Tibet Trekking around Kailash

Itinerary

Itinerary
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DAY
1

Arrive in Lhasa

Welcome in Tibet – the roof of the world

Today arrive in Lhasa (3650 m), the capital of Tibet, transfer to hotel. Stay at the hotel for adapting to the high altitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days, and try to drink some water.

Overnight at 3*Yak Hotel

Barkhor Street

Photo by Liu BIn

DAY
2

Lhasa

Potala Palace – landmark of Lhasa, Jokhang and Barkhor Street

In the morning visit Potala, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor. In the afternoon visit Jokhang monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where thousands of pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties.

Overnight at 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast

Potala Palace

Photo by Liu BIn

DAY
3

Lhasa

Panoramic view over Potala, Norbulingka, Debate in Sera

In the morning visit Parla Lupu Cave Monastery, located on the slopes of Yaowang Mountain, was built in the 7th century. It is 22m high and from here you can have a wonderful panoramic view over Potala palace. Afterwards visit Norbulinka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon visit Sera Monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. It is also one of the six master monasteries of the Gelugpa. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. You have the opportunity to experience the famous monks' "Buddhism scriptures debates". Public religious debates are part of the education of monks.

Overnight at 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast

Debate in Sera

Photo by Liu BIn

DAY
4

Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse

Karo La Pass and Glacier, holy lake Yamdrok, Palkhor with Pagoda Kumbum

Drive to Gyantse. On the Kamba La (4796 m) have a fantastic view of the holy lake Yamdrok (4,441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of waterfowls in south Tibet. On arriving, visit Pelkor Monastery as well as the splendid Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) nearby, both of them built in the 15th century and situated in the northwestern edge of Gyantse. This typical Tibetan Buddhist monastery is the only one large building complex in Tibet that old monastery and stupas are completely preserved and characterized as a monument. It is recorded 14,000 kilograms of copper was used to make the 8-meter-high sitting statue of Sakyamuni Buddha housed in the grand hall of the temple. The 8-storey stupa is 42m high and 62m in diameters contains a total of 76 chapels with wonderful murals revered by art scholars around the world. Afterwards drive about 90 kilometers to Shigatse (3880m), the second largest city with 40,000 inhabitants in Tibet and the traditional capital of the Tsang.

356 km
6 hours 41 minutes
Overnight at 4*Mulunlazong Hotel

Breakfast

Pelkhor Monastery with Kumbum Stupa

Photo by Li Chaojun

DAY
5

Shigatse - Lhatse - Saga

Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse

In the morning visit the Tashilunpo, "Mountain of Happiness". Tashilunpo is also one of the six major temples of the Gelug Sect. Shigatse is the seat of the Pantschen Lama. The monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the biggest gilded statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future) in China. In the afternoon continue to Saga.

447 km
7 hours 19 minutes
Overnight at Bramaputra Hotel

Breakfast

Tashilunpo

Photo by Liu Bin

DAY
6

Saga - Paryang - Manasarovar Lakeke

Kiangs (wild ass) and antelopes, Manasarovar Lake

Continue along the south route and enjoy beautiful views while visibility is clear. During the south route the Himalayas rising gradually in the north, and the mountains stand side by side. Sometimes, especially on the last stretch of road, kiangs (wild ass) and antelopes can be seen. Drive to Manasarovar Lake.

495 km
6 hours 53 minutes
Overnight in a simple guesthouse

Breakfast

Kiang

DAY
7

Manasarovar Lake - Darchen

Walking and rest by Manasarovar Lake

Manasarovar Lake is 330 square kilometers, 81.8 meters deep. The lake is nestled between two snow-capped mountain ranges. The area is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Tibet. For Hindus, Manasarovar is a sacred lake. Therefore,Walking around the lake and washing and purifying themselves with the lake became the most important goal of the pilgrims. Short hike and visit at Manasarovar lake. Enjoy the views of the eight monasteries on the shores of the northern Kailash and Manasarovar Lake. Then continue in about 1 hour to Darchen (4,800 m, starting point of the Kailash Circumnavigation).

49 km
42 minutes
Overnight at simple The Faraway Home Hotel

Breakfast

Holy Lake Manasarovar

Photo by Li Chaojun

DAY
8

Trekking to Kailash, about 22 km

Start a 3-day trekking tour of Kailash

The village of Darchen only consists of a few stone houses, which are located about 6 km north of the main road. Accompanied by carriers and yaks, you will start a 3-day tour in Kailash. For Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon, the mountain is the most sacred place in the world. It is the cosmic axis, the "navel of the world". Past numerous chorten and Manimauern the path leads into the broad valley on the west side of the mountain. Along with Tibetan and Indian pilgrims, you will pass the famous prayer flagpole, the “Buddha's Footprints”, and abandoned hermit clauses. After about 7 hours of walking, on the first day of the tour you will reach our campsite at 5,100 m altitude.

Trekking 22 km
Overnight in a simple guesthouse

Breakfast

Holy Mountain Kailash

DAY
9

Trekking around Kailash, about 20 km

Crossing the 5,600 m high Dolma-La

The most important part of the circumnavigation around Kailash involves crossing the most sacred spot, the 5,600m high Dolma-La, the highest point of the Parikrama, where there is a "holy" stone adorned with prayer flags , according to legend, that is the place where the goddess Dolma disappeared. Trek down a slightly steep but good path. Soon you will pass Thuji Zimbo Lake, which the Hindu Gauri calls it Kund and consider sacred. The total walking time on the second day is 7 to 8 hours.

Trekking 20 km
Overnight in a simple guesthouse

Breakfast

Kailash Trekking

DAY
10

Trekking around Kailash, about 11 km, drive Darchen - Paryang

Kailash Kora ends

The third stage needs past numerous mani walls with stone tablets back to Darchen, which means the circle of your circumnavigation ends. In Darchen you get into the vehicle, which brings you to Paryang.

Trekking 11 km
259 km
3 hours 43 minutes
Overnight in a simple guesthouse

Breakfast

Kailash Trekking

Photo by Li Chaojun

DAY
11

Paryang - Saga - Lhatse

Return journey

Drive via Saga to Lhatse.

531 km
8 hours 22 minutes
Overnight at the simple Nongmin Hotel

Breakfast

Kailash Trekking

Photo by Li Chaojun

DAY
12

Lhatse - Shigatse - Lhasa

Return journey

Drive via Shigatse back to Lhasa.

420 km
7 hours 24 minutes
Overnight at the 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast

Statue in Tibetan Monastery

Photo by Li Chaojun

DAY
13

Leave Tibet

Travel to next destination

Today transfer to airport or railway station, leave Tibet.

Breakfast

Believers at Jokhang

Photo by Liu Bin

Tailor-make this tour

This trip can also be tailor-made, please let us know your travel idea: travel date, duration, number of travelers, child (2 - 12 years old), baby (0 - 2 years old), other travel destinations, meals, accommodation category, boutique hotel, special interest ...

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