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Top 3: 16 days Kailash Pilgrimage Expedition to Experience Tibetan Saga Dawa Festival

Highlights

The 16-Day Lhasa-Mt. Everest-Manasarovar and Mt. Kailash pilgrimage group tour takes you from Lhasa into the Himalayan Mountain Ranges and then to Ngari region in the far west and eventually back to Lhasa. Your time spent in Lhasa will include visits to the world famous Potala Place, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Norbulinka and Sera Monastery. You will then take the next few days to travel towards Mt. Everest. On the way, there is holy lake and glacier to see. The next exciting phase of the trip will take place in Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar area. The circle ride around Lake Manasarovar and the 2 and half days pilgrimage parikrama around the holy Mt. Kailash will give you the most unique spiritual experience. This route will allow you to learn about Tibetan culture in depth while taking in as many miraculous natural sights as you can. And of course, the top highlight is . 

"MOUNT KAILASH" the Really Ultimate Destination or the Last Destination

Mount Kailash (also nicknamed as Kailas; Kangrinboqe or Gang Rinpoche in Tibetan) is a 6,638 m (21,778 ft) high peak in the Kailash Range (Gangdise Mountains), which forms part of the Transhimalaya in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

It's said that the one has to be fortunate enough to take the Kailash yatra. The first darshan of Kailash gives you the EXCEPTIONAL DIVINE FELLING. The more you hike closer, the more you will be attracted and surrender yourself to this DIVINE POWER which attracts you more towards it. The place is worshiped by Hindus, Jain, Buddhists and Tibetans for their own religious reasons. 

Day 1: Lhasa Arrival. Transfer to hotel and rest for acclimatization. Quality hotel in downtown Lhasa.
Day 2: Lhasa unique Tibetan cultural experiences: Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery.
Day 3: Lhasa top highlights experience: Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace.
Day 4: Landscape driving: Lhasa-holy lake Yamdrok Tso, Karola Glacier, Gyantse Monastery-Shigatse city. Overnight in Shigatse Gesar Hotel or similar.
Day 5: Shigatse (Tashilhunpo Monastery)–Sakya Monastery-Tibetan Lhatse town-New Tingri (Shegar). Overnight at Mt. Everest Hotel or similar. 
Day 6: New Tingri – Everest North Base Camp Rongbuk Monastery, Everest Base Camp (trekking or take bus, 5200 m), Guesthouse or nomad tent (dormitory basis)
Day 7: Rongbuk (view to Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, Peikutso lake) Saga, Saga Hotel or The West Grand Post
Day 8: Saga – Lake Manasarovar Sand dunes, Lake Manasarovar, overnight at local guesthouse.
Day 9: Lake Manasarovar-Darchen Chiu Monastery, prepare for trekking, overnight at Kailash Himalaya Hotel (best available)
3 days SAGA DAWA FESTIVAL & Mt. Kailash Kora Trekking around Mt. Kailash
Day 10: Darchen (Saga Dawa Festival-date-Full moon) Dira Puk ([20 km, 5-6 hours, 5050 m] overnight at guesthouse (dormitory basis)
Day 11: Dira Puk-Trek to Zuthul Puk Monastery, [18Km, 6-8 hours, 4820 m] overnight at guesthouse (dormitory basis)
Day 12: Zuthul Puk-Darchen [14 Km, 3-4 hours, 4670 m] overnight at Kailash Hymalaya Hotel (best available)
Day 13: Darchen – Saga (530 km), Saga Hotel or The West Grand Post
Day 14: Saga – Shigatse (405 km), Gesar Hotel or similar
Day 15: Shigatse -North Scenic Snow mountain Route- Lhasa 340 km
Day 16: Departure Day in Lhasa

  • Note1 : Beside the holy Saga Dawa festival, we also run this tour with full moon date available in other months, please send email to us for the departures and tour pricing information: service@tibetctrip.com or sales@tibetctrip.com 
  • Note2: For booking for 4 or more people at a time, we have further discount upon inquiry; however the price for solo or twin people to join, the price will be slightly more expensive.
  • Note3: If you have a larger group from 6 or more people onward, we recommend you to take a private tour and enjoy our special discounts (limited time offer). 

