15-Day Kailash Pilgrimage Small Group Tour
Tour Route： Lhasa——Shigatse——Mt.Everest——Mt. Kailash——Manasarovar Lake——Lhasa
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Route Highlights:
A deep tour of Xizang. The scenic route will allow you to enjoy the amazing scenery and Buddhist cultural heritage. A 52-kilometer mountain turn is the best choice for hiking enthusiasts.
Journey Features
The trip includes all the best destinations that tourists crave, including the majestic Potala Palace, monasteries, lakes, glaciers, Everest Base Camp, the holy mountain Kailash and the holy lake Manasarovar. Mount Kailash attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, and we will conduct a 52-kilometer trek around the sacred mountain; Mount Everest is the world’s Climbing the highest mountain, everyone would like to stand at her feet and have a glimpse of her beauty. If you only go to Tibet once in your life, we strongly recommend that you choose a 15- day trip to Mount Everest and Mount Kailash to experience Tibet immersively in all aspects including religious beliefs, human geography, natural beauty, geological wonders, and plateau hiking.
Itinerary Details
Itinerary Overview
D01 Arrive in Lhasa
D02 Lhasa City Sightseeing
D03 Lhasa City Sightseeing
D04 Lhasa-Yamdrotso Lake-Gyantse-Shigatse
D05 Shigatse-Tingri-Everest Base Camp
D06 Everest-Pekutso-Saga
D07 Saga-Tarchen
D08 Kailash Kora, 1st day Tarchen-Driapuk
D09 Kailash Kora, 2nd day Driapuk-Dzultripuk
D10 Kailash Kora, 3rd day Dzultripuk-Lake Manasarovar
D11 Tarchen-Saga
D12 Saga-Kyirong
D13 Kyirong-Tingri
D14 Tingri-Lhasa
D15 Depart from Lhasa
Welcome to Lhasa
When you arrive in Tibet, our friendly guide and driver will greet you at the airport with a warm welcome and present you with a traditional Tibetan white scarf known as “Khata.” A brief one-hour drive along the expressway, covering 70 kilometers, will bring you to a comfortable hotel in the heart of Lhasa. After checking in, take some time to relax and acclimate to the altitude of 3,650 meters, ensuring a smooth and healthy start to your adventure on the plateau.
Night stay in Lhasa
Tibet Road Trip Co., Ltd
Visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery Debating
Today, you will have the chance to explore two unique monasteries in Lhasa: Drepung and Sera, both of which provide captivating insights into Tibetan Buddhism. During your visit, you will tour the Buddhist halls, colleges, and the monks’ kitchen, witnessing how the monks engage in special debates to enhance their comprehension of Buddhist teachings.
Sera Monastery is particularly famous for its vibrant Buddhist debates, which capture the spirit of Tibetan Buddhism. Monks participate in lively discussions, utilizing expressive body language to articulate their points about Buddhist philosophy, demonstrating their knowledge in an engaging way. In the evening, your guide will lead the group to a traditional Tibetan restaurant for a welcome dinner, marking the start of your adventure in Tibet.
Breakfast/Welcome Dinner. Night stay in Lhasa
Visit Potala Palace and Johkang Temple
Today, we will set off on an adventure to discover the wonders of Lhasa, beginning with the iconic Potala Palace. Once the home of the Dalai Lama, this palace is renowned as the highest in the world. Standing proudly atop the red hills at the center of Lhasa, it served as the spiritual and political hub of Tibet. As you climb the 365 steps leading to the main structure, you’ll have the chance to explore the Dalai Lama’s former political hall, various prayer halls, and the stupa housing his tomb. Inside, you will be captivated by stunning murals and beautiful Buddha statues that reveal the rich history and cultural legacy of ancient Tibet.
Afterward, we will head to the sacred Jokhang Temple, which houses the revered 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni, making it the holiest site in Tibet and a lifelong pilgrimage destination for many Tibetans. You’ll have the opportunity to join the pilgrims walking along Barkor Street, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the essence of the city. Furthermore, your guide will take you to a local Tibetan teahouse, where you can gain deeper insights into Tibetan social culture.
Breakfast. Night stay in Lhasa
Yamdrotso Lake, Karola Glacier
Set off on a picturesque drive that will take about 7 to 8 hours, covering a distance of 340 kilometers to arrive in Shigatse. Along the way, you’ll encounter two breathtaking natural attractions: Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier. Experience a scenic 20-kilometer stretch along the shores of Yamdrok Lake, where the receding shoreline creates a stunning vista.
Take a break at a lakeside village for a delicious farmhouse lunch, giving you a chance to delve into the local culture by visiting the homes of lakeside farmers. After your meal, resume your journey for roughly an hour to explore one of Tibet’s most impressive glaciers, the Karola Glacier. Marvel at the enormous glacier tongue that reaches down to the roadside, resembling a frozen waterfall hovering above the road. After your visit to Karola Glacier, you’ll pass Lake Manla and the historic town of Gyantse before arriving in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.
