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15 days western Tibet Lhasa to Ngari group tour is one of the popular Tibet pilgrimage tours. Tourists can kora around the holy Mt. Kailash and see the sacred Lake Manasarovar on full moon dates, which brings you ultimate experience. Because there will be three days trek and about 50km, you need a healthy body to join this group.
After arriving at Lhasa, you will have first three days acclimatizing visit in Lhasa allows you to see the Potala Palace, Johkang Temple and other famous places at this holy sunny city. Then, we set out on a thrilling journey across Shigatse via historical Gyantse to EBC. The first part of the adventure overlaps the classic travel route of Lhasa to EBC tour and will leave you in awe with amazing Himalayan mountain ranges. Then we head westward to Darchen via Saga and holy Lake Manasaovar for the long-awaited Mt.Kailash kora. Our Tibetan guide will accompany you to experience the ultimate hoy trek around the sacred Mt.Kailash. Then drive back to Lhasa for departure. On the road, you will not miss Sakya monastery with amazing murals and huge collection of scriptures and statues.
Lhasa to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasaovar small group tour is the western Tibet Pilgrimage tour. If you are pilgrim or prefer trekking, this tour is worthwhile.
You can select 3-star or 4-star hotel option for the tour price while booking, note in some remote are you still have to stay in the guesthouses or local hotels as no more other choices there.
Here is the accommodation information, 6 nights, twin room in 3★/4★; 3 nights, EBC and trekking guestroom; 5 nights, twin room in local hotels.
When you arrive in Lhasa either by train or flight, your guide will greet you and take you to your hotel. Tourists may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/ Bhamaputra river (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and Lhasa river on their way to Lhasa.
After arriving in Lhasa, you can take a rest and get acclimatized to high altitude. If you feel to go out, then you can go to the Potala Square, where you will enjoy the fountain with different colors and get amazing photos of the Potala and around.
Insider Tips:
For the new-comers of Tibet, to get acclimatized to the high altitude in Tibet. Having a good sleep in your hotel is a good option. Don not rush to visit attractions inside Lhasa city.
Stay overnight in Lhasa 3-star hotel
Today's tour will first bring you to the Potala Palace which is the winter palace of the Dalai lama. It was put to use since the 7th Century by the 33rd great king of Tibet. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.
Then after lunch, tourists head to Jokhang Temple which was founded by the 33rd great king of Tibet in the 7th century. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.
Besides, We can taste Tibetan tea with locals in tea house; The welcome dinner will also be arranged accordingly;
Optional:
If time permits, you may go with tour guide to visit Tibetan handicraft art or Tibetan Traditional Medicine center. You can upgrade your service to enjoy Tibetan Culture Show in the evening (fr. 60USD)
In the morning ,you are going to visit Drepung Monastery which is one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet, founded in 1416 by Jamyang choge, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. You can visit biggest monastery kitchen inside the monastery and enjoy Buddhist Sculpture Carving workshop near Drepung.
In the Afternoon, tourists will visit Sera Monastery which is another one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet. The hot attraction is the monks debate at around 3 - 5 in the afternoon. In addition, you can tour the Tibetan religious scripture printing house; inside the monastery, you can see three sand Mandalas and colorful Rock Painting of Buddha.
In the morning, drive from Lhasa to Shigatse. On the way, drive over the Gampala pass (4790 m), and you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m) .The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, (7191m) the highest mountain near Lhasa .
Later, we will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside; At Manak Dam Lake, you can hang pray flag at Simila Mountain Pass; Then, we will arrive in Gyantse, historically Tibet's third largest city (after Lhasa and Shigatse). In Gyantse, we will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery (Palcho Monastery) and Gyantse Kumbum and enjoy the Far view of Gyangtse Fortress.
After one and a half driving, we arrive in Shigatse, which is the second largest city in Tibet. In Shigatse, we may visit traditional Barley Mill and view the landscape of Barley Field (in summer).
Stay overnight in Manasarovar Hotel
In the morning, we will visit the home of Panchan Lama - Tashilunpo Monastery. Then, we’ll leave Shigatse after getting your Alien’s travel permit, and then drive to Lhatse, it is a small town where you can have lunch.
