Tour Summary
This 17-day overland pilgrimage is a profound spiritual and cultural journey across the Tibetan Plateau, combining the sacred Kailash Kora, the holy waters of Lake Manasarovar, and the timeless monastic cities of central Tibet including Lhasa, Shigatse, and Gyantse.
Starting from Kathmandu, you cross into Tibet via the Kyirong border and travel through vast Himalayan landscapes toward the sacred Mount Kailash region. The highlight is the three-day circumambulation (kora) of Mount Kailash, crossing the formidable Drolma-La Pass (5,630m) — the highest point of the entire journey.
After completing the pilgrimage, the journey continues eastward to Lhasa, exploring Tibet’s most revered monasteries and cultural landmarks before returning to Nepal.
Highlights
- Deep spiritual immersion at the sacred Jokhang Temple.
- Visit the iconic Potala Palace, the historic seat of the Dalai Lamas.
- Make a pilgrimage to the turquoise, holy Yamdrok Lake.
- Reach the highest point of the tour at 5,248m (Karo La Pass).
- Receive blessings at the Panchen Lama's seat, Tashilhunpo Monastery.
- Witness the lively, authentic monastic debates at Sera Monastery.
- Experience a moderate Himalayan monastery kora hike at Ganden.
Itinerary
on the 18th day, we return to Bhutan
Your pilgrimage begins with an early morning drive from Kathmandu toward the Nepal–Tibet border. The winding road follows river valleys and mountain slopes until reaching the frontier. After completing immigration formalities, you enter Tibet and continue onward to Kyirong.
Nestled among forested hills, Kyirong offers a gentler introduction to the high plateau. The evening is reserved for rest and acclimatization.
Overnight in Kyirong.
The landscape gradually transforms into vast open plateau as you drive deeper into Tibet. Snow-capped Himalayan peaks rise in the distance while nomadic tents dot the grasslands.
You pass Saga and continue to Drongpa, where altitude becomes more noticeable. Hydration and slow movement are important.
Overnight in Drongpa.
Today is spiritually uplifting. The first glimpse of Lake Manasarovar often brings deep emotion to pilgrims. Its turquoise waters shimmer beneath the vast sky, with Mount Kailash appearing majestically in the background.
Pilgrims traditionally perform rituals, prayers, or quiet meditation along the sacred lakeshore. Afterward, continue to Darchen, the base town of Mount Kailash.
Overnight in Darchen.
The sacred kora begins. Walking alongside fellow pilgrims and yaks carrying supplies, you gradually approach the northern face of Mount Kailash, revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers alike.
The path follows the Lha Chu valley, and the mountain’s north face grows increasingly dramatic as you near Dirapuk Monastery.
Overnight at Dirapuk.
The most demanding and spiritually significant day. You ascend slowly toward Drolma-La Pass (5,630m), symbolizing death and rebirth in Tibetan Buddhism. Colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind.
Below the pass lies the sacred Gauri Kund. The descent is steep and requires careful footing before reaching the gentler valley leading to Zutulpuk Monastery.
Overnight at Zutulpuk.
A short morning walk completes the kora. Returning to Darchen, you drive to Tirthapuri, a sacred site associated with purification rituals and meditation caves.
Overnight at Tirthapuri.
Retracing your route eastward, you journey across sweeping highland plains. Wildlife such as wild donkeys (kiang) and antelopes may be seen.
Overnight in Drongba.
You enter one of Tibet’s major cities, Shigatse — traditional seat of the Panchen Lama.
Overnight in Shigatse.
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery
Before departing Shigatse, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the grand monastery founded in 1447. Then continue by scenic drive to Lhasa.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Visit Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple
Today immerses you in Tibet’s spiritual heart. The Potala Palace, former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, dominates the skyline. Later, visit Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most sacred shrine, and walk the Barkhor circuit among devoted pilgrims.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Visit Drepung Monastery & Sera Monastery
Explore Drepung, once the world’s largest monastery, and Sera Monastery, famous for lively monk debates held in the courtyard.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Visit Samye Monastery
Tibet’s first monastery, built in the 8th century, symbolizes the mandala of the Buddhist universe. The journey involves crossing the Yarlung Tsangpo River.
Overnight in Samye.
Visit meditation caves near Chimpu Monastery before driving to Tsedang, cradle of Tibetan civilization.
Overnight in Tsedang.
Visit Palkhor Monastery
Drive through stunning high passes and turquoise lakes en route to Gyantse. Palkhor Monastery is famous for its unique Kumbum Stupa.
Overnight in Gyantse.
Visit Sakya Monastery
The ancient Sakya Monastery houses remarkable scriptures and murals. Continue toward Tingri, with views of Mount Everest on clear days.
Overnight in Tingri.
Drive back toward the Nepal border through dramatic Himalayan terrain.
Overnight in Kyirong.
After border formalities, return to Kathmandu with memories of a life-changing pilgrimage across the Roof of the World.
We will start our journey from Paro and fly to Nepal.
Includes
- Roundtrip airfare: Paro–Kathmandu–Lhasa–Kathmandu–Paro
- All necessary permits: Tibet Travel Permit & Chinese Group Visa (processed in Kathmandu)
- Accommodation: 3-4 star hotels (twin-sharing) with breakfast
- Transportation: Private, licensed, safe tourist vehicle with an experienced Tibetan driver
- A knowledgeable, licensed Tibetan guide for the entire Tibet leg
- Licensed English-speaking Nepali guide for Kathmandu spiritual tours
- All entrance fees for monasteries and sites listed in the itinerary
- Daily breakfast at all hotels
- A Bhutanese group leader (for guaranteed group departures)
- Luggage transfer and basic portage at airports/hotels
- Government taxes and service charges
Excludes
- Lunch and dinner (all meals except breakfast)
- Travel insurance (mandatory – must cover high-altitude travel up to 5,500m and emergency evacuation)
- Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, phone calls, souvenirs)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
- Emergency evacuation or medical costs
- Porter services for personal trekking gear (if required for the Ganden kora)
