Kailash and Mansarovar Tour is once in a lifetime opportunity for devout pilgrims around the world as the journey to the sacred Mt. Kailash is considered to be one most strenuous one for the pilgrims. The entire tour to Kailash Mansarovar offers unique travel experience as you get to explore various highly venerated pilgrimage sites blessed with religious importance and natural beauty.
Unlike the celestial natural beauty you’ve encountered from the Lhasa to EBC, once you enter Nagri region, you will notice the palpable sense of holiness. The magical environment, dramatic terrain, charming Mansarovar and sublime Mt. Kailash are sure to awe you at every moment of your journey. As you begin the Kora trek along the prostrating pilgrims in quaint pilgrimage route, you will start attaining the peace and enlightenment.
Standing at (22,028ft), Mount Kailash is considered to be the physical embodiment of the mythical Mt. Meru and is believed to be the holiest mountain in the world. The snow dusted rocky pyramid of Mt. Kailash is located between the Himalayas and Karakurum range, a scenically blessed area of western Tibet.
The entire surrounding of Mt. Kailash is religiously significant and includes the two turquoise-blue high altitude lake of Mansarovar and Rakshesa. To Hindus, Mt, Kailash is the holy abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. The nearby Mansarovar is believed to the first creation of Lord Brahma on earth. Tibetan calls Kailash Kang Rimpoche. Jains believes it as Mt. Ashtapada, the peak where the religion’s founder, Rishabnatha, attained his spiritual liberation. And Bon-Po (pre-Buddhist shamanistic religion) followers worship it as the soul of the Tibet.
Lake Mansarovar, a great expansion of sparkling blue water, is believed to be the holy seat of Brahma (the creator of universe). The entire Kailash Kora tour is the holiest of all the pilgrimage tour, a symbol of peace and serenity. It is believed that single Kora to Mt. Kailash cleanses all the accumulated sins of lifetime and 108 Kora paves the way of Nirvana.
Fly to Lhasa or arrive in Lhasa by train. Our representative will receive you and transfer you to hotel in Lhasa. On way, you can admire the incredible highland view along with the Yarlong Tsangpo river (the longest river in Tibet and highest river in the world with an average elevation of 4,000m), originated from the melt of Jiemayangzong Glacier of northern Himalayan range.
Today, we visit the Potala Palace, the winter palace of Dalai Lama. It is located on the red hill, a good view point in Lhasa. It remains constantly bustling with religious worshippers. The palace was put into use since the 7th century by the 33rd great king of Tibet. The glided burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and meditation cave of 33rd great king of Tibet are the most valuable collection of Potala Palace.
In the afternoon, we visit the renowned Jokhang Temple which offers the first glimpse of devout Tibetans. Here we will see the glistering statue of Sakyamuni which is considered as the Tibetan Buddhism’s rarity. You can perceive many pilgrims making prostrating in front of the Temple.
Next, we stroll around the ancient Barkhor Street to witness ancient art and architecture. Beside that, we can taste local dishes and tea with locals in tea house.
Overnight stay in Lhasa
After breakfast, we proceed to visit the Drepung Monastery, one of the great three Gelug Monasteries of Tibet, founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choge. Jamyang Choge is one of the main Tsongkhapa’s disciples. We also visit the biggest monastery Kitchen inside the monastery and explore the Buddhist Sculpture Carving workshop near Drepung.
In the Afternoon, we head for paying homage to Sera Monastery, another one of the great three Gelung monasteries in Tibet. We witness the Monks debate held at around 3 – 5 PM in the noon. Moreover, we make a short visit to the Tibetan religious scripture printing house, inside the monastery where we can witness three sand Mandalas and colorful Rock Painting of Lord Buddha.
Overnight stay in Lhasa
After morning breakfast, drive from Lhasa to Shigatse. On the way, we drive across the Gampala Pass (4,790m) and get the tantalizing view of Yamdrok-tso (4,400m). The lake is surrounded by lofty mountain peaks and the magnificent holy Mountain Nyenchen Khangsar (7,191m) is seen far at horizon.
