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15-Day Mt. Kailash Trekking Tour with Guge Kingdom

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Overview

Tour Type: Group Tour: Fixed Travel Date & Maximum 12 People in one group
Guide & Driver: Chinese-English-speaking guide & air-conditioned
  • Features a pilgrimage excursion to the holy mountain Mt. Kailash
  • Marvel at two incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Potala Place and Jokhang Temple
  • Explore the mystery & wildness of Guge Kingdom Ancient Site 

Itinerary Day by Day

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Day1  Arrival in Lhasa Sincere greetings & airport-hotel transfer.

Welcome to Lhasa, the capital city of the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China and referred to as "The Roof of the World." Lhasa lies in a valley deep in the Himalayan Mountains and has an altitude of 3,650 meters (11, 975 feet). Lhasa is one of the lowest regions in Tibet.

People in Lhasa enjoy bright sunshine more than 125 days a year. That might be the reason why they are so efficient in building amazing palaces and monasteries! Today is not for sightseeing; your tour guide and driver will pick you up and help you get acclimated to Lhasa’s altitude.

Tips for Acclimatization:

Generally speaking, the best way to acclimate to high-altitude areas is by having periods of rest and relaxation, staying hydrated by drinking a lot of water; and do not drink any alcohol. Please do not move around too fast, although you might be excited to be standing on “The Roof of the World,” slow down, you will have plenty of time to see and experience all the sights.

Accommodation:Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa or Himalaya Lhasa Hotel

Day2  Lhasa Sightseeing Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (B)

Today, you will visit the sacred Potala Palace, which was built during the Chinese Tang Dynasty in the 7th century AD and listed as a World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO Organization in 1994. The buildings, artworks, and statues of Tibetan Buddhism are all highlights of this ancient architectural complex. Standing on the mountain where the Potala Palace is located, you will have a bird’s eye view of the city of Lhasa. Of added interest, check out the back of a Chinese Currency 50 Yuan note, and you will see a picture of the Potala Palace printed there!

Continuing on your trip to the Jokhang Temple, also known as the Qoikang Monastery, you will find the life-size statue of the 12-year-old Shakyamuni (Buddha). Jokhang Temple is believed to be the sacred heart of Tibet, because the Shakyamuni Buddha is located in the there. That historical fact makes the Jokhang Temple even more scared than the Potala Palace. It is said the city of Lhasa was built based on the Jokhang Temple. After leaving the Temple, we will take a stroll along Barkhor Street. This ancient street is the route for pilgrimages around the Jokhang Temple and a perfect place to buy local Tibetan style handcrafts including shoes, hats, tea, bowls and quilts. If you are hungry, stop at one of the many small food stands and buy a mouth-watering Tibetan Style dessert, such as "Tu", a sort of pastry made with yak butter, brown sugar and water. If you want something more substantial, try a tasty bowl of "Thenthuk", a hand-tossed Tibetan noodle soup, a local favorite.

Did you know Shakyamuni lived around 500 BC and was the founder of Buddhism?

Accommodation:Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa or Himalaya Lhasa Hotel

Day3  Traditional Handicraft Art Center Experience - Sera Monastery Debates

This day will give you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Tibetan culture as you will be involved in the hands-on process of the  traditional Tibetan handicrafts; then witness a truly Tibetan tradition with the debating monks at one of Tibetan Buddhhim's holiest monasteries - the Sera Monastery. After breakfast, in the ethereal morning rays of light of a Lhasa morning, we will learn how to make traditional Tibetan cuisine in a typical Tibetan setting. Dishes will include Kasei (fried dough foods), Tsampa (roasted barley) with butter and cheese, Tibetan butter tea, and other tasty Tibetan treats. After learning the essence of Tibetan cooking, we will move on to Tibetan Traditional Handicraft Art Center by bus. This treasure house of Tibetan culture will teach you all about various Tibetan costumes as you learn how to make Tibetan incense, the methods behind Tibetan calligraphy, how to create thangka (Tibetan Buddhist painting), and the secrets of block printing.

Having mastered the art of Tibetan handicrafts, we will move on to visit the holy Sera Monastery to see the Buddhist scripture debate, which is held in the courtyard almost every day between 3 and 5:30 p.m. Please note that in case of some special monastery activities such as the Dharma Meeting or the reception of VIPs, the monk debates may be canceled that day. After our visit to the monastery, feel free to stroll around the streets of Lhasa as you absorb the atmosphere and spirit of the devoted Tibetan people or you may return to your hotel to rest and relax from this wonderful Tibetan cultural experience.

