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. The Potala is 13 stories high and holds countless treasures in its many rooms. Built in 637 AD, the Potala has been home to the Dalai Lama lineage for more than a thousand years. 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. From the roof of the monastery you will have a view of prostrating pilgrims. Afterwards, explore the old Tibetan quarter. Walk through the market and stop to sip sweet tea at a traditional teahouse.
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 – Karo-la Glacier-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 6: Gyantse – Shigatse (3800 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. Spend the night in Shigatse
Day 7: Shigatse – Lhatse (4350m)
Drive up to two high mountain passes with a great view of the Himalayas. In Lhatse, visit a small Gelugpa monastery called Lhatse Chode.
Day 8: Lhatse – Saga (4450m)
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 typical Chinese and Tibetan town. Spend the night in Saga.
Day 9: Saga – Paryang(4600m)-Lake Manasarovar(4558)
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. Spend the night in a small village nearby Lake Manasarovar.
Day 10: Holy Lake Manasarovar (4558m)
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)
Manasarovara is the lake of compassion, tranquility and bliss. After completing a morning puja (offering prayer) we head towards Tarchen, which is considered the base camp of Mt. Kailash. Overnight in Darchen.
Optional-hike up 2 hours to Serlung Monastery where you can catch a better view of Mt.Kailash.
Day 12: Trek – Dehara Puk (5000m)
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 (5670m)
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 14: Return to Manasarovara
After finishing your circuit (kora) of Mt. Kailash, a car will pick you up and take you to Darchen. Stay overnight at Darchen or Lake Manasovora.
Day 15: Lake Manasarovar – Paryang-Saga
Begin the journey back to Lhasa. Enjoy a beautiful view of Himalaya ranges.
Day 16: Saga – Shigatse (with the option of going to the Nepal border)
Day 17 Shigatse – Lhasa
Visit Yungdrunling, a Bonpo monastery that was once the second most influential monastery in Tibet.
Day 18: Depart Lhasa
Say goodbye to Tibet!
Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.
