17-day Western Tibet tour: Kailash and Guge Kingdom
Discover the spiritual heart of Tibet with our carefully curated tours to Mount Kailash. Experience the majesty of sacred landscapes, immerse yourself in authentic cultural encounters, and challenge yourself with one of the world’s most revered treks.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR
“I travelled with Wonders of Tibet on the 15 Days Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Tour. Every member of the team that I met delivers high standards of service as mentioned by other clients in their reviews.”
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“The trip was enjoyable and interesting. It was a pilgrimage for me. I met with many interesting characters along the way. All of us in the group were above 70 years old. The journey was based on trust.”
Review on TripAdvisor
“I joined Wonders of Tibet for a 15-day Mt. Kailash tour in August 2023 and am very impressed with the high standard of organization. Very clear and prompt communication long before our arrival in Tibet and well designed itinerary to ensure we are fully acclimatised”
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DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival in Lhasa
You arrive at the Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the train station. The airport is 62 km/ 39 miles away from the city, and it takes approximately one hour to get to the hotel from there. On the way to Lhasa, you will enjoy beautiful views of the mountains. The train station is located in Lhasa, and you will only need a short transfer to the hotel.
Depending on the time of your arrival, you might have some free time to spend in Lhasa. Our guides will be happy to advise you on what you can do with your time in Lhasa. After you check in at the hotel, you are welcome to explore the city, visit nearby temples, do some shopping, try delicious Tibetan food in one of the local restaurants, or just take a rest.
Walking around Barkhor Street can be an excellent choice for your first day in Lhasa. You will join crowds of pilgrims, local Tibetans, and monks circumambulating the Jokhang Temple.
Most importantly, on your first day in Tibet, be sure to relax, enjoy your day, and allow some time for acclimatizing. As the tour takes you to some of the highest areas in Tibet (trekking around Kailash reaches 5,640 meters), you need extra time to prepare for the journey.
Day 2 – Lhasa city tour: Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple (Walking Tour)
This tour visits the two most important religious sites in Tibet.
The Potala Palace was the seat of the Dalai Lamas since the 17th century. We will go inside and spend approximately 1.5 – 2 hours there. While there, you will see many of its most famous artifacts.
There will be free time for lunch after visiting the Potala Palace. Time permitting, you can walk around the Potala Palace and join many of the local Tibetans.
Next, we will walk towards the Jokhang Temple. It was built in the 7th century to display the Jowo Shakyamuni Statue – the statue of the 12-year-old Buddha before his enlightenment. The statue was created at the time when the historical Buddha lived. It is elaborately decorated with gold, jewels, and precious stones.
After visiting the temple, we recommend taking a walk around Bakhor Street.
Day 3 – Lhasa city tour: Drepung and Sera Monasteries
We are visiting the two most important monasteries in the capital.
We will first visit Drepung Monastery, which once was the largest monastery in the world with over 10,000 monks living there. It was the residence of Dalai Lamas before the Potala Palace was built.
There will be free time for lunch after the Drepung Monastery.
In the afternoon we are visiting Sera Monastery. It was founded by Tsongkhapa’s disciple in the 15th century. Nowadays it is famous for monks’ debate that you can witness. Debates are a very important part of learning and understanding Buddhism. Monks gather in the courtyard in the shade of the trees to refine their knowledge.
Day 4 – Driving to Shigatse: Yamdrok lake and glaciers.
Today we will travel on some of the most beautiful roads in Tibet on our drive to Shigatse.
Be prepared to take photos of the breathtaking views as we go up to the highest point of the day – Kamba La Pass (almost 4,800 meters / 15,750 ft).
Our next stop will be at the Yamdrok Lake. It is one of the holy lakes in Tibet, and it is famous for its turquoise-colored water.
After that, we will head towards Gyantse. On the way there, we will make a stop to see the spectacular glaciers.
In Gyantse, we will visit the Pelkor Chode monastery and Kumbum – the biggest stupa in Tibet.
Finally, we will reach Shigatse late in the evening and stay there overnight.
Day 5 – Driving to the Everest Base Camp: night by the Everest.
In the morning we will visit Tashilumpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lamas.
After that, we will be driving through high mountain ranges, go through several high passes, and Everest viewpoints. We will reach the tent camp near the Everest Base Camp in the evening.
Depending on the traffic and weather conditions, we might have time to visit the Rongbuk Monastery – the highest monastery in the world.
We will stay in the tent for the night. You can order dinner and breakfast there as there is an English menu available.
Day 6 – Driving from EBC to Saga
On the way to Saga, we will see the Phelku Tso Lake surrounded by snow-peaked mountains. You can also see Shishapangma Mountain, one of the mountains above 8,000 meters (8027 m).
After that, we drive up to the high pass to get a view of the grasslands.
We arrive at Saga in the evening to have dinner and check into the hotel.
