Lhasa to Mt Kailash trips

Itinerary:15 Days Mt Kailash tour

Day 01: Flight to Lhasa (Alt 3,650m. 65kms)
Arrival in Gonggar Airport of Lhasa. You are met and greeted by our representative and drive to Lhasa City (1hr). Check in hotel and take rest for acclimatization. You will experience mild symptoms of the altitude sickness such as headache, dizziness, disorientation, breathlessness etc but it should go away in a day or two. Please, drink plenty of water and consume liquid food.  Accommodation in medium Hotel

Day 02: At Lhasa （B)
Full day sightseeing of Lhasa, visiting Dalai Lama’s Potala Palace-the principal attraction of Lhasa, Sera Monastery-the last of the three Yellow Sect monasteries to be built in Lhasa and Norbulinkha- the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. If you are hiking enthusiast and if you do not show signs of altitude sickness, Sera Monastery kora (hiking on the pilgrimage path around the monastery) would be worth trying. We will also take chance to attend the debating ceremony of Sera Monks. Accommodation in Medium Hotel

Day 03: At Lhasa (B)
Today, we will visit Drepung Monastery-the largest, richest and the most powerful of the three major Yellow Sect monasteries of Tibet and was the power center of Tibet before the 5th Dalai Lama moved to Potala palace. At Drepung, we will visit the Ganden Palace, Main Assembly Hall and Colleges of Drepung. (Optional: Hiking enthusiasts can also attempt 1 hr long circuit hiking but you should be fully acclimatized ) ancient Jorkhang Temple in the old Tibetan quarter of Lhasa and the Barkhor Street that forms the pilgrim circuit around the Jorkhang Temple. Accommodation in Medium Hotel

Day 04: Lhasa- to Shegatse via Gyantse (Alt 3,950m. 366kms) (B)

Today, we drive to Gyantse town which still maintains Tibetan characteristics. The journey involves crossing of two high passes Kamba La (Alt 4700m) and Karo La (16,500ft) and the follows the bank of Yamdrok Tso Lake for more than 40 miles. Yamdrok Tso Lake is one of the four holiest lakes of Tibet and has turquoise green water. As we leave the lakeshore behind, the road climbs to Karo La (5,015m), once again offering breathtaking views of the mountain and vast Tibetan plateau. We arrive at Gyantse town late afternoon. Gyantse, perhaps the only major town in Central Tibet which has been able to maintain its Tibetan characteristics. Visit the Pelkor Chode and Kumbum Monastery-the main highlights of Gyantse City. Kumbum Stupa is the landmark of Gyantse and can be spotted from a long distance. If you are a hiking enthusiast, you may also attempt hiking the historical fortress of Gyantse. View from the fortress over to the city is just superb. From Gyantse, its less than 2 hrs drive to Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet. Upon arrival in Shigatse, we check in hotel and later take a relaxing walk through the Shigatse's Flea market which is a nice bargain place for Tibetan souvenir. Accommodation in Shigatse medium Hotel

 Day 05: Shigatse to Saga via Lhatse B (Alt 4500m, 360km)
After breakfast, we check out hotel and visit the famous Tashilunbo Monastery before we hit the highway for Shegar. Tashilunbo Monastery is the principal seat of Panchen Lama-the second most revered religious leader of Tibet after Dalai Lama. We cross two gentle mountain passes Tso-la (4500m/14760ft) and Tropu-la (4950m/16,236ft) A few kilometres beyond Lhatse, we cross the Brahmaputra River and after the crossing, the road enters a river valley with scattered villages. This is a beautiful area for photographs. We continue on, past the turn-off for the northern route, and arrive at Saga, having covered 306km during the day. Overnight guest house with dome room

Day 06: Saga-Darchen via Zhongba-Paryang B (Alt 4500m, 530km)
We continue across the vast dry plains to the small Tibetan town of Zhongba. We stop in briefly in Dargyeling monastery that lies 42 km/26 miles from Saga. The road condition from Zhongba deteriorates due to invasion of the sand dunes from either side of the road but we have photogenic views of the sand dunes, lake and mountains comes in 60 km from Zhonba. We camp tonight in Paryang.
Today's drive involves crossing of several sandy rivers ( Most rivers have bridges now) but has some of the most panoramic scenery of the trip. We cross a high pass of Mayum-la (5216m/17108ft) .Our crews will set up camp by the sacred Manasarovar Lake -which according to Hindu mythology was formed in the mind of Brahma-the creator of the world. Today, we will have the first glance “Darshan” of holy Mt. Kailash from Horqu. Most travelers camp here in Horqu due its close proximity to the trailhead. Overnight guest house with dome room.

