15 Day Mt.Kailash No Trek

Upon arrival in Lhasa, you will be welcomed by your English-speaking Tibetan Guide and Tibetan Driver who will bring you to your hotel. Acclimatization to high altitude: Please, drink lots of water and take plenty of rest in order to minimize altitude sickness. 

Overnight at 3-star Shambhala Hotel or Gold star Shambhala Palace or 3-star Kyichu Hotel, located in the heart of Lhasa city 200 meters from Jokhang Temple

We began visiting Jokhang Temple, the most sacred monastery in Tibet. It was founded in the 7th century by the first great Buddhist king Songtsen Gampo. Later you can explore the surrounding Barkhor Old Quarter and spend time walking around Jokhang Temple following pilgrims from all over the Tibetan plateau. In the afternoon we go to Sera Monastery, one of the three great universities of Gelugpa Sect. We will attend the debating session of the monks.

Overnight at 3-star Shambhala Hotel or Gold star Shambhala Palace or 3-star Kyichu Hotel, located in the heart of Lhasa city 200 meters from Jokhang Temple

(B)=breakfast

Today we visit the beautiful Potala and Norbulingka Palaces. Potala Winter Palace was built in the 17th century by the fifth Dalai Lama. Provides amazing views of the entire city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand staterooms, and chapels. Norbulingka Palace is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, built in the 18th century by the seventh Dalai Lama. It’s tradition to picnic in its beautiful garden and perform opera dances during the Shoton Festival (August-September).

Overnight at 3-star Shambhala Hotel or Gold star Shambhala Palace or 3-star Kyichu Hotel, located in the heart of Lhasa city 200 meters from Jokhang Temple

(B)=breakfast

The adventure starts: we drive West to reach the second-largest city in Tibet. At first, we cross Kampa-la Pass [4797m] and then Karo-la Pass [5050m], where Mt. Noijin Kangsang [7206m] glacier lies near the road. In the middle, we enjoy the unreal turquoise waters of the holy lake Yamdrok-Tso. Then we stop in Gyantse town, where we visited the considered best Tibetan art paintings in Kumbum Stupa inside Pelkor Chode Monastery. Also, we admire the majestic Gyantse Dzong (fortress) overlooking the valley. Finally, we reached Shigatse before dinner.

Overnight at 4-star Gesar Hotel

(B)=breakfast

The journey to New Tingri involves crossing the high pass of Gyatso La [5220m] and the opportunity to view Mt. Everest and the Himalayas for the first time. Before, we visit Sakya Monastery which is the principal seat of the Sakyapa Sect founded in 1073 and one of four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Its Mongolian architecture is different from that of temples we have seen before.

Overnight at 2-star Roof of the World Hotel

(B)=breakfast

Exciting day today: We continue driving towards Rongbuk Monastery, located at the foot of Everest and the highest monastery in the world. We enjoy amazing views of several peaks like Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Mount Everest from the top of the Pang-la Pass [5150m]. 

Overnight in the Black Yak hair tent dormitory or Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse

(B)=breakfast

(NO private bathroom, No Shower)

In the morning we reach one of the major highlights of our trip, Mt. Everest North Base Camp [5250m] (trekking or taking the bus). After spending some time at the base of Mt. Everest we drive North West crossing high passes with enchanting views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks like Shishapangma and wild Peikutso Lake.

Overnight in Saga hotel

(B)=breakfast

Today we enter the semi-nomadic regions of Tibet’s far west. We will enjoy the authentic Tibetan landscapes during this long drive journey through the biggest and highest plateau in the world. We follow the Yarlung Tsampo River West (also called the Brahmaputra in India) until Lake Manasarovar, one of the three most sacred lakes in Tibet. Hindus believe that whoever bathes in it will clean all their sins and provide good karma. Drive 30km to Darchin.

Overnight in Guesthouse

(dorm bed without bathroom)

(B)=breakfast

Today we will have a free day at Darchen town, the nearest town to Mount Kailash. There are a few options, hike to Gangdrak monastery to see the view of Mount Kailash or hike to Serlung to see the beauties of Mount Kailash. 

Overnight in Guesthouse

( No private bathroom / No shower ) 

(B)=breakfast

Today we will drive to Tada town, also known as Tsanda or Tsaparang, around 20km from the Guge. At Tada, we will visit Toling Monastery and Guge Kingdom.

Overnight at a 2-star hotel best in town 

(B)=breakfast

After spending the morning at Lake Manasarovar exploring the lake, we will drive to Saga town. The duration is around 400km. On the way, we will stop for photos of sand dunes and beautiful nature.

Overnight in Saga hotel 

(B)=breakfast

Saga is one of the bigger towns near the Mount Kailash region. From Saga, we will drive to Namring town via the northern route enjoying the beautiful landscape.

Overnight at 4-star Gesar Hotel

(B)=breakfast

Today you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, built in the 15th century by the first Dalai Lama. Nowadays seat of the Panchen Lama. We recommend doing Kora around Tashilhunpo Monastery. Also, you can walk around the local market. After driving back to Lhasa through the Southern Friendship Highway.

Overnight at 3-star Shambhala Hotel or Gold star Shambhala Palace or 3-star Kyichu Hotel, located in the heart of Lhasa city 200 meters from Jokhang Temple

(B)=breakfast

Enjoy your last hours in Tibet exploring Lhasa on your own until your guide and driver meet you at the hotel to transfer you to the airport.