Kailash Manasarovar Trip Highlights:

  1. Handpicked Tibetan English speaking local guide (some of them speak Hindi);
  2. Comfortable Tourism Licensed vehicle;
  3. Favorable among Hindu religious travelers and many Buddhist travelers; 
  4. Using reputable accommodation recommended on TripAdvisor;
  5. Small Group Size (average 8-12 pax per group, if you want to upgrade to a private tour, please consult with your consultant)

Itinerary

Day 1: Lhasa Arrival, Acclimatization

Welcome to Lhasa (3650m)! Our local Tibetan guide and driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel. You will spend the rest of the day acclimatizing to the high altitude. Tips: drink a lot of water and have a good night of sleep. Overnight stay at a premier Tibetan style hotel in downtown Lhasa. 

Day 2: Lhasa Sightseeing: Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery

We start our day with a visit to Jokhang Temple, one of the most sacred sites in Tibet. It was founded in the 7th century by the first great Buddhist king Songtsen Gampo. Afterwards, we explore the surrounding Barkhor Old Quarter, where you will see pilgrims from all over the Tibetan plateau doing rituals on the street. In the afternoon, we go to visit Sera Monastery, one of the three great Gelugpa universities. You will have the chance to observe one debating session of the monks. Overnight stay in Lhasa. 

Day 3: Lhasa Sightseeing: Potala Palace, Norbulingka

Today we visit the two world famous palaces of Dalai Lama: Potala Palace and Norbulingka. Potala Palace, also known as the winter palace, was built in the 17th century by the fifth Dalai Lama. Perched on the hilltop, Potala Palace gives you amazing views of the entire Lhasa city. You will visit private residential quarters of Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Norbulingka, on the other hand, is the summer palace of Dalai Lama. Built in the 18th century by the seventh Dalai Lama, it has a tradition of hosting picnics in its beautiful garden. It is also the major venue for various Tibetan opera performances and dances during Shoton Festival (August-September). Overnight stay in Lhasa. 

Day 4: Lhasa –Yamdrok-tso – Karola Glacier – Gyantse (4040m)- Shigatse (3840m) 360km

Our adventure into the grand Tibetan plateau starts today! We head west towards the second largest city in Tibet, Shigatse. On our way, we cross Kampala Pass (4797m) and then Karola Pass (5050m). We will first encounter the stunning holy lake of Yamdrok-Tso and then Karola Glacier only steps off the main road. We will visit Pelkhor Chode Monastery in Gyantse that houses the most important Tibetan paintings in Kumbum Stupa, and the majestic Gyantse Dzong (fortress) that overlooks the valley. We will finally reach Shigatse before dinner. You will have plenty of time to rest. Overnight in Shigatse. 

Day 5: Shigatse –Sakya Monastery - New Tingri (4300m) 240 Km

We visit the prominent Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse. Built in the 15th century by the first Dalai Lama, it has since been the seat of Panchen Lamas. We recommend that you do Kora pilgrimage around the monastery. We then drive to New Tingri today to move closer to Mt. Everest. Our trip involves crossing the high pass of Gyatso La (5220 m), where we will have the opportunity to see Mt. Everest and the Himalayas for the first time! We will also stop by Sakya Monastery. It has a unique Mongolian style of architecture that you will find mesmerizing. Overnight stay in New Tingri. 

Day 6: New Tingri - Everest Base Camp (5150m) 120 km

This is going to be an exciting day! We will finally reach one of the biggest highlights of our trip, the Mt. Everest Base Camp. Located at the foot of the Everest is Rongpuk Monastery (4900m), the highest monastery in the world. In its background, we will catch a glimpse of several other peaks like Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu. When we get ourselves settled down in the camp site, it will be just in time to see the sunset turn the Everest peak into golden color. Overnight stay at Mt. Everest camp site or Rongpuk Monastery guesthouse subject to availability and weather condition. 

