15 Days Lhasa to Mt.Kailash and Manasarovar Lake Luxury Tour

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

Then, you'll be comfortably escorted to your hotel in Lhasa. Your private guide will provide a personalized overview of your journey ahead and share thoughtful advice to help you acclimate smoothly 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.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (super 5-star) or standard luxury hotels like The St. Regis Lhasa Resort (5-star) and Shangri-La Lhasa (5-star).

What to Eat?
After arriving in Lhasa, your private guide will take you to high-quality local restaurants that suit your tastes. Whether you want to experience Tibetan food, Chinese dishes, or Western cuisine, we are committed to delivering a delicious dining experience.

• Tibetan tour guide greets you at Lhasa Airport.
• Stay in style at Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll start today’s journey to Drepung Monastery. It was once the largest monastery in Tibet, which houses 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. You can explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.

For lunch, you’ll be accompanied by your private guide to experience the daily diet of local monks in the Monastery dining hall, or go to a local restaurant according to your preference.

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 visiting, you’ll return to downtown Lhasa and enjoy a welcome dinner in a top-rated local restaurant. You’ll be accompanied by animated traditional Tibetan dancing and singing; treat your taste buds with unique Tibetan delicacies. The charming night of Lhasa will alter your mindset towards Tibet and hold you spellbound.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (super 5-star) or standard luxury hotels like The St. Regis Lhasa Resort (5-star) and Shangri-La Lhasa (5-star).

What to Eat?
Today’s Breakfast is offered by your hotel. And for lunch and dinner, your private guide will take you to high-quality local restaurants according to your preference. Whether you want to experience Tibetan food, Chinese dishes, or Western cuisine, we are committed to delivering a delicious dining experience.

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

Following breakfast at your hotel, you’ll visit the Potala Palace, the iconic landmark of Tibet. After climbing up to the palace, you’ll explore 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’ll visit Zongjiao Lukang Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective. You will also have the opportunity to experience local Tibetan folk activities, such as enjoying the traditional Guozhuang dance with the locals.

Then, you can enjoy your lunch in a local restaurant to get refreshed and prepare for the following sightseeing.

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 prostrations 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.

For dinner, you can tell your guide what you want to taste, and your private tour guide will take you to the most worthwhile restaurants on their list based on your taste and preferences.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (super 5-star) or standard luxury hotels like The St. Regis Lhasa Resort (5-star) and Shangri-La Lhasa (5-star).

What to Eat?
Today’s Breakfast is offered by your hotel. And for lunch and dinner, your private guide will take you to high-quality local restaurants according to your preference. Whether you want to experience Tibetan food, Chinese dishes, or Western cuisine, we are committed to delivering a delicious dining experience.

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

After your morning meal at the hotel, you’ll check out and start the overland journey to Shigatse.

First, you’ll drive over the Gampala Pass (4,790 m) to catch a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4,400m). The Yamdrok Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains, and in the distance, you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7,191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa.

After soaking in the stunning lakeside views, you'll visit a local family in a village by the lake. There, you’ll enjoy a home-cooked lunch and some authentic local snacks and drinks for a true taste of Tibetan hospitality.

Next, you will pass and enjoy the Karola 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 your families and friends.

After arriving in Gyantse, you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient town of Gyantse.

Keep driving to Shigatse, you'll pass endless fields of Tibetan barley and scattered farms along the way. In summer, the landscape is lush and green; in autumn, it turns golden with ripening barley, painting a vivid picture of harvest on the plateau.

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

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at Hilton Shigatse (5-star) or Qomo Langzong Hotel (5-star).

What to Eat?
Today’s Breakfast is offered by your hotel. And you’ll have lunch in a local Tibetan family near Yamdrok Lake. For dinner, your private guide will take you to a high-quality local restaurant according to your preference. Whether you want to experience Tibetan food, Chinese dishes, or Western cuisine, we are committed to delivering a delicious dining experience.

• Yamdrok Lake at Gampala Pass, where you can get a marvelous bird's-eye view of the lake.
• Hilton Shigatse, the most luxury 5-star hotel in Shigatse

After breakfast, you will head directly to Mount Everest.

First, you will pass Gyatsola Pass (5,280m). 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 entering Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass (5,198m). At this viewpoint, you will marvel at the majestic lineup of the five highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Everest at the forefront.

Then, continue the 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.

