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15 Days
Specific Tour
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English
Embark on an unforgettable 15-day overland cultural tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa, and experience the extraordinary scenery and rich cultural heritage that Tibet has to offer. This meticulously designed cultural tour promises to captivate your senses as you journey through the heart of Central Tibet, from the majestic Himalayas to the serene Tibetan plateaus. Every moment of this adventure is crafted to provide you with a deep connection to the land, its people, and their ancient traditions.
Tibet, often referred to as the “Roof of the World,” is a land of profound spirituality and breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, this region offers travelers a unique cultural tour experience that combines ancient traditions with stunning landscapes. From the bustling city of Lhasa to the serene shores of Lake Manasarovar and the sacred pilgrimage circuit around Mount Kailash, Tibet promises an unforgettable journey filled with deep spiritual insights and cultural richness.
Lhasa- The Spiritual Heart of Tibet: A cultural tour in Tibet often begins in Lhasa, the spiritual and administrative capital of the region. Dominating the city’s skyline is the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. This architectural marvel, with its intricate murals, sacred relics, and gilded stupas, offers a profound glimpse into Tibetan Buddhism. Visitors can explore its numerous rooms and halls, each filled with centuries-old artifacts that tell the story of Tibet’s spiritual heritage.
Lhasa is also home to the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibet. Built in the 7th century, this temple attracts pilgrims from all over the Tibetan plateau, who come to perform the kora (circumambulation) around the temple. The vibrant Barkhor Street, which surrounds Jokhang Temple, is a bustling marketplace where travelers can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Tibetan daily life. Here, one can find traditional Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, and incense, adding to the cultural tour experience.
Gyirong County- Gateway to Tibet: After leaving Lhasa, a cultural tour typically heads towards Gyirong County, a picturesque town nestled on the side of the Himalayas. The journey to Gyirong offers travelers a chance to acclimatize to the altitude while enjoying the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Gyirong is known for its vibrant natural beauty and spiritual significance, with attractions such as the Padmasambhava Cave and Kepu Village offering a glimpse into the local way of life.
Saga- A Scenic Stopover: Continuing the cultural tour, travelers reach the town of Saga, a crucial stopover en route to Mount Kailash. The drive to Saga is a visual feast, with panoramic views of the Himalayas and sightings of diverse wildlife, including wild horses, wolves, and yaks. The journey also passes by Peiku-tso, a stunning alpine lake set against the backdrop of Shishapangma, one of the highest peaks in the world. This scenic route highlights the natural beauty that is a hallmark of any cultural tour in Tibet.
Lake Manasarovar- A Spiritual Oasis: One of the most spiritually significant destinations on a cultural tour in Tibet is Lake Manasarovar. This holy lake, revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, is believed to cleanse the soul of impurities. The serene beauty of Lake Manasarovar, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, provides a deeply moving experience. Visitors can hike around the lake’s shores, capturing stunning views of Mount Kailash in the distance, and spend the night in a guest house by the lake, reflecting on the spiritual and natural wonders they have encountered.
Mount Kailash- The Pinnacle of Pilgrimage: The highlight of any cultural tour in Tibet is the journey to Mount Kailash, a peak considered sacred by multiple religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Bon. The three-day trek around Mount Kailash, known as the Kailash Kora, is a spiritual pilgrimage that many dream of undertaking. This 53-kilometer circuit offers travelers a chance to connect deeply with Tibetan spirituality and culture.
The trek begins in Darchen, the gateway to Mount Kailash, and follows a clockwise route. On the first day, trekkers pass the Tarboche flagpole, an important site during the Saga Dawa festival, and camp near the Dirapuk Monastery, with the majestic north face of Mount Kailash looming above. The second day involves a challenging ascent to Drolma La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,630 meters. The climb is rewarded with awe-inspiring views and the sight of Gauri Kund Lake, a place of profound spiritual significance. The final day of the trek is a gentle descent back to Darchen, passing prayer flags and mani walls adorned with yak skulls, a testament to the enduring spiritual traditions of Tibet.