After that, we will pass Tsola Pass(4600M), and Gyatsola Pass(5248M). Shortly after we enter Mt. Everest National Nature Reserve, tourists can enjoy the panorama of Himalaya at Gawula Pass(5198m). Then we drive along the New zigzag road to Everest Base Camp(5200m). You can get closer to gaze at the Mt. Everest peak. The sunset of golden Everest peak if time and weather permits at the lodging area.
Stay overnight at Tent Guest House
In the morning, we can enjoy the sunrise of Everest Peak at lodging area if weather permits; then As we head to saga, you can view of the worlds’14th highest peak Mt. Shishapangma (8012m), and Turquoise Lake Peiku tso(4590m). If you are lucky enough, you are very likely to see wild animals like wild donkey, wild antelope etc.
Stay overnight in Saga Xibuyizhan Hotel or Mu Linsen hotel
A lovely snapshot with Everest North Face on Tibetan side Leisurely roam along the shore of Peikutso Lake
On the way to Darchen, you will have a chance to appreciate the stunning view of the Saga valley between Gangdise Range and Himayala Range. Meanwhile, the beautiful grassland and local's villages can also be seen. As we cross the Mayomla Pass(5112M), you can enjoy the spectacular vista of Mt. Naimonanyi(7694M). Then we are supposed to pass by the holy Lake Manasarover and finally arrive at the southern foot of Mt.Kailash, the most holy mountain in Tibet.
Stay overnight in Tarchen Chongqing Hotel
In the morning, we are supposed to take eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung valley. Then we will meet Yaks and porters at Sarshung village(the cost of hiring yaks, horses, and porters are not included in the package). After that, we can begin the trek (Around 13km) from Sarshung to Drirapuk Monastery along the Lachu valley and rivers. You can enjoy both the west and north face of mountain Kailash today. Finally, we will visit Drirapuk Monastery.
Stay overnight in Guest House
Today, we will trek over Dromala pass(5630m), the highest pass of the Kora. On the way you can have a rest in a teahouse. All the way, you can see locals Tibetans prostrating in the Kora path and beautiful Kadoe Lake when walk downhill. We may also visit Zutulpuk Monastery.
Stay overnight in Guest House
On the day three of the kora, you will trek 7km to Zongto where you can take bus to Darchen. Along the Kora, you can see piles of Mani Stones. We will end the Trek around noon, rest in the lodging place.
(Optional): Taking bath in Lake Manasarova and enjoy hot spring
Stay overnight in Tarchen Chongqing Hotel
Drive from Darchen to Saga via Lake Manasorova
Stay overnight in Saga Xibuyizhan Hotel or Mu Linsen hotel
Drive from Saga to Sakya
Stay overnight in Sakya Yuan Fu Hotel
In the morning, we will visit ancient Sakya town and you can tour Sakya Monastery with amazing murals and huge collection of scriptures and statues. Then we are about to drive from Sakya to Shigatse.
Stay overnight in Manasarovar Hotel
We will follow Yalong Valley back to Lhasa. On the way, you can stand on the viewing platform to view the vast Yalong River bed and visit Water Mill making Tibetan Incense material (in Summer, if time permits). Drop off at hotel in Lhasa
Stay overnight in Lhasa 3-star hotel
Hotel to airport/train station transfer, end the tour.
(Or Go to Nepal after Tibet Mt.Kailash Tour)
The tour is also available for tourists who start in Lhasa and end in Gyirong border, so if the group has members to exit Tibet to Nepal from Gyirong, we will see them off at the Sino-Nepal border, thus the itinerary from the Day 12 will be done with valuable detour to Gyirong, which will give you one extra destination to Kelong Valley, this destination is considered the most beautiful valley at the foot of Himalaya Mountain Range and attracts many tourists a year.
1. Permit: All necessary Tibet Travel Permits (Incl. Tibet Entry Permit, Alien Travel Permit, Boarder Pass, etc.);
2. Accommodation: 6 nights, twin room in 3★/4★; 3 nights, EBC and trekking guestroom; 5 nights, twin room in local hotels;
3. Ticket: All entrance tickets fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary;
4. Guide: Professional English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide;
5. Vehicle: 5-29 seats Comfortable Tibet tourist vehicle with licensed and experienced driver;
6. Meal: Breakfasts in the hotel; A Welcome Dinner in local restaurant;
7. Insurance: Tourists Accident/Casualty Insurance;
8. Drinking water provided during the trip;
9. A container of Oxygen for emergency use;
10. Accommodation and meal allowance to the guide & driver;
11. Arrangements include planning, handling, operational and communication charges;
12. Free Airport to hotel shuttle pickup schedule: 10:00 am; 13:30 pm; 17:00 pm;
Free Hotel to Airport shuttle pickup schedule: 06:30 am; 08:00 am; 12:00 pm;
Free transfer between Train Station and hotel.
