15-Day Lhasa – Mount Kailash Kora – Lhasa Tour: Sacred Pilgrimage

Overview

Embark on a spiritual and adventurous journey through the mystical lands of Tibet with our 15-day tour, covering Lhasa, Mount Everest, and Mount Kailash Kora. This carefully crafted itinerary offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and breathtaking natural beauty. From the spiritual heart of Lhasa with its majestic Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, to the awe-inspiring base camp of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, and the sacred kora around Mount Kailash, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Encounter serene landscapes, vibrant Tibetan culture, and the tranquil ambiance of holy sites, making this expedition an adventure of a lifetime.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa

• Welcome at the airport / train station and transfer to hotel.
• Rest and acclimatization.

Day 2: Lhasa Sightseeing

• Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street.
• Explore Tibetan culture and history.

Day 3: Lhasa Sightseeing

• Visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.
• Observe the monks’ debate session.

Day 4: Lhasa to Shigatse

• Drive to Gyantse and Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier.
• Visit Gyantse Kumbum and Pelkor Monastery.

Day 5: Shigatse to Everest Base Camp (EBC)

• Drive to EBC via Rongbuk Monastery.
• Sunset view of Mount Everest.

Day 6: Everest Base Camp to Saga

• Sunrise view of Mount Everest.
• Drive to Saga, passing through scenic landscapes incl. Mt. Shishapangma (8012m) and Lake Pelkutso.

Day 7: Saga to Darchen

• Drive to Darchen, the starting point of Kailash Kora, via Mayomla Pass (5112m)
• Acclimatization and preparation for the kora.

Day 8: Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery

• Distance: approx. 20 km
• Altitude: 5,080 meters / 16,666 feet

• Start from Darchen: Depart from Darchen, the starting point of the kora, early in the morning. Begin your trek with a gradual ascent through the arid plains. When the eco-bus is available, we may first take it for about 5km.
• Tarboch Flagpole: Pass by the Tarboch Flagpole, an important ceremonial site for Tibetan Buddhists, marked by colorful prayer flags.
• Lha Chu Valley: Continue trekking along the Lha Chu Valley, with stunning views of Mount Kailash and its north face.
• Dirapuk Monastery: Reach Dirapuk Monastery in the late afternoon. This monastery offers spectacular close-up views of Mount Kailash. Spend the night in the monastery’s guesthouse or set up camp nearby.
• Overnight in Dirapuk: Stay overnight at the guesthouse of the Dirapuk Monastery or camp nearby, resting and acclimatizing to the high altitude.

Day 9: Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk

• Distance: approx. 22 km
• Altitude: 5,630 meters / 18,471 feet (Dolma La Pass), 4,835 meters / 15,860 feet (Zuthulphuk)

• Dolma La Pass: Start early to tackle the most challenging part of the kora, the ascent to Dolma La Pass. The steep climb rewards you with awe-inspiring views and a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the pass.
• Gauri Kund: Descend from the pass to Gauri Kund, a sacred lake known as the “Lake of Compassion.” Pilgrims often pause here to perform rituals and prayers.
• Descending to Zuthulpuk: Continue your descent through rocky terrain and lush valleys towards Zuthulpuk Monastery.
• Zuthulpuk Monastery: Arrive at Zuthulpuk Monastery in the late afternoon. This monastery is built around a sacred cave associated with Milarepa, one of Tibet’s most famous yogis and poets.
• Overnight in Zuthulpuk: Stay overnight in the monastery’s guesthouse or camp nearby, reflecting on the spiritual significance of the journey.

Day 10: Zuthulpuk to Darchen

• Distance: approx. 14 km
• Altitude: 4,670 meters / 15,321 feet (Darchen)

• Continue Trekking: Depart from Zuthulpuk Monastery, following the trail through serene valleys and past picturesque landscapes.
• Meeting Point of Pilgrims: Pass by several sites where pilgrims often rest, offering a glimpse into the communal aspect of the kora.
• Complete the Kora and celebrate the successful completion of the kora with your fellow trekkers.
• Lake Manasarovar: Drive to Lake Mansarovar, rest and enjoy the scenic view of the holy lake. There is a hot spring which provides bathtubs and clean facilities (the cost is not included).
• Overnight in guesthouse nearby Lake Manasarovar.

Day 11: Lake Manasarovar to Zhongba

• Drive to Zhongba, retracing the scenic route.

Day 12: Zhongba to Lhatse

• Drive to Lhatse, enjoying the endless beauty of the vast land.

Day 13: Lhatse to Shigatse

• Drive back to Shigatse.
• Visit Sakya Monastery and Tashilumpo Monastery.

Day 14: Shigatse to Lhasa

• Drive back to Lhasa.
• Free time for last-minute shopping and exploration.

Day 15: Departure from Lhasa

• Transfer to airport/train station for your departure.
• Your wonderful Tibet Mount Everest and Mount Kailash Kora tour ends.