13 Day Tibet Travel Tours to Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar & Guge Kingdom

13-Day Tibet Travel to Mount Kailash & Guge Kingdom. Join us on a remarkable 13-day group tour Tibet travel journey, exploring the breathtaking beauty of Mount Kailash through a 52km trek, visit the serene Manasarovar Lake, and the fascinating Guge Kingdom!

Explore our three Tibet tours to Mount Kailash: trekking and nature photoblogs, featuring an array of stunning photographs from the Tibet tour to Mount Kailash, as well as the photoblog of the Tibet travel family trip to Mount Kailash in July, and the latest Tibet tour to western Tibet, Mount Kailash, in June. Our latest Tibet Tour blog about Western Ngari and Mount Kailash highlights this 13-day Tibet adventure, inspiring travelers to select this unique journey to the world's heart.

During this Tibet tour adventure, meditation is a profound gift, practiced amid natural surroundings near lakes, snow-capped mountains, and the meditation caves of eminent masters. This experience serves as an unparalleled gift to ourselves, as the energy encountered is immense. Many find it inspiring that the great Tibetan Yogi Milarepa chose to meditate at these sacred sites near Mount Kailash during the kora around the holy mountain.

Let's take a closer look at the wonderful 13-Day Tibet Tour to Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake. We are excited to share all the amazing details with you!

13 Day Tibet Travel to Mount Kailash - Our Top Tibet Tours

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• Group Price & Size
• 2,800 US dollarsPer Person
• Minimum 3 People & Maximum 8 People 
• Single room occupancy supplement: 800 USD (hotels only)

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Let's take a closer look at the wonderful 13-Day Tibet Tour to Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake. We are excited to share all the amazing details with you!

DETAIL ITINERARY

Day1. Tibet Travel Begins

Our Tibet travel adventure begins with a warm welcome from our local Tibetan tour guide! Whether you arrive at Lhasa City Airport or the train station, your guide will meet you and facilitate a smooth transfer to your comfortable hotel, conveniently located in the heart of Lhasa. Given that we are at an elevation of 3,600 meters, it's crucial to acclimatize gradually, so feel free to take your time settling in and relaxing. 

Once you’ve had a moment to rest and adjust, you can start exploring the enchanting Old Town of Lhasa. This vibrant area is filled with cultural experiences waiting to be discovered! At Barkhor Square, you'll find energetic markets brimming with local crafts and unique souvenirs, as well as a chance to immerse yourself in the daily lives of the residents. Enjoy every moment of your Tibet travel experience!

In Lhasa City, travelers can choose from three hotel options: the Gold Star Shambhala Palace, known for its Tibetan home ambiance; the 3-star Kyichu Hotel, featuring a garden restaurant; and the 4-star Shambhala Hotel, which offers an oxygen room. All accommodations include breakfast.

Day2. Lhasa City Tour

On Day 2 of our Tibet travel journey, we’ll enjoy a warm pickup from our Tibetan tour guide at the hotel. We'll stroll to Barkhor Street and visit the Jokhang Temple, where you can observe the dedication of countless pilgrims who travel long distances—often over a thousand kilometers on foot—to honor this sacred site. This temple, with a rich history dating back 1,400 years to the 7th century, is home to the revered statue of Buddha Shakyamuni at age 12, enhancing its spiritual and historical significance.

We will also explore the breathtaking Potala Palace. This grand structure, with more than a thousand rooms, is renowned for its architecture and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As guests climb the palace steps and explore its key chambers, they will cultivate a deep appreciation for its historical significance and the essential role it plays in Tibetan culture.

After soaking in the spiritual atmosphere of Potala Palace and taking a lunch break, we’ll head to the stunning Sera Monastery complex. With its remarkable architecture, Sera has stood for six centuries and is well-known for its vibrant philosophical debates among the monks. Watching these discussions offers a dynamic glimpse into Buddhist teachings and practices, highlighting the monks’ deep knowledge and lively intellect. After visiting Sera, we'll return to the hotel to unwind. Feel free to explore Lhasa’s streets and markets at your own pace. 

In Lhasa City, travelers can choose from three hotel options: the Gold Star Shambhala Palace, known for its Tibetan home ambiance; the 3-star Kyichu Hotel, featuring a garden restaurant; and the 4-star Shambhala Hotel, which offers an oxygen room. All accommodations include breakfast.

Day3. Gyantse / Shigatse

Today marks the exciting beginning of our Tibet travel adventure as we make our way from Lhasa to the awe-inspiring Mount Kailash! This morning, we’ll drive up to the Kampala Pass, which reaches an impressive altitude of 4,794 meters. Along the way, everyone will have the chance to admire the breathtaking views of Yamdrok-Tso, with the stunning Mount Nyenchen Khangsar rising majestically in the background. Don’t miss the captivating turquoise waters of Lake Yamdrok Yutso, one of Tibet’s revered lakes!

After several hours of travel from Yamdrok Lake, we shall reach the magnificent Karo La Glacier. At this location, we will embark on an enjoyable hike that will take us to an altitude of nearly 5,000 meters, culminating at a picturesque small lake, namely Cha Yang, and its glacier. This endeavor is expected to be the highlight of the day, as depicted in the accompanying photograph from the hike.