Everest Base Camp- A Touch of Majesty: Another awe-inspiring experience on a cultural tour in Tibet is the visit to Everest Base Camp. The drive to this iconic location takes travelers through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Tibet, including the Tong La Pass and the Rongbuk Monastery, the highest Buddhist monastery in the world. Standing at the base of the world’s highest peak, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Himalayas, is a moment of unparalleled tranquility and majesty.
Gyantse and Shigatse- Cultural Riches: As the cultural tour progresses, travelers visit the towns of Gyantse and Shigatse, each offering a unique glimpse into Tibet’s rich cultural heritage. In Gyantse, the Pelkor Monastery and the Kumbum Stupa stand as remarkable examples of Tibetan religious architecture. The intricate murals and statues within the stupa provide a deep insight into Tibetan Buddhism.
Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, is home to the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Founded in 1447, this monastery houses the impressive Maitreya Buddha statue, a symbol of compassion and enlightenment. The vibrant markets and cultural sites of Shigatse offer travelers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the local way of life, making it an essential stop on any cultural tour in Tibet.
Drepung and Sera Monasteries- Centers of Learning: Back in Lhasa, the cultural tour includes visits to Drepung and Sera Monasteries, two of the most important monastic institutions in Tibet. Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in Tibet, offers a fascinating look at the daily lives of monks and the rich history of Tibetan Buddhism. Sera Monastery is famous for its lively debates, where monks engage in animated discussions on Buddhist philosophy, showcasing the intellectual rigor of Tibetan monastic education.
A cultural tour in Tibet is more than just a journey through stunning landscapes; it is an exploration of a deeply spiritual and culturally rich region. From the majestic Potala Palace and the sacred Jokhang Temple in Lhasa to the serene beauty of Lake Manasarovar and the spiritual pilgrimage around Mount Kailash, every moment is filled with profound experiences.
Travelers on a cultural tour in Tibet have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the region’s vibrant traditions, witness the devotion of pilgrims, and explore the natural wonders that define this unique part of the world. The warm hospitality of the Tibetan people and the region’s rich cultural heritage ensure that every cultural tour is a journey of discovery and wonder.
Embarking on a cultural tour in Tibet offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the land, its people, and their ancient traditions. From the bustling streets of Lhasa to the serene shores of Lake Manasarovar and the sacred pilgrimage circuit around Mount Kailash, every aspect of the journey is crafted to provide a deep and enriching experience. Join us on this sacred cultural tour, and let the timeless allure of Tibet captivate your heart and soul.
Day 1 - Kathmandu to Syabrubesi After Breakfast, our staff will pick you up in your hotel and drive to Tibet border. It;s a distance about 160km from Katmandu to Kyirong Border which usually takes about 7-9 hours on the way. So we will live in the Syabrubesi adjacent to Gyirong for a night before crossing the border in the second day morning. On the way, will pass Mt. Himalaya, where you can see the deep gorges, snow-capped mountain. We will also drive across the LuangTang National Park, one of the well- preserved national parks in Nepal. Stay overnight in village guest house in Syabrubesi.
Day 2 - Syabrubesi to Kyirong After breakfast, we will drive 15km away to the Nepal-China border. Our guide will meet you at the Gyirong Border in Tibet side. Then transfer to Gyirong county, a small town built on the side of Himalayas. It would be nice to see the Himalayan mountains and vibrant forest from there. We need to spend one night for a good acclimation for next days’ ascent to EBC. In the afternoon, you will visit Padmasambava cave and trek 2 hours to Kepu village. Stay overnight in Gyriong.
Day 3 - Kyirong to Saga In the morning we will drive to the stunning alpine lake Peiku-tso. An amazing picture of the lake with Shishapangma in the background will come into your sight when you arrive there. Then keep driving to Saga. Today's driving is amazing with excellent views of Himalaya Mountains, a lot of wildlife including wild horses, wolves, foxes, deer, gazelle, black-necked cranes as well as yaks and sheep. Stay overnight in Saga.
