Kathmandu - Kailash - Lhasa Tour - 20 Days

Max. Altitude: 1,300m
Overnight at Kathmandu (Hotel)
Meals Included: Dinner

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu's airport, our representatives will help in fulfilling the documents' formalities and escort you to the hotel. You can take shower and rest in a hotel.
In the evening, you will be provided with a 'Welcome Dinner' from Greater Himalaya. You will be served authentic Nepalese dishes. If possible, some programs can also be arranged for entertainment purposes. Also, the local guide will briefly explain the following days' Nepal Tour.
Don't forget to chat with the locals by practicing a few Nepali words. This will help you to observe the unforgettable smile on the innocent faces of Nepalese.
 

Max. Altitude: 1,300m
Overnight at Kathmandu (Hotel)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights: Pasupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath & Kathmandu Durbar Square

Today is the important day of our Nepal tour where we will explore the 4 major UNESCO Listed World Heritage Sites of Nepal.
We will start our journey early in the morning by visiting one of the major sacred Hindu temples, Pasupatinath Temple. It lies on the bank of the Bagmati River and God Shiva is worshipped in this temple. Several small and big statues of gods and goddesses around the premises of this temple will help you to calm your soul and mind.
From Pashupatinath Temple, we will head towards Boudhanath Stupa. This stupa is a famous Buddhist shrine that has been home to Tibetan refugees. It is the largest stupa in the world which is 131ft. in height. It is designed in mandala style and was built in the 5th century.
We will also visit Swayambhunath Stupa which is an important religious site for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is also known as 'Monkey Temple'. From the top of this stupa, you can see the beautiful view of Kathmandu city and its surroundings. Also, the flapping prayer flags, murals, Mani walls, Buddha statues, etc. make its surroundings more religious.
After exploring the Hindus and Buddhist sites, we will head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square which is also known as Hanuman Dhoka Palace. This place was ruled by Newari Mallas between the 12th and 18th centuries. We will visit Taleju Temple, Kumari Goddess Temple, Kal Bhairav, Jagannath Temple, King Pratap Malla statue, etc. inside the premises of this durbar square.
 

Driving Duration: 10 Hours
Max. Altitude: 150m (Lumbini)
Overnight at Lumbini (Hotel)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: Scenic drive and Exploration of the surrounding area

After having breakfast, we will start the overland journey from Kathmandu to Lumbini. Being the birthplace of Lord Buddha, this place is extraordinarily rich in both cultural and natural beauty. Popular as the holy pilgrimage, Lumbini is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
We will drive continuously for 10 hours and enjoy the view of high peaks, low hills, changing landscapes, dense forests, etc. throughout the journey. Upon our arrival on Lumbini, you will be transferred to the hotel where you can take shower and rest for a while. In the evening, we will go for a short sightseeing tour in the surrounding area.
 

Max. Altitude: 150m
Overnight at Lumbini (Hotel)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: Lumbini Sacred Garden, Ashoka Pillar, Maya Devi Temple, International Peace Park, etc.

Today we will explore the major attractions of Lumbini with the help of a licensed guide. After having breakfast, we will walk through the sacred Lumbini Garden which is considered to be the birthplace of Buddha. Inside this garden, many monasteries have been built with the help of different nations such as Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, etc.
Inside this garden, we will visit Ashoka Pillar which is 9m in height. It is believed to be the oldest inscription in Nepal. It was built by Emperor Ashoka during his reign in the 3rd century. Next, we will head towards Maya Devi Temple, mother of Lord Buddha.
To the south of Maya Devi Temple, there lies Puskar Pond where Maya Devi took bath before giving birth to Buddha. So, this pond carries high religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists.

We will also visit the International Peace Park which has a calm environment. This Park consists of numerous stupas and monasteries. You can learn about the architectural design and culture from this park. You will soak into its uncrowded environment and find Nirvana.
After a full day exploring Lumbini, we will go back to the hotel and spend a warm and peaceful night.
 

Driving Duration: 10 hours
Max. Altitude: 1,300m (Kathmandu)
Overnight at Kathmandu (Hotel)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: Scenic drive from Lumbini to Kathmandu

After one full day of sightseeing in Lumbini, we will drive back to Kathmandu by enjoying the panoramic view throughout the way.
 

