Introduction to the Lhasa to Kailash Tour in Shoton Festival

The Lhasa to Kailash Tour in Shoton Festival is a captivating journey that combines the rich cultural heritage of Tibet with a spiritual pilgrimage to Mount Kailash. This unique trip also offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness the vibrant Shoton Festival in Lhasa and embark on a profound adventure to one of the holiest sites in the world.

Discovering Lhasa – The City of Sunshine during Lhasa to Kailash Tour in Shoton Festival

The tour also commences in Lhasa, the heart of Tibet, renowned for its historic sites and spiritual significance. Explore the magnificent Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama, and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of Jokhang Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Witness the enchanting Shoton Festival, also known as the “Yogurt Festival,” where locals gather to enjoy traditional Tibetan opera performances and partake in the grand unveiling of a giant Buddha thangka.

Journey to Lake Mansarovar Leaving Lhasa behind,

The tour also proceeds towards the sacred Lake Mansarovar, located at the foothills of Mount Kailash. Marvel at the pristine beauty of the lake and partake in religious rituals alongside pilgrims who believe that a dip in its holy waters cleanses their sins. The panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks and the tranquil ambiance of the surroundings make this a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Trekking Around Mount Kailash

Embarking on a challenging trek around the majestic Mount Kailash, considered sacred by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers, is the highlight of this tour. The three-day pilgrimage circumambulation, known as the Kora, also takes you through rugged terrain, high mountain passes, and sacred sites. The physical exertion of the Lhasa to Kailash tour in Shoton Festival is also rewarded with a deep sense of spirituality and a chance to witness the devotion of fellow pilgrims.

Return to Lhasa and Conclusion of Lhasa to Kailash tour in Shoton Festival

After completing the trek around Mount Kailash, the journey concludes with a return to Lhasa. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and cherish the memories of the vibrant Shoton Festival and the spiritual voyage to Mount Kailash. The Lhasa to Kailash Tour in Shoton Festival offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and profound spirituality, making it an exceptional adventure for those seeking a transformative travel experience in Tibet.

In just 300 words, this overview provides a glimpse into the Lhasa to Kailash Tour during the Shoton Festival, highlighting the key attractions and experiences. The trip encompasses cultural exploration in Lhasa, spiritual encounters at Lake Mansarovar, and a challenging yet rewarding trek around Mount Kailash. The blend of festivities, natural landscapes, and religious significance makes this tour a truly unforgettable and life-enriching journey.

Day to Day Itinerary for Lhasa to Kailash Tour in Shoton Festival

Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa

Arrive at Lhasa airport or train station where you will be picked up by our local guide and driver then transfer you to hotel. Main highlights on the way to Lhasa, you will see the biggest river in Tibet called Yarlung Tsangpo or Barmaputra in Indian language, the unique architectural village houses of Tibetan farmers and the first glance of Potala Palace. Free sightseeing or take a rest in your room in late afternoon to acclimatize. Your guide will also give you more detail advice on acclimatization.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Note: If your arrive in Lhasa by train, then you don’t have the chance to see the river view and Tibetan village houses because the train station is next to the city.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Lhasa: the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street

In the morning your guide and driver will meet you at hotel lobby and drive you to the Potala Palace, the land mark of Tibet, the first construction ever built in Lhasa by the most well known and outstanding Tibetan king Tsongtsen Gambo in seventh century as his residence and central government official. And in seventeenth century the fifth Dalai Lama began to extend it into current style. It is listed into the UNESCO’s World Heritage in December 1994. More than three hours visiting outside and inside the palace, you will learn all detailed history about the palace by your guide.

After marvelous visiting and climbing hundreds of stairs there, your driver will pick you up at the exit of Potala Palace and transfer you to local restaurant near by Jokhang Temple, you will feel bit exhausted and tired but no matter you can have good relax during the lunch time and ask for your guide to order a glass of Ginger Lemon Tea+honey that will give you more energy and feel fresh again.

After lunch break, your guide will lead you to Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street by walk to explore the culture center of Tibet, the heart of Tibetan Buddhism and the main destination of the pilgrims coming from all over the Tibetan territories and the Barkhor Ancient Street with local bazaar and art workshops.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Majestic Potala Palace Barkhor Street

Day 3: Sightseeing in Lhasa: Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery/ Thangka Painting Display (Shoton Festival)

Today you have a great opportunity to visit the opening ceremony of the most important annual festival in Lhasa called “Shoton” which means “Yogurt Banquet” in Tibetan. The opening ceremony begins from Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, the two largest monasteries in Lhasa.

In the very early morning your guide and driver will also pick you up and drive to Drepung Monastery to attend the ceremony. With thousands of local pilgrims and tourists, you will luckily see one of the largest embroidered Thangka/scroll painting of Buddha in Tibet. Hundreds of monks and volunteers transfer it to a hillside not far from the monastery and display it on a huge wall, then the monks perform a special religious ritual to open the ceremony, the pilgrims from nomadic area offer fresh Yak Yogurt to the monks and everyone receives blessings from main master of monastery.

In the afternoon you will be driven to Sera Monastery, the second largest monastery to visit another beautiful Grand Thangka and religious ceremony. It’s a very busy day for you but very worth.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Buddha Unfolding Ceremony of Drepung MonasteryMonk debate held in the courtyard of Sera Monastery

Day 4: Sightseeing in Lhasa: Norbulinka/ Summer Palace and Tibetan Opera (Shoton Festival)

Today you will also spend the whole day in Norbulinka to see how people are enjoy their festival, you will have a great chance to watch the performance of traditional Tibetan opera, join the very friendly local people, their hospitality towards you makes you feel like very close friends, they will serve you free cookies, Yak meat or yogurt sometimes and plenty of their homemade barley beer if you like it.

