Overview of Kailash Mansarovar Full Moon Tour
The Kailash Mansarovar Full Moon Tour is a remarkable journey that combines spirituality, breathtaking landscapes, and an enchanting celestial phenomenon. Situated in the remote region of Tibet, this tour takes you to the revered Mount Kailash and the sacred Lake Manasarovar, both of which hold immense religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of the Bon religion.
The journey also begins with a scenic flight to Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, where you have the opportunity to explore its ancient monasteries, palaces, and markets. After acclimatizing to the high altitude, the tour proceeds towards Lake Mansarovar. Nestled at the foot of Mount Kailash, Mansarovar is a vast, crystal-clear lake known for its pristine beauty and spiritual aura. Pilgrims also partake in a sacred ritual of circumambulating the lake, seeking blessings and spiritual rejuvenation.
The highlight of the tour is the Full Moon trek to Mount Kailash, also known as the “abode of Lord Shiva.” This sacred mountain, with its distinctive pyramid shape, is believed to be the center of the universe and a place where the divine and earthly realms meet. The Full Moon also adds an ethereal touch to the journey, casting a radiant glow on the mountain and creating a mystical atmosphere.
The trek around Mount Kailash, known as the Kora, is also a challenging yet rewarding experience. Pilgrims walk in a clockwise direction, completing a circumambulation that spans approximately 52 kilometers. Along the way, they encounter breathtaking landscapes, including rugged valleys, snow-capped peaks, and vast expanses of Tibetan plateau. The journey is interspersed with visits to sacred sites such as the Dolma La Pass, where prayers and offerings are made.
As the moonlight bathes the mountain, pilgrims also engage in soulful chants, prayers, and meditation, deepening their spiritual connection to the divine. The celestial phenomenon of the Full Moon also adds an enchanting touch to the entire experience, creating an atmosphere of serenity, awe, and introspection.
Conclusion and Summary of Kailash Mansarovar Full Moon Tour
The Kailash Mansarovar Full Moon Tour is not merely a physical journey but a profound spiritual odyssey. It also offers a unique opportunity to connect with ancient traditions, immerse oneself in the magnificence of nature, and experience the transformative power of the Full Moon in one of the most sacred places on Earth.
Daily Itinerary for Kailash Mansarovar Full Moon Tour
Day 1: Lhasa Arrival
When you arrive in Lhasa either by train or flight, your guide will greet you and take you to your hotel. Tourists may view the Yarlung Tsangpo River/ Bhamaputra river (the Longest and largest river in Tibet) and Lhasa river on their way to Lhasa.
After arriving in Lhasa, you can take a rest and get acclimatized to high altitude. If you feel to go out, then you can go to the Potala Square, where you will enjoy the fountain with different colors and get amazing photos of the Potala and around.
Insider Tips:
For the new-comers of Tibet, to get acclimatized to the high altitude in Tibet. Having a good sleep in your hotel is a good option. Don not rush to visit attractions inside Lhasa city.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Day 2: Lhasa Tour – Potala Palace, Johkang Temple, and Barkhor Street (B)
Today’s tour will first bring you to the Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. It has been used since the 7th Century by the 33rd great king of Tibet. The most valuable collections are the gilded burial stupas of past Dalai Lamas and meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet. Later, enjoy welcome dinner at local Tibetan teahouse or local restaurant.
After you take lunch and then head to Jokhang temple which was founded by the 33rd great king of Tibet in the 7th century, in order to promote the Buddhist religion. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibet Buddhism. Around the temple Barkhor street where you can kora (circling the Barkor street) with pilgrims and locals and buy the souvenirs.
Besides, you can taste Tibetan tea with locals in tea house. The welcome dinner will also be arranged accordingly;
Optional:
With time permitting, you may go with tour guide to visit Tibetan handicraft art or Tibetan Traditional Medicine center. You can upgrade your service to enjoy Tibetan Culture Show in the evening (fr. 60USD)
Stay overnight in Lhasa (3-star hotel)
Visit Potala Palace on a sunny morningSincere pilgrims prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple
Day 3: Lhasa Tour – Dadong Village and Sera Monastery (B, L)
In the morning, you are going to visit Dadong Village, the most beautiful village in Lhasa. Located 25 kilometers southwest of Lhasa downtown, Dadong Village is also a well-protected ancient Tibetan village that surrounded by valleys. After arriving, you will visit the Nyimatang Monastery (built in the 11th century), take a light walk in the village, and see what rural life in Lhasa is like. You will also visit a local Tibetan family and enjoy the lunch offered by the family.
