13 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Gyirong with EBC & Mount Kailash Trek

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region! Upon your arrival at the airport in Lhasa, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel in downtown Lhasa (100km, about 1.5 hours’ drive) . You can have a good rest to get used to the altitude (3,650m) in your hotel and get ready to explore Lhasa with your guide the next day.

Arrival Ideas:
Lhasa is located in the southern part of the Tibetan Plateau and southwestern China. Traveling to Tibet is convenient by air, railway, or road. There are five airports in Tibet, with Lhasa Gonggar Airport being the most popular for flights from Chengdu (which is also popular), Chongqing, Xian, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, Xining, Shangri-La, and other cities. One international airline even connects Lhasa and Kathmandu. Moreover, travelers can take the train to Lhasa from Xining (21 hours, the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway), Lanzhou (24.5 hours), Chongqing (35.5 hours), Chengdu (36.5 hours), Xian (31 hours), Beijing (40.5 hours), Shanghai (47 hours), Guangzhou (52.5 hours), Shigatse (2.5 hours), Nyingzhi (4 hours), and other cities.

Kind Reminds:
1.It is good to avoid altitude sickness by slowing down, keeping warm, drinking water frequently, avoiding showers for the first one or two days, taking it easy, and sleeping well.
2.You should always follow your doctor's advice regarding altitude based on your health condition.
3.Be sure to let your guide or the hotel staff know whenever you feel unwell or need help. The people there are always willing to help and are good at dealing with altitude sickness.

Notes for Trekking:
During your initial days in Lhasa and Shigatse of Tibet, it is important to take it easy and dedicate ample time to acclimate to the elevated altitude. This is a crucial step in preparing yourself for the trek ahead.

Today, you and your group will explore Lhasa by visiting Jokhang Temple, a world cultural heritage site renowned for its brilliant architecture, culture, art, and history. After that, you will experience Tibetan Buddhism by witnessing the Monks' Debating in Sera Monastery. Finally, you can stroll through the famous Barkhor Street with locals and learn more about the daily kora life of Tibetans.

Located in the heart of Lhasa for over 1300 years, the Jokhang Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. Famed as the spiritual center of Tibet, it is said that the Jokhang Monastery was built for King Songtsen Gampo's two brides: Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. "Jokhang" means "House of Buddha", and it houses a life-size statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni, which is considered a treasure of the Buddhist world. This is why Buddhist pilgrims consider it the holiest destination. The Jakhong temple is also renowned for its beautiful architecture. You can admire the intricate carvings, colorful murals, ornate decorations, and details of the building, which is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Time seems to stand still as you watch people pray in front of the temple during the day and night. (Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the reservation of your Jokhang Temple Ticket Reservation.)

In the afternoon, drive approximately 30km (50 minutes) to visit Sera Monastery, which is one of the three great Gelug university monasteries of Tibet. It offers the opportunity to experience Tibetan Buddhism up close. The highlight of Sera Monastery is watching the monks' debate, which takes place around 15:00-17:00 (except on Sundays). The debate is an interesting form of exchange, where one monk acts as the questioner, standing while the answerer or group of answerers sit. The standing monk asks questions and slaps his palms and stomps, each action having a special meaning, such as activating wisdom, and are not meant to be aggressive. You will also have the chance to attend prayer ceremonies, visit meditation halls, and learn about the monastic way of life. It is a must-visit destination to gain insight into the beliefs and practices of Tibetan Buddhism.

Afterward, head back to downtown Lhasa for a walk on busy Barkhor Street near the Jokhang Monastery, which was a place for Buddhists to do a kora (pilgrim circuit) in ancient times. Nowadays, it has become a thriving local market where you can drink a pot of yak butter tea, dress in Tibetan clothes for photos, and pick up some local Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts and souvenirs.

Today you will explore the world’s highest palace for its brilliant architectures, culture, and history, then visits to one of the "great three" Gelug university monasteries in Tibet - the Drepung Monastery.

In the morning, you can walk into Potala Palace (World Heritage), the traditional residence and winter palace of the Dalai Lama (1649-1959). It takes 365 steps from potala gate to reach the Red Palace which is the highest palace in the world at an altitude of 3,700m. Through the principal halls, chapels, and shrines of past Dalai Lamas in the Red Palace, you will be astonished and touched by its remarkable paintings, gorgeous jeweled works, skilled carving, colorful ornamentation, and the mystery stories behind the treasures. Inside the Potala Palace you will meet lots of Tibetan pilgrims who come all the way from afar to this sacred site to pray as their life time destination. You can also ask your guide to share more information about Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet, who first build the Potala Palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. (Note: We may adjust the visit order due to the visiting time of your Potala Palace Ticket. All visitors must visit the Potala Palace with a tour group while staying inside for an hour. No photo inside.)

