(Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse – Saga – Manasarovar – Mt. Kailash - Zhangmu)
Trip Facts:
Tour name: 18 days Central Tibet & Holy Mt. Kailash
Entry / Exit: Fly in / Drive out
Grade: Strenuous
Max Elevation: 5630m/18466ft
Accommodation: Hotel/Camp/Guesthouse
Meal: Full board in Kailash en-route & BB in cities
Transport: Flight & Private vehicle
Total Days: 22
Highlights:
- One hour Trans-Himalaya flight and breath taking aerial view of Everest and other highest peaks.
- Visit of Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Drepung monastery, Jokhang.
- Pelkhor and Choden in Gyantse, Tashilumphu in Shigatse.
- Manasarovar Lake.
- Kailash trekking or Kora.
- Driving by Luxury 4WD Land Cruiser.
Trip summary:
The incomparable Mt. Kailash, 7600m is equally venerated, holiest pilgrimage site by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bön-Po.
Four great rivers of Asia: the Karnali, the Indus, the Sutlej and the Brahmaputra (Tsangpo) originate from here. A three-day trek (Parikrama or Kora) around Mt. Kailash over the Drolma La, 5630m, clockwise for Buddhists and Hindus, and anti-clockwise followers of the ancient Bon religion, is said to erase the sins of a lifetime.
To complete the Kailash pilgrimage one should bathe in the sacred Lake Manasarovar, stunningly set on the Tibetan plateau bordered by the majestic Gurla Mandata.
The tour begins with a comprehensive trip briefing in Kathmandu followed by a sensational Trans Himalayan flight to Lhasa that passes over Mt. Everest and many highest peaks of the world. You must start tour from Kathmandu to enjoy the flight. This is the only flight fly over Mt. Everest and other highest peaks.
Upon arrival in Lhasa and the suitable period of acclimation during which you can visit all important monasteries and Palaces including the Potala Palace. Your Kailash trip begins, across the vast and arid moonscape of the Tibetan plateau, stopping at the ancient cities such as Gyantse, Shigatse you become witness to a host of colorful impressions and influences.
After perhaps, completing the three days trekking around Mt. Kailash, the return journey begins we-crossing the plateau before descending the highway the friendship bridge and entering Nepal, thus completing trip of a lifetime.
In case you wish to start the tour in Lhasa arriving from anywhere in mainland China you will be briefed by your Tibetan Guide.
Outline Itinerary:
| Days | Itinerary | Altitude | Overnight |
| Day 01 | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1300m/4265ft | Hotel (BB) |
| Day 02 | Trip briefing, day at leisure | 1300m/4265ft | Hotel (BB) |
| Day 03 | Fly Kathmandu to Lhasa | 3600m/11808ft | Hotel (BB) |
| Day 04 | Sightseeing of Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Market | 3600m/11808ft | Hotel (BB) |
| Day 05 | Sightseeing of Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery | 3600m/11808ft | Hotel (BB) |
| Day 06 | Drive to Gyantse | 3950m/12956ft | Hotel (BB) |
| Day 07 | Drive to Shigatse | 3900m/12792ft | Hotel (BB) |
| Day 08 | Drive to Lhatse | 4050m/13284ft | Hotel (BB) |
| Day 09 | Drive to Saga | 4840m/15875ft | Camp (AP) |
| Day 10 | Drive to Paryang | 4540m/14891ft | Camp (AP) |
| Day 11 | Drive to Manasarovar | 4558m/14950ft | Camp (AP) |
| Day 12 | Rest day at Manasarovar | 4558m/14950ft | Camp (AP) |
| Day 13 | Drive to Darchen | 4560m/15088ft | Camp (AP) |
| Day 14 | Trek to Dirapuk | 4900m/16072ft | Camp (AP) |
| Day 15 | Trek to Zutulpuk | 4790m/15711ft | Camp (AP) |
| Day 16 | Trek to Darchen. Drive to Manasarovar | 4558m/14950ft | Camp (AP) |
| Day 17 | Drive to Paryang | 4540m/14891ft | Camp (AP) |
| Day 18 | Drive to Saga | 4840m/15875ft | Camp (AP) |
| Day 19 | Drive to Zhangmu | 2300m/7545ft | Hotel (BB) |
| Day 20 | Drive to Kathmandu | 1300m/4265ft | Hotel (BB) |
| Day 21 | Day at leisure | 1300m/4265ft | Hotel (BB) |
| Day 22 | Holiday extension or final departure |
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu: 1300m/4265ft (BB)
