13 Days Mount Kailash-Guge Kingdom-Gyirong Border (Nepal) Tour

Price from USD 1975 p/p
 
13 Days Mount Kailash-Guge Kingdom-Gyirong Border (Nepal) Tour
May - OctBest Time
2-15 paxGroup Size
MediumTour Pace
5630mMax Altitude
Lhasa-Shigatse-EBC-Mt Kailash-Gyirong Border
This incredible journey takes you across Tibet’s most iconic cultural, spiritual, and natural wonders, from the holy city Lhasa to the majestic Everest Base Camp, the sacred Mt. Kailash, and the mysterious ruins of Guge Kingdom. The adventure ends with a scenic descent into Nepal through the Gyirong border. This route combines pilgrimage, high-altitude trekking, and breathtaking landscapes, making it one of the most rewarding overland tours in Tibet.
DAY BY DAY SUMMARY
D1: Arrive in Lhasa
D2-3: Lhasa Sightseeing
D4: Lhasa / Gyantse / Shigatse
D5-6: Shigatse / E.B.C / Saga
D7: Saga / Darchen
D8-10: Kailash Kora / Zanda
D11-12: Zanda / Guge / Saga
D13: Saga / Gyirong Border
Itinerary Details
Includes & Excludes
Date & Price
Itinerary Details

Day 1 Arrival in Lhasa

Arrive by flight or train to Lhasa. Upon arrival in the Lhasa Gongar airport or the Lhasa train station, you will be met by your tour guide and driven to Lhasa downtown. have a rest in Lhasa to acclimatize the high altitude. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 2 Lhasa Sightseeing [B]

In the morning, we invite you to visit a traditional Tibetan arts and handicrafts center. You'll learn how to make Tibetan incense, experience Tibetan calligraphy and discover the secrets of block printing. In the afternoon, you'll have a chance to witness the famous 'Buddhism Sutra Debate' session at the Sera Monastery (founded in 1419). This session takes place at 3:00 PM every day, except on Sunday. You will stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 3 Lhasa Sightseeing [B] + [D]

Today, you'll have a tour of Lhasa's cardinal landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is the Potala Palace. Renowned as one of the earth's great wonders due to its extravagant architecture and the fact that it sits at an elevation of 3,700 meters, this grand palace will not disappoint you. In the afternoon, you'll pay a visit to Jokhang Temple, which is the most essential and respected religious structures in Tibet. Thick with the smell of incense and yak butter, you'll witness a multitude of prostrating pilgrims cramming outside the temple. The temple is the masterpiece of Tibetan, Chinese and Nepalese architectural techniques. Then you'll take a stroll around the Barkhor Street, the oldest bazaar in the city. After the sightseeing activities, you'll enjoy a welcoming dinner gathering with all your travel mates in the group. You will stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 4 Lhasa / Gyantse [3980m] / Shigatse [3840m], 360km, 6-7hrs drive [B]

Morning drive up to Kampala pass [4794m], you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso and spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance, the turquoise colored Lake Yamdrok Tso is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, the unforgettable vista of pincer-shaped turquoise water of the lake and amazing spectacle of Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar glacier from Karo la pass are the wonders of the day. Far in the distance you’ll spot the towering massif Mt. Nojin Kangtsang (7191 m), and the staggering Karo-la Glacier (5045 m).Then along the Friendship southern High way drive to Gyantse, you will be arranged to visit the famous stupa - Gyantse Kumbum, one of the most stunning architectural wonders in Tibet. Late afternoon, drive to Shigatse. Overnight in Shigatse.

Day 5 Shigatse / Rongbuk [4900m] / E.B.C [5200m], 340km, 8hrs drive [B] + [D]

You will have a morning visit to a lively local market in Shigatse. Your guide will assist you in processing the PSB permit at the local PSB office there. Afterwards, you will start driving to Rongbuk Monastery via Lhatse and Shegar, crossing over the Gyatso-La Pass [5200m] & Gawu-La Pass [5250m]. From the top of the Gawu-La, you will see the spectacular Himalayan Range and its famous peaks,  including Mt. Makalu [8463m], Mt. Lhotse [8516m], Mt. Everest [8844m], Mt. Cho Oyu [8201m] and Mt. Shishapama [8020m]. From Left to right, climbing down through several switchback bends, it will lead to the dry valley of Tashi Zom and then to today's destination - Everest Base Camp; located right across from the Rongbuk Monastery. It is the highest monastery in the world; both monks and nuns live there. The Rongbuk Monastery also provides a panoramic view of Mt. Everest as well. The sunset at Mt. Everest is another highlight of the day if weather permits. You will stay overnight at the local tent guesthouse or Rongbuk guesthouse (dorm beds only).

