KATHMANDU-LHASA & MT KAILASH PILGRIMAGE KORA TOUR

Day 1: Rasuwa Gadi to Kyirong

After breakfast, embark on a 15-km drive to the Gyirong border for entry into China. Upon arrival, a Tibetan guide will greet you and drive you to Gyirong town, which takes approximately an hour.after lunch you can visit Phakpa lhakhang and  short hike in Jibu local village.

Stay overnight in Phuntsok Rabsel hotel.

Insider Tips:

1. Arrive in Kathmandu ahead of time and visit our office at least 4 working days before departure.
2. Bring your original passport and funds to cover visa and service fees for the Chinese Group Visa application.

 Day 2: Kyirong -Tingri [281Km, 4300m]

After breakfast, embark on a 15-km drive to the Gyirong border for entry into China. Upon arrival, a Tibetan guide will greet you and drive you to Gyirong town, which takes approximately an hour. En route, enjoy the picturesque scenery of forests, waterfalls, and canyons at an altitude of 2800 meters. Following lunch, resume your journey to Tingri, covering 281 kilometers. Pass through Gongtang la Pass at an elevation of 5236 meters, marking your entrance into the plateau region. As you ascend, marvel at the changing landscapes, including Mt. Shishabangma (8027m) and Peiku Tso Lake. Experience the breathtaking Everest viewing highway before finally arriving in Tingri.

Overnight at Roof of the World Grand Hotel

Day 3: Tingri-Sakya -Shigatse [288Km, 4300m]

Begin your day in Tingri with breakfast before embarking on a picturesque drive to Sakya, renowned for its ancient monastery and traditional Tibetan architecture. Along the route, soak in breathtaking views of the Tibetan plateau, as you proceed, pass through quaint Tibetan villages and nomadic settlements. Upon reaching Sakya, delve into the rich history of the Sakya Monastery, adorned with intricate murals, statues, and scriptures. Explore the various chapels, assembly halls, and relics within the monastery complex. Then, continue your journey towards Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city and a hub of cultural and religious significance. Afterward, check into your accommodation and relax. Indulge in a delectable Tibetan dinner at a local eatery, sampling specialties like yak meat stew and momos, Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll through the tranquil streets of Shigatse.

Overnight at Gesar Hotel

Day 4: Shigatse -Lhasa [354Km, 3650m]

Embark on your journey from Shigatse to Lhasa, setting off early to enjoy the renowned route, celebrated by Lonely Planet as among the world’s most beautiful. The drive typically spans 10-12 hours. admire the stunning landscapes as you depart Shigatse, passing through valleys and alpine yak pastures En route to Gyantse. Explore the Palchoe Monastery in Gyantse, known for its diverse monastic sects and the famous Kumbum stupa with ancient paintings and statues, offering panoramic views from its Dzong (fortress). Continue your journey, passing through Karo-la Pass (5050m), where you’ll witness the towering Mt. Neychen Kangsang glacier. As you ascend to Gampa-la Pass (4797m), marvel at the breathtaking vistas of Yamdrok Lake. Finally, conclude your journey in the vibrant city of Lhasa.

Overnight at kyichu or Similar, which is a Tibetan style hotel located in Lhasa city center.

Day 5: Lhasa guided tour
[3650m]


City sightseeing schedules are coordinated based on the timing of pre-booked tickets for the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. As a result, the itinerary may be adjusted to ensure that visitors are able to enter these attractions at the designated times. However, the travel company assures that all four sightseeing attractions listed in the itinerary will still be visited, even if the order of the visits is adjusted. So, even if there are changes to the schedule, travelers can still expect to see all the sights that were originally included in the itinerary.

We can start with visit to summer palace, Norbu lingka is developed as the summer palace of the Dalai Lama from the mid-18th century, it is divided into three areas: palace, the government buildings, and the opera grounds, it comprises of hundreds of different species of trees and flowers and few amazing Tibetan architecture palaces with amazing murals and small, beautiful lakes park. In after lunch, we can visit Sera monastery, which is one of six biggest monastery of Gelug sect, it was found during the beginning of the 15th centuries, you can sit somewhere in debating courtyard with your tour guide and experience the Buddhist philosophy debate and take the photo of monk’s debate. Overnight at kyichu or Similar, which is a Tibetan style hotel located in Lhasa city center.

Day 6: Lhasa guided tour
[3650m]


In the morning, we can visit Potala palace which is winter resident of the Dalai lama which is built in 7th century and rebuild to present size during the 5th Dalai lama in 17th century, it is most majestic building all over Tibetan plateau with several thousand of statues and different funeral tombs of Dalai lama and different chapels. In the afternoon we can visit Jokhang temple which is founded same time as Potala palace by king Songtsen Gampo during 7th century and thousands of local pilgrims visit monastery every day, after visiting temple you can have free time to go around monastery or spend time to famous local tea house.

Overnight at kyichu or Similar, which is a Tibetan style hotel located in Lhasa city center.

Day 7: Lhasa – Shigatse [280Km, 3840m]


Today is a day of relaxation as we embark on a 280km drive to Shigatse. The journey along the stunning Friendship Highway will take approximately six hours, treating us to new roads and diverse vistas. We’ll marvel at the breathtaking sights of the desert plateau countryside and the majestic Yarlung Tsangpo, also known as the Brahmaputra River. Upon arrival in Shigatse, you’ll have the rest of the day to unwind and rejuvenate.

