19 Days Lhasa Mt Everest Kailash Guge Kingdom Tour

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1. Day 1 Lhasa Arrival

   Welcome to Lhasa, capital of Tibet. Our local Tibetan guide will meet you at Lhasa airport or railway station and then transport you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the old town center, Barkhor, which is Tibet’s ancient market area around the sacred Jokhang Temple. You will see many Tibetan locals making ritualistic prostrations on the square. Lhasa has an elevation of 3600 meters (12,000 feet). Tonight you will stay in a comfortable hotel, such as Shambhala Palace, House of Shambhala, Shangbala Hotel, Kyichu Hotel, Yak Hotel, or Heritage Hotel, etc. They are all within walking distance from the Barkhor square and popular among foreign tourists.

2. Day 2 Lhasa sightseeing: Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Streets, Tsamkhung Nunnery, Sera Monastery

   After breakfast, you will visit Jokhang Temple, the holiest and most famous Buddhist temple in Tibet. Founded nearly 1400 years ago, Jokhang Temple houses a vast collection of precious Tibetan artworks and religious artifacts. You will walk around in this fascinating temple alongside pilgrims from every corner of Tibet. You will smell the yak butter candle offerings and hear the sound of pilgrims chanting mantras. Then, you will visit the quiet nunnery of Tsamkhung, where you can listen to the morning prayer during meditation time. In the afternoon, you will go to the 600-year-old Sera Monastery, one of Tibet’s largest Buddhist monasteries. Each weekday afternoon starting at 3pm, monks engage in Buddhist philosophical debates in a unique manner, which is mesmerizing to watch for every visitor. You will finish the afternoon by doing a small hike on the pilgrimage circuit near Sera Monastery.

3. Day 3 Lhasa sightseeing: Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery

   You visit Tibet’s most iconic architecture today, the Potala Palace. It is the winter residence of Dalai Lama and currently a UNESCO world heritage site. Inside Potala Palace, you will see both the public and private quarters of Dalai Lama and imagine the way of royal life here. In the afternoon, we will visit Drepung monastery, another important Gelugpa monastery. You can do another pilgrimage circuit on the hill and enjoy the good views before returning to down Lhasa.

4. Day 4 Lhasa-Yamdrok Lake-Karo La Glacier-Gyantse Pelkor Chode Monastery-Shigatse

   We leave Lhasa city today and drive to the second largest city Shigatse. On the way we will experience the natural wonders of Tibet for the first time. We will first arrive at Yamdrok Lake, one of the holy lakes of Tibet. On a sunny day, the lake is in a brilliantly turquoise color and reflects the Mt. Nojin Kangtsang peak behind it. We will walk slowly to the hilltop to get a panoramic view of the whole landscape. We will then stop by Karo La Glacier, which slopes down from Nojin Kangtsang and stretches all the way to the main road. Our next stop is Gyantse city, a small but important historic town in the region. There we will visit Pelkhor Chode Monastery. Inside the monastery is the Gyantse Kumbum, which houses the best Tibetan murals still in existence today. We reach Shigaste in late afternoon and stay at 4 star Gesar Hotel or similar for the night.

5. Day 5 Shigatse to Gyatso La Pass and Shelkar

   Today we drive from Shigatse to Shegar(220km). We will cross a high mountain pass Gyatso La Pass at 5248m. If you feel capable, you can hike to the top of the nearby hill and enjoy the great views of the Himalayan range. After arriving in Shegar, we visit the Shegar monastery and the old ruins nearly. We stay at Everest Tingri Hotel hotel, popular among tourists and Everest climbers alike. The elevation of Shegar is 4325.

6. Day 6 Shelkar to Geu La Pass, Rongphu Monastery and Everest Base Camp

   After breakfast, we leave Shegar for Everest Base Camp. After we pass Geu La Pass, we immediately find ourselves within close distance from the highest peak in the world. On the way, we are able to see 5 of the world’s 15 highest peaks. After driving past a few more small villages, we finally arrive at the foot of the Everest and we spend time admiring its spectacular presence. Closeby is Rongbuk monastery, world’s highest monastery at an altitude of 5000km. It is also unique because it hosts both monks and nuns. Tonight we stay in the very basic and dorm style guesthouse in the Everest base campsite. There is fireplace and thick quilts available, so there is no need to worry about the low temperature outside.

