Tibet Expedition with Mount Kailash: In the far west of Tibet is Mt Kailash (6714m), the most sacred mountain in Asia, which is venerated by Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and the ancient Bon religion of Tibet.
It is an important site for pilgrims who make a 52km circuit, or kora of the mountain conquering a 5630m pass with some gorgeous mountain scenery along this trek including close-ups of the majestic pyramidal Mt. Kailash.
This circumambulation, clockwise for Buddhists and Hindus and anti-clockwise for Bon followers, is said to erase the sins of a lifetime. The mountain itself is 6714m high and with its four sheer walls and the snow-capped peak is an awe-inspiring sight and a trek here wonderfully integrates the spiritual, cultural, and physical dimensions of any trip to Tibet.
Tibet Expedition with Mount Kailash tour takes us to Kathmandu-Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse-Shigar-Mt. Everest Base Camp-Saga-Lhatse-Lhasa-Kathmandu.
The flight into Kathmandu with a panoramic view of the valley below and the Himalayan ranges towering above the clouds is stunning. Once you land and check out from the Tribhuvan International Airport our agent will greet and welcome you, and drive you to your hotel, later on, in the evening you’ll be assisted with all of your travel requirements for the trek by your guide and will have typical Nepali Thali as welcome Dinner.
The rest of the day is free to explore this historic and vibrant city.
Accommodation:- Hotel
Welcome Dinner
From Kathmandu International Airport we have 1 hour 10 minutes, Trans Himalayan Flight to Gonggar airport, considered one of the most beautiful flights in the world that takes us over Everest (8848m) and Kanchenjunga (8536m). Those who wish to join in Lhasa can arrive in Lhasa on the date mentioned. We will be meeting at Gonggar Airport with our Tibetan guide. After immigration formalities, we take a 1.5-hour drive along a 93 km road leading to Lhasa lying at an altitude of 3650 meters. It is recommended to take it easy on our first day in Lhasa, letting your body get used to the altitude.
Maximum Altitude: 3,650 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel twin sharing
Our sightseeing tour in Lhasa starts from its cardinal landmark – Potala Palace, a structure of massive portions. Nothing can compare its towering image to our first sight of this incredible, amazing wonder of the world. It is awe-inspiring and we will be enchanted as we visit the rooms, halls, and chapels of the palace.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Jokhang Temple which is the spiritual center of Tibet. Every day, pilgrims from every corner of Tibet trek here from long distances to worship. The temple is the product of Han, Tibetan, and Nepalese architectural techniques. Finally, we will visit Barkhor Street which is the oldest street in this very traditional Tibetan city and has a market.
Maximum Altitude: 3,650 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel twin sharing
In the morning we will depart from Lhasa and drive along the Friendship Highway to Gyantse (3950 m) via Yamdrok Lake. Numerous passes, such as Khambo La and Kharo La, provide a wondrous view of the Himalayan range. A colossal glacier rises nearly straight up from the road as we pass Kharo La. The drive is no daunting task as we pass through many more beautiful Tibetan valleys and quiet villages along the way.
Maximum Altitude: 3,840 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel twin sharing
After visiting the Seat of Panchen Lamas – Tashilumpo Monastery, in Shigatse, we drive to Shegar and en route, we visit Sakya Monastery, which is divided into the south and north two parts. It is of the typical Yuan Dynasty style of resembling castles. There are a lot of historical articles in the monastery, among them are found a lot of the imperial certificates, gold signets, crowns, and costumes bestowed by the Yuan Dynasty emperors. It has over 10,000 volumes of Tibetan books on astronomy, medicine, calligraphy, and history. So the Sakya monastery enjoys the title ‘the second Dun Huang Cave’.
Maximum Altitude: 4,250 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel twin sharing
We drive to EBC via Rombuk Monastery from where we have a fabulous and splendid view of Mt. Everest. Although it’s just 120km from Shigar to Everest Base Camp, it takes about 4 hours since the cracked winding roads demand much caution. But the views are stupendous on a clear day and feature a huge sweep of the Himalaya range including peaks Mt. Lhotse (8516 m), Mt. Everest (8848 m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8201 m), and Mt Makalu (8463 m). When we finally get to Base Camp, the first sight of the mighty Everest simply leaves us speechless. All the hardship we bear along the way makes sense at this while. The best moments to watch Mt.Everest are early morning and late evening when Everest is shining like a goddess in the sunglow.
Maximum Altitude: 5,150 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel twin sharing
Today we do a long drive to the small town of Saga. We will cover many miles during the day to encounter alluring river valleys and scattered villages. En route, we visit Peikutso Lake.
Maximum Altitude: 4,600 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel twin sharing
After several river crossings, we will finally arrive at the shores of Lake Mansarovar prepared for one of the most awe-inspiring and holy places we have ever seen.
Maximum Altitude: 4,575 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel twin sharing
Today will be a day to rest and experience the magic of this holy site. We will take it easy but also meet with local pilgrims and visit the beautiful Chiu Monastery. Mt.Kailash looms in the distance.