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

Stay overnight at Rongbuk Monastery Hotel or the tent hotel at Everest Base Camp. If the accommodations at base camp are unavailable in winter, you can stay in a local village near Everest Base Camp.

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.
3. Due to the harsh environment at Everest Base Camp, the accommodation conditions are quite basic. Please note that showers are not available at any of the hotels in this area. However, the Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse and the newly renovated tent hotel feature oxygen and heating systems to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at the Rongbuk Monastery Hotel or the renovated Everest Base Camp tent hotel.

What to Eat?
Today’s Breakfast is offered by your hotel. And for lunch, your private guide will take you to a high-quality local restaurant according to your preference. Your dinner will be arranged at the Base Camp.

• Drive along the zigzag road to Everest Base Camp
• Enjoy the stunning view of Mt.Everest from your room at Rongbuk Hotel

Following breakfast at the base camp, you’ll visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery, where nuns and monks live together at 5154 meters above sea level.

Then, you’ll move on to Ngari, the mysterious western Tibet, to visit the sacred Mount Kailash and holy Lake Manasarovar.

On the way, you’ll pass by Mt. Shishabangma (8,027 meters), the 14th-highest peak in the world. 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.

Then, you’ll arrive in 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 takes you across the Ngari Plateau, with an average elevation of around 4,500 meters. If you need any essentials for the trek, you can stock up in Saga County.

Stay overnight in Saga.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at Western Inn Sheli Hotel (local 4-star).

What to Eat?
Today’s Breakfast is offered by your hotel at the base camp. And for lunch and dinner, your private guide will take you to high-quality local restaurants according to your preference.

• Rongbuk Monastery, the higest monastery in the world
• Western Inn Sheli Hotel, the finest lodging option in Saga

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you’ll start the journey through the Saga Valley. During the drive, you’ll be marveled at continuous snow-capped peaks and vast grassland between the Himalayan Range and the Gangdise Range. Meanwhile, you’ll pass by the beautiful green Lake, Gongzhucuo Lake.

Then, you’ll pass through the Mayum La Mountain at 5,211 meters above sea level. After that, you’ll enter the Ngari Region.

Later, you’ll get a glimpse of the holy Lake Manasarovar. The distant view of Lake Manasarovar, with Mount Kailash in the distance, often makes people feel amazed and inspired.

Driving along the lake, you'll reach Darchen, the little town at the foot of Mount Kailash.

Upon arrival, you'll 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, please let your guide know today. One can be arranged for you by tomorrow, with an additional cost.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at the Himalaya Kailash Hotel, the best accommodation option in Darchen.

What to Eat?
Today’s Breakfast is offered by your hotel. And for lunch and dinner, your private guide will take you to high-quality local restaurants according to your preference.

• The stunning scenery along the way to Kailash.
• Stay at the Himalaya Kailash Hotel in Darchen

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. Try to find your own pace of walking, and follow your guide through the valley at the foot of Mount Kailash. If the weather permits, 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 near Dirapuk Monastery.

For the remainder of the day, you’ll follow your guide to explore the ancient Dirapuk Monastery (also known as Zhire Temple). You can capture unforgettable moments in front of the sacred stupas and the grandeur of the western slope of Mount Kailash.

Stay overnight in the local guesthouse.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at a local guesthouse near Dirapuk Monastery.

What to Eat?
Have your breakfast at your hotel. A simple lunch will be provided for your trek, and in the evening, relax with a modest dinner at your guesthouse near Dirapuk Monastery.

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

Get up early this morning, and you’ll have a simple breakfast at the guesthouse.

Then, you’ll trek 4 kilometers from Dirapuk Monastery to reach 5,420 meters with a breathtaking view of the sunrise over the northwest slope of Mount Kailash.

Afterward, you’ll continue the trek to Dolma La Pass (5,630m), the highest point of the Kailash trek. Weather permitting, most pilgrims and trekkers pause at the pass for a rest and refreshments before starting the steep descent.

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

Later, you’ll continue a gradual descent and reach Zutulpuk Monastery (also known as Dzutripuk Monastery). Here, you may encounter adorable wild animals and find a peaceful resting spot on the grasslands.

Stay overnight in the local Guesthouse.

Insider Tips:
Even in summer, the path across Dolma La Pass remains icy and scattered with rocks. Please be cautious to avoid slipping.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at a local guesthouse near Zutulpuk Monastery.

