Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Kora Trekking Tour

Day 1 Arrival in Lhasa (3650m)

Welcome to Lhasa! Upon arrival by flight or train, our friendly Tibetan guide will greet you with a Hada (traditional ceremonial scarf) and warm blessings.

You will then be transferred to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. On the way, enjoy views of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River and the Lhasa River.

After checking in, take some time to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude.

In the afternoon or evening, your guide will:

• Present traditional Tibetan gifts
• Provide travel instructions for the tour
• Introduce your group members

Day 2 Lhasa Monastery Tour – Drepung & Sera (B, D)

Today is dedicated to exploring Tibet’s rich monastic culture.

Visit Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet, which once housed over 10,000 monks. Walk through Coqen Hall as your guide explains the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism and introduces important historical figures.

Explore Loseling College (or a similar study center) to see how Tibetan monks live, study, and carry out their daily routines.

Head to Sera Monastery, one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries. Witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00–17:00, Monday to Saturday). Your guide will explain how monks debate to gain knowledge and advance in their studies.

End the day with a welcome dinner with your group, sharing experiences and stories from your first full day in Tibet.

Overnight stay in Lhasa.

Day 3 Lhasa City Tour – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street (B)

Today you’ll explore Lhasa’s most iconic landmarks, both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

After breakfast, visit the magnificent Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lamas. Enjoy panoramic views of Old Lhasa from the top and learn about Tibetan history, religion, and culture. Inside, you’ll see ancient treasures, including gilded stupas of past Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of Tibet’s 33rd great king.

Then, walk to Longwangtan Park at the foot of the palace for another beautiful view and a chance to observe local Tibetan activities.

Next, visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet. Inside, admire the sacred statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you’ll see devoted pilgrims prostrating and praying.

Continue to Barkhor Street, a lively market area where you can walk the kora (religious circuit) alongside locals, explore colorful shops, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of traditional Lhasa.

End the day at a popular Tibetan tea house, where you can enjoy a cup of sweet tea and learn about local life and culture from your guide.

Overnight stay in Lhasa.

Day 4 Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse (360 km) (B, L)

Today’s journey takes you from Lhasa to Shigatse, offering stunning views of lakes, glaciers, and Tibetan countryside.

Start early and drive over Gampala Pass (4,790 m) to see the breathtaking Yamdrok Lake (4,400 m) — one of Tibet’s most beautiful and sacred lakes. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the lake reflects the beauty of Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7,191 m) in the distance.

Enjoy multiple viewpoints along the lake, and stop by a local Tibetan village for a warm lunch and a glimpse of rural life.

Continue your drive to Korola Glacier, the largest glacier in Tibet. The towering ice walls make for a spectacular sight and a great photo stop.

Next, travel toward Gyantse, stopping at Simila Mountain Pass, where you can hang colorful prayer flags to send good wishes for peace and health.

Spend some time in Gyantse, a historic town known for its ancient charm and panoramic views, before heading toward Shigatse.

Drive through scenic barley fields and farmlands as you reach Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. Check into your hotel and relax for the evening, preparing for the upcoming journey to Mount Everest.

Overnight stay in Shigatse.

Day 5

Get ready for one of the most exciting days of your journey — a scenic drive to Mount Everest Base Camp with breathtaking Himalayan views all along the way!

After breakfast, begin your journey toward Mount Everest National Nature Reserve.

Your first stop is at Gyatsola Pass (5,280 m), where you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest, appearing like a delicate lotus rising above the surrounding peaks.

Continue driving to Gawula Pass (5,198 m), a perfect viewpoint to see the five highest peaks of the Himalayas, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma. This is your second view of Everest, offering a truly majestic panorama.

Drive along the new winding road that leads to Everest Base Camp (5,000 m). As you get closer, the mighty peak of Everest appears larger and clearer with each turn — your third and most thrilling view.

At the base camp, you’ll stand before the towering white pyramid of Mount Everest. As the sun sets, the mountain glows golden in the fading light — your fourth stunning view.

At night, if the sky is clear, you can see the Milky Way shining above Everest, creating an unforgettable moment — your fifth and final view of the world’s highest mountain.

Overnight stay at Everest Base Camp.

Day 6 Everest Base Camp to Saga via Pelku Tso Lake (B)

Today, continue your overland journey westward along the Himalayas into the Ngari Plateau, known for its vast grasslands, turquoise lakes, and snow-capped peaks.

