14 Days Search for Lost Civilizations of Guge Kingdom

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, and provide travel guidance.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Warm Tips:
If you require any assistance or have specific needs, please don't hesitate to visit our service center located at Gangjian Hotel.

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 the following day.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

This morning, you'll have the chance to visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the home of the Panchen Lama. The monastery, grand and magnificent, with its resplendent halls covering the entire mountainside, stands as a spiritual haven for the locals. Inside the monastery resides the world's largest bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Then, you will be driven to Saga via Lhatse, passing several lakes, towns, and high plateau nomadic sites. Saga serves as a transportation hub in western Tibet and is not far from the sacred Mount Kailash. The subsequent journey will take place at an average altitude of 4500 meters on the Ngari Plateau.

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.

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 Zanda.

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

Donggar 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 Darchen. Upon arrival, you can rest at the hotel, preparing and gathering strength for the forthcoming 3-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'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.

Today, you'll leave the Ngari Plateau and journey toward the Tibetan border, exploring the snowy mountains and lush forests of the Gyirong Valley, nestled on the edge of the Himalayas.

After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to the hidden gem near the Sino-Nepal border – the Gyirong Valley. As the altitude gradually decreases, the scenery transforms from snow-capped barren landscapes to vibrant forests and stunning gorges.

Upon arriving in Gyirong Town in the afternoon, you'll venture into the "most beautiful valley in the world," acclaimed by the British explorer Howard-Bury in “Mount Everest: The Reconnaissance.” In this picturesque wonderland, you'll have the opportunity to visit Sherpa villages, wander through dense forests, and behold the elusive snow peaks above the trees. Additionally, you'll experience a markedly different moist and mild climate compared to the dry, high altitude of Ngari, offering a completely different sensation.

Stay overnight in Gyirong.

In the morning, bid farewell to your Tibetan guide and driver. Our staff at the Nepal border checkpoint will welcome you, assist in arranging the handling of your large luggage (additional fee required), help with your Nepalese visa procedures, and ensure your safe transfer in our private car, all the way to your hotel in Kathmandu.

After entering Nepal, you'll encounter numerous snow-capped mountains along the southern Himalayan foothills, such as Gaurishankar Himal (7,134 meters), Ganesh Himal (7,422 meters), Annapurna Range's Annapurna III (7,555 meters), Lamjung W (6,983 meters), Mount Kanguru (6,981 meters), Himchuli West (6,441 meters), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 meters), and Gaurishankar (7,181 meters).

Due to challenging road conditions, we won't make many stops along the way. But you will feast your eyes on the breathtaking landscape along the way, and enjoy the final gift the Himalayas have in store for you.

The tour service ends.