Following this, we will proceed along the Friendship Southern Highway toward Gyantse, where we shall visit the esteemed Gyantse Kumbum, recognized as one of Tibet’s most significant architectural landmarks. In the late afternoon, we will embark on a journey to Shigatse, which will take approximately one hour and ten minutes and traverse the scenic agricultural landscapes of Tibet. The elevation in Shigatse is 3,840 meters, and the total distance covered will be 360 kilometers, taking approximately 7 hours.

Overnight at the 4-star Gesar Hotel Deluxe Room. (B)=Breakfast

Day4. Shigatse / Saga

Saga is a charming, picturesque town near the breathtaking Mount Kailash region, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and sacred significance. Beginning our journey in Shigatse, we will embark on a scenic drive along the northern route to Namring, where we can fully immerse ourselves in the gorgeous landscapes that surround us, featuring rolling hills and vast valleys adorned with lush vegetation.

Our adventurous day will conclude in the historic city of Saga, where we will settle for a restful night, reflecting on the day’s experiences and preparing for the adventures that lie ahead. The total distance of this Tibet travel journey is approximately 450 kilometers, and it reaches an altitude of around 4300 meters, offering a unique perspective on the majestic Himalayan terrain.

Overnight in Saga 3-star Champions Hotel (B)=Breakfast

Day5. Saga / Darchen

Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey into the enchanting semi-nomadic regions of Tibet’s far west, a beautiful blend where traditions and nature come together harmoniously. Our route will take us across the world’s largest and highest plateau, offering an excellent opportunity to experience the magical essence of this stunning Tibet travel region.

We'll follow the majestic Yarlung Tsangpo River as it gracefully winds through the rugged terrain, leading us to the sacred Mapham Yumtso Lake, also lovingly known as Lake Manasarovar. Along the way, we’ve planned unique stops that will allow us to capture the breathtaking beauty of our surroundings with our cameras before we reach the charming town of Darchen, nestled at the base of the illustrious Mount Kailash, where we'll relax for the night.

Overnight at 3-Star Himalaya Hotel (B)=Breakfast

Day6. Trek To Dira Puk

Today, we began our Tibet travel adventure by trekking around the breathtaking Mount Kailash! We’ll start our journey in the charming town of Darchen and follow a narrow path in a clockwise loop around the majestic mountain, reaching an average altitude of about 4,700 meters over a distance of 20 kilometers. As we make our way, you'll meet friendly Buddhist pilgrims on their kora, and Bon practitioners are heading in the opposite direction, making the experience even more prosperous.

After about four hours of trekking, we’ll arrive at Tamdin (4,780 meters), where cozy nomadic tents await to offer us warm meals and boiling water. Just 4 kilometers further, we’ll discover the beautiful Dirapuk Monastery, set against some of the most stunning scenery along the entire Kora route. Reconstructed in 1985, Dirapuk lies on the north bank of the Lha-Chu River, offering incredible views of the north face of Mt. Kailash.

The name “Dirapuk” comes from ‘Dira,’ meaning female yak horn, and ‘Puk,’ meaning cave; according to legend, a female yak once discovered this magical cave. We’re lucky to stay overnight in a cozy local Tibetan guest house, perfect for those who want to hike nearby and catch breathtaking sunset photos of the magnificent Mount Kailash.

Guesthouse( No private bathroom / No shower ) (B)=Breakfast

Day7. Trek To Zutul Puk

Today brings an exciting challenge in our Tibet travel trek as we get ready to cross two beautiful passes. Although they aren’t too steep, the altitude can make things feel a little slow and tiring. We’ll cover 18 km at an impressive altitude of 4,790 meters. Once we conquer the Dikpyala at 5,000 meters and the Dromala at 5,500 meters, we’ll be greeted by vibrant heaps of prayer flags and carefully stacked cairns marking our journey. Taking a moment to enjoy the stunning views and relax at the pass is definitely worth it, especially since you’ll be gazing at the breathtaking backside of Mt. Kailash.

After that, we'll descend into a wide-open valley where we can savor a lovely lunch at the Shabjay Dakpo nomadic tent. We’ll also visit the Zuktrulpuk Monastery, known as the Miracle Cave, which sits at 4,790 meters and is famed for its rich spiritual heritage. This monastery, founded by the revered figures Buddhist Jetsun Milarepa and Bon Jetsun Naro Bonchung, houses a meditation cave where you can see the incredible footprints and handprints of Jetsun Milarepa, reflecting its deep spiritual significance. To end our day, we will cozy up for the night in a welcoming Tibetan guesthouse in Zutrul Puk.

Guesthouse  (No private bathroom/ No shower) (B)=Breakfast

Day8. Trek To Darchen / Tada  

Today brings us one of the most manageable trekking days during our exciting Tibet travel journey. We’ll hike a lovely 14 kilometers from the peaceful Zutrulpuk monastery to the lively town of Darchen. The trail is a delightful stroll, maintaining a steady altitude of about 4,500 meters, allowing us to soak in the stunning scenery all around us.

