17 Days Tibet Tour: Lhasa to Kailash Spiritual Journey Beneath Full Moon

I just got back from an amazing 17-day Lhasa Kailash tour that I'll remember forever. This Tibet trip took me from Lhasa to some of the most beautiful places in the region, including the famous Mount Kailash and the ancient Guge Kingdom. And the full moon day added a special atmosphere to this journey, especially making the Kailash Kora experience even more profound.

Discovering Lhasa: the Heart of Tibet

My adventure began in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by our friendly Tibetan guide, Mr. Tenzin Jamphel, who welcomed me with a traditional Hada scarf and warm blessings. With his help, I checked in and had a good rest to get used to the high altitude.

Over the next few days, we explored some of Lhasa's most famous landmarks. The Potala Palace was truly a sight to behold. Standing on top of a hill, I got a panoramic view of the city offered by the palace. Inside, I was amazed by the beautiful architecture and the rich history that it held. We also visited the Jokhang Temple which was filled with pilgrims to feel the rhythm of the spinning prayer wheels and the energy of their chants. I even joined the locals in doing kora around the temple, which was a very special experience.

I joined the kora with local Tibetans around the Jokhang Temple.

Another highlight of my Lhasa tour was visiting the Drepung and Sera monasteries. At Drepung Monastery, I learned about the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and got a glimpse into the lives of the monks. Watching the famous monk debate in Sera Monastery was also a very interesting experience. Our guide told us that the debate was a discussion of Buddhist knowledge. Although we can't understand a word, I can't help but giggle when looking at the way they talk and laugh.

On the Road to Everest Base Camp

The drive to Everest Base Camp was as breathtaking as the destination. We passed by the beautiful Yamdrok Lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The Karola Glacier also looked amazing against the blue sky.

When we arrived, the first sight of Mount Everest took my breath away. After passing 108 bends of Mount Everest, we made it to the 5200 monument of the elevation of Everest Base Camp. Then we trekked for a while and finanlly arrived at the 8848 Monument.

The 8848 Monument of Mount Everest

The base camp was surprisingly peaceful. That night, the stars were so clear that I felt like I could reach out and touch them.

The stars above Mount Everest

Waking up early to watch the sunrise over Everest was a life-changing moment. The golden light on the mountain’s peak was so magic that I felt so lucky to be able to witness such a beautiful view.

Zanda Tour: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Past

After leaving EBC, we continued our journey to Zanda. Zanda was unlike anything I had ever seen before. The Tholing Monastery was hidden in the mountains and had many exquisite Buddhist murals.

Tholing Monestery

The main attraction in Zanda was the Ruins of Guge Kingdom. The ruins were spread over a large area and had many well-preserved buildings, gold and silver statues, and beautiful murals. I learned about the history of the Guge Kingdom and guesses at how it had mysteriously disappeared. It was a very interesting and educational experience.

The ruins of the ancient capital of Guge Kingdom

We also explored the Donggar and Piyang Caves, which were filled with ancient cave dwellings and ancient artworks. The caves were a bit dark, but with the help of my guide's flashlight, I could see all the details.

Mount Kailash Trek: A Spiritual Pilgrimage

The trek around Mount Kailash was the highlight of the trip and the most challenging experience of my life. The Kailash Kora is not just a physical exercise for me but also a spiritual journey to escape the anxious reality and cleanse my mind. It is believed that completing the 54-kilometer kora around Mount Kailash washes away a lifetime of sins. Our trek coincided with the full moon, making it even more significant. Tibetan Buddhists believe that a full moon kora amplifies spiritual blessings, bringing even greater purification and renewal.

Day 1: Into the Sacred Kailash Realm

We started our trek from Darchen, a small town at the foot of Mount Kailash. It was a beautiful morning, and as we set off, I could feel a sense of devoutness in the air. After breakfast, we took an eco-bus to Sarshung Valley, where the trek officially began. Along the way, I saw pilgrims from all over the world, some walking and some prostrating with every step. Their devotion was both humbling and inspiring. With the path gradually ascending, I could see the majestic view of the southern and western slopes of the sacred Mount Kailash. Along the roadside, I saw many piles of Mani Stones, which were said to realize one’s wishes if the Mani Stouens were piled into more than seven layers. I hoped that every time the wind blows over the Mani Pile at the foot of the sacred Kailash, it would bring safety and health to the people around me.

Mani Stones

We reached Dirapuk Monastery by evening, where we spent the night. That evening, as the sun began to set, I realized it was a full moon night. The monastery provided a vantage point to witness the transformation of the landscape under the moonlight. The full moon slowly emerged, casting a soft, silvery glow over Mount Kailash. The mountain was bathed in a celestial light, enhancing its already majestic presence. I felt a deep sense of connection to the mountain and understood what pilgrims said about the combination of the full moon and the holy mountain being believed to multiply blessings.

Day 2: Conquering Dolma La Pass

The second day was the toughest but also the most rewarding. We started our trek when the golden sunshine hit the snow-capped peak and the moon gradually faded in the background. The climb was steep, and the thin air made every step a challenge. As we finally reached Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,636 meters, prayer flags in many colors fluttered wildly in the wind, carrying prayers and blessings into the heavens.

Prayer flags at Dolma La Pass

At this moment, our guide explained the spiritual meaning of the pass. Crossing Dolma La is seen as a symbolic death and rebirth—a shedding of past sins and an opportunity to start anew. I paused here, joining the pilgrims in silent prayer for a while.

On our way downhills, we passed Gauri Kund, the emerald lake said to be blessed by the goddess Parvati. Following the lake, we had a gradual descent to the valley beneath the southeast foot of Mount Kailash, where Zutulpuk Monastery was located. Along the way, I even saw some adorable wild animals.

Day 3: A Gentle Goodbye to Mount Kailash

On the final day of the trek, we trekked back from Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen. Completing the Kailash Kora was a deeply fulfilling experience. As we headed back, I could still feel the lingering energy of the full moon from the previous nights. After the morning trek, we drove 30 kilometers to Lake Manasarovar. The lake was so peaceful and beautiful, and I took a moment to meditate by the lake, listening to the rhythmic waves of the water. There were also hot springs nearby, so I spent a little money to enjoy a foot bath. It was a great way to relax after the long trek.

Back to Lhasa via Gyirong: A Scenic Route

After the trek, we made our way back to Lhasa via Gyirong. When arriving at Gyirong, we explored the beautiful Gyirong Valley. Unlike the landscapes we had traversed earlier, the valley called the “back garden of the Himalayas,” was rich with greenery. Rolling hills covered in grass and scattered wildflowers framed the small, picturesque town. The locals were friendly, offering smiles and waves as we passed. When passing a tea house, I couldn’t resist trying the yak butter tea one last time, enjoying its unique taste in this lovely town.

A cute cattle in the Gyirong Valley

As we neared Lhasa, I found myself looking back on the journey with a sense of gratitude. The road through Gyirong felt like a bridge between the physical and spiritual elements of our adventure. The overland tour gave me time to process the awe of Everest, the history of the Guge Kingdom, and the satisfaction of the Mount Kailash trek.

This 17-day tour gave me a glimpse into Tibet’s beauty and culture in ways I didn’t expect and I’ll treasure these memories forever. For those who have enough time to experience the mystery of Tibet, I would highly recommend this trip. I can't wait to go back again someday!