Day 7 – Saga to Darchen, via Lake Manasarover
On the way to Manasarovar Lake, we will stop at the desert area filled with sand dunes (an unexpected change of landscape!).
We will see the Rakshas-Tal lake. It has a very beautiful bright color, but it is so salty that it is called the “dead lake”.
After a short stop with a view of Manasarovar Lake, we are driving to Darchen.
From Darchen you can see the Southern side of Mount Kailash. In Darchen we will pack for the 3-day trek, and we are leaving everything else in the hotel.
There is a company in Darchen that can arrange porters if needed for some fee. We are staying in the hotel in Darchen.
Day 8 – Trek, 1st day: Darchen-Dira Puk (20km/ 12.4 miles)
We will start our trek very early in the morning. We will be walking around the Kailash in a clockwise direction. From Darchen we will head west towards the area with the main prayer poll and the sky burial place. It is the area where Tibetans celebrate the Saga Dawa Festival, commemorating the day of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death.
Later we will reach the first tea shop on the trek where we will stop for lunch.
In the afternoon we will continue to the Dira Puk Monastery and stop there for the night (at a guesthouse). From the guesthouse, you will get a spectacular view of the north face of Kailash Mountain.
Day 9 – Trek 2nd day: Dira Puk – Zultiul Puk (22 km/ 13.6 miles)
On the second day, we will start the trek very early to go through the highest pass. First, we will walk to the tea house to have breakfast and prepare for crossing the pass. After we are done eating, we will start ascending the pass. The Dolma La Pass is 5,630 meters/ 18,600 ft. high.
Once you reach it, you can see the stunning views of the mountains and the lakes below. There are many colorful prayer flags that people hang there to spread their prayers with every gust of wind.
On the way down, we will cross the river and continue to the next tea shop for lunch and a short break.
After that, we will walk to the Zutiul Puk Monastery where we will be staying overnight (in a guesthouse).
Day 10 – Trek 3rd day: Zultiul Puk-Darchen (14 km/ 8.7 miles)
Today will be our shortest and easiest day. We will be walking through a gorgeous valley following the mountain river. Throughout the day we will see the east side of Mt. Kailash.
We will be staying overnight in the hotel in Darchen.
Day 11: Darchen – Tsada: Guge Kingdom and Torling Monastery
It is about an eight-hour drive from Darchen to Zanda, though the distance is only about 253km. After several hours of zigzagging down and up fantastically eroded gorges and gullies, we enter wider Sutlej Valley and finally reach Zanda after crossing a bridge. Tsamda County is the current name for the region and was known as Guge Kingdom. The capital of the county is located at Toling. Toling monastery, founded by Richen Zangpo in the 10th century, was once Ngari’s most important monastic complex. It was due to the influence of Richen Zangpo that Toling became the main religious center of the Guge kingdom after inviting the great Indian master Atisha. The kings of Guge replaced the city as a political center of power by establishing capital slightly closer to the Indo-Tibetan trade routes. However, the monastery is still an important cultural heritage of Ngari.
Stay overnight in Tsada
Day 12: Sightseeing at Guge Kingdom
In the morning, we drive to Tsaparang (Guge Kingdom, 23km), and drive back to Tholing by the evening. Guge Kingdom is one of the first important cultural relic sites under protection, the grand palace ruins stand on a 300-meter tall yellow earth hill on the banks of the Xiangquang River in the Tsabrang District.
Stay overnight at Zhada.
Day 13: Drive to Manasarovar (290 Km): Tirthapuri hot-spring
Drive from Zhada to Manasarovor. The rest of the day is at leisure. You can relax around the lake shore and experience the natural beauty of the lake. In summer, flocks of swans will gather on the lake, bringing grace and life to the area. You can also see so many Tibetans and Hindus praying and circling around the lake shore for the whole day, snow-capped mountains in the background and hundreds of swans gathering on the lake, attracting hundreds and thousands of tourists from all over the world.
Stay overnight at Chiu Monastery.
Day 14: Lake Manasarovar-Paryang-Saga (506km, 7-8hrs driving)
In the morning, we will leave Manasarovar Lake and start driving back to Saga.
First, we will drive approximately 4 hours to Parayang. From there you can enjoy the view of the mountains in the distance and yaks herds. Sometimes, we can spot wild donkeys or antelopes grazing in the grasslands.
After lunch, we continue to Saga. We are driving through vast grasslands, where many nomads set up their tents.
We are staying overnight in Saga hotel.
Day 15: Saga to Shigatse (470km)
We will drive back from Saga to Shigatse, stopping at Langtso Lake. We will stay in a hotel in Shigatse.
Day 16: SHIGATSE TO LHASA: TASHI LHUNPO MONASTERY, BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER (280km)
In the morning we will visit Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lamas. This monastery was founded by the first Dalai Lama, and it is one of the most important monasteries in Tibet. You can take photos in some of the chapels for an additional fee.
