15 Days Lhasa to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Luxury All-Inclusive Tour

Welcome to Tibet! Upon arrival, our hospitable Tibetan guide will greet you at the airport or the railway station. You’ll be presented with a white Hada (a traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarf) and a refreshing drink as part of a brief welcome ceremony - just a warm Tibetan way to wish you good luck!

Then, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in downtown Lhasa in a private and comfortable car, accompanied by our guide and driver. Along the way, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, Lhasa River, and typical Tibetan villages.

Once you arrive at your hotel, your guide will assist you with check-in, welcome you with traditional Tibetan gifts, and share the travel plan for the next day. After that, you’re free to rest and take it easy to acclimate to the high altitude. If you feel like going out, your guide will be happy to explore the nearby area with you at your own pace.

For dinner, we’ll take you to one of the most luxurious and refined restaurants in Lhasa, based on your preferences. Whether you’d like to try authentic Tibetan cuisine, enjoy familiar Chinese dishes, or savor Western flavors, we’ll make sure your meal is both delicious and memorable.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Warm Tips:
For your stay, we will handpick the most suitable hotel for you based on your preferences, from a selection of 5-star options - including supper 5-star Songtsam Lhasa Linka and other standard 5-star options such as Luxury St. Regis Lhasa Resort, Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise, and Shangri-La Lhasa Hotel. If you have any specific requests, we’ll be happy to arrange accommodations that best suit your needs.

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, you’ll be treated to a special welcome dinner we’ve thoughtfully arranged for you. As you savor delicious authentic Tibetan dishes, enjoy a lively performance of traditional singing and dancing by local Tibetan artists. It’s a magical evening in Lhasa, filled with joy and warm hospitality.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Warm Tips:
For your stay, we will handpick the most suitable hotel for you based on your preferences, from a selection of 5-star options - including supper 5-star Songtsam Lhasa Linka and other standard 5-star options such as Luxury St. Regis Lhasa Resort, Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise, and Shangri-La Lhasa Hotel. If you have any specific requests, we’ll be happy to arrange accommodations that best suit your needs.

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.

After enjoying tea with locals, you’ll have dinner at one of the finest restaurants in Lhasa, selected based on your preferences - whether you're in the mood for Tibetan, Chinese, or Western cuisine, we’ll make sure it’s a delicious experience.

Then, get ready to experience the epic Princess Wencheng real-scene musical. Performed in a grand open-air theater, this spectacular show brings to life the legendary marriage between Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. As the drama unfolds, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Tibetan history, culture, and traditions in a truly unforgettable setting. 

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Warm Tips:
For your stay, we will handpick the most suitable hotel for you based on your preferences, from a selection of 5-star options - including supper 5-star Songtsam Lhasa Linka and other standard 5-star options such as Luxury St. Regis Lhasa Resort, Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise, and Shangri-La Lhasa Hotel. If you have any specific requests, we’ll be happy to arrange accommodations that best suit your needs.

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.

After arriving in Shigatse and checking into your hotel, we’ll take you to one of the city’s finest restaurants, chosen based on your personal preferences. After dinner, you’ll have time to relax and rest, preparing for the exciting journey to Mount Everest the next day.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Warm Tips:
For your stay, we will handpick the most suitable hotel for you based on your preferences, from a selection of 5-star options - including supper 5-star Songtsam Lhasa Linka and other standard 5-star options such as Luxury St. Regis Lhasa Resort, Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise, and Shangri-La Lhasa Hotel. If you have any specific requests, we’ll be happy to arrange accommodations that best suit your needs.

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:
For your stay at Everest Base Camp, the only available accommodations are the tent guesthouses at EBC and the Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse. Both have been greatly improved and now offer facilities such as heating, warm blankets, and oxygen supply. We will arrange the best available rooms for you based on your preferences.

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.

Warm Tips:
For your stay, we will handpick the most suitable hotel for you based on your preferences, from top hotels in Saga. If you have any specific requests, we’ll be happy to arrange accommodations that best suit your needs.

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:
1. For your stay, we will handpick the most suitable hotel for you based on your preferences, including top options in Darchen such as the Himalaya Kailash Hotel. If you have any specific requests, we’ll be happy to arrange accommodations that best suit your needs.
2. Porter services are included in the tour package. If you require a porter, please inform your guide in advance so arrangements can be made.

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.

Warm Tips:
For your stay, we will handpick the most suitable hotel for you based on your preferences, including top options in Darchen such as the Himalaya Kailash Hotel. If you have any specific requests, we’ll be happy to arrange accommodations that best suit your needs.

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.

Warm Tips:
For your stay, we will handpick the most suitable hotel for you based on your preferences, from top hotels in Saga. If you have any specific requests, we’ll be happy to arrange accommodations that best suit your needs.

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.

Warm Tips:
For your stay, we will handpick the most suitable hotel for you based on your preferences, including top options such as the 4-star QoMoLangZong Hotel. If you have any specific requests, we’ll be happy to arrange accommodations that best suit your needs.

Today, you'll return from the forested edges of the Himalayan region back to the plateau.

In the morning, you can take ample rest.

After lunch, you'll start the journey back to Tingri County in Shigatse. Along the way, you'll revisit the high plateau of the Himalayan region, once again marveling at the enchanting beauty of the Himalayas.

Upon arrival in Tingri, you can relax at the hotel.

Warm Tips:
For tourists plan to head to Kathmandu after visiting Mount Kailash, departure from Gyirong is available in the morning.

Today's main activity involves visiting the largest monastery in Shigatse - Tashilhunpo Monastery. Subsequently, you'll travel back to the sacred city of Lhasa.

After breakfast, your guide will take you to visit the residence of the Panchen Lama, Tashilhunpo Monastery. 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.

Following this, you'll bid farewell to Shigatse, journeying back to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Warm Tips:
For your stay, we will handpick the most suitable hotel for you based on your preferences, from a selection of 5-star options - including supper 5-star Songtsam Lhasa Linka and other standard 5-star options such as Luxury St. Regis Lhasa Resort, Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise, and Shangri-La Lhasa Hotel. If you have any specific requests, we’ll be happy to arrange accommodations that best suit your needs.

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.