Driving Duration: 6-7 hours
Max. Altitude: 3,400m (Kerung)
Overnight at Kerung (Hotel)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: View of Ganesh Himal Range

After having breakfast, we will start our scenic drive to the Kerung border through Dhunche. On the way, we will observe the Ganesh Himal range, rural villages, fields of rice, maize, and millet, and thrilling roads from the windows of the jeep.
On reaching Friendship Bridge at Rasuwagadhi, we will complete the immigration formalities of the Nepal side and cross the bridge. After crossing the bridge, we will again complete all the immigration formalities from the China side. Here, we will be received by the Tibet side's guide and driver.

After a brief introduction with the guide and driver, we will proceed towards our journey. Bypassing through the beautiful landscape and Tibetan plateau, we will reach Kerung town where we will be spending our night.
 

Driving Duration: 4-5 hours (104km)
Max. Altitude: 4,740m (Saga)
Overnight at Saga (Hotel)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: Crossing Thong La & La Lung Passes and Observing Paikutsho & Brahmaputra River

We will drive to Saga from Kerung town and join the road coming from Zhangmu after an hour of driving. We will drive for around 4-5 hours with a beautiful view of the Tibetan landscape throughout the way.
We will pass through the high hills and comfortable paved road to arrive at the Saga village. We will climb up and down the passes of Thong La and La Lung before reaching Saga. We will also observe the huge Salt Lake - Paikutsho and the grazing technique of Sheep and Yak adopted by Tibetan, on our way. Also, we will cross the bridge over the Brahmaputra River or the Yarlung Tsangpo.

Driving Duration: 5-6 hours (277km)
Max. Altitude: 4,558m (Manasarovar)
Overnight at Manasarovar (Hotel)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: View of Mt. Kailash, Mt. Gurula-Mandala, and Rakshas Lake
 

After having breakfast, we will depart from Saga and drive towards Dongba town. We will pass through old and new Dongba and drive for a few hours to Tibetan plains while enjoying the view of giant peaks.
We will continue our journey bypassing a few villages and camps of Yak herders. Then, we will reach Paryang village where there are around 15-20 houses. From here, we will continue our drive over Myam-La-Pass to reach Manasarovar Lake.

Manasarovar is regarded as the highest freshwater lake in the world. It is located at 4,558m of altitude and is greenish-blue in color. It is believed that this lake used to be the relaxing place of Lord Vishnu. This Lake is surrounded by Mt. Kailash, Mt. Gurula-Mandala, and Rakshas Lake.
From this lake, we can enjoy the first glimpse of Mt. Kailash. Also, it is believed that Rakshas Lake was created by evil King Ravana so that villagers believe that the water of this lake is poisonous.

Driving Duration: 1 hour (30km)
Max. Altitude: 4,575m (Darchen)
Overnight at Darchen (Hotel)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: Performing Puja, Hawan, and Devtarpan, Hot Spring Bath at Chuigumpa, etc.

Today, we will explore holy Manasarovar Lake by performing some rituals. We will wake up early in the morning and take bath at the holy lake and perform Puja, Hawan, and Devtarpan. After this, we will take a short walk around the bank of this lake.

In the late afternoon, we will continue our drive towards Darchen town. This town is in front of Kailash. Throughout the way, we will get to enjoy the beautiful view of Mt. Kailash. If possible, we will also enjoy a hot spring bath at Chuigumpa. This town is terribly busy and crowded during the time of Kailash Kora as the holy walk starts and ends from this town. It was known as Lhara during the old days.

Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours (10km)
Max. Altitude: 4,900m (Dirapuk)
Overnight at Dirapuk (Hotel)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: View of peaks such as Ape, Kamet, Guru - Mandala, etc.

Today we will drive towards Yamadwar which is located in the small village of Tarboche. We will pack the lunch box for today's journey and reach Tarboche. On our way, we can see the stunning panorama of peaks such as Ape, Kamet, Guru- Mandala, etc. Yamadaz, Tarboche is the starting point of the Kailash kora. It is believed that Yamadwar is the gateway of the god of death.
At Yamadwar, we will meet our pony caretaker and we will trek towards Dirapuk where we will be stopping for a night.
 

