Lhasa to Mt. Kailash & Guge Kingdom

Trip Overview

Mt. Kailash located in the far west corner of Tibet is the most sacred peak of Asia with its four sheer walls, distinctive snow-capped peak, and valleys interspersed with brightly-clad Tibetan pilgrims, Mt. Kailash or Kang Rimpoche (‘precious snow-peak’, as known by the Tibetans) is an awe-inspiring sight. The four great rivers of Asia: the Karnali, the Indus, the Sutlej and the Brahmaputra (Tsangpo) originate from here.

A three-day trek (Parikrama or Kora) around Mt. Kailash over a 5,630 meter Drolma La (pass), clockwise for Buddhists and Hindus, and anti-clockwise for followers of the ancient Bon religion, is said to erase the sins of a lifetime. To complete the Kailash pilgrimage, one should bathe in the sacred Lake Manasarovar, stunningly set on the Tibetan plateau bordered by the majestic Gurla Mandata.

On the journey to Mt. Kailash across the windswept Tibetan plateau, you will see cliff-top monasteries, wild-looking but hardy and hospitable Tibetans, yak caravans journeying over snowy passes, and the great peaks of the Himalaya in the foreground of grazing herds, yak skin tents and a glittering turquoise lake. Journeying through Norbulingka, Sera and Drepung Monasteries, Potala Palace, Jokhang temple and Barkhor markets, you gain in-depth understanding of Tibetan ancient cultures and civilizations.

Traveling in a comfortable 4WD Land Cruiser supported by a team of local camping crew and an expert local Tibetan guide, you journey through legendry monasteries and the fortresses of Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and other significant Tibetan towns and settlements over several high passes via the scenic NORTHERN ROUTE visiting much of far-western Tibet.

Driving across the wide open spaces of the Tibetan Plateau brings you to ‘Guge Kingdom’ (Tholing and Tsaparang), the archeologically significant remains of Tibet's ancient civilization. Marveling once more at the barren yet spectacular landscape of Tibet you continue driving to the serene and most sacred Lake Manasarovar, before completing a Kora (loop trek) around Mt Kailash. From there, you re-cross the vast arid plains before heading south to the Nepalese border and returning to Kathmandu. The magnificent sceneries blending with the sights of ancient culture make this an amazing trip that remains sketched in your memories for a lifetime. Throughout the journey from the Tibetan Plateau to Kathmandu you enjoy comfortable overnight accommodation, excellent food and convenient camping facilities. The unique culture and warm hospitality, ironically, gives you the feeling you are on top of the world! And you are virtually!.

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