15 days Mount Kailash and Everest Base Camp Tour

Upon arrival at Lhasa airport or train station, to be met and transferred to your hotel in Lhasa. Then have a good rest to acclimatize the high altitude. Overnight at Lhasa. 

Today is your first day of sightseeing on the high plateau, so we have purposely arranged you only to visit Jokhang temple and Potala Palace. Jokhang temple is the most sacred shrine in Tibet which was built in the 7th century and located at the heart of old town in Lhasa, the circuit around it called Barkhor street, a good place to explore the local workshops and purchase souvenirs. 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). Both of them are the focal points of pilgrims from the entire Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. Overnight at Lhasa.

Today you will be arranged to visit Drepung, Sera monasteries. Both Drepung and Sera monasteries are Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect monastic colleges. Drepung monastery was the seat of the Government prior to Potala, it was once the world largest monastery in the history with 7,700 monks hailed from different monasteries all over Tibet. Sera monastery is famous for its Buddhism philosophical debate practice, the clapping sound and aggressive expression of the monks are well worth to see. Norbulingka is the summer palace of Dalai Lama, you can visit the residences of different lineages of the Dalai Lama. The park is crowded with picnickers and traditional activities during the Shoton (Yogurt festival) in August. Overnight at Lhasa.

Begin your day with a drive to Kampa La Pass (4,794m), offering spectacular views of Yamdrok Tso, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, known for its striking turquoise waters. From this vantage point, you’ll also see the distant Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, Tibet’s highest peak. Continue the journey to Karo La Pass, where the magnificent Nyenchen Khangsar Glacier forms an awe-inspiring backdrop.

Travel along the Friendship Highway to Gyantse, a historic town famous for the Gyantse Kumbum, a unique and stunning stupa that is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. After exploring Gyantse, proceed to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, and a hub of Tibetan culture and tradition.

Overnight in Shigatse.

Start your morning with a visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the most significant Gelugpa monasteries in Tibet and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, Tibet’s second most important spiritual leader. Explore the monastery’s chapels and ancient artifacts, immersing yourself in its rich history. For those who enjoy hiking, the kora around Tashilhunpo Monastery offers stunning views of Shigatse and the surroundings.

Afterwards travel to Sakya and visit the Sakya Monastery, the principal monastery of the Sakyapa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Renowned for its Tibetan murals, sacred Buddhist scrolls, books, and thangkas, the monastery offers a unique insight into Tibetan religious art. Don’t miss a hike around the northern ruins of the monastery for an unforgettable experience.

Continue your journey to Shegar, stopping at Gyatso-La Pass (5,220m) along the way. This pass provides the first breathtaking view of Mount Everest in the distance on a clear day.

Overnight in Shegar.

Start your day early with a drive to Everest Base Camp (E.B.C.). As you enter the Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, the winding road takes you to Gawula Pass (5,250m), where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, including a stunning view of Mount Everest.

At Tashi Zong Village, switch to the local e-co bus for the final hour-long journey to E.B.C. Upon arrival, visit the iconic Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest-altitude monastery at 5,154 meters above sea level. Spend your afternoon relaxing, and if the weather permits, witness a spectacular sunset over Mount Everest.

Stay overnight at the tent guesthouse at E.B.C. or the monastery guesthouse near Rongbuk.

After a relaxing morning, begin your journey from Everest Base Camp to Saga. First, descend to Old Tingri, where you can enjoy stunning views of Mount Cho Oyu (8,201m) and Mount Everest (8,848m) in the distance.

The drive continues across the expansive Tibetan plateau, venturing into a remote and rugged landscape of sandy plains and rocky terrain. Along this stretch, you’ll pass the serene Peiku Tso Lake, a striking turquoise lake set against the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayas, and enjoy views of the majestic Mount Shishapangma (8,020m), the 14th highest peak in the world.

The journey offers a glimpse into nomadic life, with herders tending to their yaks and sheep amidst the vast plains. In the late afternoon, cross the Brahmaputra River before arriving in Saga, a bustling Chinese-Tibetan town that serves as a key stop for travelers heading further into Western Tibet. Overnight in Saga.

Start today's drive from Saga to Darchen, passing through the small towns of Zhongba and Paryang. Enjoy expansive views of the open plateau, dotted with nomads’ tents and herds of yaks and sheep. Along the way, admire sand dunes, rocky mountains, and distant snow-capped peaks, while also spotting wildlife such as Tibetan antelope, wild donkeys (Kyang), and other animals native to the plateau. Depending on the season, you may encounter nomads and mobile shopkeepers in vibrant traditional attire—stop for a warm cup of tea to experience their unique lifestyle.

