16 Days Overland Adventure from Kashgar to Lhasa

Kashgar is the largest oasis in all of China. The road condition to Yecheng 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.

Stay overnight in Yecheng.

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

Stay overnight in Dahong Liutan.

It takes around 7-8 hours to reach Dorma from Dahongliutan. The roads have been disturbed by heavy trucks, and you will soon reach a pass called Tialongtan-la Pass, which is at an altitude of more than 5000 meters above sea level. The road condition is very poor, especially as you move further south, although it does improve slightly after leaving Dorma. 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 Lake Shore.

Continuing to Zanda today. Zanda County is known for the Guge Kingdom. The county capital is located at Toling. In the midst of the canyon erosion landscape of the Sutlej River, lie the impressive ruins of Toling and Tsaparang, which were flourishing centers of the former Guge Kingdom.

Stay overnight in Zanda.

Today, you will first visit the ruins of Guge Kingdom remain. 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.

You will also visit the 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.

After that, you will travel from Zanda county to Darchen.

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'll retrace your steps back to Saga, rediscovering the beauty of the Ngari Plateau, the Himalayas, and the Gangdise Mountains. Along the way, you can pause at lush green pastures and lakes, getting up close to appreciate the natural scenery of Ngari and its wildlife.

Stay overnight in Saga.

From Saga, your guide will take you to Old Tingri via the Tong La Pass, which stands at 5,100 meters above sea level. Since there is a considerable distance from Saga to EBC, we will stop in Old Tingri for one day before driving to Everest Base Camp the following day.

The route from Saga passes through spectacular evergreen forests and stunning snow-covered mountains. The views of the awe-inspiring mountains along the road to Tingri are some of the most beautiful in the world and are well worth the long drive.

Stay overnight in Old Tingri.

In the morning, take a short drive from Tingri to Everest Base Camp, where you will see the pyramid-shaped summit of imposing Mt. Everest. Take your time to admire the world’s highest mountain. Grab your camera for an epic shot and stroll to the Rongbuk Monastery, exploring this world’s highest Buddhist compound. 

The temperature can become bitterly cold in the early morning. Ensure you wear enough clothing, like your down jacket, scarf, and mittens, to protect yourself from the extreme cold.

Finally, jump into our tour vehicle and bid farewell to the world’s highest peaks through the rearview mirror of the van. Following the zigzag roads on the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway, we head back to Shigatse.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Today you will leave Shigatse and head to the final destination of this journey—Lhasa. Along the way, immerse yourself in Tibet's splendid scenery and discover the leisurely lives of local villagers.

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

Then, you will 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.

The final 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.

After that, you will reach Lhasa and check in the hotel.

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.

After today's sightseeing, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow group members.

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.

Today your guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board. Please confirm your departure flight or train details in advance with your guide. The tour ends.