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Arrive in Kathmandu: (Altitude: 1,350 m/4,430 ft)
Arriving in Kathmandu, Nepal, is a common starting point for a Tibet tour due to its proximity and accessibility. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a vibrant city rich in history, culture, and spirituality. Nestled in the Kathmandu Valley, it’s home to ancient temples, bustling markets, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Patan Durbar Square. A melting pot of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the city offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern life, making it a fascinating gateway for travelers en route to Tibet.
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Explore Kathmandu Valley
A day exploring the Kathmandu Valley offers a rich cultural and spiritual experience. You can start your morning at Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), an ancient stupa with sweeping views over the city. Next, visit Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate Newari architecture, temples, and museum. Enjoy a traditional Nepali lunch in one of the nearby heritage cafés. In the afternoon, you can head to Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu site, where cremation rituals take place along the Bagmati River. Then, you can visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest in the world and a center of Tibetan Buddhism. End your day with a quiet walk around the stupa, spinning prayer wheels and soaking in the serene atmosphere as butter lamps light up at dusk.
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Tibet Visa Collection Day (Free day in Kathmandu)
You can keep this day free in Kathmandu and if you want to do sightseeing and travel around, you may consider many activities like Chandragiri Hill by Cable Car, Day Rafting trip to Trishuli River, Hiking, Day trip to Nagarkot and Dhulikhel.
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Fly to Lhasa: (Altitude: 3,656 m/ 11,995 ft | Distance: 604.92 km/ 375.88 miles | Flight duration: 1.5 hours)
Flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa is a popular and scenic way to begin a Tibet tour. The direct flight takes about 1.5 hours and offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest if the weather is clear. Flights land at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, located about 60 km from the city center. Once in Lhasa, you must rest and acclimatize to the high altitude (3,650 meters) before you start sightseeing.
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Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street and Norbulinka Palace in Lhasa
During our Lhasa tour, we can spend a day exploring Lhasa's iconic landmarks. We will visit the Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, offering stunning views and rich history. Next, we will explore the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism, followed by a stroll through Barkhor Street, where you can experience local Tibetan culture and shop for traditional handicrafts. We will finish the day at Norbulingka Palace, the serene summer palace of the Dalai Lama, set in beautiful gardens. This day combines spiritual, cultural, and historical highlights of Lhasa.
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Visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery in Lhasa
On your day visit to Lhasa, we will explore two of the most significant monasteries, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery. We will start with Drepung, once the largest monastery in Tibet, known for its grand architecture and historical importance. Then we will head to Sera Monastery, famous for its lively debates held by monks in the courtyard, offering a unique insight into Tibetan Buddhist learning and practices. These visits provide a deep dive into Tibetan spirituality and monastic life.
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Drive to Shigatse: (Altitude: 3,800 m/ 12,467 ft via Gyantse- 4,000 m / 13,123 ft | Distance: 359.2 km/ 223.19 miles | Drive duration: 6 hrs)
The drive from Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse is a scenic journey, covering around 350 kilometers and taking approximately 6-7 hours. The route offers stunning views of Tibet’s landscapes, passing through high-altitude plateaus, lakes, and mountain ranges. A highlight of the journey is a stop in Gyantse, where you can visit the Pelkor Chode Monastery and the impressive Kumbum Stupa, an architectural marvel with intricate murals and statues. Continuing on to Shigatse, you’ll pass by vast grasslands and traditional Tibetan villages, making this drive both visually captivating and culturally enriching.
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Drive to Chuzong & to Rongbuk Monastery: 5,009 m/16,434 ft | Distance: 332.8 km/ 206 miles | Drive duration: 6hrs)
The drive from Shigatse to Rongbuk Monastery takes about 4.5 to 5 hours, covering approximately 240 kilometers. The route passes through Lhatse and Shelkar, with stunning views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. From Shelkar, it's a 3.5-hour drive to Rongbuk, the highest monastery in the world, located at 5,154 meters. The monastery offers breathtaking views of Everest’s north face and is a highlight for travelers seeking both spiritual and scenic experiences.
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Visit Everest Base Camp: (Altitude: 5,150 m /16,896 ft | Distance: 3.6 km/ 2.2 miles) & Drive to Saga: (Altitude: 4,640 m/15,223 ft | Distance: 495 km/ 307 miles | Drive duration: 8-10 hrs)
After visiting Everest Base Camp from Rongbuk Monastery the drive to Saga is a journey of around 5 to 11 hours, depending on the route. The drive passes through stunning landscapes, including Paiku Tso Lake and Shishapangma Mountain, with breathtaking views from Pang La Pass. The route offers both scenic beauty and a chance to experience Tibetan culture, with Saga serving as a key stop for those heading to Mount Kailash.
