15 Days Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Summer Pilgrimage Tour from Lhasa

Welcome to Lhasa!

Upon your arrival in Lhasa, our Tibetan guide will welcome you at the airport or train station with a traditional white Hada.

Then, you'll be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa. After checking in, you can take some time to rest and allow your body to acclimate to the high altitude.  

In the evening, if time permits, your guide will take you on a leisurely walk around the Potala Palace, followed by dinner at a local restaurant with a stunning night view of the majestic palace.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Tibetan tour guide greets you at Lhasa Airport.
• Lhasa River

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 exploring the Potala Palace, continue to Longwangtan Park at its foot, where lush greenery and colorful summer scenery create a peaceful atmosphere. This is a perfect place to enjoy a different perspective of the Potala Palace, while observing local Tibetans practicing traditional folk activities and enjoying their daily leisure time.

In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside the temple, you will see the sacred statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve, while outside, you can witness devoted pilgrims performing prostrations in front of the temple. Around the Jokhang Temple, walk along Barkhor Street, join pilgrims and locals on a kora (a clockwise walk around a sacred site), and explore the lively old market filled with Tibetan handicrafts and local flavors.

Next, you will follow your guide to one of the city’s most popular Tibetan tea houses to experience the relaxed summer atmosphere of Lhasa. Sit with local Tibetans, enjoy a cup of traditional sweet tea, and learn about Tibetan social life, customs, and everyday conversations in this unique cultural setting.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Potala Palace, at the top of the hill in central Lhasa city, is always the No.1 attraction for travelers visiting Tibet.
• Johkang Temple - the holiest place in Lhasa

In the morning, you will visit Drepung Monastery, one of the three great Gelug monasteries in Tibet. Once the largest monastery in Tibet, Drepung means “a heap of rice” in Tibetan, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. Located on the hillside west of Lhasa, the monastery offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city and surrounding valleys. In summer, the mountain slopes around Drepung Monastery become lush and green, making the view of Lhasa more vibrant and beautiful, with the traditional white buildings of the old city blending into the highland landscape.

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.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Drepung Monastery
• Monk debate held in the courtyard of Sera Monastery

After breakfast, you will start the overland journey from Lhasa to Shigatse through some of the most breathtaking summer landscapes in Tibet.

First, you will drive over the Gampala Pass (4,900m), where you will enjoy your first panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake (4,400m), one of the most beautiful sacred lakes in Tibet. In summer, the lake is surrounded by lush green hills, snow-capped mountains, and colorful wildflowers. Along the lakeshore, golden rapeseed flowers bloom against the turquoise-blue water and green mountains, creating one of the most beautiful summer scenes on the Tibetan Plateau.

Then, you will continue to explore Yamdrok Lake from different viewpoints and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this sacred landscape. At the lakeside village, you will have the opportunity to visit a local Tibetan family and have lunch with them.

After leaving Yamdrok Lake, you will continue your journey and stop at the magnificent Korola Glacier on the roadside. It is one of the largest glaciers in Tibet. As you see the glacier’s icy tongue stretching down the mountainside, 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 vast stretches of emerald-green barley fields covering the valley floor, dotted with traditional villages and farms.

Finally, you will arrive in Shigatse (3,900m), the second-largest city in Tibet. After checking in to the hotel, you can take some time to unwind and recharge.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

• Enjoy the stunning view of turquoise Yamdrok Lake
• Karola Glacier

After having breakfast at your hotel, you will head directly to Mount Everest through some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau.

First, you will pass Gyatsola Pass (5,280m). At the viewpoint, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest. Hidden behind the mountain range, Everest resembles a budding lotus flower, creating a breathtaking sight along the roadside.

Shortly after entering the Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, you will arrive at Gawula Pass (5,198m), where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Himalayas. From here, you will marvel at the magnificent lineup of the world’s highest peaks, with Mount Everest standing proudly at the forefront.

Then, you will drive along the new zigzag road toward Everest Base Camp (5,000m). As you get closer to the base camp, the majestic peak of Everest gradually reveals itself, becoming more impressive with every winding turn.

Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, the colossal white pyramid peak of Mount Everest will stand directly before you. In the summer, the sunset will be later, and you will have more opportunities to watch the golden sunlight illuminate Everest’s northern face, creating a magical moment for photography.

As night falls, the clear summer sky transforms into a natural starry theater. Summer is one of the best seasons to capture the Milky Way above Mount Everest. The sparkling stars, the endless night sky, and the snow-covered summit create an unforgettable 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.

• Drive along the zigzag road to Everest Base Camp
• Scene of Everest Base Camp

In the morning, you may have the chance to witness the first rays of sunlight painting Mount Everest’s summit with a beautiful golden glow, creating a magical moment before leaving Everest Base Camp.