Day 6 E.B.C / Shishapangma Protection Zone / Saga [4500m], 400km, 7hrs drive [B]

Today, we’ll journey along the old Tingri Road toward Saga County, passing through breathtaking landscapes with stunning views of Mount Everest and Mount Shishapangma (8,012 meters)—the last of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks to be conquered. As the road parallels the majestic Himalayan ranges and the Annapurna region across the Nepalese border, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged. Our route takes you across the vast, barren plains of Digur Tang, where towering sand dunes dramatically contrast with the snow-capped summits of Shishapangma and Langtang to the south. As we leave the Bum-chu basin, you'll descend to the serene shores of Pelkhu-tso Lake (4,600 meters), a striking cobalt-blue expanse. After taking in the lake’s beauty, continue the final 69 kilometers to Saga County and spend the night in this quiet mountain town.

Day 7 Saga / Lake Manasarovar / Lhanag-tso / Darchen [4600m], 500km, 8hrs drive

Today, drive to Drongpa County, an area shaped by the abundant resources of the Brahmaputra River. Along the way, we’ll stop at a small roadside village known as ‘Old Drongpa’, home to a handful of modest guesthouses, simple restaurants, and a small monastery. Around the monastery, you’ll see piles of yak heads intricately carved with sacred sutras and mantras. From there, we’ll pass through New Drongpa, a slightly larger settlement located about 25 kilometers from the old monastery, with a few shops, hotels, and eateries. Our journey continues to Baryang Township (4,750 meters) and then around the pristine waters of Lake Manasarovar. Finally, we’ll reach Darchen, and spend the night here, resting in preparation for the next leg of our adventure.

Day 8 Trek day one: Darchen to Drirapuk (20km, 6km by Eco-bus, 14km by trekking)

Today you'll commence your challenging trek of the Kailash Kora. The devout believe this demanding 52km circumambulation of the holy mountain through treacherous terrain will bring good fortune. We head west in clockwise direction and after a few kilometers the trail climbs up to a cairn at 4730m from where the southern face of Mt. Kailash comes to view. You need to camp or can rest in monastery's guest house made from cement with a few good facilities than others in Drirapuk. Stay overnight at the tent guesthouse of monastery.

Important Notice:

1. Porter service is optional depending on your own willing, and is not included in our tour package. You will pay for it yourself if needed.

2. Please be aware that local food and accommodation conditions along the trekking route are basic. We will arrange two nights' stay in local guesthouses during the kora days. Rooms are shared with multiple beds, and public toilets are available. Each person will have one bed.

Day 9 Trek day two: Drirapuk to Dzultripuk (20km)

The second day is the hardest and most tough circuit with the Dolma-la pass lying 6.4km ahead but 762m above Drirapuk. The peak of Dolma-la pass is about 5630m above sea level, so it is better to set off early in the morning as the sun rays break over the ridges above. After taking a rest at the peak of Dolma-la pass, you will descending staircase bringing you to Lhachu valley floor, taking about one hour from the pass. From here it is still four hours trekking to the today's final destination with no shelters on the way. It is better to walk on the right side of the river and finally get to Dzultripuk (with miracle cave of Milarepa). It is advisable to get there before other groups because limited number of rooms are available there in Dzultripuk. Take a good rest in the guest room and prepare for next morning's departure.

Day 10 Trek day three: Dzultripuk to Darchen (10.6km: trekking 6.6km + Eco-bus 4km) / Zanda

On the third day of trekking, as the altitude decreases, the surrounding colors gradually shift from snow-white to vibrant emerald green. You may spot small animals moving lively among the shrubs, adding life to the serene landscape. In addition to the wildlife, you'll come across piles of Mani Stones, carefully stacked amid the snowy mountains and grasslands, resembling monks deep in prayer. After completing the final 6.6 kilometers, you will reach the end of the trekking route by noon. At this point, you might feel tired and exhausted, but a ride on the eco-friendly vehicle will take you back to Darchen. Upon arrival, you'll have lunch and prepare for your departure to Zanda in the afternoon and stay overnight there.

