17 Days EBC Kailash and Guge Kingdom Small Group Tour

Start your amazing trip as you land in Lhasa, Tibet's heart. You'll be warmly welcomed at the airport or train station by our local guide who'll present you with a Hada, a traditional scarf that's a sign of good luck for your journey.

On your way to the hotel in downtown Lhasa, enjoy the beautiful sights of the Yarlung Tsangpo and Lhasa Rivers, and see quaint Tibetan villages.

Once you get to your hotel, take it easy to get used to the high altitude. Rest up, move around at your own pace, and drink plenty of water to help your body adjust the high altitude.

Later in the day, your guide will give you some cool Tibetan gifts and useful tips for your trip. You'll also meet the rest of the people in your tour group.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Note:
If you need any help or have special needs, our service center at the Gangjian Hotel is here for you.

After having breakfast, we’ll keep exploring Lhasa with a trip to Drepung Monastery, the biggest in Tibet and once home to over 10,000 monks. Here, dive into Tibetan Buddhism at Coqen Hall, where your guide will share insights into its teachings and the lives of its most famous figures.

Then, take a stroll through Loseling College, or a similar place, within Drepung Monastery. This gives you a peek into how monks live and study, including a look at their dorm rooms.

In the afternoon, head over to Sera Monastery, established in 1419 and an important place for Buddhist study. The monk debates are the highlight of this spot, a key part of their learning process that your guide will explain.

End your day with a welcome dinner in a local Tibetan style restaurant.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

After breakfast, begin your day with a trip to the magnificent Potala Palace, which offers stunning views of Lhasa. Listen as your guide recounts the histories of the Dalai Lamas and shows you around the palace's many halls and treasures. And then, you’ll participate in the folk activities of the local Tibetan people at the Longwangtan Park near the Potala Palace.

In the afternoon, head to the sacred Jokhang Temple, home to the remarkable statue of the 12-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha. Afterwards, take a walk around Barkhor Street to see the religious customs of the local Tibetans.

Finish your day with a tour to visit a bustling Tibetan tea house in Lhasa to enjoy some sweet tea and learn about Tibetan social customs.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

After breakfast, begin your journey from Lhasa to Shigatse, the second-biggest city in Tibet.

Your first destination is Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's three most sacred lakes. You'll see the lake's beauty from the Gambala Pass, where it looks like a blue ribbon against the landscape, with the tall Mount Nyenchen Khangsar in the background. When you go down to the lake, there are many spots to see it up close. Near the end of the lake, you'll get to visit a local family who will host you for lunch.

After that, you'll drive past the Karola Glacier. This glacier is right next to the road and looks calm and beautiful, with big snowy mountains in the distance.

Next, on your way to Gyantse, you'll stop at the Simila Mountain Pass. There, you can hang prayer flags, which is a way to pray for peace in the world and for the people you care about.

After arriving in Gyantse, you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient city of Gyantse. From Gyantse to Shigatse, you will pass by green (in summer) and golden (in autumn) Tibetan barley fields and countless farms.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Shigatse. After checking in to the hotel, you can take a good rest and prepare for the next day’s trip to Mount Everest.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Today’s journey will take you directly to Mount Everest.

Your first stop is Gyatsola Pass (5280m). From the Gyatsola Pass, you'll be treated to your initial glimpse of Mount Everest. Concealed behind the mountain range, Everest appears like a budding lotus flower, creating a captivating scene along the roadside.

As you enter Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, a panoramic view of the Himalayas awaits you at Gawula Pass (5198m). At this vantage point, marvel at the majestic lineup of the five highest peaks in the Himalayas, with Everest taking the forefront. This marks your second encounter with Everest.

Next, traverse the new zigzag road leading to Everest Base Camp (5200m). As you approach the base camp, the grandeur of Everest gradually unfolds, drawing nearer with each twist and turn. This marks your third view of Everest.

Upon arrival at Everest Base Camp, the monumental white pyramid peak of Mount Everest stands prominently before you. As the day transitions to dusk, witness the golden hues of the setting sun casting a warm glow on Everest's northern face—your fourth view.

As night falls, behold the sparkling Milky Way above and the snow-white peak of Mount Everest, presenting your fifth and final encounter with this iconic mountain.

Overnight accommodation will be provided at Everest Base Camp or in the local village near EBC, especially if the EBC tent hotels are closed during the winter season.

Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp or in the local village near EBC if the EBC tent hotels are closed during the winter season.

Please Note:
1. The visibility of Everest depends on the weather.

