Mt. Kailash Kora Grand Tour (18Nights/ 19Days)
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Journey DMC
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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The Mt. Kailash Kora Grand Tour is a sacred pilgrimage in Tibet, encircling the awe-inspiring Mount Kailash, considered holy by Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Bon followers. This trek involves a circumambulation of approximately 52 kilometers around the striking pyramid-shaped peak, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The journey is both physically demanding and spiritually enriching, with pilgrims and trekkers embarking on this arduous path to seek blessings and cleanse their souls. Along the route, one encounters serene landscapes, pristine lakes, and unique monastic settlements, making the Mt. Kailash Kora Grand Tour a profound and transformative experience that beckons adventurers and devotees alike.
The memorable moments
DAYS Activities Accommodation Meal DAY 01 Arrival at Lhasa Hotel -/-/D DAY 02 Lhasa sightseeing Hotel B/-/D DAY 03 Lhasa sightseeing Hotel B/-/D DAY 04 Ganden Monastery & warm-up hike day trip [100Km] Hotel B/-/D DAY 05 Lhasa – Samye – Tsedang [180km, 3575m] Hotel B/-/D DAY 06 Tsedang – Gyantse [321Km, 3980m] Hotel B/-/D DAY 07 Gyantse – Shigatse – Sakya [380Km, 4300m] Hotel B/-/D DAY 08 Sakya – Mt. Everest North Face [120Km, 5000m] Simple Guest House B/-/D DAY 09 Rongbuk – Saga [300Km, 4490m] Hotel B/-/D DAY 10 Saga – Darchen [490Km, 4670m] Hotel B/-/D DAY 11-13 Mt. Kailash Kora during Full Moon / New Moon [52 km, max. altitude 5630m] Hotel B/-/D DAY 14 Darchen – Guge Kingdom [250Km, 4670m] Hotel B/-/D DAY 15 Tholing – Mapam Yumtso lake [250Km, 4556m] Simple Guest House B/-/D DAY 16-17 Mapam Yumtso lake – Saga – Shigatse [935Km] Hotel B/-/D DAY 18 Shigatse – Lhasa [272Km, 3650m] Hotel B/-/D DAY 19 Final Departure B/-/-
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa [3650m] — As you arrive in Lhasa, you'll receive a warm welcome from your English-speaking Tibetan guide and driver, who will escort you to your hotel. Lhasa, one of the world's highest cities, is known for its unparalleled beauty and rich cultural heritage. Given the challenges of Tibet's high altitude, we prioritize acclimatization to ensure your well-being and safety. Staying well-hydrated and getting plenty of rest is crucial to minimize any symptoms of altitude sickness. Get ready for this unforgettable journey, and you'll spend the night in Lhasa, preparing for the incredible adventures that lie ahead.
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Day 2: Sightseeing in Lhasa — On the second day of our journey, our tour begins with a visit to the iconic Potala Palace. This magnificent palace, built in the 17th century by the fifth Dalai Lama, offers breathtaking views of the entire city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, along with numerous grand state rooms and chapels. After exploring the palace, we'll head to the revered Jokhang Temple, founded in the 7th century by Songtsen Gampo. This temple is considered the most sacred in Tibet, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this enchanting land. You can also take a stroll through the vibrant Barkhor Old Quarter and join pilgrims from across the Tibetan plateau in a kora, a sacred circumambulation around the Jokhang Temple. Kora is a Tibetan Buddhist practice where devotees walk clockwise around a sacred site, often while reciting mantras, prayers, or sacred texts. It is believed to bring good fortune and blessings to those who undertake it.
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Day 3: Sightseeing in Lhasa — Our exploration continues on the third day with visits to the Drepung and Sera monasteries. After breakfast, we'll journey to the outskirts of Lhasa to witness the grandeur of the Drepung Monastery, renowned for being the largest monastery in Tibet and once home to 7,000 monks. Along with the Ganden and Sera monasteries, Drepung is one of the three major centers of Tibetan Buddhist education within the Gelugpa School, also known as the Yellow Hat Sect. Founded in the 15th century, it served as the former residence of the Dalai Lama before the construction of the majestic Potala Palace.
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Day 4: Ganden Monastery & Acclimatization Hike Day Trip [100Km] — On the fourth day, our journey begins with a visit to the illustrious Ganden Monastery, located 50 kilometers from Lhasa. Serving as the primary seat of the Gelug Sect, this sacred institution was founded by Tsongkhapa in 1409. Perched atop a hill in the Kyichu valley, the monastery offers a serene and spiritually charged setting. After our visit, we'll embark on a several-hour hike in the surrounding areas, providing an excellent opportunity to further acclimatize to the high altitude. This will ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience as we continue our journey.
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Day 5: Lhasa to Samye to Tsedang — Our adventure begins on the fifth day as we set off on a journey southeast, venturing into the heart of Tibet's Yarlung Valley, a region that served as the cradle of Tibetan civilization where ancient Tibetan kings unified Tibet during the 7th century. Our first destination is Tsedang, the fourth most significant city in Tibet, where we'll visit the Yumbulagang Palace. Perched atop a hill, this palace is recognized as Tibet's earliest construction and resembles a medieval fortress, offering commanding views over the valley.
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Day 6: Tsedang – Gyantse [321Km, 3980m] — On the sixth day, we begin our day with an early breakfast and embark on an exciting journey westward into the Tsang region. Our route takes us over the Kampa-la Pass, which stands at an impressive 4,797 meters, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Continuing our journey, we ascend the Karo-la Pass, reaching an altitude of 5,050 meters, where we are treated to a spectacular view of the glacier of Mt. Noijin Kangsang gracefully connecting with the road.
