Tibet Trek: 16 Days Touch Mt.Kailash Saga Dawa Festival

Day 1

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

Day 2

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

Day 3

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

Day 4

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.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Farmhouse lunch

🛏️ Accommodation: local 4* hotel

Shigatse Shiga-Yangcha Hotel or similar

Day 5

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).

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

🛏️ Accommodation: Dorm bed

Rongpuk Guest House or similar

Day 6

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.

🍽️ Meals: /

🛏️ Accommodation: Local 3* hotel

Day 7

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.

🍽️ Meals: /

🛏️ Accommodation: local 2* hotel

Day 8

After breakfast, you are supposed to take an eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung Valley, where to start today’s 13-kilometer trek around Mount Kailash.

The first 13 kilometers are relatively easy, guiding you through the valley at the foot of Mount Kailash. You can clearly see the southern and western slopes of the sacred Mount Kailash.

After reaching the foot of the western slope, you will check in at the guesthouse in Dirapuk Monastery.

For the remainder of the day, follow our guide to explore the ancient Dirapuk Monastery (also known as Zhire Temple). Capture unforgettable moments in front of the sacred stupas and the grandeur of the western slope of Mount Kailash.

Weather permitting, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring spectacle of the sunset over Mount Kailash from Dirapuk Monastery. Witness the sun's afterglow delicately illuminating the steep cliffs of the western slope as night descends.

Stay overnight in Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse.

🍽️ Meals: /

🛏️ Accommodation: Guesthouse

humble accommodation

Day 9

Today is the most significant day of your Mount Kailash trek. The expedition to touch Mount Kailash is highly adventurous and includes an extended exploration of glaciers and ice rivers.

In the morning, trek from Dirapuk Monastery up the mountain until reaching the glacier on the western slope of Mount Kailash at an altitude of about 5800 meters. Here, you'll have a unique opportunity to approach the sacred mountain closely. Our guide will lead you to meditating at the center of the world.

For those in good physical condition, our guide will accompany you to get closer to the rocky walls of Mount Kailash and attempt to touch Mount Kailash.

After this extraordinary experience, you’ll return to Dirapuk Monastery along the same route.

Stay overnight in Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse (humble accommodation).

🍽️ Meals: /

🛏️ Accommodation: Guesthouse

humble accommodation

Note: the possibility of touching Mount Kailash depends on the specific terrain environment as the glaciers change with the seasons.

Day 10

Are you ready for the most challenging day of your Mount Kailash Trek? On this day, you’ll trek across the highest point at 5630 meters, and walk alongside devout prostrating Buddhist pilgrims.

Start your day early with a 4-kilometer trek from Dirapuk Monastery to reach 5430 meters. This section offers a rapid climb with a breathtaking view of the sunrise over the northwest slope of Mount Kailash.

Afterward, you’ll continue another 2-kilometer trek to Dolma La Pass, the highest point at an altitude of 5630 meters. Along this path, you’ll see prayer flags hanging everywhere on the pass.

After successfully crossing Dolma La Pass, you’ll be greeted by the emerald-green Lake of Compassion (also known as Guri Kund), believed to purify a lifetime of sins with a dip. You’ll also witness the thick glaciers on the northwest slope of Mount Kailash.

Following the Lake of Compassion, a gradual descent leads you to the valley beneath the southeast foot of Mount Kailash, where Zutulpuk Monastery (also known as Dzutripuk Monastery) is located. Here, you may encounter adorable wild animals and find a peaceful resting spot on the grasslands.

Stay overnight in Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse.

🍽️ Meals: /

🛏️ Accommodation: Guesthouse

humble accommodation

Day 11

In the morning, you’ll trek back from Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen, the starting point of Kailash Trek.

After completing the Kailash trek in the morning, you are going to take a 30-kilometer drive to Lake Manasarovar. You’ll approach the shores of the sacred lake to touch its holy waters.

At the lakeside, you can engage in meditation, listen to the rhythmic waves of the sacred waters, or simply clean your body with the holy water, which holds significant spiritual meaning for Hindus and Buddhists.

There are also hot springs (optional) offering foot baths or soaking opportunities for visitors.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

🍽️ Meals: /

🛏️ Accommodation: Local hotel

Day 12

Today, you'll say goodbye to the Ngari Plateau and return to the Himalayas.

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

Later today, you will finally arrive in Saga.

Stay overnight in Saga.

🍽️ Meals: /

🛏️ Accommodation: Local hotel

Day 13

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 hotel.

🍽️ Meals: /

🛏️ Accommodation: Local hotel

Day 14

This morning, you can have a rest. Note: those who want to go to Nepal can end the tour here and head to Kyirong border to drive to Kathmandu.

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 Hotel.

🍽️ Meals: /

🛏️ Accommodation: Local hotel

Day 15

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 accompany you to visit a long-missed temple, 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.

Our two-week journey through Tibet is drawing to a close here. Then, we will return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River by car.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

🍽️ Meals: /

🛏️ Accommodation: Local 4* hotel

Day 16

Today marks the official end of your Tibet journey, and we will be there to accompany you to the airport or train station. We're grateful for the wonderful time you've spent with us in Tibet and wish you a safe journey ahead!

*Free airport dropoff is available at 06h30, 8h and 12h. If you don't want to wait or your flight arrives after the last shuttle you can book a private pickup (∼400 rmb).

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast

🛏️ Accommodation:  /