Lhasa-Shigatse-EBC-Kailash Pilgrimage-Manasarovar Lake-Kyirong-Guge Kingdom-Dongga Piyang 17-day tour

Welcome to Lhasa, upon arrival in Lhasa, our guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa via one-hour expressway drive (70 km). After checking in, we recommend you take some time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude to ensure a smooth start to your journey.

Today, you'll explore two of Lhasa's most important monasteries. Visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in Tibet, known for its historical significance and beautiful architecture. Walk through its halls, prayer rooms, and monastic kitchens, where Buddhist traditions continue to thrive.

In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, best known for its unique monk debates, where monks engage in animated discussions in the courtyard, using expressive gestures to challenge each other's philosophical viewpoints. (Debates are held Monday to Saturday at 3:00 PM, except on Sundays.)

Begin your day with a visit to Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. As you climb its 365 steps, admire its grand halls, ancient murals, sacred Buddha statues, and breathtaking views over Lhasa.

Next, visit Jokhang Temple, Tibet's most sacred pilgrimage site, where the 12-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha statue is enshrined. Then, take a walk along Barkhor Street, a vibrant market where Tibetan pilgrims perform kora (ritual circumambulation), spinning prayer wheels as they walk.

Depart Lhasa and head towards Shigatse, stopping at two of Tibet's most spectacular natural wonders. Visit Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's three sacred lakes, renowned for its dazzling turquoise waters.

Continue to Karola Glacier, where the massive glacier tongue extends down towards the roadside like a frozen waterfall. Along the way, we will pass Lake Manla and the ancient town of Gyantse, before reaching Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.

After breakfast, you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the largest monastery in western Tibet and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. This magnificent monastery is home to the world's largest gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha, as well as beautifully preserved Buddhist murals and ancient stupas of the Panchen Lamas.

Afterwards,Embark on a breathtaking journey toward Mount Everest, the world's highest peak. As we drive through highland landscapes, you'll stop at Gyawula Pass (5,198m) for a panoramic view of the Himalayan range, including Everest in the distance.

By late afternoon, arrive at Everest Base Camp (EBC), where you'll witness the majestic north face of Everest. If weather permits, enjoy a stunning sunset over the mountain, a truly unforgettable sight.

(During winter, when EBC tented lodges are closed, accommodations will be arranged in Basong Village or Zhaxizong Village.)

In the morning, if the weather permits, you'll be treated to the awe-inspiring sight of the sunrise over Mount Everest, or you can take a peaceful walk near the base camp, soaking in the unparalleled beauty of the world's highest peak. After breakfast, your guide will escort you to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery on Earth, where the serene atmosphere and breathtaking views will leave you in awe.

Following this, we will journey towards Saga, the gateway to the Ali Plateau. Along the way, you'll pass by the majestic Shishapangma, Tibet's only 8,000-meter peak, and the tranquil Pekutso Lake, both adding to the magic of this unforgettable adventure. Each moment brings you closer to the heart of the Tibetan highlands, where nature's grandeur takes center stage.

Drive from Saga to Tarchen, the gateway to Mount Kailash, where the journey of a lifetime begins. As you travel through the breathtaking canyon nestled between the Himalayas and the Gangdise Mountains, snow-capped peaks tower on either side, casting their majestic presence. Along the way, you'll be captivated by the serene lakes dotting the Ali Plateau's pastures and wetlands, offering a glimpse of the untouched beauty of this sacred land.

After crossing the 5,211-meter Mayum La Pass, the first sight of the sacred Lake Manasarovar and the awe-inspiring Mount Kailash will take your breath away. Continue along the lake for about 50 kilometers, and you'll arrive in Tarchen, where the Kailash Kora trek begins and ends. This quaint town offers a warm welcome with its shops, restaurants, and hotels. If you need a porter for your trek, please let the guide know, and they will make arrangements.

West of Tarchen lies the vast, uninhabited wilderness of western Tibet—a peaceful haven for wildlife, set against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas. Hidden here is Toling Monastery, a cultural treasure known for its beautiful murals, comparable to those of the Mogao Caves. These paintings depict heavenly scenes, animals, and intricate patterns. Once ruling the region for 700 years, the Guge Kingdom mysteriously disappeared 400 years ago, leaving behind rich cultural and religious heritage. Tonight, you will stay at a local guesthouse in Zhaprang Village.

