Lhasa Kailash Guge Kingdom

18 Days
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  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • CountryTibet
  • Trip StyleTrek and Tour

Lhasa Kailash Guge Kingdom Tour offers a unique blend of Tibetan culture, spiritual heritage, and stunning natural landscapes. The journey begins in Lhasa, the heart of Tibet, where travelers explore iconic sites like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. Lhasa’s rich history and deep religious significance make it an essential start to any Tibetan adventure, providing a window into the Buddhist way of life. After soaking in the city’s spiritual ambiance, the tour continues towards Mount Kailash, one of the most reversed mountains in the world for both the Tibetan Buddhist and Hindus.

Mount Kailash is located in western Tibet which is not just a natural wonder but a sacred destination for millions of pilgrims. The tour includes a visit to Kailash Manasarovar Lake, considered a spiritual haven. The journey offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, high-altitude plateaus, and serene Tibetan villages that offer a profound sense of tranquility and devotion. Visitors can feel the deep spiritual energy while trekking through the rugged terrain, surrounded by stunning landscapes.

The tour also includes a visit to the ruins of the Guge Kingdoms, a forgotten civilisation that once thrived in western Tibet. It is located in the remote Ngari region, the Guge kingdom was known for its unique art, culture, and Buddhist heritage. The kingdom flourished between the 10th and 17th centuries before mysteriously collapsing, leaving behind impressive ruins, including the ancient palace and monasteries carved into the cliffs of Mount Kailash. The remnants of Guge’s frescoes and intricate architecture tell the story of a once-great civilisation, making it a fascinating destination for history and archeology enthusiasts. Together, these destinations offer rich tapestry of Tibet’s spiritual, culture, and historical legacy.

Highlights

  • visit to Kailash Manasarovar Lake, considered a spiritual haven
  • cross a challenging circuit around the mountain that is said to cleanse the soul
  • offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, high-altitude plateaus, and serene Tibetan villages
  • offer a profound sense of tranquility and devotion
  • provide a fascinating historical exploration, showcasing Tibet’s once-thriving Buddhist civilisations
Itinerary
Trip Plan
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After an early breakfast, we leave Kathmandu and drive across Bhaktapur and Dhulikhel to reach the Friendship Bridge at the Nepal-Tibet border. A short 10-minute walk across the bridge, and we will be greeted by our Tibetan guide and drivers. After completing immigration and customs formalities, we’ll drive for about 3 hours (35 km) on winding roads, offering stunning scenery, to reach Nyalam (3,700m). Here, we’ll check into a guesthouse for a restful night.

  • Max Altitude: 3750 m
  • Duration: 6-7 Hours
  • Distance: 150 km

An acclimatisation day with a refreshing hike to nearby hills, reaching around 4,000m, to help your body adapt to the high-altitude environment. You’ll also have the chance to explore the charming town of Nyalam. Overnight at the guesthouse.

  • Max Altitude: 4000

After breakfast, we’ll head towards New Dongba, driving through picturesque villages and yak herder camps. The distant views of snow-capped mountains offer a stunning landscape. The drive is mostly flat, making it quite comfortable. If you prefer, we can continue on to Saga, where the accommodations are more comfortable. Overnight at the guesthouse.

  • Max Altitude: 4600m
  • Duration: 5-6 Hrs
  • Distance: 390km

Today, we’ll head towards Lake Mansarovar, where the turquoise waters are framed by towering mountain ranges. Later in the day, you’ll have your first breathtaking view of the holy Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. We’ll visit the small village of Hore and complete a Parikrama (circumambulation) of the lake by bus. Overnight in a mud house near Mansarovar.

  • Max Altitude: 4558m
  • Duration: 4-5 Hours
  • Distance: 277 km

Rise early today for a spiritual bath and prayers at the holy Lake Mansarovar, regarded as one of the most sacred lakes for tranquillity and divinity. If time permits, you can also visit the nearby Chiu Gompa monastery. Later, we’ll drive to Tarchen (Darchen), the base camp for the Kailash Parikrama. Spend the night in a guesthouse.

