Mt. Kailash Kora Grand Tour 18 Night 19 Days

On the second day of our journey, our tour begins with a visit to the iconic Potala Palace. This magnificent palace, built in the 17th century by the fifth Dalai Lama, offers breathtaking views of the entire city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, along with numerous grand state rooms and chapels. After exploring the palace, we'll head to the revered Jokhang Temple, founded in the 7th century by Songtsen Gampo. This temple is considered the most sacred in Tibet, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this enchanting land. You can also take a stroll through the vibrant Barkhor Old Quarter and join pilgrims from across the Tibetan plateau in a kora, a sacred circumambulation around the Jokhang Temple. Kora is a Tibetan Buddhist practice where devotees walk clockwise around a sacred site, often while reciting mantras, prayers, or sacred texts. It is believed to bring good fortune and blessings to those who undertake it.

Overnight in Lhasa [B/-/D]

Our exploration continues on the third day with visits to the Drepung and Sera monasteries. After breakfast, we'll journey to the outskirts of Lhasa to witness the grandeur of the Drepung Monastery, renowned for being the largest monastery in Tibet and once home to 7,000 monks. Along with the Ganden and Sera monasteries, Drepung is one of the three major centers of Tibetan Buddhist education within the Gelugpa School, also known as the Yellow Hat Sect. Founded in the 15th century, it served as the former residence of the Dalai Lama before the construction of the majestic Potala Palace.

In the afternoon, you'll be enthralled by the renowned debates at the Sera Monastery, where monks engage in lively intellectual discourse, challenging each other's understanding of Buddhist philosophy. This experience is truly awe-inspiring and shouldn't be missed, offering a glimpse into the intellectual vitality of Tibetan monastic life.

Overnight in Lhasa [B/-/D]

On the fourth day, our journey begins with a visit to the illustrious Ganden Monastery, located 50 kilometers from Lhasa. Serving as the primary seat of the Gelug Sect, this sacred institution was founded by Tsongkhapa in 1409. Perched atop a hill in the Kyichu valley, the monastery offers a serene and spiritually charged setting. After our visit, we'll embark on a several-hour hike in the surrounding areas, providing an excellent opportunity to further acclimatize to the high altitude. This will ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience as we continue our journey.

Overnight in a hotel or similar [B/-/D]

Our adventure begins on the fifth day as we set off on a journey southeast, venturing into the heart of Tibet's Yarlung Valley, a region that served as the cradle of Tibetan civilization where ancient Tibetan kings unified Tibet during the 7th century. Our first destination is Tsedang, the fourth most significant city in Tibet, where we'll visit the Yumbulagang Palace. Perched atop a hill, this palace is recognized as Tibet's earliest construction and resembles a medieval fortress, offering commanding views over the valley.

Next on our itinerary is the renowned Samye Monastery, established in the 8th century, marking the inception of Buddhism in Tibet. This monastery is distinguished by its unique architecture, forming a colossal mandala that mirrors the structure of the universe according to Buddhist cosmology. If time allows, we'll also explore the Temple of Traduk, immersing ourselves in the rich cultural and historical tapestry of this ancient and sacred land.

Overnight in a hotel or similar [B/-/D]

On the sixth day, we begin our day with an early breakfast and embark on an exciting journey westward into the Tsang region. Our route takes us over the Kampa-la Pass, which stands at an impressive 4,797 meters, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Continuing our journey, we ascend the Karo-la Pass, reaching an altitude of 5,050 meters, where we are treated to a spectacular view of the glacier of Mt. Noijin Kangsang gracefully connecting with the road.

During this incredible journey, we are captivated by the surreal beauty of the sacred Yamdrok-Tso lake, with its unreal turquoise waters glistening under the Tibetan sun. Our next stop is the charming town of Gyantse, where we explore the Kumbum Stupa within the Pelkor Chode Monastery, renowned for its exceptional Tibetan art paintings. Additionally, the Gyantse Dzong, a majestic fortress, dominates the valley, providing a striking backdrop to our exploration of this culturally rich and visually stunning region.

