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12-day Kailash Expedition: Tibet’s Spiritual Heart
Trip Introduction
🗓️ duraTION: 12 days / 11 NIGHTS may - october
🌎 China: Lhasa-Shigatze-EBC-Darchen-Mt.Kailash-Lake Manasarovar-Payang-Saga-Shigatse
Embark on a 12-day expedition across Tibet’s spiritual and natural wonders. Begin in Lhasa, exploring its timeless monasteries and the majestic Potala Palace before journeying through the vast Tibetan Plateau toward Everest Base Camp. Continue to the sacred Mount Kailash, a revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus alike, and the tranquil Lake Manasarovar. Experience breathtaking highland landscapes, ancient culture, and moments of deep serenity.
This unforgettable journey combines adventure, spirituality, and awe-inspiring Himalayan beauty — a true expedition into the heart of Tibet.
Trip code: CBT251202
Itinerary
🥢 Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa (3650m)
Lhasa arrival. Meet and transfer to your hotel.Rest and acclimatize to the high altitude.Accommodation: Yak hotel or similar in Lhasa
Day 2: Lhasa Half-Day City Tour (B)
Morning rest for acclimatization.Afternoon visit to Norbulingka Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site, former summer residence of the Dalai Lama) and Sera Monastery (observe lively Monk Debates at 15:30–17:00, Mon–Sat).
Accommodation: Yak hotel or similar in Lhasa
Day 3: Lhasa City Tour (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
Explore Lhasa's iconic sites including the majestic Potala Palace, sacred Jokhang Temple, and bustling Barkhor Street—a perfect blend of spiritual heritage and local culture.Accommodation: Yak hotel or similar in Lhasa
Day 4: Lhasa – Shigatse (3,840m) | 360 km (B)
Breakfast and check out. Drive through the scenic southern route to Shigatse. En route, visit Yamdrok Tso (4,441m) — one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes — famed for its turquoise waters framed by snow-capped peaks. Pass the Karuola Glacier before arriving in Shigatse by late afternoon.Accommodation: Gesar Hotel or similar in Shigatse
Day 5: Shigatse – Everest Base Camp (5,200m) | 333 km (B)
Breakfast and check out. Journey toward the Himalayas, crossing several high mountain passes over 5,000 meters. Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Everest before arriving at Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery. Witness an unforgettable sunset and starry sky over Everest.Accommodation: Rongbuk Monastery guest house with private bathroom
Day 6: Everest – Saga | 300 km (B)
Breakfast and check out.Travel along the Gyirong Valley, visiting Xixiabangma Peak and the serene Peiku Tso Lake — both offering breathtaking Himalayan vistas.Accommodation: Xinji Hotel or Champions Boutique Hotel in Saga
Day 7: Saga – Darchen (4,575m) | 322 km (B)
Breakfast and check out.Drive across vast highland landscapes via Payang sand dunes and the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra River, arriving in Darchen, the base town for Mount Kailash pilgrims.Accommodation: Gangrenboqi View Hotel in Darchen
Day 8: Darchen – Dirapuk Monastery (5,080m) (B)
Breakfast and check out.Begin the Mount Kailash Kora (52 km) — Tibet’s holiest pilgrimage circuit. Trek gently alongside Tibetan and Indian pilgrims, passing mani stones, stupas, and prayer-flag sites. The day’s 20 km trek (6–8 hours) leads to Dirapuk Monastery, offering close-up views of Kailash’s north face. (Horse or yak rental available for luggage support.)
Accommodation: guest house in Dirapuk Monastery area
Day 09: Dirapuk – Zutulphuk Monastery (4,835m) (B)
Breakfast and check out.The most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. Ascend to the Drölma Pass (5,600m), adorned with countless prayer flags — the highest point of the pilgrimage. Descend past Thuji Zimbo Lake (Gauri Kund) before reaching Zutulphuk Monastery for the night. Approx. 20 km, 8–10 hours.
Accommodation: guest house in Zutulphuk Monastery area
Day 10: Zutulphuk – Darchen – Payang (B)
Breakfast and check outComplete the final 6 km of the Kailash circuit before driving to visit the holy Lake Manasarovar and nearby Rakshas Tal. Continue to Payang in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Zhongba Tiansheng, Payang
Day 11: Payang – Saga | ~250 km, 5–6 hrs (b)
Breakfast and check out.Travel across the Mayum La Pass (5,211m) with sweeping views of snow-capped peaks. Revisit Lake Manasarovar’s serene beauty before returning to Saga for rest and acclimatization.
Accommodation: Xinji Hotel or Champions Boutique Hotel in Saga
Day 12: Saga – Shigatse | ~450 km, 8 hrs (B)
Breakfast and check out.Drive back through Tibet’s expansive landscapes to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city and home of the Tashilhunpo Monastery, concluding your high-altitude adventure.
Trip ends!
tour details
tour Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Size of group
Daily departure, min. 2 (guaranteed)
accommodation
- 11 nights including daily hotel breakfast
- All lodgings are selected for their safety, comfort, and proximity to our route to ensure optimal recovery.
- Lunches and dinners are not included to allow for flexibility; your guides will recommend local options en route.
Internal transport
- Transfers: All airport and train station to hotel round-trip transfers by private vehicle.
- EBC entry fee for guide and car.
- EBC eco bus fee
sightseeing
- All mentioned tours, excursions
- Includes: All first-entry admission tickets to sights.
- Tibet Entry Permit and application
- Guide Service: Professional local English-speaking guide service in each city.
TRAVEL MOMENTS
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General Information
Altitude Preparation is Essential
This journey reaches elevations above 5,000 meters, including Everest Base Camp and the Mount Kailash region. Travelers should be in good physical condition and allow time for gradual acclimatization. We recommend consulting your doctor about high-altitude travel and bringing any necessary medication to prevent altitude sickness.
Permits and Logistics
Refers specifically to the official authorizations required to enter and travel in Tibet (e.g., Tibet Travel Permit, Alien Travel Permit, Military Permit for restricted areas, etc.). These are mandatory for all foreign travelers and usually arranged by your tour operator.
Major Cultural and Climatic Contrasts
This expedition crosses regions of striking diversity — from the historic monasteries of Lhasa to the remote highlands of western Tibet. Expect significant variations in altitude, temperature, and local customs. Warm days, cold nights, and a mix of traditional Tibetan and nomadic cultures make this journey both challenging and deeply rewarding.
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