*** Updated 2024***

June 3rd, 2025.
Day 1: Lhasa arrival [3650m]
Welcome to Lhasa! Your English-speaking Tibetan guide and driver will warmly welcome you and accompany you to your hotel. Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world. We understand that the high altitude of Tibet can be challenging for some, so we recommend taking your time to acclimate. Rest assured, we will provide all the necessary support to ensure your well-being. Remember to drink plenty of water and take a good rest to minimise any altitude sickness symptoms. Get ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Overnight at Thankga Hotel 4*, which is situated just in front of the Jokhang Temple (Barkhor / city centre)

June 4th, 2025.
Day 2: Lhasa sightseeing
At the assigned time, we’ll begin our tour by visiting the iconic Potala Palace. Built in the 17th century by the fifth Dalai Lama, this magnificent palace offers breathtaking views of the entire city and is home to the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms, and chapels. Afterward, we’ll visit the revered Jokhang Temple, founded in the 7th century by Songtsen Gampo, which is considered the most sacred monastery in Tibet. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this magical land: take a stroll through the vibrant Barkhor old quarter and follow pilgrims from all over the Tibetan plateau on a kora around the Jokhang Temple. Kora is a term used in Tibetan Buddhism that refers to the practice of circumambulating around a sacred site, such as a temple, stupa or mountain, as a way of showing devotion and accumulating merit. The practice involves walking clockwise around the site, often while reciting mantras, prayers or other sacred texts. It is also believed to bring good fortune and blessings to those who undertake it.
Overnight at Thangka Hotel 4*

June 5th, 2025.
Day 3: Lhasa sightseeing
Today we’ll visit Drepung and Sera monasteries. After breakfast, we’ll venture to the outskirts of Lhasa to witness the grandeur of the Drepung Monastery, the largest in Tibet, which once housed 7000 monks. Along with the monasteries of Ganden and Sera, Drepung is one of the three great centers of Tibetan Buddhist education in the Gelugpa school, also known as the Yellow Hat Sect. Founded in the 15th century, it was the former residence of the Dalai Lama before the construction of the majestic Potala Palace. In the afternoon, you’ll be mesmerised by the famous debates of the Sera Monastery, where the monks engage with vibrant energy in intellectual discourse and challenge each other’s understanding of Buddhist philosophy. It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience not to be missed!
Overnight at Thangka Hotel 4*

June 6th, 2025.
Day 4: Lhasa – Shigatse [354Km, 3840m]
Let the adventure begin! We’ll hit the road and head West to reach Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet, before dinner time. We’ll start ascending the Kampa-la Pass [4797m], where you’ll witness the stunning Mt. Noijin Kangsang [7206m] and the breathtaking turquoise waters of holy lake Yamdrok-Tso. An unreal sight that will leave you spellbound all along the way to the Karo-la Pass [5050m], where you’ll marvel at the glacier that majestically hugs the roadside. The last stop will be the charming Gyantse town, home to the Kumbum Stupa inside Pelkor Chode Monastery, renowned for its exquisite Tibetan art paintings. From the top of the Kumbum, you’ll also be treated to a magnificent view of the majestic Gyantse Dzong fortress overlooking the valley.
Overnight at Cherry Hotel 4*

June 7th, 2025.
Day 5: Shigatse – Sakya [145Km, 4320m]
As early as possible, we’ll be visiting the Tashilhunpo Monastery, built in the 15th century by the first Dalai Lama and currently the seat of the Panchen Lama. Back to the Friendship Highway, we’ll take you to the stunning Sakya Monastery, the principal seat of the Sakyapa Sect founded in 1073 and one of the four major Schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Its powerful abbots governed Tibet during the whole of the 13th century until they were eclipsed by the rise of the Gelugpa Sect. With its unique Mongolian architecture, this monastery stands out from any other you’ve seen before. The lucky ones may get to witness the sunset from atop the monastery walls, accompanied by the hypnotising sound of the monks playing their dungcheng, a traditional long Tibetan horn. Overnight in Sakya. Important: In case there is any local restriction the day you arrive to Lhasa, we will continue our journey and stay overnight in Lhatse (55Km).
Overnight at Yuan Mansion Hotel 3*