7. Day 7 Everest Base Camp to Peiku Tso and Saga

   We get up early this morning see the sun shines its first ray on the snow covered Everest peak. We spend some more time enjoying the view, and then start our journey to the next destination, Saga. On the way we will pass Mt. Shishapangma natural reserve and lake Peikutso, which is a hidden gem. You can have a picnic lunch by the lakeside, and continue to enjoy the scenery of the Himalayas. Saga has an elevation of 4500m and is 330km from EBC. We will stay at Saga Hotel or a similar place, and rest well tonight to prepare for the long distance driving the next day.

8. Day 8 Saga to Lake Manasarovar

   Today you travel across the wilderness of western Tibet to arrive at the holy lake of Manasarovar. The distance from Saga to Lake Manasarovar is 495km. We continue to drive on the northern side of the Himalayas. The long distance driving today is a great opportunity to observe Tibetan nomadic life and nature. After arriving at At Lake Manasarovar at an elevation of 4590m, you will stay at a very basic guesthouse by the lakeside. There is no shower facilities available there, and toilets are shared. The lake offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountain range.

9. Day 9 Lake Manasarovar to Darchen

   You will enjoy the wonder scenery of holy lake Manasarovar. There is plenty time for you to do puja in the water too. We will go to visit Chiu Monastery on the hilltop, and take in as many geat views of the lanscape as we want. In the afternoon, we drive to Darchen, the town below Mt. Kailash and the starting point of Mt. Kailash Yatra. In Darchen, we make some last minute preparations for the 3-day trek ahead and rest well. We stay in the best available Himalaya Kailash Hotel.

10. Day 10 Kailash Trek (Kora) Day 1

    We begin the Mt. Kailash Pilgrimage in the clockwise direction. 4km into the path, we reach the height of 4790m and the first prostration point that marks the first views of Mt. Kailash’s southern façade. The next important landmark is Tarboche flagpole (4750m), where the main rituals of Saga Dawa Full Moon Festival takes place here every year. You can pay a visit to the nearby Chorten Kangnyi and Sky-Burial Site of the 84 Mahasiddhas. Coming up next is Chuku Monastery (4820m), where you can find a revered marble statue inside. After some break time when you can take in more views, we will head towards the second prostration point, where you see prayers flags and views of the west side of Mt Kailash. The second Buddha footprint is a short distance ahead. There are several trails to reach our destination of the day: Dira-Puk Monastery (5080m). It faces the north side of Mt. Kailash and provides viewpoints for peaks in other direction. Overnight at guesthouse near Dira-Puk Monastery. Sleeping bag is recommended.

11. Day 11 Kailash Trek (Kora) Day 2

    We continue the main Kora path towards the east. We pass through Kangkyam Glacier and Jarok Donkhang (5210m) meadowland. A short distance above is Shivatsal (5330m). Pilgrims go through a symbolic death here and are reborn at Drolma-la (5630m), which is half an hour away. After some rest and refreshments, we soon arrive at lake Gauri Kund. We gradually descent to the grand valley of Lha-chu and begin a long journey in the grassland. The day concludes at Zuthul-Puk Monastery. Overnight at guesthouse near Zuthul-Puk Monastery. Sleeping bag is recommended.

12. Day 12 Kailash Trek (Kora) Day 3 

    We follow the river and then climbs the Gold & Red Cliffs. Pilgrims search for holy stones on these cliff walls. We will see prayer flags across the river, and Lake Rakshas Tal in the far distance. After reaching the fourth prostration point, the final walk back to Darchen is quite easy. We again stay in the best available Himalaya Kailash Hotel.

