`Tibet【15 days】Mt Kailash Hike, Everest Basecamp, Yamdrok...

Itinerary

 Arrive in Lhasa

Welcome to Tibet! Upon arrival, our welcoming guide and driver will greet you at the airport* with a traditional Tibetan "Khata" scarf. A swift one-hour drive (about 70 km) on the expressway will bring you to your comfortable hotel in Lhasa's downtown area. 

Once you've checked in, we recommend taking some time to rest and acclimatize to the local altitude of 3,650 meters, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure on the plateau. 

If you feel like going out, you can walk to Potala Square and get amazing photos of the Potala Palace and its surroundings.

*Free airport pickup is available at 10h, 13h30, 16h and 18h30. If you don't want to wait or your flight arrives after the last shuttle you can book a private pickup (∼400 rmb).**If you arrive by train, train station pickup is also included. 

🍽️ Meals: /

🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel

Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel or similar

Drepung & Sera Monastery

Today's journey takes you to two remarkable monasteries in Lhasa - Drepung and Sera Monastery. These sites offer a deep dive into the heart of Tibetan Buddhism. You'll explore various aspects of monastery life, from the grand Buddhist halls and scholarly colleges to the humble monks' kitchen. Witness the unique tradition of monk debates, a dynamic and engaging method of studying Buddhist teachings.

At Sera Monastery, get ready for an energetic display of Buddhist debates. Monks here are known for their lively discussions, using vibrant body language almost like a dance, as they delve into the complexities of Buddhist philosophy.

To cap off the day, enjoy an authentic Tibetan experience with a welcome dinner at a traditional local restaurant.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel

Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel or similar

Visit Lhasa

Potala Palace & Jokhang temple

Today, start by participating in Tibetan local folk activities in a local park. Then, let's explore the treasures of Lhasa, starting with the renowned Potala Palace, once the Dalai Lama's residence and the world's highest palace. As you climb the 365 steps to the main building, you'll discover the palace's history and its impressive murals and Buddha statues, reflecting ancient Tibetan wealth and culture.

Next, we'll visit the sacred Jokhang Temple, home to a revered 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni. It's considered the holiest site in Tibet, and you can experience the city's soul by joining pilgrims on Barkhor Street.

Our guide will also take you to a local Tibetan teahouse, offering insight into Tibetan social culture. It's a unique way to immerse yourself in Lhasa's vibrant traditions.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Tea at the Tibetan teahouse

🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel

Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel or similar

Lhasa > Shigatse via Gyantse

Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier

Embark on a scenic drive to reach Shigatse. En route, you'll have the opportunity to explore two awe-inspiring natural wonders – Yamdrok Lake & the Karola Glacier.

The drive includes a picturesque 20-kilometer stretch along the shoreline of Yamdrok Lake. We'll make a stop at a lakeside village, providing you with the chance to step into the homes of local farmers, discover their way of life, and savor a delightful farmhouse lunch.

Afterward, continue your journey for approximately 1 hour to witness one of Tibet's most stunning sights – the Karola Glacier. This massive glacier extends right to the roadside, resembling a frozen waterfall hanging over the road and above your head.

As we move past the Karola Glacier, we'll also pass by Lake Manla and the historic town of Gyantse before reaching Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.

🔝 3650-5030-3600m

🚗 360kms / 8hrs Driving

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Farmhouse lunch

🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel

Shigatse Shiga-Yangcha Hotel or similar

Shigatse > Tingri

Everest Base Camp

After breakfast, we'll drive to Mount Everest Basecamp. On the way, there will be various viewpoints that offer glimpses of this iconic peak.

Leaving Shigatse, your journey will take you past picturesque rural farmlands and quaint villages. Around 4h, you'll reach Dingri County, offering your first glimpse of Mt Everest from the Dingri Viewpoint. 

As you enter the Everest scenic region, prepare to be captivated by the stunning panoramas of the Himalayas from Gawula Pass. The towering Himalayan peaks, ranging from 7000 to 8000 meters, present a truly majestic and awe-inspiring vista.