Day 7: Everest Base Camp –Old Tingri-Peikutso Lake (near Gyirong)- Saga (4600m) 330km

After spending some more time enjoying the spectacular view or trekking at the base of Mt. Everest, we will head northwest towards Saga. On the way, you can continue to enjoy the Himalayan peaks such as Mt. Shishapangma, and discover the turquoise water of Lake Peikutso. From this lake to Saga county it is about 60 km, on the way you will see few small Tibetan villages, and also the black lake near Tsozuolong which is about 20 km to the northeast of Gyirong town (currently the main gateway from Nepal to Tibet, the other one is Taklakot). We stay overnight in Saga to prepare for another day of driving in the Ngari region. 

Day 8: Saga - Yarlung Tsanpo River - Lake Manasarovar (4560m) 480 km

We will enter the nomadic regions of Tibet’s far west today. We will appreciate the Tibetan landscapes during this long drive journey. We follow Yarlung Tsanpo River (Brahmaputra in India) west until we reach Lake Manasarovar, another one of the three most sacred lakes in Tibet. Indian pilgrims believe that bathing in the lake will rid them of sins and attract auspicious karma. This photogenic spot will allow you to capture the perfect combination of Tibetan lake, mountain and landscape. Overnight stay at guesthouse (dorm bed without bathroom) near the lake. Sleeping bag is recommended. 

Day 9: Lake Manasarovar – Darchen (4670m) 60 km

In the morning, we watch sunrise in front of Lake Manasarovar. After a brief stop at Chiu Monastery, we drive to Darchen at the foot of the holy mountain Mt. Kailash. For the rest of the day we will get ready for our upcoming 3-day trek. You will want to organize your belongings and do some last minute shopping, before getting a good night of sleep. Overnight stay in Darchen. 

Days 10: Mt. Kailash Trek Day 1: Darchen – Dira-Puk Monastery (5050m) 20 km, 5-6 hours

We begin the Mt. Kailash Pilgrimage in the clockwise direction. 4km into the path, we reach the height of 4790m and the first prostration point that marks the first views of Mt. Kailash’s southern façade. The next important landmark is Tarboche flagpole (4750m), where the main rituals of Saga Dawa Full Moon Festival takes place here every year. You can pay visit to the nearby Chorten Kangnyi and Sky-Burial Site Of The 84 Mahasiddhas. Coming up next is Chuku Monastery (4820m), where you can find a revered marble statue inside. After some break time when you can take in more views, we will head towards the second prostration point, where you see prayers flags and views of the west side of Mt Kailash. The second Buddha footprint is a short distance ahead. There are several trails to reach our final destination of the day: Dira-Puk Monastery (5080m). It faces the north side of Mt. Kailash, and also provides viewpoints for peaks in other direction. Overnight stay at guesthouse (dorm bed without bathroom) near Dira-Puk Monastery. Sleeping bag is recommended. 

Day 11: Mt. Kailash Trek Day 2: Dira-Puk Monastery - Zuthul-Puk Monastery (4790m) 18 km, 6-8 hours

We continue on the main Kora path towards the east. We pass through Kangkyam Glacier and Jarok Donkhang (5210m) meadowland. A short distance above is Shivatsal (5330m). Pilgrims go through a symbolic death here and are reborn at Drolma-la (5630m), which is half an hour away. After some rest and refreshments, we soon arrive at lake Gauri Kund. We gradually descent to the grand valley of Lha-chu, and begin a long journey in the grassland. The day concludes at Zuthul-Puk Monastery. Overnight stay at guesthouse (dorm bed without bathroom) near Zuthul-Puk Monastery. Sleeping bag is recommended. 

Day 12: Mt. Kailash Trek Day 3: Zuthul-Puk Monastery- Darchen (4670 m) 14 km, 3-4 hours

We follow the river and then climbs the Gold & Red Cliffs. Pilgrims search for holy stones on these cliff walls. We will see prayer flags across the river, and Lake Rakshas Tal in the far distance. After reaching the fourth prostration point, the final walk back to Darchen is quite easy. Overnight stay in Darchen. 

Day 13: Darchen - Saga 490 km

Return to Saga from Darchen. Overnight stay in Saga. 

Day 14: Saga - Shigatse 450 km

Return from Saga to Shigatse. Overnight stay in Shigatse. 

