*** 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: Transfer to Saga [490Km, 4490m]
And with our objectives accomplished, we will return to Saga, heading east through arid landscapes with large sand dunes and wonderful views of the Himalayan mountain range and the Tibetan plateau, where we will spend the night before crossing the Himalayas.
Overnight at Tibet Ngari Hotel 4*
June 16th, 2025.
Day 14: Tibet departure: Saga – Kyirong – Nepal Border [200Km]
Today begins the end of your Tibetan journey through the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and mightiest mountains on earth, out of the barren Tibetan Plateau to the lush foothills of Nepal. We turn South towards the jagged summits of the Langtang Himal. Climate and landscape suddenly change to milder, humid and greener while descending in altitude out of the Roof of the World. Due to the closure of the border crossing on the Friendship Bridge at Zhangmu / Kodari after 2015 Nepal Earthquake, a new border crossing for tourists has been opened at Kyirong connecting Nepal’s Langtang Region with Tibet. Your guide and driver will transfer you to the Nepal Border and assist you during the China Customs Clearance formalities. On Nepali side, you can apply for your Nepal VISA on arrival: 30/50/125USD for a 15/30/90 days VISA (more info at Nepal Immigration website). If you entered Tibet from Nepal, remember to keep one photocopy of your Tibet Group VISA when leaving Tibet. We can provide private transportation and guiding services in Nepal (not included).
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.
Book during year 2024 and we guarantee the lowest tour rates for you.
Saga Dawa is celebrated on June 11th, 2025 at Mt. Kailash. This is a special moment to be there. As we do every year, we are organizing our most special trip for this big celebration, starting on June 3rd. We do Kora during that time because its meaning for us. We celebrate birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha and we all tibetans want to do Kora for a better next life. There will be lots of pilgrims.
This is an original itinerary designed by us after many years of experience and excellence of our guides who have been leading hundreds of our now beloved friends from all over the world. Please, check TripAdvisor, Facebook and Lonely Planet Forum for their reviews.
All participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to Lhasa. We take care of all China-Tibet VISA process if coming from Nepal. The size of the group is between 4-12 people and the kind of transportation varies according to the size of it: minivan or minibus.
Tour price for 4-12 people, 2400USD per person.
– Single room occupancy supplement: 460USD (hotels only).
Rates shown above include all permits, english speaking Tibetan guide, comfortable accommodation, transportation and entrance fees ONLY.
Hotel in Lhasa is Thangka Hotel 4* in Barkhor area; outside Lhasa we selected best accommodation available. ALWAYS in double room sharing basis with bathroom and breakfast, except Mt. Everest, Manasarovar (Mapam Yumtso) lake and during Kailash Kora guesthouses. Single room use in hotels available for additional fee. Please, contact us for further details.
Please, contact us for further details. You can also check our upcoming departures if these dates don’t fit your travel plans. You can also book your space the following year 2026 Saga Dawa Festival at Mt. Kailash.
Saga Dawa Festival day at Tarboche is fixed by our tibetan lunar calendar.
This are the dates for the upcoming years:
Year 2026: Saga Dawa 2026 is celebrated on May 31st. Tour dates: May 21st – June 9th.
Year 2027: Saga Dawa 2027 is celebrated on June 18th. Tour dates: June 8th – 25th.
Year 2028: Saga Dawa 2028 is celebrated on June 7th. Tour dates: May 28th – June 16th.
Price varies according to the number of people in your group, category of hotel, transportation and other services you request. Please contact us with these important details first.
Consulte salidas especiales al Monte Kailash con el único español residente en Tíbet.
All borders are open to international tourists. Please contact us by email to check the latest group availability and any further information during 2024. ➜ Read more