Mount Kailash Tour with Everest Base Camp

Upon your arrival in Lhasa, our official representative will be waiting to welcome you and escort you to your designated hotel. During the short introduction with the local crew, you will be briefed on the local customs and traditions, along with the various amenities available at the hotel. We understand the importance of acclimatization and rest, and thus, we highly recommend you take the time to adjust to the altitude and relax in the comfort of your hotel room. Our team will be at your disposal to assist you with any queries or concerns and ensure your stay is as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

Our itinerary for the day begins with breakfast at the hotel followed by a walking tour of Lhasa city. Our destinations for the day include the Potola Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. The Potola Palace is a magnificent architectural structure with a vibrant atmosphere that houses antique artifacts. For an optimal view of the surroundings, we will ascend Chak Pori Hill and capture photographs prior to proceeding to the main entrance of the city. Additionally, guests may participate in the local Tibetan tradition of circumambulating the palace in a clockwise direction, spinning prayer wheels, and offering prayers for their loved ones. The palace itself is a vast religious and administrative complex located in Lhasa, rising suddenly from its rocky base above Mar-po-ri (Red Mountain). The White Palace once served as the seat of the Tibetan government and the Dalai Lama's residence, and is now included in the UNESCO World Heritage List alongside the Jokhang Temple.

The Jokhang Temple, constructed in 647 AD, stands as a remarkable symbol of human creativity and devotion. It is home to the most revered statue ever consecrated by the Shakyamuni Buddha himself. This magnificent temple, featuring a four-story main building, has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. Visitors to the temple can marvel at the original structures dating back to the 7th century, while the courtyard that now graces the complex was added during Tsongkhapa's time. The Jokhang Temple serves as an outstanding example of the grandeur and ingenuity of human achievement.

The Jokhang Temple at the heart of Lhasa City, Tibet, beckons visitors to discover the mystical and ancient world of Barkhor Street. This circular path, winding around the temple, is a sight to behold, radiating beauty and serenity. It is a must-visit attraction for anyone seeking to experience the true essence of this incredible region. As one wanders through the ambient surroundings of the temple, the spirit of the Buddhist people, who have flocked to this holy site for centuries, can be felt. Following in their footsteps, one can immerse oneself in the vibrant energy of this incredible place.

This day's itinerary is a delightful tour of the trans himalayan country side highway, which entails driving through the lush green farmlands of Nyangchu Valley and Khamba La. The route provides breathtaking views of the Yomdrok Lake, Mt. Nazin Kang Sa, the Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, and majestic glaciers, including Karo-La glacier. The destination is Gyantse, a Tibetan town renowned for authentic architecture and wool carpets and one of the best-preserved towns in the area. The Pelcho Monastery, famous for Kumbum stupa, is also worth exploring. After visiting Gyantse Dzong, we resume our journey to Shigatse, passing through Tibet's barley valley. We will also make a stop at Kampala Pass to observe the serene beauty of the Himalayan ranges and the Tibetan plateau.

Today marks a significant day on our trek to the Everest Camp from the Tibet side. Our journey will take us through the Zhufeng road, and we will stop for a rest at a lodging facility near Rongbuk Monastery, which is about 8km away from the actual base camp. On our way, we will pass through Gawa La Pass, where we will witness a breathtaking view of Mt. Everest from the Gawu La Pass viewpoint, located at an elevation of 5260 meters. This viewpoint offers a 360-degree view of the Himalayas, making it the best viewpoint of the entire trip. From here, we will have a panoramic view of the central Himalayas, including Mount Makalu, Mount Lhotse, Mount Cho Oyu, and Mount Shishapangma. All of these mountains sit at over 8,000 meters and share their boundary with Tibet and Nepal.