Further drive lets us enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside. We can hang a prayer flag at Simila Mountain Pass. A short drive takes us to historical city, Gyantse, third largest city in Tibet after Lhasa and Shigatse. In Gyantse, we pay homage to holy Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum and admire the distance view of Gyangtse Fortress.
Further one and half drive from Gyantse leads us to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. Here we explore the traditional Barley Mill and enjoy the landscape of Barley field.
Overnight stay in Shigatse
Early in the morning, we explore the holy seat of Panchan Lama – Tashilunpo Monastery. After that, we obtain travel permit and drive from Shigatse to Lhatse, a small town where we halt to take lunch.
Next we drive across Tsola Pass (4,600m) and Gyatsola Pass (5,248m) and enter into Mt. Everest National Nature Reserve. With magnificent views of Himalayas from Gawula, we drive drive along a zigzag road to Everest Base Camp (5,200m). Here we get closer view of gigantic Mount Everest Peak. The sunset view over the Everest peaks is simply stunning.
Overnight stay in Tent or Rongbuk Monastery lodge
After breakfast, we enjoy the first ray of sun over the Everest Peak at the lodging area (subject to clear weather). And we drive to Saga with the view of world’s 14th highest peak Mt. Shishapangama (8,012m) and Turquoise Lake Peiku Tso (4,590m). If we are lucky, we get the glimpse of highland wildlife – wild donkey, wild antelope etc.
Overnight stay at local teahouse
After breakfast, we head to Darchen. On the way, we get to admire the tantalizing view of the Saga valley between Gangdise Range and Himalayan Range. Meanwhile, we can witness the picturesque view of grassland and local villages. We drive across the Mayomla Pass (5,112m) and enjoy the great view of Mt. Naimonanyi (7,694m). Eventually we reach Lake Mansarovar and further short drive takes us to the southern foot of Mt. Kailash, the most revered mountain in the Asia.
Overnight stay at local teahouse
Today we take an eco-bus tour from Darchen to Sarshung valley. Here we meet the Yaks and porters (hiring cost of Yaks, horses and porters are not included in the packages). Then we start our trek (13km) through rugged trail to Drirapuk Monastery via the Lachu valley and rivers. Today we get the views of both west and north face of Mount Kailash. We explore the Drirapuk Monastery and stay overnight.
Today we cross Dromola La Pass (5,630m), the highest pass of the Kailash Kora. On the way, we take some rest in a teahouse. It is the toughest day of the Kora. All along the way, we can witness many Tibetan prostrating in the Kora Path and Kadoe Lake. We also visit Zutulpuk Monastery.
Overnight stay in local teahouse
Today is the last day of the Kora. We will trek 7km to Zongto and take bus drive to Darchen. On the Kora, we will see the piles of Mani Stones and prayer flags.
(Optional): Soothe at Lake Mansarovar and enjoy bathing at nature hot spring to relax the tired muscles.
Drive back to Saga via same route, we used previously
Overnight stay in local teahouse
After breakfast, we drive back to Sakya enjoy the magnificent scenery and mountain vistas
Overnight stay in local teahouse
After breakfast, we explore the ancient Sakya town and visit the Sakya Monastery. The monastery houses impressive murals, scriptures and statues. After exploration, we head towards Shigatse.
Overnight stay in local teahouse
After breakfast, you will explore the culturally and religiously revered Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse. The monastery is one of the six prominent yellow hat sect monastery and is the holy seat of the Panchen Lama Lineage. You can witness the majestic view of the entire monastery along with giant Jamba Buddha statue from the entrance point.
Drive to Lhasa via the Northern Friendship Highway with eye-catching views and incredible scenery of the Brahmaputra River.
Your adventurous Kailash tour comes to an end today. Your guide will escort you to the airport or train station based on your departure information.
