13-Day Tibet Flights & Qinghai-Tibet Railway: Lhasa, EBC., Nyingchi & Namtso
Classic Route
Details
Arrival in Lhasa – Welcome to the Spiritual Heart of Tibet
Welcome to Lhasa, the legendary capital of Tibet!
Upon your arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, your Tibetan local guide and driver will warmly welcome you and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel in downtown Lhasa.
During the drive, you will gradually enter the Tibetan Plateau and enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way, including the wide valleys, snow-covered mountains, and the beautiful Yarlung Tsangpo River, one of the highest rivers in the world.
Lhasa is located at an altitude of approximately 3,650 meters and is known as the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism. The city has been the political, cultural, and religious heart of Tibet for more than a thousand years.
After arriving at your hotel, the rest of the day is free for rest and altitude acclimatization.
Due to the high elevation, we recommend taking your first day slowly, drinking enough water, avoiding strenuous activities, and allowing your body to gradually adapt to the plateau environment.
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Overnight in Lhasa.
Explore Lhasa – Drepung Monastery & Sera Monastery
Today you will begin exploring the ancient Buddhist culture of Lhasa.
After breakfast, visit Drepung Monastery, one of the three great Gelug monasteries in Tibet and once the largest monastery in the world.
Built in 1416, Drepung Monastery was historically home to thousands of monks and served as an important center for Buddhist philosophy, religious education, and Tibetan culture.
Walking through the monastery complex, you will see traditional Tibetan architecture, prayer halls filled with sacred statues, ancient scriptures, and beautiful murals.
Your guide will introduce the history of Tibetan Buddhism, the Gelug school, and the important role monasteries played in Tibetan society.
Continue to Sera Monastery, another important Gelug monastery founded in the 15th century.
Sera Monastery is famous worldwide for its traditional Tibetan Buddhist debate sessions. Every afternoon, monks gather in the courtyard to discuss Buddhist philosophy through energetic debates, using gestures, questions, and answers to exchange knowledge.
This unique cultural experience offers visitors a deeper understanding of Tibetan Buddhism and the daily life of Tibetan monks.
After sightseeing, return to your hotel and rest.
Meals: Breakfast: Included; Dinner: Complimentary Tibetan Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight in Lhasa.
Lhasa City Tour – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street
Today you will discover the most iconic landmarks of Tibet.
After breakfast, visit the magnificent Potala Palace, the symbol of Tibet and one of the most famous architectural wonders in the world.
Located on Marpo Ri Hill, Potala Palace was the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas for centuries and served as the center of Tibetan religious and political life.
Inside the palace, you will explore ancient prayer halls, sacred Buddhist statues, historical treasures, murals, and the tombs of previous Dalai Lamas.
The palace combines Tibetan, Chinese, and Nepalese architectural styles, showing the rich cultural exchanges that shaped Tibetan history.
After visiting Potala Palace, explore the nearby Longwangtan Park, one of the best locations to enjoy a beautiful view of the palace.
In the afternoon, continue to Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism.
Built in the 7th century, Jokhang Temple is considered the most sacred temple in Tibet. The temple houses the famous 12-year-old Buddha Shakyamuni statue, one of the most precious religious treasures for Tibetan Buddhists.
Around Jokhang Temple, walk along Barkhor Street, where pilgrims complete the traditional kora route by walking clockwise around the temple.
The streets around Barkhor preserve the traditional atmosphere of old Lhasa, with Tibetan handicrafts, prayer wheels, local shops, and pilgrims from different regions of Tibet.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in Lhasa.
Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Karola Glacier – Gyantse – Shigatse
Today begins your journey from Lhasa toward western Tibet.
After breakfast, drive across the Tibetan Plateau and cross Gampala Pass at an altitude of approximately 4,790 meters.
From the viewpoint, you will see the breathtaking Yamdrok Lake, one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet.
Yamdrok Lake, meaning “Turquoise Lake” in Tibetan, is believed to be a sacred lake protecting Tibet. Its turquoise waters, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and grasslands, create one of the most beautiful landscapes on the Tibetan Plateau.