13. Day 13 Darchen to Tsada (Zanda)-visit Tholing Monastery

    Today we will extend our journey to the nortwest further to reach to the Tsada County. In the afternoon we are going to visit the Tholin Monastery. Tholing Monastery is the oldest monastery (or gompa) in the Ngari Prefecture of western Tibet. It is situated in Tholing (Zanda), Zanda County, near the Indian border of Ladakh. It was built in 997 AD by Yeshe, the second King of the Guge Kingdom. In Tibetan language ”Tholing” means ”hovering in the sky forever” and is reflected by the location of the monastery at an elevation of 12,400 feet (3,800 m). We stay in a local guesthouse tonight.

14. Day 14 Explore the mistery of Guge Kingdom

    Ruins of Guge KingdomLocated in the Ngari Region, Tibet Autonomous Region, Ruins of Guge Kingdom are the Old Summer Palace of Tibet. While these ruins were once an imperial estate which fell into disrepair after the civil revolt and the invasion of the allied armies of eight foreign countries, the Guge kingdom also encountered civil strife and foreign attacks which fragmented the once prosperous state. However, the legendary kingdom hasn’t been totally lost as much can be learned about it from its remains. Today you will visit the elephant river and the small village of Tsaparang as well. We stay in a local guesthouse tonight.

     

15. Day 15 Tsada (Zanda)-Lake Manasarovar

    Today, you will begin making the journey back to the holy Lake Manasarovar. Lake Manasarovar also called Mapam Yumtso, is a high altitude freshwater lake fed by the Kailash Glaciers near Mount Kailash in the Tibet. The lake is revered a sacred place in four religions: Hinduism, Bön, Buddhism and Jainism.

16. Day 16 Lake Manasarovar-Saga (495 kms)

    After the main pilgrimage adventure, today you will take the journey back to Saga County. This driving adventure will cover 495 kilometers traveling thru the beautiful wilderness of Western Tibet back to the small county of Saga. There will be plenty of good mountain views as well as the chance to see wildlife throughout the day. In Saga, you will stay at the best hotel-The Grand West Post Hotel (or Saga Hotel), in this small county, accommodation option is limited and facility is not as good as in Shigatse and Lhasa city.

17. Day 17 Saga to Shigatse(450 kms)

    You will continue driving back to Lhasa along the G318 (China National Road) while stopping at Shigatse for the night. You will drive along the Western Himalaya Mountains, which form the border between Tibet and Nepal. There are chances to see wildlife including gazelle, wild donkeys, wolves, marmots and more! In Shigatse, you will stay at the locally rated 4 star Gesar Hotel or Tashi Choten Hotel.

18. Day 18 Shigatse to Lhasa

    The final full day of your Tibet journey will lead you back to the Tibetan capital of Lhasa. You will arrive in the mid to late afternoon with enough time to stroll the pilgrimage path around Jokhang Temple one last time and buy any last minute souvenirs in the Lhasa Old Town. Your last night in Lhasa will be spent at Yak Hotel or similar comfortable hotel

19. Day 19 Final Departure

    Our wonder Tibetan trip concludes today. You will be transferred to the airport/train station and depart from Tibet for your next destination. We hope you have gathered precious memories of Tibet and will come back again one day!

Potala Palace is the center of Lhasa

Tibet travel promotional offer by local Tibet Travel agent

Huge glaciers are easily be seen in Tibet

Tibet Tour by local Tour operator and agency in Lhasa

Amazing trek to Kalish

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blue-sky,and the snow mountain,all of these combine with Manasarovar Lake

unbelievable Tibet tour trip to the Manasarovar,delve into the beauty of this sacred lake.Contact Tibet local guide now by email to info@tibetlocalguide.com!

FAQs

1. How can I get my Tibet Travel Permit?

   It is critical to book your Tibet tour with a local travel agency like “Tibet local Guide travel service” for smooth travel permit application. Photo copy of your passport and the China visa copies are required for applying Tibet permits.

   Please note that you will have to show the original permit in hand while asking for boarding pass and security checking in for flight to Lhasa or Copy of it while boarding the Train to Lhasa. However, Chongqing, Xi’an and Lanzhou railway station may also check original permits.

   We will send it to your hotel in your flight departure city in China. While in urgent cases, we can send our permits delivery person to drop it to you at any China domestic airport if you just have few hours transit flight stop.