Breakfast/Farm house Lunch. Night stay in Lhasa
Tashilunpo Monastery, Gyawula Viewing Point, Everest Base Camp
After breakfast, we will begin our journey with a trip to Tashilunbu Monastery, the impressive home of the Panchan Lama and the largest monastery in western Tibet. Following this visit, we will embark on a 6.5-hour drive covering 330 kilometers towards the pinnacle of the world, Mount Everest. Along this picturesque route, you’ll have opportunities to stop at various viewpoints where you can catch glimpses of Everest. Our adventure will culminate with an overnight stay at Everest Base Camp (EBC).
Leaving Shigatse, the scenery shifts from rural farmlands to charming villages. After approximately four hours of travel, we will reach Dingri County, where you’ll enjoy your first view of Everest from the Dingri Viewpoint. As we enter the Everest scenic region, the breathtaking sights from Gawula Pass showcase the magnificent Himalayan range, with peaks soaring between 7,000 and 8,000 meters, proudly rising above the clouds.
Continuing along the designated road towards Everest, the mountain gradually grows larger and closer until we arrive at the base camp on its northern face. From this perspective, Everest stands before us like a massive pyramid. Our goal is to reach Everest Base Camp before sunset, giving you the unforgettable chance to experience the stunning sight of the sun illuminating the mountain in golden light. (In winter, when the tented lodges at Everest Base Camp are closed, accommodations will be moved to the nearest village, Basong Village.)
Breakfast
Pekutso Lake, Mt. Shishapangma
In the morning, you can choose to experience the breathtaking sunrise from the summit of Mount Everest, weather permitting, or enjoy a leisurely walk near the base camp, immersing yourself in the tranquil morning ambiance. After breakfast, your guide will take you to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest temple in the world, famous for its role in the film “2012” as the last location to be submerged by waves. This site also provides excellent opportunities for capturing stunning photographs of both Mount Everest’s natural beauty and its cultural significance. After we leave Mount Everest, we’ll drive you to Saga, the gateway to Tibet’s Ali Plateau. Along the way, you will see Mount Shishapangma, the only peak in China that exceeds 8,000 meters, along with the beautiful Lake Pekucuo located at its base.
Overnight in Saga
Himalayas, Gangdise Mountains, Manasarovar Lake
You will embark on a journey through the gorge created by the Himalayas and Gangdise Mountains, where you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of snow-covered peaks on either side. This route takes you through pastures, wetlands, and lakes, each offering stunning landscapes and long stretches of road. After crossing the 5211-meter Mayum La Pass, you will be greeted by your first glimpse of Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash. Continuing along the lakeshore for about 50 kilometers, you will reach Tarchen, located at the foot of Mount Kailash. Tarchen is both the starting and finishing point for pilgrimages to Mount Kailash, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and hotels. If you need a porter to help with your luggage or to accompany you during the pilgrimage, just let your guide know, and they will make arrangements with the local community.
Overnight in Tarchen
Southwest and West Slope of Mount Kailash, Driapuk Monastery
The sightseeing bus to Mount Kailash will transport you 7 kilometers from Tarchen to SeShong, which marks the beginning of the first day of the Mount Kailash kora trek and hosts the grand blessing ceremony for the Sagadawa Festival. In the central square, surrounded by a vibrant crowd of devoted Buddhist followers, new prayer flag poles will be erected alongside the renewal of the old ones. The atmosphere is filled with joyous cheers as prayers for global peace, prosperity, and the welfare of all beings are offered. Monks chant mantras, their voices resonating through the valley and harmonizing beautifully with the mystical presence of Mount Kailash. At this moment, Mount Kailash radiates an exceptional sense of sanctity. After the celebrations, you’ll set off on a 13-kilometer trek through the valley at the mountain’s base, proceeding in a clockwise direction. Eventually, you’ll arrive at your lodging for the first night of your trek, Driapuk Monastery, located at the foot of Kailash’s western slope.
Circumambulation of Mount Kailash
Dromala Pass, Sunrise of Mt.Kailash, Dzultripuk Monastery
Today’s segment of the Mount Kailash circuit is the most challenging and longest. You will embark on a strenuous trek to conquer the Dolma La Pass, which stands at an elevation of 5,630 meters, covering a distance of 24 kilometers. Departing from Driapuk Monastery before dawn, you will ascend towards the slopes of Dolma La, where you can witness a breathtaking sunrise over the northwest face of Mount Kailash. As the day progresses, you will cross the Dolma La Pass, festooned with prayer flags, providing sweeping views of the glacier on the northwest slope of Mount Kailash and the Mercy Lake below. According to legend, a dip in this lake can cleanse one of a lifetime of sins and facilitate rebirth. After this spiritual experience, you will begin a long descent, traversing rocky terrain scattered with stones as you navigate through the valley beneath Mount Kailash to reach Dzultripuk Monastery. In the summer months, this valley bursts into vibrant grasslands, bustling with herds of livestock and occasional sightings of wildlife.