  • Max Altitude: 4575m
  • Duration: 1 Hour
  • Distance: 40 km

Drive to Tarboche, where the Kailash Parikrama begins. The outer area, "Asthapath," is known for its rocky cliffs and peaceful waterfalls. Trek from Tarboche for 7 km up to Dirapuk, with an excellent view of Mount Kailash. Overnight in a mud house.

  • Max Altitude: 4909m
  • Duration: 5-6 Hours
  • Distance: 13 km Drive + 7 km Trek

The toughest trek, where the climber ascends Dolma-La Pass (5,613m), the highest point of the Kailash Parikrama route. After a steep descent, the journey continues past Parvati-stal and the sacred Gauri Kund to Zuthulpuk (4,760m). Overnight at a mud house.

  • Max Altitude: 5613m
  • Duration: 9-10 Hours
  • Distance: 18 km Trek

In the morning, visit caves, temples, and shrines near Marpa's Cave. Trek on flat ground for 3 hours, passing through various settlements, towards Darchen, where our vehicles will be waiting to take us to Mansarovar. Spend the night in a guesthouse by the lake.

  • Duration: 4-5 Hours
  • Distance: 10 km

Travel along the banks of the Sutlej River to reach Tirthapuri, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Visit the monasteries, make a pilgrimage to see Guru Rinpoche's footprints, and then return to Zanda to spend the night. Overnight at the guesthouse.

  • Max Altitude: 3650m
  • Duration: 5-6 Hours
  • Distance: 340 km

A full day exploring the remains of the Guge Kingdom and its surrounding areas, from Tsaparang Valley, where it is located, to the more distant lakes to the north. The focus will be on visiting the old Tholing monasteries, rich in history and spiritual significance. Overnight at the guesthouse.

One last visit to Mansarovar to enjoy the lake's beauty in a peaceful environment. In the evening, you’ll be treated to majestic views of Mount Kailash. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Enjoy a final glimpse of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar before setting off on the drive back to Saga. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Drive to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, via Lhatse. The route follows the Brahmaputra River, passing through valleys, fields, and lakes. Overnight at the hotel.

  • Max Altitude: 3900m
  • Duration: 6-7 Hours
  • Distance: 447 km

This journey includes stops at some popular sights along the way: Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's four sacred lakes, and the magnificent Karola Glacier. Upon arriving in Lhasa, check into a hotel.

  • Duration: 4 Hours
  • Distance: 94 km

This journey includes stops at some popular sights along the way: Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's four sacred lakes, and the magnificent Karola Glacier. Upon arriving in Lhasa, check into a hotel.

  • Max Altitude: 3650m
  • Duration: 6-7 Hours
  • Distance: 264km

Visit Lhasa’s top attractions, including the iconic Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the bustling Barkhor Street, filled with pilgrims. Immerse yourself in Lhasa’s spiritual and cultural essence.

Visit the famous Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Norbulingka Palace, which served as the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas. The views from the top offer an eternal and heavenly perspective of Lhasa and its surrounding areas.

Transfer to Gonggar Airport for your flight to Kathmandu or other mainland destinations in China. Alternatively, take the train out of Tibet to the mainland.

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Cost Details
Includes
  • Airport pick up and drops by private transportation
  • During the trip travel by private vehicle
  • Permit and group visa to travel Tibet
  • Accommodation and meal at Kathmandu and Tibet (on the sharing basis)
  • Fluently English-speak Tibetan guide
  • Major monument and its entrance fee during sightseeing in Tibet and Nepal
  • Service charges and government taxes
  • During Kailash Parikrama yak and helper to carry goods
Excludes
  • Personal expanses
  • Insurance
  • Extra nights
  • Emergency circumstances
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