Lhasa • Namtso Lake • Mount Kailash & Lake Manasarovar 17 Days from Kathmandu

Climb from green valleys onto the high plateau, crossing Tong La Pass (5,120 m) with first views of Shishapangma and the Himalaya. Vast open landscapes with nomadic camps.

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  Transport:

  4WD Land Cruiser
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  Meals:

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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  Accomodation:

  Basic but clean hotel in New Dongba or Tingri

Cross the spectacular Gyatso La Pass (5,250 m) – one of the best roadside views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu & Cho Oyu. Afternoon arrival in Shigatse and optional short visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery if time permits.

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  Transport:

  4WD
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  Meals:

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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  Accomodation:

  3–4 star hotel in Shigatse

Morning visit to majestic Tashilhunpo Monastery. Drive to Gyantse (quick photo stop at Kumbum Stupa), then over Karo La (5,010 m) and beside holy Yamdrok Lake to Lhasa.

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  Transport:

  4WD
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  Meals:

  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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  Accomodation:

  3–4 star hotel in central Lhasa

Guided tour of the iconic Potala Palace (winter palace of Dalai Lamas) and sacred Jokhang Temple. Walk the lively Barkhor pilgrimage circuit.

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  Transport:

  Private vehicle + walking
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  Meals:

  Breakfast (lunch & dinner on own)
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  Accomodation:

  Same Lhasa hotel

Morning at Drepung, once the world’s largest monastery. Afternoon at Sera to witness the famous monks’ debating session (3–5 pm).

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  Transport:

  Private vehicle
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  Meals:

  Breakfast (lunch & dinner on own)
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  Accomodation:

  Same Lhasa hotel

Full-day trip to stunning Namtso, one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world. Walk along Tashi Dor peninsula, enjoy turquoise waters and Nyenchen Tanglha mountain views. Return to Lhasa or overnight in Damxung to ease altitude.

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  Transport:

  4WD
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  Meals:

  B, L, D
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  Accomodation:

  Lhasa hotel OR basic guesthouse in Damxung

Drive back via Yamdrok Lake. In Gyantse, visit Pelkor Chöde Monastery and the magnificent Kumbum Stupa (100,000 images). Continue to Shigatse.

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  Transport:

  4WD
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  Meals:

  B, L, D
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  Accomodation:

  Same 3–4 star hotel in Shigatse

Long but scenic drive across the vast plateau, passing small towns and nomadic areas. Cross Brahmaputra River several times.

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  Transport:

  4WD
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  Meals:

  B, L, D
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  Accomodation:

  Basic but best-available guesthouse in Saga

Early start for the emotional first sighting of sacred Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash. Perform puja, take holy dip (weather permitting), and circumambulate by vehicle.

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  Transport:

  4WD
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  Meals:

  B, L, D
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  Accomodation:

  Basic guesthouse or fixed tent camp at Chiu Monastery area

Early start for the emotional first sighting of sacred Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash. Perform puja, take holy dip (weather permitting), and circumambulate by vehicle.

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  Transport:

  4WD
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  Meals:

  B, L, D
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  Accomodation:

  Basic guesthouse or fixed tent camp at Chiu Monastery area

Morning puja and relaxation at Manasarovar. Short drive to Darchen, the base town for Kailash. Medical check (if required), hire porter/yak, gear distribution.

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  Transport:

  4WD
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  Meals:

  B, L, D
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  Accomodation:

  Basic guesthouse or lodge in Darchen

Begin the sacred 52-km circumambulation (kora). Gentle uphill to Dirapuk Monastery with dramatic close-up views of Mt. Kailash’s north face.

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  Transport:

  On foot (yak/pony optional)
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  Meals:

  B, L, D
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  Accomodation:

  Very basic guesthouse at Dirapuk (dormitory style)

Hardest and holiest day. Steep climb to Dolma La Pass (symbolic death & rebirth), then long descent past Gauri Kund to Zuthulpuk, the cave of Milarepa.

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  Transport:

  On foot (yak/pony optional)
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  Meals:

  Packed breakfast, lunch, dinner
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  Accomodation:

  Basic guesthouse at Zuthulpuk

Short morning trek to finish the kora, meet vehicles at Darchen. Long drive back across the plateau to Saga.

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  Transport:

  Morning trek + 4WD
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  Meals:

  B, L, D
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  Accomodation:

  Guesthouse in Saga

Retrace the high plateau, enjoying final views of the vast wilderness.

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  Transport:

  4WD
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  Meals:

  B, L, D
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  Accomodation:

  Guesthouse in Kyirong

Morning immigration, cross Friendship Bridge, meet Nepali vehicle, and drive through beautiful gorges back to Kathmandu.

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  Transport:

  4WD to border + Nepali vehicle
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  Meals:

  Breakfast & Lunch
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  Accomodation:

  Hotel in Kathmandu (not included unless extended)

Extra day for flight delays, shopping, or rest. Final international departure or onward journey.

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  Meals:

  Breakfast
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  Accomodation:

  None (or optional extension)