Itinerary Details

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  Day 1: Kathmandu-Rasuwa Gadhi

  Attractions: No
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Rasuwa Gadhi, guestroom

  In the morning, our staff will pick you up at your hotel in Kathmandu and head to Rasuwa Gadhi, a town lying on the Nepalese side of the China-Nepal border.

  Driving to Rasuwa Gadhi takes around 6-7 hours. Take your time to enjoy the diverse landscapes on the Nepalese side of the Himalayas.

  Upon arrival in Rasuwa Gadhi, check in at your hotel.

  Stay overnight in Rasuwa Gadhi.

  Tips:
  1. Please arrive in Kathmandu in advance and visit Tibet Horizon’s office in Kathmandu at least 4 working days before your departure date.
  2. To apply for the Chinese Group Visa, you need to prepare the original passport, visa fee, and service fee. Our staff will apply for the Visa on your behalf.

  

  Kathmandu

  

  Pickup from Kathmandu hotel to Rasuwa Gadhi
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  Day 2: Rasuwa Gadhi-Gyirong-Saga

  Attractions: Paba Monastery, Jipu Village, Gyirong Valley
  Meals: B, Welcome Dinner
  Hotel: Saga Xibuyizhan Hotel or Mu Linsen Hotel

  After breakfast, you’ll head to the China-Nepal border and enter China via the Gyirong border. Your Tibetan guide and driver will meet you there and take you to Gyirong township.

  Paba Monastery: an ancient monastery where you can see the Sambu statue brought there by Chizun Princess from Nepal when she married Srongtsen Gampo.

  Jipu Village: a popular tourist spot where you can see the majestic Jifu Canyon and Jifu Bridge connecting the village with the outside world.

  After lunch, you’ll continue your drive to Saga. Enjoy the beautiful scenery outside the window along the way.

  Gyirong Valley: the lowest spot in western Tibet offers you a different view. You can see pastoral terrain, dense forests, and canyon landscapes in this back garden of the Himalayas.

  Arrive at Saga and check in at your hotel.

  Stay overnight in Saga.

  

  Paba Monastery

  

  Tibetan Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
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  Day 3: Saga-Lake Manasarovar

  Attractions: Saga Valley, Mayum La Pass, Lake Manasarovar
  Meals: B
  Hotel: Hotels near Lake Manasarovar

  After your breakfast, you will head to the holy Lake Manasarovar. You may appreciate stunning landscapes along the drive.

  Saga Valley: a picturesque valley between the Gangdise Range and the Himalaya Range offers you the scenery of snow-capped peaks, vast grassland, and Tibetan villages.

  After passing the Mayum La Pass (5,211m), you’ll enter the Ngari Plateau.

  Moving on, the serene Lake Manasarovar becomes visible. The view of the holy lake, together with Mt. Kailash at a distance, is awe-inspiring.

  Stay overnight near Lake Manasarovar.

  

  Manasarovar Lake

  

  Enough oxygen, water, and blanket for free
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  Day 4: Lake Manasarovar-Darchen

  Attractions: Lake Manasarovar
  Meals: B
  Hotel: Darchen Chongqing Hotel

  In the morning, you will enjoy a short trek around Lake Manasarovar and enjoy some peaceful hours at the shore of the holy lake.

  Then, you’ll head to Darchen for your Mount Kailash trek.

  Upon your arrival in Darchen, check in your hotel. Stay overnight in Darchen.

  Tips: Porters and grooms can be easily found in Darchen. If you need a porter or a yak to carry your luggage during your trek, or you want to ride a horse, please contact your travel guru to arrange those services for you.

  

  Lake Manasarovar

  

  Darchen
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  Day 5: Darchen-Dirapuk Monastery (Trek Day 1: drive 7km, trek 13km, 4675-5080m)

  Attractions: Mount Kailash
  Meals: B
  Hotel: Dirapuk Monastery, guestroom

  In the morning, you will take an eco-bus to Darchen to Sarshung Valley, where you will begin your trek to Dirapuk Monastery via the Lachu Valley.

  Tarboche: one of the most important sites for the Saga Dawa Festival where you can see hundreds of pilgrims raising the flagpole.

  Choku Monastery: the first monastery on Mt. Kailash kora where you can see a sacred silver embossed conch shell and teapots.

  Dirapuk Monastery: the famous monastery is an ideal site for you to view the impressive western face of Mt. Kailash.

  Stay overnight in Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse.

  

  Trekking towards Mount Kailash

  

  Capture a clear view of Mount Kailash
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  Day 6: Dirapuk Monastery-Dzultripuk Monastery (Trek Day 2: trek 24km, 5080-5648-4830m)

  Attractions: Mount Kailash
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Dzultripuk Monastery, guestroom

  In the morning, depart from Dirapuk Monastery and begin your third trek day.