2. During the winter season, typically from November to March, the tent hotels at Everest Base Camp close. Therefore, if you’re traveling in winter, your accommodation options are limited to the village near EBC.

After enjoying the amazing views of Mount Everest, your journey continues westward along the Himalayas, leading you into the vast and beautiful Tibetan plateau of Ngari. Along the way, you'll see lovely grasslands, peaceful lakes, and tall snow-capped mountains.

Before starting your day, you'll visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest monastery at 5,154 meters. This Tibetan Nyingma sect temple is close to Mount Everest and looks beautiful in the glow of the world's highest peak.

As you proceed to Ngari, the most enigmatic region in Tibet, your destination is the sacred Mount Kailash and the holy Lake Manasarovar. En route, you will pass by Mt. Shishabangma (8027 meters), one of the world’s highest mountains exceeding 8000 meters. Enjoy a close view of the three main peaks of Shigabangma, along with the golden glow of Pelku Tso Lake beneath the peaks.

As you traverse the grassland surrounding Peiku Tso Lake, you'll reach Saga County, a key transfer hub in western Tibet. This marks the starting point of your journey into the gateway of the Mount Kailash region. The remainder of the trip to Mount Kailash unfolds at an average elevation of 4500 meters on the Ngari Plateau. If you require any essentials for your Kailash trek, Saga County provides an opportunity to purchase them.

Stay overnight in Saga.

As you start a new day, you'll set out on the journey to the sacred Mount Kailash. Along the way, you might have the chance to witness herds of yaks and sheep leisurely grazing on the expansive meadows at the foot of the snow-covered mountains. At the same time, the beautiful green lake, Gongzhucuo Lake, will also come into view.

After crossing the Mayum La Mountain at 5211 meters, you officially enter the Ngari Region. The transition through this mountain pass feels like stepping into a wilderness inhabited by wild animals, and the holy Lake Manasarovar soon comes into view. The breathtaking sight of Lake Manasarovar, set against the backdrop of Mount Kailash in the distance, often leaves people feeling amazed and inspired.

As you drive along the lakeshore, you eventually reach the sacred Mount Kailash, the ultimate destination of this remarkable journey.

Upon reaching Darchen, the small town situated at the foot of Mount Kailash, you can take time to recharge, and prepare for the upcoming 3-day Mount Kailash trek.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

Insider Tips:
If you require a porter, please inform your guide on this day, and arrangements will be made for you the following day. Note that an additional payment is required for the porter service.

After enjoying breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive from Darchen to Zanda, where the meandering roads offer glimpses of freely roaming wildlife, creating a captivating journey towards the Ruins of Guge Kingdom in Zanda County.

Upon arriving in Zanda, your first destination is Toling Monastery, a hidden gem in western Tibet. Celebrated for its exquisite Buddhist murals reminiscent of the renowned Dunhuang Mogao Caves, Toling Monastery depicts celestial scenes, playful animals, intricate patterns, and more. The architectural blend of Indian, Nepali, and Tibetan styles at Toling Monastery offers a unique insight into Tibetan arts. Surrounded by 83 stupas, the monastery exudes a reverential ambiance, enhancing its timeless grandeur.

Next, you will explore the Ruins of Guge Kingdom. Governing the western Tibetan plateau for seven centuries, the Guge Kingdom mysteriously vanished four centuries ago. The remnants, resembling ancient fortifications, reveal intricate carvings, gold and silver Buddha statues, and impeccably preserved murals, including the renowned "Guge Silver Eyes." This vanished kingdom leaves behind a splendid legacy, seamlessly blending Tibetan Buddhism and political history in enduring masterpieces.

Stay overnight in the guesthouse in Zanda.

In the morning, you will venture into the Donggar and Piyang Caves, renowned as the world's largest Buddhist cave complex, housing monasteries, castles, grottoes, and pagodas. These extraordinary sites reveal ancient cave dwellings adorned with vibrant murals, creating a lasting impression. Nestled off the beaten path, these remarkable relics on the western Tibetan plateau showcase cave dwellings steeped in history and featuring captivating murals.

The caves provide a unique window into cultural remnants, ranging from grottoes to Buddhist temples, where enduring murals depict diverse themes - from Buddha statues to celestial maidens. This historical tapestry unfolds across epochs, spanning from the prehistoric period to the era of Buddhist civilization.