Arrival in Kathmandu where you will be met and transferred to Hotel, just walking distance to any styles of good restaurants and shops. Our Representative will give you short briefing on hotel facilities and safety. Tonight we only have a short introduction to the area, just what you need to know before the main briefing tomorrow. O/N Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Trip briefing, day at leisure: 1300m/4265ft (BB)
Comprehensive trip briefing by Tibet expert, entertain last minute questions, handover info materials and introduce all members of the tour. Briefing time - 12 noon. O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 03: Arrival in Lhasa: 3600m/11811ft (BB)
An hour flight to Lhasa will enchant you with the spectacular, breathtaking view of the Himalayan Ranges. You will see most of the highest mountains on earth including Mt. Everest. Arrive in Gongkar airport and take a 2-hour drive to Lhasa along the banks of the river Kyi-chu that flows through to Lhasa. The drive will take you to the west of the city at Dongkar, and just west of Dongkar the Potala Palace will be visible from afar. At 3600m, it is advisable to take the rest of the day in leisure in order to acclimatize. You can go around the hotel area for light walk and sightseeing. O/N at Hotel in Lhasa
Day 04: Lhasa 3600m – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Market: 3600m/11811ft (BB)
This morning we visit the Potala Palace, winter palace of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, It is a 13th storied complex monument rising to a height of above 117m which houses 10,000 shrines and over 200,000 images and about 1000 rooms. In the afternoon we will take a tour of Jokhang Temple. Jokhang a seventh-century geomantic temple at the heart of Lhasa is the most sacred temple of all Tibet. It is considered to be a Power Place in all Tibet. Queen Bhrikuti a Nepalese princess married to King Songtsen Gampo founded Jokhang Temple and in recognition of Queen Bhrikuti the main gate of the temple faces west towards Nepal. The most impressive structure of the Jokhang Temple is the many chapels surrounding the temple. Later you can walk and shop in the popular Barkhor Square (Bazaar) where Tibetan handicraft items, Buddhist artifacts, carpets, paintings etc. are all in sale for your delight. Then after we will visit to Tibetan Medical Centre. O/N at Hotel in Lhasa
Day 05: Lhasa – Sera Monastery - Drepung Monastery: 3600m/11811ft (BB)
This morning we will drive 8km northwest of Lhasa to visit Drepung Monastery. It was the residence of the Third, Fourth and the Fifth Dalai Lamas. This winter Palace was the resident of hundreds of monks from all the major Geluk monasteries for staffing individual Chapels. The 20,000 sq m complex has survived unscathed even during the Cultural Revolution. In afternoon we will drive 5km away from Lhasa to Sera Monastery founded in 1419. It sits in the prettiest and most charming atmosphere at the base of Mount Purbuchok. Sera Monastery used to be an important center for learning where 5,000 to 6,000 monks resided. The most intriguing feature here is the nine-meter image of the Monastery; here one can also witness the practicing debate among the monks, who pitch their knowledge against each other. O/N at Hotel in Lhasa.
Day 06: Lhasa – Gyantse: 3950m12956ft – 265 km 5/6 hours (BB)
Leaving Lhasa and a long drive of 265km, taking about 5/6 hours including break for lunch at one of the villages’ en-route. We will drive over two spectacular high passes – the Kampa La at 4750m/15580ft and Karo La at 5010m/16432ft, over, and along the beautiful deep blue green Lake called Yamdrok Lake or Turquoise Lake. The landscape of the Tibetan Plateau is truly unusual and spectacular. We will arrive in Gyantse an old Tibetan Town against a backdrop of magnificent 14th-15th century fortresses and temples. Here we will visit Pelkhor Chode Temple, which served the Geluk Sakya and Buluk orders. Here the Khumbum Stupa is an architectural masterpiece built in the style of 108-sided Mandela. It is the most revered Stupa in Tibet and houses 112 chapels of which only 23 are open to the public. O/N at Hotel in Gyantse.