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Day 7: Gyantse to Shigatse to Sakya — On the seventh day, in the morning, our journey takes us northwest to the second-largest city in Tibet. Our first stop is the Tashilhunpo Monastery, a magnificent structure dating back to the 15th century, founded by the first Dalai Lama. Today, it serves as the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest figure in the Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy. We highly recommend taking a Kora around the Tashilhunpo Monastery, which rewards you with an incredible panoramic view of the valley and an impressive Dzong (fortress). You can also visit the local markets.
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Day 8: Sakya – Mt. Everest North Face [120Km, 5000m] — On the eighth day, prepare for an exhilarating experience as we approach one of the most significant highlights of our journey: the iconic Mt. Everest North Base Camp, situated at an elevation of 5,200 meters. Our route includes crossing the high pass of Gyatso La, standing at 5,220 meters, where you'll have the opportunity to witness Mt. Everest and the awe-inspiring Himalayan range for the very first time. The journey continues from New Tingri as we make our way to Rongbuk Monastery, nestled at the base of Everest and recognized as the highest monastery on the planet. Along the way, we're treated to incredible views of several towering peaks, including Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and the mighty Mount Everest itself, all visible from the summit of the Pang-la Pass at 5,150 meters. We'll spend the night at a tourist campsite located a few kilometers from the actual Everest Base Camp, affording us a direct view of Mt. Everest, known as Qomolangma. It's important to note that, since 2018, tourists are not allowed to visit the Everest Base Camp used by climbing expeditions due to environmental conservation efforts.
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Day 9: Rongbuk – Saga [300Km, 4490m] —
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Day 9Rongbuk – Saga [300Km, 4490m]
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Day 10: Saga – Darchen [490Km, 4670m] — On the tenth day, in the early morning hours, our journey takes us into the semi-nomadic regions of Tibet's far west. As we venture deeper into the heart of this enchanting land, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic Tibetan landscapes. The extensive drive takes us through the vast expanse of the world's largest and highest plateau, where you'll encounter the awe-inspiring beauty of this remote and unspoiled terrain.
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Day 14: Darchen – Guge Kingdom [250Km, 4670m] — On the fourteenth day of our journey, we embark on a challenging road trip, offering us breathtaking views of the remote and remarkable landscapes that define this region. Our adventure leads us to the oasis town of Zanda, a sanctuary of civilization amidst the rugged terrain. In Zanda, we'll explore the Tholing Monastery and the Tsaparang citadel. Tholing, once the preeminent monastic complex in western Tibet, is a truly captivating sight. Beneath it lies the remains of Guge's initial capital, while the vast horizon showcases the grandeur of the Ladakh Himalaya.
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Day 15: Tholing to Mapam Yumtso Lake — n the fifteenth day, we begin the final phase of your Tibetan journey, bidding farewell to the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and the mightiest mountains in the world. After a hearty breakfast, we commence our return journey, retracing our path until we reach Lake Manasarovar, known as Mapam Yumtso in Tibetan. This lake is among the three most sacred in Tibet and holds deep significance for Hindus. According to their belief, a bath in its holy waters cleanses all sins and brings forth good karma.
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Day 1617:: Mapam Yumtso Lake to Saga to Shigatse — In the tranquil morning hours, we savor the breathtaking sunrise at the sacred and beautiful Lake Manasarovar, taking in the serene beauty of its holy waters. Following our visit to Chiu Monastery, we set out on our journey to Shigatse, making a stopover in Saga for an overnight stay. The drive leads us through arid landscapes marked by vast dunes, offering captivating views of the grandeur of the Himalayas Range and the expansive Tibetan Plateau. This leg of the journey allows us to witness the stark contrasts and diverse natural beauty that Tibet has to offer, creating a lasting impression as we near the conclusion of our remarkable adventure.
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Day 16Overnight accommodation will be provided at a hotel or a similar setting.
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Day 17Overnight accommodation will be provided at a hotel or a similar setting.
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Day 18: Shigatse – Lhasa [272Km, 3650m] — On the eighteenth day, marking the final day of our Tibetan odyssey, our route follows the course of the Yarlung Tsampo, also known as the Brahmaputra River. This path represents the most direct and convenient route back to Lhasa and is an integral part of the Friendship Highway. As we journey alongside this majestic river, you'll have the opportunity to reflect on the incredible experiences and sights you've encountered throughout our traverse of Tibet. Upon our return to Lhasa, you'll have some free time to enjoy and explore the city, taking in the vibrant culture, rich history, and unique atmosphere that make Lhasa such an extraordinary destination.
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Day 19: Final Departure [B] — On the nineteenth day, you will be transferred to the hotel for your final departure.
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What's included in your experience
Included
- Accommodation on a double occupancy basis.
- Daily Breakfast at your hotel.
- All transfers and sightseeing by a private van or bus.
- Sightseeing admission fees.
- English-speaking local Tibet guide.
- Tibet Travel Permit.
Not included
- International and internal airfare.
- Airport Taxes.
- Chinese visa fee.
- Lunch and dinner except as indicated.
- Drinks, tips, and other expenses of a personal nature.
- Travel & Health Insurance.
- All extra expenses are caused due to nature or unforeseen events.
- Excess baggage charges.
- Optional tipping to local staff, guides, drivers, etc.
- Items of a personal nature (beverages, laundry, telephone, etc.).
Essential trip information
Fitness & eligibility
1
Meeting point
Lhasa
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