15 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: A pilgrim’s final fantasy and the greatest overland trip in Tibet.

Welcome to Lhasa (3650m)!

When you arrive in Lhasa, whether by train or flight, our friendly Tibetan guide will greet you with a Hada (the traditional Tibetan ceremonial scarf) and warm blessings.

Then, the guide and the driver will take you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. You may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/Brahmaputra River (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and the Lhasa River.

After settling into your hotel, take some time to rest and adjust to the high altitude.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Overnight in Lhasa

Welcoming our guests with warm smiles and traditional white Hadas.

Travelers Arriving at Lhasa Railway Station

Guide welcoming tourists at Lhasa Gongga airport.

Lhasa River flowing through a mountain landscape.

Welcoming our guests with warm smiles and traditional white Hadas.

Travelers Arriving at Lhasa Railway Station

Guide welcoming tourists at Lhasa Gongga airport.

Lhasa River flowing through a mountain landscape.

Today is Tibetan Monastery Day! You’ll have a full day to explore the largest monastery in Tibet, delve into the knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism, and immerse yourself in the daily life of Tibetan monks.

In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.

After today’s tour, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group members. Your guide will greet you with traditional Tibetan gifts, share helpful travel tips, and help everyone get to know each other.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Overnight in Lhasa

Breakfast | Welcome Dinner

Travelers posing in front of Drepung Monastery.

Travelers sharing a moment with local Tibetans.

Travelers watching Tibetan monks debate at Sera Monastery.

Travelers visiting the main courtyard of Drepung Monastery in Lhasa.

Monks gathering for prayers inside Sera Monastery.

Travelers posing in front of Drepung Monastery.

Travelers sharing a moment with local Tibetans.

Travelers watching Tibetan monks debate at Sera Monastery.

Travelers visiting the main courtyard of Drepung Monastery in Lhasa.

Monks gathering for prayers inside Sera Monastery.

Today’s Highlight is a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, providing a glimpse into the daily beliefs and lives of the people of Lhasa.

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities.

In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.

Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Overnight in Lhasa

Breakfast

Travelers exploring Barkhor Street in central Lhasa.

The Potala Palace, the most iconic landmark of Tibet.

Enjoying Tibetan sweet tea at a local teahouse in Lhasa.

Locals on pilgrimage along Barkhor Street around Jokhang Temple.

Jokhang temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet.

Travelers exploring Barkhor Street in central Lhasa.

The Potala Palace, the most iconic landmark of Tibet.

Enjoying Tibetan sweet tea at a local teahouse in Lhasa.

Locals on pilgrimage along Barkhor Street around Jokhang Temple.

Jokhang temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet.

In the morning, start the overland journey from Lhasa to Shigatse, which includes visits to Tibet's most beautiful lake, glacier, and a charming Tibetan village.

First, drive over the Gampala pass (4790 m) to catch a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m). The Yamdrok Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa. Continue to explore the lakeshore from various viewpoints, and at the end of the lake, you could visit a local family in the village and have lunch with the locals.

Next, you will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside. It is the largest glacier in Tibet. As you see the ice tongue of the glacier climb the entire hillside, you will feel the magical power of nature.

Then, continue your journey to Gyantse. On the way, you will stop at Simila Mountain Pass, where you can hang prayer flags to pray for world peace and the health of your family.

After arriving in Gyantse, you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient city of Gyantse. From Gyantse to Shigatse, you will pass by green (in summer) and golden (in autumn) Tibetan barley fields and countless farms.

Finally, we arrive in Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. After checking in to the hotel, you can take a good rest and prepare for the next day’s trip to Mount Everest.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Overnight in Shigatse

Breakfast | Lunch with a Tibetan Village Family

A traveler enjoys the panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake.

Karola glacier, the most accessible glacier in Tibet.

Visit local Tibetan family

Prayer flags overlooking the blue waters of Yamdrok Lake.

A traveler enjoys the panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake.

Karola glacier, the most accessible glacier in Tibet.

Visit local Tibetan family

Prayer flags overlooking the blue waters of Yamdrok Lake.

Take the most use of your time today to admire the stunning Himalayan mountain ranges!