If the weather is clear, you may catch the first rays of sunlight painting Mount Everest pink and gold — a truly magical sight.

After breakfast, visit the Rongbuk Monastery (5,154 m), the highest monastery in the world. Here, you can admire its peaceful surroundings and enjoy one last look at Mount Everest before continuing your journey.

Travel toward Ngari, the mystical region of western Tibet. Along the way, pass by Mount Shishapangma (8,027 m) — one of the world’s tallest peaks — and enjoy the shimmering beauty of Pelku Tso Lake, reflecting the golden light of the surrounding mountains.

Drive across open grasslands and high-altitude plains, soaking in the untouched beauty of the Tibetan landscape.

Reach Saga County, the main gateway to the Mount Kailash region. The town is an important stop to rest, refuel, and purchase any essentials for your upcoming Kailash trekking adventure.

Overnight stay in Saga.

Day 7 Saga to Darchen via Zhongba (B)

Today’s drive takes you deeper into western Tibet, through the Saga Valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, vast grasslands, and sparkling lakes.

After breakfast, start your journey between the Himalayan Range and the Gangdise Range. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of open plains dotted with herds of yaks and sheep grazing peacefully under the white peaks. You’ll also pass by the beautiful Gongzhucuo Lake, known for its deep green waters.

Continue your ascent over Mayum La Pass (5,211 m) — the gateway to the Ngari Region. The landscape changes dramatically here, opening up into wild, untouched terrain home to rare wildlife.

Soon, the sacred Lake Manasarovar appears in the distance, with Mount Kailash standing tall behind it. The stunning sight of the lake and the holy mountain together is one of the most unforgettable moments of the journey.

Drive along the shores of Lake Manasarovar toward Darchen, the small town at the foot of Mount Kailash and the starting point of the Kailash Kora (trek).

Check into your hotel, rest, and prepare for your 3-day Mount Kailash trek beginning tomorrow.

Overnight stay in Darchen.

Day 8 Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery (Trek Day 1 – 13 km) (B)

Your Mount Kailash trekking adventure begins today! Get ready for an unforgettable day walking through stunning mountain scenery.

After breakfast, take an eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung Valley, the starting point of your 13 km trek around Mount Kailash.

The trail is mostly easy and follows the valley at the foot of the mountain. As you walk, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kailash’s southern and western slopes, glowing under the clear Tibetan sky.

By afternoon, reach Dirapuk Monastery, located at the base of the mountain’s western face. Check into your local guesthouse and take some time to rest.

Later, explore the ancient Dirapuk Monastery (Zhire Temple) with your guide and take photos of the sacred stupas and the dramatic cliffs of Mount Kailash rising behind them.

If the weather allows, don’t miss the magical sunset view from Dirapuk — as the sun sets, the western face of Mount Kailash glows beautifully in shades of gold and red.

Overnight stay in a local guesthouse at Dirapuk.

Day 9 Dirapuk Monastery to Zutulpuk Monastery (Trek Day 2 – 24 km)

Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of your Mount Kailash trek, as you cross the highest point of the journey — Dolma La Pass (5,630 m).

Start your trek early from Dirapuk Monastery. The first 4 km involve a steep ascent to about 5,430 m, offering stunning views of the sunrise over the northwest slope of Mount Kailash.

Continue another 2 km uphill to reach Dolma La Pass (5,630 m) — the highest and most sacred point of the trek. The pass is beautifully decorated with colorful prayer flags, symbolizing blessings and peace.

After crossing the pass, descend toward the shimmering Lake of Compassion (Guri Kund) — a small emerald-green lake believed to cleanse one’s sins with a single dip. Along the way, you can admire the glaciers on the northwest slope of Mount Kailash.

Continue your gradual descent into a quiet valley beneath the southeast face of Mount Kailash, where you’ll find Zutulpuk Monastery (Dzutripuk Monastery). The area is surrounded by open grasslands, where you might spot wild animals resting peacefully.

Optional Experience: If you wish to touch the sacred rock face of Mount Kailash, you can extend your journey by one day and join our 16-day Mount Kailash Kora Trekking Tour, which includes a special trek to the west slope glacier for a closer spiritual encounter.

Overnight stay in a local guesthouse at Zutulpuk.

