SOME MOUNTAINS ARE CLIMBED. THIS ONE IS CIRCLED.

You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in downtown Lhasa by the guide and driver. Along the way, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, Lhasa River, and the typical Tibetan villages.

After arriving at the hotel, take some time to rest and acclimate to the high altitude. It’s helpful to take it easy for the first few days and remember to stay hydrated by drinking water. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Rest today, properly. The next fifteen days are all above 3,600 m, and the first afternoon decides how the rest of them feel.

Here, you’ll explore the Coqen Hall, where your guide will provide a detailed explanation of the Tibetan Buddhist worldview and narrate the stories of renowned figures in Tibetan Buddhist history. Additionally, you’ll tour the Loseling College (or an equivalent) within Drepung Monastery to understand monks’ practices and studies. Exploring their dormitories will offer insight into their daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, the tour proceeds to Sera Monastery, established in 1419 and long regarded as a significant Buddhist seminary. Here, you’ll observe the renowned monk debates, a highlight of Sera Monastery. Your guide will provide a comprehensive explanation of how these debates aid monks in acquiring knowledge and advancing through academic degrees.

After today’s sightseeing, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow group members. Your guide will welcome you with traditional Tibetan gifts, provide travel guidance, and introduce you to the other members of your group. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Your guide will narrate the life and tales of the successive Dalai Lamas within the Potala Palace and meticulously introduce the various halls and treasures housed within its walls.

Once you’ve explored the grandeur of the Potala Palace, your next stop will be Longwangtan Park nestled at its base. This tranquil spot offers a unique vantage point to admire the majestic Potala Palace and partake in traditional Tibetan cultural experiences.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to the sacred Jokhang Temple — the heart of Tibetan faith and life. Within the temple resides the rare and revered 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, an image so lifelike that it resembles seeing the Buddha in person. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can take a clockwise kora, witnessing how local Tibetans practice their Buddhist beliefs.

Following this, your guide will take you to the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea house in Lhasa, where you can enjoy Tibetan sweet tea with locals. Your guide will join everyone, sharing insights into the social relations and daily leisure life of Tibetans. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

The first stop will be at Yamdrok Lake, one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet. This stunning lake unveils its beauty from the Gambala Mountain Pass (4,790 m), curving like a blue ribbon, while the towering Mt. Noijin Kangsang (7,191 m) can be seen in the distance. As you descend to the lakeshore, explore various viewpoints offering intimate encounters with the lake’s shoreline. Towards the lake’s end, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a welcoming local family in the village and have lunch with them.

Next, you’ll pass by the Karola Glacier (5,100 m). Positioned right by the roadside, it resembles a serene maiden grooming herself while gazing from afar at the majestic snow-capped mountains.

Continuing your journey towards Gyantse, you’ll make a stop at Simila Mountain Pass. Here, you can hang prayer flags, offering prayers for global peace and the well-being of your loved ones.

Upon arrival in Gyantse, seize the opportunity to capture memorable photos of the ancient city. En route from Gyantse to Shigatse, you will witness vast stretches of lush green barley fields (in summer) and golden fields (in autumn), alongside numerous farms. Finally, upon reaching Shigatse and checking into the hotel, take a moment to relax and prepare for the upcoming trip to Mount Everest the following day. Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Veiled within the mountain range, Everest resembles a budding lotus flower, a captivating sight along the roadside. Continuing into Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, the Gawula Pass (5,198 m) presents a panoramic view of the Himalayas. Here, you will see the breathtaking lineup of the five world’s highest peaks in the Himalayan range, all towering above 8,000 metres. This is your second glimpse of Mount Everest.

Then traverse the new winding road toward Everest Base Camp (5,200 m); each turn reveals a closer perspective of the majestic Everest, gradually unfolding before you. This marks your third view of the Everest.

Upon arrival at Everest Base Camp, the huge white pyramid peak stands tall before you. As dusk approaches, the setting sun casts warm golden hues upon Everest’s northern face — your fourth view. As night descends, the glistening Milky Way alongside the snow-white peak of Mount Everest offers your fifth and final encounter with the majestic peak. Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp.

