Culture and Nature Tour to Western Tibet

Home > Tibet Discovery Tour • Kailash Trekking and Kailash Tour • Everest Tour and Everest Trekking

14 Days Private Tour Lhasa – Yamdrok – Gyantse – Shigatse – Shegar – Rongbuk / Everest BC – Paiku Tso / Xixiabangma – Saga – Paryang – Manasarovar – Darchen / Kailash – Tsada – Darchen - Paryang – Saga – Shigatse – Lhasa

In Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, we have two days for the attractions: Potala, Jokhang, Norblinka and Sera. And from Parla Lupu Monastery we'll enjoy the magnificent view of Potala Palace. We could circle around the Tibetan holiest Monastery Jokhang with pilgrims, who come from all over Tibet and the Tibetan cultural areas of Kham-Amdo of the provinces of Sichuan, Qinghai, Gansu and Yunnan. Many pious Tibetans measure the way on the Barkhor market with their body length.

On the scenic drive to Gyantse and Shigatse we will experience the magnificent scenery, pass by the turquoise Yamdrok Lake and cross over the passes Kamba La (4,794 m) and Karo La (5,010 m). Then visit the unique Kumbum Pagoda in Gyantse and Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.

On the adventurous drive to Everest Base Camp, we will enjoy the magnificent landscape between Himalayas and Transhimalaya. Rongbuk Monastery, at the foot of the spectacular north of Everest, is a highlight of our journey. Seeing from the Tibetan side, Everest is a lot more imposing than from the south.

Next, we visit Manasarovar - the holiest lake in Tibet.

Kailash, the holiest mountain in the world, is worshiped by the followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jain, and the ancient Bon religion. It is the center of the world. The most magnificent is that the largest rivers of Asia flows in its vicinity and flow in all directions like the spokes of a wheel. Short hiking at Kailash with the pilgrims.

Finally we reach Tsada, here we experience the cultural highlights in West Tibet Ngari (Ali): the Ruins of Guge Kingdom, Toling Monastery, the Donggar Ruins and the Piyang Ruins.

Highlights

Culture and Nature Tour to Western Tibet

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

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

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 Monastery

DAY
4

Lhasa - Yamdrok – Gyantse – Shigatse

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

Look forward to a breathtaking mountain world! Today you will drive over several passes to Gyantse (260 km). At the highest point of the trip (Karo La Pass at 5,010 m) is the glacier of Noejin Kangsa (7,223 m) during the drive. On the way to the third largest holy lake of Tibet – Yamdrok, you can take some fantastic photos. Upon arrival in Gyantse you will visit Palkhor Monastery and the impressive pagoda of Kumbum. Then drive to Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet.

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

Breakfast

Palkhor Monastery

DAY
5

Shigatse – Shegar – Rongbuk / Everest BC

Tashilhunpo Monastery, Rongbuk Monastery, Sunset on Qomolangma (Everest)

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. Then drive to Shegar, crossing the paths to Yalung La (4.520 m) and Gyathso La (5.220 m). Continue (90 km, 2 hours) to the Rongbuk Monastery (5,154 m) and the Everest Base Camp, where you can see the steep north side of Qomolangma. On the way at Pang La (5150 m), the view is magnificent: from left to right are Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse and Cho Oyu. Rongbuk is the largest monastery in this region and was built at the beginning of the 20th century. You can also admire the spectacular sunset on Everest (Qomolangma) in good weather.

334 km
6 hours 6 minutes
Overnight at simple Rongbuk Guesthouse

Breakfast

Everest (Qomolangma), Himalaya

DAY
6

Rongbuk – Paiku Tso – Saga

Sunrise over Qomolangma, Rongbuk Monastery, Paiku Tso Lake

Today you will wake up early to have a clear view of the unforgettable sunrise over Qomolangma (Everest). Then drive via Paiku Tso Lake and Xixiabangma Mountain to Saga. Paiku-Tso Lake covers an area of 300 square kilometers, is the largest lake in Shigatse. Paiku-Tso locates between three mountains, is rich in fish. There live various wild animals such as wild horses, wild donkeys and yellow ducks, etc.

473 km
11 hours
Overnight at Bramaputra Hotel

Breakfast

Mountain Everest

DAY
7

Saga – Paryang – Manasarovar Lake

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. Overnight in a simple guesthouse near the Chiu Gompa on the north side of Manasarovar Lake (4588 m).

