13 Days Valuable Tibet Mt. Kailash Kora Adventure Private Tour

Full Itinerary Day by day (Can Be Customized)

Day 1 Lhasa Arrival

Welcome to Tibet, the holy land of Tibetan Buddhism! Your tour guide will pick you up at the airport arrival hall and escort you to your downtown hotel in Lhasa while you enjoy the stunning views along the Yarlong Tsangpo River.

After check in, the rest of the day is for you to acclimate to the high altitude and weather of Lhasa. Avoid strenuous physical activities during this first day since that may cause high altitude sickness.

Orientation Tips: 1) avoid vigorous activities but do take some leisurely walks in the city to acclimatize to the air and high altitude of Lhasa city (altitude of 3,600m); 2) do not drink liquor in the arrival day, instead plenty of water and fruits are recommended.

Day 2 Lhasa ( B )

After breakfast, start an incredible day of exploration in Lhasa city. The grandiose Potala Palace is the first site to discover. Having gone through more than 1300 years of historical changes, the colossal Potala Palace still dominates over the skyline of Lhasa city. It’s the political and religious center of Tibet and had been served as the governance and preaching place for Dalai Lama. Climb up the sacred steps to get inside the Red Palace and White Palace to explore the marvelous interior which is full of exquisite Thangkas, numerous Buddha statues, vivid wall painting and other works of Buddhist art.

In the afternoon, firstly visit the holiest Buddhist temple in Tibet – Jokhang Temple, where the 12-year-old-like Shakyamuni statue is consecrated. With a history stretching over 1,300 years, this temple combines the architectural styles of Tibet, China, Nepal and India. As a spiritual center of Tibet, Jokhang Temple attracts hundreds of devoted pilgrims to worship there every day. Outside the door of Jokhang Temple is the famous pilgrimage circle, Barkhor Street, where you can join faithful Tibetans in colorful attires walking the circle around Jokhang Temple.

Tips of today: 1) wear suitably to protect from strong sunlight, but do not wear hat when visiting inside the Tibetan monasteries; 2) taking photos is not allowed in chapels of monasteries; 3) bring your passport with you all the time.

Day 3 Lhasa – Shigatse ( B )

Today you will be transferred from Lhasa to Gyantse (5.5-hour drive). 

After about 1.5 hours driving from Lhasa, you will get to the famous holy Yamdrok Lake. With an altitude of 4,441 meters, Yamdrok Lake is known as one of the "Three Holiest Lakes", also one of the most beautiful lakes in Tibet. The turquoise pure lake overlies among snow-capped mountains. Surrounding the lakeshores are some peaceful Tibetan villages situating in the flat valleys. Looking to instance, you can still see clearly dotted yaks and sheep grazing on the grassland. Keep driving to next destination – Gyantse, and enjoy the views of the grandiose and vast Karola Glacier.

After arrival in Gyantse, you will take a visit to the landmark of Gyantse – Palcho Monastery. It is a traditional Tibetan monastery which is a fusion of Han, Tibetan and Nepali architecture, and has both temples and stupa. Palcho Monastery’s symbol is its Kumbum Stupa which is famous for having 100,000 figures of Buddhist statue in the chapels, niches and wall paintings of Kumbum. 

Lastly, drive about 2.5 hours to final destination - Shigatse for dinner and accommodation.

Tips of today: 1) pack some food and drinks for long driving of today; 2) wear suitably to protect yourself from stong sunlight, wind and possible cold.

Day 4 Shigatse – Mount Everest ( B )

Today we will drive about 8 hours to the final destination - Mount Everest. It seems to be a tough long driving day, but the plateau landscape along the road is breathtaking and will keep you entranced. You will even have a chance to see four of the highest peaks in the world, all over 8,000 meters - Lhotse, Everest, Gyachung and Cho Oyu at the sightseeing platform of Gawula Pass (5,250).

After arrival at Mount Everest, hop on a park bus and drive about 20km (30 minutes) to the Rongbuk Monastery(5,100 m), the world's highest monastery with an altitude of 5100m. It is the best platform to view Mount Everest. You will find all the effort of the trip swept away by the sight of the majestic peak of Everest rising in front of you. Since it is only about 20 km from the peak of Mount Everest, you can clearly see the giant pyramid of the mountain from south and the charming banner clouds in bright days. Apart from that, Rongbuk Monastery is the best place to see the sunrise and sunset for its high location close to the Everest. Also explore Everest Base Camp where you can see many Marnyi Stones and take photos with the marker of EBC.

Accommodation will be arranged at Rongbuk Guest House. (If you visit Mount Everest during May to October, you will accommodate at the Everest Base Camp near Rongbuk Monastery). Please note that the accommodations at both places are very simple and basic. There are dorms with beds, duvets, heated blankets and hot water provided. You are suggested to bring your own sleeping bag if you have one. There is no running water, sinks or showers. The guest house only offers basic breakfast and dinner without menu. There is no private bathroom in the dorms. Only communal squat toilets are available. Remember to bring your own toilet paper.

