Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa [3658m]
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.
Day 3: Lhasa
Visit the Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Explore the grounds, which include gardens, fountains, and a small zoo. Afterwards, visit Sera monastery, where you can watch monks debate in the courtyard. If you enjoy hiking, walk the hour-long circumambulation path around the monastery complex.
Day 4: Lhasa
Visit Drepung, one of the three most famous monasteries in Lhasa. Drepung is located just outside Lhasa on Gambo Utse Mountain. Once home to as many as 10,000 monks, the enormous monastic complex is the site of many prayer halls, dormitories, and temples. Just below the monastery is the Nechung temple, the former home of the state oracle. Afterwards, visit Ramoche, a small monastery located in the city center. If time allows, explore the alleys of the Tibetan quarter and visit traditional workshops and handicraft stores.
Day 5: Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Gyantse [3950m], 268km, 5.5 hours
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 6: Gyantse – Shigatse [3836m], 90km, 1.5 hours
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. Spend the night in Shigatse.
Day 7: Shigatse – Lhatse [4350m], 190km, 7 hours
Drive up to two high mountain passes with a great view of the Himalayas. In Lhatse, visit a small Gelugpa monastery called Lhatse Chode.
Add an extra day for a detour to Everest Base Camp
Day 8: Lhatse – Saga [4450m], 292km, 7 hours
Drive 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 a Tibetan town. Spend the night in Saga.
Day 9: Saga - Paryang [4500m] - Lake Manasarovar, 484km, 8 hours
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. In the late afternoon you will catch your first sight of Holy Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Spend the night in a small village nearby Lake Manasarovar.
Day 10: Holy Lake Manasarovar
Visit Manasarovar, the highest freshwater lake in the world. 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. Overnight at Lake Manasarovar.
Day 11: Puja – Darchen [4565m], 35km, 2 hours
Manasarovar is the lake of compassion, tranquility and bliss. After completing a morning puja (offering prayer) we head towards Darchen, which is considered the base camp of Mt. Kailash. Overnight in Darchen.
Day 12: Trek – Dirapuk [5000m], 18km, 5-6 hours hiking
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 13: Yatra and Dolma-La Pass [4790m], 22km, 8 hours hiking
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 the Tibetan poet-saint Milerepa once stayed.
Day 14: Return to Darchen [4565m], 14km, 2 hours hiking
After finishing your circuit (kora) of Mt. Kailash and rest at Darchen. Stay overnight at Darchen.
Day 15: Darchen – Tirthapuri - Toling [3680m], 7 hours
Drive about 70km towards west, you will reach Tirthapuri where you can see the caves of Padmasambhava and sacred hot spring. Continuing driving west to Toling Monastery, which was founded by Rinchen Zangpo in the early 11th century.
Day 16: Toling Monastery – Guge Kingdom – Ali
Visit one of Tibet’s most ancient kingdoms, which was established by the Guge King in the 10th century.
Day 17: Ali – Gegye [4280m], 112km, 3 hours
Begin the journey through Tibet’s remote Changtang Plateau.
Day 18: Gegye – Tsochen
Continue driving across Changtang plateau. Keep your eye out for all kinds of wild animals!
Day 19: Tsochen – Saga [4640m]
Drive along the Himalaya range to the border.
Day 20: Saga-Peikutso Lake- Zhangmu/Nepal Border [2300m], 240km, 7 hours
Drive to the Nepal border or head straight back to Lhasa via Shigatse.
Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.