495 km
6 hours minutes
Overnight in a simple guesthouse

Breakfast

Manasarovar Lake

DAY
8

Manasarovar Lake – Darchen - Tsada

Manasarovar Lake, Tirthapuri Meditation Cave Padmasambhavas

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). The village of Darchen only consists of a few stone houses, which are located about 6 km north of the main road. Easily hike at the foot of holy mountain Kailash. Continue to Tsada, on the way visit Tirthapuri. Tirthapuri is the most important place of pilgrimage in western Tibet, because here is the meditation cave of Padmasambhava and his companion Yeshe Tsogyel. The place is also known for its hot springs.

272 km
5 hours 22 minutes
Overnight at 2*Tulin Castle Hotel

Breakfast

Holy Mountain Kailash

DAY
9

Tsada

Donggar Ruins, Piyang Caves

Today you will visit the Donggar and Piyang ruins - they are also the highlights on this cultural journey. The Donggar Ruins and Donggar Caves are 40 km north of Tsada. They are the largest Buddhist grottoes discovered so far in Tibet. The valuable murals of the Donggar Ruins are mainly concentrated in three caves on the slope of the mountain. The caves Piyang which house over 1000 caves are located near the grottoes Donggar. The Donggar and Piyang Ruins provide significant material for exploring the history of the Guge Dynasty.

Overnight at 2*Tulin Castle Hotel

Breakfast

Piyang Caves

DAY
10

Tsada – Darchen

Tsaparang, Ruins of Guge Kingdom, Toling Monastery, Earth Forest in Tsada

In the morning you drive in about one hour to Tsaparang (about 10 km, 3,800 m), the oldest center of the kingdom of Guge. Four temples are around the lower fortress walls, the fifth is located above the city in the remains of the former summer palace of the kings. Various motifs adorn the coffered ceilings and carved beams of the temples. Partly well-preserved murals with numerous beautiful details decorate the walls. Lama Anagarika Govinda calls these works of art "prayers and meditations in color and form, every brushstroke represents the highest concentration of the whole
heart". Northwest of Trithapuri, in the rugged canyon landscape of the Sutlej River, lie the impressive ruins of Toling. Afternoon return on the same road to Darchen. On the way Admiring Tsada Earth Forest. Walking in the secluded valley of the Tsada forest, you feel like you are in the ruins of a huge old city. And you can see a wild and imposing scenery.

234 km
4 hours 13 minutes
Overnight at The Faraway Home Hotel

Breakfast

Ruins of Guge Kingdom

DAY
11

Darchen - Paryang – Saga

Return to Saga

Drive on the same road via Paryang to Saga.

492 km
7 hours 42 minutes
Overnight at Bramaputra Hotel

Breakfast

Wild Animals in West Tibet

DAY
12

Saga – Lhatse – Shigatse

Return to Shigatse

Drive on the same road via Lhatse to Shigatse.

531 km
8 hours 22 minutes
Overnight at 4*Mulunlazong Hotel

Breakfast

Monument on National Highway 318

DAY
13

Shigatse – Lhasa

Traditional manufactory for Tibetan incense sticks

Return to Lhasa. On the way visit a traditional manufactory for making Tibetan Tibetan incense sticks in the small village of Tunba on the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

273 km
4 hours 58 minutes
Overnight at the 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast

Yarlung Tsangpo Valley

DAY
14

Leave Tibet

Travel to next destination

Today transfer to airport or railway station, leave Tibet.

Breakfast

Barkhor Street

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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Culture and Nature Tour to Western Tibet

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Private travel, great experiences! Please contact us for your tailor-made travel offer.

With individual China Tibet travel, you can decide when, where and how you go on tour by yourself. What's more, you can choose the length of travel and whom you go with.

Information

Hotel, program and itinerary are subjected to change with prior notice.
We must point out that you counter a basic tourism infrastructure in this region. You stay overnight mostly at simple hotel/guesthouse. Long journeys on bad roads and on high altitude and delays require good physical fitness, resilience and flexibility of the participants. Program and route changes due to unforeseen events are expressly reserved. If you desire the unknown and have an understanding of contingency, this is the right trip for you.

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