15 Days Kailash Manasarovar & Guge Kingdom Exploration to Kathmandu

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa

Welcome to Tibet! Upon your arrival, our friendly guide and driver will warmly welcome you at the airport, presenting you with a traditional Tibetan white scarf called "Khata." With just a one-hour drive on the expressway (70 kilometers), the driver will take you to comfortable hotel in downtown Lhasa. After checking in at the hotel, take the time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude (3,650 meters), ensuring a good and healthy start to your journey on the plateau.

Meal: /

Accommodation: Lhasa

Altitude: 3650m

Distance: about 70km, 1hr drive

Day 2: Lhasa City Tour

Today, you will explore two distinctive Monastery in Lhasa, Drepung Monastery and Sera, both offering a unique insight into Tibetan Buddhism. You will visit the Buddhist halls, Buddhist colleges, and the monks' kitchen, witnessing how they engage in special debates to study Buddhist teachings.

Sera Monastery is renowned for its lively Buddhist debates (no debate on Sunday), showcasing the essence of Tibetan Buddhism. Monks employ exaggerated body language, engaging in dance-like discussions about Buddhist philosophy, demonstrating their knowledge in a spirited manner.

In the evening, the guide will accompany the group to a traditional Tibetan restaurant for a welcome dinner, marking the beginning of your journey in Tibet.

Meal: BD

Accommodation: Lhasa

Altitude: 3650m

Day 3: Lhasa City Tour

Today, let's explore into the treasures of Lhasa, the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama and acclaimed as the world's highest palace. The Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, the Center of Tibetan Faithboth, both designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Potala Palace, towering majestically over the red hills in the center of Lhasa, was once the religious and political center of Tibet. As you climb the 365 steps to the main building, you'll explore the Dalai Lama's former political hall, the prayer halls, and the tomb stupa. Here, you'll encounter remarkable murals and exquisite Buddha statues, showcasing the accumulated wealth and treasures of ancient Tibet.

The Jokhang Temple, revered for housing the 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni, is considered the holiest site in Tibet and a lifelong pilgrimage destination for Tibetans. You can join the pilgrims to walk in Barkhor Street and experience the soul of the city. The guide will also accompany you to a local Tibetan teahouse, offering insight into the social culture.

Meal: B

Accommodation: Lhasa

Altitude: 3650m

Day 4: Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse

Drive for approximately 7 to 8 hours (340 kilometers) to reach Shigatse. Along the way, you will visit two breathtaking natural landscapes – Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier. You will enjoy a scenic 20-kilometer drive following the disappearing shoreline of the Lake. We will stop at a village by the lake, where you can walk into the homes of lakeside farmers, explore their households, and indulge in a delightful farmhouse lunch. 

After lunch, drive for approximately 1 hour to visit one of Tibet's most beautiful glaciers – the Karola Glacier, the enormous glacier tongue extends to the roadside, resembling a frozen waterfall hanging over the road and above your head.

Following the Karola Glacier, we will pass by Lake Manla and the ancient town of Gyantse, proceed to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.

Meal: BL

Accommodation: Shigatse

Altitude: 4000m

Distance: about 360km, 8hr drive

Day 5: Shigatse-Everest Base Camp

After breakfast, we will visit Tashilunbu Monastery first, the set of Panchan Lama, the largest monastery of western Tibet. Then we will start a 6.5-hour drive (330 kilometers) to the top of the world – Mount Everest. Along the way, you   will visit several viewpoints where you can catch glimpses of Everest. The journey culminates with an overnight stay at Everest Base Camp (EBC).

Departing from Shigatse, you'll be accompanied by rural farmland and villages. Approximately 4 hours into the journey, you'll approach Dingri County, where you'll have your first view of Everest from the Dingri Viewpoint. Upon entering the Everest scenic area, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan range from Gawula Pass. The 7000 to 8000-meter peaks of the Himalayas stand proudly above the sea of clouds, creating a majestic and awe-inspiring spectacle.

Next, you'll proceed on the dedicated road leading to Everest, with the mountain growing larger and closer until you reach the northern face base camp. From the base camp, Everest appears like a colossal pyramid standing before you. We will strive to arrive at Everest Base Camp before sunset, allowing you the opportunity to witness the magnificent natural phenomenon of the sunset casting golden hues upon the mountain.