After breakfast, you will head directly to Mount Everest.

First, you will pass Gyatsola Pass (5280m). At Gyatsola Pass viewpoint, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest. Hidden behind the mountain range, the Everest resembles a budding lotus flower, a captivating sight along the roadside.

Shortly after we enter Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass (5198m). At this viewpoint, you will marvel at the majestic lineup of the five highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Everest at the forefront. This is your second glimpse of Everest.

Then, we drive along the new zigzag road to Everest Base Camp (5000m). As you get close to the base camp, the majestic Everest gradually unfolds before you, drawing nearer with each winding turn. This marks your third view of Everest.

Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, the colossal white pyramid peak of Mount Everest stands towering before you. As the day transitions to dusk, witness the golden hues of the sun casting a warm glow on Everest's northern face - your fourth view.

As night falls, the sparkling Milky Way and the snow-white peak of Mount Everest reveal your fifth and final encounter with Everest.

Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp.

Insider Tips:
The visibility of Everest is subject to weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Overnight in EBC Tent Hotel or Rongbuk Guesthouse

Breakfast

Enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains.

Travelers enjoying the scenic journey toward Mount Everest.

Clear view of Mount Everest from Gawula Pass.

Admire Mount Everest up close at Everest Base Camp.

A breathtaking view of the starry night sky above Mt. Everest.

Enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains.

Travelers enjoying the scenic journey toward Mount Everest.

Clear view of Mount Everest from Gawula Pass.

Admire Mount Everest up close at Everest Base Camp.

A breathtaking view of the starry night sky above Mt. Everest.

Continue your journey westward into the Ngari Plateau along the Himalayas, enjoying the grassland, lakes, and snow-capped mountains along the way.

In the morning, you may have the chance to see the pink sunlight casting its glow upon the summit of Mount Everest.

After breakfast, visit the Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest-altitude monastery at 5154 meters above sea level.

Then, move on to Ngari, the most mysterious region in Tibet, to visit the sacred Mount Kailash and holy Lake Manasarovar. On the way, you’ll pass by Mt. Shishabangma (8027 meters), one of the world’s highest mountains over 8000 meters. You can enjoy a close view of the three main peaks of Shigabangma, as well as the golden glow of Pelku Tso Lake beneath the peaks.

After crossing the grassland around Peiku Tso Lake, you’ll reach Saga County, the transfer hub of western Tibet. This marks your entry into the gateway of the Mount Kailash region. The rest of the journey to Mount Kailash is at an average elevation of 4500 meters on the Ngari Plateau. If you need some essentials for your Kailash trek, you can buy them in Saga County.

Stay overnight in Saga.

Overnight in Saga

Breakfast

Rongbuk Monastery overlooking Mount Everest.

Visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery at 5,154 meters.

Enjoying views of Mount Shishabangma and the surrounding snow mountains

Pelku Tso Lake surrounded by snow mountains under a colorful sky.

Rongbuk Monastery overlooking Mount Everest.

Visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery at 5,154 meters.

Enjoying views of Mount Shishabangma and the surrounding snow mountains

Pelku Tso Lake surrounded by snow mountains under a colorful sky.

After breakfast, you’ll start today’s journey through the Saga Valley between the Himalayan Range and the Gangdise Range, marveling at continuous snow-capped peaks, vast grassland, and stunning lakes along the way.

En route, you may witness herds of yaks and sheep on the vast grasslands beneath the snow-capped mountains. Meanwhile, you’ll pass by the beautiful green lake - Gongzhucuo Lake.

After passing through the Mayum La Mountain at 5211 meters, you officially enter the Ngari Region. Crossing the mountain pass feels like entering a wilderness inhabited by wild animals, with the holy Lake Manasarovar coming into view. The view of Lake Manasarovar, with Mount Kailash in the distance, often makes people feel amazed and inspired.

Driving along the lake, you reach the sacred Mount Kailash, the ultimate destination of this journey.

Upon arrival in Darchen, the little town at the foot of Mount Kailash, settle into your hotel, recharge, and prepare for the upcoming 3-day Mount Kailash trek.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

Insider Tips:
If you need a porter, kindly inform your guide on this day, and your guide will arrange one for you the following day. Please note that the cost of the porter requires an additional payment.