Then, drive about 35 minutes (12km) to visit the Drepung Monastery, which was the largest Tibetan monastery (of the Gelug Sect) in Lhasa. It used to be the palace of the Dalai Lama before he moved to the Potala Palace in the 17th century. Today, it is famous for the Drepung Shoton Festival held each August, where people come to offer yogurt to the monks who have finished their 100 days of meditation. You can also witness the grandest Buddha/Thangka Unfolding Ceremony. Besides the unique architecture and amazing buildings, you can watch monks debating in Tibetan Buddhism, which is vibrant and active with expansive gestures, clapping, and stamping. After visiting the Drepung Temple, you will have about a 2-hour Tibetan culture tour, which includes an introduction, Tibetan incense making, and block printing.

Today, drive about 7.5 hours (270km) from Lhasa to Shigatse (3,850m) via Gyantse (3,950m). You will visit two amazing natural landscapes - Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier on the way, then after a visit of Pelkor Monastery in Gyantse, you will reach Shigates for overnight.

In the morning, you will head to the Kampala Pass (4,797 meters) and have a breathtaking view of Yamdrok Lake (a freshwater lake) down below as well as spectacular views of the holy Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar (7,206m) in the distance. It is one of the four largest sacred lakes in Tibet along with Lake Lhamo Latso, Lake Manasarovar, and Lake Namtso. And Lake Yamdrok is said to be able to help Tibetans find the reincarnated soul of the Dalai Lama. You will be happy to see dressed-up Tibetan mastiffs/dogs, goats, and yaks there. It is optional for you to pay 5-10 yuan to pose with and take photos of them, for local Tibetans, it’s a subsidy income for their family.

Then, drive to visit one of the most beautiful Glaciers in Tibet - Karola Glacier, the location of the film Red Valley (Hong He Gu). As one of Tibet's three major continental glaciers, backed by the southern slope of Naiqin Kangsang Peak (7,191 meters), one of the four highest peaks in Tibet, this white glacier is also the source of the eastern part of the Nianchu River. The Karola Glacier (5,012m) is only 300 meters away from the highway connecting Lhasa to Gyantse town. You can view it right off the highway from your car. Sure you can easily walk to the foot of the charming glacier which shape is like a frozen waterfall right above the road and you. Besides the fantastic hike to the Karola Glacier, on the opposite side of the road, you can appreciate the beautiful snow-capped mountain of Mt Kalurong.

Karola Glacier Visiting Notes:
1. The altitude at the glacier scenic spot is about 5,012m, be sure to slow down to avoid altitude sickness.
2. The public toilet at the glacier is very basic.
3. Local people would ask you to take photos with them for a fee. Be sure to ask before taking photos to avoid potential little troubles.

After that, drive on the Friendship Highway( between Tibet and Nepal) to Gyantse, the third largest city of Tibet after Lhasa and Shigates, and visit Pelkor Monastery.

Pelkor Monastery (Palcho Monastery) is an important site for Tibetan Buddhism, as it houses different sects including the Gelug, Sakyapa, and Kadampa. Pelkor Monastery, with a history over 600 years, is also renowned for its impressive architecture, which blends Tibetan, Nepalese, and Han Chinese styles. One of the main attractions of Pelkor Monastery is the Kumbum Stupa (Gyangtse Kumpum), which is a nine-story tower adorned with thousands of images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. It is said to be the largest such structure in Tibet. Visitors can enjoy their time by witnessing the daily rituals and prayers of the monks, and have a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape from the top of the Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda). You can also catch the far view of Gyangtse Fortress (Gyantse Dzong). After that, drive about 90km to reach Shigates for overnight.

You will get an early start with a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery. After that, drive to Rongpuk Monastery (5,100m) and Mount Everest Base Camp (5,200m) which is 340km (8h) from Shigatse via a photo stop at Gyawu La Pass (5,200m).

Tashilunpo Monastery is founded by His Holiness the 1st Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gedun Drup in 1447. In Tashi Lunpo Monastery, you can unveil the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, Tibet's second-highest incarnation. Pay a visit to the ancient tombs of the fourth and tenth Panchen Lama and the chortens, which hold the bones and remains of the sacred Tibetan lamas. Learn more from your guide about Panchen Lamas and Dalai Lamas while appreciating the brilliant religious painting on Tibetan architecture, listening to the Tibetan Buddhism chanting by local monks, and even participating in the kora like locals. Don’t forget to hike up to the top of the monastery and have a stunning bird view of the monastery itself and Shigatse City.