Early in the morning, depart from Zanda and drive about 40 km to Donggar Village. The Donggar Ruins feature nearly 200 caves carved into the cliff, stretching over 2 km like a giant beehive. These include meditation rooms, living quarters, and worship caves with well-preserved murals.

Then continue to the nearby Piyang Ruins, a larger complex with around 1,000 caves, temples, fortresses, and stupas. Though some caves are damaged, many still display vibrant murals, offering valuable insight into the art and history of the Guge Kingdom.Finally, visit Tridapuryi Monastery, known for its peaceful atmosphere and unique Tibetan Buddhist style. 

Board the Mount Kailash sightseeing bus from Tarchen to SeShong (7 km), where your transformative journey begins. Here, the first day of the Kailash Kora trek unfolds with a 13-kilometer walk, taking you through sacred landscapes. In SeShong, during the Saga Dawa Festival, pilgrims perform a beautiful ritual-replacing the old prayer flag pillar with a new one, symbolizing renewal and devotion.

As you trek through the valley beneath the towering presence of Kailash, you'll arrive at Driapuk Monastery, perched at 5,210 meters. This is the best vantage point to gaze upon the majestic west face of Mount Kailash. The ancient, holy monastery, adorned with white stupas and fluttering prayer flags, creates an ethereal atmosphere, offering a perfect moment for reflection and photography of the revered mountain.

The second day of the kora is the most challenging, with a 24-kilometer trek. Starting early from Driapuk Monastery, you will reach the 5,630-meter-high Dromala Pass in time to witness the sunrise over Mount Kailash. After crossing the pass, you'll be greeted by glaciers and the legendary Mercy Lake, said to cleanse sins and offer rebirth.

The trek continues with a rocky descent to the river valley at Kailash's southwest foothills. In summer, this valley is alive with green grass, grazing cattle, sheep, and wildlife. Your destination for the day is Dzultripuk Monastery, the final temple on the kora route, nestled at the southeast base of Mount Kailash.

In the morning, you can enjoy a peaceful rest or explore the mysterious halls and caves of Dzultripuk Monastery. Afterward, we will walk back to Tarchen, the starting point of the kora. After a brief rest in Tarchen, we will head to Lake Manasarovar in the afternoon.

The distance from Dzultripuk to Tarchen is short, and you can either walk or take a 5-kilometer scenic bus ride. Along the way, you will see vast plains, a blue lake, and the beautiful Naimonanyi Peak.

At Lake Manasarovar, you can wash your hands or face with the holy water, refreshing yourself and cleansing your spirit. There are also hot spring cabins where you can soak your feet or take a relaxing bath.

Today, we will journey back to Saga County, retracing our steps along the same route. As we travel across the vast landscape, spanning hundreds of kilometers, you'll once again be mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty of the Ali Plateau's grasslands and lakes, framed by the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Gangdise and Himalayan ranges. Passing by the serene Gongzhu Lake, take a moment to pause and walk along its tranquil shores or through the pasture, allowing the peace of nature to wash over you and renew your spirit.

After visiting the world's highest peak, we will take you to Kyirong Valley, the lowest point in Western Tibet. At 2,800 meters, Kyirong is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forests, and canyons, offering fresh air and plenty of oxygen. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy a peaceful walk. If some travelers are heading to the Nepal border, you can join them for a visit to the border and take a photo in front of the majestic Chinese border gate.

You will return to the vast, snow-covered region of the Himalayas, where the stunning beauty of this majestic area once again unfolds before you. Along the way, you will pass by the towering peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, and Everest. The landscape is filled with fertile pastures, where cattle and sheep graze, all set against the constant backdrop of snow-capped mountains and clear blue skies, offering a serene and timeless view, though without venturing deep into the core of the Himalayas.

After our unforgettable journey to Everest and Mount Kailash, we will make our way back to Lhasa from Dingri. On the way, we will catch one last glimpse of the majestic Everest, bidding a heartfelt farewell to the world's highest peak. Passing through Shigatse, we will drive through the breathtaking Yarlung Tsangpo River Gorge, where the stunning landscape will accompany us as we return to the spiritual heart of Tibet—Lhasa. It's a journey that leaves an indelible mark on the soul, as the memories of these sacred mountains linger in our hearts.

Your remarkable journey through Tibet is coming to an end. At the scheduled time, we will transfer you to the airport or train station for your departure.

Thank you for traveling with us. Wishing you a smooth journey ahead, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Tibet in the future!