You will also visit the main residence of the successive Dalai Lamas’ personal residences, guest interview room, meeting rooms, the wall of paintings that tells the general history of Tibet and ancient civilization as well as its unique architectural design and wooden carves.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Enjoy Traditional Tibetan Opera in Norbulingka during Shoton FestivalNorbulingka – the Summer Palace of  Dalai Lama

Day 5: Lhasa- Gyantse – Shigatse (360km)

In the morning, drive from Lhasa to Shigatse. On the way, drive over the Gampala Pass (4790m), and you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m). The Lake is also surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can 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 prayer flags 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 views of Gyangtse Fortress.

After one and a half hours’ driving, we arrive in Shigatse, which is the second largest city in Tibet. In Shigatse, we may visit the traditional Barley Mill and view the landscape of Barley Field (in summer).

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

Bathing in sunshine, Yamdrok lake is dispalying its dazzling beauty to visitors both home and abroad.Visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum

Day 6: Shigatse – Everest Base Camp (350km)

In the morning, we will visit the home of Panchan Lama – Tashilunpo Monastery. Then, we’ll leave Shigatse after getting your Alien’s travel permit and drive to Lhatse, 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, you 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 and see the sunset of golden Everest peak if time and weather permits at the lodging area.

Stay overnight at tent or Rongbuk monastery guest house.

Tourists can enjoy the panorama of Himalaya at Gawula PassThe View of Rongbuk Monastery

Day 7: EBC – Saga (450km)

In the morning, we can enjoy the sunrise of Everest Peak at lodging area if weather permits. Then As we head to Saga, you can view of the world’s 14th highest peak Mt.Shishapangma (8012m), and the 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 Saga Xibuyizhan Hotel or Mu Linsen hotel.

Enjoy the panorama of Himalaya at Gawula Pass (5198m)Majestic Mt. ShishaPangma

Day 8: Saga – Darchen, via Lake Manasarover (450km)

On the way to Darchen, you will also 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 Tarchen Chongqing Hotel.

Visit Chiwu Monastery, just next to Lake Manasarovar Start trekking from Sarshung Valley to Drirapuk Monastery

Day 9: 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.

Mt. Kailash is a 6,638m high peak in the Kailash Range.You’ll meet local pilgrims while trekking around Mount Kailash

Day 10: 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 11: Dzutripuk – Darchen (trek 7km, driving 5km)

On the day three of the Kora. you will trek 7km to Zongto where you can take bus to Darchen. Along the Kora, you can see piles of Mani Stones. We will also end the Trek around noon, rest in the lodging place.

(Optional): Taking bath in Lake Manasarova and enjoy hot spring.

Stay overnight in Tarchen Chongqing Hotel.

Lovely antelopes living around Mount KailashYou can see piles of Mani Stones in Kailash Kora

Day 12: Darchen – Saga (450km)

Drive from Darchen to Saga via Lake Manasorova.

Stay overnight in Saga Xibuyizhan Hotel or Mu Linsen hotel.

Day 13: Saga – Sakya (350km)

Drive from Saga to Sakya.

Stay overnight in Sakya Yuan Fu Hotel.

Day 14: Sakya – Shigatse (170km)

In the morning, we will visit ancient Sakya Town and you can tour Sakya Monastery with amzing murals and huge collection of scriptures and statues.Then  we are about to drive from Sakya to Shigatse.

Stay overnight in Manasarovar Hotel.

Sakya Monastery with Mongolian architectural style The Mongolian architecture of Sakya Monastery is quite different from that of temples in Lhasa and Yarlung.

Day 15: Shigatse – Lhasa

We will also follow Yalong Valley back to Lhasa. On the way, you can also 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 16: Depart from Lhasa

Hotel to airport/train station transfer, end the tour.

(Or Go to Nepal after Tibet Mt.Kailash Tour).

The tour is also available for tourists who start in Lhasa and end in Gyirong Border, so if the group has members to exit Tibet to Nepal from Gyirong, we will see them off at the Sino-Nepal border, thus the itinerary from the Day 13 will be done with valuable detour to Gyirong, which will give you one extra destination to Kelong Valley, this destination is considered the most beautiful valley at the foot of Himalaya Mountain Range and attracts many tourists a year.

Service Included:

  • Tibet travel permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet;
  • All entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary;
  • Personal knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide;
  • Personal comfortable, clean and safe vehicle with reliable Tibetan local driver; vehicle ranging from 4WD land cruiser to minibus depending on your group size;
  • All lodging listed in the itinerary; it’s your decision about the accommodation class: luxury 5-star international hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economic 3-star hotel or budget hostel, guesthouse or tent. Please tell us your accommodation preference when submitting the enquiry; we will arrange the best-value hotels for you.
  • Domestic flight/train tickets listed in the itinerary;
  • All meals listed in the above itinerary;
  • Tourist accident/casualty insurance;
  • First aid kit;

Service Excluded:

  • International flight to and out of China;
  • Chinese visa (Note: we could help you with the Chinese visa application, like providing the invitation letter, presenting the hotel or domestic flight reservation copies, etc that you may need. )
  • Domestic flight/train not listed in the itinerary. (We can also provide you the domestic flight/train ticket booking service at the BEST discount price; please contact us our travel experts for the details.)
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary; usually it costs about USD3-15 per person for one meal in TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region).
  • Tips and gratitude to tour guide and driver;
  • 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.