Entangle in on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Mount Kailash, the sacred pinnacle of Asia, and immerse yourself in stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Dominating the Himalayan Barrier, Mount Kailash is revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bön-Pos as a holy pilgrimage site. Trek around the mountain, witness its majestic beauty, and cleanse your soul. Complete the pilgrimage by bathing in the sacred Lake Manasarovar, surrounded by the Tibetan plateau’s serene magnificence. Explore monasteries, encounter hospitable Tibetans, and marvel at the Himalayan peaks. Gain profound insights into Tibetan ancient cultures and traditions as you visit historic sites and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of arts, crafts, and cuisine. Witness indigenous cultures in Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, and other significant cities. This unforgettable journey begins in either Lhasa or Kathmandu, with a briefing followed by a breathtaking flight or train ride. Join us for an extraordinary adventure that combines breathtaking scenery and captivating cultural highlights.
Kailash Manasharovar Tour
Upon your arrival at Gonggar Airport, your Tibetan guide will meet you and assist with immigration procedures. A comfortable drive of approximately 45 minutes will take you to the old city of Lhasa. After checking in at your hotel, take some time to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. There is no fixed program for today, allowing you to adjust at your own pace.
After breakfast, your experienced guide will provide a briefing for the day's activities. Embark on a sightseeing tour that includes visits to Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, and Barkhor Square. At Sera Monastery, gain insight into Tibetan Buddhism and witness the monks' engaging debates. Explore Norbulingka, a beautiful summer retreat adorned with intricate Tibetan carvings and paintings. The tour also takes you to Jokhang Temple, a significant site showcasing Tibetan cultural heritage. Take a leisurely stroll around the bustling Barkhor Square. At the end of the day, return to your hotel.
Start your day with an early breakfast before being accompanied by your guide to the magnificent Potala Palace. This grand palace, dominating the Lhasa landscape, showcases exquisite Tibetan art, murals, and statues. Explore the ancient chambers and observe the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas. Later, visit the serene Drepung Monastery, where you can witness the chants and religious discourses of monks and nuns. After a fulfilling day, return to your hotel for well-deserved rest. Please note that the order of sightseeing may vary due to the limited number of visitors allowed inside the Potala Palace each day.
Today is free for you to spend as you please. Explore the enchanting old city, revisit your favorite monastery, browse for souvenirs in the vibrant local market at Barkhor Square, or simply relax in a café and observe the pilgrims circling the Jokhang Temple. If you wish, you can opt for an additional tour to places like the Tibetan Medical Centre, Ganden Monastery, or Tsurphu Monastery, at an additional cost.
Embark on a scenic journey along the Friendship Highway, passing through the picturesque Khamba La at 4794m. Take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking views of Yamdrok-tso Lake and Nazin Kang Sa, a towering peak reaching 7252m. Continuing westwards, you'll encounter the Karo La pass at 5045m, offering glimpses of impressive glaciers. After driving approximately 261 km, you will arrive in the town of Gyantse, where beautifully landscaped Tibetan villages welcome you.
Gyantse is renowned for its historical treasures, including Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Gyantse Dzong, a fortress dating back to the 14th century, offers panoramic views of Gyantse and the picturesque Nyang Chu Valley. Kumbum houses a grand gold-domed stupa, along with captivating chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. After immersing yourself in the wonders of Gyantse, embark on a 90 km drive to Shigatse (3900m), the second-largest city in Tibet. The highlight of Shigatse is the magnificent Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the largest and most significant monasteries in Tibet.
Continuing along the Friendship Highway, you will travel to Lhatse. This 157 km drive concludes in the small town of Lhatse, which offers good restaurants, well-stocked shops, and comfortable guesthouses. Archaeology enthusiasts may find special interest in Lhatse, as the town is home to several ruined dzongs (fortresses) and the quaint Changmoche Monastery located at the western end of the town.
Leaving Lhatse behind, the trail follows the course alongside the Brahmaputra River. As you progress, the landscape unfolds with picturesque river valleys and traditional villages. This scenic drive presents ample opportunities for photography. Continuing on the northern route, you will cover a distance of 295 km and reach an elevation of 4600 meters upon arriving in Saga.
Traversing through extraordinary landscapes, this route takes you to the heart of the majestic Manasarovar Lake. As you approach this awe-inspiring sacred lake, you'll catch sight of the historic Chiu Monastery nestled on the northwest shore, offering a glimpse of the mighty Mount Kailash. This journey is a profound spiritual experience.
Amidst the serene ambiance of the sacred Lake Manasarovar, engage in your holy rituals. After spending peaceful moments by the lakeshore, gazing at the snow-capped Gurla Mandata (Memo Nani) towering at 7694m across the lake, embark on a jeep trail to Darchen, the starting point of the kora (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash.
In the early morning, drive to Yama Dwar, passing through verdant meadows and picturesque streams that lead to the Lha Chu Valley. The trail offers stunning views of the Turquoise River cascading through a narrow canyon with steep cliffs. Along the way, the north face of Mount Kailash comes into view. Upon reaching Yama Dwar, begin the trek to Dirapuk, where a 13th-century monastery awaits. Visiting this monastery adds an insightful experience to your Mount Kailash tour.
Leaving behind the fading scenery of Lha Chu Valley, you enter the enchanting Drolma Chu Valley. The anticipation builds as you ascend to Drolma La (5630m), the highest point of your journey. The challenging climb becomes immensely rewarding as you catch sight of the breathtaking Thukpe Dzingbu Lake, also known as the Lake of Compassion, shimmering at the summit. Prayer flags flutter in the wind, adding a spiritual touch to the surroundings. Descending from the summit, you arrive at the serene flat fields of Zutul-Puk, where a monastery and intriguing caves await. These caves are renowned for meditation, with Milarepa's cave being a prominent one, said to bear the imprints of his footprints and elbow marks on the mani stone walls.
Leaving Zutul-Puk behind, you follow the trail through the captivating Bharkha plain, leading you back to Darchen. The journey is relatively easy as you pass impressive gorges and encounter numerous mani stones and mani walls along the way. Returning to the dusty plains of Darchen signifies the completion of the kora, where you have cleansed your sins, endured the cold nights and mornings, crossed one of the world's highest passes, connected with countless fellow pilgrims, and sent prayers of peace to the world. Upon reaching Darchen, you board a waiting vehicle for a drive to Dongba or Saga, marking the next phase of your journey.
Embarking on a drive to the bordering town of Kerung, the trail treats you to mesmerizing views of captivating mountains as you bid farewell to the arid Tibetan Plateau. After approximately 6 to 7 hours of driving, you reach Kerung at an elevation of 2450 meters. This marks the final point of your Tibetan adventure.
Today, you bid farewell to your Tibetan guide and driver as you cross the Nepal-China border. Once across, you will meet your Nepali representative, who will accompany you on the journey to Kathmandu. The drive to Kathmandu covers a distance of 175 km and takes around 7 to 8 hours, allowing you to enjoy the scenic route and reminisce about the incredible experiences of your Tibet-Nepal expedition.