Day 07 : Rest Day Darchen and guide will arrange Yak and Yak man for Kora. overnight guest house with dome room

Day 08: Darchen-Dira Phuk Gompa circumambulate Altitude 4910m/16,102 ft, 20km/12.5 miles, about 6 hrs trek  Tarboche, marked by Tibetan flags is the starting point for kora and it is the site for Tibet's most important annual Saga Dawa festival. We walk up the Lha Chu Valley through beautiful green meadows and streams with Mt Kailash towering above us. We follow the river, which enters a narrow canyon with high, steep cliffs and spectacular waterfalls. Continuing up the valley, the north face of Kailash comes into view before we reach the 13th century monastery at Dira-phuk. overnight guest house with dome room

Day 09: Drira Phuk Monastery-Zuthul-Phuk (Alt 4800,18kms)
It takes for about 6-7 hrs trek Bid farewell to Lha Chu Valley and prepare to fight the toughest part of the kora. You will enter the Drolma Chu Valley, heading up towards a high pass, the Drolma La [5,630m/18,466 ft] that is marked Tibetan prayer flags. The rest of the day's walk is mostly downhill and flat land. On descent, you will pass by one of the highest lakes in the world, Thukpe Dzingbu Lake (Gauri Kunda), known as the Lake of Compassion. Zuthulphuk monastery is built at the site of a famous cave, which is believed to have been created as a result of contest between Milareppa (Buddhist Yogi) and Naro Bonchung (Bon Saint).Overnight guest house with dome room

Day 10:Zhuthul Phuk-Darchen (Alt 4500,18kms)

Finish trek to Darchen. We have lunch at Darchen and we prepare for 3 days trekking next 2^nd Kora.Drive to Lake Manasarovar overnight guest house with dome room.

Day 11: Halt at Lake Manasarovara (Alt4500,30km)

We have additional day in the lake Manasarovara for acclimatization, rituals and exploring the lakeshores. Chiu Gompa monastery has the fabulous location atop a craggy hill overlooking the sapphire blue lake Manasarovara and offers spectacular views of lake and on a clear weather day, Mount Kailash. Pilgrims perform rituals and take a dip in the holy waters of the lake and clean the sins of lifetime! Hindu travelers will even take care to collect some water in the bottles and bring back home for their families and friends. There are some optional hiking possibilities as well. Overnight guest house with dome room

Day 12 : Drive Back to Saga  overnight guest house with dome room

Day 13 : Drive Back to Shegatse overnight medium Hotel

Day 14 : Drive back to Lhasa via north road 280km driving 6 hours.

Day 15 : Drive to airport End of Tibet tour.

NOTE:*** This trip itinerary can be changed or modified as per your time, requirement and interest.

Cost of This Trip: depend on your group size and your requirements. Please e-mail us for a special price quote.

For more information and booking this trip, please contact us in advance. Thank you for your time.

Itinerary: Lhasa-Everest-Kailash -Guge kingdom

 Day-01: Flight to Lhasa (Alt 3,650m,65km)
Arrival in Gonggar Airport of Lhasa. You are met and greeted by our representative and drive to Lhasa City (1hr). Check in hotel and take rest for acclimatization. You will experience mild symptoms of the altitude sickness such as headache, dizziness, disorientation, breathlessness etc but it should go away in a day or two. Please, drink plenty of water and consume liquid food. Accommodation in middle.

