Mount Kailash, revered as one of the holiest peaks in the world, draws pilgrims from across Asia and beyond to embark on a spiritual journey of a lifetime. The sacred pilgrimage around the mountain, known as the Kora or Parikrama, is a profound experience that symbolizes the cleansing of the soul. This 13-day journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar offers not only spiritual awakening but also breathtaking natural beauty. The scenic drive through Nepal and Tibet will immerse you in the region’s majestic landscapes, passing serene lakes, remote villages, and vast pastures dotted with yaks, while providing opportunities to witness the vibrant cultures of the Himalayas.
Upon arrival at the airport in Kathmandu, you will be met and assisted by our representative and transferred to the hotel.
Visit Kathmandu city, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath.
Kathmandu City is the political as well as the cultural capital of the country. Despite the hustle and bustle of the city, Kathmandu is adorned with ornate palaces, superbly crafted pagodas, and monumental stupas.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boudhanath Stupa is a massive three level mandala style platform and is the largest in the world. Thousands of pilgrims circle the stupa in a clockwise direction each day spinning the prayer wheels. It is said that each spin of a prayer wheel is the equivalent of reciting the mantra.
Also visit the magnificent Pashupatinath temple with its astonishing architectural beauty situated on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pashupatinath is also Nepal’s most renowned Hindu cremation site.
After breakfast, we set out to visit Swayambunath Stupa.
Perched on a hilltop, Swayambhunath Stupa is an ancient sacred Buddhist shrine that holds utmost importance in the Buddhist community. It is also known as the Monkey Temple and perhaps the most enigmatic of all holy shrines in Kathmandu.
Later in the evening visit Patan. Also known as Lalitpur, the city of artisans is a paradise of fine arts. Located 5 miles southeast from the Kathmandu City, Patan is best known for its rich cultural heritage.
Fly to Lhasa, where we cross the Himalayas from south to north, with breathtaking views of Everest. Free day in Lhasa to acclimatize to the altitude.
Visit Potala Palace, Norbulinka Palace, Jokhang and Barkhor Market.
Potala Palace is the chief residence of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century has been the focus of the travelers for centuries. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Built 100 years after the Potala palace, Norbulingka means ‘Treasure Park’ in Tibetan and is situated in the western suburb of Lhasa City, on the bank of the Kyichu River, about one kilometer southwest of the Potala Palace. It is the biggest man-made garden in Tibet
Jokhang meaning ‘House of the Lord’ in Tibetan is located at the center of the old Lhasa and is the oldest and the most revered religious structure in Tibet. Also visit Barkhor Street, one of the oldest streets in Lhasa and runs through the center of the old city.
Today we will drive to Shigatse via Gyantse which is the third important city and is one of the least Chinese influenced towns in Tibet.
Along the way you visit Yamdrok tso, also known as the Turquoise Lake and the unique Palkhor Monstery, located about 100 km east of Shigatse. Also visit the spectacular Bodhi stupa, or Kumbum in Tibetan. The famous Kumbum pagoda, built in collaboration with Newari artists from Nepal and Tibetan artists, also stands in the same courtyard with nine stories, 108 doors and 77 chapels containing clay sculptures and various murals.
On the first long driving day over the sandy and rocky land of Tibet, other sites like lake, nomads chasing thousands of yaks and sheep, keep you busy. By the late afternoon you will cross Bhramha Purtra River on the way to typical Chinese and Tibetan town called Saga.
After breakfast drive to Darchen through picturesque landscapes.
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Chui Gompa (Mansarovar) and further to Tarboche.
Visit the area and later drive back to Darchen for overnight stay.
Drive to Saga, the same route we came from.
As we drive to Zhangmu we will pass through Nyalam. If the weather is clear, we will get a glimpse of Mt. Everest. Zhangmu is a busy border town and port of entry located in Nyalam County on the Nepal-Tibet border, just uphill and across the Bhote Koshi River from the Nepalese town of Kodari. At 2300 meters above sea level, Zhangmu (Khasa in Nepali) is a wonderfully green, lush valley with mild and humid subtropical climate, which is a rarity for Tibet.
Drive From Zhangmu; it is a short drive to the Friendship Bridge which spans the Bhote Kosi River and marks the Chinese – Nepalese border where you part with your Tibetan guide & driver and walk to Nepalese Immigration Control in Kodari where you will be met by your Nepalese staff. After completing the entry formalities, you continue the drive to Kathmandu.
Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon, literally the ‘City of Devotees’ is a major tourist destination that takes visitors back in time. Bhaktapur is still untouched by rapid urbanization and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After the sightseeing continue your drive to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel as booked.
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
This sample itinerary can be modified according to the client's interests. While all the information in this itinerary is accurate to the best of our knowledge, changes to our trips can and do occur. These changes may be due to our efforts to improve the program or for logistical reasons such as alterations in flight schedules, traffic conditions, weather conditions, or government policies. Dharma Adventures will make every effort to keep you informed of any changes but cannot be held liable for any modifications made to the published itinerary.
Copyright 2023 Dharma Adventure. All Rights Reserved.