Accommodation:Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa or Himalaya Lhasa Hotel

Day4  Lhasa to Shigatse. Lake Yamdrok and Karola Glacier Sightseeing and Kumbum Monastery Visit (B)

Today, we will leave Lhasa for Shigatse, the home of 5 mountains whose heights are over 8,000 meters (26,246 feet). On the way, we will see the charming Lake Yamdrok first. With an altitude of 4,441 meters (1,446 feet), the Lake Yamdrok is the highest fresh-water lake in the world. The color of the lake is sky blue due to the reflection of the blue sky. Sometimes it turns to deep blue when the angle of sunshine changes. The water of the lake comes from the snow on the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain, so local people believe the water can purify their souls.

We will head towards the Karola Glacier after visiting the lake. The altitude will go up to 5,560 meters (18,241 feet) on the way to the glacier, which is only 300 meters (1,082 feet) away from the highway. The glacier looks like a huge Tangka (Tibetan Scroll Painting) under the sunshine. It was used in scenes in many Chinese movies, such as the Red River Valley and The Knot.

Visit the Kumbum Monastery before you spend the night in Shigatse. The 9-story One Hundred Thousand Buddhist Pagoda is a must-visit attraction in the monastery. Over 100,000 sculptures of Buddhas and 1,000 frescos collected in the monastery make it a paradise for art.

Did You Know the Yamdrok, Namtso and Manasarovar are three sacred lakes in Tibet?

Accommodation:Shigatse Gesar Hotel or similar

Day5  Shigatse - Tingri - Everest Base Camp Rongphu Monastery, sunset at EBC(B)

We will drive to unlock the mighty Mount Everest today. You will reach the Rongphu Monastery to get the best view of the Mount Everest first. And Next, you will move to the Everest Base Camp (EBC) to admire the world’s highest mountain from an even closer distance. You will spend the night in the guesthouse of Rongphu Monastery or a tent at the EBC. Please take a good rest and be ready for the fantastic sunrise over Mount Everest the following morning.

Accommodation:EBC Tent or Rongphu Guest House (Dorm bed with humble facility)

Day6  Sunrise on the Mount Everest and Head to Saga Town

The most important activity today is wishing a beautiful sunrise. During a clear day, the Mount Everest looks like a goddess wearing a golden veil. You can try your best to see her face, but you can never see every part of her face clearly. This is one or the many reason why she is sacred!

Although you are about to leave Mount Everest after seeing the dazzling sunrise, you can still admire 4 mountains whose altitudes are over 8,000 meters (26,246 feet). These 4 giants are the Cho Oyu (8,201 meters or 26,906 feet), Lhotse (8,516 meters or 27,939 feet), Makalu (8,485 meters or 27,837 feet) and Shishapangma (8,012 meters, 26,286 feet).

You will pass by the Lake Pekhutso on your way to Saga Town, where you will stay overnight . The lake offers you the best angle to admire the Mountain Shishapangma, the only over-8,000-meter-high mountain completely located entirely within Tibet. Besides the mountain, the fishin the lake and the wild horses, donkeys and Tibetan antelopes will also catch your eye.

Accommodation:Saga Hotel or Similar (Twin Sharing)

Day7  Drive from Saga to Lake Manasarovar to Darchen

Today is for transportation. You will be transported from Saga to Darchen to prepare for the Mount Kailash Trek. During the trip, you will see endless grassland and wild animals . En-Route, you will stop for a rest at the old Drongpa Town. The monastery there is also worth a visit.

Continuing the drive after your break in Drongpa, you will reach the Lake Manasarovar. As one of the 3 sacred lakes in Tibet, the Manasarovar is a must-visit attraction before you start a Mount Kailash Trek, because praying beside the lake will make you have good luck during one of the toughest treks in the world. Darchen is today’s last stop and the place for you to stay for the night.

Accommodation:Darchen Chongqing hotel or similar

Day8  First Day of Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Trek; Darchen to Dirapuk (15 kilometers or 9.3 miles)

Mount Kailash is considered to be the center of the world by many religions, such as Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism and Bonismo. Kailash means the "Mountain of the Immortals" in Tibetan language. Finishing a Kailash Kora Trek shows people’s respect to the immortals.