What to Eat?
Have your breakfast at the guesthouse. A simple lunch will be provided for your trek, and in the evening, relax with a modest dinner at the guesthouse near Zutulpuk Monastery.

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

After breakfast, you’ll follow the trekking trail from Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen, back to the starting point of the Kailash trek.

After completing the trek around sacred Mount Kailash, you are going to take a 30-kilometer drive to Lake Manasarovar. At the lakeshore, you can touch the holy water and take time to meditate in the peaceful, sacred surroundings.

You can also take an optional hot spring offering foot baths or soaking opportunities for visitors.

After visiting Lake Manasarovar, you’ll get back to Darchen.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at the Himalaya Kailash Hotel, the best accommodation option in Darchen.

What to Eat?
Have your breakfast at the guesthouse. A simple lunch will be provided for your trek. For dinner, your private guide will take you to high-quality local restaurants according to your preference.

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

After breakfast, you’ll take a long journey from Darchen to Saga across the Ngari Plateau and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas and the Gangdise Mountains.

En route, you can stop at grassy pastures and lakes to get close to the nature and wildlife of western Tibet in Ngari.

Later today, you’ll finally arrive in Saga.

Stay overnight in Saga.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at Western Inn Sheli Hotel (local 4-star).

What to Eat?
Have your breakfast at your hotel in Darchen. And for lunch and dinner, your private guide will take you to high-quality local restaurants according to your preference.

• Take a glimpse of Tibetan gazelle in the distance
• Western Inn Sheli Hotel, the finest lodging option in Saga

After getting up, enjoy your breakfast at your hotel. Then, you’ll start your journey to Gyirong Valley, the hidden gem on the Sino-Nepal border.

In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Gyirong and explore Gyirong Valley, which is described as one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. Here, you can explore the Sherpa villages and admire dense forests and beautiful snow peaks above the woods.

Stay overnight in Gyirong.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at the 4-star Qomo Langzong Hotel Kayrung, the highest-rated hotel in Gyirong.

What to Eat?
Today’s Breakfast is offered by your hotel. And for lunch and dinner, your private guide will take you to high-quality local restaurants according to your preference.

• The picturesque scenery of Gyirong Town
• Qomo Langzong Hotel Kayrung, the best accommodation option in Gyirong

In the 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.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at Puncko Kangsang Chukhang Oxygen-rich Hotel, the best option in Tingri.

What to Eat?
Today’s Breakfast is offered by your hotel. And for lunch and dinner, your private guide will take you to high-quality local restaurants according to your preference.

• A glimpse of snow mountains along the way.
• Tingri Pingcuo Kangsang Everest Base Camp Oxygen-Rich Hotel

After breakfast, you’ll take a drive to Shigatse and visit the home of Panchen Lama - Tashilhunpo Monastery. It is one of the most important monasteries in Tibet. As the spiritual home of the Tibetan people in Shigatse, it houses the world’s largest statue of Maitreya Buddha. You will enjoy a stroll through the narrow alleys as you explore different magnificent halls of the largest monastery in Shigatse, whose vast complex spans the entire hillside.

Then, you’ll return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the mother river of the Tibetan people.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Lhasa in late afternoon. The evening is yours to enjoy. You can head to Barkhor Street to pick up some souvenirs for family and friends, savor local delicacies at a fine restaurant, or simply relax at your hotel.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Where to Stay?
Your stay will be arranged at Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa (super 5-star) or standard luxury hotels like The St. Regis Lhasa Resort (5-star), or Shangri-La Lhasa (5-star).

What to Eat?
Today’s Breakfast is offered by your hotel. And for lunch and dinner, your private guide will take you to high-quality local restaurants according to your preference. Whether you want to experience Tibetan food, Chinese dishes, or Western cuisine, we are committed to delivering a delicious dining experience.

• Tashilhunpo Monastery, the home of Panchan Lama
• Stay in style at Songtsam Linka Retreat Lhasa

Today marks the end of your Tibet tour.

Your private tour guide will confirm your departure details in advance and escort you to the Lhasa Gonggar Airport/Lhasa Train Station on time.

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

Service Guide

What to Eat?
Today’s Breakfast is offered by your hotel. Before you leave Lhasa, if you'd like to enjoy one more meal, your private guide will take you to a handpicked local restaurant, chosen to match your personal tastes.

• 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.