15 Days Kailash and Manasarova Small Group Tour

Located near Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal, Mount Kailash is considered to be sacred in four religions: Jainism, Buddhism, Bon and Hinduism, with the height of 6,638m. During this 15 days tour, we will visit the three biggest old cities in Tibet: Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse, and also enjoy the beautiful views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, etc.

Highlights:

  • Visit the three biggest old cities in Tibet: Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse.
  • Admire the beautiful views of Mount Everest.
  • Appreciate the holy Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.

Brief Itinerary

  • Day 1: Lhasa Arrival
  • Day 2: Lhasa
  • Day 3: Lhasa
  • Day 4: Lhasa – Shigatse
  • Day 5: Shigatse – Everest Base Camp
  • Day 6: Everest Base Camp – Saga
  • Day 7: Saga – Darchen
  • Day 8: Darchen – Drirapuk
  • Day 9: Drirapuk – Dzutrpuk
  • Day 10: Dzutripuk – Darchen
  • Day 11: Darchen – Saga
  • Day 12: Saga – Sakya
  • Day 13: Sakya – Shigatse
  • Day 14: Shigatse – Lhasa
  • Day 15: Lhasa Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Lhasa Arrival

Sightseeing and Activities:
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals:

Welcome to the roof of the world – Lhasa! Upon arrival, met by tour guide and transferred to you hotel. Have a good rest and get acclimatized to the high altitude in Tibet.

Day 2 Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities: Potala Palace, Johkang Temple, Barkhor Street
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet

After breakfast at hotel, the Lhasa tour begins with the must-see attraction – Potala Palace, the largest monastery of its type in the world and official home to Dalai Lama.

In the afternoon, move on to Jokhang Monastery and walk along the Barkhor Street nearby. Enjoy the local Tibetan culture here. If time allows, visit Tibetan handicraft art or Tibetan Traditional Medicine center(Optional).

Besides, taste Tibetan tea with locals in tea house and then enjoy the welcome dinner. In the evening, enjoy Tibetan Culture Show(optional).

Day 3 Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities: Drepung monastery, Sera Monastery
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast at hotel, drive to visit Drepung Monastery – one of the three great monasteries in Tibet. Visit the biggest monastery kitchen inside the monastery and enjoy Buddhist Sculpture Carving workshop near Drepung.

In the afternoon, move on to another one of the “great three” Gelug university monasteries of Tibet – Sera Monastery. Visit Monks debate, Tibetan religious scripture printing house, three sand Mandalas and colorful Rock Painting of Buddha.

Day 4 Lhasa – Shigatse

Sightseeing and Activities: Yamdrok-tso, Pelkor Monastery, Gyantse Kumbum, Gyangtse Fortress, Barley Mill, Barley Field
Accommodation: Shigatse
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will drive over the Gampala pass to Shigatse. On the way, have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso – one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet, which is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by numerous small streams. Also have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance, the highest mountain near Lhasa.

Then pass the Korola Glacier and enjoy it on the roadside. At Manak Dam Lake, we can hang pray flag at Simila Mountain Pass. After Gyantse arrival – Tibet’s third largest city, visit the Pelkor Monastery, Gyantse Kumbum and enjoy the far view of Gyangtse Fortress.

Continue the drive to Shigatse – the second largest city in Tibet. In summer, we will visit traditional Barley Mill and view the landscape of Barley Field.

Day 5 Shigatse – Everest Base Camp

Sightseeing and Activities: Tashilunpo Monastery, Everest Base Camp
Accommodation: tent or Rongbuk monastery guest house
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, head to visit the home of Panchan Lama – Tashilunpo Monastery and see the well preserved largest statue of Jampa (future god) in the world. Founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama, it is a historic and culturally important monastery. Then drive to Lhatse and have lunch here.

