Lhasa, Everest Base Camp and Kailash Mansarobar Tour

Trip Facts
Accommodation:	Standard to Deluxe Hotel's Option in major cities and Guest House beyond Saga
Grade:	Moderate
Max Altitude:	5,630 m/18,471 ft
Transportation:	Private Vehicle/Flight
Meals:	As Mentioned In The Itinerary
Group Size:	2 to 15 People
Duration :	18 Nights/19 Days

Highlights

Visit Holy Mansarobar Lake(4,590 m) and Mt. Kailash (6,638 m), abode of Shiva
3 Days Kora to Mt. Kailash and cross highest Dromla La Pass at 5,630 m
Visit World's Highest Rongbuk Monastery at 5,009 m and North Everest Base Camp at 5,150 m
World's scenic Mountain flight from Kathmandu to bustling city Lhasa
Visit Potala Palace, former Winter Palace of Dalai Lama since 7th Century and Norbulinka Palace, Summer Palace
Visit Sacred Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery and Tashi Lunpho Monastery
Witness Monk's Debate in Sera Monastery and walk around Barkhor Street
Drive into High Passes in Tibet above 5,000 m
Visit turquoise Yamdrok Lake and See Tibetan Mastiff
Enjoy Tibetan Authentic Foods, Culture and markets in Tibet
Visit World Renowned Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and other World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
Pay Homage to Living Goddess, Kumari and visit Sacred Hindu and Buddhist Temples in Kathmandu

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square (Tibet Visa Application)

Day 03: Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa

Day 04: Free Day in Kathmandu (Tibet Visa Collection)

Day 05: Fly to Lhasa (3,656 m/ 11,995 ft)-1 Hour

Day 06: Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street and Norbulinka Palace in Lhasa

Day 07: Visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery in Lhasa

Day 08: Drive to Shigatse (3,800 m/ 12,467 ft) via Gyantse (4,000 m / 13,123 ft) - 260 kms/6 Hours

Day 09: Drive to Chuzong & to Rongbuk Monastery (5,009 m/16,434 ft) -335 km/6 Hours

Day 10: Visit Everest Base Camp (5,150 m /16,896 ft) & Drive to Saga (4,640 m/15,223 ft)-460 km/8 Hours

Day 11: : Drive to Mansarobar Lake (4,590 m/15,059 ft) and to Darchen (4,575 m/15,010 ft)-450 km/9 Hours

Day 12: First Day of Kora, Darchen to Dirapuk(5,210 m/17,093 ft)-11 km/6.5 Hours

Day 13: Second Day of Kora, Dirapuk to Zutulpuk (4,810 m/15,780 ft)-18 kms/9 Hours

Day 14: Third Day of Kora, Zutulpuk to Darchen (11 km/4 Hours) and drive to Lake Mansarobar

Day 15: Drive to Saga (4,640 m/15,223 ft)-435 km/ 7 Hours

Day 16: Drive back to Shigatse (3,800 m/ 12,467 ft)-435 km/7 Hours

Day 17: Drive back to Lhasa (270 km/4.5 Hours)

Day 18: Fly Back to Kathmandu

Day 19: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Mt. Kailas with the altitude of 6,638 m is abode of Lord Shiva and sacred to Hinduism, Buddhism, Bon and Jainism. Lake Mansarobar and Lake Rakshastal are the source of some of the Asian longest river like Indus, Brahmaputra, Sutlej and Karnali River also known as Ghaghara in India (a tributary of the Ganges). Every year, thousands of people make pilgrimage trip to Mt. Kailas believing circumambulating on foot is a holy ritual and bring good fortune. Hindu and Buddhist Pilgrims circumambulate clockwise while Bon and Jain pilgrims do anti clockwise. Mt. Kailash is around 1,200 km from Lhasa city. The average elevation of the Kora around the Mount Kailash is about 5,000 m, with the highest point of Drolma La Pass at 5,630 m. It usually takes three days to complete Kora in a clockwise direction.

