This 17-day adventure takes you through the heart of Tibet, offering a perfect blend of spiritual exploration, high-altitude trekking, and historical discovery. Beginning in Lhasa, you’ll explore the city’s iconic landmarks like Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, immersing yourself in Tibetan culture and religion. The journey continues westward, through stunning landscapes such as Yamdrok Lake and the sacred Lake Manasarovar, before trekking around Mount Kailash, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the world. This trek offers spiritual depth and physical challenge, following the path of pilgrims around the holy mountain.
The adventure doesn’t stop there, as the itinerary takes you deeper into western Tibet, visiting the ancient Guge Kingdom, with its lost ruins and sacred monasteries. As you travel through remote Tibetan towns and high-altitude deserts, you’ll witness the region’s vast and untamed beauty. Crossing into Xinjiang, the trip concludes in Kashgar, a city steeped in Silk Road history. This journey offers a profound experience of Tibet’s unique culture, spiritual heritage, and breathtaking landscapes, leaving you with memories of an unforgettable expedition.
Arrive in Lhasa after a scenic flight over the Himalayas. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Lhasa. Spend the rest of the day resting and acclimatizing to Lhasa’s high altitude (3,650 meters). Take it easy as your body adjusts, preparing for the exciting days ahead. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the hotel and get a first glimpse of the city’s vibrant energy.
Begin your exploration of Lhasa with a visit to the magnificent Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama and a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. Afterward, visit the peaceful Norbulingka Palace, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lama. In the afternoon, explore the famous Sera Monastery, known for its daily debates among monks. Return to your hotel for a restful evening, soaking in the deep spirituality and history that defines Lhasa.
On the second day of Lhasa sightseeing, visit the Jokhang Temple, one of the holiest sites in Tibet, where pilgrims from all over come to pay homage. Afterward, explore Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world, home to thousands of monks. Complete your day with a visit to the bustling Barkhor Market, where you can buy traditional Tibetan handicrafts and observe the daily life of Lhasa residents. Return to the hotel for overnight.
In the morning, visit the impressive Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, Tibet’s second-most important spiritual leader. After exploring the vast monastery complex, drive toward Lhatse, a small town nestled in the mountains. The scenic drive takes you through high-altitude plains and along mountain ridges, offering stunning views of the Tibetan landscape. Overnight in a local guest house in Lhatse, enjoying a peaceful evening in this remote area.
Depart from Lhatse and continue your journey westward, passing through the towns of Sangsang and Saga. The drive takes you across rugged, high-altitude terrain with views of dramatic valleys and mountain ranges. As you move deeper into the Tibetan Plateau, the landscapes become more remote and serene. Upon reaching Saga, set up camp under the vast open sky and enjoy the tranquility of camping in the Tibetan wilderness, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
Today’s drive takes you further west to the remote town of Paryang. The journey offers an ever-changing landscape, with wide-open plains, towering peaks, and the occasional sighting of nomadic herders and their yaks. As you approach Paryang, the towering presence of the Himalayan range becomes more prominent. Set up camp for the night near Paryang, enjoying the serene and peaceful atmosphere of the Tibetan wilderness. Rest under the stars, preparing for the next day’s adventure.
Drive to the sacred Lake Manasarovar, one of the holiest lakes in Tibet, revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. Upon arrival, you’ll have the chance to walk around the shores of this serene lake, taking in the stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains in the crystal-clear waters. The peaceful atmosphere and spiritual significance of the lake offer a unique experience. Camp overnight by the lake, where the view of the stars over the water is truly mesmerizing.
Drive to Darchen, the starting point for the kora, the sacred circumambulation around Mount Kailash, considered one of the most spiritual pilgrimages in the world. Begin your trek from Darboche, circling the base of the holy mountain alongside pilgrims from across the globe. The trek takes you through rugged terrain, with stunning views of Mount Kailash towering above. Camp overnight along the route, immersing yourself in the sacred energy of this holy place.
Continue your kora around Mount Kailash, trekking along the high-altitude paths that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The trek passes through some of the most remote and sacred areas of Tibet, with pilgrims and trekkers alike following this spiritual path. The trek’s physical challenges are balanced by the profound sense of spirituality that fills the air. Camp overnight in the shadow of Mount Kailash, surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of the region.
On the final day of the kora, complete your trek around Mount Kailash, arriving back at Darchen. The sense of accomplishment, both physically and spiritually, is profound as you finish the sacred circumambulation. After completing the kora, rest and reflect on the incredible journey you’ve undertaken. Spend the night camping near Darchen, enjoying the peace and serenity that comes from completing one of the world’s most sacred pilgrimages.
After completing the kora, drive from Darchen to Tsaparang, the ancient capital of the Guge Kingdom. The drive takes you through the arid, yet stunning, landscape of western Tibet, with rugged mountains and deep gorges. Upon arrival in Tsaparang, settle into a guest house and relax. Tsaparang’s ancient ruins hold a rich history, and you’ll explore them in the following days. Enjoy a quiet evening in this remote part of Tibet, away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Explore the ruins of the ancient Guge Kingdom, a lost civilization that once thrived in this remote region. Visit Tholing Monastery, the oldest monastery in western Tibet, which offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and spiritual heritage. The Guge Kingdom’s crumbling forts and temples are spread across a dramatic landscape, with views that stretch for miles. Spend the night in a local guest house, reflecting on the incredible history and culture of this forgotten kingdom.
Today, drive from Tsaparang to Shiquanhe, also known as Gar, the administrative center of western Tibet. The drive offers more stunning views of the region’s rugged terrain, with high-altitude deserts and towering mountain ranges. Upon arrival in Shiquanhe, settle into your guest house and relax. Shiquanhe offers a mix of modern amenities and traditional Tibetan culture, making it a unique stop on your journey through Tibet. Enjoy a restful evening before continuing your adventure.
Depart Shiquanhe and drive to the small town of Ritok, located near the western border of Tibet. The drive takes you through more remote and stunning landscapes, with vast plains and towering mountains surrounding you on all sides. Ritok is a quiet, traditional Tibetan town where you’ll spend the night in a local guest house. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and take in the surrounding natural beauty before continuing your journey toward Yecheng the following day.
Today’s drive takes you across the Tibet-Xinjiang border as you travel from Ritok to Yecheng, a bustling town in Xinjiang Province. The change in scenery is dramatic, as the Tibetan Plateau gives way to the deserts and oases of Xinjiang. Upon arrival in Yecheng, check into your hotel and enjoy a comfortable night’s rest after the long drive. Yecheng offers a unique blend of Tibetan and Uyghur cultures, making it an interesting stop on your journey.
On the final day of your journey, drive from Yecheng to Kashgar, one of the most famous cities on the ancient Silk Road. Kashgar is a bustling city with a rich history, blending Chinese, Uyghur, and Central Asian cultures. Upon arrival, the tour officially ends, but you may want to explore the vibrant markets and historical sites of Kashgar, such as the Id Kah Mosque or the Sunday Bazaar, before heading home.