Tips for today: 1) the Everest Base Camp has been moved to Rongbuk Monastery area, so was the EBC marker; 2) prepare some food and drinks to take with you because there are only some basic foods offered at Mount Everest; 3) pack warm clothes to keep yourself warm all the time and get fully prepared for the high altitude (5100m~5200m).

Day 5 Everest - Saga

Get up early to catch the beautiful sunrise over the stunning landscape around Everest. You can see the Mount Everest appears gradually as the clouds are being blown away by the strong wind. The sleeping pure peak puts on a shining costume that is lit by the orange sun. And then, when the sun all rises up, the mountain shows her bright red face completely like a young girl putting up the best blusher ever, with the red cloud fairies dancing by side. If you are lucky, you will have chance to see the famous "flag clouds" which is a famous wonder on Mount Everest. You will see milk white streamer floating above the peak, and flutters toward one side like a banner in the wind. Sometimes, you can see it change the shape, like the huge waves on the sea or the impetuous horses on the ancient battlefield, and so forth. Once in a while, it is lucky to see the plateau eagles flying above the banner cloud, which is especially a particular sightseeing. 

Last, return to Rongbuk area and drive to next destination - Saga County. About 8 hours driving may be long and tough, but the landscape you can enjoy on route is fabulous - witness the dominating snow peak Shishapangma from afar, get shocked by desolate and wild plains, enjoy the pure scenery of the Pelkhu tso Lake (4600m)...

Tips for today: 1) the sunrise usually starts around 6:30 am to 7am on Mount Everest; 2) keep warm all the time.

Day 6 Saga - Darchen

Have a full breakfast, because you are going to drive about 500km to reach the final destination - Darchen(4,575m) which is the nearest town as base for all the travelers and pilgrims who are going to visit the holy Mt. Kailash. Though as a tough long driving, but the landscape outside the window is always amazing.

Before reaching Darchen, you will take a sidetrip to visit the famous holy lake - Manasarovar Lake(4588m). It is a sacred site for both Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism, and attracts pilgrims far from India, Neple and Tibetan to worship every year. It is believed the lake can cleanse all sins and wash away all the sorrows. Relax around the lake to enjoy the harsh but appealing landscape - sapphire-blue waters, sandy shoreline and snowcapped mountains. You can even see the side face of Mt. Kailash clearly in sunny days. 

Accommodate at local guesthouse in Darchen.

Day 7 Trek from Darchen to Dirapuk

Trekking Time: 5-6 HOUR, 20KM, 200m ASCENT

Start today's trekking early in the morning. Passing through Tibetan villages, you will head westward cross the Barkha plain where you can even see clear views of some high peaks in Nepal and India. Later, the hiking path climbs up and gets to a cairn at 4790M bedecked with prayer flags. You can see the Mount Kailash for the first time. Then quickly enter the Lha-chu Valley. The Tarbochen flagpole(4750m), an important site for Saga Dawa Festival, is in your sight in the distance. You will stop at the Tamdin (4,780m) for lunch and hot water supply. Continue on to trek about 4km, with some of the best scenery of the entire kora, to Dirapuk Monastery, sitting in a superb location on the hillside and facing the astonishing northern face of Mt. Kailash.

Accommodate at Dirapuk guesthouse.

Day 8 Trek from Dirapuk to Zutulpuk

TREKKING TIME: 7-8 HOURS, 18KM, 550ASCENT/600M DESCENT

Wake up in the morning and revel in the magnificent surrounding views - dramatic Mt. Kailash dominating under sky, remote clusters of cloudy reflecting golden sunlight, yaks silently standing on the ground... Today, you will hike eastwards, crossing the Lha-chu Valley by bridge and walk upward to a moraine to meet the trail on the eastern site of the kora. It's a long ascent up of about 550 meters to the higher Drolma-la Pass (5,630m), costing a few hours. Stop for a rest and refreshments at the pass, then start the steep descent to Ztulpuk Monastery. You will walk across snowfields and streams at first sometimes, and later the trails are dry and rocky. Walking sticks are recommended in this section. Lastly, you will reach the Zutulpuk Monastery(4820m) which is famous for the meditation cave built by Milarepa.

Stay overnight at the tent guesthouse of monastery.

Day 9 Zutulpuk - Darchen

TREKKING TIME: 3-4 HOURS, 14KM / 150M DESCENT

Get up early to watch the sublime sunrise of Mt. Kailash, then you will firstly walking closely along the river for an hour, then pass the narrow canyon of God & Red Cliffs, and later emerges onto the Bakha plain. Ends up with a easy one-hour walking out of the valley. 

The three days' trekking finishes. Your driver will pick you up and transfer to Darchen for accommodation and dinner.

Day 10~11 Darchen - Saga - Shigatse

The following two days are for you to transfer back to Shigatse.

