Best of Tibet with Mt. Kailash

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (4,430 ft): Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you will complete the Tibet visa application form, and your original passport along with a passport-sized photo will be collected for visa processing. If time permits, you may explore the local surroundings at leisure.

Note: The recommended arrival date in Kathmandu is Sunday, so that your visa application can be submitted on Monday. If traveling from the USA, you will need to depart on Saturday to arrive in Kathmandu on Sunday.

Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: At a hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu: Begin your day with a visit to the Swayambhunath Stupa, perched atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. Familiarly known as the “Monkey Temple”, its golden spire crowns one of the oldest and most mystical shrines in the region, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a serene spiritual ambiance.

Next, visit Patan (Lalitpur), the valley’s oldest city. Explore Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its medieval palace, intricate wood and stone carvings, pagoda-style temples, and shimmering golden statues. Step inside the Patan Museum, housed within the former royal palace, to discover an exquisite collection of Hindu and Buddhist art, beautifully preserved in a restored historic setting.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: At a hotel in Kathmandu

Day 3: Fly to Pokhara (2,790 ft): A short and scenic flight will take you to the beautiful town Pokhara. The lush natural beauty of Pokhara, with its spectacular mountain views and tranquil lake, has quietly won the hearts of travelers from around the world. After check-in at the hotel, take a short boat ride on Fewa Lake, then visit the International Mountain Museums. Stroll around the colorful lakeside.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: At a hotel in Pokhara

Day 4: Sightseeing in Pokhara: After breakfast, take a short drive to Pumdikot (4920 ft), a site of an ancient fort on a hilltop. Then take a pleasant short downhill hike to Peace Stupa. The hike is downhill and offers outstanding views of the Fewa Lake, Pokhara city and Himalayas in the background. Drive back to Pokhara for lunch. Rest of the day in leisure.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: At a hotel in Pokhara

Day 5: Fly to Kathmandu: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Pokhara airport for a flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu airport, transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, walking tour to the World Heritage site of Kathmandu Durbar square and local market.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: At a hotel in Kathmandu

Day 6: Fly to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (11,700 ft) / drive to Tsedang (11,480 ft) 1 ½ hour drive: The adventure starts with an eye-opening flight to Lhasa flying over Himalayas. The adventure starts with an eye-opening flight to Lhasa flying over the Himalayas. After immigration formalities, you will be picked up by our representative and driven to Tsedang, which takes about 1 hour. After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest and avoid exertion for acclimatization.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: At a hotel in Tsedang

Day 7: Drive to Lhasa via Samye Monastery (12,000 ft) 3 ½ hour drive: Tsedang is the cradle of Tibetan civilization and the area is filled with important historical landmarks. In the morning, visit Yambulakhang (the first Palace of Tibet dates back to 2nd century BC). Then you will drive through spectacular landscape of Yarlung Tsangpo Valley to the Samey Monastery. Situated at the north side of Yarlung Tsangpo River also known as Brahmaputra River, the Samye monastery was the 1st monastery of Tibet built in the 8th century. Based on the Buddhist idea of the universe, the monastery was built in the shape of Mandala. Built in Tibetan, Chinese and Indian architectural styles, the Samye Monastery is known as an architectural wonder. After exploring the monastery, you will drive to Lhasa with spectacular views.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: At a hotel in Lhasa

Day 8: Sightseeing in Lhasa: Sightseeing in Lhasa: After breakfast, your guide will take you on a tour to Drepung Monastery. At the famous Drepung Monastery, you will get an insight into the important aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the biggest monastic university of Lhasa, housing 7,700 monks in its heyday. After lunch, you will visit the beautiful Sera Monastery where you can observe monks debating and performing religious discourses. After the tour, you are escorted back to your hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: At a hotel in Lhasa

Day 9: Sightseeing in Lhasa: You will be escorted to the majestic Potala Palace, whose imposing structure dominates the landscape of Lhasa. As you explore its ancient chambers, you’ll witness Tibetan art at its finest, with a vast collection of intricate murals and exquisite statues. The palace also houses the tombs of several Dalai Lamas.