Overnight in Darchen

Breakfast

Gongzhu Tso with turquoise water and snow-covered mountains.

On the way to Mount Kailash, you pass by Lake Manasarovar.

Mount Kailash rising beyond the blue waters of Lake Manasarovar.

Continuing on, you will arrive at the sacred Mount Kailash.

Gongzhu Tso with turquoise water and snow-covered mountains.

On the way to Mount Kailash, you pass by Lake Manasarovar.

Mount Kailash rising beyond the blue waters of Lake Manasarovar.

Continuing on, you will arrive at the sacred Mount Kailash.

Start your first day of trekking along the valley at the base of Mount Kailash! Enjoy the picturesque views of its southern, southwestern, and western slopes.

After breakfast, you are supposed to take an eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung Valley, where to start today’s 13-kilometer trek around Mount Kailash.

The first 13 kilometers are relatively easy, guiding you through the valley at the foot of Mount Kailash. You can clearly see the southern and western slopes of the sacred Mount Kailash.

After reaching the foot of the western slope, you will check in at the guesthouse in Dirapuk Monastery.

For the remainder of the day, follow our guide to explore the ancient Dirapuk Monastery (also known as Zhire Temple). Capture unforgettable moments in front of the sacred stupas and the grandeur of the western slope of Mount Kailash.

Weather permitting, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring spectacle of the sunset over Mount Kailash from Dirapuk Monastery. Witness the sun's afterglow delicately illuminating the steep cliffs of the western slope as night descends.

Stay overnight in the local Guesthouse.

Overnight in the local Guesthouse

Breakfast

Getting ready to start the first day of the Mount Kailash kora.

Trekking through the valley toward Dirapuk Monastery on the first day

Dirapuk Monastery is an important stop on the Mount Kailash kora

Local pilgrims can be seen on the kora path around Mount Kailash.

Getting ready to start the first day of the Mount Kailash kora.

Trekking through the valley toward Dirapuk Monastery on the first day

Dirapuk Monastery is an important stop on the Mount Kailash kora

Local pilgrims can be seen on the kora path around Mount Kailash.

Are you ready for the most challenging day of your Mount Kailash Trek? On this day, you’ll trek across the highest point at 5630 meters, and walk alongside devout prostrating Buddhist pilgrims.

Start your day early with a 4-kilometer trek from Dirapuk Monastery to reach 5430 meters. This section offers a rapid climb with a breathtaking view of the sunrise over the northwest slope of Mount Kailash.

Afterward, you’ll continue another 2-kilometer trek to Dolma La Pass, the highest point at an altitude of 5630 meters. Along this path, you’ll see prayer flags hanging everywhere on the pass.

(Notice: The high altitude means even in summer, the path is icy and scattered with rocks, requiring caution to prevent slipping.)

After successfully crossing Dolma La Pass, you’ll be greeted by the emerald-green Lake of Compassion (also known as Guri Kund), believed to purify a lifetime of sins with a dip. You’ll also witness the thick glaciers on the northwest slope of Mount Kailash.

Following the Lake of Compassion, a gradual descent leads you to the valley beneath the southeast foot of Mount Kailash, where Zutulpuk Monastery (also known as Dzutripuk Monastery) is located. Here, you may encounter adorable wild animals and find a peaceful resting spot on the grasslands.

Stay overnight in the local Guesthouse.

Alternatively, if you want to revere Mt.Kailash by physically touching its sacred rock face, we can offer you an extra day trek to the glacier on the west slope of Mount Kailash, taking your spiritual experience to the next level. Join our 16-day Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour to touch the sacred Mount Kailash.

Overnight in the local Guesthouse

Reach snowy Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the Mount Kailash Kora.

Celebrate reaching Dolma La Pass with your guide during the Mount Kailash Kora.

Pause for a heartfelt prayer on the sacred Mount Kailash Kora.

See sacred Guri Kund Lake after crossing Dolma La Pass.

Reach snowy Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the Mount Kailash Kora.

Celebrate reaching Dolma La Pass with your guide during the Mount Kailash Kora.