Continuing on the dedicated road leading to Everest, the mountain will steadily grow larger and nearer until you finally arrive at the northern face base camp. From this vantage point, Mount Everest will appear as a colossal pyramid, standing proudly before you. 

We'll aim to reach Everest Base Camp before sunset, allowing you the extraordinary opportunity to witness the mountain bathed in golden hues as the sun sets, creating a mesmerizing natural phenomenon.

The highlight will be spending the night at Everest Base Camp (EBC).

🔝 3600-4300-5200m

🚗 340kms / 8hrs Driving

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

🛏️ Accommodation: Dorm bed

Rongpuk Guest House or similar

EBC > Saga 

In the morning, you may have the chance to see the pink sunlight casting its glow upon the summit of Mount Everest.

After breakfast, visit the Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest-altitude monastery at 5154 meters above sea level.

Then, move on to Ngari, the most mysterious region in Tibet. On the way, you’ll pass by Mt. Shishabangma (8027 meters), one of the world’s highest mountains over 8000 meters. You can enjoy a close view of the three main peaks of Shigabangma, as well as the golden glow of Pelku Tso Lake beneath the peaks.

After crossing the grassland around Pelku Tso Lake, you’ll reach Saga County, the transfer hub of western Tibet. This marks your entry into the gateway of the Mount Kailash region. If you need some essentials for your Kailash trek, you can buy them in Saga County.

Stay overnight in Saga.

🔝 5200-4510m

🚗 380kms / 7hrs Driving

🍽️ Meals: /

🛏️ Accommodation: Local hotel

Yalong Zangpo or similar

Shigatse > Darchen 

Via Lake Manasarover

After breakfast, you’ll start today’s journey through the Saga Valley between the Himalayan Range and the Gangdise Range, marveling at continuous snow-capped peaks, vast grassland, and stunning lakes along the way.

En route, you may witness herds of yaks and sheep on the vast grasslands beneath the snow-capped mountains. Meanwhile, you’ll pass by the beautiful green lake - Gongzhucuo Lake.

After passing through the Mayum La Mountain at 5211 meters, you officially enter the Ngari Region. Crossing the mountain pass feels like entering a wilderness inhabited by wild animals, with the holy Lake Manasarovar coming into view. The view of Lake Manasarovar, with Mount Kailash in the distance, often makes people feel amazed and inspired.

Driving along the lake, you reach the sacred Mount Kailash, the ultimate destination of this journey. Upon arrival in Darchen, the little town at the foot of Mount Kailash, settle into your hotel, recharge, and prepare for the upcoming 4-day Mount Kailash trek.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

If you need a porter, kindly inform your guide on this day, and your guide will arrange one for you the following day. Please note that the cost of the porter requires an additional payment.

🔝 4600m

🚗 490kms / 8hrs Driving

🍽️ Meals: /

🛏️ Accommodation: local hotel

Himalaya Hotel or similar

Darchen > Dirapuk 

👟 Kailash Kora day 1: 13km / 5hrs

In the morning, we will take the eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung valley. Then, we will meet Yaks and porters at Sarshung village (the cost of hiring yaks, horses, and porters is not included in the package).

After that, we can begin the trek (around 13km) from Sarshung to Dirapuk Monastery along the Lachu valley and rivers. 

The 13 kilometers on the first day are relatively easy, almost entirely along the river valley at the foot of Mount Kailash, offering clear views of the south and west slopes of the mountain. After reaching Dirapuk Monastery at the foot of the west slope, stay at the monastery's guesthouse. 

With the remaining time, follow the guide to visit the ancient Dirapuk Monastery and take photos in front of the sacred stupa of Dirapuk Monastery with the imposing west slope of Mount Kailash in the background. 

The most stunning sight at Dirapuk Monastery is the sunset over Mount Kailash. You can quietly wait for the setting sun's afterglow to fall on the steep rock walls of the west slope. At night, you can see the beautiful sight of the moon hanging over the peak of Mount Kailash.

Stay overnight in Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse.

🔝 4675-5210m

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

🛏️ Accommodation: Guesthouse (dorm bed)

Humble accommodation

Dirapuk to Zutulpuk 

👟 Kailash Kora day 2: 24km / 10hrs

Get set for the most thrilling day of your Mount Kailash Trek! Today, you'll conquer the highest point at 5630 meters, walking alongside devout Buddhist pilgrims.

