Kailash - Mansarovar Tour via Lhasa - 18 Days

Today marks your arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. Before escorting you to the hotel, our office staff will meet and greet you at the airport. We will collect your passport along with any other paperwork needed for the Chinese visa application. Evening, you are free on your own. 

Morning: Today, we will apply for the Tibet group visa. The visa process begins at 9:30 a.m., local time. Today, we'll have to wait in the hotel till the visa process is completed. If the visa center (VFS) has any questions or concerns about the documents or information you supplied on the visa form, they may request your presence in their office at any time.

Afternoon: You will travel to Pashupati for Rudra Paath by Brahman priests, Panchayatan, Navagraha Havana, and Mrityunjaya Havan. Following this, you will observe the evening Arati at Pashupatinath Temple.

Visit the Baudhanath temple (stupa) and the Jal Narayan temple (Sleeping Vishnu) in the morning. Following lunch at the hotel, you will visit the monkey temple after midday.

A sightseeing tour to Doleshwor Mahadev (Bhaktapur). Evening free to pack and prepare for tomorrow's departure.

The history of this temple is related to the Kedarnath temple in India. This is a structure having spiritual significance. This temple, among others, is worshiped as Lord Kedarnath's head. According to mythology, the deity's head landed here while his body traveled from Kedarnath in India. People in the forest venerate a massive boulder that they believe to be symbolic of Lord Kedarnath. According to the Doleshwar Mahadev Legend, the Pandav brothers went to the Himalayas after the Mahabharata battle to beseech Lord Shiva to forgive them for murdering so many people. Lord Shiva was unwilling to pardon them, so he changed himself into a bull. Pandavas grasped the bull's tail, knowing Lord Shiva was disguised as a bull and on his way to escape. The bull's head had flown away from its body at this point. People have been searching for the head ever since, believing that the rest of the corpse is somewhere around Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, India. It is currently believed that the head separated from the bull's body fell near Bhaktapur, where the Doleshwor Mahadev temple today stands.

After breakfast, you will be transported to Tribhuvan International Airport for your journey to Lhasa. The journey time from Kathmandu to Lhasa is around one hour and ten minutes. This is one of the most spectacular flights in the world, going near Mount Everest (the world's highest peak) and Mount Kangchenjunga (the world's third highest peak). In Lhasa, our Chinese guide will welcome you at the airport and take you to your hotel.

- Gonggar Airport to Lhasa city: 65 km | 1 hour

Today, you will visit Potala Palace (the Dalai Lama's winter palace), Norbulinkha Palace (his summer residence), Jokhang Temple, and lively Barkhor Square. You can spend the evening exploring the city on your own.

Morning, you will visit the Sera Monastery: 
Sera monastery is situated in the north of Lhasa. The historic Sera Monastery is a collection of buildings constructed in 1419. The name comes from the fact that the hill behind the monastery was covered in flowering wild roses (called "sera" in Tibetan). Previously, Sera monastery held about 5,000 monks. Even though just a few hundred monks live there now, it remains one of the most important monastic communities. The monastery complex includes a printing house, three colleges, and monks' apartments.

Afternoon, you will visit Drepung Monastery: 
One of Tibet's largest and most prominent monasteries, Drepung monastery, is located approximately 11 kilometers west of the outskirts of Lhasa. The monastic complex covers an area of 2,50,000 square meters. The Dalai Lama's residence, the Ganden Phodrang, is situated in Drepung Monastery. The second Dalai Lama (Gyedun Gyatso), the third Dalai Lama (Sonam Gyatso), and the fourth Dalai Lama (Yonten Gyantso) all lived in Drepung Monastery. The famous 5th Dalai Lama established the Potala Palace in 1416, which eventually became the Dalai Lama's official residence.

People widely recognize the stunning design of the white monastic buildings cascading down the hill. Drepung Monastery, which formerly housed ten thousand monks, is a center for Tibetan Buddhist study and practice. Explore the temples, chapels, and courtyards of this old and well-known site.