Following your exploration of these ancient wonders, return to Darchen to prepare for the upcoming Mount Kailash trek.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

Insider Tips:
If you need a porter, kindly inform your guide on this day, and your guide will arrange one for you the following day. Please note that the cost of the porter requires an additional payment.

After enjoying breakfast, you will board an eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung Valley, the starting point for today's 13-kilometer trek around Mount Kailash.

The initial 13 kilometers are relatively easy, guiding you through the valley at the base of Mount Kailash. This leg of the journey offers clear views of the southern and western slopes of the sacred Mount Kailash.

Upon reaching the foot of the western slope, you will check in at the guesthouse in Dirapuk Monastery.

For the rest of the day, follow our guide as they lead you to explore the ancient Dirapuk Monastery, also known as Zhire Temple. Capture unforgettable moments in front of the sacred stupas and marvel at the grandeur of the western slope of Mount Kailash.

If weather permits, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring spectacle of the sunset over Mount Kailash from Dirapuk Monastery. Watch as the sun's afterglow delicately illuminates the steep cliffs of the western slope as night descends.

Stay overnight in Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse.

Are you ready for the most challenging day of your Mount Kailash trek? Today, you will trek over the Dolma La Pass at an elevation of 5,630 meters, joining devout pilgrims on this sacred journey.

Early in the morning, you’ll set out from Dirapuk Monastery to embark on today's trekking adventure. After traveling 4 kilometers, the elevation rises steadily to 5,430 meters. During this stretch, you'll witness the magnificent sunrise over the northwest slope of Mount Kailash.

Continuing another 2 kilometers, you’ll reach the trek's highest point – Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters. Standing at the pass, colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind, as if they are the guardian spirits of the sacred mountain.

Along the way, you'll see devout pilgrims prostrating themselves on the rocky path, measuring the sacred land with their bodies, committed and unwavering in their faith.

After successfully crossing the highest point of Dolma La Pass, the serene Lake of Compassion, resembling a green emerald, comes into view. It is said that bathing in this lake can cleanse a lifetime of sins. Here, you can also see the thick glaciers on the northwest slope of Mount Kailash.

After crossing the Lake of Compassion, a long descent awaits you, leading to the valley at the southeastern foot of Mount Kailash. In the valley, you might encounter charming wildlife, and you can rest and relax on the grassy plains.

Stay overnight in Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse.

In the morning, you'll trek back from Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen, the starting point of your trek.

After completing the morning trek, embark on a 30-kilometer drive to Lake Manasarovar. Arriving at the shores of this sacred lake, take a moment to touch its holy waters.

By the lakeside, engage in meditation, listen to the rhythmic waves of the sacred waters, or partake in the cleansing ritual with the holy water, which holds profound spiritual significance for Hindus and Buddhists.

There are also hot springs (optional) offering foot baths or soaking opportunities for visitors.

After today’s tour, return to Darchen.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

Today, you will retrace your route back to Saga, retracing the scenic wonders of the Ngari Plateau, the Himalayas, and the Gangdise Mountains. Along the route, take breaks at grassy pastures and lakes to connect with the natural beauty and wildlife of Ngari.

Later in the day, you will reach Saga.

Stay overnight in Saga.

After breakfast, your guide will lead you to the hidden gem of Tibet’s borderlands – Gyirong Valley. As you descend in altitude, the landscape transforms from barren snow-capped mountains to vibrant forests and scenic canyons.

Upon arriving in Gyirong Town in the afternoon, you will visit what British explorer Howard Bury called "the most beautiful valley in the world" – the Kyirong Valley.

Here, you will have the chance to visit villages inhabited by the Sherpa people of Tibet, stroll through dense forests, and admire the snow-capped peaks peeking above the treetops. Additionally, you will experience a climate distinctly different from the Ngari Plateau – moist and temperate, offering a unique and contrasting experience.

Stay overnight in Gyirong.

This morning provides an opportunity for you to enjoy a ample rest. (Please Note: If you intend to travel to Kathmandu after your Mount Kailash visit, you have the option to depart this morning.)

Following lunch, start your return journey to Tingri County. Revel in the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas as you ascend the plateau of the Himalayan region.

In the afternoon, arrive in Tingri. Upon checking into the hotel, take the time to rest.

Stay overnight in Tingri.

In the morning, you'll visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, where is the home of Panchen Lama. This monastery is the largest in Shigatse and it covers a big area on the hillside. It's known for having the biggest statue of Maitreya Buddha in the world, making it an important spiritual place in Shigatse.

Then, you will return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the mother river of the Tibetan people.

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.