Overnight in a hotel or similar [B/-/D]

On the seventh day, in the morning, our journey takes us northwest to the second-largest city in Tibet. Our first stop is the Tashilhunpo Monastery, a magnificent structure dating back to the 15th century, founded by the first Dalai Lama. Today, it serves as the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest figure in the Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy. We highly recommend taking a Kora around the Tashilhunpo Monastery, which rewards you with an incredible panoramic view of the valley and an impressive Dzong (fortress). You can also visit the local markets.

Returning to the Friendship Highway, we continue our expedition to the Sakya Monastery, the primary seat of the Sakyapa Sect, established in 1073. This sect is one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Its influential abbots governed Tibet throughout the 13th century, only to be overshadowed by the rise of the Gelukpa Sect. What sets the Sakya Monastery apart is its distinctive Mongolian architecture, offering a unique contrast to the temples you've encountered on your journey so far.

Overnight in a hotel or similar [B/-/D]

On the eighth day, prepare for an exhilarating experience as we approach one of the most significant highlights of our journey: the iconic Mt. Everest North Base Camp, situated at an elevation of 5,200 meters. Our route includes crossing the high pass of Gyatso La, standing at 5,220 meters, where you'll have the opportunity to witness Mt. Everest and the awe-inspiring Himalayan range for the very first time. The journey continues from New Tingri as we make our way to Rongbuk Monastery, nestled at the base of Everest and recognized as the highest monastery on the planet. Along the way, we're treated to incredible views of several towering peaks, including Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and the mighty Mount Everest itself, all visible from the summit of the Pang-la Pass at 5,150 meters. We'll spend the night at a tourist campsite located a few kilometers from the actual Everest Base Camp, affording us a direct view of Mt. Everest, known as Qomolangma. It's important to note that, since 2018, tourists are not allowed to visit the Everest Base Camp used by climbing expeditions due to environmental conservation efforts.

Overnight in a simple guest house tent. [B/-/D]

(A sleeping bag is recommended.)

On the ninth day, for those who rise early, a truly magnificent experience awaits with the opportunity to relish the sunrise and witness the Everest peak gracing the horizon at its imposing height of 8,848 meters. Following a hearty breakfast, we'll make our way to the Rongbuk Monastery, where we'll have the privilege of taking one last look at the North Face of Mt. Everest, capturing this awe-inspiring sight in our memories.

Our journey then continues as we head northwest, crossing high passes that offer enchanting vistas of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including the majestic Cho Oyu and Shishapangma. Along the way, we'll encounter the breathtaking Peikutso Lake, a wild and serene natural wonder that adds to the beauty of this already remarkable region.

Overnight in a hotel or similar [B/-/D]

On the tenth day, in the early morning hours, our journey takes us into the semi-nomadic regions of Tibet's far west. As we venture deeper into the heart of this enchanting land, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic Tibetan landscapes. The extensive drive takes us through the vast expanse of the world's largest and highest plateau, where you'll encounter the awe-inspiring beauty of this remote and unspoiled terrain.

Our route follows the course of the Yarlung Tsampo River as it flows westward, a river known as the Brahmaputra in India. Along this path, we'll arrive at the quaint little city of Darchen, nestled at the base of Mount Kailash. Here, we'll prepare ourselves for the upcoming trek, an adventure that promises to be a profound and transformative experience in the shadow of this sacred peak.

Overnight in a hotel or similar [B/-/D]

Our pilgrimage begins with the sacred Kora of Mount Kailash, a mountain revered as the most sacred in all of Asia. People of Tibetan and Hindu descent from across the globe flock to this hallowed site for profound religious reasons. Our journey commences with a visit to an essential pilgrimage area known as Tarpoche, where the Saga Dawa Festival unfolds every 15th day of the 4th month in the Tibetan calendar. This festival commemorates the day Lord Buddha Sakyamuni was born, attained enlightenment, and passed away. Saga Dawa holds the utmost significance in Tibet, making it a time when Tibetans from all walks of life are eager to visit Mount Kailash and complete its revered Kora, further enriching the spiritual connection to this sacred place.

