Trip Info
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5200m
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Hotel / Lodges / TeaHouse
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Flight/ Drive
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April/May /Jun / July /Aug / Sep/Oct/ Nov
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Kathmandu
Overview
Mount Kailash, standing at 6638 meters, is a sacred mountain in South Asia, regarded by Hindus as the home of Lord Shiva. This mountain holds significance for four religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bon religion. Despite its importance, only a small number of pilgrims visit Mount Kailash each year due to its remote location.
For Hindus, Mount Kailash is the place where Lord Shiva lives with his wife, Goddess Parvati, and their attendants. Tibetans honor Mount Kailash as Kang Rimpoche, meaning “Paths of the Soul,” while followers of the ancient Bon religion see it as the soul of Tibet. Jains believe Mount Kailash is Mount Ashtapada, where their saint Rishabanatha achieved spiritual liberation.
Hindus believe that walking once around Mount Kailash will cleanse a person of all their past sins, and completing 108 circles around the mountain will free them from the cycle of life and death.
Trip Highlights
- Explore the spiritual heart of Tibet in Lhasa, home to the iconic Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple.
- Discover the rich history of Gyantse and Shigatse, featuring the Gyantse Kumbum and Tashilhunpo Monastery.
- Visit Everest Base Camp for breathtaking views of Mount Everest and the world's highest monastery, Rongbuk.
- Experience the sacred serenity of Lake Manasarovar and embark on the spiritual Kailash Kora trek.
- In Kathmandu, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath, and enjoy the vibrant culture of Thamel.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our team will warmly welcome you. You'll be transferred to your hotel for relaxation. Later, join us for a briefing on your Tibet adventure, covering the itinerary, logistics, and preparations. We'll assist with currency exchange and ATMs. Kathmandu Airport offers Visa on Arrival. For Tibet visas, our team will collect required documents during the briefing. Explore Thamel's vibrant tourist hub for food, shopping, and nightlife.
After breakfast, we start an interesting tour around Kathmandu city. Escorting by an English speaking guide try to give you a full taste of our culture, heritage and local people. Kathmandu Valley includes several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath (famous Hindu temple and cremation ground) Boudhanath (massive Buddhist stupa).
Upon arrival in Lhasa you will be welcomed by your English-speaking Tibetan Guide and Tibetan Driver who will bring you to your hotel. Acclimatization to high altitude: please, drink lots of water and take plenty of rest in order to minimize altitude sickness. Overnight hotel
Today's itinerary begins with a visit to Drepung Monastery, Tibet's largest monastery, once home to over ten thousand monks. Explore the Coqen Hall, where your guide will explain Tibetan Buddhist beliefs and share stories of prominent figures in its history.
You'll also tour Loseling College (or equivalent) within Drepung Monastery, gaining insight into monks' studies and daily lives in their dormitories.
In the afternoon, the tour continues to Sera Monastery, founded in 1419 and renowned for its Buddhist debates. Witness these debates firsthand, guided through their significance in monk education and advancement.
After sightseeing, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group.
Stay overnight in Lhasa. Sera Monastery in Lhasa, Tibet, is located at an elevation of approximately 3,700 meters (12,100 feet) above sea level.
After breakfast, your guide will take you to explore the majestic Potala Palace, standing at an altitude of approximately 3,700 meters (12,100 feet) in Lhasa. Learn about the lives of successive Dalai Lamas and discover the palace's intricate halls and treasures.
Next, visit Longwangtan Park at the palace's base, offering a serene view of Potala Palace and opportunities for cultural experiences.
In the afternoon, visit the revered Jokhang Temple, central to Tibetan faith. Inside, behold the lifelike 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Walk the Barkhor Street, observing Tibetan Buddhist practices.
Later, visit a bustling Tibetan tea house to enjoy sweet tea with locals, learning about Tibetan social life.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
After exploring Lhasa, you'll travel overland to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city. Along the way, immerse yourself in Tibet's splendid scenery and discover the leisurely lives of local villagers.
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 (4790m), curving like a blue ribbon, while the towering Mt. Noijin Kangsang (7191m) 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 (5100m). 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. The altitude of Gyantse is approximately 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) above sea level, while Shigatse is slightly higher at around 3,840 meters (12,600 feet) above sea level
Stay overnight in Shigatse.
After breakfast, your journey towards Mount Everest begins in the morning. Starting with the Gyatsola Pass (5280m), you'll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest, resembling a budding lotus flower amidst the mountain range, a captivating sight along the route.