• Everest Base Camp sits at 5,200 m, and mild sleep disturbance can occur at high altitude. However, a persistent or worsening headache, nausea, vomiting, unusual fatigue or any breathing difficulty should never be ignored. Please inform your guide immediately.
• The visibility of Mount Everest depends on weather conditions and cannot be assured.

Before departing from EBC, you’ll visit the world’s highest monastery, Rongbuk Monastery (5,154 m). This Tibetan Nyingma monastery sits in close proximity to Mount Everest and is a place where nuns and monks reside together.

Following this, you will set off towards Tibet’s most mysterious plateau, the Ngari Plateau. Along the journey, you will pass by Shishapangma (8,027 m), one of the world’s highest peaks. Here, you’ll witness the magnificent stature of the three sister peaks of Shishapangma, standing in close proximity, along with the golden-hued Peiku Tso beneath the mountain peaks.

Crossing through the western grasslands of Tibet, you will reach Saga County, a transportation hub in western Tibet and not far from the sacred Mount Kailash. The subsequent journey will take place at an average altitude of 4,500 m on the Ngari Plateau. Upon reaching Saga, if necessary, you can purchase any essential travel supplies for your Kailash trek here. Stay overnight in Saga.

Along the way, you will have the chance to witness herds of yaks and sheep leisurely grazing on the broad grasslands at the foot of the snow-capped mountains. And the beautiful green lake, Gongzhuo Lake, will come into view at the same time.

After crossing the 5,211-metre Mayum La Pass, you will officially enter the Ngari region. Crossing this pass feels like entering a kingdom of wild animals. What unfolds before you is the sacred Lake Manasarovar with the majestic Mount Kailash towering in the distance.

Continuing along the lakeshore, you’ll reach the destination of this journey and the starting point for the Mount Kailash kora — Darchen. Upon arrival, you can rest at the hotel, preparing and gathering strength for the trek ahead. Stay overnight in Darchen.

• If you require porter services during the trek, please inform the guide in advance for arrangements. Porter services are not included in the tour cost and carry an additional fee.

To begin, you’ll board an eco-friendly bus from Darchen to Sarshung village, where your 13-kilometre trek around Mount Kailash begins. This initial leg of the trek is relatively moderate, following the valley at the mountain’s base and offering clear vistas of its southern and western slopes.

Upon arrival at the Dirapuk Monastery guesthouse situated at the western slope’s base, you’ll check in and store your luggage. Then you will follow your guide to explore the ancient Dirapuk Monastery. One of the most awe-inspiring moments here is witnessing the sunset over Mount Kailash. As the sun gently descends, you can patiently wait for the afterglow to illuminate the steep cliffs of the western slope. After nightfall, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the mesmerizing sight of the moon hanging over Mount Kailash’s peak. Stay overnight in Dirapuk Monastery guesthouse.

Early in the morning, you’ll depart from Dirapuk Monastery to start today’s hiking adventure. After advancing 4 kilometres and steadily ascending to 5,430 m, you’ll witness the magnificent sunrise over Mount Kailash’s north-west slope.

Continuing for another 2 kilometres leads you to the pinnacle of the Mount Kailash trek — Dolma La Pass (5,630 m). Standing there amidst fluttering prayer flags, it feels like the guardian spirits of the sacred mountain are present. Throughout your journey, you’ll witness devout pilgrims prostrating themselves, measuring the sacred grounds with their bodies, whether on boulders or rocky terrain, showing unwavering devotion.

After successfully crossing Dolma La Pass, the vivid green Lake of Compassion (also known as Guri Kund) comes into view. It’s believed that bathing in this lake cleanses a lifetime of sins. Here, you’ll also catch sight of the thick glaciers on Mount Kailash’s north-west slope. Continuing down from Lake Guri Kund, a lengthy descent follows until you reach the valley at the south-east base of Mount Kailash. Within the valley, you may encounter charming wildlife and find a resting site on the grassy plains for relaxation. Stay overnight in Zutulpuk Monastery guesthouse.