After breakfast, you will visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest-altitude monastery at 5,154 meters above sea level. Standing beneath the towering Himalayas, you can enjoy the unique spiritual atmosphere of this remote monastery.

Then, you will continue your journey to Ngari, the most mysterious region of Tibet, heading toward the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Along the way, you will pass by Mount Shishapangma (8,027m), one of the world’s highest mountains above 8,000 meters. You can enjoy a close view of its magnificent peaks, together with the stunning sight of Peiku Tso Lake glowing beneath the snow-covered mountains.

In summer, the highland landscapes along the way become more vibrant, with green grasslands surrounding the lake, clear blue waters reflecting the mountains, and occasional views of grazing yaks and other wildlife across the vast Ngari Plateau.

After crossing the grassland around Peiku Tso Lake, you will arrive in Saga County, the gateway to the Mount Kailash region and an important stop on your journey through western Tibet. The following days will take you deeper into the Ngari Plateau, where the average altitude remains around 4,500 meters. If you need any essentials for your Mount Kailash trek, Saga is the best place to prepare before continuing your journey.

Stay overnight in Saga. 

• Rongbuk Monastery, the higest monastery in the world
• Pelku Tso Lake is surrounded by rugged mountains.

After breakfast, you will begin today’s journey through the Saga Valley between the Himalayan and Gangdise mountain ranges. Along the way, you will be surrounded by snow-capped peaks, vast grasslands, and beautiful alpine lakes.

In summer, the Ngari Plateau comes alive with green grasslands and abundant wildlife. Along the way, you may have the chance to spot Tibetan wild asses, wild yaks, and other animals moving freely across the vast wilderness. You will also pass by the beautiful Gongzhucuo Lake, a peaceful highland lake surrounded by open grasslands and distant snow-capped peaks.

After crossing Mayum La Mountain Pass (5,211m), you will officially enter the Ngari Region. As you descend from the pass, the sacred Lake Manasarovar gradually comes into view, with the majestic Mount Kailash standing in the distance. The breathtaking combination of the holy lake, snow-capped mountains, and endless plateau scenery creates an unforgettable first impression of western Tibet.

Continuing along the lakeshore, you will finally arrive at Darchen, the small town at the foot of Mount Kailash. After checking into your hotel, take some time to rest and prepare for the upcoming 3-day Mount Kailash trek.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

Insider Tips:
If you need a porter for the Mount Kailash trek, please inform your guide today, and your guide will arrange one for you the following day. Please note that the porter fee requires an additional payment.

• Gongzhucuo Lake is like a sapphire buried in the wilderness.
• The stunning scenery along the way to Kailash.

Today, you will tart your first day of trekking through the valley at the foot of mount Kailash.

After breakfast, you will take an eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung Valley, where you will begin today’s 13-kilometer trek around the sacred Mount Kailash.

The first 13 kilometers are relatively easy, leading you through the beautiful valley beneath Mount Kailash. In summer, the valley becomes especially vibrant, with green meadows, flowing streams, colorful wildflowers, and grazing animals creating a beautiful contrast with the snow-covered slopes of the sacred mountain. Along the trail, you can enjoy clear views of the southern and western faces of Mount Kailash.

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

In the afternoon, follow our guide to explore the ancient Dirapuk Monastery (also known as Zhire Temple). Capture unforgettable moments in front of the sacred stupas while admiring the majestic western face of Mount Kailash rising above you.

Weather permitting, enjoy the spectacular sunset over Mount Kailash from Dirapuk Monastery. Watch the golden afterglow gently illuminate the steep cliffs of the western slope as the sacred mountain changes color under the evening light.

Stay overnight in the local guesthouse.

• Start trekking from Sarshung Valley to Drirapuk Monastery
• You can see piles of Mani Stones in Kailash Kora

After breakfast in early morning, you will start the second day’s trek with a 4-kilometer trek from Dirapuk Monastery to an altitude of 5,430 meters. This steep section offers a breathtaking view of the sunrise illuminating the northwest face of Mount Kailash, creating a magical moment in the morning light.

Afterward, continue another 2-kilometer climb to reach Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,630 meters. The pass is covered with colorful prayer flags, creating a powerful spiritual atmosphere as pilgrims pause to pray and make offerings. Although it is summer, the high altitude means the trail near Dolma La Pass can still be icy and covered with loose rocks. Please walk carefully and follow your guide’s instructions.

After successfully crossing Dolma La Pass, you will descend toward the emerald-green Lake of Compassion (also known as Gauri Kund), a sacred lake believed by pilgrims to have the power of purification. Along the way, you can admire the dramatic glaciers on the northwest slope of Mount Kailash and the breathtaking alpine scenery surrounding the trail.

