15 Days Lhasa, Everest, Mt Kailash Trek Tour

Professional English Speaking Guide

Max Group size of 12 people

All accomodations included

Our tours get great reviews!

We have over 15 years experience

Price of tour: $1970*

* (Price can be 10% lower or higher depending on the season. Please tell us your preferred travel month in the booking form)

Short tour summary

You will be in exclusive company if you come on this 15 Day Mt Kailash Tour that takes you on the journey of a lifetime. To do a “kora” around Mt Kailash is supposed to erase a lifetime of karma in the religion of Tibetan Buddhism, and as you trek this incredible landscape you will witness the faithful prostrating along the same path. Mt Kailash sits in the western reaches of Tibet and is a pilgrimage not only for Tibetan Buddhists, but also followers of the Bon religion, Jainism, and Hinduism. This is a unique place in the world full of ancient traditions and customs, as well as being all together wild and remote. Have the adventure of a lifetime and let us transport you to a place that abounds in magic and mystery in the wilderness of Tibet.

Day by day schedule:

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa

Upon your arrival in the sacred city of Lhasa, our warm and friendly staff will greet you with a traditional Hada offering, symbolizing a gesture of goodwill. A one-hour drive will bring you to your selected accommodation within the city. Take it easy and allow yourself time to acclimatize to the high altitude, ensuring a comfortable start to your remarkable journey in Lhasa.

Day 2: Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery(B/D)

Embark on a cultural odyssey with a visit to the revered Drepung Monastery, an iconic Tibetan Buddhist site steeped in tradition. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the vibrant debates at Sera Monastery, where monks engage in spirited discussions, accompanied by enthusiastic hand-clapping and animated arguments. Gain an insightful perspective into the ancient traditions of Tibetan Buddhism as you absorb the spiritual atmosphere and passion surrounding these profound rituals. Please note that a welcome dinner, hosted in a Tibetan restaurant, is planned either on this day or the next. Our guide will coordinate and provide details accordingly.

Day 3: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple(B)

Marvel at the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Potala Palace, an architectural masterpiece perched atop Marpo Ri hill. A symbol of Tibetan history and culture, the palace unfolds a narrative of religious devotion and political significance. In the park beneath the Potala Palace, witness and perhaps join in the traditional dances. Continue your journey to the spiritual heart of Lhasa. Explore the sacred Jokhang Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stroll through the lively Barkhor Street, an ancient circuit that encircles the Jokhang Temple, where traditional Tibetan goods and handicrafts abound. Finally, experience with a visit to a sweet tea house, a cherished element of Tibetan social culture. Savor the distinct flavors of Tibetan tea and engage in social interactions with locals and fellow travelers.

Day 4: Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake to Shigatse(B/L)

Wake up early and have breakfast at your hotel in Lhasa before checkout. Load your bags into your vehicle, and start the scenic journey from Lhasa to Shigatse. En route, be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s sacred lakes with crystal-clear waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Pause at a quaint farmhouse situated along the tranquil shores of Yamdrok Lake, where you’ll relish a home-cooked Tibetan meal amidst the stunning rural landscapes. Continue your exploration to the awe-inspiring Karola Glacier, a radiant symbol of Tibet’s rugged allure. By late afternoon, arrive in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, concluding a day rich in natural wonders and cultural discovery.

Day 5: Shigatse to Everest Base Camp(B)

In the morning, explore the grandeur of Tashilhunpo Monastery. As the principal seat of the Panchen Lama, Tashilhunpo holds immense religious significance for Tibetan Buddhists. It serves as a center for Buddhist learning, meditation, and religious ceremonies.
The Tibetan Everest Base Camp is located at an elevation of approximately 5,200 meters above sea level. En route to Everest Base Camp, stop at Gawula Pass, a designated viewpoint that provides breathtaking vistas of Mount Everest and the adjacent Himalayas peaks. Transition to an eco-friendly bus Everest Base Camp, designed to navigate the winding roads with minimal environmental impact. Weather permitting, the climax of your day awaits as you reach Everest Base Camp. Witness the sun bidding farewell to the world’s highest peak. As the daylight fades and the stars emerge, relish the tranquility and majesty of this remote Himalayan sanctuary, creating a connection with nature that resonates deeply.

Day 6: Rongbuk Monastery to Pekutso Lake to Saga

Visit Rongbuk Monastery, initially established as a meditation retreat for monks and currently shared by both monks and nuns. After that, pack up your belongings and bid farewell to the world’s highest base camp. Winding along the Friendship Highway, soak in evolving mountain scenery. We will make a stop at Pekutso Tso, a high-altitude peacock blue lake revered in Buddhist tradition. Catch glimpses of snow-capped Mount Shishapangma towering in the distance(weather permits). As you continue westwards, vast grasslands emerge peppered with yaks and sheep tended by nomads against a backdrop of arid desert landscapes. Absorb the raw natural beauty of this high-altitude environment. Finally, Saga comes into view in the late afternoon, the county seat is located at an average elevation of 4,500 meters above sea level.

