Mount Kailash and Guge Kingdom Tour with Everest Base Camp

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.

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.

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.

Today start your first Kailash Kora. 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.

Toward sunset, head to the Malang Canyon viewpoint. As the light fades, the vast Zanda Earth Forest glows in golden and red tones, a stunning natural show and one of the highlights of the trip.

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) or hotel at the lake bank.

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.

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.