15 Days Mind Blowing Tibet Tour

Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Getting off the plane or the train, you will find your tour guide is already waiting for you at the airport. Along the way to your hotel, you can enjoy the charming natural scenery and learn more about the history, culture and customs of the vast region from the guide. In the rest of the day, please rest well and adapt to the altitude.

After a refreshing start at your hotel, you will embark on an unforgettable journey to the iconic Drepung Monastery. Once the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the world, this spiritual sanctuary was home to over 10,000 monks--a staggering testament to its historical and cultural significance. As you approach, let the awe-inspiring sight of its whitewashed buildings cascading down the hillside take your breath away. 

After savoring delicious local Tibetan specialties, immerse yourself in the captivating monastic debates at the Sera Monastery--a centuries-old tradition that brings Tibetan Buddhist philosophy to life. Watch as monks engage in spirited discussions, punctuated by rhythmic hand claps and dynamic gestures, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. 

Today, you will going to extend your Lhasa adventure with an unforgettable day exploring its cultural and spiritual treasures. Begin with a leisurely morning, then you will set off to the iconic Potala Palace, anarchitectural marvel that stands as a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism.

Next, the guide will let you dive into authentic Tibetan culture by joining traditional folk activities where locals gather to celebrate their heritage. After that, you'll continue to the sacred Jokhang Temple, and feel the devotion of pilgrims as you admire its golden roof and ancient statues.

If you want to get to know more about the locals, just have a wander through the Barkor Street, a vibrant pilgrimage circuit lined with colorful shops, handicrafts, and cultural landmarks, offering a perfect blend of spirituality and local life. Feeling tired, you can also take a break at a cozy Tibetan tea house, sipping sweet tea and soaking in the warmth of Tibetan hospitality—a fitting conclusion to your immersive journey into Lhasa's rich traditions.

Today, you will embark on a scenic journey from Lhasa to Gyantse, and begin your adventure at the sacred Yamdrok Lake, a turquoise gem nestled among snow-capped mountains, where you can interact with local rural families and savor a farm-to-table lunch made with fresh, local ingredients.

The next stop is the awe-inspiring Karola Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. Please do make good use of the offering dramatic views to produce unforgettable photos.

Last, the guide will conclude your day in the fertile Gyantse Bally Farmland, experiencing the traditional agricultural practices that have been preserved for centuries, and then learning more about the locals.

Today, you will begin your day with a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery to explore its golden stupas, ancient scriptures, and the awe-inspiring 26-meter Maitreya Buddha statue, while soaking in the serene atmosphere of monastic life. Trust me, it will offer you a profound glimpse into Tibet's rich cultural and religious heritage.

But the most unforgettable thing for today is your visit to the majestic Himalayas, where nature's grandeur unfolds in every direction. Stand in awe at the renowned Dingri and Gawula Viewpoints, where Mount Everest, reveals its towering presence. As the golden hour approaches, watch in wonder as the setting sun paints Everest's snow-capped summit in hues of amber and rose, a spectacle that feels almost otherworldly (weather permitting).

What's the most luckiest thing for you when waking up in the morning is to hold the panoramic view of Mount Everest in your eyes.

When ready, you will be taken to visit the iconic Rongbuk Monastery, the highest-altitude monastery on Earth. Only getting there can you understand how spirituality meets breathtaking mountain vistas.

Later, you will head to Saga, the gateway to Tibet's Ali Plateau. Along the way, just enjoy views of Mount Shishapangma and the picturesque Peiku Tso Lake nestled at its feet. This scenic journey seamlessly blends natural beauty with cultural exploration.

Having a nice rest in Saga, you will journey through the dramatic gorge formed by the towering Himalayas and Gangdise Mountains.

After crossing the 5,211-meter Mayum La Pass, you will catch the first glimpse of the sacred Manasarovar Lake and the majestic Mount Kailash. Don't worry, there will be some time for you to  camera yourself down at one of your best moments in life.

Continuing for about 50 kilometers along the lakeshore, you'll arrive at Darchen, the starting and ending point for the Mount Kailash pilgrimage.

Today, you will take on a sightseeing bus to SeShong to join the vibrant Sagadawa Festival, a sacred celebration filled with blessings and spiritual activities.

A new prayer flag poles will be raised by the crowd in the central square and renew the old one. Buddhist followers cheer joyfully, praying for world peace, prosperity, and the well-being of all beings. The chanting of mantras by the monks echoes through the valley, harmonizing with the mysterious Mount Kailash.

After participating in the celebrations, you will trek along the valley at the foot of Mount Kailash clockwise for 13 kilometers, then reach the accommodation for the first day of the trek, Driapuk Monastery, which offers a unique opportunity to connect with the sacred energy of Mount Kailash and witness the devotion of pilgrims from different faiths.

Today you will be on a trek to cross the 5630 meters high Dolma La Pass, covering a distance of 24 kilometers.

Starting from Driapuk Monastery before dawn, you will ascend to the mountainside of Dolma La, where you can witness the sunrise over the northwest slope of Mount Kailash. 

In the morning, you'll climb over the Dolma La Pass adorned with prayer flags, providing a view of the glacier on the northwest slope of Mount Kailash and the Mercy Lake below the pass. According to legend, bathing in the Lake can cleanse one of a lifetime of sins and lead to rebirth.

Following this, you'll navigate a lengthy downhill section filled with stones, passing through the valley beneath Mount Kailash to the Dzultripuk Monastery. In the summer, this valley transforms into lush grassland, with herds of livestock and wildlife visible. 

When ready, you will leave Dzultripuk Monastery and go to the ending as well as the starting point of the Mount Kailash circuit, Darchen, either on foot, or by bus.

When arriving, you can take a short rest at the hotel and then the guide will take you to Manasarovar Lake where you'll spend some delightful moments. You can mimic the Buddhist devotees by approaching the lake to collect some holy water for washing your hands or face, cleansing away the fatigue of the past kailash kora days and refreshing your soul. There are also hot spring cabins by the lake where you can also soak your feet or take a bath.

Today we will return to Saga along the coming road. During the hundreds of kilometers of journey, you will once again enjoy the grasslands and lakes of the Ali Plateau, the snow-capped mountains of the Gangdise Mountains and the Himalayas. When passing Gongzhu Lake, you can stop and walk around the lake or pasture to get close to nature again.

Having been to the highest peak in the world, today the guide will take you to the lowest altitude place in western Tibet--Gyirong Valley. Here you can have a good rest, hike in the countryside surrounded by forests, and breathe in the fresh oxygen in the forest to relieve the fatigue of the journey. If there are tourists in the tour group heading to the Nepalese border, you can also go with them to visit the border between China and Nepal and take photos in front of China's majestic national gate.

Enjoy a chill morning, you will return to the snowy expanses of the Himalayas, once again gaining the breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range. Along the way, you will pass by peaks such as Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, and Mount Everest. The foothills of the Himalayas are abundant with lush meadows, herds of cattle and sheep, and the snowy peaks against the backdrop of the blue sky provide an eternal and unchanging scenery.

Concluding the journey to Mount Everest and Mount Kailash, you will return from Dingri to Lhasa. During the journey, we will have another view of Mount Everest and bid farewell to this majestic peak. Passing through Shigatse, we will drive through the Yarlung Tsangpo River between Shigatse and Lhasa on our way back to Lhasa.

Today our journey comes to an end. After breakfast, your guide will take you to the airport.