(During the winter season, when the Everest Base Camp tented lodges are closed, we will relocate accommodations to the nearest village to Everest, Basong Village.)

Meal: B

Accommodation: Rongbuk Guesthouse (8-15pax share)

Altitude: 5200m

Distance: about 340km, 8hr drive

Day 6: EBC-Saga

In the morning you can enjoy the sunrise on Mount Everest (depending on the weather), or go for a walk near the base camp and enjoy the beautiful morning time on Mount Everest. After breakfast, your tour guide will take you to the Rongbuk Monastery, the highest temple in the world. It is the last place in the world that was engulfed by waves in the "Movie 2012". This is also the best photography spot to capture the natural and cultural landscapes of Mount Everest.

After leaving Mount Everest, we will drive you to Saga, the gateway to the Ali Plateau in Tibet. On the way you will see Mount Shishapangma, the only peak above 8,000 meters in China, and the beautiful lake Pekucuo at its feet.

Meal: /

Accommodation: Local basic hotel

Altitude: 4600m

Distance: about 380km, 7hr drive

Day 7: Saga-Darchen

You will traverse the gorge formed by the Himalayas and Gangdise Mountains, witnessing the continuous snow-capped mountains on both sides of the gorge. Along the way, you will pass through the pastures, wetlands, and lakes, with magnificent scenery and straight roads. After crossing the 5211m Mayum La Pass, you will catch the first glimpse of Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash. Continuing for about 50 kilometers along the lake shore, you will reach the town of Darchen at the foot of Mount Kailash. Darchen is the starting and ending point for the Mount Kailash pilgrimage. The town offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and hotels. 

Meal: /

Accommodation: Local basic hotel

Altitude: 4600m

Distance: about 490km, 8hr drive

Day 8: Darchen-Zanda

After breakfast, you will take a scenic drive from Darchen to Zanda. As road wind through this territory, wildlife roams freely, creating a surreal journey towards the Ruins of Guge Kingdom in Zanda County.

Upon arrival in Zanda, your first stop is Toling Monastery, a hidden gem in western Tibet. The monastery boasts exquisite Buddhist murals comparable to the famous Dunhuang Mogao Caves, depicting heavenly scenes, playful animals, intricate patterns, and more. The architectural fusion of Indian, Nepali, and Tibetan styles at Toling Monastery provides a unique glimpse into Tibetan arts. Surrounded by 83 stupas, the monastery exudes a solemn atmosphere, adding to its ancient grandeur.

Then, you'll explore the Ruins of Guge Kingdom. Ruling the western Tibetan plateau for 700 years, the Guge Kingdom mysteriously vanished 400 years ago. The remnants, resembling ancient fortresses, reveal exquisite carvings, gold and silver Buddha statues, and well-preserved murals, including the renowned "Guge Silver Eyes." This vanished kingdom leaves behind a splendid legacy, blending Tibetan Buddhism and political history in enduring masterpieces.

After today's visit, get back to your guesthouse in Zanda.

Meal: /

Accommodation: Local basic hotel

Altitude: 3800m-4200m

Distance: about 250km, 4.5hr drive

Day 9: Zanda-Darchen

In the morning, you will explore the Donggar and Piyang Caves, the world's largest Buddhist cave complex, showcasing monasteries, castles, grottoes, and pagodas. These sites unveil ancient cave dwellings and vibrant murals, leaving a lasting impression. These off-the-beaten sites stand as spectacular relics on the western Tibetan plateau, showcasing ancient cave dwellings adorned with vibrant murals. The caves offer a unique glimpse into cultural remnants spanning from grottoes to Buddhist temples, featuring enduring murals depicting diverse themes—from Buddha statues to celestial maidens. This historical tapestry extends from the prehistoric period to the era of Buddhist civilization.

After your exploration of these ancient wonders, return to Darchen to prepare for your upcoming Mount Kailash trek. If you need to hire a porter to carry your luggage and accompany you on the pilgrimage, you can communicate your requirements with the guide, and they will help you to communicate with the local.