Day 10 Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen (Trek Day 3: 12km)

Today marks the completion of your Mount Kailash Kora, a sacred journey that few are blessed to experience.

After breakfast, begin your final 12 km trek from Zutulpuk Monastery back to Darchen, the starting and ending point of the Kailash circuit. As you walk, take in the serenity of the landscape and reflect on the spiritual significance of your accomplishment.

After completing your trek, drive about 30 km to Lake Manasarovar, one of the most sacred lakes in Tibet. Upon arrival, walk along the lakeshore and touch the holy waters, a deeply meaningful act for both Hindus and Buddhists.

You may also:

• Perform a Lake Manasarovar Kora (circumambulation)
• Wash your hands and face with the sacred water for purification
• Simply sit and listen to the peaceful sound of the waves

Take a sightseeing bus around the lake for a 360° view, stopping at holy sites like Trugo Monastery and the Lake Rakshastal viewpoint. If the weather is clear, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking sight of Mount Kailash reflected in the lake’s calm waters.

Optional: If you’d like to unwind after the trek, visit nearby hot springs, where you can soak your feet or take a refreshing dip to relieve fatigue (optional, at your own cost).

After a day filled with peace and gratitude, return to Darchen for rest.

Overnight stay in Darchen.

Day 11 Darchen to Saga (B)

After breakfast, bid farewell to the Ngari Plateau and begin your return journey toward the Himalayas.

As you drive from Darchen to Saga, enjoy the ever-changing landscapes — vast grasslands, shimmering lakes, and snow-capped peaks of the Gangdise and Himalayan ranges. Along the way, you may stop at scenic viewpoints to stretch, take photos, or simply breathe in the crisp mountain air.

This relaxing journey offers another chance to appreciate Tibet’s untouched natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

By evening, you’ll arrive in Saga, a small yet vibrant town that serves as an important stop for travelers exploring western Tibet.

Overnight stay in Saga.

Day 12 Saga to Gyirong (B, D)

Today’s journey takes you through one of the most breathtaking scenic transitions in Tibet — from the high-altitude wilderness to lush Himalayan valleys.

After breakfast, begin your drive towards Gyirong Valley, a hidden gem nestled on the Sino-Nepal border. As the altitude gradually decreases, the landscapes transform dramatically — from the stark, snow-covered peaks and open plateaus of Saga to vibrant forests, deep canyons, and flowing rivers.

By afternoon, arrive in Gyirong Town, surrounded by pristine nature and framed by snow-capped peaks. This region was famously described by British explorer Howard-Bury in “Mount Everest: The Reconnaissance” as “the most beautiful valley in the world.”

Take time to explore Sherpa villages, interact with locals, and soak in the serene charm of dense forests, glacial streams, and Himalayan vistas. You’ll also notice the welcome change in air — warmer, more humid, and rich in oxygen compared to the dry atmosphere of the Ngari Plateau.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel companions, sharing stories and memories from your incredible journey through Tibet.

Overnight stay in Gyirong.

Day 13 Gyirong to Tingri (B)

Today, you’ll leave the lush Himalayan valleys behind and return to the high-altitude Tibetan plateau.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Gyirong. (Note: Travelers heading directly to Kathmandu after Mount Kailash may depart this morning.)

After lunch, begin your drive back to Tingri County in Shigatse. As you ascend, take in the breathtaking Himalayan scenery, with snow-capped peaks and wide-open plateaus stretching along the horizon.

Arrive in Tingri in the afternoon, check into your hotel, and take time to rest and recover from your journey.

Overnight stay in Tingri.

Day 14 Tingri to Lhasa (B)

Today, you’ll enjoy a mix of cultural exploration and scenic driving along one of Tibet’s most beautiful rivers.

Start your day with a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery, the largest monastery in Shigatse and the traditional home of the Panchen Lama. Explore its grand halls, hillside courtyards, and spiritual treasures, including the world’s largest statue of Maitreya Buddha.

After the monastery visit, drive back to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, Tibet’s “mother river,” taking in the scenic landscapes and Tibetan plateau views along the way.

Overnight stay in Lhasa.

Day 15 Depart from Lhasa (B)

Before you depart, please confirm your flight or train details with your guide. Our guide and driver will escort you to the airport or train station for your onward journey.

Thank you for choosing this incredible Tibet adventure. We warmly welcome you to return and explore more of this sacred land in the future.

Tour Ends Here.