Continue driving for another hour after crossing the Mayun-La Pass (5,216m), where you’ll catch your first breathtaking glimpse of Lake Manasarovar and the sacred Mount Kailash, two of the holiest landmarks in far-west Tibet.

In the afternoon, arrive in Darchen, a small village at the base of Mount Kailash, where you’ll prepare for the following days' Kailash Kora trek, one of the most sacred pilgrimages in the world. Overnight in Darchen.

13KM / 8 miles, Ascent: 335 meters
Highlights: South and West sides of Kailash, Tarboche flagpole and stupa, Dirapuk Monastery

In the morning, take a local eco-bus from Darchen to Sershong Monastery, where you will begin the first day's trek (approximately 13KM). The trail is a gradual ascent, accompanied by the chants and prayers of many local pilgrims. From the valley, you can see Choku Monastery perched on the hillside. The path has gentle ups and downs until you reach Dirapuk Monastery (4,750m), located at the foot of Mount Kailash’s western slope.

Along the way, you will encounter many Bon pilgrims traveling in the opposite direction (anti-clockwise), reflecting the reverence for Mount Kailash across four religions: Buddhism, Bon, Hinduism, and Jainism.

Check into the guesthouse at Dirapuk Monastery and, if weather permits, enjoy the awe-inspiring spectacle of a sunset over Mount Kailash from this incredible vantage point.

22KM / 13.6 miles, Ascent: 730 meters, Descent: 850 meters
Highlights: North and East sides of Mount Kailash, Drolma La Pass (5,630m), Buddha Footprint

Day 2 of the Mount Kailash Trek presents the most challenging section of the journey. The route takes you along the higher part of the holy path, directly beneath Mount Kailash, leading to the trek’s highest point, Drolma La Pass (5,630m). The ascent to the pass is steep and physically demanding.

After crossing the pass, you’ll begin a steep and rocky descent, where careful footing is essential, sometimes requiring you to jump between stones. Upon reaching a sandy hill, consider taking a short break to rest and enjoy warm tea at the nearby rest stop.

The trail continues through more gradual terrain, leading you to Zuktulpuk Monastery (Dzutul-puk) for the night. This monastery, whose name translates to "magical cave," is linked to a fascinating story about a spiritual competition between the Great Yogi Milarepa (Buddhist) and Naropa (Bon). Overnight at Zuktulpuk Monastery.

Highlights: Completion of Mount Kailash Kora, Holy Lake Manasarovar

Today’s trek is a relatively easy walk, taking about 3 hours to complete. The path gradually winds out of the valley, following the river into the Barka Plain. The trekking journey concludes at Darchen, marking the completion of your lifetime spiritual adventure. Congratulations on completing the Mount Kailash Kora!

After the trek, drive for about half an hour to visit the sacred Lake Manasarovar, revered for its compassion, tranquility, and bliss. Take this time to relax by the holy lake or, if you wish, spend a few dollars to enjoy the hot springs nearby. Stay overnight at a local guesthouse near Lake Manasarovar (dorm bed) or return to Darchen for a better accommodation.

This morning, bid farewell to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar as you begin your journey back to Saga. The route retraces the scenic path through the windswept plains, offering another chance to capture the breathtaking landscapes and the rugged beauty of this remote region. Take in your final views of Mount Kailash and the tranquil Lake Manasarovar along the way. Overnight in Saga.

Today drive back from Saga to Shigatse, enjoy the landscapes on the way.

Upon reaching Shigatse, celebrate your extraordinary journey to Mount Kailash, Guge, and Everest with a delightful dinner and traditional Tibetan dance performance at a local Langma Hall.

Overnight in Shigatse.

Start your morning journey back to Lhasa along the scenic Northern Friendship Highway, following the winding path of the Brahmaputra River. Stop at Nyemo County to visit a local workshop, where you can observe traditional Tibetan incense making and learn about this ancient craft.

Arrive in Lhasa by the afternoon, where you can enjoy free time to explore the holy city at your own pace. Take the opportunity for last-minute shopping at Barkhor Street.

Overnight in Lhasa.

This morning, your guide and driver will transfer you to the Lhasa airport or train station for your onward journey. It’s time to say your farewells and conclude your unforgettable Tibet Kailash tour. End of the trip.