Pause for a heartfelt prayer on the sacred Mount Kailash Kora.

See sacred Guri Kund Lake after crossing Dolma La Pass.

Complete the Mount Kailash kora and refresh yourself at the holy Lake Manasarovar.

In the morning, you’ll trek back from Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen, the starting point of the Kailash Trek.

After completing the Kailash trek in the morning, you are going to take a 30-kilometer drive to Lake Manasarovar. You’ll approach the shores of the sacred lake to touch its holy waters.

At the lakeside, you can engage in the Lake Manasarovar Kora, listen to the rhythmic waves of the sacred waters, or simply clean your face and hands with the holy water, which holds significant spiritual meaning for Hindus and Buddhists.

You can also take the sightseeing bus for a 360-degree view of Lake Manasarovar. The bus will stop at some holy sites, such as Trugo Monastery and Lake Rakshastal viewpoint. If the weather permits, you can enjoy the extremely beautiful scene of Mount Kailash together with Lake Manasarovar in one picture.

There are also hot springs (optional) offering foot baths or soaking opportunities for visitors. If the Mount Kailash pilgrimage has left you feeling weary, consider spending a few dollars to enjoy the hot springs.

After today’s tour, get back to Darchen.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

Overnight in Darchen

Relax by sacred Lake Manasarovar after your Mount Kailash trek.

Pause by sacred Lake Manasarovar with Mount Kailash in the distance.

Find a peaceful moment of meditation beside sacred Lake Manasarovar.

Enjoy sweeping views of sacred Lake Manasarovar from Chiu Monastery.

Relax by sacred Lake Manasarovar after your Mount Kailash trek.

Pause by sacred Lake Manasarovar with Mount Kailash in the distance.

Find a peaceful moment of meditation beside sacred Lake Manasarovar.

Enjoy sweeping views of sacred Lake Manasarovar from Chiu Monastery.

Today, you'll say goodbye to the Ngari Plateau and return to the Himalayas.

After breakfast, you’ll travel back to Sage and relive the scenic wonders of the Ngari Plateau, the Himalayas, and the Gangdise Mountains. Along the journey, you can stop at grassy pastures and lakes to get close to the nature and wildlife of Ngari.

Later today, you will finally arrive in Saga.

Stay overnight in Saga.

Overnight in Saga

Breakfast

Share a memorable lakeside moment with your local Tibetan guide in Ngari.

Spot wildlife beside a tranquil lake with Mount Kailash rising in the distance.

Capture a memorable group photo amid the vast mountains and open landscapes of Ngari.

Spot Tibetan antelopes roaming freely across the grasslands of the Ngari Plateau.

Watch Tibetan wild asses graze beneath the snow-capped mountains of Ngari.

Share a memorable lakeside moment with your local Tibetan guide in Ngari.

Spot wildlife beside a tranquil lake with Mount Kailash rising in the distance.

Capture a memorable group photo amid the vast mountains and open landscapes of Ngari.

Spot Tibetan antelopes roaming freely across the grasslands of the Ngari Plateau.

Watch Tibetan wild asses graze beneath the snow-capped mountains of Ngari.

Today’s highlights are the turquoise Peiku Tso Lake, magnificent views of Mt. Shishapangma and the surrounding Himalayan peaks, and the changing landscapes as you approach Nyalam.

In the morning, leave Saga and drive south across the vast Tibetan Plateau toward the Himalayas. Along the way, pass the turquoise Peiku Tso Lake, with Mt. Shishapangma (8,027m) and the surrounding snow-capped Himalayan peaks rising majestically in the distance.

The journey offers a beautiful combination of blue alpine lakes, open grasslands, and sweeping Himalayan mountain views. As you continue toward Nyalam, the vast plateau gradually gives way to more dramatic mountain terrain, marking your approach to the southern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.

Arrive in Nyalam in the afternoon and settle into this quiet Himalayan town. Enjoy some time to rest or take a leisurely walk around the town. Stay overnight in Nyalam.

Overnight in Nyalam

Breakfast

Local Tibetan village life along the shore of the turquoise Peiku Tso Lake.

Tibetan wild donkeys can be spotted along the way from Saga to Nyalam.