Overnight at Gesar Hotel

Day 8: Shigatse – Saga [449Km, 4600m]   

Get ready for another day of stunning landscapes as we leisurely drive from Shigatse to Saga. Along the route, we’ll pause at Langtso Lake, a gorgeous natural spot nestled in the Tibetan plateau. As we continue, be prepared to be mesmerized by the changing scenery. From rolling hills to vast grasslands, each twist and turn of the road offers a fresh view to admire. Langtso Lake’s clear waters, reflecting the mountains around it, invite us to take a moment to soak in the tranquility of the Tibetan countryside. Enjoy the crisp mountain air and the serene atmosphere of this remote gem. we’ll continue our journey to Saga, where more adventures await. Whether it’s spotting wildlife or simply marveling at the vastness of Tibet, every moment of the trip promises to be unforgettable. Relax and enjoy the wonders of Tibet as we make our way to Saga.

Overnight at Yarlung Tsangpo grand hotel or similar

Day 9: Saga -Darchen via Lake Manasarovar [465km,4556m]

After breakfast we drive to the Darchen, a small town at foothills of Mt Kailash, which is Base camp for Mt Kailash kora trek, though it’s long drive today You’ll have stunning landscape views of the great Himalayans to the south and Trans-Himalayan to the north as we drive across the nomadic vast plains and its sand dunes. At about 50km from today’s destination Darchen, we will make a small detour to Lake Manasarovar The holy lake for Hinduism. We can visit Chiu monastery and relax around the lake shore and experience the natural beauty of the lake. In late afternoon, we will reach out destination Darchen, our guide will help to arrange yaks and potter for Kailash trek if there is need.

Overnight at Local hotel (Facilities in this area is not good as Lhasa and Shigatse)

Days 10: Mt. Kailash Kora [52km (whole kora), max. altitude 5630m]


We begin the Pilgrimage Kora of Mount Kailash, most sacred mountain in Asia. Tibetans and Hindu pilgrims from all over the World come here for religious reasons.

Trek to Dira-Puk Monastery [20Km, 5-6h, 5050m]. First day of the trek from Darchen to Dira puk monastery. It takes 6 hours walk. Further ahead, verdant meadows and picturesque streams lie en route to Lha Chu Valley. The trail overlooks turquoise river cascading over a narrow canyon with high steep cliffs. En-route, north face of Kailash comes into vision. The trail will approach 13th century monastery of Dira-Puk. We recommended you visit the Dira-Puk monastery and from there you can have nice view of Mt Kailash. Eventually, you will conclude the trek of the day at Dira-Puk after memorable Mount Kailash tour and trek.

Overnight at Guesthouse dorm bed without bathroom during trekking, sleeping bag recommended.  

Days 11: Trek to Zutul Puk Monastery, [18Km, 6-8h, 4820m] 
Today is the most challenging day of the trekking, we will cross highest Dolma la pass (5630 M) and Gauri Kund Lake (5608 m). From the top of the Dolma la pass you can have view of Thukpe Dzingbu Lake, known as the Lake of Compassion, at the summit, you realize that this tough and challenging ascent has indeed been very worthwhile and fruitful. Further on, the trail descends to the flat fields of Zutul-Puk monastery, several fascinating caves. The caves at this locale are most popular for meditation; Milarepa’s cave being one of them with Milarepa’s footprints and elbow prints believed to be imprinted all over this cave of Mani stones.  

Overnight at Guesthouse dorm bed without bathroom during trekking. Sleeping bag recommended

Day 12:Trek to Darchen [14Km, 3-4h, 4670m]


The third and final trek of Mt Kailash it is an easy 2-3hrs walk down you follow the trail through Bharkha plain leading to Darchen crossing several streams along the picturesque gorge. Enchanting view of Mount Kailash accompanies through this Mount Kailash tour and trek and finely reach to

Darchen. After the Circumambulating of Kailash Kora’ it’s good time to take good shower and relax 

Overnight at Local hotel. (Facilities in this area is not good as Lhasa and shigatse)

Days 13: Darchen – Saga [495Km, 4490m]

We will take long driving road back as rest time after 3 days of the incredible trek. We will make some stops along the way to take photos of the natural scenery, rural cattle and sheep, wild animals, and unknown flowers all over the mountains all the way. 

Overnight at Yarlung Tsangpo grand hotel or similar  

Day 14: Saga -Kyirong [135km, 3840m]

Embark on a day of exploration as we journey from Saga to Kyirong. Our first stop in Gyirong town will be the historic Phagba Lhakhang temple, offering insight into Tibetan culture and spirituality. Afterward, we’ll continue to the charming Kepu village, where we’ll engage with locals, learn about their traditions, and admire the unique architecture. Explore the village’s narrow streets lined with colorful prayer flags, surrounded by majestic mountains and lush greenery. Whether you’re capturing scenic photographs or simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere, Kepu promises a memorable experience. 

Overnight at Phuntsok Rabsel hotel or similar  

Day 15: Depart Tibet

Your tour guide will accompany you to exit China and bid farewell at the Gyirong border. We can arrange a jeep for your transfer from Gyirong to Kathmandu, but please note that this service is not included in the package. Alternatively, you have the option to take a bus to Kathmandu, which typically costs around 40 US$ depending on your negotiation with the driver. However, it’s important to consider that the road conditions are subpar, and the journey from the border to Kathmandu city takes approximately 10 hours. Therefore, taking a bus may not be the most recommended option.