Day 07: Gyantse – Shigatse: 3900m/12792ft – 90 km 2 hours (BB)
After breakfast 2 hours, 90km straight drive to Shigatse the second largest town in Tibet. Shigatse the capital of Tsang Province is 395km west of Lhasa via Gyantse. Shigatse was one of the first towns to be visited by westerners due to close distance with the Indian border. Here, Tashilumpo Palace is the place to visit. His Holiness the Panchen Lama (great scholar), the second highest spiritual figure in Tibet after His Holiness The Dalai Lama. The Fifth Dalai Lama built this artistic Palace. There are about 39 amazing chapels inside the Palace including the huge Maitreya Chapel coated with gold, its workmanship certainly impresses everyone, Tushita Chapel containing one thousand small statues of Tsongkhapa founder of Geluk order. Victory Chapel, which is concerted into a school for study and in side the chapel there is a huge gold image of Tsokapa and his two disciples and also the Tomb of the Tenth Panchen Lama just to name a few. In the afternoon, we will visit the local markets for shopping and local sightseeing. O/N at Hotel in Shigatse
Day 08: Shigatse – Lhatse: 4050m/13284ft – 160 km 5 hours (Full Board)
Today we drive 160km. The friendship highway takes about 8/9 hours to reach Shegar. We will take lunch in Lhatse, which is about 90km away. Lhatse a small relatively modern town in the banks of the river Tsangpo. Lhatse Dzong is an old town of Lhatse, where few monastery of Lhatse Chode were founded at the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama. The most significant historical site in Lhatse Dzong is the small meditation cave located in the northern face of Dzong (castle). Shegar is further 90km west of Lhatse. On the dirt highway we will cross the high pass of Gyatse La or Lhakpa La 5220m. On the decent, if the weather permits you will have the first view of mighty Mt. Everest south face and other prominent mountains of the world. O/N at Hotel in Lhatse.
Day 09: Drive to Saga: 4840m/15875ft – 300km 8 hours (Full Board)
Heading away from Lhatse, the trail follows a route that brushes past Brahmaputra River. Further ahead, a river valley sprawls over and then traditional picturesque villages come into picture. This scenically rewarding drive provides plenty of opportunities for photography. Shortly after finding a right campsite in Saga, you rest the trip as the night approaches. O/N Camp in Saga.
Day 10: Drive to Paryang: 4540m/14891ft – 200km 7/8 hours (Full Board)
A longer day’s drive today, (200km) 7/8 hrs approx, takes us to Parayang, We continue on across the vast dry plains to the small town of Parayang. O/N Camp in Paryang.
Day 11: Drive To Manasarovar: 4558m/14950ft – 223km 6 hours (Full Board)
A longer day’s drive today, 280km approx 8 hrs from Parayang, we set out across the plains to Manasarovar located just 30km south of Mt Kailash. The lake is separated from another lake, Rakshas Tal, myth has it here Ravana prayed and had the audience with Shiva (all Hindu name). O/N Guest House OR Camp in Mansarovar
Day 12: Rest day at Manasarovar: 4558m/14950ft (Full Board)
The day to wash away sins of a lifetime! After performing puja and taking a holy dip in the Lake we will spend rest of day wandering around the lake and prepare ourselves for Kora around Mt. Kailash. O/N Guest House OR Camp in Mansarovar
Day 13: Drive to Darchen: 4560m/14957ft – 30km 1hour (Full Board)
Leaving the lake, we drive for about 30 km towards Darchen, the Base Camp of Kailash where we stay at Guest house. O/N Guest house in Darchen.
Day 14: Trek to Dira-Puk: 4900m/16072ft – 7km walk 5 hours (Full Board)
Drive about 5 km to Tarboche; this is the starting point for our kora, the 53km trek around the mountain. From Tarboche, we walk up the Lha Chu Valley through beautiful green meadows and streams with Mt Kailash towering above us. Those who do want wish to trek around Kailash can go back to Mansorovar or Darchen and wait for the kora group to return. O/N Camp in Dira-Puk.
Day 15: Trek to Zutul-Puk: 4790m/15771ft – 24km walk 8/9 hours (Full Board)
We now leave the Lha Chu Valley and enter the Drolma Chu Valley, heading up towards a high pass, the Drolma La (5630m/18466ft). It’s a tough climb to the summit which is festooned with prayer flags but from there it is all downhill or flat to Zutul-puk. O/N Camp in Zutul-Puk.