Breathtaking scenery and excellent road conditions along the way.

A little girl in Lapu Village, Nyalam, one of the most beautiful villages along the way.

Peiku Tso Lake and Mt. Shishapangma, two highlights along the way.

Local Tibetan village life along the shore of the turquoise Peiku Tso Lake.

Tibetan wild donkeys can be spotted along the way from Saga to Nyalam.

Breathtaking scenery and excellent road conditions along the way.

A little girl in Lapu Village, Nyalam, one of the most beautiful villages along the way.

Peiku Tso Lake and Mt. Shishapangma, two highlights along the way.

Today’s highlight is to enjoy a relaxing morning in the Himalayan mountain town before journeying back along the northern edge of the Himalayas to Tingri.

Important Note for Travelers: In the morning, travelers heading back to Lhasa will stay at the hotel in Nyalam to rest or explore the local town at your own pace. Our tour guide and driver need to drive down to the Zhangmu Border to see off the travelers who are exiting to Nepal. Once they are safely transferred at the border, the guide and driver will return to Nyalam to pick you up (around midday) and embark on the journey toward Tingri together.

In the afternoon, set out along the Friendship Highway (G318) heading toward Tingri. As you leave the gorge and climb back up over high mountain passes such as Tong La Pass (5,120m), you'll be greeted once again by the panoramic grandeur of the Himalayas. Along the drive through Old Tingri (Gangga Town), on a clear day, you can feast your eyes on the breathtaking mountain panorama featuring Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m) and distant views of Mt. Everest.

Arrive in Tingri in the late afternoon, check into your hotel, and get a good rest for your journey back toward Shigatse and Lhasa.

Overnight in Tingri

Breakfast

Seeing off our travelers to Nepal at Zhangmu Border after their Tibet tour.

Take in sweeping views of the snow-capped Himalayas along the way.

Follow the winding mountain road as the landscape rises toward the Tibetan Plateau.

Admire the mirror-like lake framed by magnificent snow-capped peaks.

Share a relaxing moment with fellow travelers beside a tranquil highland lake.

Seeing off our travelers to Nepal at Zhangmu Border after their Tibet tour.

Take in sweeping views of the snow-capped Himalayas along the way.

Follow the winding mountain road as the landscape rises toward the Tibetan Plateau.

Admire the mirror-like lake framed by magnificent snow-capped peaks.

Share a relaxing moment with fellow travelers beside a tranquil highland lake.

Today's main attraction is a visit to Shigatse's largest monastery, the Tashilhunpo Monastery. Later, you'll return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

In the morning, we will visit the home of Panchen Lama - Tashilhunpo Monastery. The grand and magnificent halls of the largest local monastery occupy the entire hillside. This is the spiritual home of the Tibetan people in Shigatse, housing the world's largest statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Then, we will return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the mother river of the Tibetan people.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Overnight in Lhasa

Breakfast

Explore Tashilhunpo Monastery, the spiritual heart of Shigatse.

Meet a Tibetan monk during your visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery.

Discover the grand Tashilhunpo Monastery with your local guide.

Admire the grand Tibetan architecture of Tashilhunpo Monastery.

In the afternoon, you will drive back to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

Explore Tashilhunpo Monastery, the spiritual heart of Shigatse.

Meet a Tibetan monk during your visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery.

Discover the grand Tashilhunpo Monastery with your local guide.

Admire the grand Tibetan architecture of Tashilhunpo Monastery.

In the afternoon, you will drive back to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

Today marks the end of your Tibet tour.

Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station.

Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet in the future.

Breakfast

Say goodbye to Tibet with wonderful memories and new friendships from your journey.

Our guide sees travelers off at the airport after their Tibet tour.

Colorful Tibetan prayer flags flutter beneath sacred Mount Kailash.

Tibet Vista looks forward to welcoming you back to Tibet.

Say goodbye to Tibet with wonderful memories and new friendships from your journey.

Our guide sees travelers off at the airport after their Tibet tour.

Colorful Tibetan prayer flags flutter beneath sacred Mount Kailash.

Tibet Vista looks forward to welcoming you back to Tibet.