Lhasa, Everest Base Camp, Mt. Kailash and Mansarobar Lake Tour has been specially designed to make the best Tibet trip which includes Lhasa city, Shigatse, Rongbuk Monastery and Everest Base Camp, Mt. Kailas and Lake Mansarobar. In Lhasa, we visit historic monuments like Potala Palace, winter palace of Dalai Lama while Norbulinka is the summer palace. We visit largest monastery of Drepung Monastery and visit Sera Monastery to see the monk’s debate. Then we drive to Shigatse via Gyantse while visiting Yamdrok lake, which is a holy lake and drive into high passes to Rongbuk monastery. Rongbuk Monastery is the highest elevated monastery in the world and the view of Mt. Everest is life time experience. Then we drive to Lake Mansarobar and do Kora of Mt. Kailash. After visit Mt.Kailash, either we can drive back to Lhasa and fly to Kathmandu or Chengdu and to our destination or we can drive to Kyirung border and drive to Kathmandu.

This Mt. Kailas and Everest Base Camp trip has been designed for Non Indian Passport holders and we have different formalities for Indian Pilgrims. We operate private trips from April to mid October as Mt. Kailas is only open for 7 months.

There are ways to travel to Lhasa. Either you can fly into Lhasa from Kathmandu or Chengdu or direct trains from major cites of China. You may consider flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Kathmandu to Lhasa flight is one of the world’s best flights which give the views of jaw dropping highest Mt. Everest and other mountains in Nepal and Tibet. In Kathmandu, we rejoice the exotic experience of capital city with its ancient culture, temples, heritage, palaces, narrow alleys and visit sacred Hindu Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa while we pay homage to the only living Goddess, Kumari in Kathmandu Durbar Square. We consider this tour from Kathmandu and if you have any preference from Chengdu or overland tour from Kyirong Nepal-Tibet border, please let us know.

From Saga on Day 16, we also can drive to Kyirung Nepal Tibet Border which is around 300 km and takes about 6 hours and next day on Day 17, we can drive (130 km) to Kathmandu which roughly takes 9 Hours.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, our representative will receive and assist you after baggage collection. Once you exit the main terminal building, please look at the signage in your name. You will be taken to your hotel. After check-in, rest of the day is free for rest and relaxation. In the evening, there will be short tour briefing. After briefing, we will take you to the authentic Nepalese Restaurant to introduce you with Nepalese Culture and Cuisine.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square (Tibet Visa Application)

After breakfast, our guide will take you for guided tour of Kathmandu city. We will begin with Pashupatinath Temple which is famous Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva at the bank of holy Bagmati River. After this, we continue to Boudhanath Stupa, which is giant Stupa in Asia and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. Later on we proceed to Swayambhunath Stupa also know as Monkey Temple in a small hill in Kathmandu which gives you great view of Kathmandu valley and mountains on north. Further, we drive 10 minutes to Kathmandu Durbar Square where Nepalese kings used to get throne. Interesting places to see here are Taleju Temple, Statue of Kal Bhairabh and Hanuman, Temple of Jaganath (Erotic Temple) and Kastamandap Temple from which Kathmandu got it name. We visit Kumari Temple and pay homage to the living goddess, Kumari and also walk around the Freak streets which was famous during Hippie era in 60's and 70's.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa

After breakfast at hotel, we drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square for sightseeing. Bhaktapur, an ancient Newari town which is also called city of living museum and city of devotees. Walk around to the big palace courtyard, Royal bath, Pottery square, Dattatraya Square and many more. In the afternoon, drive to another square in Lalitpur, Patan Durbar Square. Patan boasts of many famous sites and unique architecture. Krishna Mandir in this Square was built to honor an incarnation of Vishnu. One of the best examples of stone architecture in the world, scenes from Mahabharat, Asia's greatest mythological war, is carved on the temple's walls. Home to traditional artists and sculptors, one can find more temples dedicated to Ganesh (the elephant-headed god), Shiva, Narsingha, Taleju, and others are located at Patan Durbar Square. Late afternoon, we drive to Swayambhunath Stupa also called Monkey Temple, a Stupa in a small hill of Kathmandu over viewing Kathmandu valley and the surrounding mountains.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Free Day in Kathmandu (Tibet Visa Collection)

