15 Days Private Tour from Lhasa to Kailash and Manasarovar

Upon arrival in Lhasa, you will be greeted by our Tibetan guide at airport or train station with auspicious white Hada. On the ride to hotels in the downtown, the guide will briefly introduce the itinerary and remind you of dos and dont's in Tibet. To acclimatize to Tibetan plateau, it’s advisable to take a good rest in the hotel.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today you will visit the Potala Palace, the UNESCO world heritage site and the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. Inside this grandiose palace, you can explore the former residence of Dalai Lama and the meeting room, and worship the gilded burial stupas of past Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd Great King of Tibet. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of Lhasa City and Lhasa Valley from the top of the Palace.

After lunch, you will head to the most sacred Buddhist site in Tibet, the Jokhang Temple. You can see devout Tibetan pilgrims prostrating in front of the temple and long lines of Tibetans following the Barkhor circuit. Inside the temple, you can see the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni at the age of twelve.

Around the temple is the famous Barkhor Street, you can do the kora by circling the street with pilgrims and locals and buy some souvenirs. You can also enjoy the tasty sweet tea in local tea house and visit Tromzikhang, the famous farm product market.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today, you will visit two of the “Great Three” Gelug monasteries in Tibet, Drepung and Sera Monastery. In the morning, you will visit Drepung Monastery founded by Jamyang Choeje in 1416. It is situated at the foot of Gebeiwoze Mountain and is the largest monastery in Tibet which was once home to over 10,000 monks and has the biggest monastery kitchen.

After lunch, you’ll visit the Sera Monastery, which was founded in 1419 by Tsongkapa's disciple Jamchen Chojey. The highlight of Sera Monastery is the monks’ debate in the courtyard at around 3-5 pm in the afternoon.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Today, you will set off from Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse. On the way, when passing over the Gampala Pass (4,790m), you can have a far view of Yamdrok Lake and the snow-capped mountains around it. You can also get spectacular views of Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m), the highest mountain around Lhasa. After visiting the turquoise Yamdrok Lake, you can admire the Korola Glacier on the roadside and hang prayer flags at Simila Mountain Pass around Manak Dam Lake before arriving at Gyantse.

Gyantse was historically known as the Tibet's third largest city after Lhasa and Shigatse. In Gyantse, you will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and the Nepali-style Kumbum Stupa. After one and a half hour's car ride, you will arrive in Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. You may also visit traditional Barley Mill and view the landscape of Barley Field (in summer).

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

In the morning, you will visit the home of Panchen Lama - Tashilunpo Monastery. It is the largest monastery of the Gelug Sect in Rear Tibet and the main stage where generations of Panchen Lamas carried out religious and political activities. After getting your Alien’s Travel Permit, you will head for Lhatse and have lunch there.

Afterwards, you will pass Tsola Pass (4,600m) and Gyatsola Pass (5,248m). Shortly after entering Mt. Everest National Nature Reserve, you can appreciate the panoramic view of Himalaya at Gawula Pass (5,180m). Keep marching along the new zigzag road to Everest Base Camp, you can get closer view of Mt. Everest peak. You can also enjoy the sunset of golden Everest peak at the lodging area if time and weather permits .

Tips: Our experienced Tibetan guide will pay close attention to your response to altitude ascent and provide timely help if needed. 

Stay overnight at tent or Rongbuk Monastery guesthouse.

In the morning, you can admire the stunning sunrise of Everest peak if weather permits. After having a full view of the magnificent Mt. Everest, you will visit Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world as well as the unique Nyingma Sect monastery where nuns and monks live together.

And then, take the car ride to Saga. On the way, you can view of the worlds’ 14th highest peak Mt. Shishapangma (8012m) and the turquoise Lake Peikutso (4590m). If lucky enough, you can see wild animals like wild donkey, wild antelope, etc.

Stay overnight in Saga.

In the morning, you can appreciate the stunning view of the Saga Valley between Gangdise Range and Himayala Range as well as the beautiful grassland and Tibetan villages. When crossing the Mayomla Pass (5112m), you can enjoy the spectacular vista of Mt. Naimonanyi (7694m). After passing by the holy Lake Manasarover, you will finally arrive at the southern foot of Mt. Kailash, the most holy mountain in Tibet. 

Stay overnight in Tarchen.

In the morning, take the eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung Valley and meet your yaks and porters at Sarshung Village (The cost of hiring yaks, horses, and porters are not included in the package). Then, you can begin your trek (around 13km) from Sarshung to Drirapuk Monastery along the Lachu Valley and rivers. You can admire both the west and the north face of Mt. Kailash before arriving at Drirapuk Monastery.

Stay overnight in guesthouse.

Today you will trek over Dromala Pass (5630m), the highest pass of the kora. On the way you can have a rest in a teahouse and appreciate the beautiful Kadoe Lake when walking downhill. You can see devout pilgrims prostrating on the Kora path and visit Zutulpuk Monastery. 

Stay overnight in guesthouse.

On the last day of the trek, you will trek 7km to Zongto where you can take bus to Darchen. Along the kora, you can see piles of Mani Stones. Usually you will end the trek around noon, then have a good rest in the lodging place.

Optional: Taking bath in Lake Manasarovar and enjoying hot spring.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

Take the car ride from Darchen to Saga via Lake Manasarovar.

Stay overnight in Saga.

Take the car ride from Saga to Sakya.

Stay overnight in Sakya.

In the morning, you will visit the ancient Sakya Town and tour Sakya Monastery with amazing murals and huge collection of scriptures and statues. After that, you will head for Shigatse. 

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

You will follow Yarlung Valley back to Lhasa. On the way, you can have great view of the vast Yarlung River bed when standing on the viewing platform. You can also visit Water Mill making Tibetan Incense material in summer if time permits.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

The driver will pick you up from your hotel, and drop you off at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, and assist you to get on board.