Day 15: Shigatse -North Scenic Route- Lhasa 340 km

We will choose the North Scenic Route to go back to Lhasa. On our way is the famous Yangpachen Hot Springs, as well as a number of ethnic villages off the beaten path. Overnight stay in Lhasa. 

Day 16: Departure Day in Lhasa

You will enjoy your final moments in Tibet. Our guide and driver will then pick you up and transfer you to the airport or train station. We hope you have gathered precious memory of your time in Tibet, and we wish you the best on your future adventure. 

Dates & Price

Top Spiritual Lake Manasarovar + Mountain Kailash Pilgrimage Schedules 2019/2020/2021/2022
This holy trip can be done any time between middle April and the first week of October. However you can expect the best views between mid April and mid June and again from late August to early October. Well, obviously in the month of April and after Oct.5, it is snowy and very cold on the Kailash mountain range. We suggest clients begin the trip as early as on April 15, while finish the Kailash kora by end of September. 

We will arrange this spiritual journey for clients in groups of 4 to 12 people. Price varies depending on individual case, and the pice is discounted for groups of 4 people or more per booking. If you travel solo or just have 2 people per booking, the price will be slightly more expensive. 

If you want to combine the Guge Kingdom Ruins (Tsaparang), Tholin Monastery in Zanda, and many more places such as Taklakot (to visit the grave of Zorawar Singh), Lake Pangong,etc, it can be further customized to 20 days more or less.  


Available Departure Dates

2019 Saga Dawa Festival Celebration on June17(June8 as Arrival date) From $1895 Inquire

 

2020 Saga Dawa Festival Celebration on June6 (May 28 as Arrival date) From $1895 Inquire

 

2021 Saga Dawa Festival Celebration on May26 (May 17 as Arrival date) From $1895 Inquire

 

2022 Saga Dawa Festival Celebration on June 13(June4 as Arrival date) From $1895 Inquire

Exception:

  • If your schedule is not flexible to cope with the above unique Saga Dawa Festival dates and travel solo, you can consider to join other Kailash Group Tours or make it as your own private tour.  Other 2019 Kailash Yatra Departures: May 10, June 8, July 8, August 6, September 4; October 4.
  • If you already have 4 or more people interested in similar Kailash tours, let us work out the best proposals for you (both Private and Group tour option), take the advantage of these amazing deals before it is getting too late. Get further discount off only via Tibet Ctrip. Email to service@tibetctrip and we will answer you in 12-24 hours time.

Service Details

Group tour Price includes
  • Local Expert Tibetan guide handpicked;
  • All necessary Tibet travel permits;
  • Local tourism driver handpicked;
  • Transportation in Tibet: ranging from mini van to bus (15 to 29 seats) according to final group size;
  • Tour vehicle gasoline and parking fee;
  • All Entrance tickets for programs listed in the itinerary;
  • Accommodation:
    Shambhala Hotel, Shambhala Palace or House of Shambhala or similar reputable and comfortable hotel in Lhasa;
    Gesar Hotel or Shigatse Manasarovar Hotel or Tashi Choeta Hotel in Shigatse;
    Best accommodation in Saga (West Grand Post Hotel or Saga Hotel), Darchen, budget guesthouses (dormitory basis) in remote towns;
  • Oxygen canisters: 2 portable oxygen cylinder for each person;
  • Oxygen cylinder (10-15 L compressed oxygen) in the tour vehicle for emergency use;
    Lodging and meals for guide and driver;
  • Travel agency liability travel insurance;
  • China domestic flight/train (Optional per further requests)
  • Drinking water  
Group tour Price Excludes
  • Travel insurance covers trip cancellation and emergency and evacuation(recommended);
  • Expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone call, etc.);
  • International flight/train (Note: we accept flights and train tickets bookings in advance, please check the updated cost and ticket availability with your travel consultant);
  • Yaks and porters during the trekking days (Optional per further requests);
  • Meals that are not specified in the itinerary (Averagely a meal in Tibet cost USD 6-20 per person);
  • Tibet group visa fees: We can help you to obtain the Tibet group visa through our partner agent in Nepal
  • Gratuities for the guide and driver

Photo Gallery

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