Continuing into the Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, the Gawula Pass (5198m) offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas, showcasing the lineup of the world's highest peaks towering above 8000 meters. This is your second breathtaking view of Mount Everest.
Traversing the winding road towards Everest Base Camp (5200m), each turn reveals a closer perspective of the majestic peak, gradually unfolding before you. This marks your third view of Everest.
Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, the towering white pyramid peak stands prominently before you. As dusk sets in, the setting sun casts warm golden hues upon Everest's northern face, offering your fourth view.
As night falls, the glistening Milky Way alongside the snow-white peak of Mount Everest provides your fifth and final encounter with this majestic mountain.
Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp or in the nearby village, especially if tent hotels at EBC are closed during the winter season.
After marveling at the magnificence of Mount Everest, you will venture westward into the Ngari Plateau along the Himalayas, marveling at the grasslands, lakes, and snow-capped mountains along the way.
Before departing from EBC, you'll visit the world's highest monastery, Rongbuk Monastery (5154 meters). 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 Shishabangma (8027 meters), one of the world's highest peaks. Here, you'll witness the magnificent stature of the three sister peaks of Shishabangma, 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 4500 meters 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.
Today's journey will take you through the valleys between the Himalayas and the Gangdise Mountains, to reach the foot of the sacred Mount Kailash.
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 5211-meter-high 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, the starting point for the Mount Kailash kora trek - Darchen. Upon arrival, you can rest at the hotel, preparing and gathering strength for the forthcoming four-day trek.
Stay overnight in Darchen.
Today marks the start of your Mount Kailash kora trek, where you'll be immersed in breathtaking scenery along the southern, southwestern, and western slopes of Mount Kailash.
You'll begin by boarding an eco-friendly bus from Darchen to Sarshung village, the starting point of your 13-kilometer trek around Mount Kailash. This initial stretch is moderate, following the valley at the mountain's base and offering clear views of its southern and western slopes.
Upon reaching the Dirapuk Monastery guesthouse at the base of the western slope, situated at an altitude of approximately 5,210 meters (17,125 feet), you'll check in and store your belongings. Your guide will then lead you to explore the ancient Dirapuk Monastery. Witnessing the sunset over Mount Kailash is a highlight here, as the sun sets and casts a warm glow on the steep cliffs of the western slope.
After nightfall, marvel at the serene sight of the moon hanging above Mount Kailash's peak.
Stay overnight at Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse.
Get ready for the most challenging day of your Mount Kailash trek. Today, you'll trek over the 5630-meter-high Dolma La Pass, joining devout pilgrims on this sacred journey.
Early in the morning, depart from Dirapuk Monastery to begin today's hike. After trekking 4 kilometers and steadily ascending to 5430 meters, witness the stunning sunrise over Mount Kailash's northwest slope.
Continue for another 2 kilometers to reach the pinnacle of the Mount Kailash trek - Dolma La Pass (5630 meters). Standing amidst fluttering prayer flags, you'll feel the presence of the sacred mountain's guardian spirits.
Throughout your journey, observe devout pilgrims performing prostrations, measuring the sacred grounds with their bodies, whether on boulders or rocky terrain, demonstrating unwavering devotion.
After crossing Dolma La Pass successfully, behold the vivid green Lake of Compassion (Guri Kund), believed to cleanse a lifetime of sins with its waters. Here, catch sight of the thick glaciers on Mount Kailash's northwest slope.
Descend from Lake Guri Kund, navigating a lengthy descent until you reach the valley at the southeast base of Mount Kailash. In this valley, encounter charming wildlife and find a restful spot on the grassy plains.
Stay overnight at Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse.
Today marks the final day of your Mount Kailash trek.
Early in the morning, depart from Zutulpuk Monastery and trek back to the starting point of the Mount Kailash trek, Darchen.
Later in the afternoon, embark on a 30-kilometer drive with your guide to visit the sacred Lake Manasarovar. Situated at an elevation of approximately 4,590 meters (15,060 feet) above sea level, the lakeside provides a tranquil setting for meditation, offering panoramic views of the sacred lake.
At Lake Manasarovar's shores, you'll find hot springs where you can enjoy foot baths and relaxation (additional cost applies), perfect for soothing any fatigue from the trek.
After exploring Lake Manasarovar, return to Darchen to conclude today's rewarding journey.