1. Meal: not specified in the itinerary (All lunches & dinners).
2. Single room supplement: If you are a solo traveler, you need to share twin room with another tourist (same sex in most cases). You can pay the single room supplement to stay in one room by yourself. And the exact cost depends on market fluctuation in high and off season of Tibet tourism.
3. Tips: If you are satisfied with the service of guide, driver and waiters, you may consider tipping them appropriately ( Tips is not required but expected).
4. International and domestic flight/train (we can offer the ticket booking service at the competitive price).
5. Personal expenses such as laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, optional tour activities, etc.
6. Any losses incurred from the force majeure factor like government control, natural disaster etc.
Transfer Service between Hotels and Airport/ Train Station
Lhasa Gongar International Airport is about 70km from the downtown, and it takes about 1.5 hours for a car transfer between airport and hotel. Considering the distance and language barrier, Tibet Vista provides free transfer service from/to airport.
Upon your arrival at airport, our Tibetan local pick-up guide will hold a board with your name and wait for you at the exit, he will escort you to the transfer car, accompany you to the hotel, and assist you with hotel check-in. When tour ends, our guide will pick you up at hotel and escort you to the airport.
Airport Pick-up Schedules: Pick up tourists at 10:00 am; 13:30 pm; 17:00 pm
Airport Drop-off Schedules: Pick up tourists at 06:30 am; 08:00 am; 12:00 pm
If your flight time is not within our transfer schedule, feel free to contact our travel consultant, we will do our best to arrange the most proper transfer service for you.
Besides the airport transfer, Tibet Vista also provides unlimited free transfer between hotel and Lhasa Railway Station according to your arrival/departure time.
Please kindly note: if passengers are less than 3 per transfer, we may use publish transportation like public airport bus or Taxi instead of using our shuttle service.
Travel Tips for 15-day Mount Kailash Tour
1. Can Indian Travelers Join this Kailash Group Tour?
So far, this Kailash group tour is not available to Indian nationals, according to Tibet travel policy. To visit Mt.Kailash, you are expected to book the tour run by either Nepali or Indian travel agencies.
However, if you want to visit somewhere else, like EBC and Namtso,etc., it’s readily available to you and we feel pleased to run the tour for you.
2. What Should I Pack for the Trek?
Traveling light is the best advice for such an arduous trek. Breathable and thermal underwear will keep you comfortable and warm. Dressing in layers, such as fleece jacket, sweater, wind/water-proof jacket, and down jacket and vest, trekking pants will help you deal with the fluctuation of temperature during the trek.
Besides, the sun protection gears, warm headwear, and comfy trekking boots and a pair of trekking poles are also essential. You may also bring personal stuff, like toiletries, medicine and a vacuum flask for drinking and headlamp, etc.
3. Is There a Need to Hire a Porter or a Horse for the Trek?
Well, it depends on your physical level and how heavy the gears you carry. If you are above the average fitness level and are determined to complete the holy yourself, you are fine to give it a go.
However, if you carry too much stuff and not confident enough for the challenging trek, given the thin air, high altitude and treacherous terrain on day 2, hiring a porter and a horse will give you the backup you need.
4. What Is the Toughest Challenge for the Kailash Trek?
Physically, the biggest challenge is to walk 52km in 3 days, with thin air, the unforeseeable climate at the mountain pass and rugged terrain. While mentally, your tenacity will be put to a real test. Only those with strong faith and unyielding spirits can single-handly finish the entire trek.
5. Where to Stay and What to Eat During the Trek?
During the 3-day trek, you will stay in the guesthouse of Dirapuk Monastery and Dzultripuk Monastery respectively. Though no compare to the hotel quality in Lhasa, the basic facilities here offer you a warm shelter from the biting wind outside.
You may also have chances to enjoy a tea break in locally-run yak tents after you descend from Dolma La Pass. You can enjoy warm butter tea, noodles, stairred fried rice, etc. A great idea is to stock up own food and have it whenever you need it during the trek.
