13 Days Lhasa Kathmandu Small Group Tour with Mount Kailash Trekking

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 River, 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.

Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp.

Please Note:
1. The visibility of Everest depends on the weather.
2. When you reach Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5200 meters, it’s common to feel some discomfort, such as headaches or difficulty sleeping, due to the high altitude. Don’t worry, this is quite normal. Just take your time, stay relaxed, and enjoy the stunning views of Everest. These symptoms will gradually subside as your body adjusts.

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 Peiku 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 board an eco-friendly bus from Darchen to Sarshung village, 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.

Warm Tips: Due to the high altitude of Dolma La Pass, the trail may remain icy and covered with loose rocks even during summer. Please take extra care to avoid slipping during the hike.

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.

The bus will stop at several sacred sites, such as Trugu Monastery and the Demon Lake viewpoint. If weather permits, you’ll have the rare chance to capture Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in a single panoramic shot.

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.

Today, you’ll leave the Ngari Plateau and journey towards the border, passing through the stunning Gyirong Valley.

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 Gyirong 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.

Your journey continues through ancient forests leading to the sacred meditation cave of Master Tsongkhapa, a place steeped in spiritual significance. Afterwards, you'll visit Paba Monastery, a lasting testament to Tibetan Buddhist faith and architecture. Together, these experiences offer a profound encounter with the natural beauty and spiritual heritage of the Himalayas.

After finishing today’s sightseeing, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow group members.

Stay overnight in Gyirong.

After enjoying breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to your Tibetan guide and driver. Our Nepali staff will be ready to meet you at the Nepal border. They will assist with handling your large luggage (additional fee required), facilitate the application process for a Nepal Visa, and ensure a safe transfer for both you and your belongings to your hotel in Kathmandu using Tibet Vista’s vehicle.

As you enter Nepal, you will be greeted by the spectacular sight of numerous snow-covered mountains in the southern foothills of the Himalayas. Some of these include Gaurishankar Himal (7134m), Ganesh Himal (7422m), Annapurna Range's Annapurna III (7555m), Lamjung W (6983 m), Mount Kanguru (6981m), Himchuli West (6441m), Ngadi Chuli (7871 m), and Gaurishankar (7181m).

Due to the challenging road conditions, frequent stops will not be made. Nonetheless, you will be treated to captivating landscapes along the way, savoring the last glimpses of the Himalayas.

Upon reaching your hotel in Kathmandu, the tour service ends.