Trekking Duration: 8-9 hours (19km)
Max. Altitude: 4,760m (Zuthul-Puk) and 5,470m (Drolma La Pass)
Overnight at: Zutul-Puk (Hotel)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: Crossing Drolma La Pass, Hike to Shiva-tsal, Guru Milarepa’s Cave

Today is the longest trekking day of our Kailash Yatra. Also, it is hardest too as we have to cross the challenging pass. We will start our journey by trekking to Jarok Dongkhang village. From this village, we will hike to Shiva-tsal. It is believed that if people undergo a symbolic death in Shiva-tsal, then they will be reborn again.
Also, rebirth is possible if they arrive at the top of the Drolma La Pass. The big boulder of this pass symbolizes the goddess Dolma or Tara. We will hike to the top of this pass and rest for a while.
Then, we will go down and get to the banks of the Lam-chu Khir River. We will hike alongside this river and reach Khando Sangam La which faces the eastern side of Mt. Kailash. On the way, we can witness the footprint of Lord Buddha.
From here, after walking for a while, we will reach the Zutul-Puk village. The name of this village has been derived from a popular miracle cave where Guru Milarepa stayed meditating
 

Driving Duration: 6-7 hours (307km)
Trekking Duration: 3 hours
Max. Altitude: 4,740m (Saga)
Overnight at Saga (Hotel)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: Exploring Temples and Caves

Today is the last day of our holy walk at the Mt. Kailash tour. In the morning, we will stroll around the Zuthul-Puk village and explore temples and caves. After breakfast, we will undertake a short hike of around 3 hours on a flat land filled with flapping prayer flags, Mani walls decorated with carved Yak skulls, murals, etc.
After completing Kailash Kora, we will return to Darchen. We will enjoy our lunch here and then drive to Saga village.
 

Driving Duration: 8-9 hours (450km)
Max. Altitude: 5,000m (Rongbuk)
Overnight at Rongbuk (Hotel)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: Visiting Rongbuk Monastery and getting a glimpse of Mt. Everest

After having breakfast, we will drive to Rongbuk by passing through beautiful human settlements. On the way, we will get the first view of Mt. Everest from the Gyatso La Pass (5,220m).
After crossing Lalung La Pass, we will reach Rongbuk Monastery. This monastery is located at the foot of Mt. Everest. After reaching Rongbuk, we will check in to the hotel and stay there for the night.
 

Driving Duration: 7 hours (350km)
Max. Altitude: 5,250m (Everest Base Camp) and 3,845m (Shigatse)
Overnight at Shigatse (Hotel)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: Panoramic view of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Mt. Everest, and Rongbuk Glacier

After having breakfast early in the morning, we will drive to Everest Base Camp - foot of the world's highest peak, Mt. Everest. On the way, we can enjoy the panorama of three giant peaks of over 8,000m - Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, and Mt. Everest. Mt. Everest is also known as Mt. Chomolungma in Tibet.
After reaching Everest Base Camp, we can get a glimpse of the stunning Rongbuk glacier. After making a 16km round trip to Everest Base Camp and spending quality time at the lap of Mt. Everest, we will drive to Shigatse where we will stop for a night.
 

Driving Duration: 2 hours (94km)
Max. Altitude: 3,977m (Gyantse)
Overnight at Gyantse (Hotel)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: Visiting Tashilhunpo Monastery, Drinking Tea made up of Yak Butter and Exploring Shigatse Market and Scenic Drive to Gyantse

In the morning, we will explore Shigatse town. We will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery which is the home to the Panchen Lama. It was built in 1447 for the Dalai Lama where political leaders organized their meetings to discuss the country's affairs. In the old days, 3000 monks used to live in this monastery but today only 600 monks reside there.
In this monastery, you can observe the monks clad in their traditional dress. Similarly, you can attend the evening prayer. Remember to taste the cup of tea made up of yak butter which is an immensely popular Tibetan drink and has a special flavor.
Besides the monastery, the Tibetan market of Shigatse is worth visiting. You can stroll around the market and buy local Tibetan products as a souvenir for your loved ones. Also, you can observe the old fort of this town which resembles the history of Tibet.
After completing the whole exploration of Shigatse, we will drive further to Gyantse for around 2 hours. On the way, we can observe the cultivable lands. In this small town, we can experience the authentic Tibetan culture which is still untouched and intact from the Chinese culture and traditions. During the past days, this town used to be a resting place for wool traders while traveling to India.

Driving Duration: 5-6 hours (260km)
Max. Altitude: 3,656m (Lhasa)
Overnight at Lhasa (Hotel)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: Visiting Kumbum Stupa, Manla Dam Lake, and Pelkor Chode Monastery at Gyantse; Exploring Yamdrok Tso Lake on the way to Lhasa

Today, we will explore Gyantse town in the morning. This town is popular for the beautiful fortress and a lot of monasteries. Among all the monasteries, Kumbum Stupa which is 114ft high is the major attraction of this town. Inside this attractive building, we can observe ancient murals and sculptures. We will also visit the Manla Dam Lake and Pelkor Chode Monastery.

