Self Drive Tour from Southern Xinjiang to Western and Southern Tibet

Itinerary

Itinerary
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DAY
1

Irkeshtam - Kashgar

Welcome to China

Today, after going through the Chinese customs Irkeshtam between China and Kyrgyzstan, you will reach China with driving your own vehicle. Complete the relevant formalities for entry. Further drive to Kashgar.

234 km
3 hours 33 minutes
Overnight in Kashgar

Way to Kashgar

DAY
2

Kashgar

Handle relevant formalities for self drive in China

Complete relevant formalities for self-drive in China today.

Overnight in Kashgar

Kashgar

DAY
3

Kashgar

Sunday Bazaar in Kashgar, Id Gagh Mosque, the Akba Khojia Mausoleum

In the morning, stroll in Old Town and visit the Sunday-bazaar where many Uyghurs do business. The Sunday bazaar of the Uyghurs living here, is one of the largest and most colorful in Central Asia, and is also one of the highlights of the trip. In the afternoon visit the Id Kah Mosque and the Tomb of Abakh Hoja where the "Nice smelling concubine", a Uygur national heroine, is buried.

Overnight in Kashgar

Id Kah Mosque

DAY
4

Kashgar - Yecheng - Mazar

The Kudi and Mazar passes, knife city Yecheng

there is a varied journey on the southern silk road. Crossing the two passes Kudi and Mazar, you will reach the small town Mazar. On the Mazar Pass, you can admire the magnificent view from the Qogir mountain. The route over the Kudi Pass is the most difficult on all journeys, and will you drive on the mountain road in the form of "S". Yecheng is an important station for climbing Qogir Mountain with 8611 meters. From Yecheng you walk 6 days to the 3924 m base camp.

513 km
10 hours 53 minutes
Overnight in Mazar

South Xinjiang

DAY
5

Mazar – Dahongliutan

Heika pass, city of Mazar, view from Qogir mountain

Via the Heika Pass you will arrive in Mazar, in the Karakorum area. While on the Heika Pass you can admire the magnificent view from the Qogir mountain.

245 km
4 hours 42 minutes
Overnight in Dahongliutan

Heika Daban (Heika Pass)

DAY
6

Dahongliuta – Dorma

Crossing from the 5406 m Jieshan Pass

Cross the 5406m Jieshan Pass to Dahongliutan.

342 km
5 hours 43 minutes
Overnight in Dorma

Jieshan Daban (Jieshan Pass)

DAY
7

Domar - Bangong Tso - Shiquanhe

Bangong Tso Lake

Drive to Shiquanhe (4300 m), capital of the Ngari district. The Ngari area is known as the "roof on the roof of the world". With such a high altitude, you could suffer from serious illness. On the way hike at Bangong Tso Lake. In the middle of the lake, there is a bird island. In summer many gulls come from the Mediterranean, which is fantastic. In Bangong Tso, there is fresh water in the Tibetan part, but salt water in the part of Kashmir.

228 km
3 hours 43 minutes
Overnight in Shiquanhe

West Tibet

DAY
8

Shiquanhe – Tsada

Tsaparang, the monastery Toling, earth forest in Tsada

Shiquanhe is the capital of the Ngari district with 20 years of history. The area Ngari is called as "roof on the roof of the world". Drive to Tsaparang, the oldest center of the kingdom of Guge. On the way admiring Tsada Earth Forest. Walking in the quiet 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 picture. Four temples 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 lattice ceilings and carved beams of the temples. Partly well-preserved murals with numerous details decorate the walls. Lama Anagarika Govinda calls these works of art "prayers and meditations in color and form, every stroke is carefully completed". Then visit the Toling Monastery.

192 km
3 hours 42 minutes
Overnight in Tsada

Ruins of Guge Kingdom

DAY
9

Tsada–Tirthapuri - Darchen / Kailash - Manasarovar Lake

Tirthapuri Meditation Cave Padmasambhavas, Kailash mountain, Manasarovar Lake

Drive to Darchen (4,800 m), the starting point of the Kailash circumnavigation. On the way visit Tirthapuri, 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. 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. Finally, go to Manasarovar Lake that 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.

272 km
5 hours 22 minutes
Overnight by Manasarovar Lake

Holy Mountain Kailash

DAY
10

Manasarovar Lake – Paryang – Saga

Kiangs (wild ass) and antelopes

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. Via Paryang, you will reach Saga.

450 km
7 hours
Overnight in Saga

Manasarovar Lake

DAY
11

Saga - Paiku Tso - Old Tingri – Rongbuk / Everest BC

Paiku Tso Lake, Xixiabangma, Rongbuk Monastery, Sunset over Everest

Then drive via Paiku Tso Lake and Xixiabangma Mountain to Rongbuk Monastery (5,154 m). Covering an area of 300 square kilometers, Paiku-Tso Lake is the largest lake in Shigatse. Located between three mountains, Paiku-Tso is rich in fish. There are various wild animals such as wild horses, wild donkeys and yellow ducks, etc. The Qomolangma from Rongbuk Monastery and Everest Base Camp impresses with its steep north side. Rongbuk is the largest monastery in this region and was built at the beginning of the 20th century. If the weather is well, you will have a clear view of the unforgettable sunset on Qomolangma (Everest).

473 km
11 hours
Overnight at Rongbuk Monastery

Mt. Everest

DAY
12

Rongbuk - Old Tingri - Paiku Tso - Kyirong

Sunrise over Qomolangma (Everest), Paiku Tso Lake

Today you will be woken up early to see the unforgettable sunrise over Qomolangma (Everest). Then drive via Paiku Tso Lake and Xixiabangma Mountain to the Chinese border station Kyirong (Jilong).

363 km
7 hours 1 minutes
Overnight in Kyirong

Rongbuk Monastery and Mt. Everest

DAY
13

Kyirong - Kathmandu

Farewell to China

Drive to the customs at Kyirong, assistance for the exit formalities.

187 km
4 hours 14 minutes

Kyirong

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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