Departing from Shigatse, after about 4.5 hours of driving (240km), you would get your first glimpse of Mt. Everest from the Gyawu La Pass (5,200m), between Lhatse and Shelkar. Apart from Mt. Everest, you will be marveled at the zigzag road that looks winding to the end of the world. On the road, you may see local people biking or hiking all the way to Everest Base Camp, for them reaching the base of the world's highest mountain is a must do goal or holy belief that is worth the effort.

After enjoying the beautiful and unique scenery on the pass with incredibly snow-capped mountain ranges, blue skies, floating high clouds, and endless grasslands, it is time to head to Rongbuk Monastery (about 3.5 hours,122km) which is the highest monastery in the world and the best site to view the north side of Mt. Qomolangma (Mt. Everest), also known as the Third Pole on Earth. With both monks and nuns in residence, Rongbuk Monastery is a must-visit for spiritual travelers, and you will find it to be a photo-worthy destination. It used to be an area of meditation huts, and you can find hermitage meditation caves with a history of over 400 years, dotting the cliff walls all around the monastery and the valley. You can admire the magnificent sunset on Qomolangma's steep north side in good weather. The humble stupa at the monastery is the same one that can be seen on most postcards and posters of Mt. Everest.

Overnight in a tent guesthouse at Rongbuk Monastery or EBC. If you venture out at night, you will be rewarded with a heavenly starry night.

Notes:
1. Travelers can only go as far as the Rongbuk Temple area rather than a few kilometers farther as before. But it’s no big difference in terms of viewing Mt. Everest.
2.Today’s food and lodging is very basic. Due to the high altitude, it is possible that you may have some symptoms of altitude sickness. We recommend that you stay well hydrated, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery to minimize your symptoms.
3.If you're interested in trekking to EBC from Old Tingri, you can spend 4 days trekking along the relatively open, flat, and safe route. The trek is suitable for almost all people, including underage children, without severe altitude sickness. Taking four days to cover 70km at an average pace of 18km per day is a lifetime experience to walk on the world's highest trekking trail and realize the dream of standing close-up to the towering Mount Everest. Contact us to customize a trekking trip from Old Tingri to Everest Base Camp.
4.When we talk about Everest Base Camp (EBC), we are referring to the area near Rongbuk Monastery that ordinary travelers are allowed to visit. EBC is about 20km from Mount Everest’s summit as the crow flies. From EBC, travelers can view the summit of Mount Everest in fine weather.

Try your luck at witnessing the breathtaking sunrise of Mount Everest in the early morning (Note: The sunrise usually starts around 6:30 am to 7:00 am). After breakfast, hike around Rongbuk Monastery and Everest Base Camp (5,200m), which is the closest place for ordinary tourists to view the world’s summit. Take your time at Everest Base Camp to enjoy the amazing view of the peak of Mount Everest (8,848m), the highest peak in the world.

After that, you will leave Everest Base Camp and drive the old Tingri Road to Saga County (380km, 7hour). On the way, you will have the last chance to capture the breathtaking view of Mount Everest, the all-year-round snow-capped holy mountain shaped like a three-sided pyramid and feel the grandness of the highest point on earth before you head to next stop. Later, you will overlook the majestic and awe-inspiring Mount Shishapangma, about 120km from Mount Everest and located in the Himalayas near the Nepal-Tibet border. At an elevation of 8,027 meters, Mount Shishapangma is the 14th highest mountain in the world and the only 8,000-meter peak that lies entirely within Tibet. The mountain is known for its striking appearance, with its towering peaks and massive glaciers. Surrounded by lush valleys and beautiful grasslands, you can have enjoy the stunning view of the towering peaks fascinating scenery around.

The main road passes through the desolate plains of Digur Tang, with its enormous sand dunes contrasting with the neighboring snow peaks of Shishapangma and Langtang to the south. As we leave the Bum-chu basin, you will descend into the relatively lower elevations of the beautiful turquoise Pelkhu-tso (elevation 4590 meters), a cobalt blue lake and the largest lake in Shigatse. Mount Shishabangma is the lucky holy mountain and while Pelkhu-tso Lake is the holy lake like a shining emerald diamond quietly lying at the foot of the mountain, setting off the beauty of each other.