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Drive to Mansarobar Lake: (Altitude: 4,590 m/15,059 ft | Distance: 500 km/ 310 miles) and to Darchen: (Altitude: 4,575 m/15,010 ft | Drive duration: 9hrs)
Driving from Saga to Lake Manasarovar and then to Darchen is a scenic and spiritually significant journey through Tibet's high-altitude terrain. The 450 km drive from Saga to Lake Manasarovar typically takes 6 to 8 hours, passing through the Paryang Desert and crossing the Mayumla Pass at 5,211 meters. Upon reaching the lake, travelers often perform rituals and enjoy views of Mount Kailash before continuing to Darchen, a 40 km drive that takes about an hour. Darchen serves as the starting point for the Kailash Kora, the sacred circumambulation of Mount Kailash.
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First Day of Kora, Darchen to Dirapuk: (Altitude: 5,210 m/17,093 ft | Trek duration: 7hrs)
The first day of the Kailash Kora begins with a drive from Darchen to Tarboche (Yam Dwar), approximately 7 km away. From there, the trek to Dirapuk Monastery spans about 21 km and typically takes 5 to 7 hours. The path follows the western slope of Mount Kailash, offering views of its southern face. Pilgrims may choose to hire ponies and porters to assist with the journey. Upon reaching Dirapuk, situated at an altitude of approximately 4,900 meters, you can enjoy a close-up view of Kailash's north face. Accommodation in Dirapuk is basic, often in shared dormitory-style guesthouses. The day concludes with a night spent at Dirapuk Monastery, surrounded by the serene and majestic Himalayan landscape.
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Second Day of Kora, Dirapuk to Zutulpuk: (Altitude: 4,810 m/15,780 ft | Trek duration: 9hrs)
The second day of the Kailash Kora is the most challenging and spiritually significant segment of the pilgrimage. Beginning at Dirapuk Monastery, you embark on an approximately 22 km journey that typically spans 11 to 14 hours. The route ascends to the Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,630 meters, where pilgrims often leave offerings among fluttering prayer flags. The descent from the pass leads to the sacred Gauri Kunda Lake, followed by a rugged path to Zutulpuk Monastery, where you rest for the night. This day demands physical endurance and mental fortitude, but it offers profound spiritual rewards and breathtaking views of Mount Kailash.
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Third Day of Kora, Zutulpuk to Darchen and drive to Lake Mansarobar: (Altitude: 4,590 m/15,059 ft)
The third and final day of the Kailash Kora begins with a relatively easy trek from Zutulpuk Monastery back to Darchen, covering about 8 to 10 km in 3 to 4 hours. The path follows a gently descending valley alongside the Dung Chu River, offering serene landscapes and a chance for quiet reflection. Upon reaching Darchen, pilgrims typically rest briefly before driving to Lake Manasarovar, about 40 km away. The journey ends at this sacred lake, where many take a ritual dip or meditate by its peaceful shores, completing the spiritual circuit of Mount Kailash.
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Drive to Saga: (Altitude: 4,590 m/15,059 ft | Distance: 500 km/ 310 miles | Drive duration: 8-9 hrs)
After completing the Kailash Kora and visiting Lake Manasarovar, the drive back to Saga begins. This return journey is around 450 km and typically takes 8 to 10 hours, depending on road conditions. The route retraces the path through the Tibetan Plateau, passing through rugged terrains, remote villages, and vast open landscapes. As you make your way back to Saga, you cross the Mayumla Pass again and navigate the high-altitude terrain, offering the chance to reflect on the spiritual journey just completed. Saga serves as a stopping point for rest before continuing on to further destinations.
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Drive to Shigatse: (Altitude: 3,800 m/ 12,467 ft)
The drive from Saga to Shigatse is approximately 580 km and takes about 10 to 12 hours. The route follows the G219 highway, passing through towns like Zhongba and Lhatse. The road is mostly paved, but some sections may be rough, so we will be using a four-wheel drive vehicle. The journey offers stunning views of the Tibetan Plateau, and Shigatse provides accommodations and services.
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Drive back to Lhasa: (Altitude: 3,656 m/ 11,995 ft | Drive duration: 5hrs)
Driving from Shigatse to Lhasa covers approximately 355 kilometers and typically takes about 6 to 7 hours, depending on road conditions and stops. The route follows the G318 National Highway, also known as the Friendship Highway, which is paved and in good condition. You can enjoy scenic views of the Tibetan Plateau, including the Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier.
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Fly back to Kathmandu: (Altitude: 1,350 m/4,430 ft | Distance: 604.92 km/ 375.88 miles | Flight duration: 1.5 hours)
At the end of your Lhasa, Everest Base Camp and Kailash Mansarobar tour, fly back to Kathmandu from Lhasa Gonggar Airport. The flight takes about 1.5 hours and offers spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest on clear days.This scenic flight marks the conclusion of your high-altitude adventure across the Tibetan Plateau.
Contact Us
Thado dhunga, Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, Nepal