Continuing downhill, you will enter the valley beneath the southeastern foot of Mount Kailash, where Zutulpuk Monastery (also known as Dzutripuk Monastery) is located. In summer, the valley becomes more vibrant, with green alpine meadows, flowing streams, and opportunities to spot small wild animals along the peaceful trail.

Stay overnight in the local guesthouse.

• Trek over Dromala Pass (5630m), the highest pass of the Kora
• You can enjoy the stunning view of Guri Kund.

In the morning, you will complete the final section of the Mount Kailash trek, hiking from Zutulpuk Monastery back to Darchen, the starting point of your sacred journey.

After completing the Kailash kora, you will drive approximately 30 kilometers to Lake Manasarovar, one of the most sacred lakes in Tibet. Upon arrival, you will approach the lakeshore to experience the peaceful atmosphere of this holy lake and touch its sacred waters.

At the lakeside, you can walk along part of the Lake Manasarovar kora, listen to the gentle waves of the sacred waters, or simply wash your face and hands with the holy water, a meaningful spiritual practice for many Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.

In summer, Lake Manasarovar is especially beautiful, with deep blue waters, clear skies, green lakeside landscapes, and snow-capped mountains creating a breathtaking highland scene. Weather permitting, you may capture the unforgettable view of Mount Kailash standing together with Lake Manasarovar in one frame.

For those who wish to relax after the trek, optional hot springs are available for a soothing foot bath or soak. It is a wonderful way to rest your body after the challenging Mount Kailash pilgrimage.

After today’s exploration, you will return to Darchen.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

• Breathtaking scenery of Lake Manasarovar
• At the Manasarovar lakeside, you can engage in meditation.

After breakfast, you will travel back to Saga and once again enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the Ngari Plateau, the Himalayas, and the Gangdise Mountains.

In summer, the vast plateau becomes full of life, with green grasslands, crystal-clear lakes, and snow-capped peaks creating a stunning contrast across the wilderness. Along the way, you can stop at peaceful grasslands to get closer to the nature of Ngari and have the chance to spot wildlife in western Tibet.

Later today, you will finally arrive in Saga.

Stay overnight in Saga.

• Take a glimpse of Tibetan gazelle in the distance
• You can enjoy the picturesque scenery along the way back to Saga.

In the morning, you will begin your journey to Gyirong Valley, a hidden gem on the Sino-Nepal border. As the altitude gradually decreases, the landscape along the way transforms dramatically, changing from snow-capped mountains and vast barren plateaus to lush forests, deep valleys, and colorful mountain scenery.

Upon arriving in Gyirong Town in the afternoon, you will explore Gyirong Valley, which was described by British explorer Howard-Bury as one of the most beautiful valleys in the world in his book Mount Everest: The Reconnaissance.

In summer, Gyirong Valley is especially beautiful, with dense forests, green valleys, peaceful villages, and snow-covered peaks rising above the treetops. You can visit local Sherpa villages, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and experience the warm and humid climate that feels completely different from the dry and high-altitude environment of the Ngari Plateau.

Stay overnight in Gyirong.

• The picturesque scenery of Gyirong Town
• Immersed in the local way of life here in Gyirong Valley.

This morning, you can enjoy ample rest. (Notice: If you plan to travel to Kathmandu after visiting Mount Kailash, you can depart this morning.)

After lunch, you'll begin your journey back to Tingri County in Shigatse. Once again, enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas as you ascend the plateau of the Himalayan region.

Arrive in Tingri in the afternoon. After checking into the hotel, you can have a good rest.

Stay overnight in Tingri.

• You will be transferred to Gyirong Port.
• A glimpse of snow mountains along the way.

In the morning, you will drive to Shigatse and explore the Tashilhunpo Monatery - the home of the Panchen Lama. The grand and magnificent halls of this largest local monastery stretch across the hillside, creating an impressive sight. As the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism in Shigatse, the monastery houses the world’s largest statue of Maitreya Buddha. Inside, you will see monks wearing yellow hats and red robes, moving between the temple halls and carrying out their daily religious activities.

Then, you will return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the mother river of the Tibetan people. During summer, the journey offers beautiful views of the green river valleys and traditional Tibetan villages along the way. The refreshing scenery and vibrant landscapes provide a wonderful glimpse into the natural beauty and rural life of the Tibetan Plateau.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Tashilhunpo Monastery, the home of Panchan Lama
• Yarlung Tsangpo River in autumn

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.

• Big farewell to Lhasa, and may you have a safe and pleasant journey back home!
• Your guide will escort you to Lhasa Railway Station if you depart Tibet by train.