Today, you'll retrace your steps back to Saga, journeying through the picturesque Ngari Plateau, with vistas of the Himalayas and Gangdise Mountains unfolding before you. Pause along the way to admire lush green pastures and serene lakes, offering glimpses of Ngari's natural beauty and wildlife.
Stay overnight in Saga, soaking in the tranquility of this high-altitude region.
Today, you'll depart from the Ngari Plateau and journey towards the Tibetan border, exploring the snowy mountains and lush forests of the Gyirong Valley nestled on the edge of the Himalayas.
After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to the Gyirong Valley, a hidden gem near the Sino-Nepal border. As you descend in altitude, the landscape transforms from snow-capped barren terrain to vibrant forests and stunning gorges.
By afternoon, you'll reach Gyirong Town, known as the "most beautiful valley in the world," as acclaimed by the British explorer Howard-Bury in “Mount Everest: The Reconnaissance.” Here, amidst picturesque surroundings, you can visit Sherpa villages, wander through dense forests, and catch glimpses of snow-capped peaks rising above the trees. The climate here is notably more mild and moist compared to the dry, high-altitude regions of Ngari, providing a refreshing change of scenery.
In the morning, bid farewell to your Tibetan guide and driver. Our staff at the Nepal border checkpoint will welcome you, assist in arranging the handling of your large luggage (additional fee required), help with your Nepalese visa procedures, and ensure your safe transfer in our private car, all the way to your hotel in Kathmandu.
After entering Nepal, you'll encounter numerous snow-capped mountains along the southern Himalayan foothills, such as Gaurishankar Himal (7,134 meters), Ganesh Himal (7,422 meters), Annapurna Range's Annapurna III (7,555 meters), Lamjung W (6,983 meters), Mount Kanguru (6,981 meters), Himchuli West (6,441 meters), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 meters), and Gaurishankar (7,181 meters).
Due to challenging road conditions, we won't make many stops along the way. But you will feast your eyes on the breathtaking landscape along the way, and enjoy the final gift the Himalayas have in store for you.
We will transport you to the airport. Thanks for trekking with Himalayan Dynamic Adventure. We look forward to seeing you again!
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Accommodations: Teahouses, lodges and Hotels along the trekking route.
- Meals: Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- Porters: Experienced local porters (one porter for every two customers).
- Permits: TIMS (Trekkers Sagarmatha National Park Permits)
- Emergency Assistance: Free emergency rescue arrangements, if necessary.
- Medical Kit: For minor ailments.
- Transport: All pick-up and drop-off transportation.
- Hotel in Kathmandu: Twin-share accommodation with breakfast.
- Flights: Round-trip domestic flight tickets.
- Equipment: Oximeter, first-aid kit, certificate, and duffle bag for the trek.
- Guide: An experienced English-speaking guide
The Cost Excludes
- International Flight Ticket
- Nepal Visa Fee
- Travel Insurance: For emergencies and trip cancellations
- Personal Trekking Equipment: Boots, poles, sleeping bag
- Additional Meals: Snacks and beverages beyond provided meals
- Optional Side Trips/Excursions
- Tips for Guides/Porters: Customary, typically 15-20% of the trek cost per customer
- Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, internet
- Unforeseen Expenses: Costs from unexpected events
FAQs
Yes, travelers require a Tibet Entry Permit, which can only be obtained through a registered travel agency in Tibet. Additionally, you will need a Chinese visa to enter mainland China.
You can enter Tibet from Nepal by overland routes via the Friendship Highway or by taking a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa.
The best time to visit Tibet is during spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is mild and the scenery is stunning.
Key attractions include Lhasa (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple), Shigatse (Tashilhunpo Monastery), Gyantse (Gyantse Kumbum), and the stunning landscapes of Mount Everest.
Yes, it is generally safe to travel to Tibet from Nepal, but it is recommended to follow travel advice and be cautious of altitude sickness due to the high elevations.
Lhasa is at an altitude of about 3,650 meters (11,975 feet), while other major cities like Shigatse and Gyantse are also at high elevations, so acclimatization is essential.
The tour can last from 7 to 14 days, depending on your itinerary and the places you choose to visit.
Travelers must join a guided tour as independent travel is not allowed. All permits and arrangements must be handled through a registered travel agency.
Pack warm clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and personal medications. A good camera is also recommended for the breathtaking scenery.
Yes, ATMs and banks are available in major cities like Lhasa, but it’s advisable to carry cash, especially when traveling to remote areas.