   We do not send your Tibet permits to your home country, because permits come out regularly only 1 week to 2 weeks prior to your arrival date, and Tibet post companies have no efficiencies for handling international package delivery, so it is not trustworthy and not reliable to send your permits to your home county.

   For more details of Tibet travel permits, you can email to info@tibetlcoalguide.com for instant Tibet local policy update.

2. What are the differences between travelling to Tibet from Nepal and entering Tibet from other Parts of China?

   Foreign travelers have only two possible ways of getting to Tibet, one is from Nepal to Tibet by air or overland, while the other is from mainland city in China by train, air or car. Here below are the major differences.

   1. If you travel to Tibet from other provinces of China, you will need a valid China visa which allows you to travel, work or study in China, with this visa you can come to Tibet (but journalist, diplomats, public government service people, military persons and reporters, etc. must travel via Chinese government specified authorities, in most cases, these people are not allowed in), any Tibet travel agencies here in Tibet do not organize tours for those people whose jobs are listed as above. And the regular China visa categories are “L” tour visa, “Z” or “M” “Q” visa etc.
   2. Foreign travelers from a few countries such as Singapore and Japan may not need a China visa for specific period of time, in this case, these travelers can get Tibet entry permits without China visa. But please be noted that, you need to double check with your local china consulate to assure how long you can travel in China without a visa.
   3. Once you can travel in China legally, you can also get Tibet entry permits from local Tibet travel agency like us easily.
   4. To apply travel permits for foreign travelers entering Tibet from a city in China, none-restricted occupation travelers need to provide valid passport, valid China visa at least 2-3 weeks prior to arrival date to Tibet, and different travel destination in Tibet may require you to provide these documents even 30-40 days prior to arrival date because of many more complicated permits application process. These destinations are Kailash, North-loop-the Grand of Tibet, east Tibet bordering Kham (Sichuan province).
   5. Foreign travelers entering Tibet from mainland China can choose flight, train or overland driving. All the trains to Tibet will go through Xi’ning, Qinghai province, while the popular driving route is from Chengdu and Shangri-La or Kashgar or Xi’ning. The most picturesque driving adventure is between Tibet and Sichuan or Yunnan.
   6. If you enter Tibet from Nepal, you can go only by air from Kathmandu to Lhasa or by overland driving via Gyirong port or Purang (Taklakot) border, these are the only open borders between Nepal and Tibet. Currently the Indian-Tibet Sino border is not open for public.
   7. All foreign travelers from Nepal to Tibet must have 3 working days in Kathmandu to wait for the “Tibet Group Visa” prior to departure date for Tibet. This A4 size Tibet group visa (actually it is a china visa) document paper can only be issued through a registered travel agency in Kathmandu, but the important point is: any registered travel agency in Nepal has to obtain an official visa invitation letter photo copy issued from Tibet tourism Bureau here in Lhasa. To get this visa letter, a local Tibet travel agency like us can apply together with the Tibet permits around 2-5 weeks before visitor’s arrival in Tibet. So, travelers only need to bear in mind that, they do not apply any visa or permits by themselves, they just need to provide passport photo copies to Tibet based agency like us and we will handle all the rest.
   8. There is no train between Nepal and Tibet however. Kathmandu-Lhasa airfare is more expensive than via Chengdu, Chongqing, or Xi’an city in most cases.
   9. The overland driving between Kathmandu to Tibet border Gyirong is time consuming. The overall short distance may take around 10-15 hours especially in rainy seasons of July and August.
   10. No matter you enter Tibet from Nepal or mainland China, valid China visa (or Tibet group visa from Nepal) and Tibet permits are mandatory. And different permits are for different travel itineraries and specified schedule.
   11. When you fly from a city in China to Lhasa, original permits will be needed, however, if you fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa, you only need Tibet group visa for flight checking in(our Tibetan tour guide will take original permits to pick you up)

3. What documents do I have to send to you to secure all necessary Tibet Travel permits?

   A short document list as below:

   1. Photocopies of valid passports data page for all travelers.
   2. Photocopies of valid China visa.
   3. Working certificate or student Id card copies if you do not hold “L” China visa but Z or F type of China visa.
   4. Marriage certificate or relatives’ statement with signature if you hold Q category China visa.