Day 11 Zanda / Guge Kingdom / Earth Forest / Darchen 270km, 5hrs drive

Located in the Ngari region of Tibet, the ruins of the Guge Kingdom and the ancient Tholing Monastery were once part of a thriving imperial estate. However, the kingdom fell into decline following a civil war and the invasion by the Eight-Nation Alliance, which brought devastation to this once-prosperous civilization. Fortunately, the legendary kingdom has not been entirely lost, as much can still be learned from the remnants that survive today. After exploring the ruins, we will visit the magnificent Zanda Earth Forest. Geologically, the earth forest is known as the "Level Terrane Physiognomy," created through centuries of erosion. The sediment from lakes and rivers in old times primarily composed of sandstone and earth, has been sculpted into diverse and intricate shapes.

Day 12 Darchen / Saga 490km, 8hrs drive

Today, we will drive through the vast, windswept landscapes of rural Tibet, passing by numerous small villages and traditional camps of yak and sheep herders, as well as the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Gangdise Mountains and the Himalayas along the way as we make our way back to Saga. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, you'll have plenty of opportunities to stop and capture stunning photos if you wish. Overnight at local hotel in Saga.

Day 13 Saga / Gyirong Valley / Gyirong Border 200km, 4hrs drive

Today, we will take you to a hidden gem located in the southwestern part of Tibet - Gyirong Valley. Situated at an altitude of 2,800 meters, this picturesque valley is surrounded by high snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and intricate canyons, offering abundant oxygen and breathtaking natural beauty. Here, you can have a good rest and breathe in the fresh forest air to relieve the fatigue of your journey. Upon arrival in Gyirong, we will escort you to the China-Nepal border, where our services will end.

Includes & Excludes
What’s included in this tour package?
Tibet Entry Permit, Alien's Travel Permit and Military Permit
Transport (Transfer between airport/train station and Lhasa city)
Admission fee of all tourist sites in itinerary
Professional Tibetan English speaking tour guide
Travel Agency Service Charge
All necessary Tibet permits
Government tax
Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance
Accommodation (sharing twin room in hotel in city; dorm-bed guesthouse in remote area)
Welcome Tibetan Style dinner
What’s excluded in this tour package?
Chinese Visa fee
Tips for the guide and driver
Flight or train tickets into and out of Lhasa
Lunches and Dinners in the itinerary
Breakfast at Rongpuk, Saga and Darchen
Full board during the trekking
Porters, trekking animals (yaks) during the trekking
Date & Price
×

Price Quotation:

Comfortable Class April 1 to May 31 June 1 to June 25 June 26  to Aug 31 Sept 1 to Oct 6 Oct 7 to Oct 31
price/person (USD) 1975 1975 2100 2100 1975
price/person (CNY) 13800 13800 14700 14700 13800

Single Supplement:

Comfortable Class April 1 to May 31 June 1 to June 25 June 26 to Aug 31 Sept 1 to Oct 6 Oct 7 to Oct 31
price/person (USD) 475 475 545 545 475
price/person (CNY) 3300 3300 3800 3800 3300

Note:

1. 3-star hotel in Lhasa & Shigatse; dorm-bed tent or guesthouse at Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash.

2. The tour of departure between Sept 25 to Oct 9 (National Day Holiday) is 2190 USD.

3. Prices may fluctuate, subject to email quotation. 

Interested tour options: 13 Days Mount Kailash-Guge Kingdom-Gyirong Border (Nepal) Tour
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Client Feedback

From Jan, Czech From Jan, Czech
GTT-P-3020, 02-07-2025

The trip went exactly as planned and we saw exactly everything that was promised in the program. I chose this travel agency by chance, but it turned out that I could not have chosen a better one for seeing Mount Everest, so I highly recommend it to everyone.

From Vicki, United Kingdom From Vicki, United Kingdom
GTT-P-3012, 02-06-2025

Our guide in Lhasa called Phurbur was excellent and answered all our questions on Tibet as well as giving us loads of information and taking us to some cheap local eating places (as we requested) where he ate with us.