Day-02: At Lhasa (B)
Full day sightseeing of Lhasa, visiting Dalai Lama’s Potala Palace-the principal attraction of Lhasa, Sera Monastery-the last of the three Yellow Sect monasteries to be built in Lhasa and Norbulinkha- the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. If you are hiking enthusiast and if you do not show signs of altitude sickness, Sera Monastery kora (hiking on the pilgrimage path around the monastery) would be worth trying. We will also take chance to attend the debating ceremony of Sera Monks. Accommodation in middle

Day-03: At Lhasa (B)
Today, we will visit Drepung Monastery-the largest, richest and the most powerful of the three major Yellow Sect monasteries of Tibet and was the power center of Tibet before the 5th Dalai Lama moved to Potala palace. At Drepung, we will visit the Ganden Palace, Main Assembly Hall and Colleges of Drepung. (Optional: Hiking enthusiasts can also attempt 1 hr long circuit hiking but you should be fully acclimatized ) ancient Jorkhang Temple in the old Tibetan quarter of Lhasa and the Barkhor Street that forms the pilgrim circuit around the Jorkhang Temple. Accommodation in middle

Day 04: Lhasa-Gyantse (Alt 4000m, 265km) (B)
Today, we drive to Gyantse town which still maintains Tibetan characteristics. The journey involves crossing of two high passes Kamba La (15,700 ft) and Karo La (16,500ft) and the follows the bank of Yamdrok Tso Lake for more than 40 miles. Yamdrok Tso Lake is one of the four holiest lakes of Tibet and has turquoise green water. As we leave the lakeshore behind, the road climbs to Karo La (16,500ft), once again offering breathtaking views of the mountain and vast Tibetan plateau. We arrive at Gyantse town late afternoon. Gyantse, perhaps the only major town in Central Tibet which has been able to maintain its Tibetan characteristics. We check in hotel and take rest for the day. Overnight Gyantse medium Hotel

Day-05: Gyantse-Shigatse (Alt 3950, 95km) (B)
After breakfast, we will visit the Pelkor Chode and Kumbum Monastery-the main highlights of Gyantse City. Kumbum Stupa is the landmark of Gyantse and can be spotted from a long distance. If you are a hiking enthusiast, you may also attempt hiking the historical fortress of Gyantse. View from the fortress over to the city is just superb. From Gyantse, its less than 2 hrs drive to Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet. About 13 miles (20 km) before Shigatse, we take 4 km side trip of Shalu Monastery-the first of the major monasteries to be built by noble families of the Tsang Dynasty during Tibet's great revival of Buddhism, and was an important center of the Sakya tradition. Upon arrival in Shigatse, we check in hotel and later take a relaxing walk through the Shigatse's Flea market which is a nice bargain place for Tibetan souvenir.

Day 06: Shigatse to Everest and Rongbuk monastery via Lhatse (Alt 4500m, 350km) mountain passes Tso-la               (4500m) and Gyatsola pass (5225m)

Day 07: Drive to Saga 220km driving 6 hours 4460m, via breathtaking view of Shisha Pangma and Peiku Tso lake.

Day 08: Saga-Darchen via Zhongba-Paryang (B)
Altitude 4750m/14,891 ft, distance: 542km/ 340 miles, drive about 10-12 hrs drive. We continue across the vast dry plains to the small Tibetan town of Zhongba. We stop in briefly in Dargyeling monastery that lies 42 km/26 miles from Saga. The road condition from Zhongba deteriorates due to invasion of the sand dunes from either side of the road but we have photogenic views of the sand dunes, lake and mountains comes in 60 km from Zhonba. We camp tonight in Paryang. Today's drive involves crossing of several sandy rivers (Most rivers have bridges now) but has some of the most panoramic scenery of the trip. We cross a high pass of Mayum-la (5216m/17108ft) .Our crews will set up camp by the sacred Manasarovar Lake -which according to Hindu mythology was formed in the mind of Brahma-the creator of the world. Today, we will have the first glance “Darshan” of holy Mt. Kailash from Horqu. Most travelers camp here in Horqu due its close proximity to the trailhead.

