Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa (3658 m)
Welcome to Lhasa! Transfer to your hotel and get settled.
Day 2: Lhasa
In the morning, visit the Potala Palace, the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. Also visit the Jokhang Temple, which is located in Barkhor square in Lhasa. The Barkhor is a famous shopping street filled with goods and souvenirs from Tibet, Nepal, and India. Pilgrims from all over Tibet visit the Barkhor to pray in front of the Jokhang. Afterwards, visit Ramoche, a small monastery located in the city center.
Day 3: Lhasa
Visit Drepung, one of the three most famous monasteries in Lhasa. Drepung is located just outside Lhasa on Gambo Utse Mountain. After lunch explore Sera monastery, where you can watch monks debate in the courtyard. If time allows hike to Pabonka hermitage. Founded by 33rd king Songtsan Gampo in the 7th century, it is currently the largest and most important of the Sera hermitages.
Day 4: Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake (4442 m) – Gyantse (3900 m)
Beginning your adventure in the Himalayas, drive to Gyantse. Along the way cross over the Kamba la (4794m) and the Karo la passes (5010m), which boast spectacular views. After Kamba la, arrive at Yamdrok Lake, a holy turquoise-colored lake with stunning scenery. Stay the night in Gyantse.
Day 5: Gyantse – Shigatse (3836 m) – Sakya monastery (4300 m)
In the morning, visit Gyantse stupa and monastery followed by a two hour drive to Shigatse. Here, see the giant Buddha in the famous Tashilunpo monastery. Continue to Sakya monastery – the main monastery of Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Day 6: Sakya – Rongbuk monastery – Everest Base Camp (5200 m)
After passing through scenic valleys and driving over rocky mountains, you will reach Rongbuk Monastery, where you will have a fabulous view of Mt. Everest. Rongbuk monastery is the highest monastery in the world. Rongbuk Monastery to Everest is about 8km, and along the way you there are spectacular views of the world’s tallest mountain. You can either take a two-hour hike or take a bus to Everest Base Camp. Spend the night in a warm yak-hair tent run by a Tibetan family.
Day 7: Everest Base Camp – Old Tingri – view of Mt. Shishapangma – Peikutso Lake – Saga (4640)
After sunrise at the Everest Base Camp, driving down towards old Tingri. You will see world’s most highest mountains along the way. After reach the main road, drive up to high mountain passes with a great view of the Himalayas. The world’s one of the highest mountain – Mt. Shishangpangma can be seen in distance in your left side. Then continue drive towards north to Peikutso Lake, an Alpine Lake. Afterwards, you are continuously driving through the countryside, where you can see small lakes and nomads camping with their yaks and sheep. In the late afternoon, cross over the Bramha Putra River on the way to typical Chinese and Tibetan town. Spend the night in Saga.
Day 8: Saga – Paryang (4700 m) – Darchen (4575 m)
Drive through a wide valley along a scenic river and look out on the grazing lands of yaks and sheep. Towards the south, you can see sand dunes, rocky mountains, and snow-capped peaks. Depending on the season, nomads and other mobile shopkeepers will be attired in beautiful traditional costume. Join them for a cup of hot tea in their home. Continue drive West. In late afternoon you will catch your first sight of Holy Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Arrive in Darchen and spend the night in the guest house. Prepare for the Mt. Kailash Yatra.
Day 9: 1st Day of the Mt. Kailash kora
Walk along beautiful rocky cliffs and take pictures of breathtaking waterfalls. Take deep breaths of fresh air. From time to time, the face of Mt. Kailash will appear. Be prepared for some difficult hiking.
Day 10: 2nd day of the Mt. Kailash kora
Hike across a valley up to the Dolma-La Pass. At the top, make an offering, take a break (or meditate), and forget all your cares and worries. Afterwards, begin descending. By the late afternoon arrive at Zuthal Puk, the cave of miracles where Milerepa once stayed.
Day 11: 3rd day of the Mt. Kailash kora and return to lake Manasarovar (4558 m)
After finishing your circuit (kora) of Mt. Kailash, a car will pick you up and take you to the lake Manasarovar. This turquoise-colored lake is full of fish and swans. Holy Mt. Kailash, Mt. Gurula-Mandala, and Lake Rashekshi surround Manasarovar. The region is considered rich in gold and other minerals, hot springs and hundreds of wild living creatures. Then visit Rakshas Tal lake and Chiu Monastery, a small monastery located upper on a hillside. You can dip into a hotspring there. Overnight near the lake.
Day 12: Lake Manasarovar – Paryang – Saga
Begin the journey back to Lhasa. Enjoy a beautiful view of Himalaya ranges.
Day 13: Saga – Shigatse
Continue driving back towards Lhasa. Stop for short hikes and taking pictures of the Himalaya range.
Day 14: Shigatse – Yungdrunling monastery – Lhasa
Visit Yungdrunling, a Bonpo monastery that was once the second most influential monastery in Tibet.
Day 15: Depart Lhasa
Say goodbye to Tibet!
Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.
