Overview
An 11-day private pilgrimage across far-western Tibet to the sacred Mount Kailash, completing the legendary kora past holy lakes, 8,000 m peaks and the vast Ngari plateau.
About This Tour
This 11-day private expedition reaches the spiritual heart of Tibet, the sacred Mount Kailash (6,638 m), revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and Bon followers as the center of the world. From Lhasa you cross the turquoise holy lake Yamdrok and the rarely visited Puma Yumco, trace the 219 border highway beneath snow giants, and gaze at Shishapangma (8,027 m), the only 8,000 m peak entirely within China. The climax is the three-day Mount Kailash kora, a roughly 52 km high-altitude trek over the 5,648 m Drolma La pass, the ultimate Tibetan pilgrimage. Along the way you walk beside the sacred Lake Manasarovar and the 'ghost lake' Rakshastal, cross the Zhongba dunes and stand among the endless emptiness of the Ngari plateau, the 'roof of the roof of the world'. This is a demanding journey for fit, acclimatized travelers seeking a profound landscape and pilgrimage experience, led by an English-speaking guide plus a dedicated kora trekking guide. Best from May to October. Tibet Travel Permit and Ngari/border permits are arranged for you. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: May to October • Fitness level: challenging; you must be in good health for three days of strenuous high-altitude trekking • Altitude: nights at 3,200-5,100 m and a kora pass at 5,648 m; arrive in Lhasa 1-2 days early to acclimatize • Required documents: passport for permits; this border region prohibits drones and some photography • High-altitude conditions are basic at the kora teahouses; pack warm layers, trekking poles and a headlamp
Itinerary
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Day 1: Lhasa | Arrival & Acclimatization
Make your own way to Lhasa (3,650 m) and check into the hotel, then rest to begin acclimatizing to the altitude. Those feeling well can take a gentle stroll around the Barkhor Street pilgrim circuit, moving slowly to conserve energy. In the evening your guide leads an essential pre-trip briefing covering the route, the Kailash kora, safety and gear, and checks everyone's equipment. To trek the kora safely it is strongly recommended to arrive in Lhasa one to two days before the tour starts. Meals on your own. Overnight in Lhasa (3,650 m). (no meals)
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Day 2: Lhasa to Kangma via Holy Lakes
Drive about 321 km (6 hrs), crossing the Kamba La pass to reach Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's three great holy lakes, shimmering like a sapphire beneath the 7,206 m Mt Nojin Kangsang. Continue along the shore to Nakartse for lunch, then visit the little-known sacred lake Puma Yumco, savoring sunset over the water. Arrive in the small border town of Kangma to experience local Tibetan life. The day is mostly scenic driving and lake viewpoints to aid gradual acclimatization. Overnight in Kangma (4,300 m). (B)
3
Day 3: Kangma to Tingri | Chumbu Yumco Hike
Drive about 297 km (5.5 hrs) with a gentle warm-up trek of roughly 3 km (2-3 hrs) along Chumbu Yumco, an intensely blue sacred lake set directly against the snow peaks; carry a packed lunch and go light. Continue to nearby Duoqing Co beneath Mt Jomolhari, an ideal spot for photos (note that this is a sensitive border zone where drones are prohibited). Then drive on to Tingri County for the night. This easy lakeside walk helps your body adjust before the higher days ahead. Overnight in Tingri (5,000 m). (B)
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Day 4: Tingri to Gyirong | Peiku Tso & Everest View
Drive about 311 km (6 hrs) toward Gyangkar, passing the world's highest Guandi temple at the Gangga earthen-hill viewpoint with distant views of Mount Everest. Follow the dramatic snow-and-grassland scenery of the 219 highway to reach Peiku Tso, a large lake fed by Shishapangma's glaciers; hike about 6 km (2-3 hrs) along the shore gazing at Shishapangma (8,027 m), ranked 14th of the world's fourteen 8,000 m peaks and the only one entirely within China. End the day descending into the green Gyirong valley. Carry a packed lunch and trek light. Overnight in Gyirong (3,200 m). (B)
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Day 5: Gyirong to Zhongba | Nai Village
After breakfast drive to today's highlight, Nai Village, a hidden Shangri-La with 360-degree views of encircling snow mountains; take a short light trek of about 2 km (1.5 hrs) to find the spring once used by Guru Padmasambhava and ancient stone carvings, surrounded by the Gone, Langtang and Peiku Gangri ranges. Return to Gyirong for a free lunch, with the option to visit Pabang Temple, then drive about 344 km (7 hrs) onward to the remote town of Zhongba. Overnight in Zhongba (4,500 m). (B)
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Day 6: Zhongba to Darchen | Manasarovar & Rakshastal