Day 09: Darchen-Dira Phuk Gompa circummambulate
Altitude 4910m,20km, about 6 hrs trek. Tarboche, marked by Tibetan flags is the starting point for kora and it is the site for Tibet's most important annual Saga Dawa festival. We walk up the Lha Chu Valley through beautiful green meadows and streams with Mt Kailash towering above us. We follow the river, which enters a narrow canyon with high, steep cliffs and spectacular waterfalls. Continuing up the valley, the north face of Kailash comes into view before we reach the 13th century monastery at Dira-phuk. overnight guest house

Day 10: Drira Phuk Monastery-Zuthul-Phuk
Altitude 4790m, 18km, about 6-7 hrs trek. Bid farewell to Lha Chu Valley and prepare to fight the toughest part of the kora. You will enter the Drolma Chu Valley, heading up towards a high pass, the Drolma La [5,630m/18,466 ft] that is marked Tibetan prayer flags. The rest of the day's walk is mostly downhill and flat land. On descent, you will pass by one of the highest lakes in the world, Thukpe Dzingbu Lake (Gauri Kunda), known as the Lake of Compassion. Zuthulphuk monastery is built at the site of a famous cave, which is believed to have been created as a result of contest between Milareppa (Buddhist Yogi) and Naro Bonchung (Bon Saint).Overnight guest house

Day 11: Trek to Tirthapori or Menche Drive to Tholing (Zanda)
Altitude: 3650m, distance 270km, 7-8 hrs. We have a long day drive along rough road that first climbs over Jingla pass (5100m/16728ft), from where we will enjoy a unique view of the unique landscapes. Onwards, the the road zigzags down into a series of gorges and climbs up the other side before eventually making a long winding and very rough descent down a fantastically eroded gully where the hills on the both sides are worn into incredible shape. The side valley emerges into the wider Sutlez Valley and after crossing a bridge, the road finally reaches the oasis like town of Zanda, also known as Tsamda. Overnight guest house.

Day 12: Visit Tholing and Tsaparang-the ruined capital of ancient Gugey Kingdom.
We explore Tholing and neighboring Tsaparang (20km east of Tholing) which are the ruined former of Ngari-West Tibet. Tholing, which was once the most important monastic complex in western Tibet, is a awesome sight. Below stands the first capital of Guge whilst the skyline comprises a vast sweep of the Ladakh Himalaya. Guge's later capital at Tsaparang is of even greater significance in the history of Buddhist art, its fantastic wall murals displaying evidence of close links with Ladakh and Kashmir. We will rediscover the cave dwellings, secret twisting paths tunnels linking the palaces.

Day 13: Drive back Manasarovar lake 310km driving 6 hours. Altitude 4560m. Drive to Manasarovar 330km 7 hours. We have additional day in the lake Manasarovara for acclimatization, rituals and exploring the lakeshores. Chiu Gompa monastery has the fabulous location atop a craggy hill overlooking the sapphire blue lake Manasarovara and offers spectacular views of lake and on a clear weather day, Mount Kailash. Pilgrims perform rituals and take a dip in the holy waters of the lake and clean the sins of lifetime! Hindu travelers will even care to collect some water in the bottles and bring back home for their families and friends. There are some optional hiking possibilities as well.

Day 14 : Drive Back to Saga overnight guest house

Day 15 : Drive Back to Shegatse overnight medium Hotel

Day 16 :Shigatse to Lhasa

After breakfast, we check out hotel and visit the famous Tashi lhunpo Monastery Tashi lhunpo Monastery is the principal seat of Panchen Lama-the second most revered religious leader of Tibet after Dalai Lama. We cross two gentle Drive back to Lhasa via north road 280km driving 6 hours.

Day 17: Drive to airport End of Tibet tour.

NOTE:*** This trip itinerary can be changed or modified as per your time, requirement and interest.

Cost of This Trip: depend on your group size and your requirements. Please e-mail us for a special price quote.

For more information and booking this trip, please contact us in advance. Thank you for your time.

Lhasa -Everest-Kailash-Kashgar Overland & Classic Silk Road Tour (18 DAYS)

Day-01 Fly to Lhasa and transfer to Hotel (3650m)
group pick up at Lhasa Airport and transfer to hotel,rest in Lhasa to acclimatize the high altitude.