Day 16: Trek to Darchen (4560m/14957ft). Drive to Manasarovar: 4558m/14950ft – 30km 1hour (Full Board)
On the final day of the kora we cross several streams. We then enter the Bharka plain and it’s about an hour’s walk through this desert-like landscape to Darchen. We board the car waiting at Darchen and drive approx 2 hrs to Manasarovar for overnight halt. O/N Camp in Mansarovar.
Day 17: Drive to Paryang: 4750m/15580ft – 340km 8 hours (Full Board)
Today is a long drive, about 280km, back to Paryang. O/N Camp in Paryang.
Day 18: Drive To Saga: 4600m/15088ft – 252km 7 hours (Full Board)
We continue driving today along a 250km stretch of road to Saga. O/N Camp in Saga.
Day 19: Drive to Zhangmu: 2300m/7545ft – 260km 8 hours (BB)
Leaving Saga, we again cross the Yarlung Tsangpo River by ferry, and pass by Peiku-tso before arriving back at Zhangmu. Zhangmu is a small boarder town teetering on a precipitous hillside. It serves as the main port of entry into Tibet when coming overland to and from Nepal. O/N Hotel in Zhangmu.
Day 20: Zhangmu – Kathmandu: 1300m/4265ft – 120km 5 hours (BB)
After breakfast, we cross the Friendship Bridge into Kodari, Nepal and drive into Kathmandu via Araniko highway. By now, you will have entered into a completely different landscape one which is vastly different from just where you were a few days ago. The Nepali foothills and the greenery will make the drive pleasant and enjoyable. Arrived Kathmandu. O/N Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 21: Day at leisure: 1300m/4265ft
This pleasant day you may have full day at leisure and either relax at hotel or explore Kathmandu city, shopping etc. O/N Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 22: Holiday extension or transfer to airport for final departure:
Today either you’ll have your holiday extension or we will transfer you to airport for final departure flight.
| Cost | US$ 2735 per person |
| Single Supplement | US$ 485 per person |
SERVICES INCLUDED:
- Accommodation in twin sharing basis as per the itinerary on BB basis upto Lhatse
- Twin sharing or dormitory as per the itinerary on BB basis en-route Kailash as mention in itinerary.
- Lhasa sightseeing and airport transfer by necessary vehicle
- Yak and Yak man
- Kailash Entrance fee
- Manasarovar entrance fee
- 1 support truck
- Satellite phone
- Camping arrangement
- All meal during camping
- Necessary camping equipment
- English speaking Tibetan Guides
- 4500 model Land Cruiser OR necessary vehicle during the tour
- 2 bottles mineral water daily during tour.
- Monastery entrance fees
- Tibet Travel permit
- Emergency 2 bottles portable oxygen cylinder
- Border Transfer Kodari - Kathmandu.
SERVICES EXCLUDED:
- Tibet Visa Fee
- Airfare KATHMANDU – LHASA (US$ 379 per person) on economy class
- Nepal re-entry visa fee
- Lunch and Dinner in hotels
- Service of porterage while crossing Friendship bridge
- Alcoholic beverages & bar bills
- All expenses of personal nature, phone calls, laundry etc.
- Gratuity to staff.
- Services of Porterage and other vehicles in between in case of landslides and other natural calamities beyond our control and expenses incurred during rescue services.
- Additional portable oxygen cylinder ( US$ 20 per bottle )
- Service not mention herein.
Fix Departure Dates:
| Month | TripStartDate | TripEndDate | Availability |
| May | 09. May. 10, SUN | 30. May. 10, SUN | Available |
| May | 16. May. 10, SUN | 06. June. 10, SUN | Available |
| June | 06. June. 10, SUN | 27. June. 10, SUN | Available |
| June | 15. June. 10, TUE | 06. July. 10, TUE | Available |
| July | 04. July. 10, SUN | 25. July. 10, SUN | Available |
| July | 18. July. 10, SUN | 08. Aug. 10, SUN | Available |
| August | 01. Aug. 10, SUN | 22. Aug. 10, SUN | Available |
| August | 15. Aug. 10, SUN | 05. Sept. 10, SUN | Available |
| September | 05. Sept. 10, SUN | 26. Sept. 10, SUN | Available |
| September | 12. Sept. 10, SUN | 03. Oct. 10, SUN | Available |
| Article Index |
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| 18 Days Holy Mt. Kailash & Centre Tibet Tour |
| Detailed Itinerary |
| Cost Include/Exclude |
| All Pages |