  After a challenging 762-meter ascending, you will arrive at the highest pass of the kora.

  Dolma La Pass (5648m): reaching the pass gives you a sacred fulfillment because according to Tibetan Buddhist belief, ascending the pass can remove one’s sins.

  Cibei Lake (Gauri Kund): the emerald-green lake waits for you on your way downhills, which is said to be capable of purifying sins.

  Continue descending and arrive at Dzultripuk Monastery Guesthouse.

  

  Dromala Pass

  

  Lake of Compassion
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  Day 7: Dzultripuk Monastery-Darchen (Trek Day 3: trek 6km, drive 4km)

  Attractions: Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Darchen Chongqing Hotel

  On the last trek day, you will depart from Dzultripuk Monastery and head back to Darchen.

  In the morning, trek 6km to Zongto where you can take an eco-bus to Darchen, signifying the end of your trek.

  In the afternoon, you will take a 30-kilometer drive to the holy lake Manasarovar.

  Lake Manasarovar

  1. Lake View: the holy lake is set against the backdrop of Mt. Kailash, with crystal-clear water that can feast your eyes.
  2. Meditation: you can meditate at the peaceful and tranquil lakeside, letting its calm water purity your mind.
  3. Hot Springs (optional): soaking in hot springs or taking a foot bath is a great way for you to relax after a long journey.

  After that, drive back to Darchen and settle in your hotel. Stay overnight in Darchen.

  

  Zutulpuk Monastery

  

  Lake Manasarovar
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  Day 8: Darchen-Zanda (3660m)

  Attractions: Zanda Earth Forest, Tholing Monastery, Guge Kingdom Ruins
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Zanda Tulin Castle Hotel

  After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you to Zanda County. Along the drive, you can see the wandering wildlife and the unique landscape of the earth forest.

  Upon arrival at Zanda, you’ll begin your exploration of ancient sites.

  Zanda Earth Forest: you can admire the magnificent scenery of striking canyons and eroded earth structures.

  Tholing Monastery: the oldest monastery in Ngari Prefecture where you can appreciate precious and exquisite murals.

  Guge Kingdom Ruins: the stunning royal palace complex offers you an insight into the once-flourishing kingdom.

  After your visit, drive back to Zanda for accommodation. Stay overnight at Zanda.

  

  Zanda Earth Forest

  

  Guge Kingdom Ruins
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  Day 9: Zanda-Shiquanhe Town

  Attractions: Shiquanhe River
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Hotels in Shiquanhe Town

  Today, you’ll reach Shiquanhe Town, the main town and administrative seat of Ngari Prefecture.

  Shiquan River

  1. Shiquan River Canyon: take a hike along the canyon to enjoy the magnificent canyon scenery and feel the power of nature
  2. Shiquan River Waterfall: the spectacular waterfall cascades down from the mountains, giving you a fresh feeling.
  3. Earth Forest Mountains: you can enjoy the unique landscape of earth forest mountains at the backdrop.

  Stay overnight in Shiquanhe Town.

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  Day 10: Shiquanhe Town-Geji-Gaize

  Attractions: Qiangtang Grassland
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Gaize, guestroom

  Today, you’ll depart from Shiquanhe and reach Gaize. You’ll pass Geji County, where you’ll come across a vast grassland.

  Qiangtang Grassland

  1. Wildlife: the Qiangtang Grassland is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including Tibetan antelope, wild yaks, Tibetan wild donkeys, and various species of birds. Keep an eye out for these majestic creatures as you explore the grassland.
  2. Nomadic Camps: passing the grassland, you can see the traditional camps of the nomadic herders who call the Qiaangtang Grassland home.
  3. Salt lakes: several nameless salt lakes dot the vast grassland, making the whole scenery picturesque.

  Continue your journey to Gaize and stay overnight in Gaize.

  

  Qiangtang Grassland

  

  Qiangtang Grassland
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  Day 11: Gaize-Tangra Yumco Lake

  Attractions: Zhari Namco Lake, Tangra Yumco Lake
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Hotels or Camping near Tangra Yumco Lake

  Moving to Wenbu South Village, you may have the chance to see rare wildlife such as Tibetan wild donkeys, Himalayan marmots, and black-necked cranes in this remote area.

  After passing Coqen County, you can see colorful mineral mountains and beautiful lakes.

  Zhari Namco Lake: the largest saline lake with the highest altitude in the Ngari region. Enjoy the heavenly blue water will make you feel refreshed.

  Tangra Yumco Lake

  1. Stunning Landscape: the blue water sets against the backdrop of red cliffs, forming a perfect scene to take photos.
  2. Yubon Monastery: a Bon monastery, which is said to be the oldest one. You can visit here to learn more about the religion.