June 8th, 2025.
Day 6: Sakya – Rongbuk (Mt. Everest) [230Km, 5000m]
Another thrilling day! We’ll reach one of the major highlights of our trip, near Mt. Everest North Base Camp [5200m]. The journey to Rongbuk involves crossing the high passes of Gyatso-la [5220m] and Gawu-la [5150m]. Gyatso-la gives the opportunity to view Mt. Everest and the Himalayas for the first time; and from the top of the Gawu-la you’ll enjoy amazing views of several peaks like Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Mount Everest. The Rongbuk Monastery is located at the foot of the Everest, and the highest monastery in the world. You’ll spend the night at the tourist camp site located a few Kilometres from the real EBC used by climbing expeditions, where you’ll have direct views of Mt. Everest (Qomolangma). Since 2018 tourists are not allowed to visit the EBC due to environmental protection and now there is a eco-bus shuttle to access Rongbuk. Overnight at simple guesthouse tent (dorm bed without bathroom).
Overnight at Mt. Everest Tourist Camp Dormitory Tent or Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse

June 9th, 2025.
Day 7: Rongbuk – Saga [300Km, 4490m]
Start your day early to enjoy the sunrise view of Mt. Everest summit [8848m] on the horizon. After breakfast, we will visit Rongbuk Monastery for a final look of the Mt. Everest North Face. Our journey continues as we drive towards the Northwest, crossing high passes with enchanting views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks such as Cho Oyu and Shishapangma, and the wild and stunning Peikutso lake.
Overnight at Northern Holiday Hotel or similar

June 10th, 2025.
Day 8: Saga – Darchen [490Km, 4670m]
Today early morning, we’ll enter the semi-nomadic regions of Tibet’s far west. You will keep your eyes out of the window to see the authentic Tibetan landscapes throughout the long drive, as we traverse through the biggest and highest plateau in the world. Following west the Yarlung Tsampo river, also known as the Brahmaputra in India, we’ll arrive to little town of Darchen, nestled at the foot of Mount Kailash. This is where you’ll prepare yourself for the upcoming trek around the holy mountain.
Overnight at Kailash Castle Hotel or similar

June 11-14th, 2025.
Days 9-12: Mt. Kailash Kora during Saga Dawa Festival [52Km, max. altitude 5630m]
We begin the Pilgrimage Kora of Mount Kailash, the most sacred mountain in Asia. Tibetans and Hindu people from all over the World come here for religious reasons. First we’ll go to an important pilgrimage area called Tarpoche where Saga Dawa Festival is held every year on the 15th day of the 4th month in the Tibetan calendar to celebrate the day Lord Buddha Sakyamuni was born, achieved enlightenment and passed away. Saga Dawa is the most significant festival in Tibet and for this reason we all tibetans are willing to visit Mt. Kailash and complete its kora during this time. Our trekking plan is as follows:

Trek to Dira-Puk Monastery [20Km, 5-6h, 5050m]
Trek to Mt. Kailash North Face [7Km, 3-4h, 5050m].
Trek to Zutul Puk Monastery, [18Km, 6-8h, 4820m]
Trek to Darchen [14Km, 3-4h, 4670m]

Overnight at guesthouses dorm bed without bathroom during trekking (2 nights).
In Darchen, overnight at Kailash Castle Hotel or similar

June 15th, 2025.
Day 13: Darchen – Ali [249Km, 4290m]
Scenic and adventurous journey to the Tibetan Wild West capital city of Ngari, where we will spend the night before our flight back to Lhasa. On the way, we’ll take a short detour to Tirthapuri, a place where pilgrims traditionally bathe in the hot springs after completing the kora of Mt. Kailash.
Overnight at Tibet Ngari Hotel 4*

June 16th, 2025.
Day 14: Ali – Lhasa [2h flight, 1084Km, 3650m]
Today begins the end of your Tibetan journey through the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and greatest mountains on earth. The morning flight from Ngari Gunsa Airport to Lhasa is the most spectacular scenic flight in the Himalayas. You will have privilege views of Mt. Kailash and they Himalayas from the air. From Lhasa Airport, connect with your next destination or flight back home; please let us know, and we will help you with the arrangements. If you prefer to stay in Lhasa longer, just tell us, and we will arrange everything for you.
End of our services.

Early arrival / late departure available: consider extending your trip spending extra days in Lhasa city or surroundings. Like one-two more days visiting holy Namtso lake in North Lhasa (250Km, 4-5 hours drive, one way). Or even take a relaxing day in Lhasa on your own!

Please, contact us for further information about any available extension of your trip.