   While booking your Tibet tour, we would like you to send us the copy of your Passport and China Visa for every member of the group. The copy of passport should be the same one you will be using to get your Chinese visa. If you renew your passports, but the China via is on the expired passport, please provide both passports photo copies.

   If your visa is not the “L” category, i.e., tour category china visa, you will need to provide us the additional supporting document such as student certificates, resident and Work Permit and so on.

   Please provide passport copies at least 2-4 weeks before arrival date. For Tibet tour without Kailash, eastern Tibet, North-loop Grand Tibet, we can accept urgent tour booking 2 weeks before your arrival date, but if your trip covers the places mentioned here, you’d better send us your passport photo copies 4 weeks to 5 weeks in advance at least, most of our Kailash travelers provide us passport copies half year in advance. And they can provide China visa copies 1 month in advance.

   If you travel to Tibet from Nepal, we will only need your valid passport copies. Yet, we will have to apply for the Chinese Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Nepal.

   Can I apply for Tibet Travel permit or Tibet group visa by ourselves?Definitely No, you cannot apply for Tibet travel permit or Tibet group visa directly. Tibet Travel Permit is only issued by Tibet Tourism Administration in Lhasa, together with other Chinese authorities such as military office, and foreign affairs office, national security office, public security bureau, etc. Therefore, an only local registered travel agency based in Lhasa can help you apply for it. Hence it is impossible for you to apply permits by yourself, and you will have to book your Tibet tour directly or indirectly with a local travel agency in Lhasa.

4. What is the Tibet travel documents list so I can check before coming?

   During your traveling in Tibet, the three main primary documents are passports, China visa (or Tibet group visa) and Tibet entry permits. Different tour destination will need further document such as military permits, foreign affairs border passing permit, alien’s travel permits,

   1. Valid Passports.
   2. Valid China visa (for entering from China);
   3. Tibet group visa (for entering from Nepal);
   4. Tibet entry travel permits for all Tibet tours;
   5. Alien’s travel permits for trip covering Everest. Tsetang (Samye monastery), Kailash and north-loop Grand Tibet, eastern Tibet such as Draksumtso lake;
   6. Foreign affairs permit (policy keeps changing on this section)
   7. Border defense passing allowance permit (trip between Nepal and Tibet)
   8. Military permits.

5. Can a foreigner travel Tibet without travel permit?

   Definitely No. it is not possible to travel to and in Tibet without a Tibet travel permit. No international travelers can visit in Tibet autonomous region of China without Tibet travel permit. It is mandatory for all the foreign nationals to get this permit prior to your arrival in Tibet. Only a local Tibet travel agency here in Tibet can help you make this document in Lhasa.

   At all the entry and exit point to Tibet, the authority people will check the permit, passport, and Visa.

6. Can I have a few days as my own free time in Lhasa without hiring a guide?

   Definitely Yes. it is possible but your activity is very limited. You can have some days free time in Lhasa to walk around, and do your shopping, try some local food, drink tea, coffee, and spend your leisure time, etc., BUT never enter a tourist attraction if without a tour guide. Furthermore, you cannot leave Lhasa for any other places in Tibet individually, especially when there is no tour guide and a licensed tour vehicle. You cannot extend further since there are many permits and identity checking points for exiting Lhasa.

7. How can I apply for a Chinese visa from my home country?

   You can apply it through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country. Tibet local guide travel service team strongly recommend applying it without mentioning about your travel plan to Tibet. Your application might get rejected as Tibet is a sensitive region of China. We helped many foreign travelers providing China tour itinerary references together with their own flights booking references, hotel booking references, etc., they can normally get China visa without any hassles.

   If you do mention your trip covers Tibet, we will have to apply and send the Chinese Visa Invitation from Tibet Tourism Bureau office here in Lhasa. For this, you will need to go to the Chinese Embassy, not the consulate to apply China visa. The Visa invitation will only address to Embassy, not to the consulate. So, we suggest you try to avoid complicated and time-consuming process but choose the simplified and workable process. However, China visa application is beyond our Tibet travel agency, and policy keeps changing due to many factors such as political climate, international relationship, etc., please consult with your local visa agent for more information.