  Stay overnight near Tangra Yumco Lake.

  

  Zhari Namco Lake

  

  Tangra Yumco Lake
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  Day 12: Tangra Yumco Lake-Wenbu South Village

  Attractions: Field Scene, Sunset at Tangra Yumco Lake, Dangchung Monastery
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Wenbu South Village, guestroom

  Today, you’ll visit Wenbu South Village beside Tangra Yumco Lake. Take your time exploring the secluded village against the backdrop of Tangra Yumco Lake and Daguo Snow Mountain.

  Field Scene: local villagers cultivate barley, potato, and other crops. Such a field scene is rare in this high-altitude area. You can take a walk in the fields and enjoy the peaceful farming view.

  Sunset at Tangra Yumco Lake: you can appreciate the stunning sunset view at the lakeside. The sunlight, with the deep blue water and white snow mountain, form a captivating scene.

  Dangchung Monastery: a red monastery in Wenbu North Village adjoining Wenbu South Village, where you can explore the mysterious Bon religion.

  Stay overnight in Wenbu South Village.

  

  Wenbu South Village

  

  Wenbu South Village
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  Day 13: Wenbu South Village-Serling Tso Lake-Bange

  Attractions: Serling Tso Lake
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Hotels in Bange

  On the way to Serling Tso Lake, you may see groups of Tibetan gazelles. Moving on, you’ll reach Serling Tso Lake.

  Serling Tso Lake: the biggest lake in Tibet, also known as “demon lake”, offers you a captivating view. You may feel being purified by the clean water and see the antelopes and gazelles jumping at the lakeside.

  Then, you will continue your drive to Bange and stay overnight there.

  

  Serling Tso Lake

  

  Serling Tso Lake
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  Day 14: Bange-Namtso Lake-Lhasa

  Attractions: Namtso Lake
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Lhasa, 3★/4★

  In the morning, you’ll go to visit Namtso Lake, also known as “Heavenly Lake”.

  Namtso Lake

  1. Breathtaking Scenery: Namtso Lake is renowned for its stunning beauty, with crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains. You can take perfect photos there.
  2. Tashi Dor Island: an island in the middle of Namtso Lake is a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists. You can visit meditation caves on this island to explore and learn about Tibetan spirituality.
  3. Stargazing: with high elevation, Namtso Lake is an excellent spot for stargazing. On clear nights, you can see a canopy of stars stretching across the sky, creating a truly magical experience.

  After appreciating such a breathtaking sight, you’ll move to Lhasa.

  Stay overnight in Lhasa.

  

  Namtso Lake

  

  Namtso Lake
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  Day 15: Lhasa City Tour

  Attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Lhasa, 3★/4★

  After your breakfast at the hotel, you will head to the famous landmark Potala Palace.

  Potala Palace

  1. The Viewing Platform of Jag Pori: a popular photo spot where you may appreciate the splendid sunrise
  2. Treasure Hall of Potala: offering you an insight into Tibetan history and culture with precious artworks and cultural relics.
  3. Mountain Path to the Palace: climbing up along the zigzag mountain path with over 900 steps gives you a sense of fulfillment.
  4. White Palace: the Winter Palace of Dalai Lamas shows you Tibetan architectural
  5. Red Palace: the chapel housing stupas, tombs, and relics of Dalai Lamas where you can experience the sanctity and solemnity of religion.

  In the afternoon you will head to the oldest temple in Tibet.

  Jokhang Temple

  1. Main Hall: the central hall serves as the main point for worship and houses the precious statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve.
  2. Golden Roof: an ideal site to overlook Jokhang Temple Square and Potala Palace.

  After viewing the holiest temple, you can visit Barkhor Street encircling it.

  Barkhor Street

  1. The Circumambulation Road: an essential pilgrim route where you can join pilgrims to do a kora around the Temple.
  2. Shops and Restaurants: you can eat local food and buy handcrafts like prayer beads, prayer wheels, and thangkas in this old market.

  Back to your hotel and stay overnight in Lhasa.

  

  Potala Palace

  

  Jokhang Temple
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  Day 16: Lhasa City Tour

  Attractions: Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Lhasa, 3★/4★

  After breakfast at your hotel, your guide and driver will pick you up. You’ll begin your journey with Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet.

  Drepung Monastery

  1. Coqen Hall: the main assembly hall, located in the center of the monastery, where you can find a fine statue of Usnisa-sitapatra, a huge statue of Maitreya (Qamba Budda) and a mass collection of Buddhist sutras.
  2. Loseling College: the biggest one of the four colleges of Drepung Monastery, offering you an insight into the monks’ practices and studies.

  In the afternoon, you’ll continue your trip to visit another famous monastery.