Maximum Altitude: 4,575 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel twin sharing
We drive to Zada where we view and admire the Zada stone forest and visit the renowned Guge Kingdom Ruins.
Maximum Altitude: 3,650 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel twin sharing
We visit the Tholing Monastery and drive to Tarboche ( the foot of Mt. Kailash ) in Darchen where we will be astonished by the spectacularity of Mt.Kailash, the heart of the Buddhism universe.
Maximum Altitude: 4,560 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel twin sharing
From Tarboche, we walk up the Lha Chu Valley through beautiful green meadows and streams with Mt Kailash towering above us. We follow the river which enters a narrow canyon with high, steep cliffs and spectacular waterfalls. Continuing up the valley, the north face of Kailash comes into view before we reach the 13th-century monastery at Dira-Puk.
Maximum Altitude: 5,210 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel twin sharing
We now leave the Lha Chu Valley and enter the Drolma Chu Valley, heading up towards a high pass, the Drolma La (5630m). 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, with views of one of the highest lakes in the world, Thukpe Dzingbu Lake, known as the Lake of Compassion. As well as the monastery at Zutul-Puk, there are several meditation caves and another cave containing an image of Milarepa.
Maximum Altitude: 4,790 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel twin sharing
This is the final day of the Kora. We cross several streams and follow an impressive gorge. Along the way, we are once again treated to magnificent views of Mt. Kailash. We then enter the Bharka plain and it’s about an hour’s walk through this desert-like landscape to Darchen.
Maximum Altitude: 4,560 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel twin sharing
Today is another driving day as we head towards Saga taking the sights of the small dusty towns along the way. This gives us more time to appreciate this truly ancient Tibetan culture.
Maximum Altitude: 4,600 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel twin sharing
Today, we will have a scenic drive to Lhatse through Lalung La Pass, from where the mountain peaks such as Mount Everest, Shishapangma, Melungatse, and many smaller peaks of the area can be witnessed.
Maximum Altitude: 3,950 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel twin sharing
Today we drive past the high passes Korala (5010m) and Kambala (4794m) and Lake Yamdrok Tso. We will also cross the Great Yarlung Tsangpo also known as Brahma Putra River.
Upon reaching Lhasa, check in at the hotel and have a nice rest.
Maximum Altitude: 3,650 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel twin sharing
We take a last memorable look at the Potala Palace before being transported to the airport for the flight back to Kathmandu.
Maximum Altitude: 1400 m
Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
If you prefer to stay longer, you can consult us for short tours such as game drives at National parks, rafting, mountain biking, India or Bhutan tours, etc. Meals: Breakfast
Special Note-
We would like to inform you that We don’t operate the Tibet tours during March so please don’t book the Tibet tours in March. This is all about the policy/rules of the Chinese Government. Thank you for your great understanding.
Be mindful of the high altitude in Lhasa, which stands at approximately 3,650 meters (11,975 feet). It’s recommended to acclimatize gradually to prevent altitude-related issues. Adequate rest and hydration are crucial during the initial days.
Ensure you have the necessary travel permits for Tibet. Foreign travelers must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit, and additional permits may be required for specific regions or attractions. It’s advisable to coordinate with a reputable tour operator like Overland Trek Nepal to handle the permit application process.
Tibet experiences diverse climatic conditions. While Lhasa has a semi-arid climate, temperatures can vary significantly between day and night. Pack accordingly, including layers for varying temperatures and comfortable walking shoes.
Tibet has a deeply rooted Buddhist culture. Show respect for local customs and traditions, especially in religious sites. It’s customary to walk clockwise around sacred sites, known as kora, and to refrain from photography in certain areas.
The official currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it’s advisable to carry sufficient cash. ATMs are available in Lhasa, but they may have limited services, so plan accordingly.
Respect photography guidelines, especially in religious sites. Some monasteries may have restrictions on photography inside prayer halls or specific areas. Always ask permission before taking photos of locals.
Explore Tibetan cuisine, characterized by hearty and flavorful dishes. Try traditional staples like momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and yak-based dishes. It’s also recommended to try Tibetan butter tea, a unique local beverage.
Public transportation options in Lhasa include taxis and buses. For tours to more remote areas, consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour. Pre-arrange transportation for ease of travel which will be arranged by Overland Trek Nepal.
Consult with a healthcare professional before traveling to Tibet, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. Carry essential medications, and be mindful of maintaining good health practices in the high-altitude environment.
While Mandarin Chinese is widely spoken, especially in urban areas, many Tibetans speak Tibetan. Learning a few basic Tibetan phrases can enhance your travel experience and foster positive interactions with locals even, you will have a guide with you if you need any help.
The Overland Trek Nepal Team will be providing a Duffel Bag and a Down Jacket (on a refundable basis), upon your arrival in Kathmandu.
This journey encompasses urban, rural, and remote areas in Nepal and Tibet, resulting in varying accommodations and amenities. Whether it’s five-star hotels and guest houses or camping in the breathtaking Himalayan regions under the care of our staff, you can be confident that we will consistently offer the best possible facilities in every instance.
All Travelers must ensure that their passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of tour completion.
