Tibet: Kailash trek with Everest base camp

Welcome to Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet and a modern utopia. Your friendly Tibetan guide and drivers shall eagerly wait to greet you at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Upon arrival, you'll receive a traditional white Khada and a refreshing drink during a brief welcome ceremony. Relax and let our team handle your luggage as you enjoy the scenic ride to your hotel in Lhasa city. Your guide will assist with check-in and share the next day's travel plans. Enjoy a comfortable stay at one of Lhasa's luxury hotels, preparing for an exciting tour tomorrow.

Begin your journey at the majestic Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Climb the grand steps for breathtaking views of the city and explore the White Palace and the religious chambers in the Red Palace, including the gilded burial stupas of past Dalai Lamas.

After lunch, visit Jokhang Temple, Lhasa’s holiest Buddhist site. In its dimly-lit rooms, you'll hear the hum of Buddhist chants and see locals adding butter oil to lamps. Don’t miss the life-size statue of the 12-year-old Buddha Sakyamuni. Outside, join Tibetan pilgrims in the famous Barkhor kora. Shop for unique souvenirs along Barkhor Street, then relax in a local teahouse with sweet tea and local delicacies. End your day with a lively welcome banquet featuring traditional Tibetan dancing, singing, and delicious Tibetan dishes, making your night in Lhasa unforgettable.

Begin your day with a visit to Drepung Monastery, the largest Gelugpa monastery, just 8km west of central Lhasa. Enjoy a scenic hike, marvel at the enormous religious painting on the rock, explore the vast monk kitchen, and take in the breathtaking views of the Lhasa valley. Feeling tired? Refresh yourself with a sip from the mountain spring. If you're lucky to visit during the Shoton Festival, you'll witness the awe-inspiring Thangka unveiling ceremony.

After lunch, head to Sera Monastery, the second-largest Gelugpa monastery in Lhasa. Here, you can watch the famous "monk debate" in the lively debate courtyard, where monks energetically slap hands, yell, and jump. You can also admire the intricate sand mandala, visit the Buddhist scripture printing press, and explore the main assembly hall. In the evening, experience the grand Princess Wencheng Real-scene Musical in an open-air theater, showcasing the legendary marriage between Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng from the Tang Dynasty, and immerse yourself in Tibetan culture and traditions.

Today we will start adventure by crossing the lofty Gampala pass at 4790 meters. From there, gaze upon the serene Yamdrok Lake at 4400 meters, encircled by majestic snow-capped peaks. Catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar rising to 7191 meters, the tallest peak near Lhasa. Along the lakeshore, savor different vantage points and immerse yourself in local village life, perhaps sharing a meal with a welcoming family.

Continue your journey, encountering the immense Korola Glacier, Tibet’s largest, where the glacier’s icy fingers stretch up the mountainside, a testament to nature’s wonder. Heading towards Gyantse, pause at Simila Mountain Pass to hang prayer flags, offering wishes for global harmony and your loved ones' well-being. Arrive in Gyantse to capture timeless snapshots of its ancient charm. En route to Shigatse, pass through verdant Tibetan barley fields, lush in summer and golden in autumn, punctuated by countless farms. Finally, reach Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. Check into your hotel, unwind, and prepare for the upcoming journey to Mount Everest, rejuvenated and ready for the next adventure.

After breakfast, you’ll head straight for Mount Everest. First, you’ll cross Gyatsola Pass (5280m). From the viewpoint there, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Everest peeking like a budding lotus flower behind the mountains, a captivating sight by the roadside. Entering Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, you’ll reach Gawula Pass (5198m) for a panoramic view of the Himalayas. Here, you’ll marvel at the majestic lineup of the five highest peaks, with Everest in the forefront, marking your second glimpse.

Driving along a new zigzag road to Everest Base Camp (5000m), the majestic Everest gradually unfolds with each winding turn, giving you your third view. At the base camp, the colossal white pyramid peak of Mount Everest stands towering before you. As dusk settles, watch the sun’s golden hues casting a warm glow on Everest's northern face—your fourth view. As night falls, the sparkling Milky Way and the snow-white peak of Everest reveal your fifth and final encounter. You'll stay overnight at Everest Base Camp or in a nearby village if the tent hotels are closed during winter.

In the morning, catch a glimpse of the pink sunlight illuminating Mount Everest’s peak. After breakfast, explore the Rongbuk Monastery, situated at a breathtaking 5154 meters—the highest monastery globally. Next, journey to Ngari, Tibet’s enigmatic region, to behold the revered Mount Kailash and sacred Lake Manasarovar. Along the way, marvel at Mt. Shishabangma, towering over 8000 meters. Take in the close-up view of its three majestic peaks and the shimmering Pelku Tso Lake nestled below.

Crossing the grasslands near Peiku Tso Lake leads you to Saga County, a vital hub in western Tibet and your gateway to the Mount Kailash area. The journey onward across the Ngari Plateau averages 4500 meters in elevation. Should you require supplies for your Kailash trek, Saga County offers everything you need.