Once we reach Darchen, we can look forward to enjoying a delicious meal to recharge our energy. After a bit of rest, we will head towards Tada, a place that has many names, such as Tsanda or Tsaparang, all showcasing the vibrant culture of the area. This part of our adventure will be filled with both natural beauty and cultural richness as we travel approximately 270 kilometers while gently descending to an altitude of 3,700 meters. We’ll be spending the night at the finest hotel in Tada!

Overnight at the 3-star Ganggar Tise Hotel. (B)=Breakfast

Day9. Mapham Yumtso Lake

Today is a momentous day as we start on an exciting Tibet travel journey to visit one of the ancient kingdoms in Tibet, the Guge Kingdom. This historical kingdom is located approximately 18 kilometers from Tada, also known as Tsaparang town. As we explore this fascinating area, travelers can appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the Toling Monastery, which showcases stunning architecture and offers a glimpse into the spiritual heritage of Tibet.

We will head towards the breathtaking Mapham Yumtso Lake, also known as Lake Manasarovar, situated beside the tranquil Chiu Monastery. Our travel plan in Tibet spans approximately 300 kilometers, providing ample opportunity to soak in the stunning landscapes and significant landmarks we encounter. Once we reach Lake Manasarovar, we will arrange overnight accommodations so we can fully absorb the remarkable beauty of this sacred lake and its surroundings. The journey, ascending to about 4500 meters, is sure to be a memorable Tibet travel adventure!

Overnight at 3-Star Himalaya Hotel (B)=Breakfast

Day10. Manasarovar / Saga

Today is the 10th day of our Tibet travel adventure, and we’re absolutely captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the sunrise at Manasarovar Lake. This beautiful location offers a spectacular view of the legendary Mount Kailash, with its snow-capped peaks reaching high into the morning sky. After we soak in this peaceful atmosphere, we'll head back to Shigatse. 

As we travel through the diverse and stunning landscapes of western Tibet once more, we’ll make our way to Saga town, perched at a remarkable altitude of 4,500 meters, where we’ll settle in for the night. This leg of our journey covers about 460 kilometers, and we’re excited to stop several times along the way to snap incredible photos of the massive dunes and the enchanting natural scenery that unfolds around us. Each stop is a unique chance to truly embrace the beauty of the Tibetan wilderness, making our adventure genuinely memorable.

Overnight in Saga 3-star Champions Hotel (B)=Breakfast

Day11. Saga Town / Shigatse  

Saga is a delightful, picturesque town nestled near the stunning Mount Kailash region, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and spiritual significance. As we start our journey in Saga, we’ll take a scenic drive along the northern route to Namring, where we can truly soak in the captivating landscapes all around us, featuring rolling hills and expansive valleys filled with vibrant greenery. 

We’ll wrap up our Tibet travel adventurous day in the historic city of Shigatse, where we can unwind for a restful night, reflect on our day’s experiences, and get excited about the adventures that await us. This exciting Tibet travel journey covers about 450 kilometers and reaches an elevation of around 3900 meters, offering us a remarkable view of the majestic Himalayan terrain.

Overnight at the 4-star Gesar Hotel Deluxe Room. (B)=breakfast

Day12. Shug La Pass / Lhasa

Today marks the second-to-last day of our Tibet travel journey. We will take a scenic drive through the Shug La Pass, reaching an elevation of 5,411 meters, which is the highest point of our Tibet travel adventure. Along the way, we’ll admire the stunning views of Mount Jomo Gangkar, standing at 7,048 meters, in a region renowned for its magnificent landscapes. This area is home to nomadic communities and dedicated farmers who have lived in harmony with nature for generations.

Unlike typical tourist spots, Shug La Pass offers an authentic glimpse into high-altitude landscapes with snow-capped white mountains, verdant rivers, and the tranquil lives of farmers and nomads, set against vast grasslands, making it a highlight of the day.

We will also have the chance to visit the Yangpachen hot spring pool, with the entrance fee payable on-site. After this, we will head back to Lhasa for an overnight stay in the heart of the old town. Today’s driving distance is approximately 300 kilometers, taking about six hours. We plan to depart Shigatse around 9-10 am and arrive at our hotel in Lhasa around 3-4 pm.

In Lhasa City, travelers can choose from three hotel options: the Gold Star Shambhala Palace, known for its Tibetan home ambiance; the 3-star Kyichu Hotel, featuring a garden restaurant; and the 4-star Shambhala Hotel, which offers an oxygen room. All accommodations include breakfast.

Day13. Tibet Travel Conclusion

Today, we’re having a heartfelt goodbye! We warmly recommend scheduling your flights or train departures for the late afternoon so you can spend a peaceful morning in beautiful Lhasa. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the vibrant local market or enjoy a lovely stroll down charming Bhakor Street. Taking some time to soak up the city's rich culture in the morning will genuinely brighten your travel experience!

As you prepare for your journey home, please remember to arrive at the airport or train station at least two hours before your scheduled departure. This little bit of extra time will help ensure your check-in is as smooth and worry-free as possible. We genuinely hope you have a memorable time on your Tibet travel adventure. Thank you once more for traveling with us, and we wish you a safe and joyful trip back home!