We will take the Friendship Highway on the way back to Lhasa. It is the most direct route and usually takes around six hours to reach the capital. We will make several stops on the way to enjoy the views of the Brahmaputra River. In the afternoon, you might have some free time to prepare for your departure the next day.
Day 17: DEPARTURE FROM LHASA
Please prepare in advance for your departure. It takes approximately one hour to drive to the airport and around thirty minutes to reach the train station. We will arrive at the airport three hours before your departure flight if you travel to Nepal and two hours before any domestic flight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
INCLUDED
EXCLUDED
WHY TRAVEL WITH US
MOUNT KAILASH PILGRIMAGE ROUTE
First Day: 20 km/ 12.4 miles. Ascent 335 meters.
Highlights: South and West sides of Kailash, Tarboche flagpole and stupa, Dira Phuk monastery
Second Day: 22 km/ 13.6 miles. Ascent 730 meters. Descent 850 meters.
Highlights: North and East side of Kailash, Drolma La Pass (5,640 m), Buddha footprint
Third Day: 14 km/ 8.7 miles. Descent 215 meters.
Highlights: South side of Kailash, Zutul Phuk
ALTITUDE ON MOUNT KAILASH TOUR
We start this tour to Kailash in Lhasa at an elevation of 3,650 meters. At this altitude, some travelers can experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. We spend the first two days in Lhasa to acclimatize and continue the journey to higher areas. Along the way, we will be traveling through various high passes.
By the time we reach Mount Kailash, most travelers will acclimatize to trek around it. The highest point of the trek is 5,640 meters. We reach this high pass on the second day of trekking. If you want additional help while trekking, you can hire porters, horses, or yaks in Darchen before the departure.
Please, consult your doctor about traveling to high-altitude areas if you have any concerns. Your physician might prescribe some medication if it is needed. Always tell your guide if you experience symptoms of altitude sickness. All our guides are trained to respond and we always have an oxygen supply if you need it.
More information on how to deal with altitude sickness: 7 Tips for Altitude Sickness Prevention
ABOUT WESTERN TIBET AND MOUNT KAILASH TOURS IN TIBET
WEATHER IN KAILASH REGION
Kailash region in Tibet is located at an average altitude of over 4,500 meters / 14,750ft and can be a lot colder than lower altitude areas.
In summer, daytime temperatures average at 10°C / 51°F on average, reaching 14°C / 57°F on the warmest days. Even in summer nights are quite cold with temperatures around +2°C / 36°F on average.
CARS IN TIBET
For our group tours, we use a variety of cars depending on group size and weather conditions. On some days, we will be driving long hours and we are trying to arrange the most comfortable car for your journey.
Here you will find photos and descriptions of cars:
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO TRAVEL TO TIBET
TOUR RESERVATION AND CANCELATION
It is best to start planning your trip in advance. Most travelers will need to apply for a Chinese visa first. After that, we need to apply for all necessary permits in Tibet, and it usually takes about 15 days to receive them.
That means, processing all these documents can take about one month. That’s why it is best to plan your tour no later than 30 days before the tour starting date unless you already have a Chinese visa or hold a passport that allows visa-free travel.
We ask for a 10% deposit to secure your tour with us. This deposit is fully refundable up to 30 days before the tour starting date, minus any possible payment transfer charges from the bank or other services. If you cancel your tour with less than 30 days notice, the cancelation fee is 10% of the tour cost that we use to cover all expenses of arranging your tour.
COMPLETE GUIDE: PREPARE FOR THE MOUNT KAILASH TOUR
All you need to know to get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Information about required documents, ways to travel, the best season, what to wear and pack, how to prepare physically, and what to expect on your journey.
TOURS YOU MIGHT LIKE
15 DAYS MOUNT KAILASH GROUP TOUR
One of our most popular group tours, starts in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and goes to Manasarovar lake and Mount Kailash for three-day trekking around this sacred mountain. During this tour, we visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse monastery and Kumbum stupa, Mount Everest, Lake Manasarovar, Chiu Monastery, Mount Kailash, and much more.
SAGA DAWA FESTIVAL TOUR TO MOUNT KAILASH
This special tour takes you to the sacred Mount Kailash during the biggest festival of the year. Saga Dawa Festival celebrated the day of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. It attracts thousands of pilgrims from all around Tibet, India, and the world. You will see the greatest diversity of Tibetan national dress as people wear their best clothes for the festival.
8 DAYS LHASA TO EVEREST TOUR
A beautiful and exciting journey, starting in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet and going to the Everest Base Camp. The tour visits Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera, Drepung and Tashilhunpo monasteries, Kumbum Stupa, Yamdrok lake and Karola glaciers.
Both group and private tours are available
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