17 days Mount Kailash, Guge kingdom and Everest Base Camp tour

Upon arrival at Lhasa airport or train station, to be met and transferred to your hotel / hostel in Lhasa. Afternoon have a good rest to acclimatize the high altitude. Overnight at Lhasa.

Today is your first day of sightseeing on the high plateau, so we have purposely arranged only to visit Jokhang temple and Potala Palace. Jokhang temple is the most scared shrine in Tibet which was built in 7th century and located at the heart of old town in Lhasa, the circuit around it called Barkhor street, which is a good place to purchase souvenirs. Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). Both of them are the focal points of pilgrims from entire Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. Overnight at Lhasa.

Today you will be arranged to visit Drepung, Sera monasteries and Summer Palace - Norbulingka palace. Both Drepung and Sera monasteries are Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect monastic colleges. Drepung monastery was the seat of the Government prior to Potala, it was once the world largest monastery in the history with 10,000 monks hailed from different monasteries all over Tibet. Sera monastery is famous for its Buddhism philosophical debate practice, the clapping sound and aggressive expression of the monks are well worth to see. Norbulingka is the summer palace of Dalai Lama, you can visit the residences of different lineages of the Dalai Lama. The park is crowded with picnickers and traditional activities during the Shoton (Yogurt festival) in August. Overnight at Lhasa.

In the morning, drive up to Kampala Pass (4,794m) where you will have the first sight of Yamdrok-tso and enjoy spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance. The turquoise-colored Lake Yamdrok Yutso, one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, presents an unforgettable vista of pincer-shaped turquoise water, and the amazing spectacle of Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar glacier from Karo La Pass is a highlight of the day. Continue along the Friendship Southern Highway to Gyantse, a mid-sized town located at 3,950 meters above sea level, known for its impressive hilltop military fort and the Pelkor Chode Monastery, which houses the Kumbum Stupa — the largest stupa in Tibet and a marvel of Tibetan Buddhist architecture. Then, head to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, for an overnight stay.

Morning you will visit Tashilunpo Monastery, one of the six prominent yellow hat sect monasteries and renowned as the seat of the Panchen Lama. Tashilunpo Monastery houses the world's largest statue of Maitreya Buddha. The monastery's impressive halls and intricate artwork provide a glimpse into Tibetan spirituality and culture. Visitors can explore the vibrant religious life within its walls and admire the stunning architecture. 
You will also visit the Samzhubze Old Market in Shigatse, where you can explore the lively market, interact with friendly residents, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere that defines this authentic Tibetan market. Late morning drive west to Sakya, enjoy the beautiful landscapes on the way. Upon arrival, visit Sakya Monastery, the principal monastery of Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet, it is famous for its collection of thousands of religious scriptures, artwork and its striking gray and red exterior, which symbolizes the sect's name, "Sakya," meaning "grey earth." Hike around the monastery northern ruins to feel the 1000 history. Overnight at Sakya town.

Today drive from Sakya to Saga, pass several high plateau lakes, towns, herders tents and along the route with plateau mountain ranges, diverse forms of mountains are overlooking through the valley. Overnight at Saga.

In the morning, drive from Saga to Paryang, weaving your way through the small, dusty town of Zhongba amidst enchanting panoramic views. Scattered nomadic tents mingle with herds of animals on the open plateau. You'll pass numerous villages and yak herder camps, enjoying distant views of snow-capped mountains. Cross the Mayun-la pass (5,216m), where you might see many wild animals on the plateau grasslands. Arrive in Darchen and check into hotel.
Darchen, a small village at the foot of Mount Kailash, is the starting and ending point of the Mt. kailash trekking, prepare for the trekking and your guide will assist you to arrange porter at your request (fee will be on your own). Overnight at Darchen.

Today start your first Kailash Koar. In the early morning, take the local eco-bus from Darchen to Prayer Square, where you will begin the first day's trek (about 13km). It will be a gradual walk, accompanied by the chants and prayers of many other local pilgrims. From the valley, you can view the Choku Monastery perched on the hillside. The trail will have a few ups and downs until you reach the camp at Dirapuk monastery [4,750 m], located at the foot of the western slope of Mount Kailash. Along the way, you will encounter many Bon pilgrims traveling in the opposite direction (anti-clockwise). This is because Mt. Kailash is revered by four different religions: Buddhism, Bon, Hinduism, and Jainism.