Drive about 331 km (5.5 hrs) deeper into Ngari, the 'roof of the roof of the world' averaging 4,500 m. Stop first at the Zhongba sand dunes, a striking emblem of the plateau's wilderness, then collect kora permits in Darchen before reaching sacred Lake Manasarovar with a light shore trek of about 4 km (3 hrs). Manasarovar is the holiest of lakes, said to cleanse the soul; nearby lies its mirror, Rakshastal, the brackish 'ghost lake'. Ahead rises Mount Kailash itself (6,638 m). Tonight your guide briefs the group on the three-day kora; pack only what you need for two and a half days of trekking. Overnight in Darchen (4,800 m). (B)
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Day 7: Kailash Kora Day 1 | Darchen to Drirapuk
Begin the great Mount Kailash kora, today about 22 km in roughly 7 hours (4,690-5,060 m). From Darchen climb gently to the first prostration point, descend to Sershung where the sky-burial ground and the great flagpole stand, then pass the Chuku Monastery supply point before a long undulating ascent to the second prostration point and the Tamdrin (Hayagriva) rest house. A final climb brings you to Drirapuk, directly facing the sheer north wall of Kailash, glowing at dusk. Carry a packed lunch and your two-and-a-half-day pack. Sleep in the simple multi-bed teahouse and, if skies are clear, watch the stars before an early night. Overnight at Drirapuk (5,100 m). (B)
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Day 8: Kailash Kora Day 2 | Drolma La Pass to Zutrul Puk
The hardest and most rewarding day: about 23 km in 10-12 hours over the Drolma La pass (5,648 m), the spiritual high point of the entire pilgrimage. Set out early to climb steadily up to the prayer-flag-draped pass, where pilgrims leave offerings, then make a steep descent past the sacred Gauri Kund toward the valley floor. The long but gentler afternoon follows the Lham-chu valley to the monastery of Zutrul Puk. Take it slow, drink often and let your guides set the pace. Carry a packed lunch; this is a serious high-altitude day requiring good fitness and acclimatization. Overnight at Zutrul Puk teahouse. (B)
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Day 9: Kora Finish & Drive to Saga
Complete the final, easy stretch of the kora down the valley back to Darchen, closing the sacred circle around Mount Kailash. Reunite with the vehicle and celebrate the achievement, then begin the long drive back east across the Ngari plateau, retracing the wide-open 219 highway with its snow peaks and grasslands to the town of Saga. It is a big driving day after the trek, so settle in and rest. Overnight in Saga. (B)
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Day 10: Saga to Shigatse
A scenic transfer day following the upper Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) eastward toward Shigatse, Tibet's second city. The road rolls past braided rivers, herding camps and distant Himalayan peaks, with photo stops along the way. Arrive in Shigatse in the afternoon, where the altitude is noticeably gentler than Ngari, and enjoy a celebration dinner together to mark the completion of the pilgrimage. Overnight in Shigatse. (B, celebration D)
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Day 11: Shigatse to Lhasa & Departure
After breakfast drive back to Lhasa along the Friendship Highway, returning through the Yarlung Tsangpo valley and farmland of central Tibet. On arrival the tour concludes and your guide provides an airport or station drop-off; please book onward travel with ample buffer for the long drive. Farewell to your fellow trekkers after an unforgettable journey to the sacred center of the Tibetan world. (B)
What's Included
✓ Included
English-speaking guide plus dedicated Kailash kora trekking guide Tibet Travel Permit, Ngari and border-area permits arranged Private tourist coach throughout (17-seat for under 10 guests, upgraded 26-seat 2+1 for 10+), with airport drop-off 10 nights accommodation: hotels in Lhasa, Kangma, Tingri, Gyirong, Zhongba, Darchen, Saga, Shigatse and dormitory teahouses at Drirapuk and Zutrul Puk on the kora 10 breakfasts and a celebration dinner Entrance tickets to Yamdrok Lake and Mount Kailash Complimentary sleeping-bag liner for the teahouse nights
✕ Not included
International and domestic flights China visa Travel insurance Lunches and dinners not specified Optional kora porter (about RMB 990) and the last 4 km shuttle (about RMB 50) Personal expenses and tips
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.
Traveler Reviews
4.5★★★★★Based on 136 reviews
Thomas G.🇪🇸 Spain★★★★★2025-07
Scenic and steeped in history — China is a must-do, and this tour gets it just right.
Sophie E.🇦🇹 Austria★★★★★2024-06
Quick replies before the trip and a guide who went above and beyond in China.
Hannah K.🇵🇹 Portugal★★★★★2025-08
A real highlight — China with a knowledgeable private guide beats any group bus tour.
Daniel I.🇳🇱 Netherlands★★★★☆2024-07
Superb value compared with other operators. China was handled with real care.