After admiring the awe-inspiring scenery and snapping some incredible pictures, drive down the thrilling path to Rongbuk Monastery, which is recognized as the highest monastery in the world. This Nyingmapa Sect monastery was founded in the early 1900s and is located in the Rongbuk Valley, also known as the "sanctuary of the birds." The area enforces a strict ban on killing any animals, which makes the animals of the valley incredibly domesticated. Even wild blue sheep would come down to the monastery. However, it's not possible to drive all the way to Everest Base Camp. All vehicles are required to stop at the tent camp a few kilometers past Rongpuk Monastery, and passengers must trek the last 4 km. Make sure not to miss the Guru Rinpoche meditation cave, which is about 1 km uphill from the tent camp on the left. The summit has been a sought-after destination for mountaineers from all over the world. Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet provides a breathtaking view of the Rongbuk Glacier, which is the largest of the hundreds of glaciers formed around Mt. Everest. The glacier is formed by three glaciers that flow south and converge at the 'Rongbuk River.' One interesting feature of Rongbuk Monastery is that it's home to both monks and nuns. The monastery celebrates the Saka Dawa Festival, which is a three-day Buddhist dancing ceremony held every year from the 15th of April in the Tibetan Calendar to honor the birth of Sakyamuni.

Today, we will continue our journey to Saga. Visit Tashi Lhunpo monastery which is the spiritual seat Today's itinerary involves continuing the journey to Saga. Our first stop is the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the spiritual center of the Panchen Lamas and the largest monastery in western Tibet. En route to the monastery, we will traverse several high passes, including the Tsola Pass (with an elevation of over 4000 meters), which runs along the Brahmaputra River. 

Our next stop is the Sakya Monastery, considered the mother monastery of the Sakyapa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Here, we will explore the vast Buddhist library, which houses thousands of Buddhist scriptures. As we continue our journey to Saga, we will pass the beautiful Ngamring Lake and drive through a vast grassland with a large nomadic area, where we will have the opportunity to observe yaks, sheep, and other grazing animals.

Upon meeting the Nepalese staff, our journey to Mansarovar will continue. During our passage, we will encounter several rivers and traverse high passes, including Mayum La pass, which ranges from 4,500-5,000m in elevation. Eventually, we will reach the high Tibetan Plateau and arrive at Mansarovar Lake after a lengthy drive. The sight of Mt. Kailash will be exhilarating, and we will be greeted by the stunning image of snow-capped mountains reflected in the crystal-clear waters of the lake. Mansarovar Lake is situated at the southern base of Mt. Kailash. We will spend the night in Mansarovar.

Today, you will have the opportunity to circumnavigate the sacred Mansarovar lake and take in the breathtaking view of the majestic Mt. Gurlamandata. Additionally, you will have the chance to perform religious rites and offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, as well as ancestral worship on the shore of Manasarovar Lake. Following this, you will visit Chiu Gompa and enjoy the stunning view of Mt. Kailash from the monastery. You will also have ample time for photography. Afterward, you will drive for approximately an hour to Darchen to prepare yourself for the upcoming three-day Kora trek around Mt. Kailash. Ensure that you get a good night's rest to rejuvenate yourself for the highlight of the trip, which begins tomorrow.

The Kailash Kora, a religious pilgrimage, commences today with a relatively easy trail. You will be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery, learn about the legends behind the historic sites, and gain insight into the religious significance of Mount Kailash. The journey begins at Darchen, and after walking for approximately two hours, you will arrive at DarpoChe, where pilgrims annually replace a massive prayer flag pole. On the left side of the hillside, you will find the Trulku monastery, which is worth a visit. As you traverse the rocky hillside, you may be fortunate enough to witness ibex and blue sheep in their natural habitat, after which you will arrive at Dirupak. The Dirupak monastery, which was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, now lies in ruins at the end of your journey.

Today marks the final and most effortless day of your Kailash Kora. Descend into the valley, taking in the scenic views of the distant Rakshas Tal lake. At this point, you will part ways with your Yak men and proceed to your designated Jeeps. Meet your drivers and continue your journey to Lake Mansarovar. Following your remarkable Kailash Kora, take ample time to rest and relax. Spend the afternoon leisurely exploring the serene surroundings of the lake.

Today we will reach Shigatse on time and stay final night at the county side of Tibet. Nepalese staff will proceed their journey to Nepal leaving group from Saga. Overnight at comfortable hotel of Shigatse before heading to Lhasa.

We will begin comfortably after the breakfast in Shigatse. Before leaving this beautiful ambiance here in Shigatse we will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery with kora walk for a great view of the whole Shigatse city. Also we will enjoy the landscape along the way to Lhasa from Shigatse.