17-Day Kailash Manasarovar Full Moon Tour & Guge Kingdom Exploration
Tour Route： Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse-EBC-Saga-Guge Kingdom-Piyang-Kailash-Saga-Kyirong-Tingri-Lhasa
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Route Highlights:
The 17-day journey is not only a pilgrimage, but also an all-round exploration of the diverse cultures of Tibet. Every step is a baptism of the soul, every glance is the exquisite respect for the past.
Journey Features
All of the popular tourist locations in Tibet are included in this 17-day trip, including the majestic Kailash and the sacred lake Manasarovar, Potala Palace, monasteries, lakes, glaciers, and Everest Base Camp. Every year, hundreds of pilgrims flock to Mount Kailash, and we will walk 52 kilometers around this holy peak. Along with visiting Kailash, we will also take you to the Ngari wilderness, where you may see untamed wild creatures beneath the Himalayas, explore the remnants of an old dynasty in western Tibet, and uncover artifacts that are priceless pieces of human civilization.
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 Darchen – Toling – Guge kingdom
D09 Tzaprang – Dongga – Piyang – Tridapuryi – Tarchen
D10 Kailash Kora, 1st day Tarchen – Driapuk
D11 Kailash Kora, 2nd day Driapuk – Dzultripuk
D12 Kailash Kora, 3rd day Dzultripuk – Lake
D13 Tarchen-Saga
D14 Saga-Kyirong
D15 Kyirong-Tingri
D16 Tingri-Lhasa
D17 Depart from Lhasa
Airport/Train Station Pickup, Check-in at the Hotel
Greetings from Tibet! Upon your arrival at the airport, our welcoming driver and guide will be there to greet you with enthusiasm and present you with a traditional Tibetan white scarf, called a “Khata.” In approximately an hour, you will be driven along the highway (just 70 kilometers) to a hotel situated in the heart of Lhasa. After checking in, it’s important to take some time to relax and adjust to the altitude (3,650 meters) to ensure a positive and healthy beginning to your stay on the plateau.
Overnight in Lhasa
Tibet Road Trip Co., Ltd
Visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery Debating
Today, you will explore two distinct monasteries in Lhasa: Sera and Drepung, each offering a unique insight into Tibetan Buddhism. You’ll witness how monks engage with Buddhist teachings by touring their halls, colleges, and kitchen. Additionally, you’ll observe their participation in fascinating debates. Sera Monastery is particularly renowned for its vibrant discussions that highlight the fundamental principles of Tibetan Buddhism. Here, monks express themselves with animated gestures, even dancing while delving into Buddhist philosophy, showcasing their passionate understanding. Your Tibetan adventure will kick off in the evening as the guide leads the group to a traditional Tibetan restaurant for a welcome dinner.
Breakfast/Welcome Dinner
Visit Potala Palace and Johkang Temple
Let’s explore the treasures of Lhasa, featuring the Potala Palace, which once served as the residence of the Dalai Lama and is celebrated as the highest palace in the world. The Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, recognized as the heart of Tibetan faith, have earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The Potala Palace, a magnificent symbol of Tibet’s political and spiritual history, rises majestically above the red hills of Lhasa. As you ascend the 365 steps to the main structure, you can discover prayer rooms, the stupa housing the tomb, and the former political hall of the Dalai Lama. Here, you will find stunning murals and exquisite Buddha statues that reflect the splendor and treasures of ancient Tibet.
At the renowned Jokhang Temple lies the revered 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni, considered by Tibetans to be the holiest site in the nation and a lifelong pilgrimage destination. To truly feel the city’s spirit, take a leisurely walk along Barkor Street alongside fellow pilgrims. Additionally, your guide will lead you to a nearby Tibetan teahouse, offering valuable insights into local life.
Breakfast
Yamdrotso Lake, Karola Glacier
Traveling to Shigatse will take approximately 7 to 8 hours by car. Along the way, you’ll encounter two breathtaking sights: Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier. Experience a stunning 20-kilometer drive as you trace the shrinking shoreline of the lake. We will stop at a lakeside village where you can wander through the homes of local farmers, explore the area, and savor a delicious meal prepared in a farmhouse. After lunch, we’ll continue for about an hour to see the Karola Glacier, one of Tibet’s most spectacular glaciers. The immense glacier tongue descends to the roadside, resembling a frozen waterfall that seems to hang over the road and loom above you. Following our visit to the Karola Glacier, we will pass by Lake Manla and the historic town of Gyantse before heading to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.