Day 4 - Drive to Lake Manasarovar, 500km, 8-9hrs From Saga it is 145 km to Zhongba, the road there is good and there is also a small monastery at the western end of town on a hill. From Zhongba onwards the southern road deteriorates. There is also danger of vehicles getting stuck. But this section of the road has panoramic views of mountains on either side of the road. There will be several river crossings and we drive past Mayum la pass (4600 M) from Paryang to Lake Manasarovar. The scenery is stunningly beautiful with panoramic views of the Himalayas. Stay overnight in Guest House.
Day 5 - Drive to Darchen (4560m), 30km In the morning, you can hike around the lake and take pictures of Mt. Kailash in distance. Lake Manasarovar is one of the holiest lakes in Tibet which cover 400km sq. Lake is devoted by billions of buddhists and hindus. In the afternoon, drive forward to Darchen, the main gateway and the village in front of Mt. Kailash. At Darchen, accommodations are very simple and basic. You can relax and rest and prepare for next day trekking. The guide will help you organize yaks or ponies for the Kailash circuit trek at Darchen. And Darchen is also the Point of Exit to the Sacred Mount Kailash (Kang Rimpoche) for the Kailash Pilgrimage Circuit (Kailash Kora). Stay overnight in Darchen.
Day 6 - Start Kailash Circuit Trekking, O/N: Camp Start the Kailash circuit today, this kora covers 53 kms and can be done in 3 days. We head west in clockwise direction. Only 4 kilometers from Darchen the trail climbs up over the southwest end of the ridge to reach a cairn (4,730m). Then, trail bends around to north to the Tarboche flagpole. The flagpole is replaced each year at the Saga Dawa festival. After passing the Lha-chu valley, we arrive in Chuku monastery where we can have a break. Another 3 hours trek along the river, we hit our first day’s stop, the Dirapuk monastery. Stay overnight in the camp on Kailsh.
Day 7 - Trekking, O/N: Camp Trek along Drolma Chu and reach the Jarok Donkhang (5,210m). A little while, Shiva-tsal (5,330m) comes in front. It is a rocky expanse dotted with stone cairns draped with items of clothing. Our next challenge is to get over Drolma La Pass (5,630m), the highest point of the entire kora, where you can look south for your last glimpse of the north face of Kailsh. After the ascent, we are experiencing a steep descent. Almost immediately, Gauri Kund Lake comes into view. Finally, after a long valley and river, we reach our second day’s stop, the Zutulpuk monastery. Stay overnight in the camp on Kailsh.
Day 8 - Trekking, O/N: Camp The final day's walk begins with the easy stroll down to where the river emerges onto the plain. The valley narrows and the prayer flags fluttering across the river. There is a rough road from here back to Darchen and it’s less than an hour’s walk, passing many mani walls embellished with yak skulls. Finally, our kora end up at Darchen. Stay overnight in the camp on Kailsh.
Day 9 - Drive back to Saga Drive back to Saga from Darchen. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Saga at your leisure. Stay overnight in Saga.
Day 10 - Saga to Tingri From Saga, your guide will take you to Old Tingri, via the Tong La Pass, at 5,100 meters above sea level. Sice there is a long distance from Saga to EBC, we will stop in Old Tingri for one day before driving to Everest Base Camp in the next day. The route from Saga passes along the beautiful border country of Tibet, with its spectacular evergreen forests and stunning snow-covered mountains. The views of the awe-inspiring mountains along the road to Tingri are some of the most beautiful in the world, and well worth the long drive. Stay overnight in Old Tingri.
Day 11 - Tingri to Mt. Everest to Shigatse Open your eyes, and wake up to the first sunlight shining over the pyramid-shaped summit of imposing Mt. Everest. Grab your camera for an epic shot and stroll to the Rongbuk Monastery, exploring this world’s highest Buddhist compound. If you wish, you can do the meditation and experience the unparalleled tranquility and harmony there. Or you can interact with monks and nuns with the help of guide to learn more of their unique spiritual life. The temperature can get bitterly cold in the early morning. Do wear enough cloths like your down jacket, scarf and mittens to protect the extreme coldness. Finally, jump into our tour vehicle and say farewell to the world’s highest peaks through the rearview mirror of the van. By following the zigzag roads on Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway, we head back to Shigatse. Stay overnight in Shigatse.
