Arrive at the border and you will be picked up and stay overnight in Gyirong Town.
Today is a long drive of 6 hours or more. Moving towards to Saga, enjoy the view along the way, and stay overnight.
Moving towards the Drongpa county, the region around the sources of Brahmaputra river, which is about 167km from the Saga town, and then drive to Lake Manasarovar, one of the holiest lakes in Tibet and the world’s highest fresh water lake. Spend some time here to adore the beauty of the lake. In summer, you might see flocks of swans gathering on the lake, bringing life and harmony to this land.
Morning, drive to Zhada along the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway. Zhada is a small one-street county consisting of a few hotels, restaurants and supermarkets. Today, you will see the magnificent Tholing Mound Forest and visit Tholing Monastery, founded in the 10th century. Overnight at Zhada.
Lake Manasarovar
Tholing Monastery
Today, drive to Tsaparang Guge Kingdom ruins, which is 18km west of Zhada. You can find ruins of once prominent ancient Guge Kingdom in the vast valley of Sutlej River. Among the remarkable sand-dunes, some temples are still intact containing exquisite murals and decorative motifs. You can imagine its glory before the fatal war destroyed the mighty kingdom in 17th century. Make a half day tour there, and in the afternoon, drive back to Zhada and have a rest. Overnight at Zhada.
Guge Kingdom
Mural at Guge Kingdom
Drive to the small town named Darchen. This is the starting and ending point of the Kailash Kora. Nomad traders have set up tents here selling drinks, snacks and instant noodles at inflated prices. The 52km circumambulation follow the footstep of devoted pilgrims with the alpine valley, blooming glacier and spectacular view of the great north face of Kailash can be seen end of the day, after cross the challenging Dolma la pass (5600m), the trail descent the steep and rock-strewn valley to Zultrulpuk and then on the next day an easy trek to Darchen. Overnight at local guesthouse in Darchen.
From Darchen, we will take the green car and drive 7kms to Sershong village where we will start our kora. Before that, you might need to rent horse, yak or porters to carry your belongings. We will come to the Tarboch Flag Pole, one of the most essential facets of Tibetan spirituality. In Saga Dawa Festival, this giant flagpole which has multitudinous prayer flags on it will be pulled down and replaced with new flags. Along the Lha-chu river and valley, we head to our destination today, Dirapuk Monastery. On the way, we can see occasionally the west and north face of Mount Kailash.
Darchen
Kailash Kora
We will climb up to the Dolmala pass which is at an elevation of 5640m. It is the hardest part of the three days’ Kora considering all the climbing and strong wind. Be prepared with plenty water and some snacks. You can also find some teahouses to drink some tea or restore your energy. Our trekking ends till we come to Zutulpuk Monastery. According to the legend, it was built by Milarepa as a shelter from the rain.
Dolmala Pass
Kailash Kora
Today you will trek to Darchen. This 5 hours trek takes you 14km downhill. From Zutulpuk Monastery, trek on a riverside trail for about an hour, then climbs above the river and enters the lovely Gold & Red Cliffs, a narrow canyon with its walls being stained purple, cobalt and rust. Where the trail emerges onto the Barkha plain, a short distance to the 4th prostration point (4610m), Gurla Mandata is again visible in the distance. It is now an easy one hour walk back to Darchen along a dirt road. We complete the 3 day circuit trek of Mt. Kailash. Have a good rest in the afternoon. Stay overnight in Darchen.
Kailash Kora
Kailash Kora
Today drive back to Saga retracing the same route, you will have a last view of the Mt.Kailash on the way. Overnight in Saga.
Today, drive through sandy plain, where herder men with their sheep and yaks can be seen along the way. You will stop by Peikutso Lake en route. It is thrilling to see the expanse of this alpine lake nestled between high snowcapped mountains, with Mount Shishapangam, the fourteenth highest mountain standing tall at 8,000 meter on its right. Further cross the pasture and arrive at Old Tingri, from where you’ll have a chance to view the mighty peaks of Mt. Everest (8848m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m) far in the distance. Continue another 100km to reach Rongbuk nearby the Everest Base Camp. Enjoy the stunning sunset if weather is good. Stay overnight at Rongbuk guesthouse or tent guesthouse (dorm bed).
