Trip Highlights

• Scenic Flight from Kathmandu: Embark on a breathtaking aerial journey from Kathmandu, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas en route to Lhasa.
• Cultural Exploration in Lhasa: Immerse yourself in the rich Tibetan culture with visits to iconic landmarks like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street.
• Spiritual Pilgrimage to Kailash:Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Mount Kailash, considered sacred by multiple religions, with opportunities for trekking and spiritual reflection.
• Drive-out through Kerung: Conclude your adventure with a scenic road trip, driving out from Kerung, soaking in the diverse landscapes and local charm along the way.

Trip Grade - Challenging

Trip Summary

• Day 1 :Arrive in Kathmandu
• Day 2 :Visa Preparation
• Day 3 :Guided Tours & Preparation
• Day 4 :Fly Kathmandu to Lhasa (3,700 m; 1.5 hrs)
• Day 5 :Lhasa city tour: Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple & Barkhor
• Day 6 :Lhasa city tour: Deprung and Sera Monasteries and Norbulingka
• Day 7 :Drive via Yamdrok Tso to Gyantse (3,977 m; 267 km; 8 hrs)
• Day 8 :Early morning drive to Shigatse (3,900 m; 93 km; 3 hrs)
• Day 9 :Drive from Shigatse to Saga (4,640 m; 495 km; 8 hrs)
• Day 10 :Drive from Saga to Mansarovar Lake (4,500 m; 560 km; 8 hrs)
• Day 11 :Afternoon drive to Darchen (4,560 m; 35 km; 45 min)
• Day 12 :Drive from Mansarovar Lake to Yamadwar (4,724 m; 5 km; 15 min) and trek to Dirapuk (4,890 m; 15 km; 5-6 hrs).
• Day 13 :Trek from Dirapuk to Zuthulphuk (4,790 m; 22 km; 7-8 hrs) via Dolma La Pass (5,630 m)
• Day 14 :Trek back to Darchen (4,560 m; 14 km, 4-5 hrs) and drive to Saga
• Day 15 :Drive from Saga to Kerung (200 km; 7-8 hrs)
• Day 16 :Drive from Kerung to Kathmandu via Nuwakot (175 km; 9 hrs)
• Day 17 :End of Trip

Daily Movements

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Our representative will pick you up at Kathmandu International Airport and drive you to your hotel. Depending upon what time you arrive, you can enjoy a full day at leisure and go on a welcome dinner with the KEEP WALKING FAMILY.

Once you exit the airport terminal, look for the KEEP WALKING NEPAL (KWN) board behind the railing.

Overnight at Hotel

 

Day 2: Visa Preparation

For all Tibet programs, you will visit the China Visa Application Service Center in Kathmandu for  biometric information. We will brief you on the visa application and arrange the logistics.

Overnight at Hotel (B)

 

Day 3: Guided Tours & Preparation

Today you will venture on a guided walking tour of two UNESCO world heritage sites; the  Swayambhunath stupa, a.k.a the monkey temple, and the Kathmandu Durbar Square, locally known as Basantapur.

The Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the oldest in Nepal, and the stupa complex encompasses numerous shrines and monasteries. Basantapur is within walking distance from Swayambhunath  Stupa and houses numerous temples, the house of the living goddess, Kumari, Hanumandhoka Palace Museum, Tribhuvan Museum and many more attractions.

In the late afternoon/early evening, a KWN representative will brief you about the Tibet tour, preparation requirements and dos and don’ts.

Overnight at Hotel (B)

 

Day 4: Fly Kathmandu to Lhasa (3,700 m; 1.5 hrs)

You will start your Tibet tour with a mesmerising flight over the Himalayas to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Throughout the flight, you’ll witness the awe-inspiring vistas of snow-capped peaks like Mount Everest, lush valleys, and meandering rivers.

Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, you will drive to Lhasa through the Tibetan Plateau while soaking in stunning views of golden plains, rolling hills, and glimpses of Tibetan culture.

Overnight at Hotel Shangri La or similar at Lhasa (B, L, D)

 

Day 5: Lhasa city tour: Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple & Barkhor

Today, you start your Lhasa city tour. First, you will visit the world-famous Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai lama, a majestic and renowned beauty. Afterwards, explore the revered Jokhang Temple and immerse in its sacred ambience. Built-in the 7th century, the temple houses the statue of
Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve.

Finally, you end the day with a visit to the vibrant Barkhor Street and its old market to absorb the rich tapestry of Tibetan culture.

Overnight at Hotel Shangri La or similar at Lhasa (B, L, D)

 

Day 6: Lhasa city tour: Deprung and Sera Monasteries and Norbulingka

In the morning, you will visit the renowned Deprung and Sera Monasteries, both reverend Buddhist places. Observe the meditative rites, listen to the resonant chants, and take in the serene atmosphere.

Afterwards, you will visit the stunning Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama’s summer home. It has a vast garden decorated with colourful flowers and old trees and is famed for its tranquil splendour. As you explore the rich history and spirituality that pervade these hallowed locations, take in the beautiful Tibetan architecture; you’re about to have a transformative experience.

Overnight at Hotel Shangri La or similar at Lhasa (B, L, D)

 

Day 7: Drive via Yamdrok Tso to Gyantse (3,977 m; 267 km; 8 hrs)

Bidding farewell to Lhasa, you will continue your Tibet tour with an awe-inspiring drive to Gyantse via the enchanting Yamdrok Tso Lake and marvel at the turquoise waters and majestic snow-capped peaks as you wind through the captivating landscapes; rolling hills, vast plains, and charming Tibetan villages.