Day 12 - Drive to Lhasa The following morning, you will get to visit the famed Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, with its ancient statue of Jampa, the “future god”. Tashi Lhunpo is also the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second highest spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism. You can also see the monastery's Barley Mill, and the fields of barley around the site, and see how the barley is ground into flour to make the staple food of Tibetans, tsampa. Continue drive to Gyantse, you'll visit Pelkor Monastery as well as the splendid Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) nearby, both of them built in the 15th century and situated in the northwestern edge of Gyantse. Afterwards pass by the 5,010 m high Karo-la and the Simi La to Lhasa. Then you will have a chance to get lost in the endless Tibetan landscape while you take a short hike along the turquoise waters of Lake Yamdrok, one of the four holy lakes in Tibet. This dazzling lake is normally first seen from the summit of the Kamba-la (4700m). The lake lies several hundred metres below the road, and it is shaped like a coiling scorpion. Far in the distance is the huge massif of Mt. Nojin Kangstsang (7191m). Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 13 - Lhasa sightseeing After breakfast, we go to the Potala Palace, a golden feather upon the roof of the world, which Tibetans proudly claim to be the prime miracle since the creation of this world. It is visible from any distance, with the golden roof shinning in the sun, spend one hour wondering around the inside of this magnificent building exploring the rooms previously used by the Dalai Lama and the many Buddhist icons within. In the afternoon we go inside of the Jokhang Temple. Then stroll around the back alleys of the Barkhor area of Old Lhasa. The streets smelled of yak butter and incense while hordes of pilgrims shuffled along the main Kora (circumambulations) around Jokhang Temple. If someone just walked at a normal pace, one kora would take about 15-20 minutes. Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 14 - Drepung and Sera Monastery In the morning have a tour for Drepung Monastery, the ever largest monastery with more than 10 thousand monks, Buddhist debates often occur there. Seen from afar, its grand, white construction gives the monastery the appearance of a heap of rice. As such, it was given its name which, in the Tibetan language, means Monastery of Collecting-Rice. Learn about the lives of Tibetan monks there. The afternoon is spent touring Sera Monastery, have a little hike for the beautiful valley scenery nearby and picnic there. Sera monastery was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. Catch the famous debate session of the monks before returning back to Lhasa. Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 15 - Finish this unforgettable tour Free time at your disposal this morning, explore the bustling markets of the Barkhor to buy some souvenirs for your families and friends. After lunch, departure transfer to see off, tour services end and Tibet welcome you back forever.
One of the biggest features of weather on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the dramatic temperature change between day and night. The annual temperature in Lhasa is -2℃-- 12℃(spring), 9℃-- 22℃(summer), 7℃-- 19℃(fall), -7℃-- 9℃(winter). Do wear clothes properly such as thermal tops, fleece jacket, breathable underwear, down jacket, jeans, beanie, etc. Of course, sun screen, lip balm, sun glasses are essential to shield you from powerful blinding sunlight on the plateau. Do drink more water and eat more vegetable as you travel in Tibet. It can prevent you from dehydration.
For the first timer to Tibet, either by flight or train, a good rest is a must for quick acclimation to the high altitude in Lhasa. Never rush to tour the street or attractions on your own. Walk slower and do not exert yourself like running or jumping. Spending at least two days in Lhasa is a good way to get acclimatized before heading to Shigatse or Namtso. If you have any discomfort, do tell it to your guide, and he will help you out.
Normally, taking photos is forbidden in the monastery. If you want to take photos of Tibetan pilgrims, a gentle ask of permission would be appreciated or you can do it from a long distance. Swimming and fishing are not allowed in holy lakes in Tibet; Do not talk about sensitive topics like politics; International tourists are not allowed to travel alone in Tibet according to the policy; Walk clockwise around Barkhor Street; Never venture into the unknown trails; do as much as you can to protect the fragile eco-system in Tibet, etc. As Tibetan Buddhism is deeply-rooted in every facet of Tibetans' life, always follow and respect the unique customs in Tibet. If you are uncertain about something, it’s advisable to ask your guide before you do it at will.
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