Later, visit the 7th-century Jokhang Temple, the holiest shrine in Tibet, located in the heart of Lhasa. This sacred site offers yet another glimpse into Tibet’s rich cultural heritage. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll around Barkhor Square, a historic circular route that dates back to the temple’s foundation and remains one of the city’s oldest streets.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: At a hotel in Lhasa

Day 10: Drive to Shigatse (12,800 ft) 5-hour drive: After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your journey along the scenic Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway. En route, take a break to admire the turquoise waters of Yamdrok-tso Lake before continuing to Gyantse, a historic town famed for the golden-spired Kumbum Stupa, adorned with chapels and vibrant Tibetan murals. The day’s drive concludes in Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: At a hotel in Shigatse

Day 11: Drive to Tashi Dzom (13,500 ft) 6-hour drive: Drive on Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape passing through the small town of Lhatse and Gyatcho La pass at 17,125 ft. As the route opens into plains, camps of nomadic herders become visible enroute to Tingri. From Tingri, you will enter the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve (QNNP). Qomolangma is the Tibetan name for Mt. Everest, meaning 'Holy Mother.' The drive ascends to the Gawu La Pass at 17,000 feet, which is acclaimed as one of the world's most stunning viewpoints. It offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas, with a lineup of the five highest peaks in the world including Mt. Everest, all towering above 8,000 meters. Then, after a stunning downhill drive with switchbacks, you will arrive at Tashi Dzom.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: At a hotel in Tashi Dzom

Day 12: Tashi Dzom – North Everest Base Camp (16,400 ft) – Saga (15225 ft) 7-hour drive: After an early breakfast, take a pleasant ride on electric eco-bus to the Rongbuk Monastery (North Everest base Camp). Upon reaching Base Camp or Rongbuk, you can admire the majestic North Face of Everest if the skies are clear. After spending some time at Base Camp and visiting Rongbuk Monastery – one of the highest monasteries in the world – return to your hotel to check out, then drive to Saga.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: At a hotel in Saga

Day 13: Drive to Manasarovar Lake (15,060 ft) 7-hour drive: Depart Saga and drive across vast Tibetan plains, passing by picturesque villages and high mountain passes. Arrive at the sacred Lake Manasarovar, regarded as one of the holiest lakes in Asia. Spend time by the lakeshore, soaking in the serene atmosphere with views of Mount Kailash in the distance.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: At a hotel in Manasarovar

Day 14: Drive to Sarshung (15,100 ft) – Trek to Dira-puk (15,950 ft) 1 ¼ hour drive / 6-hour trek: Today begins the spiritual journey around Mount Kailash. Drive to Sarshung, the starting point of the Kailash Kora (circumambulation). From here, trek along the Barkha plain with spectacular views of Mount Kailash, following the Lha Chu Valley. The day’s trek ends at Dira-puk Monastery, located at the foot of Kailash’s north face.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: At a basic guest house or tent in Dira-puk

Day 15: Trek to Zutul-puk (15,715 ft) via Droma-la Pass / 8-hour trek: This is the most challenging yet rewarding day of the trek. Ascend steadily to cross the high Droma-la Pass (18,470 ft), the highest point of the Kailash circuit, adorned with prayer flags. After crossing the pass, descend through a beautiful valley before reaching Zutul-puk Monastery, famous for its meditation caves.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: At a basic guest house or tent in Zutul-puk

Day 16: Trek close to Darchen (15,320 ft) / Drive to Saga (15,225 ft) 3-hour trek / 7-hour drive: Complete the final leg of the Kailash Kora, trekking along the Bharka plain back towards Darchen, where your trek concludes. From here, drive back to Saga, retracing your route across the Tibetan plateau.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: At a hotel in Saga

Day 17: Drive to Gyirong (8,900 ft) 4-hour drive: After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive toward the border town of Gyirong. As you descend from the high Tibetan plateau, the landscape gradually transforms from stark, rugged terrain to lush, green valleys dotted with villages and terraced fields. After lunch, take time to explore the charming border town of Gyirong, or simply relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings on your final day in Tibet.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: At a hotel in Gyirong

Day 18: Drive to Kathmandu (4,430 ft) 5-hour drive: Cross the China–Nepal border at Gyirong, then continue the journey through Nepal’s winding mountain roads back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, then rest of the day is free to rest.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: At a hotel in Kathmandu

Day 19: Sightseeing and rest in Kathmandu: After a leisurely breakfast, visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most revered Hindu temple. Here, you can witness the sacred cremation rituals along the banks of the holy Bagmati River and experience the spiritual atmosphere of one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country. The temple complex is rich in architecture, sculptures, and vibrant religious traditions, offering a profound glimpse into Nepali culture and spirituality. Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and an important center of Tibetan community and culture in Nepal.

Then return to hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest, relax, or explore at your own pace. You may also choose to indulge in a well-deserved massage or spa treatment at the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: At a hotel in Kathmandu

Day 20: Depart from Kathmandu: After breakfast, transfer to airport for your departure flight. Your unforgettable journey through Tibet and Nepal concludes today.

Meal: Breakfast