   For your reference, the Visa invitation letter can be only applied after Tibet permits application approval. Therefore, you will have to book the tour with us and send us the Passport copies to start making the permit at least 2-3 months beforehand. Please remember, we can never complete the Permit process without the copy of your China visa. So, you will have to email your passport copies to us as soon as you get it.

8. For what kind of Tibet tour do I need additional permits?

   Technically Tibet entry permit is enough to go if you are only visiting the Lhasa Prefecture. If you are visiting other prefectures in Tibet, you will need the additional permit depending on the region you will be visiting.

   The military permit is required if you are traveling to Mount Kailash, traveling overland from and to Xinjiang and traveling overland to and from Yunnan and Sichuan.

   Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP) is needed if you are visiting from Lhasa to other prefectures in Tibet. Therefore, Mount Kailash in Ngari prefecture, Mount Everest in Shigatse prefecture, Samye Monastery in Lhoka prefecture and Nyingchi prefecture.

   Additionally, there is another permit called Borders Permit. You will require it if you are traveling to any border region and arriving from Nepal to Tibet by flight.

   But you will not need to worry about it all. Experienced Tibet travel agency in Lhasa will know which permits are required as per the tour itinerary.

9. How long does it take to apply our Tibet travel permit?

   The duration of the Tibet travel permit application process varies from 2 weeks to 4 weeks prior to your arrival date. The authorities do not accept very early permits application submission. Sometimes those people in authority slow down the process without prior notice and all agents have to wait. As professional and experienced Tibet local travel agency and tour operator, “Tibet Local Guide travel service” team always suggest foreign travelers book Lhasa tour at least 3 weeks before arrival date, and book Kailash tours or other restricted regional tours at least 4-6 weeks prior to arrival date. To submit permits application for any Tibet tours around 4 weeks in advance can ensure on time application. If you have urgent booking, please talk with our consultants and see if it is doable or not, and urgent handling cost may occur. Every year, we did help some travelers for last minute Tibet tour booking.

10. Do I need multiple entry China visa to continue with china tour after Tibet?

    Definitely No, Tibet is a part of China, called TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region of China) , single entry China visa or the Tibet group visa can allow your China tour after Tibet. BUT, please remember that, if you hold Tibet group visa (entering Tibet from Nepal) but want to travel to China after Tibet, you will need to hold individual pieces of the group visa to travel individually in China by yourself; while if you travel with the name listed group members together, all people can hold one “Group visa paper documents) since all are travelling together. Otherwise you will get issues when checking in hotel in China. Since 2019, most hotels in China need passengers to have face scanning and ID and or passports registry to check in a hotel room. Most travel agencies in Tibet do not know this, especially many agencies out of Tibet do not have this kind of experiences.

11. Do you provide Tibet Permit only service?

    No, we don’t sell Tibet Permit service only since it is illegal. No agent is allowed to sell the Tibet Travel Permit. Even though on the permits itself, it says free and no commission fee, the permits application process and responsibility of managing foreign traveler’s travel in Tibet is strictly regulated. Tibet permits application is locally and lawful per the China local rules in Tibet for foreign travelers to ensure Tibet long run development, we have to obey the local rules and respect local policy regulations. So do not just book a permit only service, as local experienced Tibet travel agency, we can organize your trip with your maximum free time in Lhasa, meanwhile, not requesting you to hire a guide all the time. This is good for LHASA tours, if your trip covers places out of Lhasa, you will need to book tour including guide, driver and car at least.

    Furthermore, we are only allowed to apply the permit when we provide Tibet tour service, which includes professional tour guide, tourist licensed vehicle with a driver and/or hotel accommodation.

    All Tibet travel permits application is submitted by local registered travel agencies here in Lhasa, Tibet. No matter the agency is Han Chinese registered or Tibetan registered, if there is legal tourism license, permits can be applied. However, an agency like “Tibet Local Guide Travel Service” official name is Tibet Norpel Lin Travel service has many years experiences with focus on serving only foreign travelers, we can provide hassles free permits and quality Tibet tour services. It is one-stop shop Tibet tour solution with better local prices.

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