After visiting the beautiful lake, you’ll drive another 69 kilometers to Saga County and spend the night in the small town of Saga (4,640m).

Road Condition: The road condition get rougher from the old Tingri Road as it runs parallel to the to the Himalayan mountain ranges and the Nepalese sides known as the Anapurna Ranges.

On this seventh day, your guide and driver will take you from Saga County to Darchen (500km, about 8 hours’ drive) via Drongpa County, the origin place of the Brahmaputra River. You will make a stop in a small village along the main road that consists of only a few basic guesthouses, restaurants and a small monastery known as “Old Drongpa”. Pay a short visit to Dargyeling Monastery which sits on the hill-side about 1.5km off the main road. It is the best preserved monastery in the area and worth a visit for its fine views and unusual chortens. Around the monastery, you will be able to observe a pile of yak heads that are carved with “sutras” and “mantras”. New Drongpa is another small town with a few shops, hotels and restaurants located about 25 kilometers from Old Drongpa monastery. Later, you will continue on to the Baryang Township (4,750 m).

Before heading to Darchen (4,575m), gateway to Mount Kailash, you will make a stop to admire Lake Manasarovar (4,590m), also known as the“invincible lake”. This lake is the most venerated of Tibet’s many lakes and one of its most beautiful. With its sapphire-blue waters, sandy shoreline, and snow-capped mountain backdrop create a stunning landscape that contrasts with the rugged terrain of Mount Kailash. Take a moment to appreciate the tranquil scenery and the reflections of the blue sky and white clouds on the lake's surface. You may also see pilgrims praying and bathing in the crystal-clear waters, adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the place.

Separated with the holy Lake Manasarovar by a road, you will arrive at Lhanag-tso Lake (4,575m). This lake is called “Ghost Lake” because it appears dark blue and is very salty and the water is prohibited to drink. There are no plants, no cattle or sheep around the lake and everything seems lifeless. Stand by the lake and listen to the roaring waves crashing against the shoreline.

After the exploration, it is time to drive to your final destination of the day - the small town of Darchen (4,575m), nestled below the foothills of Mount Kailash. Have a good sleep in Darchen.

Altitude: 4600m | Trekking Distance: 22km, about 6 hours

Mount Kailash, at 6638 meters, dominates the region with the sheer awesomeness of its four-sided summit. It is a sacred mountain by four religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Bon and Jainism. In Tibetan Buddhism, it’s the home of the Buddha Demchok (representing nirvana). And in their scriptures, Mount Kailash is considered as the world’s center. Pilgrims from across Asia trek across the spectacular high-altitude landscape of remote Western Tibet to pay homage and walk around the sacred mountain. The whole trekking journey is 52-kilometer trek around Mount Kailash at Darchen and which is also the finishing point for the circumnavigation of the sacred mountain. The trekking takes about 3 days.

Suggested Trekking Route on Day One: Darchen to Dira-puk Monastery

Start your trekking in the town of Darchen. From there, follow the kora path westward across the Barkha Plain. Then pass Tarboche, which is one of the most significant sites for Tibet's most important festival, Saga Dawa. During Saga Dawa, hundreds of pilgrims gather to watch the annual raising of the flagpole. Just west of Tarboche is the “two-legged” Chorten Kangnyi. It is an auspicious act for pilgrims to walk through the small chorten’s archway. Later, you will hike to Chuku Monastery perched high above the valley floor on the hillside to the west. This monastery belongs to the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism and you can enjoy its ornate interior murals and statues. From the Chuku bridge there are alternative trails along the east and west banks of the river. Either way it’s about three hours to Dira-puk Monastery. We recommend you to hike along the eastern pilgrim route. Lastly, you arrive at Dira-puk Monastery (elevation 4920 meters), sitting in a superb location on the hillside north of the Lha-chu across from the Shishapangma Guesthouse. From here, you can appreciate the astonishing north face of Mount Kailash, which from this angle appears as a massive, jet-black slab of granite ornamented with alabaster-white strips of snow. Dira-puk Monastery belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. You will spend the night in a monastery’s guesthouse that offers the best accommodations in this area (although it is still very rustic.)

Travel Notes:
1. Local Tibetans around Mount Kailash provide services, such as horse or Yak riding, baggage carrying by yak or porter. The services are not included in the tour fee.
2. During the trekking, you will accommodate at Driapuk and Dzultripuk guesthouse or Tent (Multi-beds room). The accommodation is very basic.