Begin with a 4-kilometer trek from Dirapuk Monastery, and witnessd the sunrise over Mount Kailash's northwest slope.

Then, a 2-kilometer trek takes you to Dolma La Pass, adorned with colorful prayer flags. Be cautious of the rocky (sometimed icy) paths.

After crossing the pass, you'll discover the serene Lake of Compassion (believed to cleanse sins) and witness Mount Kailash's glaciers.

Descend to the valley below, home to Zutulpuk Monastery, where you may spot wildlife and find a peaceful resting spot.

Stay overnight in Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse.

🔝 4675-5630-4810m

🍽️ Meals: /

🛏️ Accommodation: Guesthouse (dorm bed)

Humble accommodation

Dzutrpuk to Darchen

& Lake Manasarovar

👟 Kailash Kora day 3: 12km / 4hrs

Start by trekking back from Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen in the morning. After completing the trek, we will drive to Lake Manasarovar. Take in the sacred surroundings and refresh yourself by touching the holy waters.

At the lakeside, you can meditate, listen to the soothing waves, or cleanse yourself in the spiritually significant waters. (Optional: hot springs are available for a fee).

Stay overnight in Darchen.

🔝 4810-4600m

🚗 30kms 

🍽️ Meals: /

🛏️ Accommodation: Local hotel

Himalaya Hotel or similar

Darchen > Saga

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Saga and relive the scenic wonders of the Ngari Plateau, the Himalayas, and the Gangdise Mountains. Along the journey, you can stop at grassy pastures and lakes to get close to the nature and wildlife of Ngari.

Stay overnight in Saga.

🔝 4510m

🚗 490kms / 8hrs

🍽️ Meals: /

🛏️ Accommodation: Local hotel

Yalong Zangpo hotel or similar

Saga to Kyirong valley

Today, the guide will accompany you to explore the hidden gem of Tibet's border — Kyirong Valley. This place is a paradise of forests and snowy mountains on the edge of the Himalayas. Here, you can not only enjoy the dense forests and tranquil villages, as well as the beautiful snow-capped peaks above the forests, but also experience the moist and mild oxygen, which is quite different from the dry and thin air of the Ali Plateau (where Mt Kailash is).

In the afternoon, upon arrival in Kyirong Town, at the edge of the Himalayas, you will visit the valley of Kyirong, referred to as 'the most beautiful valley in the world' by British explorer Howard Bury in his 'Mount Everest: The Reconnaissance.' Here, you will explore the villages of the Tibetan Sherpa people (light hike around the village) and admire the secluded forest and snowy mountain scenery of Kyirong Valley.

Stay overnight in Kyirong town.

🔝 4510-2800m

🚗 200kms / 3hrs

🍽️ Meals: /

🛏️ Accommodation: Local hotel

Pencuo Kangsang Hotel or similar

Kyirong valley to Dingri

This morning, you can have a full rest (those who want to go to Kathmandu(Nepal) can exit through Kyirong border). After lunch, we will head back to Tingri County in Shigatse. Again, we will return to the plateau of the Himalayan region and once again enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Himalayas.

Stay overnight in Dingri.

🔝 2800-4300m

🚗 260kms / 5hrs

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

🛏️ Accommodation: Local hotel

Tingri Everest or similar

Dingri to Lhasa

On the way back from Tingri to Lhasa, we will once again see Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, and bid farewell to the Himalayan region. 

On the way back to Lhasa, we will visit the largest temple in western Tibet and home of the Panchen Lama — Tashilhunpo Monastery. Here, you will see the largest and most sacred, glittering temple in western Tibet and the world's largest statue of Jampa Buddha. 

Then, we will return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the mother river of the Tibetan people.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

🔝 4300-3650m

🚗 500kms / 3hrs

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

🛏️ Accommodation: Local 4* hotel

Lhasa GangGyan hotel or similar

End of tour, Airport Drop off

Hotel to airport/train station transfer, end the tour.

The Trip in Photos

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