Lhasa with Mansarovar Lake and Kailash Kora  - 13 Days

We arrive in Lhasa either from a direct flight from Nepal or via mainland China. If we decide to fly from Nepal, then we get to enjoy a beautiful hour-long trans-Himalayan flight that takes us over Everest (8,848m), Kanchenjunga (8,536m) and other Himalayan peaks and glaciers. If we choose to go to Lhasa via mainland China, we may fly from any of the major Chinese cities or take the world’s highest train route to Lhasa. Upon our arrival in Lhasa, a representative from Himalayan Glacier will pick us up either from the airport or the train station for about an hour’s drive to our designated hotel in Lhasa.  We are advised to take plenty of rest for the remainder of the day in order to minimize altitude sickness. Overnight in Lhasa.

We begin sightseeing in Lhasa after breakfast. Today is the day we visit the beautiful Potala and Norbulingka Palaces. Built in the 17^th century, Potala Palace provides amazing views of the entire city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Norbulingka Palace is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and houses what is considered to be the largest man-made garden in Tibet. Next, we visit the Tibet Traditional Hospital which is the center for the treatment, training, research and production of Tibetan medicine. Overnight in Lhasa.

After breakfast we visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar. Drepung Monastery, which was built in the 14th century, is believed to have sheltered around 10,000 monks in the past but as of now there has been quite a declination resulting in only a few hundred. The history, culture, and religious beliefs of the Tibetan people are strongly concentrated and centered in this marvelous monastery. Sera Monastery is a preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep-seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. We further stroll through Barkhor Bazaar (market). With its open air stalls, shops and crowd of pilgrims, it is the nerve centre of Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.

After breakfast, we embark on a pleasant drive to Shigatse, the second biggest city in Tibet via Gyantse. We drive past Khamba La (4,794m) pass and savor the enthralling views of Yomdrok-Tso (Turquoise Lake), one of the Holy Lakes in Tibet and Mt. Nazin Kang Sa (7,252m). Further to the west, we come across another pass, Karo La (5,045m) and take in amazing views of the majestic glaciers. Upon reaching Gyantse, we visit the Khumbum Stupa, Phalkot Monastery and Gyantse Dzong(Fortress), which is one of the best preserved dzongs in Tibet. From Gyantse, we continue to Shigatse enjoying a captivating mountain landscape along the way. Overnight in Shigatse.

After breakfast we travel to Saga via Lhatse and along the Brahmaputra River. We stop for a while at Lhatse which is considered as one of the best counties of Shigatse and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Overnight in Saga.

Early in the morning, after breakfast in Saga, we begin our drive toward the sacred Lake Mansarovar, a holy site of immense significance in the Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Along the way, we travel across the vast Tibetan plateau, taking in the breathtaking landscapes.

Upon reaching Lake Mansarovar, we have time to immerse ourselves in its spiritual energy, offering prayers or simply meditating by its tranquil waters. We spend the night in comfortable accommodation near the lake, surrounded by its peaceful and sacred atmosphere.

We begin the morning with a Havan Puja by the sacred Lake Mansarovar. It is believed that performing the puja with a pure heart at this holy lake brings spiritual purification and immense blessings. After the ceremony, we drive back to Darchen, making a brief stop en route to visit Rakshastal, the “Lake of Demons,” which is known in Tibetan and Hindu traditions as the dark twin of Mansarovar, symbolizing challenges and spiritual cleansing.

Upon reaching Darchen, we begin preparations for the Kailash Kora the next day. As part of the preparation, 3–4 travelers will share one duffle bag to make transport easier during the trek. We spend the night in Darchen, the starting point of the Kailash Kora.

The Kailash Kora is a sacred three-day pilgrimage around Mount Kailash, following an ancient route. The journey begins with a drive to Yam Dwar, “The Gateway of the God of Death,” where pilgrims traditionally offer prayers before starting the trek. From here, we hike for about 4–6 hours to reach Diraphuk. After arriving at Diraphuk, we take a 45-minute walk to Charan Sparsh, which means “touch the feet of Mount Kailash” offering a view of the majestic north face of Mount Kailash. Overnight in Diraphuk.

Today is the second day of our three-day Kora and the most challenging part of our journey. We continue the trek around Mt. Kailash and make our way over the Dolma La pass (5,636m) which is the highest point of the entire Kora.

At the top, there is a Shiva Sthal where pilgrims offer prayers and perform pujas. Shortly after, the trail leads past Gauri Kund, a sacred site associated with Goddess Parvati, where we also stop for prayers and reflection. After crossing the pass, we begin the descent toward Zuthulpuk, which can be demanding due to its steep sections. We spend the night in Zuthulpuk.

On the final day of the Kailash Kora, we cover a 3 hour walk from Zuthulpuk Monastery to our designated pick-up point. After the Kora, we return to Darchen, where participants who did not complete the trek can join the group. From Darchen, we continue our journey with a scenic drive to Saga and spend a restful night there.

From saga we travel to Shigatse via Latse. Our trail will be along the Tsangpo River in a region crisscrossed by the upper Brahmaputra and its tributaries. Upon reaching Shigatse we freshen up and later visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery which was founded by Pachen Lama in 1447. Overnight in Shigatse.

After breakfast, we drive towards Lhasa. On the way, we visit Shalu Monastery. Founded in 1040, Shalu Monastery is known for its beautiful and ancient mural paintings. After the tour we continue to Lhasa. On the way, we come across the Karo La Pass (5,045m). Before reaching Lhasa, we also cross the Khamba La Pass (4,794m) with a brief halt to savor the beauty of the Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake), one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet and the beautiful Nazin Kang Sang glacier (7,252m). Overnight in Lhasa.

Our journey on Tibet also known as the “Roof of the World” ends today. A representative from Himalayan Glacier will take us to the airport or the train station for our next journey.