Day-02 Visit Potala Palace and JohkangTemple,
Morning visit Potala palace, the seat of the both religion and politics in Tibet. It was built in the 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo and later renovated by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century. Afternoon visit Sera monastery 5 kilometer north of Lhasa City, it was built in 1419 by Jamchen Choejie, a disciple of Tsongkapa, and the founder of the Gelugpa sect. Sera are one of the three major monasteries of yellow sect in Tibet.

Day-03 Lhasa sightseeing-Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery(B)
Today, you will explore Tibet's two greatest monasteries, Drepung and Sera. which once housed about 10,000 monks. Drepung monastery is situated at the foothill of a mountain and was founded by Jamyang Choeje in 1416. the monastery is divided into two different colleges that is Drepung loselling and Drepung Gomang college. The Ganden podrang is famous among them as it is the government centre during fifth Dalai lama and later moved to the famous Potala palace during the fifth Dalai lama. Afternoon visit Sera monastery which was founded in 1419 by Tsongkapa's disciple Jamchen Choeje. The whole monastery is divided into two colleges and there are Sera 'Jie' and Sera 'Mei' respectively. Among them 'Tsokhangchenmo' where the monks from all the colleges assemble and pray together there.you can also see monks debating there in the courtyard afternoon section.

Day-04 Lhasa-Samye Monastery-Lhasa

The Samye is first Monastery in Tibet and the first complete three Buddhist jewels of Buddha, Dharma

and Sangha. It was built in 8 Century by Tibetan King Tsesong Detse.

Day-05 Samye-Shigatse via Yamdrok lake and Shigatse.
SAMYE-GYANGTSE-SHIGATSE,crossing over high passes like (KAROLA-5050m) GAMBALA-4750m)Yamdrok Lake-4340m) and the Tibetan lifeline river YARLUNG TSANGPO.

Day-06 Shigatse to Mt.Everest via Shegar
Drive westwards the Friendship way to Tingri. There is about 90km bumpy road from Tingri to Rongpuk, road is under construction. From Tingri to E.B.C with the very rough road, pass the wild grassland, cross the rapids river and high mountains. If it is in clear whether, you can have a glimpse of 4 mountains which is 8000m high or more, such as: Mt. Lhotse(8516m),Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Qowowuyag(8201m),Mt Mayalu(8463m).

Day-07 Drive from Mt.Everest Base Camp to Sagar County (450km)(B)
Early in the moring to see the sunrise from Rongphu then to view Mt. Everest. It is fabulous and splendid. Then we can take western Tibet road from EBC to Sagar. through it is quite a long driving, the newly paved road can help us driving faster and safer.

Day-08 Moving Saga to Lake Manasarovar(500km)(B)
Then you are moving towards the Drongpa county, the region around the sources of Brahmaputra river,which is about 167km from the sagar town. then you will reached a tiny dusty on the main road with a couple of basic guest houses, restaurants and a small monastery called "old Drongpa" Around the monastery you can see a pile of yak heads which is carved with "sutras"and "mantras" like "OM MA NI PAD MEY HUM" which is mantra of god of compassion. And new Drongpa is a small town with a couple of shops, hotels and restaurant is about 25km apart from the old drongpa.then forward towards the Baryang with 4750m above sea level. Drive to Lake Manasarovar.

Day-10 Trek day one(Outer circuit), Darchen to Drirapuk 11km(B)
Traditionally pilgrim undertakes 52 km trekking circuit around mount kailash commencing at darchen(4574m) and crossing the Dolma-la pass on the second day of the three day walk.Darchen is the starting and completion point for the general circuit of the sacred mount. A few kilometers after leaving Darchen, there is a valley called "sarshung" where porters are waiting for their client. They will help the client to take every necessary things on yaks and horses. After two hours, you came upon a grassy plain with populated by nomads. there you can refresh yourself in nomadic tent by drinking some soft drinks there. For this turn in the valley it is another two hours at least before reaching Drirapuk(4920m). You need to camp or can rest in monastery's guest house made from cement with little bit good facilities than others in Drirapuk. At the opposite side of Drirapuk, there you can see small monastery

Day-11 Trek day two, Drirapuk to Dzultripuk 22km(B)
Day 2: The second day is the hardest and most tough circuit with the Dolma-la pass lies 6.4km ahead but 762m above Drirapuk. The peak of Dolma-la pass is about 5630m above sea level, so it is better to set off early in the morning as the sun's rays break over the ridges above. After taking a rest on the peak of Dolma-la pass, you will decending staircase brings you to Lhachu valley floor, about onehour from the pass. From here it is still four hours trekking to the day's final destination with no shelters in between. It is better to walk on the rightside of the river and finally reached to Dzultripuk(miracle cave of milarepa). It is advised you to get there before than other groups because of limitted number of rooms available there in Dzultripuk. Take a good rest in the guest room and prepare for next morning's departure.

