Sacred Mt. Kailash

Mt. Kailash, known as the “Precious Jewel of Snows” in Tibetan, is revered by Buddhists as the dwelling place of the deity Chakrasamvara. It is believed that completing 108 circumambulations around the mountain leads to enlightenment. The renowned Tibetan poet-saint Milarepa once proclaimed, “There is no place more potent for practice, more blessed, or more extraordinary than this. May all pilgrims and practitioners be welcomed!”

On this journey, begin in Lhasa. Visit the great Potala Palace, the holy Jokhang Temple, and the colorful marketplace known as the Barkhor. Watch monks debate at Sera Monastery, later explore Drepung Monastery and Ramoche Temple. On the way out of the city, drive to Yamdrok Lake and then on to see the giant Buddha in Shigatse. Following a pilgrimage road to Mount Kailash,  visit holy Lake Manasarovar.  Trekking around sacred Mt. Kailash, Enjoy a feast in Dechen as soon as you complete your journey.

Itinerary: 

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa (3658 m)

Welcome to Lhasa! Transfer to your hotel and settle in.

Potala from Jokhang

Day 2: Lhasa Exploration

In the morning, visit the awe-inspiring Potala Palace, the grandest structure in Tibet. Explore the Jokhang Temple located in Barkhor Square, a bustling marketplace offering traditional Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian goods and souvenirs. Witness the pilgrims’ devotion as they pray at the Jokhang. Later, visit Ramoche, a charming monastery situated in the heart of the city.

Day 3: Monastic Wonders of Lhasa

Embark on a visit to Drepung Monastery, one of Lhasa’s three renowned monasteries, nestled on Gambo Utse Mountain. After lunch, experience the captivating debates among monks at Sera Monastery’s courtyard. If time permits, take a hike to Pabonka Hermitage, the largest and most significant of the Sera hermitages, founded by King Songtsan Gampo in the 7th century.

Day 4: Lhasa – Brahmaputra River – Shigatse (3836m). 280km, 6 hours

Beginning your adventure in the Himalayas, drive to Shigatse, Along the way cross Yarlung Tsangpo River and some local villages. Once we arrive Shigatse, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery which is famous for not only being the biggest Monastery in Shigatse Prefecture, but also it is the seat of incarnations of Panchen Lama, the second highest lama after His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Afterward, you can follow local pilgrims to do outer Linkor (circumambulation road around the Monastery) where you can see Shigatse Dzong and entire Shigatse town in the view. If time allows, take a walk along the old street where you can see many Tibetan traditional shops sell family and monastery necessities. You may find some interesting souvenirs in this old market.

Tashilhunpo Monastery

Day 6: Saga-Paryang (4700 m) – Darchen (4575 m) 450km 10 hours

Embark on a picturesque drive through a wide valley, accompanied by a scenic river. Admire the grazing lands of yaks and sheep, while catching sight of sand dunes, rocky mountains, and snow-capped peaks. Depending on the season, engage with nomads and mobile shopkeepers, experiencing their traditional hospitality. Wildlife can be seen any moment from now on. Continue westward and catch your first glimpse of the sacred Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Arrive in Darchen and spend the night in a guest house, preparing for the Mt. Kailash Yatra.

Day 7: 1st Day of the Mount Kailash kora, trekking distance 19km and 6-7 hours

Walk along breathtaking rocky cliffs, inhaling the fresh air, while catching glimpses of Mt. Kailash. Pass through the stone piled pass, adorned with colorful prayer flags, the famous Tarpoche Flagpole, and the sky burial site, entering the enchanting Lha Chu valley. Across the river, on the left side of the canyon, lies the Chugu Monastery with the meditation cave of Tibetan Great Yogi Melaripa.

If you’re an adept trekker interested in meditation, follow the small trail to the monastery, adding an extra hour to your journey. Later, rejoin the main trail, crossing the bridge below the monastery. The canyon is flanked by steep rocky mountains, symbolizing Bodhisattvas, such as the three towering mountains representing Rigsum Gonpo or the Three Bodhisattvas. After a half-hour walk, you’ll arrive at the sacred Dira Puk monastery, situated at 5,000 meters elevation, where you can marvel at the North Face of Mt. Kailash. This site is also believed to be the birthplace of Shiva, a primary form of God in Hinduism. Spend the night in the one of the guest houses.

The accommodation is quite basic here

Day 8: 2nd day of the Mount Kailash kora-Dolma la pass (5650 m) -Zuthal Puk (4815m), Trekking distance 12km and 7 hours.

This place is the closest to view Mt. Kailash in the entire kora. It’s located right behind the guesthouses, so enjoy this last close-up view of this holy mountain before we start the day. Hike across the valley up to the Dolma-La Pass. The trail is much more dramatic today as you ascend from 5050m to 5650m above sea level.

Although these numbers may not indicate significant differences given the altitude in this area, it is the most challenging part of the trek. When you reach the top, make an offering, take a break (or meditate), and let go of all your problems and worries. Allow the prayer flags at the mountain pass to bring positive energy to you and your loved ones. Afterwards, begin descending. A stunning turquoise lake will appear in front of you amidst the black rocky mountains, said to be a water offering for the holy mountain. By late afternoon, you will arrive at Zuthal Puk, the cave of miracles where Milarepa once stayed.

Day 9: 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. A 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 in a guesthouse near the lake.

Day 10: Lake Manasarovar –  Saga 430km 9 hours

Commence your return journey to Lhasa, reveling in the awe-inspiring vistas of the Himalayan ranges and vast stretches of picturesque grasslands. Keep an eye out for glimpses of wildlife that may grace your path, and witness the serene scenes of nomads tending to their flocks of yaks and sheep, peacefully grazing in the expansive pastures. Embrace the tranquility of this enchanting landscape as you make your way back to Saga.

Day 11: Saga – Shigats, 430km, 10 hours

As you continue your drive towards Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, relish the captivating sights of magnificent grasslands, serene valleys, majestic Rocky Mountains, and charming villages that unfold before you. Allow yourself to bask in the gratifying sense of fulfillment that accompanies this remarkable journey. Each passing scene will deepen your connection to the awe-inspiring beauty of the region, leaving you with cherished memories of this extraordinary trip.

Day 12: Shigatse – Gyantse-Karo-la Glacier-Yamdrok Lake-Lhasa. 350km, 8 hours.

Continuing your adventure in the Himalayas, drive 90km southeast to Gyantse. In Gyantse, visit Pelkor Monastery and Kumbum Stupa (100 Thousand Buddha Pagoda), both of which were built in the 15th century and are located on the northwestern edge of town. From Kumbum Stupa, you have a great view of Gyantse Dzong on the other side of the town.

Gyantse Kumbum Stupa

Afterwards, we will pass Simi-la artificial lake and Karo la Glacier. Then we will reach one of the highlights of the trip – Yamdrok Lake, it is a holy turquoise-colored lake with stunning scenery. If weather permits, you will have a stunning view of Mount Nojin Kangsang as background of this holy lake.  Stop right next to the lake and take a small walk around the lake. After that, we will ascend to the Kamba-la pass (4794) where we stop again to see the overview of Yamdrok lake and Mt. Nojin Kangsang and descend down to Yarlung valley and finally to Lhasa. Once back in Lhasa, spend some time strolling through the alleys of the old Tibetan quarter and peeking into any workshops or stores that interest you. Take the opportunity to dine on local cuisine, revisit a favorite restaurant, or scout out a delicious place to have supper.

Day 13: Depart Lhasa

Say goodbye to Tibet!

Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.

Tour Map