Day 7: Saga to Mount Kailash

After breakfast, we begin our journey westwards. Take in spectacular views of the crystal clear Tutto River winding through immense grasslands along the way. Upon reaching in Darchen, spend time preparing for the sacred Kailash Kora pilgrimage that we will do at first light tomorrow. Only pack very lightweight bags with bare essentials, as we will be trekking around the holy mountain. Should you need assistance carrying luggage, porters can be hired for approximately $45-50 USD per day.

Day 8: Mount Kailash Kora: Start from Darchen to Driapuk Monastery, 7km+13km/5-6hrs(B)

We rise early and take a short bus ride from Darchen to Sershong located 7km away. Here we find a giant flag prayer pole reaching impressive heights into the sky. Thousands of pilgrims gather during Saga Dawa festival to witness the raising of new poles. From Sershong, our sacred Kora pilgrimage around Mount Kailash begins. The trail takes us along a lush river valley. Along the way, we will pass by several simple tea houses where we can stop to rest, enjoy snacks and refresh with hot water or tea. The destination for today is Drirapuk Monastery. Take in the majestic views of the holy mount Kailash.

Day 9: Mount Kailash Kora: Driapuk Monastery to Dzultripuk Monastery, 22km/10hrs

Today’s hike will present a physical challenge as we make our way up to cross Droma La pass at an elevation of 5,630 meters. The 6km stone road begins with a gradual climb, however it becomes increasingly steep near the top. Allow around 4 hours to slowly and carefully hike uphill, taking breaks as needed. As we near the pass, we will see colorful prayer flags flapping in the wind and Tibetan pilgrims worshipping at the mountain’s highest point.
Once at Droma La, take time to admire the tremendous views and pay respects before beginning the downhill trek. The descent includes sections of loose stones and occasional patches of ice, so caution is required. Follow the rocky trail down towards the turquoise waters of Lake Manasarovar in the valley below.
Further winding hills will lead us down to warmer temperatures under clearer skies. Finally, we will arrive at Dzutrulphuk Monastery nestled in the vast basin to rest.

Day 10: Mount Kailash Kora: Complete in Darchen, 7km/2hrs+5km, and Drive to Manasarovar Lake

Today will be a more relaxed pace as we walk 7km along a flat dirt road, taking our time to soak in the scenic landscapes. After walking at a leisurely pace, we will take a short bus ride back to Darchen where we can rest and recharge.
Once rested, we will continue our journey by vehicle to visit the pristine turquoise waters of Manasarovar Lake. The sacred lake is set amidst a stunning natural backdrop and said to have enlightening properties. We will spend time exploring the lakeshore before beginning our drive back to Darchen in the late afternoon.

Day 11: Darchen to Saga(B)

After breakfast we commence a scenic drive to Saga along the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley. We will stop at Gongzhu Lake on the way to admire its serene beauty and take in panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills and grassy plains. Continue on to the town of Saga where we stay overnight.

Day 12: Saga to Kyirong

This morning we wind our way down through lush, forested hills as the elevation gradually decreases on our drive to Kyirong. Situated in a fertile valley at an elevation of around 3,000 meters, Kyirong is nestled between the verdant hills of southwestern Tibet near the border with Nepal. Those travellers continuing on to Nepal tomorrow can work with your guide to prepare the necessary permits and paperwork for smooth border crossing.

Day 13: Kyirong to Tingri(B)

We begin our drive back towards the high Tibetan Plateau as the altitude steadily increases. In the afternoon, we’ll have returned to Tingri. Its vast expanses welcome us with incredible night skies punctuated by the Milky Way.

Day 14: Departure from Lhasa(B)

As the day unfolds, begin your journey back to Lhasa, tracing the meandering path along the picturesque Yarlung Zangbo River.

Day 15: Departure from Lhasa(B)

We will arrange your transfer to the airport or train station as your tour comes to a close.

Included in the price

Application for Tibet Travel Permit
Airport and train station pickup and drop service at designated times
Services of a Tibetan English-speaking guide
Transportation throughout the tour
Accommodation in Lhasa and Shigatse: 3-4 star hotels with breakfast, double occupancy; Everest Base Camp: Tent guesthouse with dormitory-style bedding; Kailash Kora: guesthouse with dormitory-style bedding; Other locations (e.g. Kyirong, Tingri): Economy hotels
Meals as specified above (including 1 farm house lunches and 1 dinner)
Entrance fees (including Mount Everest and Mount Kailash Eco Cars)
Travel insurance
Complimentary bottled water
Oxygen supply

Excluded from the price

Flights or trains to and from Tibet
Additional meals not specified in the itinerary
Single room supplement for solo travelers requiring a single room or unable to find a roommate
Tips (We recommend a gratuity of $7 per day per person, to be shared between the driver and guide.)
Porter fees

Enquiry & Booking

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