• Because of the altitude at Dolma La Pass, even in summer the path may be icy and scattered with loose stones — extra caution is required to prevent slipping.

After breakfast, continue along the final stretch of the trail from Zutulpuk back to Darchen. As the sacred mountain gradually falls behind you, take a moment to reflect on the journey you have just completed.

Upon arrival in Darchen, enjoy lunch and return to your hotel.

The afternoon is deliberately left free for rest, recovery and personal time. After three demanding days at high altitude, there is no scheduled sightseeing today.

Overnight in Darchen.

• Lake Manasarovar is visited on Day 11 instead, so that this afternoon stays clear for recovery — tell your guide how you feel after the three-day kora.

At Lake Manasarovar, discover the spiritual significance of one of Tibet’s most revered lakes, with time to appreciate its vast open landscape and extraordinary mountain setting. Your guide will walk you down to the shore to touch the holy water; you may join pilgrims circumambulating the lake, or simply wash your face and hands as Hindus and Buddhists have done for centuries.

The drive also stops at several sacred sites, such as Trugu Monastery and the Demon Lake viewpoint. If the weather is clear, Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar can be caught in a single view, with a 360-degree panorama of the holy lake. Hot springs by the lakeside are available for a foot bath or a soak — a good way to ease a body still tired from the kora (additional cost applies).

At Selung Monastery, explore the religious traditions associated with Mount Kailash and enjoy views towards its sacred southern face. Here you may light a butter lamp and join in prayers for peace, health and wisdom, then walk to the edge of the site to face the mountain in the quiet air. This is the closest point any pilgrim may reach to the Inner Kora — a moment to reflect and to connect with the holy mountain.

These experiences are designed to be flexible. Travellers who prefer additional recovery time may choose to rest at the hotel rather than participate in the optional activities.

Overnight in Darchen.

• Please note: due to government policy, entering the Inner Kora is not allowed. Selung Monastery is the permitted limit.

Along the way, you can pause at lush green pastures and lakes, getting up close to appreciate the natural scenery of Ngari and its wildlife. Stay overnight in Saga.

After breakfast, your guide will accompany you across the Tibetan Plateau toward Nyalam. Along the way, pass the turquoise Peiku Tso Lake, with Mt. Shishapangma (8,027 m) and the surrounding Himalayan peaks rising majestically in the distance.

As you continue south, enjoy sweeping views of open grasslands, blue alpine lakes and distant snowy mountains. The vast plateau scenery gradually gives way to more dramatic Himalayan terrain as you approach Nyalam. Arrive in Nyalam in the afternoon and settle into this quiet Himalayan town. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing or taking a leisurely walk around the town. Stay overnight in Nyalam.

Once the border transfer is completed, they will return to Nyalam around midday to pick you up and continue the journey toward Tingri together.

In the afternoon, you’ll set out along the Friendship Highway (G318) toward Tingri. As the road leaves the gorge and climbs back into the high Himalayan landscape, you’ll cross mountain passes such as Tong La Pass (5,120 m) and once again enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Continuing through Old Tingri (Gangga Town), clear weather may reward you with spectacular views of Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201 m) and Mt. Everest in the distance, creating one of the most impressive Himalayan panoramas along the journey. Arrive in Tingri in the late afternoon and check into your hotel. Enjoy a good rest before continuing toward Shigatse and Lhasa the following day. Stay overnight in Tingri.

After breakfast, your guide will take you to visit the residence of the Panchen Lama, Tashilhunpo Monastery. The monastery, grand and magnificent, with its resplendent halls covering the entire mountainside, stands as a spiritual haven for the locals. Inside the monastery resides the world’s largest bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Following this, you’ll bid farewell to Shigatse, journeying back to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Sixteen days ago you arrived in the holy city; today you leave from it, with the north face of Everest, the kora and the holy lake behind you — and, we hope, a plan to return.