We will also explore Gyantse Dzong which is one of the best-preserved Dzong of Tibet. After completing Gyantse sightseeing, we will drive to Lhasa via Yamdrok Tso Lake. First, we will pass Karo La Pass (5,045m) and Khamba La Pas (4,794m). Then, we will stop at Yamdrok Tso Lake, also known as Yamdrok Yumtso, which is one of the largest sacred lakes in Tibet. Today, we will stay in Lhasa.
 

Max. Altitude: 3,656m (Lhasa)
Overnight at Lhasa (Hotel)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: Visiting Potala Palace, Namtso Lake, Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka Park, Princess Wencheng Drama, Ganden monastery, Drepung monastery, Sera monastery, etc.
The next two days of the Tibet tour will give you unforgettable memories as you will be exploring one of the highest cities in the world, Lhasa (3,656m). This city has been the religious and administrative capital of Tibet since the mid-17th century.
Lhasa is the holiest city in the world for Tibetan people. This city has become the most visited place in the world as one can feel the essence of exotic Tibetan culture, Tibetan dishes, get to know about the history of Tibet, interact with the friendly locals, etc.

One of the most visited places of Lhasa is the red and white Potala Palace which is situated in the high hill and is the center of Lhasa. This building is incredibly attractive and used to be the winter palace of the Dalai Lama.
Namtso Lake is another must-visit place of Lhasa which is a half-day drive away from the city. This lake is immensely popular for hiking and photography. Surrounded by the vibrant and flapping prayer flags, this lake has turquoise-like blue water and gives heavenly feelings while strolling on the bank of this lake.

Jokhang Temple, the oldest sacred shrine of Tibetan pilgrims, is located at the center of Lhasa. Many pilgrims from around the world visit this temple and pray by bending their bodies and touching the holy land by forehead. The statue of Shakyamuni is worshipped at the main hall of this temple.
On our two days stay at Lhasa, we will also visit Norbulingka Park which is decorated with colorful flowers and consists of a few palaces. It used to be the summer residence of the Dalai Lama. Many Tibetan festivals are celebrated in this place such as Lantern Festival, Shoton festival, etc.

We will also visit the Princess Wencheng Drama where there are live performances of drama, music, dance, etc. held from time to time. We will also roam around Barkhor Street which is popular for shopping. You can also buy souvenirs for your loved ones from this street.
Lhasa is home to several Buddhist monasteries such as Ganden monastery, Drepung monastery, Sera monastery, Reting monastery, etc. where we can notice the pristine Tibetan Buddhism and enjoy the evening prayer held by monks living inside the palace. Similarly, we will also enjoy some of the authentic and delicious Tibetan dishes and interested one can also participate in cooking classes.
 

Flight Duration: 2 hours
Max. Altitude: 1,300m (Lhasa)
Overnight at Kathmandu (Hotel)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Highlights: Exploring Thamel and Ason Bazaar

We will have breakfast and bid goodbye to Lhasa. Tibetan guide will drop you at the airport and you will fly back to Kathmandu by enjoying the short and scenic flight. After your arrival at Kathmandu's airport, our office representatives will escort you to the hotel where you will rest for a while.
You can utilize your leisure time by strolling around the bustling Thamel and Ason Bazaar. These two places are famous shopping destinations for Nepalese. Also, Thamel is popular as a major tourist hub where you can find an enormous number of markets selling local Nepalese products. You can also get an insight into Nepal's arts and architecture from all those small markets.

In Ason Bazaar, you can find clothing, stationery, decorative, household, electronics, etc. items at reasonable prices. If you have forgotten to bring anything needed for a tour from your home country, then you can buy them here. Also, remember to try spicy street foods being sold in Ason.
After a short exploration of nearby places, you will be served authentic Nepalese Farewell Dinner dishes from the side of Greater Himalaya.
 

Meals Included: Breakfast

This is the last day of 20 Days Kathmandu - Mt. Kailash - Lhasa Tour. We will bid goodbye and our office representatives will drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport of Kathmandu for a flight to your home country. We hope that you will visit Nepal and other destinations in the future and give us a chance to serve you again in the coming days. Happy Journey!!!