At Gyantse, the key attractions are the Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum and the Far view of Gyangtse Fortress.

Overnight at Hotel Gyantse or similar in Gyantse (B, L, D)

 

Day 8: Early morning drive to Shigatse (3,900 m; 93 km; 3 hrs)

Continuing on your Kailash journey, you will drive from Gyantse to Shigatse – a scenic delight, offering fascinating landscapes of rolling hills and Tibetan villages. Once in Shigatse, you will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery – the home of Panchen Lama, with its magnificent architecture and rich history.

Overnight at Hotel Gesar or similar in Shigatse (B, L, D)

 

Day 9: Drive from Shigatse to Saga (4,640 m; 495 km; 8 hrs)

You will start early and venture on a scenic journey through the breathtaking Tibetan plains, heading towards Saga County, also affectionately known as ‘The Lovely Place’ or ‘Happy Land.’

Saga is a significant stop on this route as it lies at the convergence of three vital roads: Lhasa from the East, Kerung from the South, and Mount Kailash from the West. You will also join the regular Kailash route and meet the rest of the Nepalese Kitchen crew.

Overnight at Grand Hotel of Western Post at Saga (B, L, D)

 

Day 10: Drive from Saga to Mansarovar Lake (4,500 m; 560 km; 8 hrs)

Today holds immense importance as you journey towards Lake Manasarovar; one of the holiest and highest spiritual lakes. The day begins early to cover the long distance but is comfortable and scenic, with short halts in between for permit checks.

About 3 hours into the drive arrive at Old Dzongba, an ancient habitat of Tibet herders. Further on arrive at Paryang, a small town in front of a wide-open pasture facing the Himalayas.

At Lake Manasarovar, you can pray and marvel at the beauty of Mt. Kailash if the weather is clear.

Overnight stay at Mansarovar Guest House (B, L, D)

 

Day 11: Afternoon drive to Darchen (4,560 m; 35 km; 45 min)

You will spend the morning leisurely at Manasarovar Lake, opting for puja, meditation, bath, etc. Afterwards, visit the Visit Chiu Gompa and then drive to Darchen at the base of Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation).

Overnight at Himalaya Kailash Hotel or similar at Darchen (B, L, D)

 

Day 12: Drive from Mansarovar Lake to Yamadwar (4,724 m; 5 km; 15 min) and trek to Dirapuk (4,890 m; 15 km; 5-6 hrs).

Finally, your Kailash Parikrama starts today, You will begin with a short drive to Tarboche and then pass through Yama Dwar (gateway of the God of Death) to start the trek. The trail only slightly undulates, but the altitude can be challenging. Alternatively, you can hire a horse and porter at Tarboche (not included in the cost).

The hike is beautiful as you pass through the Lachu Valley and cross rivers to finally arrive at  Dirapuk. In the evening, you can visit the Dirapuk monastery.

Overnight at Shishapangma Guesthouse (B, L, D)

 

Day 13: Trek from Dirapuk to Zuthulphuk (4,790 m; 22 km; 7-8 hrs) via Dolma La Pass (5,630 m)

You will start early today to cross the Dolma La Pass (5630m), the highest pass point on the Kora. Since it’s a fairly long day of hiking above 4,500m, it can be quite challenging. An hour into ascending you will arrive at Shiva-sthal, a place of religious significance to Tibetans where they offer clothing or hair or some drops of blood, and lie down to enact death.

Once across the pass, you will steeply descend to Gauri Kund and follow the river to Zuthulpuk, hopefully by mid to late afternoon in time to visit the Zuthulphuk monastery.

Overnight at Zuthulphuk Guesthouse (B, L, D)

 

Day 14: Trek back to Darchen (4,560 m; 14 km, 4-5 hrs) and drive to Saga

The last day of the Parikrama, you will trek for about 2-3 hrs to Zhongguo, and then drive back to Saga where your Parikrama ends.

Overnight at Grand Hotel of Western Post at Saga (B, L, D)

 

Day 15: Drive from Saga to Kerung (200 km; 7-8 hrs)

Bidding farewell to Saga, you will drive across the Brahmaputra river and through the barren plains of Tingri. As you leave the Tibetan plateaus you will progress towards the lush and beautiful Kyirong valley.

Overnight at Hotel Tibet at Kerung (B, L, D)

 

Day 16: Drive from Kerung to Kathmandu via Nuwakot (175 km; 9 hrs)

This is your last day in Tibet. You will drive towards the friendship bridge on winding downhill roads with fantastic views of beautiful waterfalls to the Bhotekoshi River which separates Tibet from Nepal.

After the border crossing formalities on the Tibet and Nepal side, you will drive through diverse landscapes, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. As you depart Kerung, you’ll traverse rugged terrains on narrow roads etched on the side of mountains.

The road leads through Rasuwa, where lush greenery and terraced fields create a picturesque scene. Continuing the descent, you’ll pass through Nuwakot, known for its ancient architecture and historical significance. The route offers glimpses of traditional Nepali villages, winding rivers, and eventually brings you to the vibrant city of Kathmandu, completing a memorable and scenic cross-country adventure.

Overnight at Hotel (B, L)

 

Day 17: End of Trip

A Keep Walking Nepal representative will drive you to the Kathmandu International Airport at an appropriate time for your flight back home.

(B)

Cost Includes:

Cost Excludes: