In the morning, drive from Lhasa to Shigatse .On the way, drive over the Gampala pass (4790 m), and you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m) .The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, (7191m) the highest mountain near Lhasa .

Later, we will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside; At Manak Dam Lake, you can hang pray flag at Simila Mountain Pass; Then, we will arrive in Gyantse, historically Tibet's third largest city (after Lhasa and Shigatse).In Gyantse, we will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum and enjoy the Far view of Gyangtse Fortress.

After one and a half driving, we arrive in Shigatse, which is the second largest city in Tibet. In Shigatse, we may visit traditional Barley Mill and view the landscape of Barley Field (in summer).

After breakfast, drive about 6.5 hours (330km) to the peak of the world - Mount Everest, while stopping by the Rongbuk Monastery - the world’s highest altitude monastery, before spending the night at the Everest Base Camp (EBC).

Departing from Shigatse, after about 4.5 hours of driving (240km), you’ll get your first glimpse of Mt. Everest from the Gyawu La Pass (5,200m, Gyatso La Pass), between Lhatse and Shelkar. In addition to Mt. Everest, you’ll be amazed by the winding road that seems to go on forever. Along the way, you may see local people biking or hiking all the way to Everest Base Camp. For them reaching the base of the world's highest mountain is a must-do goal or holy belief that is worth the effort.

After enjoying the beautiful and unique scenery on the pass, including incredibly snow-capped mountain ranges, blue skies, floating high clouds, and endless grasslands, it is time to head to Rongbuk Monastery (about 3.5 hours,122km) for the first good view of Mt. Everest. At an altitude of 5,154m, Rongbuk Monastery is the world’s highest monastery, a must-visit for spiritual travelers, and is also photo-worthy. It used to be an area of meditation huts, and you can find hermitage meditation caves with a history of over 400 years, dotting the cliff walls all around the monastery and the valley. Along with brilliant Mt. Everest views, at Rongbuk Monastery, you will be touched by the breathtaking scenery, such as large white chortens, piles of mani stones, colorful prayer flags, devout pilgrims passing by.

Notes:
1. Travelers can only go as far as the Rongbuk Temple area rather than a few kilometers farther as before. But it’s not a big difference in terms of viewing Mt. Everest.
2. Today’s food and lodging is very basic. Due to the high altitude, it is possible that you may experience some symptoms of altitude sickness. We recommend that you stay well hydrated, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery to minimize your symptoms.

In the morning, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the unforgettable exciting moment of the beautiful sunrise over Mount Everest. The snow-capped mountain will be bathed in a warm golden light, creating a stunning contrast against the deep blue sky, providing a breathtaking natural sight.

After that, you and your group will leave Everest Base Camp and drive the old Tingri Road to Saga County. On the way, you will have the last chance to capture the breathtaking view of Mount Everest, the all-year-round snow-capped holy mountain shaped like a three-sided pyramid and feel the grandness of the highest point on earth before you head to next stop. Later, you will overlook the majestic and awe-inspiring Mount Shishapangma, about 120km from Mount Everest and located in the Himalayas near the Nepal-Tibet border. At an elevation of 8,027 meters, Mount Shishapangma is the 14th highest mountain in the world and the only 8,000-meter peak that lies entirely within Tibet. The mountain is known for its striking appearance, with its towering peaks and massive glaciers. Surrounded by lush valleys and beautiful grasslands, you can have enjoy the stunning view of the towering peaks fascinating scenery around.

The main road passes through the desolate plains of Digur Tang, with its enormous sand dunes contrasting with the neighboring snow peaks of Shishapangma and Langtang to the south. As we leave the Bum-chu basin, you will descend into the relatively lower elevations of the beautiful turquoise Pelkhu-tso (elevation 4590 meters), a cobalt blue lake and the largest lake in Shigatse. Mount Shishabangma is the lucky holy mountain and while Pelkhu-tso Lake is the holy lake like a shining emerald diamond quietly lying at the foot of the mountain, setting off the beauty of each other.

After visiting the beautiful lake, you’ll drive another 69 kilometers to Saga County and spend the night in the small town of Saga.

Road Condition: The road condition get rougher from the old Tingri Road as it runs parallel to the to the Himalayan mountain ranges and the Nepalese sides known as the Anapurna Ranges.

On this seventh day, your guide and driver will take you from Saga County to Drongpa County, the origin place of the Brahmaputra River. You will make a stop in a small village along the main road that consists of only a few basic guesthouses, restaurants and a small monastery known as “Old Drongpa”. Pay a short visit to Dargyeling Monastery which sits on the hill-side about 1.5km off the main road. It is the best preserved monastery in the area and worth a visit for its fine views and unusual chortens. Around the monastery, you will be able to observe a pile of yak heads that are carved with “sutras” and “mantras”. New Drongpa is another small town with a few shops, hotels and restaurants located about 25 kilometers from Old Drongpa monastery. Later, you will continue on to the Baryang Township (elevation 4750 meters).