In the afternoon, you will visit Sera Monastery, which is one of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet. The hot attraction is the Monks debate at around 3-5 in the afternoon. In addition, you can tour the Tibetan religious scripture printing house. Inside the monastery, you can also see three sand Mandalas and the colorful Rock Painting of Buddha.
Stay overnight in Lhasa
Visiting Tibetan family and enjoy the rural life in Dadong VillageMonk debate held in the courtyard of Sera Monastery
Day 4: Lhasa- Shigatse via Gyantse 360km (B)
In the morning, drive from Lhasa to Shigatse. On the way, drive over the Gampala pass (4790 m), and you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m) .The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can also have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, (7191m) the highest mountain near Lhasa .
Later, we will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside; At Manak Dam Lake, you can hang pray flag at Simila Mountain Pass; Then, we will arrive in Gyantse, historically Tibet’s third largest city (after Lhasa and Shigatse).In Gyantse, we will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum and enjoy the Far view of Gyangtse Fortress.
After one and a half hours of driving, we arrive in Shigatse, which is the second largest city in Tibet. In Shigatse, we may visit traditional Barley Mill and view the landscape of Barley Field (in summer).
Stay overnight in Shigatse (3-star hotel)
Enjoy the stunning view of turquoise Yamdrok LakeVisit the famous Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum
Day 5: Shigatse (3900m) to Everest Base Camp (5200m) (B)
In the morning, we will visit the home of Panchen Lama – Tashilunpo Monastery. Then, we’ll leave Shigatse after getting your Alien’s travel permit, and then drive to Lhatse, it is a small town where you can have lunch.
After that, we will pass Tsola Pass (4600m), and Gyatsola Pass (5248m). Shortly after we enter Mt. Everest National Nature Reserve, tourists can enjoy the panorama of Himalaya at Gawula Pass(5198m). Then we drive along the New zigzag road to Everest Base Camp(5200m). You can get closer to gaze at the Mt. Everest peak. The sunset of golden Everest peak if time and weather permit at the lodging area.
Stay overnight in guest house
Tashilunpo Monastery, the home of Panchan Lama Enjoy the panorama of Himalaya at Gawula Pass (5198m)
Day 6: EBC to Saga (450km)
In the morning, we can also enjoy the sunrise of Everest Peak at lodging area if weather permits. Then as we head to Saga, you can view of the worlds’14th highest peak Mt.Shishapangma (8012m), and Turquoise Lake Peiku tso(4590m). If you are lucky enough, you are very likely to see wild animals like wild donkey, wild antelope, etc.
Stay overnight in local hotel
A lovely snapshot with Everest North Face on Tibetan sideLeisurely roam along the shore of Peikutso Lake
Day 7: Saga to Darchen, via Lake Manasarovar (450km)
On the way to Darchen, you will have a chance to appreciate the stunning view of the Saga valley between Gangdise Range and Himayala Range. Meanwhile, the beautiful grassland and local’s villages can also be seen. As we cross the Mayomla Pass(5112m), you can enjoy the spectacular vista of Mt. Naimonanyi(7694m). Then we are supposed to pass by the holy Lake Manasarover and finally arrive at the southern foot of Mt.Kailash, the most holy mountain in Tibet.
Stay overnight in local hotel
Breathtaking scenery of Lake ManasarovarFar-distant view of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar
Day 8: Darchen – Drirapuk (driving 7km, Trek 13km)
In the morning, we are supposed to take eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung valley. Then we will meet Yaks and porters at Sarshung village. (the cost of hiring yaks, horses, and porters are not included in the package) After that, we can begain the trek (Around 13km) from Sarshung to Drirapuk Monastery along the Lachu valley and rivers. You can enjoy the both west and north face of mountain Kailash today. Finally, we will visit Drirapuk Monastery.
stay overnight in Guest House
Start trekking from Sarshung Valley to Drirapuk MonasteryYou’ll meet local pilgrims while trekking around Mount Kailash
Day 9: Drirapuk – Dzutrpuk (Trek 18km)
Today, we will trek over Dromala pass (5630m), the highest pass of the Kora. On the way you can have a rest in a teahouse. All the way, you can see locals Tibetans prostrating in the Kora path and beautiful Kadoe Lake when walk downhill. We may also visit Zutulpuk Monastery.
