Greetings in Lhasa! Upon your arrival, by either train or airplane, be warmly welcomed by our hospitable Tibetan guide, who will present you with a Hada, symbolizing a traditional Tibetan welcome and blessings. You'll then be escorted to your centrally located hotel in Lhasa, passing by the iconic Yarlung Tsangpo River, also known as the Brahmaputra, Tibet's largest and most voluminous river, along with the scenic Lhasa River.

Settle into your accommodation and spend some time acclimating to the elevated altitude of the region. Later in the day, join your guide who will offer you traditional Tibetan presents, detailed travel guidelines, and an introduction to your fellow adventurers. Our Lhasa Gang-Gyan Hotel service center is available should you require assistance or have specific requests.

Overnight Stay in Lhasa.

Dive into the essence of Tibetan spirituality with a full day dedicated to exploring Tibet's most significant monasteries. Your journey begins at Drepung Monastery, the largest in Tibet, historically home to more than 10,000 monks. A guided tour through Coqen Hall will illuminate the principles of Tibetan Buddhism and significant historical figures.

Continue to Loseling College (or a similar institution), where you'll get an insider’s view into the scholarly and daily life of the monks. In the afternoon, your path leads to Sera Monastery, among the "great three" Gelug monasteries, where you'll witness the dynamic monk debates, a deep tradition of scholarly exchange.

The day concludes with a group welcome dinner, a perfect moment to share experiences and bond with your travel companions.

Overnight Stay in Lhasa.

Embark on a day filled with cultural heritage as you visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, immersing yourself in the ancient beliefs and lives of Lhasa's inhabitants. Begin with a visit to Potala Palace, enjoying sweeping views of Lhasa's Old Town, delving into the Dalai Lamas' history, and discovering invaluable treasures.

The exploration continues at Longwangtan Park, located at the base of Potala Palace, offering a unique perspective of the iconic structure and a chance to participate in local Tibetan folk activities. The afternoon is reserved for Jokhang Temple, the spiritual core of Tibetan Buddhism, surrounded by Barkhor Street. Here, engage in a kora with pilgrims, explore the vibrant market, and later, unwind in a traditional Tibetan tea house, savoring sweet tea and absorbing local life.

Overnight Stay in Lhasa.

Set off from Lhasa to Shigatse, experiencing the stunning beauty of Yamdrok Lake, the Korola Glacier, and traditional Tibetan villages. Your journey takes you over the Gampala pass (4790m) for your first breathtaking view of Yamdrok-tso (4400m), encircled by snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m).

Venture further to Gyantse, pausing at Simila Mountain Pass to offer prayer flags for peace and health. In Gyantse, capture memories of the ancient city before proceeding through vibrant barley fields to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city. Here, rest and rejuvenate in anticipation of the upcoming journey to Everest Base Camp.

Overnight Stay in Shigatse.

Maximize your day with awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas en route to Everest Base Camp. Departing Shigatse, your first landmark is Gyatsola Pass (5280m), where glimpses of Mount Everest begin to emerge, followed by the expansive view at Gawula Pass (5198m), showcasing the grandeur of the Himalayan peaks.

The journey continues along the new road to Everest Base Camp, where the iconic Everest reveals itself, culminating in a sunset that bathes the peak in golden hues. Subject to seasonal conditions, spend the night at Everest Base Camp or in a nearby village, under the vast, starry sky.

Overnight at Everest Base Camp or Nearby Village.

Embark further into the western expanse, traversing the Ngari Plateau alongside the majestic Himalayas. The day starts with the potential to witness the rosy hues of dawn caressing the summit of Mount Everest.

Following a hearty breakfast, the journey leads to the Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest monastery, poised at an elevation of 5154 meters, offering a serene backdrop against the sky-piercing Mount Everest.

The adventure continues towards Ngari, a realm shrouded in mystery, setting the stage for the pilgrimage to the revered Mount Kailash and the sacred Lake Manasarovar. En route, marvel at the imposing stature of Mt. Shishabangma (8027 meters), standing tall among the world's elite peaks above 8000 meters. The journey offers intimate views of Shishabangma’s triplet peaks and the shimmering Pelku Tso Lake, nestled below.

Crossing verdant grasslands and circling Peiku Tso Lake, you'll arrive in Saga County, the pivotal gateway to western Tibet and the threshold to the Mount Kailash domain. Here, amidst an elevation averaging 4500 meters on the Ngari Plateau, gather any necessities for the ensuing Kailash trek within Saga’s welcoming confines.

Overnight Stay in Saga.

The day's passage through the vast Saga Valley, flanked by the Himalayan and Gangdise Ranges, unveils a panorama of endless snow-capped peaks, sprawling grasslands, and serene lakes. Witness the pastoral dance of yaks and sheep across these vast expanses, underscoring the region's natural splendor.