Check into the guesthouse at Dirapuk Monastery, and, if the weather permits, enjoy the awe-inspiring spectacle of the sunset over Mount Kailash from this vantage point.

On the second day of your Mount Kailash trek, you will face the most challenging part of the route. The trek will lead you along a higher section of the holy path just beneath Mount Kailash, and you will ascend to the trek's highest point - Drolma La [5,630 m]. This part involves a steep uphill climb. After reaching the pass, you will encounter a steep and rocky descent, where at times you may need to jump from stone to stone. Upon reaching a sandy hill, you might consider to take a short break and drink some warm tea at the rest stop. Then following the path through gradual fields, you will reach Dzutul-puk for an overnight camp. Dzutul-puk, meaning "magical cave" in Tibetan, is a small monastery linked to an intriguing story of a talent competition between the Great Yogi Milarepa (Buddhist) and Naropa (Bon).Overnight at Dzutul-Puk guest house.

Complete the Mount Kailash trekking and rest, refresh yourself at Darchen.
Today's trek is an easy walk back towards Darchen, taking only about 2-3 hours in total. The path gradually winds out of the valley, and you'll follow the river into the Barka plain. The trekking journey finally concludes at Zongto (Zongdui) from where you will take the local eco bus to Darchen. Congratulations, you have just completed a lifetime spiritual trek!
After a short rest at Darchen, then start driving to Zanda, firstly drive along the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, then off the main Hwy after 150Km, go across a few mountain passes, you will see the magnificent Tholing Forest. You will driver through the Tholing forest to reach Zanda. Overnight at Zanda.
 

Morning drive to Tsaparang Guge Kingdom ruins, in the vast valley of Sutlej river you can find ruins of ancient famous Guge kingdom among the remarkable sand-dunes, a number of temples are still intact and contain exquisite murals and decorative motifs, some are dating back more than 10,000 years, make a half day tour at there. Afternoon drive back to Zanda and have a rest or look around Zanda town. Overnight at Zanda.

After breakfast, retrace the road back to Lake Manasarovar, one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. In Buddhism and Hinduism, Manasarovar is the lake of compassion, tranquility and bliss. Climb up to Chiu monastery and have a good view of the lake or wonder along the lake shore to have a relaxing afternoon. Overnight at local guest house (dorm bed).

Today start drive back to Saga, you will have a last view of the Mt.Kailash on the way. Overnight at Saga.

Today, cross the Brahmaputra River and continue driving through a sandy plain. Along the road, you may see nomadic herders with their yaks and sheep. Midway, you will take a stop to enjoy the stunning view of Pelku Tso Lake on your left and Mt. Shishapangma (8,012m) on your right. Further driving through the pasture will bring you to the Friendship Highway and then to Old Tingri, from where you can see the mighty peaks of Mt. Everest (8,844m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m) far in the distance to the south. Continue another 100 km to reach Rongbuk, where Everest Base Camp is located. Enjoy the stunning sunset over Everest. Overnight at a monastery guest house or tent guest house (dorm bed).

Enjoy a potential sunrise at Everest, with sunlight turning the peak red if the weather permits. Visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest Buddhist monastery, home to both nuns and monks.

Afterward, head back to Shigatse along the Friendship Highway with a stop at Gyatso-la Pass, where you will have the last glimpse of Mount Everest. End the day in Shigatse with dinner and traditional Tibetan dance at a local Langma Hall, celebrating the lifetime journey to Mount Kailash, Guge and Mount Everest. Overnight in Shigatse.

Morning drive back to Lhasa via northern friendship highway, along the body of Bramaputra River, various landscapes will attract your attention, afternoon free on your own in Lhasa, enjoy the last day of the holy city Lhasa and its beauty. Overnight at Lhasa.

Morning Lhasa airport or train station dropping off, the time come to say your farewells to your guide and driver, end the trip.