Peikutso Lake
Rongbuk Monastery
Get up early this morning, and if you are lucky enough, you will have a chance to see thesunrise at Base Camp. It’s hard to peel your eyes away from the stunning view of the magnificent north face of the world’s tallest peak-Mt. Everest (Qomolangma as its Tibetan name, meaning "Goddess Mother of Mountains"). There's a monument located about 1 kilometer beyond the tent guesthouses. Late morning or early afternoon start driving back to Shigatse and have a good rest after the long time drive. Overnight in Shigatse.
Everest Sunrise
Everest Base Camp
After breakfast, you’ll first visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the head to Lhasa via Gyantze. in Gyantse, you will be arranged to visit the famous stupa - Gyantse Kumbum, the most stunning architectural wonder in Tibet, as well as Pelkor Choede. En route we will stop atKaro la to see the holy mount Nyenchen Kangsar glacier. here you will cross Kambala Pass which is 4794m high, Kambala Pass will provide you the first sight of the holy lake - Yamdrok tso. Then drive down to the bank of Yamdrok tso Lake, it takes about half an hour driving along the beautiful the bank to the nearest town – Nangartse. Then arrive in Lhasa and rest there.
Tashilhunpo Monastery
Yamdrok Lake
Today you’ll visit Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace. Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). Jokhang Temple is the most scared shrine in Tibet which was built in 7th century and located at the heart of old town in Lhasa. The circuit around the Jokhang called Barkhor Street is a good place to purchase souvenirs. Both of them are the focal points of pilgrims from entire Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. Afterwards stroll on the narrow streets of Lhasa old town to meet local people and visit their markets.
Potala Palace
Jokhang Temple
Morning, you’ll visit Drepung Monastery, once world's largest monastery with about 10,000 monks. Walking up to the hill is a pleasant thing, an easy break from the solemn ambience inside the halls and chapels. At the plat roof of hillside, you can have very good views of the whole Lhasa city and the distant mountains. In the afternoon, you’ll have a chance to witness the famous 'Buddhism Scriptures Debating' session at Sera Monastery. Overnight in Lhasa.
Derpung Monastery
Sera Monastery
Drop-off from hotel to Lhasa airport, say goodbye to your guide & driver.
※What is a Private Tour?
A Private Tour Package means you will have your own private guide, driver, and vehicle for your own disposal. You don't have to share the vehicle with others even if you are a single traveler. You would have full attention of your guide and driver. Our professional guide would love to share local culture, knowledge and stories.
Your private guide would also help you make an easier, comfortable, flexible and enjoyable tour. You can stop on the road to get a rest or take pictures during the drive. You have the flexibility of changing the visiting order of attractions or extending the visiting time at some tourist sites.
We will arrange the private airport or train station pick-up and see-off for you. Upon your arrival, you can find our guide waiting at the pick-up area, holding a name sign, welcome you with a warm smile. You will be transferred to hotel.
When traveling with your family or friends, a private tour would be your first choice.
※Accommodation Choices
For private tour, we can arrange hotels according to your requirements. There are options of budget guesthouse, 3 star hotel, 4 star hotel, high-end luxury hotel or bouquet heritage hotel. If you have your own preferred hotel, just let us know, we will help you with the booking, everything would be arranged as per your interests.
※Meal Choices
Our tour packages generally include breakfasts. Meanwhile, lunches and dinners are optional to be arranged either by yourself or by us.
It’s easy to find nice restaurants in China, and you could also ask for suggestions from your guide. They always know where you can find something tasty.
The price would be different according to different food:
1. If you choose noodles, around RMB 15-30 per person.
2. If you like some fast food like KFC, around RMB 25-40 per person.
3. If you prefer some food at a decent restaurant, around RMB 70-150 per person.
Potala Palace
Mt. Everest
Yamdrok Lake
Sera Monastery
Namtso Lake
Mt. Kailash
From Mr. Gerard AdrienHi Daniel. We are already on our way back to Shanghai. We would like to thank you for the great trip we had. Our guide Jampa and our driver did an excellent job. They are both very recommendable! We enjoyed the trip despite the altitude discomfort we experienced during the first 3 days. Thank you!
From Ms. Elena Maria ValisiI highly recommend this agency. I travelled with other 2 couples who booked through different agencies and they paid a lot more to have less assistance, same hotels/tour/guide/car, less flexibility and no travel insurance included.