Today you will start the first section of the 52-kilometer-long (32 miles) Mount Kailash Trek. Darchen is the start point. If you don’t want to carry your heavy luggage, some local porters and their yaks and horses are ready to help you (at your own expense). But you have to hike for several hours before meeting the porters. There are also local people who are selling beverages and food along the trek route. The night will be spent in the guesthouse of the Dirapuk Monastery.

Accommodation:Local Guest House (Dorm Bed with humble facility)

Day9  Second Day of Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Trek; Drirapuk to Dzultripuk (24 kilometers or 15 miles)

Both today’s scenery and trek route will drive you crazy. The length for today’s trek is 24 kilometers, so you have to start before the sunrise. You will reach a celestial funeral platform after 4 kilometers’ (2.5 miles) hiking. In Tibetan people’s minds, a celestial funeral is an honorable ceremony. After another 4 kilometers, the Dolma-La Pass will be right in front of you. Take a rest and admire the unique scenery around you - you will find all your effort so far is worthwhile. You will have a rest at a supply point before finishing today’s trek at the Dzultripuk Monastery, which means "Miraculous Cave of the Milarepa".

Did you know?

The Tibetan people usually do one form of worship by lying prone on the ground for every 3 steps they walk during a Mount Kailash Kora. They believe if they don’t do it, the Buddha will not bless them. When you are about to give up, just look to them for encouragement.

Accommodation:Local Guest House (Dorm Bed with humble facility)

Day10  Mt. Kailash Trek Day Three – Dzultripuk – Tsada

Today we will complete our trek around Mt. Kailash, beginning by visiting the many caves, temples and shrines that have been built upon around Milarepa’s cave. It is an easy walk back towards Darchen, taking only about 3 hours of trekking to reach the end of the valley where our driver will meet us to take us for a drive to Tsada.

Accommodation:Tsada dianxin hotel or similar

Day11  Tsada Clay Forest and Guge Kingdom Ruins Day Tour

Around 1 million years ago, the Tsada area was occupied by a huge lake, which covered an area of 500 square kilometers (123,552 acres). With the rise of the Himalaya Mountain Range, the lake plate also roseand finally the lake dried up. The Clay Forest formed gradually due to wind erosion. Nowadays, the countless peaks of the Clay Forest located on the banks of the Elephant Spring River look like strong body guards for the beautiful river.

Built in the 10th century AD and reaching its heyday around 15th century, the ancient Guge Kingdom disappeared almost overnight in the 17th century. Around 1985, geologists discovered the ruins of the ancient kingdom. Around 600 houses, towers, pagodas, storehouses, tombs and countless frescos and sculptures have been unearthed for exhibition.

Accommodation:Tsada dianxin hotel or similar

Day12  Tsada - Saga

Today we will drive through the windswept territory of rural Tibet, passing through numerous small villages as well as camps of yak and sheepherders on our way back to Saga. With all of the beautiful scenery surrounding us, we will have plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos if you like.

Accommodation:Saga Hotel or similar

Day13  Saga – Shigatse (500 kilometers, 7-hour drive time)

More spectacular scenery awaits us as we continue on our leisurely drive back to Shigatse where we will spend the night.

Accommodation:Shigatse Gesar Hotel or similar

Day14  Shigatse - Tashilunpo Monastery – Lhasa

We will get an early start today to visit the Tashilunpo Monastery, which was founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama. After visiting this ancient monastery, one of the most important sites in Tibetan Buddhism, then we will head back to Lhasa.

Accommodation:Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa or Himalaya Lhasa Hotel

Day15  Transfer to Lhasa Airport – Depart Lhasa

Your day will be free until we pick you up to take you on the 30-minute drive to the Lhasa airport for your departing flight.

Accommodation:None

Departure Date& Price

April 2021
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    $1773
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May 2021
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June 2021
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    $1972
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July 2021
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August 2021
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September 2021
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October 2021
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What's Included

All necessary Tibet Travel Permit. (Including Tibet Entry Permit, Alien Travel Permit, border Pass
Private professional English-Speaking tour guide
All Entrance tickets to the sightseeing places listed
Licensed Vehicle with experienced driver
Airport (or train)pick up and drop off
Accommodation listed in the itinerary
Breakfast provided by the hotel
Tourists Accident/Casualty Insurance
A container of Oxygen for emergency use
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Lodging and meal allowance to the guide & driver
Reservation fee for visiting Potala Palace
2 bottles of drinking water per person per day
One Welcome dinner in Lhasa
Meals not specified in the itinerary (All lunches & dinners)
Places not listed in the itinerary
Flight/Train tickets in and out of Tibet
Personal expenses such as laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, optional tour activities, etc.
Any losses incurred from the force majeure factor like government control, natural disaster etc.
Tips to the guide & driver ( Tips is not required but expected)
Single room supplement

Additional Info

Alterations of Itineraries

The travel date, service items, itinerary and number of visitors, visitors’ ID information, etc. can be modified free of charge 30 days or more before the trip. If the visitor needs to make a second modification, an additional service fee of 5% of the deposit will be charged. Every time the content of the travel contract is modified, the company reserves the right to re-quote.