Before heading to Darchen, you and your group will make a stop to admire Lake Manasarovar, also known as the“invincible lake”. This lake is the most venerated of Tibet’s many lakes and one of its most beautiful. With its sapphire-blue waters, sandy shoreline, and snow-capped mountain backdrop create a stunning landscape that contrasts with the rugged terrain of Mount Kailash. Take a moment to appreciate the tranquil scenery and the reflections of the blue sky and white clouds on the lake's surface. You may also see pilgrims praying and bathing in the crystal-clear waters, adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the place.

Separated with the holy Lake Manasarovar by a road, you will arrive at Lhanag-tso Lake (altitude: 4575 meters). This lake is called “Ghost Lake” because it appears dark blue and is very salty and the water is prohibited to drink. There are no plants, no cattle or sheep around the lake and everything seems lifeless. Stand by the lake and listen to the roaring waves crashing against the shoreline.

After the exploration, it is time to drive to your final destination of the day - the small town of Darchen (altitude: 4574 meters), nestled below the foothills of Mount Kailash. Have a good sleep in Darchen.

In the morning, we are supposed to take eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung valley. Then we will meet Yaks and porters at Sarshung village. (the cost of hiring yaks, horses, and porters are not included in the package) After that, we can begain the trek (Around 13km) from Sarshung to Drirapuk Monastery along the Lachu valley and rivers. You can enjoy the both west and north face of mountain Kailash today. Finally, we will visit Drirapuk Monastery.

This second day of our circuit of Mt. Kailash will be the toughest as we ascend 762 meters up to the Dolma-la Pass. The peak of this pass lies about 5630 meters above sea level, so we’ll get an early start as the sun begins its rise over the mountain ridges above us. Once we have reached the peak of the Dolma-la Pass, we’ll stop for a rest and the opportunity to admire all of the fantastic scenery around us. Then we will begin our descent to the Lhachu Valley, which will take us about one hour. After another short rest, we’ll trek on for another four hours to our final destination for the day. We will walk along the right side of the river to finally reach Dzultripuk, whose name means “miracle cave of Milarepa” in the local language. We will be glad that we got an early start to reach Dzultripuk so that we will get there before the other groups – there are a limited number of rooms available here. We will have time this evening for some rest and relaxation in the guesthouse as we prepare for the final stretch of our trek tomorrow.

Mt. Kailash Trek Day Three – Dzultripuk – Darchen (11 kilometers)

Today we will complete our trek around Mt. Kailash, beginning by visiting the many caves, temples and shrines that have been built upon around Milarepa’s cave. It is an easy walk back towards Darchen, taking only about 3 hours of trekking to reach the end of the valley where our driver will meet us to take us back up to Darchen.

After the trekking, your driver will meet you and take you to Zanda in the Ngari Prefecture, Tibet. It is about 230 kilometers from Darchen, taking about 4.5 hours’ driving. Zanda County is known for its unique geography, and home to several important cultural and historical sites, such as the ancient Guge Kingdom ruins and Tholing Monastery. Stay overnight in Zanda.

On this day, you and your group will have an in-depth exploration in Zanda County. Start your trip with a mysterious visit to the ruins of the ancient Guge Kingdom. The Guge Kingdom was an important kingdom in Tibet that flourished from the 10th century to the 17th century. The ruins of the Guge Kingdom feature unique architecture and exquisite artwork, including frescoes, sculptures, and carvings. The ancient artists used vivid colors and intricate details to depict Buddhist teachings, historical events, and daily life. The ruins of the Guge Kingdom were once an imperial estate that fell into disrepair after the civil war revolt and the invasion of the 8 Allied Forces of foreign countries that destroyed the once prosperous state. Luckily the legendary kingdom has not been totally lost as much can still be learned from what remains of it. You will follow the route and pay a visit to Red Palace which as a religious center consisting of several buildings - a main hall, a chapel and a monk’s quarters, and then visit White Palace, the residence of the king and his family. You can find that the architecture is in Tibetan, Indian and Chinese influences and the wall were adorned with intricate murals, carvings and sculptures. Reach the top the kingdom and have a fantastic panoramic view of the ruin site.