Stay overnight in Guest House
Trek over Dromala Pass (5630m), the highest pass of the KoraEnjoy the stunning view of Kadoe Lake
Day 10: Dzutripuk – Lake Manasarovar – Darchen (Trek 7km)
On the day tree of the kora, you will trek 7km to Zongto. Along the kora, you can see piles of Mani Stones. We will end the trek around noon. You can take a bath and have a small rest in the hotel.
Then, we head to the holy Lake Manasarovar and visit the Chewu Cave near the lake.
After that, we will back to Darchen.
Stay overnight in the local hotel.
Visit Chiwu Monastery, just next to Lake ManasarovarCapture the superb view of Lake Manasarovar
Day 11: Darchen to Tsamda and Day Tour around the Guge Kingdom
Today’s tour will focus on the attractions around the Guge Kingdom, such as Tirthapuri monastery, Tsaparang, and Dungkar cave city, etc.
We will drive from Darchen to Tsamda county, where the ruins of Guge Kingdom remain. The capital of the county is located at Toling. The Toling monastery, founded by Richen Zangpo in the 10th century, was once Ngari’s most important monastic complex. It was due to the influence of Richen Zangpo that Toling became the main religious center of the Guge kingdom after inviting the great Indian master ATISHA. The kings of Guge replaced the city as a political center of power by establishing capital slightly closer to the Indo-Tibetan trade routes. But the monastery is still an important cultural heritage of Ngari.
Stay overnight in the guest house in Tsamda.
Visit the Ruins of Guge Kingdom in Tsamda, NgariToling Monastery, the most important monastic complex in Ngari
Day 12: Travel back from the Guge Kingdom to Darchen
After breakfast, we will take a long drive back to Darchen.
Stay overnight in the local hotel in Darchen.
Day 13: Darchen to Saga
Sit back in the seat of your tour vehicle, and say farewell to the holy Mount Kailash. We will move back to Saga.
Stay overnight in Saga Xibuyizhan Hotel.
Day 14: Saga to Sakya (350km)
Drive from Saga to Sakya.
Stay overnight in local hotel
Day 15: Sakya to Shigatse (170km)
In the morning, we will visit ancient Sakya town and you can tour Sakya Monastery with amazing murals and huge collection of scriptures and statues. Then we are able to drive from Sakya to Shigatse.
Stay overnight in Shigatse (3-star hotel)
Day 16: Shigatse to Lhasa (B)
We will follow Yalong Valley back to Lhasa. On the way, you can stand on the viewing platform to view the vast Yalong River bed and visit Water Mill making Tibetan Incense material (in Summer, if time permits). Drop off at hotel in Lhasa.
Stay overnight in Lhasa (3-star hotel)
Day 17: Departure from Lhasa (B)
The guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board.
Service Included:
- Tibet Travel Permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet;
- All entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary;
- Meals as specified in the itinerary;
- Local tour Transfers, 5-29 seats comfortable Tourist Vehicle according to Group Size.;
- Knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide shared in your group;
- Comfortable Hotel Accommodations;
- Service Charge & Government Taxes;
The above Kailash Mansarovar Full Moon tour price does not include single room supplement. If you are a solo traveler, you need to share one room with another tourist (same sex in most cases); if you prefer to stay in one room by yourself, you will have to pay the single room supplement. And the exact price depends on market fluctuation in high and off season of Tibet tour. For the exact price, please refer to your travel consultant.
- Arrangements include planning, handling, operational and communication charges.
- Welcome Dinner in local restaurant when group members meet in Lhasa
- Free Airport shuttle transfer between Lhasa Gongar airport and Hotel on designated time.
- Group tours only include a welcome dinner after your arrival in Tibet.
- Tibet Handy Map
- Drinking water Provided during the trip
- Tourist accident/casualty insurance;
Service Excluded:
- International flight to and out of China;
- Domestic flight/train to and out of Lhasa. (We can provide you the domestic flight/train ticket booking service at the BEST discount price, please contact us our travel experts for the details.)
- Lunches and dinners are not included, please pay on site by yourself.; usually it costs about USD3-15 per person for one meal in TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region).
- Tips and gratitude to the guide and driver. If you are satisfied with their service, you may consider tipping them at an amount you find it suitable.
- Personal expenses, like laundry, phone call, snacks, soft drinks (please do the best to avoid the alcoholic beverages during your Tibet trip), optional tour activities, etc.