Please make your own way to Lhasa and gather at the hotel before 18:00. Lhasa Railway Station is about 10 km from the city centre, while Lhasa Gonggar Airport is about 65 km away.

If you arrive early, you may explore the city at leisure, though it is recommended to rest at the hotel for altitude acclimatisation. Mild or noticeable symptoms of altitude sickness may accompany you today; at the same time, you will be greeted by the bluest skies and the brightest sunshine in the world.

In the afternoon, your trip leader will conduct an equipment check and hold a pre-departure briefing, covering the route ahead, gear requirements, and key information on preventing altitude sickness. Specific timing and location will be shared in the group chat.

Friendly Reminder:

On the first day, avoid taking showers, smoke, or alcohol. Eat more vegetables and fruit, and drink plenty of water. Maintaining a positive mindset is one of the best ways to overcome altitude discomfort—many travellers find that optimism and calmness significantly reduce the effects of high altitude.

Meals: L

Destination: Lhasa

Accommodation: Hotels in Lhasa Urban Area

Altitude: Lhasa about 3650

Early in the morning, depart from Lhasa and travel along winding mountain roads, crossing the Gampala Pass. Today’s journey involves a long drive with a tight schedule, focused mainly on covering distance. In the evening, arrive in Saga County and check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

Meals: /

Destination: Saga

Accommodation: Saga Hotel

Driving Distance: 700 km

Accommodation Altitude: 4500 m

Today we drive from Saga towards Mount Kailash. If the weather is clear, you may catch distant views of Annapurna Peak along the way. The route passes through the vast Paryang Wetlands and the tranquil waters of Lake Gongzhutse, offering serene highland scenery.

By evening, we arrive at Darchen, the starting point of the sacred Mount Kailash kora (pilgrimage circuit). Here, we will rest and recharge in preparation for the long-awaited trek that begins tomorrow.

Meals: /

Destination: Saga – Payang Wetland – Gongzhu tso – Darchen

Accommodation: Darchen Hotel

Driving Distance: 500 km

Accommodation Altitude: 4700 m

After an early breakfast, set out promptly to begin the sacred kora trek. A gradual hike of about 3 hours leads to Tarboche Flag Square, where the great Mani stone cairn is draped with colourful prayer flags. Each year, on the 15th day of the 4th Tibetan month, the prayer flag pole is ceremonially replaced in a grand ritual. From here, the first magnificent views of Mount Kailash come into sight.

The trail then descends gently, turning north into the Lha Chu Valley along the river’s east bank. By late afternoon, arrive at Dirapuk Monastery (4,950m), where local nomads host pilgrims in their tented lodges. Facing directly towards the north face of Mount Kailash, Dirapuk offers the rare privilege of lying in bed with the sacred peak in full view.

Friendly Reminder:

Tonight’s accommodation is at high altitude. Some travellers may experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache or difficulty sleeping. Drink plenty of water, walk slowly, and allow your body to adapt.

Meals: /

Destination: Tarchen – Chuku Monastery – Matoumingwang Rock – Dirapuk Monastery

Accommodation: Nomad Tents at Dirapuk Monastery

Trekking Distance: 22km

Accommodation Altitude: 5210 m

Today is the most challenging day of the entire pilgrimage, testing both willpower and physical endurance. Set out around 05:00 with headlamps, passing the traditional sky burial site, where the slopes are covered with sacred mani stones and prayer flags.

The trail then climbs steeply, ascending 762 metres to the Droma La Pass (5,630m), the highest point of the kora. Take a brief rest here, enjoy some snacks, and absorb the breathtaking yet solemn atmosphere of this sacred crossing. From the pass, descend carefully along a steep, rocky path into the valley below.

Continue following the gorge downstream, passing several small monasteries, before reaching Tarchen after approximately 6 hours of trekking.

According to Tibetan belief, completing a full kora around Mount Kailash purifies one’s sins of this lifetime. Despite the hardship, the profound sense of fulfilment at the end of the journey is beyond words.

Friendly Reminder:

This is the toughest day of the trek, with high altitude and long hours on rugged terrain. A headlamp is essential for the early departure, and maintaining a steady pace is key.

Meals: /

Destination: Zhire Monastery – Sky Burial Platform – Drolma La Pass – Tarchen

Accommodation: Tarchen Hotel

Driving Distance: 5 km

Trekking Distance: 33km

Accommodation Altitude: 4700 m

Today, with the joy and fulfilment of completing the sacred kora, we retrace the route taken on Day 3. Along the way, we bid farewell to the holy landscapes of Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, revisiting the majestic scenery that has accompanied our spiritual and physical journey. By evening, we return to Saga, closing this chapter of sacred pilgrimage and adventure.

Meals: /

Destination: Tarchen – Lake Manasarovar – Saga

Accommodation: Hotel in Saga

Driving Distance: 500 km

Accommodation Altitude: 4500 m

Today will be a long travel day as we drive approximately 700 km back to Lhasa. The journey follows the iconic G219 and G318 National Highways, with scenery unfolding along the way. While the focus is on making steady progress, there will be moments to look back at the extraordinary landscapes we leave behind—carrying with us memories and reflections from this sacred journey.

Meals: /

Destination: Saga – Lhasa

Accommodation: /

Driving Distance: 700 km