After visiting the Ancient Ruins of Guge Kingdom, drive about 20 kilometers to see the magnificent Zanda Earth Forest. This unique natural phenomenon is created by wind and water erosion, forming unusual rock formations that are considered the most typical and largest tertiary strata earth forest in the world. The Earth Forest stretches over more than five kilometers along both sides of the Elephant Spring River. The rocks resemble warriors defending the mountaintop, some like thousands of horses galloping, and some like devout followers of a religion nurturing themselves. From different angles, visitors can appreciate the wonderful scenery. You can marvel at the strange and otherworldly shapes of the rocks, feel the uniqueness of the incredible Earth Forest against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, and learn about the geological processes that have shaped the landscape.

The last stop today is Tholing Monastery with a history dating back to the 10th century. It is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Tibet and was an important center for Buddhism and art during the Guge Kingdom era. Tholing means “hovering in the sky forever” and there are many ancient precious and well preserved frescoes... Have an exploration to its Main Hall (features a large statue of Buddha Shakyamuni), Assembly Hall (used for large gatherings and ceremonies and features a large statue of Guru Rinpoche) and Scripture Hall (the monks gather to study and recite Buddhist scriptures).

After the tour, drive to Darchen County for accommodation.

On this day, you'll drive from Darchen to Saga, passing through the windswept rural territory of Tibet. The road from Darchen to Saga is mostly unpaved and can be quite bumpy and dusty. However, the journey is well worth it, as you'll appreciate a variety of stunning landscapes, including high mountain passes, grasslands, and river valleys. You'll also enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas along the way.

As you drive, you'll pass through numerous small towns and villages, as well as camps of yak and sheep herders, giving you a glimpse into the daily life of the local people. You'll see nomads tending their herds, farmers working in their fields, and monks walking along the roadside. You'll have the opportunity to take a break along the way and stretch your legs, as well as stop at scenic viewpoints to take photos and enjoy the stunning scenery.

After breakfast, your group will continue the journey along the G219 National Highway. In the distance, the snow-capped peaks of the Longbukangri Range accompany you as you ascend the Tujila Mountain Pass, where colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind. The road gradually leads into the expansive Sangsang Grassland, where endless meadows stretch to the horizon like a green carpet. Herds of yaks dot the landscape like black pearls, while smoke rising from nomadic tents mingles with blooming wildflowers, creating a tranquil pastoral scene carried softly by the Tibetan breeze.

As you continue eastward, the altitude begins to drop, and you eventually arrive in Sakya. Here, the renowned Sakya South Monastery stands like a fortress-style mandala, its red walls and white eaves glowing under the evening sun. Inside, the magnificent “Wall of 80,000 Scriptures” and exquisite Yuan-dynasty murals gleam under soft light - a perfect cultural finale to a day of grand natural landscapes, earning Sakya its nickname “The Second Dunhuang.”

On this day, you will have the opportunity to visit the famous Sakya Monastery. This monastery holds great historical significance and is considered the original Sakya Monastery. It is located in Sakya County, approximately 127 kilometers west of Shigatse. Sakya Monastery serves as the seat of the Sakya school, which is one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Founded in 1073, Sakya Monastery is not only a place of spiritual importance but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for its remarkable architecture, deep-rooted history, and extensive collection of Buddhist texts. As you explore the monastery, you will encounter a massive complex adorned with fortress-like walls, picturesque courtyards, and intricately decorated halls. Inside, you will be captivated by the vast array of statues, thangkas (painted scrolls), ritual objects, and ancient Buddhist texts. One of the notable highlights is the Burde Gyaimalung, recognized as the largest book in the world. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to observe the daily routines of the monks, witness their prayer ceremonies, and gain insights into their way of life.

After the exploration, drive from Sakya County to Shigatse City. Accommodate in Shigatse City.

This morning, you will pay a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery. After that, take a train (about 2.5 hours) or take a vehicle (about 8 hours, 340km) back to Lhasa. Founded by His Holiness the 1st Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gedun Drup in 1447, Tashilhunpo Monastery is the largest monastery in Tsang Area of Tibet. In Tashilhunpo Monastery, you can visit the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, Tibet's second-highest incarnation. Pay a visit to the ancient tombs of the fourth and tenth Panchen Lama, as well as the chortens, which hold the bones and remains of the sacred Tibetan lamas. Learn more from your guide about Panchen Lamas and Dalai Lamas while appreciating the brilliant religious painting on Tibetan architecture, listening to the Tibetan Buddhism chanting by local monks, and even participating in the kora like locals. Don’t forget to hike up to the top of the monastery for a stunning bird’s eye view of the monastery itself and Shigatse City.

Afterward, it is time to get back to Lhasa. Upon arrival, head back to your hotel in downtown Lhasa for a good rest.

Your guide and driver will take you to Lhasa’s airport/train station on time for your departure and escort you to the correct security gate. Relax and leave any hassles to your tour team.