14 Days Lhasa to Kashgar Overland Tour with Mount Kailash Kora

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

You'll then be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa. Our guide will give you a brief overview of the itinerary and provide helpful tips for adjusting to the altitude.

Once you've checked in, take some time to rest and allow your body to acclimate to the high altitude.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

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

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.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelug monasteries of Tibet
• Monk Debate is a highlight of Sera Monastery

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.

• Potala Palace is always the No.1 attraction for travelers visiting Tibet.
• A Tibetan pilgrim is worshipping Jokhang Temple

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

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 will 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.

• Yamdrok Lake at Gampala Pass, where you can get a marvelous bird's-eye view of the lake.
• The Karola Glacier is so close that you will appreciate a spectacular view of the white glacier contrasted with blue sky.

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. 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 or in the local village near EBC if the EBC tent hotels are closed during the winter season.

Insider Tips:
1. The visibility of Everest is subject to weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
2. During the winter season, typically from November to March, the tent hotels at Everest Base Camp close. Therefore, if you’re traveling in winter, your accommodation options are limited to the village near EBC.

• Drive along the zigzag road to Everest Base Camp
• Enjoy your group tour to Everest Base Camp

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.

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

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 Gongzhucuo Lake, a beautiful green 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. You'll be amazed and inspired by the breathtaking view of Lake Manasarovar, with Mount Kailash rising majestically in the distance.

Driving along the lake, you will finally reach Darchen, the small town at the foot of Mount Kailash.

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.

• Gongzhucuo Lake is like a sapphire buried in the wilderness.
• Far-distant view of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar

Today is the first day of your Mount Kailash trek.

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 a local guesthouse.

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

Start your second trekking 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 a local guesthouse.

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

Today is the last day of your Mount Kailash kora.

In the morning, you’ll trek back from Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen, the starting point of 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 meditation, listen to the rhythmic waves of the sacred waters, or simply clean your body with the holy water, which holds significant spiritual meaning for Hindus and Buddhists.

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.

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

In the morning, you’ll take a scenic drive from Darchen to Zanda. You will pass through the magnificent Zanda Earth Forest, which has a unique landscape and is like a work of nature.

Upon arrival in Zanda, you’ll visit Toling Monastery, a hidden gem in western Tibet. The monastery boasts exquisite Buddhist murals comparable to the famous Dunhuang Mogao Caves, depicting heavenly scenes, playful animals, intricate patterns, and more. The architectural fusion of Indian, Nepali, and Tibetan styles at Toling Monastery provides a unique glimpse into Tibetan arts. Surrounded by 83 stupas, the monastery exudes a solemn atmosphere, adding to its ancient grandeur.

Then, you’ll explore the Ruins of Guge Kingdom. Ruling the western Tibetan plateau for 700 years, the Guge Kingdom mysteriously vanished 400 years ago. The remnants, resembling ancient fortresses, reveal exquisite carvings, gold and silver Buddha statues, and well-preserved murals, including the renowned "Guge Silver Eyes." This vanished kingdom leaves behind a splendid legacy, blending Tibetan Buddhism and political history in enduring masterpieces.

After the sightseeing, you’ll go to Shiquanhe Town, the capital of Ngari Prefecture. Although it is located in a remote area, the hotel facilities are relatively complete, giving you a comfortable place to rest after a long journey.

Stay overnight in Shiquanhe.

• Visit the Ruins of Guge Kingdom in Tsamda, Ngari
• Toling Monastery, the most important monastic complex in Ngari

After breakfast, you’ll continue north along the G219 National Highway to reach Rutog County to explore the ancient Rutog rock paintings.

Then, you’ll drive another 20 kilometers to the renowned Pangong Lake. Here, you’ll find the world’s highest bird island, which hosts over 20 bird species. The number of birds can reach tens of thousands each year, creating a spectacular sight.

Finally, you’ll continue north until you arrive in Duoma Village, the last accommodation point in Tibet along the Xinjiang-Tibet highway route.

Stay overnight in Duoma.

• Rutog Rock Painting recalls what Ngari people see and how they live in ancient time.
• Enjoy enchanting Pangong Tso Lake

In the morning, you’ll set out from Duoma, pass through Songxi Village, and head to Xinjiang. You’ll cross Jieshan Daban, the highest mountain pass of the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway at 5,248 meters above sea level. It is also the world’s highest section of highway. Crossing the Jieshan Daban, you’ll finally enter Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

After that, you’ll continue driving for 200 kilometers to reach Dahongliutan. The scenery along the way is magnificent and sparsely populated, showcasing a uniquely wild and desolate landscape.

After leaving Dahongliutan, you’ll continue the journey to Sanshili Yingfang, also known as 30 Miles Barracks. This is a tough journey as the road conditions are some of the worst of the whole journey.

In the evening, you’ll finally arrive in Sanshili Yingfang.

Stay overnight in Sanshili Yingfang.

• Jieshan Daban
• Tibet to Xinjiang Overland

After breakfast, you will continue the journey north to Kashgar. En route, you will cross three Daban (mountain pass). The first one is Heiqia Daban at 4906 meters above sea level, covered by gravel roads with sharp bends and steep slopes. Then, you will cross Maza Daban at 4969 meters above sea level with a slope of nearly 40 kilometers. From Maza Daban, you can also see the world's second-highest peak, Mount K2, at an altitude of 8611 meters. Kudi Daban, with an altitude of 3150 meters, is the third mountain pass. It is the most dangerous section of Route 219, with a steep rise of 2000 meters in altitude.

Then, you will arrive in Yecheng, a small town rich in ethnic minority culture. It is also the starting point of the Xinjiang-Tibet highway.

Finally, you will arrive in Kashgar, the terminal station of this Tibet to Xinjiang overland trip. Located at the westernmost end of China, Kashgar is an important transportation hub of the ancient Silk Road and an important gateway for economic and cultural exchanges between China and Central Asia.

After arriving in Kashgar, you will arrive at the local hotel.

Service Ends.

Insider Tips:
Our Lhasa to Kashgar tour concludes when we drop you off at your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city as you wish. If you need further guided trips in Xinjiang, feel free to share your travel ideas with us, and we’d be happy to arrange a Xinjiang tour for you.

• Xinjiang to Yecheng
• Kashgar Old City