Continue your journey and visit the lakeside area, where you can experience the peaceful atmosphere of Tibetan villages and local life.
After lunch, continue toward Karola Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Tibet.
The glacier descends from the snow-covered mountains and creates a spectacular contrast with the surrounding valleys and high-altitude landscapes.
Continue to Gyantse and visit Simila Mountain Pass, where colorful prayer flags decorate the mountain landscape. Tibetan people believe prayer flags carry blessings and prayers with the wind.
Continue driving to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in Shigatse.
Shigatse – Everest Base Camp – Rongbuk Monastery
Today is one of the highlights of your Tibet journey — visiting Mount Everest.
After breakfast, leave Shigatse and travel toward the Everest region.
Along the way, cross Gyatsola Pass at an altitude of around 5,260 meters and enter the Mount Everest National Nature Reserve.
The road gradually climbs higher, and the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with endless grasslands, snow-covered mountains, and remote Tibetan villages.
At Gawula Pass, one of the best viewpoints in Tibet, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range.
On clear days, you can see several world-famous peaks, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Continue to Everest Base Camp on the northern side of Mount Everest.
Standing at approximately 5,000 meters above sea level, Everest Base Camp offers an unforgettable view of the world’s highest mountain.
You will also visit Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, located near the base camp. The combination of Tibetan Buddhist culture and the magnificent Everest landscape creates a truly unique experience.
If weather conditions are favorable, you can enjoy the sunset view over Mount Everest and admire the spectacular colors reflected on the Himalayan peaks.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in EBC Tent Hotel or Rongbuk Guesthouse.
Everest Base Camp – Peiku Lake – Saga
Wake up early at Everest Base Camp and enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere beneath Mount Everest.
If weather conditions are favorable, you may have another opportunity to admire the magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas. The golden sunlight slowly illuminates the snow-covered peak, creating an unforgettable scene.
After breakfast, leave the Everest region and continue westward toward Saga.
Today’s journey takes you deeper into the remote areas of western Tibet. The landscape gradually changes from mountain valleys to vast highland plains, where you can experience the true beauty and solitude of the Tibetan Plateau.
Along the way, visit Peiku Lake, one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in western Tibet.
Located near the Himalayas, Peiku Lake is surrounded by snow mountains, open grasslands, and endless wilderness. The crystal-clear blue water reflects the surrounding peaks, creating a peaceful and stunning natural landscape.
The area around Peiku Lake is also home to Tibetan nomadic communities and abundant wildlife. Depending on the season, you may see wild animals such as Tibetan antelope and wild birds.
Continue driving across the vast plateau toward Saga County.
Saga is an important stop on the route to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Many pilgrims and travelers gather here before continuing their spiritual journey into western Tibet.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in Saga.
Saga – Lake Manasarovar – Mount Kailash – Darchen
Today is a meaningful day as you enter the sacred land of western Tibet.
After breakfast, continue your journey toward the Ngari region, often known as the “Roof of the World.”
The road passes through one of the most remote and spectacular areas of Tibet, with endless plains, snow-covered mountains, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes.
Today you will visit Lake Manasarovar, one of the most sacred lakes in Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism.
Located at an altitude of approximately 4,590 meters, Lake Manasarovar is believed to be a holy lake created by the gods. Pilgrims from Tibet, India, Nepal, and other regions travel thousands of kilometers to complete religious rituals and prayers here.
The crystal-clear blue water, together with the reflection of the surrounding Himalayan mountains, creates one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Tibet.
Nearby stands Mount Kailash, one of the most sacred mountains in Asia.
With its unique pyramid-like shape and snow-covered summit, Mount Kailash has been regarded as a holy mountain by Tibetan Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Bon followers for centuries.
Continue to Darchen, the small town located at the foot of Mount Kailash.
Darchen is the starting point of the famous Mount Kailash Kora (pilgrimage trek). Here you will prepare for the upcoming three-day trekking journey around the sacred mountain.