Day-12 Trek day three- Dzultripuk to Darchen-11km(B)
The tour guide will arrange yours time and ask he/she to visit the caves and visit the tmple and shrines that has been built around Milarepa's cave. The walk back to Darchen is easy and the exit from the valley can be reached within three short hours. At the ending point of valley, the drivers will come to pick you and take you back to Darchen.

Day-13 Darchen to Zanda, visit Guge Kingdom and Tholing Monastery (B)
It is about an eight hours drive from Darchen to zanda, though the distance is only about 243km from darchen. After several hours of zigzagging down and up fantastically eroded gorges and gullies, enters to wider Sutlej Valley and after crossing a bridge, finally reaches Zanda.Tsamda county is the current name for the region and was known as Guge kingdom. And the county capital is located at Toling. Toling monastery, founded by Richen zangpo in the 10th century, was once Ngari's most important monastic complex. It was due to the influence Richen Zangpo that Toling became the main religious centre of Guge kingdom after inviting of the great indian master ATISHA. The kings of GUGE replaced the city as a political centre of power by establishing capital slightly closer to the Indo-tibetan trade routes. But the monastery is still important cultural heritage of Ngari.

Day-14 Zanda to Pangong-tso Lake, 395km driving (B)
Experience various landscape on the way to Ali, the capital of Ngari prefecture where nothing special to visit but is good place to clean up yourself. Indus river is drived from mount kailash and flows through this region and finally towards into Pakistan. It is a mordern city with centre of administration, business and shopping. Continues to Pangongtso Lake. you can isit the mysterious lake pangongtso which the one part of lake is inside tibetan area and other part is situated inside Indian territory.

Day-15 Pangong-tso - Dorma - Dahongliutan, 433km driving,Tialongtan-la pass more than 5000m(B) The road condition is very bad as moving far towards north and on the way to dolma, the road condition become more difficult after leaving dolma. The roads have been distruben by the heavy trucks and soon reach a pass called Tialongtan-la pass with more than 5000m above the sea level. After than its still 7-8 hours way to reach Dahongliutan.

Day-16-Day 17 Dahongliutan to Yecheng, 499km, Kunlun and Karakorum mountain range (B) You need to drive 499km to reach Yechen from Dahongliutan, but the journey duration depends upon the climate and road condition. Then you will in contact with beautiful Kunlun mountain ranges on the rightside, the Karakorum mountain range on the left side(more close to indian border). Yours trip begin to cross the Kunlun mountain range soon after passed by Mazar. The chiragsaldi is the last pass that you need to cross and steep down towards the Yecheng ravine to Xingjiang. Yecheng is situated at at the edge of the Taklamakan is a city with a pretty Bazaar inhabited by Uigur and Han Chinese.

Day-18 Yechen to karshgar, visit the edge of Taklamakan Desert.(B)
Kashgar is about 250km from the Yecheng and is the largest oasis in the whole china. the road condition is very smooth with black tar road runs through the adge of Taklamakan desert. The scenery is very excellent with grey-black rocks and sand dunes compose the major features of the landscape of Taklamakan. The most interesting thing is that you should not miss the Sunday market as you reached there on Sunday is one of the largest weekly markets of asia. Specially in the morning you can abserve the highway is crowded with full-load donkey trucks carrying vegetable, fruits men, children and women. End tour at Kashgar

NOTE:*** This trip itinerary can be changed or modified as per your time, requirement and interest.

Cost of This Trip: depend on your group size and your requirements. Please e-mail us for a special price quote.

For more information and booking this trip, please contact us in advance. Thank you for your time.