Trek to Dira-Puk Monastery [20Km, 5-6h, 5050m]

Trek to Zutul Puk Monastery [18Km, 6-8hrs., 4820m]

Trek to Darchen [14Km, 3-4h, 4670m]

Overnight in a simple guest house tent. [B/-/D]

(A sleeping bag is recommended.)

In Darchen, overnight at a hotel. [B/-/D]

On the fourteenth day of our journey, we embark on a challenging road trip, offering us breathtaking views of the remote and remarkable landscapes that define this region. Our adventure leads us to the oasis town of Zanda, a sanctuary of civilization amidst the rugged terrain. In Zanda, we'll explore the Tholing Monastery and the Tsaparang citadel. Tholing, once the preeminent monastic complex in western Tibet, is a truly captivating sight. Beneath it lies the remains of Guge's initial capital, while the vast horizon showcases the grandeur of the Ladakh Himalaya.

The later capital of Guge at Tsaparang holds even greater significance in the history of Buddhist art, featuring exceptional murals that reveal close cultural connections with Ladakh and Kashmir. During our exploration, we will rediscover the cave dwellings and follow the intricate tunnels that connect the palaces, unveiling the rich history and heritage of this remarkable region.

Overnight accommodation will be provided in a hotel or a similar setting. [B/-/D]

On the fifteenth day, we begin the final phase of your Tibetan journey, bidding farewell to the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and the mightiest mountains in the world. After a hearty breakfast, we commence our return journey, retracing our path until we reach Lake Manasarovar, known as Mapam Yumtso in Tibetan. This lake is among the three most sacred in Tibet and holds deep significance for Hindus. According to their belief, a bath in its holy waters cleanses all sins and brings forth good karma.

Before reaching Lake Manasarovar, we'll make a brief detour to Tirthapuri, a place where pilgrims traditionally come to immerse themselves in the rejuvenating hot springs after completing the Kora of Mount Kailash. It's a moment of reflection and cleansing, adding a spiritual dimension to your extraordinary journey through Tibet.

Overnight accommodation will be provided in a simple guest house tent. (A sleeping bag is recommended.) [B/-/D]

In the tranquil morning hours, we savor the breathtaking sunrise at the sacred and beautiful Lake Manasarovar, taking in the serene beauty of its holy waters. Following our visit to Chiu Monastery, we set out on our journey to Shigatse, making a stopover in Saga for an overnight stay. The drive leads us through arid landscapes marked by vast dunes, offering captivating views of the grandeur of the Himalayas Range and the expansive Tibetan Plateau. This leg of the journey allows us to witness the stark contrasts and diverse natural beauty that Tibet has to offer, creating a lasting impression as we near the conclusion of our remarkable adventure.

Day 16: Overnight accommodation will be provided at a hotel or a similar setting.

Day 17: Overnight accommodation will be provided at a hotel or a similar setting.

On the eighteenth day, marking the final day of our Tibetan odyssey, our route follows the course of the Yarlung Tsampo, also known as the Brahmaputra River. This path represents the most direct and convenient route back to Lhasa and is an integral part of the Friendship Highway. As we journey alongside this majestic river, you'll have the opportunity to reflect on the incredible experiences and sights you've encountered throughout our traverse of Tibet. Upon our return to Lhasa, you'll have some free time to enjoy and explore the city, taking in the vibrant culture, rich history, and unique atmosphere that make Lhasa such an extraordinary destination.

Overnight accommodation will be provided in a hotel or a similar setting. [B/-/D]

On the nineteenth day, you will be transferred to the hotel for your final departure.