This breathtaking journey takes about 4 hours to reach Shigatse, and the actual driving distance is about 274 km. The Lhasa to Shigatse journey along the Northern Highway offers a unique opportunity to delve into Tibetan culture and witness the grandeur of the Himalayas up close. After leaving Lhasa Valley, the highway completely follows the banks of the River Bramhaputra up to Shigatse city. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a serene escape from the chaos of modern life, this route provides a gateway to explore the hidden treasures of Tibet. Explore the iconic Tashilhunpo Monastery and bustling local Tibetan market in Shigatse, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

- Lhasa to Shigatse distance: 274 km
- Driving hours: 4 to 5 hours (due to speed limit)
- Elevation of Shigatse: 3900 m / 12,792 ft

All tourists and local Tibetans must obtain permission from Shigatse's PSB (Public Security Bureau) before departing toward the west. Therefore, we won't start our trip today until we have authorization from PSB in the morning. Our voyage begins in Shigatse and goes first to Lhatse. It takes around 4 hours to drive 157 kilometers to the little settlement of Lhatse. At Lhatse, the route splits off to Mount Everest Base Camp and west Tibet. All trucks carrying freight would stop here to refuel before continuing on to west Tibet and Kodari, earning it the nickname 'truck-stop town'.

Indeed, the journey after Lhatse is truly remarkable. The stunning towns and verdant valleys of Tibet will be visible as you travel through them. Furthermore, prior to arriving in Saga, we will traverse no fewer than five stunning mountain passes. The Bramhaputra River, which runs beside Saga, is powerful; it flows all the way to Mount Namcha Barwa, then drops down to Asham, India. A few comfortable hotels and guesthouses are available in this little town. In the town of Saga, roadways from Zhang Mu and Kyirong intersect. Traveling from Lhatse to Saga takes around 6 hours altogether. En route, we will stop for a picnic lunch. From Shigatse, the entire trip to Saga takes approximately eight hours.

- Shigatse to Saga: 448 km
- Driving hours | 8 hours
- Elevation of Saga: 4500 m / 14760 ft

Today, you will depart for the mystical Lake Manasarovar, where ancient legends and serene spirituality converge. Nestled in the Himalayas, this sacred body of water captivates the hearts and minds of pilgrims and adventurers alike. From Saga, the journey passes through Dongpa, Paryang (a very remote settlement known for its harsh climate), Mayumla (5220 m | 17122 ft), and ultimately reaches the east shore of Lake Mansarovar.

On the way, we can pause briefly to capture photos or enjoy the breathtaking views of Tibet's remote highland areas. After driving through a vast Tibetan plateau for about 362 km from Saga, we will stop for a lunch break at the Mayuma La checkpoint. After enjoying a picnic lunch, we will drive over Mayumla La pass (5220 m), then gently descend to the valley and drive through an unknown lake for a while before reaching the east shore of Lake Manasarovar.

We will drive to Chiugompa (the west shore) along the coastal road from its east shore, driving in a clockwise direction. Evening: reach Lake Mansarovar (west shore).

- Overnight Guesthouse (dormitory room with toilet outside)
- Saga to Lake Manasarovar: 508 km | 7 hours drive (approx.).
- Mode of transport: Bus
- Elevation of Lake Manasarovar: 4,600 m | 15,088 ft.

You will pray, take a holy bath, and carry out other religious rites in the morning. After lunch at Lake Manasarovar, you will depart for Darchen in the afternoon. Darchen is 37 kilometers away, and a 45-minute journey will get you there.

• Overnight Hotel Himalaya (Twin bed room attached bath room)
• Lake Manasarovar to Darchen: 37 km | 45 minutes drive (approx.).
• Mode of transport: Bus
• Elevation of Lake Manasarovar: 4690 m. | 15,383 fts.

We will drive from Darchen to Tarboche (Yam Dwar) in the morning after breakfast. It takes roughly twenty minutes to get there by car. Beautiful views of Mount Kailash's west and south slopes, as well as the surrounding area, are visible.

Tarboche is the meeting place for local porters, yaks, and horses. This is where your local porter or horse will meet you if you have reserved one, and they will ride with you on your next trip.

