24 Days Lhasa to Kashgar Overland & Classic Silk Road Tour

Welcome to Tibet! Upon arrival, our Tibetan guide will greet you at the airport or train station and present you with a Hada (the traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarf) to wish you good luck!

You'll then be transferred to your hotel in downtown Lhasa by the guide and driver. Along the way, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of Yarlung Tsangpo River, Lhasa River, and the typical Tibetan villages.

After arriving at the hotel, take some time to rest and acclimate to the high altitude. It's helpful to take it easy for the first few days and remember to stay hydrated by drinking water.

Later in the afternoon or evening, your guide will welcome you with traditional Tibetan gifts, provide travel guidance.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today, you will first visit the Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet that once housed over ten thousand monks. Here, you'll explore the Coqen Hall, where your guide will provide a detailed explanation of the Tibetan Buddhist worldview and narrate the stories of renowned figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Additionally, you'll tour the Loseling College (or an equivalent) within Drepung Monastery to understand monks' practices and studies. Exploring their dormitories will offer insight into their daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, the tour proceeds to Sera Monastery, established in 1419 and long regarded as a significant Buddhist seminary. Here, you'll observe the renowned monk debates, a highlight of Sera Monastery. Your guide will provide a comprehensive explanation of how these debates aid monks in acquiring knowledge and advancing through academic degrees.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to visit the magnificent Potala Palace, where you'll stand atop its heights and gaze down upon the city of Lhasa. Your guide will narrate the life and tales of the successive Dalai Lamas within the Potala Palace and meticulously introduce the various halls and treasures housed within its walls.

Once you've explored the grandeur of the Potala Palace, your next stop will be Longwangtan Park nestled at its base. This tranquil spot offers a unique vantage point to admire the majestic Potala Palace and partake in traditional Tibetan cultural experiences.

In the afternoon, you'll head to the sacred Jokhang Temple—the heart of Tibetan faith and life. Within the temple resides the rare and revered 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, an image so lifelike that it resembles seeing the Buddha in person. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can take a clockwise kora, witnessing how local Tibetans practice their Buddhist beliefs.

Following this, your guide will take you to the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea house in Lhasa, where you can enjoy Tibetan sweet tea with locals. Your guide will join everyone, sharing insights into the social relations and daily leisure life of Tibetans.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

After exploring Lhasa, you'll travel overland to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city. Along the way, immerse yourself in Tibet's splendid scenery and discover the leisurely lives of local villagers.

The first stop will be at Yamdrok Lake, one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet. This stunning lake unveils its beauty from the Gambala Mountain Pass (4790m), curving like a blue ribbon, while the towering Mt. Noijin Kangsang (7191m) can be seen in the distance. As you descend to the lakeshore, explore various viewpoints offering intimate encounters with the lake's shoreline. Towards the lake's end, you'll have the opportunity to visit a welcoming local family in the village and have lunch with them.

Next, you'll pass by the Karola Glacier (5100m). Positioned right by the roadside, it resembles a serene maiden grooming herself while gazing from afar at the majestic snow-capped mountains.

Continuing your journey towards Gyantse, you'll make a stop at Simila Mountain Pass. Here, you can hang prayer flags, offering prayers for global peace and the well-being of your loved ones.

Upon arrival in Gyantse, seize the opportunity to capture memorable photos of the ancient city. En route from Gyantse to Shigatse, you will witness vast stretches of lush green barley fields (in summer) and golden fields (in autumn), alongside numerous farms.

Finally, upon reaching Shigatse and checking into the hotel, take a moment to relax and prepare for the upcoming trip to Mount Everest the following day.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

In the morning, you will set off towards Mount Everest after breakfast. Beginning with the Gyatsola Pass (5280m), the viewpoint offers your first glimpse of Mount Everest. Veiled within the mountain range, Everest resembles a budding lotus flower, a captivating sight along the roadside.

Continuing into Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, the Gawula Pass (5198m) presents a panoramic view of the Himalayas. Here, you will see the breathtaking lineup of the five world's highest peaks in the Himalayan range, all towering above 8000 meters. This is your second glimpse of Mount Everest.

Then traverse the new winding road toward Everest Base Camp (5200m), each turn reveals a closer perspective of the majestic Everest, gradually unfolding before you. This marks your third view of the Everest.

Upon arrival at Everest Base Camp, the huge white pyramid peak stands tall before you. As dusk approaches, the setting sun casts warm golden hues upon Everest's northern face—your fourth view.