Altitude: 4600m | Trekking Distance: 20km, 7-8 Hours’ Trekking

On this day, start your second day of the circuit of Mount Kailash. Less than an hour along is the meadow at Jarok Donhang (5210m). Then, it will be the toughest as you will ascend 762 meters up to the Dolma-la Pass (5360m). This pass is a challenging but sacred part of the Mount Kailash kora. According to Tibetan Buddhist belief, ascending Dolma-la Pass removes the sins of one lifetime. Many pilgrims struggle with the high altitude and difficult terrain, but consider completing the pass to be a profound spiritual achievement. You will get an early start as the sun begins its rise over the mountain ridges above you. Once you have reached the peak of the Dolma-la Pass, you’ll stop for a rest and catch the opportunity to admire all of the fantastic scenery around us.

After that, you will begin your descent to the Lhachu Valley, which will take about one hour. After another short rest, you will trek on for another four hours to our final destination for the day. You will walk along the right side of the river to finally reach Dzultripuk (4810m), whose name means “miracle cave of Milarepa” in the local language. Dzultripuk belongs to the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism and you can see its murals , statues and religious scriptures. Dzultripuk serves as an important rest stop for pilgrims circumambulating the sacred mountain. You will be glad that you got an early start to reach Dzultripuk so that you will get there before the other groups - there are a limited number of rooms available here. You will have time this evening for some rest and relaxation in the guesthouse as you prepare for the final stretch of the trek tomorrow.

Altitude: 4600m | Trekking Distance: 14km, about 3-4 hours’ Trekking

Today is the third day of trekking and you will complete your trek around Mount Kailash. From Dzultripuk Monastery the trail follows the river closely for an hour or so then climbs above the river and enters the lovely Gold and Red Cliffs, a narrow canyon whose walls are stained purple, cobalt and rust. On the road, you may have a chance to visit the caves, temples and shines that have been built upon around Milarepa’s Cave. When the trail emerges onto the Barkha plain, close to the fourth prostration point (4700m), Gurla Mandata is again visible in the distance. It’s now an easy one-hour walk back to Darchen along a dirt road. Today’s trekking is an easy walk back towards Darchen, taking only about 3 hours in total. After arriving at Darchen, the ending point of the circuit, you will have a sense of accomplishment having completed the sacred journey.

If the weather is favorable and you have enough time, you may want to relax in the hot spring water at the lakeside (self-pay), depending on your physical condition and schedule after the trek.

After the tour, drive to Darchen County for accommodation.

On this day, you'll drive from Darchen to Saga (500km, about 8 hours’ drive), passing through the windswept rural territory of Tibet. The road from Darchen to Saga is mostly unpaved and can be quite bumpy and dusty. However, the journey is well worth it, as you'll appreciate a variety of stunning landscapes, including high mountain passes, grasslands, and river valleys. You'll also enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas along the way.

As you drive, you'll pass through numerous small towns and villages, as well as camps of yak and sheep herders, giving you a glimpse into the daily life of the local people. You'll see nomads tending their herds, farmers working in their fields, and monks walking along the roadside. You'll have the opportunity to take a break along the way and stretch your legs, as well as stop at scenic viewpoints to take photos and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Stay overnight in Saga County.

This morning, drive from Saga County to Gyirong Port (300km, 5-6 hours) via Gyirong/Kyirong Town (2,800m) and enjoy the scenic journey along the way, experiencing the beauty and cultures of Tibet before departing China.

In the afternoon, you will across the China-Nepal Border. Take your time to explore the diverse landscapes on the Nepalese side, such as viewing the snow-capped mountains standing behind the forest.

You will stay overnight in Rashuwaghadi (1,830m), a border town in Nepal, where you can rest well and prepare for your next destination in Kathmandu. Your Nepalese driver or guide will be waiting for you to pick you up.

Travel Notes:
Currently, the Zhangmu Port is primarily used for freight, while Gyirong Port is used for tourism. The Friendship Highway is an 800-kilometre scenic route that connects Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, to the Chinese/Nepalese border at the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge between Zhangmu and Kodari.

Today, you will head to Kathmandu via a mountain road. Although it is only 150 km from Rashuwaghadi to Kathmandu, it may take more than 6 hours due to the bad road conditions.

When arrive in Kathmandu, it is time to end your 13 Days Tibet Nepal Overland Tour in the Himalaya. Your guide will say goodbye to you and you will continue on your next destination in Nepal. (Note: If you require assistance for your tour in Nepal, please do not hesitate to contact us.)

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Asia Tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to Asia, such as Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea... Safe journey!