You will hike to Deraphuk from Tarboche. Deraphuk is located at a height of 16,663 feet, or 5080 meters. The distance to Kailash's north face is only three kilometers from here. The only location to see the North Face up close is here. You have two options for getting to Deraphuk: either walk or ride a horse. The Chinese government has made it illegal to travel there by car. You must make reservations and pay for your horse transportation in Darchen with your Tibetan guide at least one day in advance. The horse won't be accessible at the final minute.

Those who are participating in the trekking portion will proceed to Deraphuk from Yama Dwar. The rest of the members who are not traveling to Deraphuk will return to Darchen by bus and stay for three days. Those staying in Darchen must wait for their group members to return from their Parikrama journey.

- Overnight Sishapangma Guesthouse (dormitory accommodation with common toilet outside)
- Yama Dwar to Deraphuk: 13 km | 6–8 hours (approx.).
- Mode of transport: XX (walk or horse)
- Elevation of Deraphuk: 5080 m (16,663 fts)

This trip's longest and most difficult day is today. To get to Zutulphuk, you must hike a total of 22 kilometers. The trail immediately begins its ascent through a rocky and difficult terrain coming from the Deraphuk. The route leads uphill to the highest pass on this trip, Dolma-La. To go to Dolma La, we must hike for roughly 6 km from Deraphuk, which takes at least 5 hours. After that, the trail quickly descends to the valley bottom, where a neighborhood tea store is located.

If you go 400 meters down from Dolm La, you can see a small frozen lake about 140 meters off the main track. This is Gaurikunda. The trail, then, drops down to the bottom of the valley, where there's a local tea shop. We have about three kilometers to go from Dolma La to the tea shop, and this part of the track is often covered with scree and ice, so we need to go very carefully.

The trail is rather straightforward and flat, but it will take you another 13 km to reach Zutulphuk from the tea store. It takes almost four more hours to complete this portion of the trip.

- Overnight Ganditse Guesthouse (dormitory accommodation with common toilet outside)
- Total distance: 22 km
- Deraphuk to Dolma-La (Gaurikunda): 6 km
- Dolma-La to Tea shop: 3 km
- Tea shop- Zutulphuk: 13 km
- Mode of transport: XX (walk or horse)
- Elevation of Zutulphuk: 4800 m/ 15744 fts

The final day of this celestial circling is today. We load up with our belongings and head to Darchen in the morning after breakfast. You may complete the 7 kilometer track from Zutulphuk to Zongdou, the trail's terminating point, in three to four hours. After everyone has assembled at the destination, you will take a 20-minute trip back to Darchen. There are roughly 4 kilometers remaining between Darchen and Zongdau, the finishing location. We will travel to Saga after visiting with the members who were left behind in Darchen.

Drive time to get from Darchen to Saga is approximately 8 hours, and the distance is roughly 510 km. It will be late evening when we arrive at Saga.

- Zutulphuk to Darchen: 7 km
- Mode of transport: XX (walk or horse)- 4 hours
- Trek ending point (Zongdou): 4 km (15 minutes drive).
- Darchen to Saga: 510 km (8 hours)
- Mode of transport: Bus
- Elevation of Saga: 4500 m./ 14760 fts
- Overnight Hotel Grand Western Post (twin bed rooms with attached bathroom) 

Today we will begin retracing back to Shigatse.

Normal departure from Shigatse to Lhasa after breakfast at the hotel. We will travel back to Lhasa via the Northern Highway. While navigating the difficult terrain, you will see majestic mountains and valleys that will catch your attention. The roadway follows the left and right banks of the River Bramhaputra, and there are several chances to make brief halts and enjoy the landscape while driving. This road trip is ideal for individuals seeking adventure in the Tibetan highlands or who want to photograph the area's natural splendor. It will satisfy your desire to travel. In the afternoon, you will arrive in Lhasa and rest.

Instead of driving by car, you may take the option of a train ride from Shigatse to Lhasa. The journey takes around two and a half hours to reach Lhasa from Shigatse. 

Early in the morning, you will be escorted to Gonggar airport. The drive takes about one hour. It is time to say goodbye to our Tibetan staff team and fly back to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, you will be met by our staff & transferred to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy your free time

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home. You should be reporting at the airport check-in counter three hours prior to the departure time.