Day 10 Darchen - Saga: 500km/9-10 hours

Day 11 Saga - Shigatse: 450km/9 hours

Day 12 Shigatse - Lhasa ( B )

After breakfast, you will go to visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the most important monasteries in Tibet, which was built in 1447 during the Ming Dynasty by a disciple of Buddhism, Master Tsongkhapa. The monastery became the Buddhism center of Tsang region and has been the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, one of two most powerful leaders of Buddhists in Tibet. Tashilhunpo Monastery is surrounded by a 3000-meter-long wall and was constructed against the background of mountains facing to the sun. The Monastery has 58 sutra chapels and about 3600 rooms with many buildings made with golden glazed tiles and interlaced red and white walls.  There is also a Thangka Exhibit Platform. Be prepared to meet many pilgrims visiting this holy place from far places and countries!

We will then leave Shigatse and drive about 5 hours back to Lhasa. Enjoy the fantastic landscape of the valley and snow mountain, and get the special feeling of traveling in the outback far from modern civilization. Before arrival at Lhasa city, you will take sidetrips to visit the unique Nyemo Tunba which is famous as the hometown of Tunmi Sangbusha who invented Tibetan Character and Tibetan Incense during 7th century. There is a exhibition room for travelers to learn about the Tibetan Characters. The most interesting thing is to watch the process of making Tibetan Incense with water mill.

Day 13 Lhasa Departure ( B )

Today is free for you until your driver transfer you to catch your flight (or train) leaving Tibet. Please check your luggage and make sure everything is packed, and then check out from your hotel before 12pm.

The quotation for this trip is from Per Person

1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2024.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 6.85. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.

How Our Teams Serve you at China Discovery

"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.

Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.

1-on-1 Travel Consultant

Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!

After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.

Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.

We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.

Local Tour Guides

Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.

Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.

Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!

Local Drivers & Vehicle

Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!

Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.

Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!

Comfortable & Homelike Hotels

In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!

The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.

If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.

Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.

Meals & Dining

We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.

The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.

There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.

All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!

Check What our Customers Say...

Hi Wonder,

The arrengements were very good and I'll willing to recommend your service. The perfect Guide.

Eliane

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costumEliane - 2023. 5. 30‚ Italy, May 30, 2023

Hello Mr. Wonder Wang,

We have arrived safely to Kuwait and are now cherishing our memories of China. We had a very positive impression of the country and its people in terms of organization, cleanliness, friendliness, beauty and convenience. We would definitely recommend your company to our family and friends. We were well cared for by your guides, which made us feel safe and comfortable the whole time. Regarding your specific questions, we have these remarks:

1. Most definitely Mr. Wonder Wang was quick to answer our many questions. He offered valuable advice and was patient through multiple emails between our first point of contact a month before departure, during the tour of China, and until we returned home.

2. The service of the guides was generally very good. They gave us insight into the history and culture of China, and explained the significance of sites along the way. We also felt safe with the designated drivers. At the end of each guide's service, (s)he asked us to fill a questionnaire, and we can see why this is important. Generally our comments were very positive, but we did not have time to adequately assess one guide who was not at the usual standard for this company. His English name is Waldener. We felt he slacked in sharing beneficial knowledge of his city, instead joking around and showing off his knowledge of American history and culture. He was too familiar for our taste and his comments were often immodest. We feel he might benefit from more cultural sensitivity training. The remaining tour guides were very engaging, knowledgeable, dignified and helpful. Jack (in Beijing), in particular, was exemplary in friendliness and helpfulness.

We also have a couple other minor comments. The cruise ship had very little and usually no Internet connection, which was frustrating. On the other hand, the cruise manager kindly asked us about any dietary restrictions and made sure we had food that met our requirements. Likewise, two of the tour guides understood that we only eat halal meat and took us to a halal restaurant for lunch -- this unexpected consideration was highly appreciated. (This is a very important service for most of your future Middle-Eastern guests!!)

Thank you, Mr. Wonder Wang, for your professional communication and friendly assistance throughout this experience,

Sincerely,

Yaser

Yaser - 2023. 5. 29‚ Kuwait, May 29, 2023

Dear Rita,

Thanks for asking. Wutaishan is very crowded but it is fine and quite interesting indeed. We enjoy our time very much

Cheers

Amanda

Amanda - 2023. 5. 26‚ Hong Kong (China), May 26, 2023

Good Morning Tracy,

Now we are back in the UK, back to work and nearly back to normal.

What a time we had in China. I would like to thank you and your amazing team for a wonderful time and experience. The team looked after us so well. Our holiday even though it was a hundred miles an hour was exciting, informative and we really enjoyed it. We experienced lots of new tastes, culture and knowledge.

I would like to say a massive thank you to Fang Fang, who looked after us at the beginning. Her knowledge, detailing & looking after us was exceptional. Nothing was too much trouble for her. Please say a massive thank you for the way she looked after us.

I would highly recommend yourselves as a travel company for any one thinking of venturing to your amazing country and last but not least a hugh thank you to you Tracy for your help all along the way in making our adventure truly rememberable and amazing. Thank you Tracy.

Lots of regards and love

Angela

Angela- 2023. 5. 25‚ UK, May 25, 2023

Dear Rita,

非常满意。船上来了个香港厨神，饮食方面好。客房很舒适。免费Wifi.

美芳

美芳 - 2023. 5. 24‚ Singapore, May 24, 2023