Journeying through, the emerald allure of Gongzhucuo Lake emerges, a jewel amidst the wilderness. As you transcend the Mayum La Mountain Pass at 5211 meters, the Ngari Region welcomes you into its untamed embrace, revealing sights of Lake Manasarovar with the sacred Mount Kailash looming in the horizon, inspiring awe and reverence.

Driving alongside Lake Manasarovar, the path culminates at the foot of Mount Kailash in Darchen, a humble town serving as the base for the forthcoming Mount Kailash trek.

Overnight Stay in Darchen.

Initiate the first leg of your Mount Kailash pilgrimage trekking through the valley’s embrace, with the sacred mountain’s south, southwest, and west faces guiding your path.

Post-breakfast, board an eco-bus to Sarshung Valley, the starting point of today’s 13-kilometer trek encircling Mount Kailash. This segment of the journey, characterized by gentle trails, offers vivid views of Mount Kailash’s southern and western faces.

Upon reaching Dirapuk Monastery’s base, check into the guesthouse. Explore the monastery's ancient premises with our guide, capturing moments that etch the western slope’s grandeur into memory.

Should the weather allow, bask in the enchanting sunset over Mount Kailash, a spectacle that bathes its cliffs in a celestial glow, marking the close of the day.

Overnight in Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse.

Prepare for the trek's most demanding day, ascending to the trek's zenith at Dolma La Pass (5630m), accompanied by the devout who traverse these paths in full prostration.

The journey to Dolma La Pass commences with an early trek from Dirapuk, climbing to witness the sunrise’s splendor over Mount Kailash’s northwest face. The path to the pass is adorned with prayer flags, symbolizing hopes and prayers sent to the heavens.

Upon descending from Dolma La Pass, the serene Lake of Compassion (Guri Kund) awaits, a site of purification and reverence, set against Mount Kailash’s glacier-clad northwest slope.

The descent unfolds into Zutulpuk Monastery’s valley, a sanctuary nestled at Mount Kailash’s southeast base, offering a tranquil conclusion to the day’s pilgrimage.

Overnight in Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse.

The final leg of the Kailash Kora leads back to Darchen, completing the spiritual circuit. Post-trek, a drive to Lake Manasarovar allows for intimate interactions with the sacred waters, a moment for reflection, meditation, or purification in its holy embrace.

The lakeside also presents an opportunity to indulge in the rejuvenating properties of nearby hot springs (optional), a well-deserved respite after the rigorous pilgrimage.

With spirits uplifted and bodies refreshed, the journey circles back to Darchen for a restful night, reflecting on the profound experiences that have unfolded.

Overnight in Darchen.

Today, we bid adieu to the majestic Ngari Plateau, embarking on our return journey towards Saga. After enjoying your morning meal, you'll traverse back through the captivating landscapes of Ngari, with the Himalayas and Gangdise Mountains escorting your way. Seize the opportunity to pause amidst the lush pastures and serene lakes, immersing yourself in Ngari's natural splendor and vibrant wildlife.

As the day unfolds, you will reach the bustling town of Saga, a cultural and logistical hub in western Tibet.

Overnight in Saga.

Today's adventure leads you to the stunning Gyirong Valley, nestled on the fringes of the Himalayas along the Nepal-Tibet border. Departing in the morning, watch as the landscape transforms from high-altitude desolation to verdant forests and dramatic canyon vistas as you descend towards Gyirong Town.

Arriving in the afternoon, explore the unparalleled beauty of Gyirong Valley, hailed as one of the most picturesque valleys in the world. Discover the charm of local Sherpa villages, dense forests, and the snow-capped peaks that crown the forests. Feel the mild, humid air, a refreshing change from the arid atmosphere of the plateau.

Overnight in Gyirong.

This day is marked by a transition from the forested edges back to the Tibetan highlands. Enjoy a leisurely morning in Gyirong Valley. (Note: For those planning to continue to Kathmandu, departure arrangements can be made for this morning.)

After indulging in lunch, embark on the scenic drive to Tingri County, nestled within the Shigatse region. Reacquaint yourself with the iconic Himalayan backdrop as you re-ascend the vast plateau.

Upon your arrival in Tingri, check into your accommodation and take the evening to rest and rejuvenate.

Overnight in Tingri.

The day begins with a visit to Shigatse's spiritual jewel, the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the prestigious seat of the Panchen Lama. Explore the monastery's expansive complex, housing the world's largest Maitreya Buddha statue, and soak in the profound spirituality that permeates this sacred site.

Following your visit, commence the journey back to Lhasa, tracing the course of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Revel in the river's beauty as it weaves through the Tibetan landscape, a lifeline for the local communities.

Overnight in Lhasa.

As your Tibetan odyssey concludes, ensure your travel arrangements are confirmed with our guide. Receive a heartfelt send-off as you are escorted to the airport or train station, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through Tibet.

Gratitude fills the air as we part ways, with hopes and wishes for your safe return home and an open invitation to explore the mystical lands of Tibet again in the future.

Safe Travels and Farewell from Lhasa.