Your guide will provide a detailed briefing about the trekking route, altitude conditions, and important preparation information.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in Darchen.
Mount Kailash Kora Day 1 – Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery
Today begins the legendary Mount Kailash Kora, one of the most important pilgrimage routes in the world.
After breakfast, drive to the trekking starting point.
The first day of the trek is approximately 12 kilometers and takes you through the beautiful valley surrounding Mount Kailash.
As you walk, you will encounter Tibetan pilgrims performing prostrations around the mountain, turning prayer wheels, and chanting prayers. The spiritual atmosphere of the journey is deeply moving.
Along the route, you will enjoy incredible views of Mount Kailash. The sacred mountain gradually reveals its magnificent northern face, which is considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints of Kailash.
The destination today is Dirapuk Monastery, located at the foot of the northern face of Mount Kailash.
This is the most iconic camping location during the Kora, where you can admire the huge snow-covered mountain rising above the valley.
The sunset and evening scenery here are unforgettable. Under clear weather, the sacred peak appears especially powerful and mysterious.
Trekking distance: Approximately 12 km; Altitude: Around 5,210m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight near Dirapuk Monastery.
Mount Kailash Kora Day 2 – Dirapuk Monastery – Dolma La Pass – Zuthulpuk Monastery
Today is the most challenging and spiritually significant day of the Mount Kailash Kora.
After breakfast, begin the most difficult section of the pilgrimage route.
The trail gradually climbs toward Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the Kora at approximately 5,630 meters above sea level.
Although the climb is physically demanding, the surrounding scenery is extraordinary. The snow-covered mountains, prayer flags, sacred stones, and quiet valleys create a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Dolma La Pass is considered the most sacred point of the entire Kora.
Tibetan pilgrims believe that passing through this area represents a spiritual transformation and the removal of obstacles in life.
Near the pass, you will see Gauri Kund, a sacred turquoise lake associated with Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
After crossing Dolma La Pass, the trail descends toward Zuthulpuk Valley.
The landscape changes dramatically, from high mountain passes to peaceful valleys filled with streams and unique rock formations.
Arrive at Zuthulpuk Monastery, named after the famous meditation cave of the Tibetan Buddhist master Milarepa.
Rest and recover after the challenging trekking day.
Trekking distance: Approximately 22 km; Altitude: Around 5,630m at Dolma La Pass
Accommodation: Overnight in the local Guesthouse.
Mount Kailash Kora Day 3 – Return to Darchen
The morning begins with the last leg of the Kailash kora, walking from Zutulpuk Monastery back to Darchen, where the trek first began.
Once the trek wraps up, you’ll drive about 30 km to Lake Manasarovar, one of the holiest lakes in Tibet. At the shore, you can walk part of the lake’s kora, sit and take in the sound of the water, or simply wash your face and hands in it — a gesture considered deeply meaningful in both Hindu and Buddhist tradition.
A sightseeing bus is also available for a full loop around the lake, with stops at Trugo Monastery and a viewpoint overlooking Lake Rakshastal. On a clear day, this loop offers a rare chance to see Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar together in a single view.
For those who want to unwind after the trek, nearby hot springs offer a small-fee option for a foot soak or a full soak.
You’ll return to Darchen for the night.
Accommodation: Overnight in Darchen.
Selung Monastery – Gateway to the Inner Kora
Today’s focus is Selung Monastery, considered the entrance to Mount Kailash’s Inner Kora and the traditional home of Mount Nandi, symbolic mount of Shiva. It’s one of the only spots where visitors can get a close view of Kailash’s south face.
At the monastery, you can light a butter lamp as an offering for peace, health, and wellbeing. From there, a short walk brings you to a viewpoint facing Kailash directly — the closest most pilgrims will ever get to the Inner Kora. Many spend time here simply sitting quietly, taking in the mountain’s presence.
You’ll return to Darchen for a second night.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in Darchen .