Breakfast/Farm house Lunch
Tashilunpo Monastery, Gyawula Viewing Point, Everest Base Camp
After breakfast, our first destination will be Tashilunpo Monastery, the largest monastery in western Tibet and associated with the Panchan Lama. Following our visit, we will embark on a 330-kilometer, 6.5-hour drive to the summit of Mount Everest. Along the way, there will be several stops to catch glimpses of the majestic Everest. Our journey will culminate with an overnight stay at Everest Base Camp (EBC).
As we depart Shigatse, you’ll find yourself surrounded by picturesque rural villages and scenic countryside. After approximately four hours of travel, we’ll reach Dingri County, where the Dingri Viewpoint provides your first sighting of Mount Everest. Approaching the breathtaking region of Everest, Gawula Pass will reward you with stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan range, where peaks soaring between 7,000 and 8,000 meters rise majestically above a sea of clouds, creating a truly awe-inspiring scene.
Continuing along the designated route towards Everest, the peak will gradually appear closer and more imposing until we finally arrive at the base camp on its northern face. From this vantage point, Everest resembles an enormous pyramid. We will aim to reach Everest Base Camp before sunset so you can witness the captivating natural display of the sun setting on the mountain, casting it in golden light. (During winter months, when the tented lodges at Everest Base Camp are closed, we will relocate our accommodations to Basong settlement, the closest community to Everest.)
Overnight in EBC
Pekutso Lake, Mt. Shishapangma
Depending on the weather, you can either watch the sunrise from the summit of Mount Everest or wander around the base camp to enjoy the breathtaking early morning views. After breakfast, your tour guide will escort you to the Rongbuk Monastery, the highest temple in the world. This site was famously featured as the last place on Earth to be submerged in the film “2012.” It’s a perfect spot for capturing the cultural and natural beauty surrounding Mount Everest. After departing from Mount Everest, we will take you to Saga, which serves as the gateway to Tibet’s Ali Plateau. Along the way, you will encounter the stunning Lake Pekucuo and Mount Shishapangma, China’s only peak exceeding 8,000 meters.
Breakfast
Himalayas, Gangdise Mountains, Manasarovar Lake
As you traverse the canyon formed by the majestic Himalayas and Gangdise Mountains, you’ll be greeted by snow-capped peaks flanking both sides of the gorge. The journey takes you along straight paths that wind through stunning lakes, wetlands, and pastures, all offering breathtaking scenery. After crossing the Mayum La Pass, which stands at 5,211 meters, your first sights will be Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash. Continuing along the lakeshore for another fifty kilometers will lead you to Tarchen, the town located at the base of Mount Kailash. This is where your pilgrimage to Mount Kailash officially begins and concludes. Tarchen boasts a variety of shops, restaurants, and accommodation options. Should you need assistance, you can hire a porter to accompany you on your journey and help carry your belongings.
Overnight in Tarchen
Ali Wasteland, the stretching Himalayas, Toling Monastery, Guge Dynasty ruins
The expansive wilderness and untouched regions of Tibet begin just west of Tarchen, creating a sanctuary for wildlife set against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas. Toling Monastery, a hidden gem within these mountains, showcases beautiful Buddhist murals that rival those found in the Dunhuang Mogao Caves. These murals portray a variety of themes, including celestial landscapes, whimsical animals, and intricate designs. The Guge Kingdom, which dominated the western Tibetan plateau for 700 years, mysteriously vanished 400 years ago. This lost kingdom has left a remarkable heritage, seamlessly blending Tibetan Buddhism with political history to create lasting masterpieces. Spend the night at the Family Guesthouse in Tzaprang village.
Overnight in Tzaprang village
Dongga and Piyang ruins, Tridapuryi Temple
The expansive wilderness and untouched regions of Tibet start to the west of Tarchen, providing a sanctuary for wildlife amid the stunning Himalayan backdrop. Nestled in these mountains, Toling Monastery is a hidden gem renowned for its beautiful Buddhist murals that rival those found in the Dunhuang Mogao Caves. These murals showcase a variety of themes, including celestial scenes, playful animals, and intricate designs. The Guge Kingdom, which reigned over the western Tibetan plateau for seven centuries, mysteriously vanished 400 years ago, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that intertwines Tibetan Buddhism with political history, resulting in timeless masterpieces.