We keep this day free in Kathmandu and if you want to do sightseeing and travel around, we may consider many activities like Chandragiri Hill by Cable Car, Day Rafting trip to Trishuli River, Hiking, Day trip to Nagarkot and Dhulikhel.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Fly to Lhasa (3,656 m/ 11,995 ft)-1 Hour

After breakfast, we drive to airport and fly into Gangor Airport in Lhasa. We meet you and drive to Lhasa downtown. During the drive, we enjoy the best view of Yarlung Tsangpo River / Brahmaputra River, the longest and largest river in Tibet and Lhasa River. In Lhasa, we suggest you to take complete rest and drink hot water and soups for better acclimatization. In the evening, we may walk to Potala Square to see fountains with different colors.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Lhasa.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street and Norbulinka Palace in Lhasa

After breakfast, we visit Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. It has been used since the 7th Century by the 33rd great King of Tibet. The most valuable collections are the Gilded Burial Stupas of past Dalai Lamas and meditation Cave of the 33rd Great King of Tibet. Then we visit Jokhang Temple which was founded by the 33rd Great King of Tibet in the 7th century to promote the Buddhist Religion in Tibet. Inside the Temple, we see the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni at the age of twelve, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibet Buddhism. We do Kora around the Temple to the Barkhor Street with the local pilgrims and at the same time, you can enjoy shopping at local street shops.Then we will visit Norbulingkha Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama which was built in the eighteenth century and is the biggest man made garden.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Lhasa.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery in Lhasa

After breakfast, we visit Drepung Monastery which was one of the ‘Three Great’ Gelug Monasteries of Tibet and was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choge, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. Garden palace is used as Dalai Lama’s palace in the Drepung before moving to the Potala Palace. Afternoon, we visit to Sera Monastery,is one of the ‘Three Great’ Gelug Monasteries of Tibet and was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. The major highlight is Monks debate around 3 - 5 in the late afternoon.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Lhasa.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Drive to Shigatse (3,800 m/ 12,467 ft) via Gyantse (4,000 m / 13,123 ft) - 260 kms/6 Hours

Early morning we drive Gyantse via Turquoise Yamdrok Tso Lake. We also get chance to see Tibetan Mastiff. We visit Kumbum Pagoda and Palcho Monastery. Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet and the capital of the province of Tsang. The rulers of this province had dominion over all of Tibet prior to 1642 AD.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Shigatse.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Drive to Chuzong & to Rongbuk Monastery (5,009 m/16,434 ft) -335 km/6 Hours

From Shigatse, we will drive to Xegar via Sakya Monastery. Sakya Monastery is 143 km south of Shigatse and was built in the thirteenth century by Konchok Gyalpo and houses some 30,000 volumes of ancient Buddhist Scriptures or Sutras. Then we continue to Chunzong village where we have to change to ECO bus to Rongbuk Monastery which is just below the spectacular North Face of Everest.

Accomodation: Overnight at Guest House in Rongbuk Monastery.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Visit Everest Base Camp (5,150 m /16,896 ft) & Drive to Saga (4,640 m/15,223 ft)-460 km/8 Hours

In the morning, we visit Everest Base Camp though core area is not allowed to visit to protect the environment and drive to Saga. During the drive, we see Mt. Everest, Mt. Cho Oyu and Shisapangma. We pass Ngamring Lake, many beautiful Tibetan villages and see grassland with big Yak and Sheep grazing pasture.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Saga.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 11: : Drive to Mansarobar Lake (4,590 m/15,059 ft) and to Darchen (4,575 m/15,010 ft)-450 km/9 Hours

Today we drive to Darchen, starting point of our Mt. Kailash Kora. During our drive, we pass high passes, Nomads camps, herds of Kyangs (Wild Donkeys), Gazelles and Antelopes. From the view point at Chaktsalkang, we see the Lake Mansarobar and Mt. Kailash for the first time. Once we reach Mansarobar Lake, we walk around the lake. Then we continue to Darchen. Darchen is a small town at the foothill of Mt. Kailash. We prepare here for the Kora and book yaks or porters if you need.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Darchen.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 12: First Day of Kora, Darchen to Dirapuk(5,210 m/17,093 ft)-11 km/6.5 Hours

We drive to Sersung for around 25 minutes in Eco Bus and meet our team for Mt. Kailash Kora. Once we start our Kora and after a while, we reach at Darpoche where we see huge prayer flag pole which is annually replaced on Saga Dawa Festival which falls on 15th of fourth Lunar month. We see many pilgrims doing prostrating along the path and piles of Mani Stones. Dhirapuk Monastery was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution and now left with only Ruins. From the guesthouse, we see North face of Mt. Kailash.

