Lhasa to Mt Kailash

Day 01: Flight to Lhasa (3,595m)

Meet the guide at the airport and transfer to hotel. Take a rest for acclimatization. Overnight in hotel DhodGu or similar.

Day 02-03: At Lhasa

Visit the highlights of Lhasa,includingPotala Palace, Jorkhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung and Sera Monasteries. Overnight in Hotel DhodGu or similar.

Day 04: Drive to Gyantse.( 3,950m, 260km, 6 hrs)

Drive to the Tibetan town of Gyantse via the Southern Friendship Highway. Enjoy the spectacular views of the Himalayas from Kamba La (4, 704m) and Karo La (5,045m). The road runs more than 40 miles along the bank of beautiful YamdrokTso Lake, the most scenic part of this trip. Overnight Gyantse Hotel.

Day 05: Drive to Shigatse (3,900m, 90km, 2 hrs)

After breakfast, visit the PelkorChode Monastery and Kumbum Stupa then drive to Shigatse-the second largest city of Tibet. Visit Shalu Monastery which is about 20km before Shigatse and about 4 km off the highway. Upon arrival in Shigatse, check in to thehotel and visit Tashilunbo Monastery-the principal seat of Panchen Lama. Overnight inManasarovara Hotel.

Day 06: Drive to Lhatse (4,050m, 150km, 5 hrs)

Drive to Lhatse via a couple of gentle mountain passes. About 24km before Lhatse, take theSakya turn off. Sakya Monastery is the principal seat of theSakyapa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism that once ruled Tibet, prior to the emergence of powerful Gelugpa Sect in 17th century. Overnight inLhatsefarmer’s hotel.

Day 07: Drive to Saga (4,600m, 306km, 7-8 hrs)

A few kilometres beyond Lhatse, we cross the Brahmaputra River and after the crossing, the road enters a river valley with scattered villages. This is a beautiful area for photographs. We continue on, past the turn-off for the northern route, and arrive at Saga, having covered 306km for the day. Today, you will meet Nepali crews and enjoy the hot meal prepared by them for dinner.

Day 08: Drive to Paryang (4750 m, 250 km, 8 hrs)

From Saga it is 145 km to Zhongba. The road is good and the trip can be completed in 4-5 hrs. From Zhongba onwards the southern road condition deteriorates but you are well compensated with the panoramic views of mountains on either side of the road. Overnight in camp.

Day 09: To Lake Manasarovara (4,560m, 260 KMS, 8 hrs)

There will be several river crossings, as bridges are under construction. We will drive past Mayum la (4600 m). The scenery is stunningly beautiful with panoramic views of the Himalayas. Overnight in camp.

Day 10: An extra day in the Lake Manasarovara

Explore the shores of Lake Manasarovara. Visit Chiu Gompa and take a sulfur hot spring bath. Overnight in guesthouse.

Day 11: To Darchen (4,560m, 30 km)

It’s a short drive to Darchen for the trail head and finish point. Take your time and visit the monastery at Darchen while the crews assemble gear, arrange yaks, buy the fresh produce and so forth. Overnight in guesthouse.

Day 12: Commence the Circumambulation Trek (6 hrs)

This Kailash circuit covers 53 kms and can be done in 3 days. We head west in clockwise direction and after a few kilometers the trail climbs up to a cairn at 4730 m from where the southern face of Mt. Kailash comes in to view. Overnight in camp nearby DriraphukGompa.

Day 13: At Driraphuk Gompa.

Take an extra day in the DriraphukGompa for proper acclimatization. Explore the area. Pilgrims perform rituals and meditation here. Overnight in camp.

Day 14: Trek to Zuthulphuk Gompa (4,790, 6 hrs)

Today we cross Drolma la pass (5630 M) and GauriKund Lake (5608 m) where Hindus worship and immerse themselves in the icy waters of the lake. Overnight in camp.

Day 15: Finish trek and drive to Tirthapuri

The final end of the parikrama is an easy 2-3 hrs walk down to where the river emerges on to the Barga plain. We complete the circuit trek of Mt. Kailash and drive to Tirthapuri Hot springs. For pilgrims, Tirthapuri visit is a part of the Mount Kailash pilgrimage and considered incomplete if you skip it.

Day 16: Drive to the Lake Manasarovara.

If you have still stamina, take the TirthapuriKora, or drive to Lake Manasarovara and take a rest.

Day 17-18: Back track to Saga.

Day 19: To Nyalam

Drive back and re-join the Friendship Highway near Tong La (5,120m). Cross the pass and descend to Nyalam, the last Tibetan town. Overnight in guesthouse.

Day 20: Drive to Kathmandu

Drive to Zhangmu where you complete Chinese immigration/custom formalities and exit Tibet. Hop on Nepali transport and drive to Kathmandu. Overnight in hotel. 

Day 21: Service ends.