Starting the flight across the Himalayas to Lhasa, we visit across several Tibetan Plateau such as Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Norbulingkha and Jokhang Monasteries and many more. We also take a route to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasoravar. Both of these places are believed to have spiritual and sacred value. We cross several passes including Nara La Pass which acts as the border crossing between Tibet and Nepal. The trek is really fascinating where you can visualize the tantalizing mountain scenes, diverse landscape and both Nepalese and Tibetan culture.
Discover the untrekked scenery and the most sacred places to rinse away your sins through this Lhasa/Kailash/Mamasarovar trek.
TRIP DETAILS
Day 01: Arrival
Upon arrival to Kathmandu Airport, our representative will drop you to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu/Lhasa
Having our breakfast early morning, we catch international flight to Lhasa and upon arriving here, you will be transferred to the Hotel. Lhasa comprises of narrow streets and white washed houses where windows are framed in black trapezoids. The new Lhasa was built around the base of the Potala and is now characterized by straight, broad streets, Chinese style department stores and government houses. Lhasa is a friendly city and you will find Tibetans with smile. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Lhasa Tour
In the morning, we visit Potala Palace, an architectural wonder with gold roofs high above the town, more than 300 meters above the valley. From here, the valley can be observed from directions all around. The present Potala was built in 1645 – 1693 in the Fifth Dalai Lama’s reign. It was the center of religious and political power of Dalai Lamas. There are more than 1000 rooms which were the living quarters of Dalai Lama and also the magnificent golden tombs when they died. With more than hundreds of chapels and shrines, halls and corridors, thousands of gilded statues, it is the Tibet’s pantheon of Buddhas, Boddisattvas, saints and demons and still remains as a beloved shrine.
In the afternoon, we visit Norbulingkha and Jokhang Monasteries. Norbulingkha is known as the Jewel park containing palaces of 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas while Jokhang is the spiritual center of Tibet and its oldest part dates back to 7th century. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Lhasa Tour continued
We start by visiting Drepung Monastery lying 8km west of Lhasa. It was founded in 1416 AD by disciple of Tsongkhapa and had over 10000 monks governed 700 subsidiary monasteries. The monastery itself was divided into four Tantrick Colleges, where they specialized in different branches of knowledge. At present, around 400 monks and novices live here.
In the afternoon, we visit Sera Monastery, Sera meaning “Merciful Hail” lying on the northern edge of Lhasa. Sera also had three colleges, but the chanting halls and chapels seem dark and demonic. Currently, the monastery has 300 monks. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05: Lhasa Tour continued.
Early morning we visit Ganden Monastery situated 70 km east of Lhasa at 4300 m in a bowl like an amphitheater from where dramatic views of the Lhasa River valley can be captured to the fullest. It was founded in 1409 AD by Tsongkhapa.
In the evening, we take a visit at Tebetan Medicine Hospital. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06: Drive Lhasa/Gyantse
We drive along the Tsangpo River to Gyantse, which was once the Tibet’s most important trade city route, India-Nepal-Lhasa. We will have the pleasure to witness the town dominated by a rocky ridge topped by a ruined fortress. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 07: Drive Gyantse to Shigatse
With our short drive to Shigatse, we then visit Tashilunpo Monastery, meaning “Heap of Glory”, which was the seat of Panchen Lamas. The monastery lies at the foot of Dolmari or “Tara’s Mountain” and was founded in 1447 AD by Gendum Drubpa, who was a disciple of Tsongkhapa. The Tashilunpo includes the Jamba Chenmo (Maitreya Hall) that has 86 feet Maitreya Buddha, Kudung (the stupa of the 4th Panchen Lama), Tsegchen Dukhang (Great Assembly Hall), Ngape Dratshang (Tantric College) and Tshenyi Dratshang (the debating college).
We will also observe the 9 storey high thangka walls on the ground. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 08: Drive to Old Tingri
We start with our early morning drive to Old Tingri eyeing on the appealing glimpses of the surrounding. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 09: Explore Old Tingri
We take rest at Tingri to explore its beauty. Tingri is also used as the base point for preparing ascend to Mount Everest or Cho Oyu. From here, eye catching views of Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Makalu, and Cho Oyu can be observed. These mountains are four of the six highest mountains in the world. It was also an important trading post between Nepal and Tibet. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10: Drive Old Tingri to Paigu tso
We start our drive to Paigutso. Paigutso is a beautiful lake and we drive thorugh the rugged alpine country crossing Thorongla Pass at 4970 m. from the high pass, we leave to Lalung La Pass, North of the Himalayan ranges. Then, we pass through the Digur Tang, with its enormous sand dunes and the snow peaks of Shishapangma (8012m) and Langtang (7232m). The trail descends to Paigu Tsho and upon reaching here, we are completely stunned by the beauty it carries. Overnight at camp.
Day 11: Drive to Saga
We start our drive to Kyirong, the “Valley Of Pleasure”. We will have chance to go through towns like Rukyok Tsangpo and Kyibuk Tsangpo. Following Lhartse road, we pass through Dzongkha and reach Saga, which means ‘Happy Land’. Overnight at camp.
Day 12: Drive to Paryang
Having our early morning breakfast, we follow the Rsagpo river valley. We move past many lakes like Vishnu Lake and then a towns like Donga, which is the main check post for illegal traffic. We continue to follow the Brahmaputra valley and cross Soge La Pass. Driving ahead we reach Gacho and then Paryang. Overnight at camp.
Day 13: Drive to Darchen
We drive to Darchen today passing by lakes and Mayum La Pass. Also, we move past Nyogze Lake, which is also known as Hanuman Lake. Overnight at camp or lodge.
Day 14: Trek to Dirapuk
We start our trek via Chorten Kang Nyi (Two legged Stupa). Further, we meet Darpoche (Great Prayer Flagpole). We then move past the Three Pinnacles of Longevity above the opposite cliff face, namely Amitayus, White tara and Vijaya. After few hours of walk, we are able to catch the western face of Mt.Kailash, a triangular facet of rock dripping with great drops of overhanging snow. We then reach Dirapuk. Overnight at camp.
Day 15: Drive to Zutrulpuk
We first pass the Dolma La pass and reach Lhachu River. Following the pass via Shivasthal, we watch the Mount Kailash on our right. We then descend to the valley below crossing Lake Tu Je Chenpo Dzingbu (Sanskrit Gauri Kunda), which is a holy lake and would be frozen most of the time. As we reach near Zutrulpuk, the walk becomes more pleasing. Overnight at camp.
Day 16: Trek to Darchen; Drive to Mansarovar
We cross few streams and Milerapa’s Cave. We then walk back to Darchen, which is easy. The Sherpas would organize the drive to Mansarovar then. Overnight at camp.
Day 17: Day at Mansarovar
We explore the Mansarovar today at the height of 4557m. The place consists of the highest body of fresh water; the lake is full of fish and swans and the lake has turquoise complexion. We can collect the stones and water to take back home as these are considered the holiest being connected directly to Kailash Parvat. Overnight at camp.
Day 18 – 21: Drive to Paryang/Saga/Paigutso/Nyalamu
During these days, we retrace our journey back to Nyalamu by camping and lodge stay for overnight.
Day 22: Back to Kathmandu
Early morning, we drive our way back to Kathmandu through the Friendship Bridge. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
(Note: The above itinerary is a just a guideline. Our Tibet Agent reserves the right to change the itineraries as required. Itineraries are subject to change to suit the local conditions and other factors. At times the flights may either be delayed or even cancelled for a day or more, mostly because of bad weather. At such condition, we recommend our guests to have one extra day in Kathmandu post trek.)
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