Accomodation: Overnight at Guest House at Dirapuk.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 13: Second Day of Kora, Dirapuk to Zutulpuk (4,810 m/15,780 ft)-18 kms/9 Hours

Today is the tough and longest day of our Kora. We start early in the moring and climb to the Drolma La Pass at 5,630 m. after spending few minutes at the top, we descend down to Lhachu Valley passing by small Khando Tso. You may consider visiting Zutulpuk Monastery and cave of Milerapa where Milerap and Nagro Bonchung debated on religion sects.

Accomodation: Overnight at Guest House at Zutulpuk.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 14: Third Day of Kora, Zutulpuk to Darchen (11 km/4 Hours) and drive to Lake Mansarobar

Today is the last day of our Kora and on the way down to valley; we see the distance view of Rakshyas Tal (Lake). After our trek, we take Eco Bus to Darchen (4 km) and drive to Lake Mansarobar (37 km). The whole afternoon is free to admire the beauty of Lake. We also may also visit Chiu Gompa (4,560 m) on your interest.

Accomodation: Overnight at Guest House in Mansarobar.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 15: Drive to Saga (4,640 m/15,223 ft)-435 km/ 7 Hours

After breakfast, we drive back to Saga.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Saga.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 16: Drive back to Shigatse (3,800 m/ 12,467 ft)-435 km/7 Hours

We drive back to Shigatse.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Shigatse.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 17: Drive back to Lhasa (270 km/4.5 Hours)

At Shigatse, we will visit Tashi Lunpo Monastery which is the seat of the Panchen Lama who is second in spiritual importance only to the Dalai Lama. The Monastery was built in 1447 by Gendun Drup and once housed more than 3400 monks. Interesting to see at Tashi Lunpo is a Nine Story Gilded Statue of Maitreya - the “Future Buddha”. Then, we drive back to Lhasa by Northern New road. Or if you want to experience Train Ride in Tibet, we suggest taking Shigatse/Lhasa Train.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Lhasa.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 18: Fly Back to Kathmandu

After breakfast at hotel, we drive back to Airport and fly to Kathmandu. You may consider visiting Thamel for walk around and shopping. In the evening, we will host farewell dinner to mark the success of your Tibet tour.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

Day 19: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will drop you to the airport for departure before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

All necessary arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu and in Lhasa.
5 Nights in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of taxes and service charges.
4 nights in Lhasa, 2 nights in Shigatse and 1 night at Rongbuk Monastery with breakfast inclusive of taxes and service charges.
2 nights at Saga, 1 night at Mansarobar, 1 night at Darchen, 1 night at Zutulpuk and 1 night at Dirapuk in guest house.
Tibet Visa Fees, all paperwork for Tibet tour, Tibet Travel permit.
All permits for Kailash Mansarobar.
All drives, sightseeing and transfer in Tibet as per the program with English Speaking Tibetan Guide.
Meals as indicated in the Itinerary.
Kathmandu sightseeing with English Speaking Tour Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu.
Bottle Drinking water in vehicle for sightseeing drives and transfers.
All drives, sightseeing and transfers by Deluxe Vehicle as per the group size.
24/7 hours Assistance.

Cost Excludes:

International Fight from/to Kathmandu.
Donation to the Monasteries in Tibet.
Charges for Yak or Porters during Mt. Kailash Kora.
Nepal Visa fees on Arrival at airport (USD 50/- for 30 Days).
Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu except farewell dinner.
Personal nature of expenses like tips, bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Other than in our include section.