Circumambulation of Mount Kailash
Dzultripuk Monastery – Manasarovar Lake
In the morning, we will say goodbye to Dzultripuk Monastery and continue our journey to Tarchen, which signifies both the conclusion and the commencement of the Mount Kailash circuit. Once we arrive in Tarchen, you may wish to take a brief rest at the hotel. In the afternoon, we will head to Lake Manasarovar. The distance from Dzultripuk Monastery to Tarchen is not great, and you can choose to either walk or take a 5-kilometer bus ride. As you make your way through the valley at the base of Mount Kailash, you will be treated to a stunning view of a vast plain in the distance, featuring Lake Manasarovar and the impressive Naimonanyi Peak, which rises to 7,694 meters. Upon reaching the shores of Lake Manasarovar, you’ll have a chance to soak in its tranquil beauty. Following the tradition of Buddhist pilgrims, you can approach the lake to gather some sacred water for cleansing your hands or face, washing away the weariness accumulated from days spent on the Kailash Kora pilgrimage and revitalizing your spirit. Along the lakeshore, there are also hot spring cabins where you can enjoy soaking your feet or indulging in a soothing bath.
Circumambulation of Mount Kailash
Grassland Pastoral Area, Wild Animals, Gongzhu Lake
Today, we embark on a journey back to Saga County, following the same route we previously explored. As we traverse the expansive terrain ahead, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to soak in the stunning landscapes. From the lush grasslands and tranquil lakes of the Ali Plateau to the majestic, snow-capped peaks of the Gangdise Mountains and the Himalayas, the splendor of nature will envelop us at every turn.
While passing by Gongzhu Lake, we’ll take a moment to enjoy a refreshing break. Here, you can wander along the glistening shoreline or venture into the nearby pastures, fully immersing yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of nature. This is an ideal moment to relax and appreciate the calmness of the environment before we continue our journey back to Saga County.
Overnight in Saga
Kyirong Valley
The trip from Saga to Kyirong is a breathtaking adventure through some of Tibet’s most stunning scenery. As we leave Saga, we set off on a picturesque drive that reveals the unspoiled charm of the Tibetan plateau. Along the route, we navigate through rugged landscapes featuring vast grasslands, meandering rivers, and striking mountain panoramas. This journey allows us to catch sight of nomadic herders looking after their livestock in the expansive greenery. As we near Kyirong, the scenery shifts to lush valleys and vibrant forests, with the grand Himalayas rising majestically in the background. It’s an enchanting expedition that guarantees spectacular views and lasting memories, highlighting the wild beauty of Tibet’s natural marvels.
Overnight in Kyirong
Peiku Lake, Mt. Cho Oyu viewpoint
You will journey back to the frigid stretches of the Himalayas, where breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan mountain range await you. During your adventure, you’ll encounter majestic peaks such as Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, and Mount Everest. The foothills of the Himalayas are alive with vibrant meadows, grazing cattle and sheep, and towering snowy summits set against a brilliant blue sky, creating an unceasing and ever-changing panorama.
Overnight in Tingri
Another view of Mount Everest
We will make our way back to Lhasa from Dingri after finishing our journey to Mount Everest and Mount Kailash. Along the drive, we’ll have another glimpse of Mount Everest and bid farewell to this magnificent mountain. As we return to Lhasa, we will travel through Shigatse and follow the Yarlung Tsangpo River Gorge between the two cities.
Overnight in Lhasa
The itinerary is coming to a close. We look forward to meeting you again
Today is the last day of your Tibet tour, and we’ll take you to the airport or train station. Thank you for sharing this great experience with us in Tibet. We wish you safe travels!
Breakfast
Prices
Service Included:
- Tibet Travel Permit application service and mailing service within China.
- Entrance tickets to the listed attractions and activities.
- Accommodations are in three-star hotels with breakfast throughout the journey.
- Comfortable and safe tourist vehicle.
- Excellent Tibetan English-speaking guide.
- Farm house lunch and welcome dinner.
- Travel accident insurance and high-altitude sickness insurance.
- Shuutle service between the airport/train station and Lhasa city.
- Exquisite Tibetan gifts and travel maps.
- On-board medical oxygen supply for travel in high-altitude areas.
Service Excluded:
- International and domestic transportation to and from Tibet.
- Single room supply for solo travelers who require a single room.
- Some meal expenses are not included in the tour (the guide will assist in arranging and recommending meals; you are responsible for the cost).