In the afternoon, pass Tsola Pass(4600M) and Gyatsola Pass(5248M). Enjoy the panorama of Himalaya at Gawula Pass(5198m). Continue driving to Everest Base Camp(5200m) and enjoy the sunset of golden Everest peak if possible.

Stay overnight at tent or Rongbuk monastery guest house.

Day 6 Everest Base Camp – Saga

Sightseeing and Activities: sunrise, Mt. Shishapangma, Lake Peiku tso
Accommodation: local guesthouse
Meals:

Get up early to enjoy the stunning sunrise of the peak. Then we will drive about 450km to Saga and visit Mt. Shishapangma(8012m) – the worlds’ 14th highest peak and Lake Peiku tso(4590m). We will have the chance to see some wild animals such as wild donkey.

Day 7 Saga – Darchen

Sightseeing and Activities: Saga valley, Mayomla Pass, Lake Manasarover
Accommodation: local guesthouse
Meals:

Today we will drive about 450km to Darchen. On the way, appreciate the stunning view of the Saga valley (between Gangdise Range and Himayala Range), grassland, and local’s villages. Then we will cross the Mayomla Pass(5112M) and pass by the holy Lake Manasarover. On the Mayomla Pass, we can enjoy the vista of Mt. Naimonanyi(7694M). Finally, arrive at the southern foot of the most holy mountain in Tibet – Mt. Kailash.

Day 8 Darchen – Drirapuk

Sightseeing and Activities: treking, Drirapuk Monastery
Accommodation: local Guesthouse
Meals:

Today we will take the eco-bus to Sarshung valley where there are many Yaks and porters. You can hire them at your own expense. Then start the 13km-trekking tour to Drirapuk Monastery. Along the way, enjoy the views of Lachu valley, rivers, and mountain Kailash.

Day 9 Drirapuk – Dzutrpuk

Sightseeing and Activities: treking, Zutulpuk Monastery
Accommodation: local guesthouse
Meals:

Today have a 18km-trekking tour to Zutulpuk Monastery. On the way, we will trek over the highest pass of the Kora – Dromala pass(5630m), have a rest in a teahouse, and see locals Tibetans prostrating in the Kora path and beautiful Kadoe Lake.

Day 10 Dzutripuk – Darchen

Sightseeing and Activities: treking
Accommodation: local guesthouse
Meals:

Today we will trek about 7km to Zongto to take bus to Darchen. On the way, we can see piles of Mani Stones. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Day 11 Darchen – Saga

Sightseeing and Activities:
Accommodation: local guesthouse
Meals:

Drive from Darchen back to Saga via Lake Manasorova.

Day 12 Saga – Sakya

Sightseeing and Activities:
Accommodation: local guesthouse
Meals:

Drive from Saga to Sakya.

Day 13 Sakya – Shigatse

Sightseeing and Activities: Sakya monastery
Accommodation: Shigatse
Meals:

In the morning, visit ancient Sakya town and Sakya monastery – a Buddhist monastery founded in 1073 by Khon Konchok Gyelpo. Then drive to Shigatse.

Day 14 Shigatse – Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities: Yalong River bed
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast

Today we will follow Yalong Valley back to Lhasa. On the way, we can stand on the viewing platform and view the vast Yalong River bed. In summer, we will have the chance to visit Traditional incense production in Nyemo county.

Day 15 Lhasa Departure

Sightseeing and Activities:
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast

Today your wonderful tour will complete. Be escorted to the airport for your flight and service ends.

Note:

You can also go to Nepal after Tibet Mt. Kailash Tour.

Service Included:

  • Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary;
  • Accommodations: hotels based on twin occupancy as specified(Except day tours);
  • Sharing English-speaking tour guide;
  • Sharing vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
  • Service charge & government taxes;
  • Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
  • Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.

Service Excluded:

  • Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
  • Chinese visa fees;
  • Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
  • Single room supplement;
  • Tips to guides and drivers;
  • Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
  • Personal travel accident insurance;
  • All optional programs.