Kora of Kailash

Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu

Upon arrival in Chengdu, settle into your hotel at your own pace. Spend the day exploring the famous Panda Base, home to China’s most iconic wildlife.

Day 2: Chengdu – Lhasa

Morning: Our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel for a visit to the Chengdu Panda Base.

Afternoon: Fly to Lhasa, Tibet’s heart and soul. Upon arrival, meet your Tibetan guide and driver, and transfer to your hotel (60 km). Early arrival? Enjoy a stroll in Potala Square, Barkhor Street, or opt for a short hike with breathtaking views of the Potala Palace and Lhasa City.

Overnight at Tangka Hotel (4 stars).

Day 3: Lhasa

Morning: Visit the majestic Potala Palace (time depends on entrance schedule).

Afternoon: Your choice of visiting the spiritual Jokhang Temple or the lively Sera Monastery, known for its debating monks.

🚗 Approx. 8 km.

Overnight at Tangka Hotel (4 stars).

Day 4: Lhasa to Shigatse

Scenic drive from Lhasa to Shigatse. Marvel at the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s most stunning and sacred lakes. Witness the impressive Karula Glacier (altitude 5,100 m), and the serene Semela Reservoir. Explore Palcho Monastery and the remarkable Kumbum Stupa, blending Tibetan Buddhist architecture and traditions.

🚗 Approx. 360 km.

Overnight at Gesar Hotel (4 stars).

Day 5: Shigatse to Everest Base Camp

A breathtaking drive to Everest Base Camp, with highlights including: Crossing Gyatso La Pass (5,250 m) and Gyawu La Pass (5,200 m), offering panoramic views of four of the Himalayas' highest peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

🚗 Approx. 340 km.

Overnight at Base Camp Tent Hotel.

Day 6: Everest Base Camp to Saga

Journey from Everest Base Camp to Saga. Pass by Shishapangma, one of Tibet’s five 8,000-meter peaks, and enjoy views of the shimmering Pegutso Lake along the Himalayas.

🚗 Approx. 450 km.

Overnight at Norling Hotel.

Day 7: Saga to Darchen

Drive from Saga to Darchen, experiencing the nomadic lifestyle of the Tibetan plateau. Behold the first glimpses of Manasarovar Lake and the sacred Mount Kailash. Darchen, the starting point of the Kailash Kora, welcomes you. Prepare for the trek: hire yaks or porters, and stock up on supplies.

Visit Manasarovar Lake, where pilgrims cleanse body and soul, and where Tibetan Buddhists perform the revered Kora (circumambulation).

🚗 Approx. 400 km.

Overnight at Darchen Guest House (1 star).

Day 8: Kailash Trek – Day 1

Begin the legendary Kailash kora, trekking from Darchen to Drira Phuk. The trail winds through valleys with breathtaking views of Mount Kailash. Drira Phuk Monastery (altitude 4,900 m) is your resting point.

🚶 Approx. 20 km.

Overnight at Drira Phuk Guest House.

Day 9: Kailash Trek – Day 2

The most challenging day of the trek! Cross the Dolma La Pass (5,636 m), the highest and most revered point of the Kora. Early start recommended to ease the climb and fully enjoy the stunning vistas.

🚶 Approx. 23 km.

Overnight at Zutrul Phuk Guest House.

Day 10: Kailash Trek – Day 3 & Manasarovar Lake

Conclude your kora with an easy descent back to Darchen (approx. 10 km). In the evening, walk along the tranquil shores of Manasarovar Lake, absorbing its spiritual energy.

🚶 Approx. 12 km.

Overnight at Chiu Monastery Guesthouse, nestled by the lake.

Day 11: Departure

Drive from Chiu Monastery to Ngari Airport and catch your connecting flight via Lhasa to Chengdu.

🚗 Approx. 240 km.