Trekking Tour Around Kailash

This journey is of adventure and only succeeds with your understanding, patience, and flexibility for the possible delays and program changes, and imponderable situations.

It requires the participants to possess of community and cooperative spirit, and be ready to face the simple conditions.

Despite careful planning, the program might be changed sometimes at short notice, which may result in possible program modifications and loss of sightseeing. It is, of course, the goal of you and our agency to accomplish all points of the program. Besides, we point out expressly that you are responsible on your own for the possible danger in the journey.

By a 4WD vehicle from central Tibet to Kailash in western Tibet

Visit Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse

Walking by the holy lake Manasarovar

3-day trek around Kailash

DETAIL ITINERARY:

Day 01: Arrive in Lhasa

Today, arrive in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and transfer to the hotel. Stay at the hotel to adapt to the high altitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days and try to drink some water. Overnight at 3*Thangka Hotel

Day 02: Lhasa BL

In the morning, visit Potala, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures, and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor.

In the afternoon, visit Jokhang monastery, the center of Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers, where thousands of pilgrims come for worship every day. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties. Overnight at 3*Thangka Hotel

Day 03: Lhasa BL

In the morning, visit Drepung monastery, the sacred land of the Gelug Sect, which was established in 1416 and the second, third, and fourth Dalai Lamas once resided. Afterwards, visit Norbulinka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas.

In the afternoon, visit Sera monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As roses are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild roses”. Today, still 200 Lamas live there. The "Buddhism Scriptures Debate" in Sera is very famous. Overnight at 3*Thangka Hotel.

Day 04: Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse BLD

In the morning, drive to Gyantse along the Kyichu River. On the Kamba La (4.796 m), have a fantastic view of the holy lake of Yamdrok Yumtso (4441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of waterfowl in south Tibet.

On one of the peninsulas of the spear-shaped lake lies the holy Mt. Donang Sangwari (5,340m), and the snow peaks of Nojin Gangzang (7,191m) and Jangzang Lhomo rise in the distance. The lake and the Yarlungtsangpo River (3570) are separated by a mountain, and the shortest distance between them is only 6 kilometers.

The 800 m-high difference contributes a rich water resource to this region. Many Tibetans believe that the life of Tibet will no longer continue when the lake dries up. Pass by the 5.010 m high Karo La and the Simi La to Gyantse (approx. 3.900 m).

In the afternoon visit Pelkor Chode Monastery as well as the splendid Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) nearby, both of them built in the15th century and situated in the northwestern edge of Gyantse. This typical Tibetan Buddhist monastery is the only large building complex in Tibet where old monasteries and stupas are completely preserved and characterized as a monument.

It is recorded that 14,000 kilograms of copper were used to make the 8-meter-high sitting statue of Sakyamuni Buddha housed in the grand hall of the temple. The 8-storey stupa is 42m high and 62m in diameter contains a total of 76 chapels with wonderful murals revered by art scholars around the world.

In the afternoon, drive about 90 kilometers to Shigatse (3880m), the second largest city with 40,000 inhabitants in Tibet and the traditional capital of the Tsang. Overnight at the 3* Manasarovar Hotel

Day 05-07: Shigatse – Lhatse – Saga – Paryang BLD

In the morning, visit Tashilunpo monastery of the Gelug Sect, the seat of the Panchen Lama, built in 1447 and one of the six grand monasteries in Tibet. The monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the biggest gilded statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future) in China, and a tomb of the 4th Panchen Lama containing masses of jewels and gold.

In Tibetan Buddhism, the Panchen Lama is just the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha. Today, 600 monks live in the monastery. After the visit, drive along the south route to enjoy the wonderful landscapes on the way. In the south, the snowy, magnificent Himalayas rise, and in the north, the summits of the Trans Himalaya. We may see Kiangs and Antelopes running on this highland.

The first day we reach Lhatse, the second day Saga, and the third day Paryang. Overnight in 2*Shanghai Hotel in Lhatse, in a simple guesthouse in Saga, and in Paryang.

Day 08: Paryang – Manasarovar Lake BLD

Drive to the holy lake Manasarovar. The freshwater lake is 4,588 meters high above sea level and covers an area of 330 square kilometers.

The depth of the lake is 81.8 meters. The lake is situated between two snow-covered mountain ranges, is extremely beautiful.

It is an important part for the Tibetan pilgrims to circumambulate and take a bath in the lake. Overnight in a tent near the Chiu Gompa on the north bank of the Lake. The small monastery Chiu Gompa, standing on a rock, offers a splendid view over the lake. Walking along the holy lake. Overnight in a tent or a simple guesthouse.

Day 09: Manasarovar Lake – Darchen BLD

In the morning, walking and sightseeing by the holy lake Manasarovar. In the afternoon, drive to Darchen (4800 m), which is 6 km to the north of the main street. Here we prepare for the Kailash orbiting. The Kailash is a holy place for four religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. It should be the holiest place in the world. Overnight at a simple guesthouse or in a tent.

Day 10-12: Trekking around Kailash, drive to Paryang BLD

Trekking begins with the company of carriers and yaks. On the first two days, we covered about 20 kilometers per day, and on the third day, only 8 kilometers.

Passing by numerous stupas and mani stones, we walk into the broad valley to the west of the mountain. Together with Tibetans and Indian pilgrims, we pass by the famous prayer flags at the “foot casting Buddhas” and at the former meditation caves.

After about 7 hours of trekking, we reach the first mani stone piles at an altitude of 5,100 m. The second day is the most important stage, as we will reach the holiest place, the 5,600-meter Doelma La Pass.

On the pass, there are many prayer flags. The Kailash is a holy place for four religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon.

It should be the holy place in the world. The Hindus believe that on the mountain, the divinity Shiva lives with his wife Parvati; the Tibetan Buddhist believers believe that the divinity Demchog lives here. To walk around the Kailash is not only to release the sins, but also good for the reincarnation. From the big mani stone piles, we need to trek 3-4 hours to the Doelma La pass.

After the pass, we come over the Thuji Zimbo Lake, which is called Gauri-Kund by the Hindus and regarded as a holy place for them. Trek down the slightly steep but good path.

Altogether, we need about 10 hours on the way. On the third day, we pass by many mani stones, which are usually marked with pictures or characters. Early in the afternoon, we reach Darchen. Drive back to Paryang. Overnight in a simple guesthouse

Day 13: Paryang – Saga – Lhatse BLD

Drive back on the same way to Lhatse. Overnight at 2*Shanghai Hotel

Day 14: Lhatse - Shigatse – Lhasa BL

In the morning, continue to drive back to Lhasa. Overnight at 3*Thangka Hotel

Day 15: Leave Tibet B

Transfer to the airport or the railway station, and leave Tibet.