As night descends, the glistening Milky Way alongside the snow-white peak of Mount Everest offers your fifth and final encounter with the majestic peak.

Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp or in the nearby village if the EBC tent hotels close during the winter season.

Warm Tips:
1. Everest Base Camp sits at an altitude of 5200 meters, and it's common to experience headaches and difficulty sleeping at night due to altitude. This is a normal occurrence, so there's no need to panic. Continue to take it slow, relax, and savor the beauty of Everest. The symptoms will gradually ease.

2. The visibility of Mount Everest depends on weather conditions and cannot be assured.

3. From November to March, the tent hotels at Everest Base Camp usually close. Hence, if you're traveling during this period, your accommodation choices are restricted to the nearby village near EBC.

After marveling at the magnificence of Mount Everest, you will venture westward into the Ngari Plateau along the Himalayas, marveling at the grasslands, lakes, and snow-capped mountains along the way.

Before departing from EBC, you'll visit the world's highest monastery, Rongbuk Monastery (5154 meters). This Tibetan Nyingma monastery sits in close proximity to Mount Everest and is a place where nuns and monks reside together.

Following this, you will set off towards Tibet's most mysterious plateau, the Ngari Plateau. Along the journey, you will pass by Shishabangma (8027 meters), one of the world's highest peaks. Here, you'll witness the magnificent stature of the three sister peaks of Shishabangma, standing in close proximity, along with the golden-hued Peiku Tso beneath the mountain peaks.

Crossing through the western grasslands of Tibet, you will reach Saga County, a transportation hub in western Tibet and not far from the sacred Mount Kailash. The subsequent journey will take place at an average altitude of 4500 meters on the Ngari Plateau. Upon reaching Saga, if necessary, you can purchase any essential travel supplies for your Kailash trek here.

Stay overnight in Saga.

Today's journey will take you through the valleys between the Himalayas and the Gangdise Mountains, to reach the foot of the sacred Mount Kailash.

Along the way, you will have the chance to witness herds of yaks and sheep leisurely grazing on the broad grasslands at the foot of the snow-capped mountains. And the beautiful green lake, Gongzhuo Lake, will come into view at the same time.

After crossing 5211-meter-high Mayum La Pass, you will officially enter the Ngari region. Crossing this pass feels like entering a kingdom of wild animals. What unfolds before you is the sacred Lake Manasarovar with the majestic Mount Kailash towering in the distance.

Continuing along the lakeshore, you'll reach the destination of this journey, the starting point for the Mount Kailash kora trek - Darchen. Upon arrival, you can rest at the hotel, preparing and gathering strength for the forthcoming four-day trek.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

Warm Tips:
If you require porter services during the trek, please inform the guide in advance for arrangements. Note that porter services during the trek are not included in the tour cost and will require an additional fee.

Today is the first day of your Mount Kailash kora trek. During this journey, you'll marvel at the stunning scenery along the southern, southwestern, and western slopes of Mount Kailash.

To begin, you'll board an eco-friendly bus from Darchen to Sarshung village, where your 13-kilometer trek around Mount Kailash begins. This initial leg of the trek is relatively moderate, following the valley at the mountain's base and offering clear vistas of its southern and western slopes.

Upon arrival at the Dirapuk Monastery guesthouse situated at the western slope's base, you'll check in and store your luggage. Then you will follow your guide to explore the ancient Dirapuk Monastery. One of the most awe-inspiring moments here is witnessing the sunset over Mount Kailash. As the sun gently descends, you can patiently wait for the afterglow to illuminate the steep cliffs of the western slope.

After nightfall, you'll have the opportunity to admire the mesmerizing sight of the moon hanging over Mount Kailash's peak.

Stay overnight in Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse.

Are you ready for the most demanding day of your Mount Kailash trek? Today, you'll trek over the 5630-meter-high Dolma La Pass, joining devout pilgrims on this sacred journey.

Early in the morning, you'll depart from Dirapuk Monastery to start today's hiking adventure. After advancing 4 kilometers and steadily ascending to 5430 meters, you'll witness the magnificent sunrise over Mount Kailash's northwest slope.

Continuing for another 2 kilometers leads you to the pinnacle of the Mount Kailash trek - Dolma La Pass (5630 meters). Standing there amidst fluttering prayer flags, it feels like the guardian spirits of the sacred mountain are present.

Throughout your journey, you'll witness devout pilgrims prostrating themselves, measuring the sacred grounds with their bodies, whether on boulders or rocky terrain, showing unwavering devotion.

After successfully crossing Dolma La Pass, the vivid green Lake of Compassion (also known as Guri Kund) comes into view. It's believed that bathing in this lake cleanses a lifetime of sins. Here, you'll also catch sight of the thick glaciers on Mount Kailash's northwest slope.

Continuing down from Lake Guri Kund, a lengthy descent follows until you reach the valley at the southeast base of Mount Kailash. Within the valley, you may encounter charming wildlife and find a resting site on the grassy plains for relaxation.

Stay overnight in Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse.

Warm Tips:
Due to the high altitude of Dolma La Pass, even in summer, the path might be icy and scattered with loose stones, so extra caution is required to prevent slipping during the hike.

Today marks the finale of your Mount Kailash trek.

In the early morning, you'll depart from Zutulpuk Monastery, returning to the starting point of the Mount Kailash trek, Darchen.

Later in the afternoon, your guide will accompany you on a 30-kilometer drive to visit the sacred Lake Manasarovar. The lakeside offers an ideal spot for meditation, where you can listen to the gentle waves of the sacred lake and immerse yourself in a serene atmosphere.

At the lakeside of Lake Manasarovar, there are also hot springs available for foot baths and soaking. If the trek has left you feeling tired, consider spending some time in the hot springs to relax and soothe your weary body (additional cost applies).

After the tour, return to Darchen, concluding today's fulfilling journey.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

Today, you will travel from Darchen to Zanda County, where the ruins of Guge Kingdom remain. Get ready to see huge areas of old soil forests, caves with paintings in Guge Dynasty and Tholing Monastery, and big snowy mountains of Himalayas. You'll also spot wild animals running around.

Once you head past Darchen, you'll reach the real wild parts of Tibet. There, animals live freely with the amazing Himalayas in the background. As you travel through this place, you'll feel like you're in a dream heading toward the snowy mountains and the old Guge Kingdom ruins.

In the mountains, there's Tholing Monastery, a special place with beautiful paintings like those in Dunhuang Mogao Caves. These paintings show all kinds of things, from heavens to animals and fancy designs. The monastery looks unique with its mix of Indian, Nepali, and Tibetan styles. Surrounded by 83 stupas, it feels really old and special.

The Guge Kingdom was around for 700 years but vanished 400 years ago. What's left are like ancient forts with pretty carvings, gold and silver statues of Buddha, and paintings that people love, especially the "Guge Silver Eyes." It's a reminder of a time mixing Tibetan beliefs and history through amazing art.

Stay overnight in the guesthouse in Zanda.

Today you will continue to visit the biggest Buddhist cave ruins globally—Dongga and Piyang ruins. Take in the stunning old city ruins worn by time and marvel at the endless beautiful paintings inside.

Dongga and Piyang Caves are once the heart of the Guge Kingdom's politics, economy, and culture. These cliffside caves, reminiscent of a honeycomb, scatter behind Dongga Village. Inside, intricate murals act as historical records. Painted with unique minerals, these ancient and realistic artworks vividly depict the prosperity of the Guge Kingdom, continuing to captivate with their brilliance.

After the sightseeing, you will return to Zanda.

Stay overnight in the guesthouse in Zanda.

Today you will continue to travel north to Pangongtso Lake. On the way, you can take in the various landscape or take a rest on the tour vehicle. Today’s tour concludes with a visit to the mysterious Pangong Tso Lake, part of which lies within Tibet and the other part within India.

Camp by the lakeshore.

Today you will travel from Pangongtso Lake to Dahongliutan via Dorma. You will pass a mountain pass called Tialongtan-la Pass, which is at an altitude of more than 5000 meters above sea level. The road condition is basically poor, especially the first part. Finally you will reach Dahongliutan.

Stay overnight in Dahongliutan.

Situated at the edge of the Taklamakan, Yecheng is a city with a beautiful Bazaar inhabited by Uighur and Han Chinese. To reach Yecheng from Dahongliutan, you need to drive 499km, but the journey duration depends on the climate and road condition. You will cross the Chiragsaldi, where you will see the beautiful Kunlun mountain ranges on the left side and the Karakorum mountain range on the right side.

Stay overnight Yecheng. 

Kashgar is the largest oasis in all of China. The road condition from Yecheng to Kashgar is very smooth, with a black tar road running along the edge of the Taklamakan Desert. The scenery is excellent, with grey-black rocks and sand dunes forming the major features of the Taklamakan landscape. One of the most interesting things you should not miss is the Sunday market, which is one of the largest weekly markets in Asia. Especially in the morning, you can observe the highway crowded with fully-loaded donkey trucks carrying vegetables, fruits, men, children, and women.

Today's tour starts at the Id Kah Mosque, a 500-year-old important mosque for the locals. There, you will see typical Islamic architecture such as domes, minarets, and arches, as well as witness pious prayers. Just a few minutes' walk away, you will arrive at the Old Street of Kashgar. The maze of narrow alleys and traditional houses, built with earth or bricks, may give you the illusion of stepping into ancient Kashgar.

The last stop in Kashgar will be the Abakh Khoja Tomb, an ancient Islamic building complex and cemetery where five generations of a famous Islamic master were buried. You will witness the largest dome architecture of Xinjiang in the eastern part of the cemetery.

Afterwards, you will board a return flight to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Our guide will be waiting for you outside the Arrival Hall of the airport and will escort you to the downtown hotel. The evening and dinner are free for you to explore the city on your own.

Drive to Turpan in the morning. Upon arrival, you will visit Jiaohe Ruins, one of the most important towns along the ancient Silk Road. It is also the largest, oldest, and best-preserved earth construction in the world. Despite 2,000 years having passed, the former glory of Jiaohe can still be found in the ruins.

Next, you will visit the famous Karez Well, a gigantic underground irrigation system created by ancient Xinjiang people. Over 1,100 Karez Wells in Turpan have provided a precious water source to this dry and hot area for the past 400 years.

The next stop will be the existing largest ancient pagoda in Xinjiang, Sugong Pagoda. This 44-meter-high (144 feet) Islamic pagoda bears a history of over 200 years.

Today you will visit another famous ruin in Turpan, Gaochang Ruins, which used to be the capital of ancient Gaochang Kingdom. From the outline of the ruins, you can still find the trace of many former buildings, like temples, markets and palace.

Then you will go to the Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Cave, a cluster of caves with thousands of Buddhism murals. The vivid murals show many Buddhism figures, stories, and the social life about 1,000 years ago in Ancient Gaochang Kingdom.

The last stop will be the hottest place in China, the Flaming Hill, which is located at the north of ancient Silk Road. Nothing grows on the hill and the highest temperature of summer could reach 47.8 C (118 F). Seen from afar, the Flaming Hill resembles a red fire dragon flying upward. Afterwards, you will board an overnight soft sleeper train to Dunhuang.

Breakfast is on your own. Upon your arrival, our guide will meet you at Liuyuan railway station and escort you to the hotel in Dunhuang. It will take about a two-hour drive from Liuyuan Station to Dunhuang. After a short rest at the hotel, visit the famous Mogao Caves, which are one of the four most famous caves in China. Known as the 'Oriental Louvre,' the Mogao Caves not only boast a large number of vivid Buddhist murals, statues, and architecture, but are also renowned as the treasure house of Buddhist culture.

Then continue your trip to the Dunhuang Museum, where you will gain a better understanding of the Silk Road through the exhibited historical relics.

Today you will visit one of the most famous attractions along the Silk Road, the Echoing-Sand Mountain. It is so named because when you slide down the slope, you can hear the roaring echo of sands. You will experience a short camel ride along the mountain to reach the Crescent Lake. It is really a natural wonder that the crescent-shaped spring surrounded by the endless Gobi desert has not dried up over the past one thousand years and still gushes with fresh current.

Then you will board a flight to Xian. Our guide will meet you and escort you to the hotel in downtown.

In the morning, you will visit the world's eighth wonder, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. In the afternoon, continue your visit to one of the symbolic attraction of Xian, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Initially built in the Tang Dynasty to collect sutra from India, the seven-story pagoda witnessed much changes and development of Xian in the past 1,300 years. Then you will visit the City Wall, which is the best-preserved city wall in China and regarded as another symbol of Xian.

Optional: For dinner tonight, you could choose to enjoy the delicate Tang Dynasty Imperial Dinner while appreciating the fascinating Tang-style Singing and Dancing Show in the splendid Tang Dynasty Palace, or have the local specialty, the Dumpling Dinner, which comprises many different kinds of Chinese dumplings, and enjoy the Tang Dynasty Dance and Music Show at Shaanxi Opera Theater.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will travel to the airport for your homeward flight, tour services end. Alternatively, should you wish to stay on rather than return home right away, you could contact us and choose our other City Packages as an extension to your memorable adventure!