  Sera Monastery

  1. Coqen Hall: the main assembly hall where you can see the statue of Shvakya-ye-shes, the founder of this monastery.
  2. Sera Je College: the largest college in Sera Monastery where you can visit the chapel of Hayagriva and pray for blessings.
  3. Tibetan Monks Debates: the debates among monks (15:00-17:00, from Monday to Friday) offer you a chance to see how they gain a better comprehension of Buddhist philosophy in this process.

  Stay overnight in Lhasa.

  

  Drepung Monastery

  

  Sera Monastery
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  Day 17: Lhasa-Gyantse (3900m)-Shigatse (3800m)

  Attractions: Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Simila Mountain Pass
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Shigatse, 3★/4★

  After breakfast, you will start your trip to Shigatse.

  Yamdrok Lake: drive southwest to the Gampala Pass where you can have a perfect view of the turquoise lake and the majestic Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m).

  Enjoy your lunch at Nagartse hosted by a local Tibetan family, where you can savor the local flavors and engage in conversation with the locals. Then, continue your trip to Gyantse.

  Karola Glacier: the largest glacier in Tibet for you to enjoy at a distance on the vehicle.

  Simila Mountain Pass: a stop where you can hang prayer flags.

  Upon your arrival at Gyantse, you can stroll down the streets and take some photos. From Gyantse to Shigatse, you will pass by green Tibetan barley fields in summer and golden ones in autumn, along with countless farms.  

  You will reach Shigatse before nightfall. Check in at the hotel and have a good rest. Stay overnight in Shigatse.

  

  Yamdrok Lake

  

  Karola Glacier
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  Day 18: Shigatse-EBC (5200m)

  Attractions: Tashilunpo Monastery, Gyawu La Pass, Mount Everest Base Camp
  Meals: No
  Hotel: EBC, guestroom

  After your breakfast, you will first visit the home of Panchen Lama.

  Tashilunpo Monastery

  Qamba Buddha Hall: a grand hall houses the tallest and largest bronze Qamba Buddha statue where you can appreciate Buddhist art.

  Then, you will head to Mount Everest.

  Gyawu La Pass (5250m): the best scenic spot providing you the first glimpse of Mt. Everest.

  Then, you will continue your journey towards Everest Base Camp along the winding road with the grand Everest drawing nearer.

  Everest Base Camp (5200m)

  1. Sunset View from EBC: a breathtaking spectacle that captivates your senses as you witness the sun descend toward the horizon, casting its golden hues on the towering peak.
  2. Milky Way: being situated at a high altitude, EBC has clear and unobstructed views of the night sky. You can enjoy a luminous band of stars, weaving its way through the darkness above the snow-white peak.
  3. 5200 Monument: a monument typically marks the elevation of Everest Base Camp itself where you can take a photo to commemorate your trip to EBC.
  4. 8848 Monument: a monument represents the elevation of Mount Everest about 500m from the tent area and the closest viewing spot to Mt. Everest. You can take photos here of the monument and the majestic Everest.

  Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp or in the local village near EBC.

  

  Panoramic view of Tashilhunpo Monastery

  

  Made it to Everest Base Camp
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  Day 19: EBC-Gyirong

  Attractions: Rongbuk Monastery, Pelkhu Tso Lake
  Meals: No
  Hotel: Pencuo Kangsang Hotel or Similar

  Weather permitting, you may appreciate the sunrise of Mt. Everest, seeing the sunlight casting its golden glow on the towering peak.

  In the morning, you will visit a simple yet unusual monastery.

  Rongbuk Monastery (5009m): the highest monastery on the north side of Mt. Everest. Its Observation Deck is a perfect site to view the towering mountain.

  Then, you will head to Gyirong. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of mountains, grasslands, lakes, and villages along the way.

  Pelkhu Tso Lake (4591m): descending to lower elevations takes you to the beautiful Pelkhu Tso Lake. The golden glow of water and the white peaks of Mt. Shishapangma enhance each other’s beauty, offering you a breathtaking view.

  Stay overnight in Gyirong.

  

  Rongbuk Monastery

  

  Golden Sunrise over Everest Base Camp
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  Day 20: Gyirong-Kathmandu

  Attractions: No
  Meals: No
  Hotel: No

  After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you to the Nepal border and see you off. Nepali staff will meet you at the border and transfer you to Kathmandu with local vehicles.

  It takes around 6-9 hours from Gyirong to Kathmandu. Take your time to enjoy the diverse landscapes on the Nepalese side of the Himalayas.

  Our tour service ends when you arrive in Kathmandu. Thank you for choosing Tibet Horizon for your Tibet tour. We are always here to extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet!

  

  Gyirong Valley

  

  Send off to Gyirong Border