On your journey, you'll encounter herds of yaks and sheep grazing on the vast grasslands below towering snow-capped peaks. As you continue, you'll pass by the serene Gongzhucuo Lake nestled amidst lush greenery. After traversing the Mayum La Mountain, standing tall at 5211 meters, you officially enter the Ngari Region. Crossing this mountain feels like stepping into a pristine wilderness inhabited by untamed creatures, with the sacred Lake Manasarovar soon revealing itself. The sight of Lake Manasarovar, overlooked by distant Mount Kailash, never fails to awe and inspire.

Following the lakeshore, you'll finally arrive at the revered Mount Kailash, the ultimate goal of your journey. In Darchen, a quaint town nestled at the mountain's base, settle into your hotel, rejuvenate, and prepare for the upcoming 3-day trek around Mount Kailash.

After breakfast, board an eco-friendly bus in Darchen bound for Sarshung Valley, the starting point of today’s 13-kilometer trek around Mount Kailash. The initial stretch of 13 kilometers is a gentle stroll through the valley nestled at the base of Mount Kailash, offering clear views of its southern and western slopes.

Once you reach the foot of the western slope, settle into the guesthouse at Dirapuk Monastery. The afternoon unfolds with a guided tour of the ancient Dirapuk Monastery, also known as Zhire Temple. Marvel at the sacred stupas and the majestic western face of Mount Kailash, capturing timeless moments. If weather permits, experience the breathtaking sight of sunset over Mount Kailash from Dirapuk Monastery. Watch as the sun casts a warm glow over the rugged cliffs, painting the sky with hues of dusk.

We will start on an early morning adventure starting at Dirapuk Monastery with a brisk 4-kilometer trek, climbing swiftly to 5430 meters. The view from here showcases a stunning sunrise casting its glow over Mount Kailash’s northwest slope. Next, journey another 2 kilometers to reach Dolma La Pass, the highest point at 5630 meters, where prayer flags flutter in the mountain breeze. Note: Despite summer, icy patches and rocks require careful navigation.

Crossing Dolma La Pass, you'll discover the tranquil Lake of Compassion, also known as Guri Kund, its emerald-green waters believed to cleanse a lifetime of sins. Witness the sprawling glaciers adorning Mount Kailash’s northwest face. Descending gently, you'll find yourself in the serene valley beneath Mount Kailash’s southeast foot, home to Zutulpuk Monastery (or Dzutripuk Monastery). Here, encounter friendly wildlife and find a peaceful spot on the grassy plains to rest and reflect.

In the morning, you’ll trek back from Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen, where your Kailash journey began. Following the completion of the trek, you'll embark on a 30-kilometer drive to the serene Lake Manasarovar. Arriving at its shores, you'll have the chance to connect with its sacred waters.

Here, you can meditate by the lakeside, absorb the tranquil rhythm of the waves, or purify yourself with the holy water, deeply revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike. Nearby, there are optional hot springs offering rejuvenating foot baths or full-body soaks—a perfect way to unwind after the rigorous Mount Kailash pilgrimage, for a small fee. After this memorable day, return to Darchen, reflecting on the spiritual journey you've undertaken.

After breakfast, you'll head back to Saga to experience again the breathtaking sights of the Ngari Plateau, Himalayas, and Gangdise Mountains. Along the way, you can pause at lush meadows and serene lakes to immerse yourself in Ngari's natural beauty and observe its wildlife up close. By day's end, you'll reach Saga, the final destination of today's journey.

Today we will drive to Gyirong Valley in the morning, nestled on the border of China and Nepal—a true hidden gem. As you descend from higher altitudes, the landscape transforms dramatically. Snowy peaks give way to lush forests and winding canyons, painting a picturesque roadside view.

By afternoon, you'll arrive at Gyirong Town, gateway to this stunning valley. Discover a unique climate here, offering a humid, oxygen-rich environment unlike the dry, thin air of Ngari Plateau. Gyirong Valley promises not just natural beauty, but a glimpse into a different world altogether—one of serene landscapes and cultural richness waiting to be explored.

This morning, take your time to relax and recharge. (Note: If you're heading to Kathmandu after visiting Mount Kailash, you can leave in the morning. After lunch, we'll start our return journey to Tingri County in Shigatse. Enjoy the stunning vistas of the Himalayas once more as we climb back through the Himalayan plateau. We'll reach Tingri in the afternoon. Once you've settled into your hotel, take the opportunity to unwind and rest comfortably.

Tomorrow morning, we'll explore the residence of the Panchen Lama: Tashilhunpo Monastery. Perched on a hillside, its vast halls dominate the landscape, making it the heart of Shigatse for Tibetans. Inside, visitors encounter the immense statue of Maitreya Buddha, the largest of its kind worldwide, adding to the monastery's allure and spiritual significance.

Later in the day, we'll journey back to Lhasa, tracing our path alongside the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Revered as the mother river by Tibetans, its winding course offers scenic vistas and a deeper connection to the region's cultural and natural heritage. This return trip promises not only a physical journey but also a reflective opportunity to appreciate the profound spiritual and geographical richness of Tibet.

Make sure to confirm your departure flight or train details with our guide beforehand. Your guide will then accompany you to the airport or train station.