Cancellation Policy

Once the deposit is paid, your trip is confirmed. If you need to change or cancel your itinerary, please contact your travel consultant by email, phone, instant messenger, etc. There will be a charge for Cancellation or modification. The policy is as follows:

1. Notice of trip cancellation due to personal reasons before the trip starts
Cancellation 30 days or more before the trip starts, 10% penalty of the deposit.
Cancellation 29-15 days before the trip starts, 20% penalty of the deposit.
Cancellation 14-7 days before the trip starts, 30% penalty of the deposit.
Cancellation 6-2 days before the trip starts, 50% penalty of the deposit.
Cancellation within 48 hours prior to the trip starts, no refund of your deposit.

2. Trip cancellation due to irresistible factors before the trip starts

If you have to cancel the itinerary due to irresistible reasons such as traffic, weather, politics, etc., the deposit will be fully refunded by the company (for loss related to air ticket/train ticket, please take reference of the first item).

Reviews

 Travelprofi0
Travel Date:September 5, 2019

We are thankful so much again to our agency Asia Odyssey Travel and my dear Amy for the wonderful arrangement and make my trip to Mt Kailash trip possible, really apperiated! We did Kora around Mt.Kailash for 3 days in August as I had been looking forward this trip for quite a long time, even the second day of Kora are hardest to all of us because part of the roads are covered by snowing with long-distance walking and quite high altitude too, so we spent a lot of physical strength on this but it’s totally worth because the views along the way are very incredible, I think we may not have much chance or time to go there again.

Anyway, I really miss Tibet also my dear, hope we will come and see you one day again, many thanks again for all of your help!!!

 Logen143
Travel Date:May 27, 2019

Amy local agent have done great job in arrange the 15days tour. She is always ready to answer any queries and keep checking on us during the trip. Our guide Ngawang local Tibet guy was excellent in guide and take care us individually to complete this tour without any problem.with his expertise manage guide us well and very accommodating for all our needs.

For first time traveler to TIbet, please clear all your doubts and explain well your expectations on food and accommodation so Amy will able arrange it accordingly. Overall it was pleasant trip.Thanks to Amy and Ngawang

 Chrisz
Travel Date:Sep. 21st 2018

It was the first time we went to Tibet. Too much things we need to arrange, itinerary, travel date, tickets, permit…We were lucky to have had Kay handle our plan. She was professional, efficient and dealt everything in order. Our trip went smoothly as planned. We visited Lhasa, yamdroke lake, Everest, the beauty of Tibet was beyond my expectation except the altitude sickness.

 Ramachandran
Travel Date:Sep. 22nd 2018

We definitely recommend to book a Tibet trip through Tibet Odyssey! We had a great trip in June,exploring beautiful lakes and Mt. Everest base camp. Our guide was super patient.

 Pol
Travel Date:May 06th 2018

Highly recommend the tour. We visited Tibet and had Lomsang as our guide. This was one of the most special trips I had taken in my life. Our guide told us the culture of the Tibetan people, we met with breathtaking sceneries. Our guide was adept with great driving skills. We felt safe sitting in the vehicle. Lomsang was one of the best guide we have ever had. he was extremely organized, patient, and attentive to the group. I was so impressed with his capabilities. Overall, excellent service and excellent experience.

 Teoh chin kok
Travel Date:June 15th 2018

With the accompaniment of our experienced driver and guide-Lomsang. I forgot the name of our driver. Terribly sorry. He did a great job. Our guide is fluent in English, we had no problem in communicating. He made us laugh during the long drive and took care of my daughter. We had altitude sickness when we were at the tent of Everest Base Camp, he didn’t sleep well also in order to look after us. He also explained tibetan culture clearly which I find it pretty interesting. We would like to thank him for making our trip in tibet extraordinary. We were lucky to book a tour with Tibet odyssey tours.