Overnight in Tarchen
Southwest and West Slope of Mount Kailash, Driapuk Monastery
Traveling 7 kilometers from Tarchen to SeShong on the sightseeing bus around Mount Kailash brings you to the site of the main blessing ceremony for the Sagadawa Festival, marking the beginning of the Mount Kailash kora walk. In the central square, a new prayer flag pole will be raised to replace the old one, as a large crowd gathers to celebrate. Devout Buddhists partake in joyful prayers, seeking prosperity, peace, and the well-being of all living beings. The chants of monks reciting mantras echo through the valley, harmonizing beautifully with the majestic presence of Mount Kailash, which holds immense sacred significance at this time. After the celebrations, you’ll embark on a 13-kilometer hike in a clockwise direction through the valley at the base of Mount Kailash, ultimately arriving at your lodging for the first night of the trek at Driapuk Monastery, situated at the foot of Kailash’s western slope.
Breakfast
Dromala Pass, Sunrise of Mt.Kailash, Dzultripuk Monastery
The Mount Kailash circuit stands as the longest and most challenging trek available today. You will cover 24 kilometers to reach the Dolma La Pass, which rises to an altitude of 5,630 meters. Your ascent to the hillside of Dolma La will begin before dawn, allowing you to witness the sunrise illuminating the northwest slope of Mount Kailash, starting from the Driapuk Monastery. In the morning, you will climb the prayer-flag-adorned Dolma La Pass, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of Mercy Lake nestled below and the glacier on Mount Kailash’s northwest slope. Legend has it that a dip in the lake can lead to rebirth and cleanse one of all sins accumulated in a lifetime. Following this, you’ll face a lengthy downhill trek through a rocky terrain.
Overnight in Dzultripuk Monastery
Dzultripuk Monastery – Manasarovar Lake
In the morning, we will set off from Dzultripuk Monastery and make our way on foot to Tarchen, which marks both the start and conclusion of the Mount Kailash circuit. After a brief rest at the hotel, we will head to Lake Manasarovar in the afternoon. There are two ways to travel from Dzultripuk Monastery to Tarchen: either by walking or by taking a short 5-kilometer bus ride. From the valley at the foot of Mount Kailash, you can see a vast plain that includes Lake Manasarovar, with the impressive Naimonanyi Peak, towering at 7,694 meters, in the background. You’ll have an enjoyable time along the shores of Lake Manasarovar. To wash away the fatigue from the previous days of the Kailash Kora and revitalize your spirit, you can approach the lake and collect some sacred water, just like the Buddhist pilgrims do. Nearby, there are cabins with hot springs where you can take a bath or soak your feet.
Overnight in Tarchen
Grassland Pastoral Area, Wild Animals, Gongzhu Lake
Today, we will embark on the journey back to Saga County. Along the way, you will once again have the chance to admire the breathtaking Himalayas and the Gangdise Mountains, renowned for their snow-covered summits, as well as the expansive grasslands and shimmering lakes of the Ali Plateau throughout our long drive. You may choose to stop for a leisurely walk around Gongzhu Lake or explore the pasture, allowing you to reconnect with nature during our travels.
Breakfast
Kyirong Valley
After exploring the highest peak on Earth, we will guide you to Kyirong Valley, the lowest point in western Tibet. Situated at an elevation of 2,800 meters, this area is surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and winding canyons, all while offering a wealth of oxygen. Here, you can relax as you stroll through the picturesque rural landscape enveloped by trees, breathing in the fresh forest air to rejuvenate yourself after your travels. You may also join fellow travelers on a tour group heading to the Nepalese border, where you can visit the boundary between China and Nepal and capture stunning photos in front of China’s impressive national gate.
Overnight in Kyirong
Peiku Lake, Mt. Cho Oyu viewpoint
Once again, you’ll have the opportunity to bask in the breathtaking sights of the Himalayan mountain range as you return to its snow-draped terrains. Along your journey, you’ll encounter iconic peaks such as Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma. The foothills of the Himalayas are filled with lush meadows, herds of sheep and cattle, and towering snow-capped summits that stand out against a brilliant blue sky, creating an enduringly stunning landscape.
Breakfast
The Barley farmland, Yarlung Zangbo River Valley
Following our visits to Mount Everest and Mount Kailash, we will return to Lhasa from Dingri. This journey offers one final glimpse of the majestic Mount Everest as we bid farewell to its grandeur. On our route back to Lhasa, we’ll pass through Shigatse and drive along the breathtaking Yarlung Tsangpo River Gorge.
Breakfast
The itinerary is coming to a close. We look forward to meeting you again
Today is the end of your trip in Tibet, and we will take you to the train or airport. Thank you for joining us in Tibet during this wonderful time.
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).