Meal: /

Accommodation: Local basic hotel

Altitude: 4600m

Distance: about 250km, 4.5hr drive

Day 10: Mt. Kailash Trek (Darchen-Driapuk Monastery)

Taking the Mount Kailash sightseeing bus 7 kilometers from Darchen to SeShong, where the first day of the Mount Kailash kora trek begins. You will trek along the valley at the foot of Mount Kailash clockwise for 13 kilometers, then reach the accommodation for the first day of the trek, Driapuk Monastery, which located at the foot of west slope of Kailash.

Meal: /

Accommodation: Local guesthouse (mutiple share)

Altitude: 5100m

Distance: about 13km, 4hr trek

Day 11: Mt. Kailash Trek (Driapuk Monastery-Dzutripuk Monastery)

Today of the Mount Kailash circuit is the most challenging and longest. You will be on a trek to cross the 5630 meters high Dolma La Pass, covering a distance of 24 kilometers.

Starting from Driapuk Monastery before dawn, you will ascend to the mountainside of Dolma La, where you can witness the sunrise over the northwest slope of Mount Kailash. In the morning, you'll climb over the Dolma La Pass adorned with prayer flags, providing a view of the glacier on the northwest slope of Mount Kailash and the Mercy Lake below the pass. According to legend, bathing in the Lake can cleanse one of a lifetime of sins and lead to rebirth. Following this, you'll navigate a lengthy downhill section filled with stones, passing through the valley beneath Mount Kailash to the Dzultripuk Monastery.In the summer, this valley transforms into lush grassland, with herds of livestock and wildlife visible. 

Meal: /

Accommodation: Local guesthouse (mutiple share)

Altitude: 4880m

Distance: about 24km, 10hr trek

Day 12: Mt. Kailash Trek (Dzutripuk Monastery-Darchen)

In the morning, we will leave Dzultripuk Monastery and continue walking to the ending as well as the starting point of the Mount Kailash circuit, Darchen. You can take a short rest at the hotel and in the afternoon, we will head to Lake Manasarovar.

The distance from Dzultripuk Monastery to Tarchen is not long, and you can choose to walk or take a 5-kilometer bus ride. Along the valley at the foot of Mount Kailash, you can see a vast plain in the distance, adorned with Lake Manasarovar, and the Naimonanyi Peak 7694m towering beside it.

By the shores of Lake Manasarovar, you'll spend some delightful moments. You can mimic the Buddhist devotees by approaching the lake to collect some holy water for washing your hands or face, cleansing away the fatigue of the past kailash kora days and refreshing your soul. There are hot spring (optional) cabins by the lake where you can also soak your feet or take a bath.

Meal: /

Accommodation: Local basic hotel

Altitude: 4600m

Distance: about 12km, 4hr trek

Day 13: Darchen-Saga

Today we will return to Saga County along the coming road. During the hundreds of kilometers of journey, you will once again enjoy the grasslands and lakes of the Ali Plateau, the snow-capped mountains of the Gangdise Mountains and the Himalayas. 

Meal: /

Accommodation: Local basic hotel

Altitude: 4600m

Distance: about 490km, 8hr drive

Day 14: Saga-Gyirong

Having been to the highest peak in the world, we will take you to the lowest altitude place in western Tibet – Gyirong Valley. High snow mountains at an altitude of 2,800 meters is surrounded by dense forests, crisscrossed canyons, and abundant oxygen. Here you can have a good rest, explore the countryside surrounded by forests, and breathe in the fresh oxygen in the forest to relieve the fatigue of the journey. 

Meal: /

Accommodation: Local basic hotel

Altitude: 2800m

Distance: about 200km, 3hr drive

Day 15: Gyirong-Kathmandu

In the morning, the Tibetan guide will accompany you to the Gyirong Port. Under the majestic Chinese border gate, there will be a photo opportunity, and it will be time to bid farewell. Crossing the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge that spans the canyon, you will meet our Nepali staff who will welcome you at the border.

The tour include border-to-Kathmandu transfer service, we will assist with luggage handling (tips are appreciated), escort you to Jeep, and ensure your seating arrangement until the private car drops you off near your pre-booked hotel in Kathmandu. Along the journey, you will continue to enjoy the snowy peaks and canyon scenery on the southern side of the Himalayas until you reach the Kathmandu Valley.

Meal: /

Accommodation: /

Altitude: 1370m

Distance: about 150km, 8-10hr drive