Darchen to Saga
Today marks the start of the journey away from the Ngari Plateau and back toward the Himalayas. The drive retraces some of the striking scenery of the region — open grasslands, lakes, and mountain views — with stops along the way to take it in and spot local wildlife, including Tibetan gazelle.
You’ll arrive in Saga by evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in Saga.
Saga to Gyirong
Today’s drive takes you into Gyirong Valley, near the Nepal border, where the landscape shifts dramatically — the barren high-altitude terrain gives way to forests and canyons as the elevation drops. Gyirong is often described as one of the most scenic valleys in the Himalayas.
In the afternoon, you’ll have time to explore the town, including its Sherpa villages and the historic Paba Monastery at its center. The lower altitude also brings noticeably milder, more humid air compared to the Ngari Plateau.
The day closes with a farewell dinner — a chance to reflect on the trip with the group before some travelers part ways in Gyirong.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in Gyirong.
Gyirong to Kathmandu
The final day involves crossing from Tibet into Nepal. After breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to your Tibetan guide and driver at the border, where local staff will take over — helping with luggage, visa formalities, and the drive onward to Kathmandu.
Once across the border, the route continues through the southern Himalayan foothills, offering a last stretch of mountain views (though stops are limited due to road conditions).
The tour concludes upon arrival at your hotel in Kathmandu.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: \
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul | 2026-07 | $ 2350 | Book now |
| Aug | 2026-08 | $ 2499 | Book now |
| Sep | 2026-09 | $ 2499 | Book now |
| Oct | 2026-10 | $ 2300 | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 14 Days Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Tour: Lhasa, Everest Base Camp & Kailash Kora
Fee Description
Price Includes
- Tibet Travel Permit and all required local travel documents for this tour (excluding expedited processing fees)
- Local transportation during the tour, including comfortable tourist vehicles with 5–29 seats depending on group size
- All entrance tickets for sightseeing sites listed in the itinerary
- All meals mentioned in the itinerary
- English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide shared with the group (For private guides or other language services, please contact us for details)
- Accommodation listed in the itinerary or equivalent four-star hotels (Hotel upgrades are available with additional fees) (Specific hotels cannot be requested)
- Free airport/train station transfer service between Lhasa Railway Station or Lhasa Gonggar Airport and downtown hotel
- Service charges and government taxes
- Tour planning, operation, communication, and arrangement fees
- Tourist accident insurance
Price Excludes
- China Visa (Visa assistance service is available. Please contact us for details.)
- Nepal Visa (Approximately USD 30 cash payment for a 15-day Nepal visa at Gyirong Border, if applicable)
- International flights to and from China
- Domestic flights or trains to Lhasa (Ticket booking assistance is available upon request)
- Single room supplement (Hotels are based on twin-sharing rooms. A supplement is required if a single room is needed.)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Porters and yaks during Mount Kailash trekking
- Tips for guides and drivers (If you are satisfied with the service, a suggested tip is around USD 7 / RMB 50 per person per day shared between guide and driver.)
- Personal expenses, including laundry, phone calls, snacks, drinks, optional activities, and other individual expenses
- Additional costs caused by force majeure situations, including natural disasters, traffic restrictions, lost valuables, visa delays, flight delays, or cancellations
Service Description
Experience the ultimate Tibet adventure with this 14-day Mount Kailash pilgrimage tour combining Tibetan culture, Himalayan landscapes, and spiritual exploration. Starting from Lhasa, this journey takes you through ancient monasteries, the legendary Everest Base Camp, sacred Lake Manasarovar, and the holy Mount Kailash Kora route.
Travel across the breathtaking Tibetan Plateau, discover the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism, admire the world’s highest mountain, and complete one of the most meaningful pilgrimage journeys in Asia. With Tibet travel permits, local transportation, accommodation, entrance tickets, meals, and professional Tibetan local guides included, this tour offers a well-organized and unforgettable exploration of Tibet’s natural wonders and spiritual heritage.
