17 days Mount Kailash, Guge kingdom and Everest Base Camp tour

Upon arrival at Lhasa airport or train station, to be met and transferred to your hotel / hostel in Lhasa. Afternoon 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 only to visit Jokhang temple and Potala Palace. 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 it called Barkhor street, which is a good place to 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 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 and Summer Palace - Norbulingka palace. 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 10,000 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.

In the morning, drive up to Kampala Pass (4,794m) where you will have the first sight of Yamdrok-tso and enjoy spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance. The turquoise-colored Lake Yamdrok Yutso, one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, presents an unforgettable vista of pincer-shaped turquoise water, and the amazing spectacle of Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar glacier from Karo La Pass is a highlight of the day. Continue along the Friendship Southern Highway to Gyantse, a mid-sized town located at 3,950 meters above sea level, known for its impressive hilltop military fort and the Pelkor Chode Monastery, which houses the Kumbum Stupa — the largest stupa in Tibet and a marvel of Tibetan Buddhist architecture. Then, head to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, for an overnight stay.

Morning you will visit Tashilunpo Monastery, one of the six prominent yellow hat sect monasteries and renowned as the seat of the Panchen Lama. Tashilunpo Monastery houses the world's largest statue of Maitreya Buddha. The monastery's impressive halls and intricate artwork provide a glimpse into Tibetan spirituality and culture. Visitors can explore the vibrant religious life within its walls and admire the stunning architecture. 
You will also visit the Samzhubze Old Market in Shigatse, where you can explore the lively market, interact with friendly residents, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere that defines this authentic Tibetan market. Late morning drive west to Sakya, enjoy the beautiful landscapes on the way. Upon arrival, visit Sakya Monastery, the principal monastery of Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet, it is famous for its collection of thousands of religious scriptures, artwork and its striking gray and red exterior, which symbolizes the sect's name, "Sakya," meaning "grey earth." Hike around the monastery northern ruins to feel the 1000 history. Overnight at Sakya town.

Today drive from Sakya to Saga, pass several high plateau lakes, towns, herders tents and along the route with plateau mountain ranges, diverse forms of mountains are overlooking through the valley. Overnight at Saga.

In the morning, drive from Saga to Paryang, weaving your way through the small, dusty town of Zhongba amidst enchanting panoramic views. Scattered nomadic tents mingle with herds of animals on the open plateau. You'll pass numerous villages and yak herder camps, enjoying distant views of snow-capped mountains. Cross the Mayun-la pass (5,216m), where you might see many wild animals on the plateau grasslands. Arrive in Darchen and check into hotel.
Darchen, a small village at the foot of Mount Kailash, is the starting and ending point of the Mt. kailash trekking, prepare for the trekking and your guide will assist you to arrange porter at your request (fee will be on your own). Overnight at Darchen.

Today start your first Kailash Koar. In the early morning, take the local eco-bus from Darchen to Prayer Square, where you will begin the first day's trek (about 13km). It will be a gradual walk, accompanied by the chants and prayers of many other local pilgrims. From the valley, you can view the Choku Monastery perched on the hillside. The trail will have a few ups and downs until you reach the camp at Dirapuk monastery [4,750 m], located at the foot of the western slope of Mount Kailash. Along the way, you will encounter many Bon pilgrims traveling in the opposite direction (anti-clockwise). This is because Mt. Kailash is revered by four different religions: Buddhism, Bon, Hinduism, and Jainism.

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

On the second day of your Mount Kailash trek, you will face the most challenging part of the route. The trek will lead you along a higher section of the holy path just beneath Mount Kailash, and you will ascend to the trek's highest point - Drolma La [5,630 m]. This part involves a steep uphill climb. After reaching the pass, you will encounter a steep and rocky descent, where at times you may need to jump from stone to stone. Upon reaching a sandy hill, you might consider to take a short break and drink some warm tea at the rest stop. Then following the path through gradual fields, you will reach Dzutul-puk for an overnight camp. Dzutul-puk, meaning "magical cave" in Tibetan, is a small monastery linked to an intriguing story of a talent competition between the Great Yogi Milarepa (Buddhist) and Naropa (Bon).Overnight at Dzutul-Puk guest house.

Complete the Mount Kailash trekking and rest, refresh yourself at Darchen.
Today's trek is an easy walk back towards Darchen, taking only about 2-3 hours in total. The path gradually winds out of the valley, and you'll follow the river into the Barka plain. The trekking journey finally concludes at Zongto (Zongdui) from where you will take the local eco bus to Darchen. Congratulations, you have just completed a lifetime spiritual trek!
After a short rest at Darchen, then start driving to Zanda, firstly drive along the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, then off the main Hwy after 150Km, go across a few mountain passes, you will see the magnificent Tholing Forest. You will driver through the Tholing forest to reach Zanda. Overnight at Zanda.
 

Begin your day with a visit to the Tsaparang Guge Kingdom ruins in the Sutlej River Valley, once the seat of a powerful dynasty that ruled the western Tibetan plateau for 700 years before vanishing mysteriously 400 years ago. Explore remnants of fortresses adorned with carvings, gold and silver Buddha statues, and well-preserved murals like the famed "Guge Silver Eyes'. Spend half a day to explore these ruins and learn some of the Tibetan Buddhist art and political history.

In the afternoon, return to Zanda and visit Tholing Monastery, one of Western Tibet’s oldest and most significant monasteries, founded in 996 AD. Featuring a fusion of Indian, Nepali, and Tibetan styles, it boasts exquisite murals and carvings, rivaling the Dunhuang Mogao Caves, and is encircled by 83 stupas. Overnight in Zanda.

After breakfast, retrace your route to Lake Manasarovar, one of Tibet’s three holy lakes. Revered in Buddhism and Hinduism, this sacred lake symbolizes compassion, tranquility, and bliss. Spend the afternoon relaxing along the serene lake shore or climb to Chiu Monastery for a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Overnight at a local guesthouse (dorm bed).

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, cross the Brahmaputra River and drive through vast sandy plains, passing nomadic herders with their yaks and sheep. Midway, stop to admire the breathtaking view of Pelku Tso Lake on your left and Mt. Shishapangma (8,012m) on your right.

Continue driving through pastures to join the Friendship Highway, reaching Old Tingri, where you can enjoy distant views of the mighty Mt. Everest (8,844m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m) to the south. Travel another 100KM to Rongbuk with a stop at Gawu-la Pass for the most spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayas mountain ranges.

Spend the evening marveling at the stunning sunset over Mt. Everest. Overnight at a monastery guesthouse or tent guesthouse (dorm bed).

Begin your day with the opportunity to witness a breathtaking sunrise at Mount Everest, where the first light of the day may bathe the peak in red hues, weather permitting. Visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest Buddhist monastery, home to both nuns and monks, offering a profound spiritual experience.

After a morning of exploration, start your journey back to Shigatse along the Friendship Highway, pausing at Gyatso-La Pass for a final view of Mount Everest. 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 Northern Friendship Highway, following the scenic Brahmaputra River. The diverse landscapes along the way are sure to captivate your attention. Midway, stop at Nyemo Tunba County, where you can observe demonstrations of traditional Tibetan incense making, paper crafting, and wood-block carving. Visit the Tibetan Calligraphy First Character Museum to learn about the region's rich literary heritage before continuing to Lhasa.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the holy city of Lhasa at your leisure, soaking in its beauty and charm. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Lhasa.

In the morning, your guide and driver will drop you off at Lhasa airport or train station. Bid farewell to your team and conclude your unforgettable Tibetan journey. End of the trip.