Kailash Trekking during Saga Dawa Festival 2021

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14 Days Private Tour Lhasa – Yamdrok – Gyantse – Shigatse – Shegar – Rongbuk / Everest BC – Paiku Tso / Xixiabangma – Saga – Paryang – Manasarovar – Saga Dawa Festival 2021 at Tarboche / Darchen – Kailash Trekking – Paryang – Saga – Lhatse - Shigatse – Lhasa

It is a spectacular journey to Kailash in Western Tibet. We will spend two full days for sightseeing in and around Lhasa, the holy land and religious center for pilgrims from all parts of the country. Afterwards we travel along the south route to Western Tibet. During the long (some times 10 hours driving within one day) driving on bad roads we enjoy the unforgettable fantastic landscapes between Himalaya and Trans-Himalaya. We'll pass by the beautiful Yamdrok Lake and cross over the Karo La (5.010 m) (La=Pass) and Simi La before we reach Gyantse and Shigatse, where we visit the famous and beautiful monasteries of monasteries Pelkor and Tashilunpo to enjoy the magnificent religious constructions, great Buddhist statues and excellent murals.

Continue driving via Shegar to the Rongbuk Monastery and the base camp of Everest, enjoy grand view of the world's highest peak - the steep north side of the Everest (Qomolangma).

The Saga Dawa Festival 2021 at Tarboche, Darchen in the south of Kailash will be an unforgettable experience. Kailash (6.714 m) is regard as "center of the world" by Hinduism and Buddhism. We get across the 5.600 m high Doelma La (La=Pass), decorated with fluttering prayer flags and mani stones, we trek around the snow-crowned dome of the glacier mountain along the pilgrimage path in three days. Before the trekking we visit Manasarovar - the holiest lake in Tibet.

Afterwards drive back mostly on the same way to Lhasa.

Highlights

Kailash Trekking during Saga Dawa Festival 2021

Itinerary

Itinerary
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DAY
1

19.05.2021 Arrive in Lhasa

Welcome in Tibet – the roof of the world

Today arrive in Lhasa (3650 m), the capital of Tibet, transfer to hotel. Stay at the hotel for adapting to the high altitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days, and try to drink some water.

Overnight at 3*Yak Hotel

A Pilgrim on the Barkhor Street

DAY
2

20.05.2021 Lhasa

Potala Palace – landmark of Lhasa, Jokhang and Barkhor Street

In the morning visit Potala, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor. In the afternoon visit Jokhang monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where thousands of pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties.

Overnight at 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast

Potala Palace

DAY
3

21.05.2021 Lhasa

Panoramic view over Potala, Norbulingka, Debate in Sera

In the morning visit Parla Lupu Cave Monastery, located on the slopes of Yaowang Mountain, was built in the 7th century. It is 22m high and from here you can have a wonderful panoramic view over Potala palace. Afterwards visit Norbulinka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon visit Sera Monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. It is also one of the six master monasteries of the Gelugpa. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. You have the opportunity to experience the famous monks' "Buddhism scriptures debates". Public religious debates are part of the education of monks.

Overnight at 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast

Debate in Sera Monastery

DAY
4

22.05.2021 Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse

Karo La Pass and Glacier, holy lake Yamdrok, Palkhor with Pagoda Kumbum

Drive to Gyantse. On the Kamba La (4796 m) have a fantastic view of the holy lake Yamdrok (4,441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of waterfowls in south Tibet. On arriving, visit Pelkor Monastery as well as the splendid Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) nearby, both of them built in the 15th century and situated in the northwestern edge of Gyantse. This typical Tibetan Buddhist monastery is the only one large building complex in Tibet that old monastery and stupas are completely preserved and characterized as a monument. It is recorded 14,000 kilograms of copper was used to make the 8-meter-high sitting statue of Sakyamuni Buddha housed in the grand hall of the temple. The 8-storey stupa is 42m high and 62m in diameters contains a total of 76 chapels with wonderful murals revered by art scholars around the world. Afterwards drive about 90 kilometers to Shigatse (3880m), the second largest city with 40,000 inhabitants in Tibet and the traditional capital of the Tsang.

356 km
6 hours 41 minutes
Overnight at 4*Mulunlazong Hotel

Breakfast

Gyantse

DAY
5

23.05.2021 Shigatse – Shegar - Rongbuk / Everest BC

Tashilhunpo Monastery, Rongbuk Monastery, Sunset on Qomolangma (Everest)

In the morning visit the Tashilunpo, "Mountain of Happiness". Tashilunpo is also one of the six major temples of the Gelug Sect. Shigatse is the seat of the Pantschen Lama. The monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the biggest gilded statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future) in China. Then drive to Shegar, crossing the paths to Yalung La (4.520 m) and Gyathso La (5.220 m). Continue (90 km, 2 hours) to the Rongbuk Monastery (5,154 m) and the base camp of Everest, where you can see the steep north side of Qomolangma. On the way at Pang La (5150 m), the view is magnificent: from left to right are Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse and Cho Oyu. Rongbuk is the largest monastery in this region and was built at the beginning of the 20th century. You can also admire the spectacular sunset on Everest (Qomolangma) in good weather.

334 km
6 hours 6 minutes
Overnight at simple Rongbuk Guesthouse

Breakfast

Tashilunpo Monastery

DAY
6

24.05.2021 Rongbuk / Everest BC – Paiku Tso – Saga

Sunrise over Qomolangma, Rongbuk Monastery, Paiku Tso Lake

Today you will wake up early to have a clear view of the unforgettable sunrise over Qomolangma (Everest). Then drive via Paiku Tso Lake and Xixiabangma Mountain to Saga. Paiku-Tso Lake covers an area of 300 square kilometers, is the largest lake in Shigatse. Paiku-Tso locates between three mountains, is rich in fish. There live various wild animals such as wild horses, wild donkeys and yellow ducks, etc.

473 km
11 hours
Overnight at the simple Saga Hotel

Breakfast

Mountain Everest (Qomolangma)

DAY
7

25.05.2021 Saga – Paryang – Manasarovar Lake

Kiangs (wild ass) and antelopes, Manasarovar lake

Continue along the south route and enjoy beautiful views while visibility is clear. During the south route the Himalayas rising gradually in the north, and the mountains stand side by side. Sometimes, especially on the last stretch of road, kiangs (wild ass) and antelopes can be seen. Drive to Manasarovar lake. Overnight in a simple guesthouse near the Chiu Gompa on the north side of Manasarovar Lake (4588 m). Manasarovar Lake is 330 square kilometers, 81.8 meters deep. The lake is nestled between two snow-capped mountain ranges. The area is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Tibet. For Hindus, Manasarovar is a sacred lake. Therefore,Walking around the lake and washing and purifying themselves with the lake became the most important goal of the pilgrims. Short hike and visit at Manasarovar lake.

495 km
6 hours 53 minutes
Overnight in a simple guesthouse

Breakfast

Manasarovar Lake

DAY
8

26.06.2021 Manasarovar Lake – Darchen

Saga Dawa Festival at Tarboche in the south of Kailash

Wake up early and drive to Darchen (4,800 m, starting point of the Kailash Kora) and go to Tarboche where the Saga Dawa Festival 2021 will be held. The 15th day of the fourth month on the Tibetan calendar is said to be the birthday of Sakyamuni, and the day when he died and attained Nirvana. Each year, the local people replace the Tarboche flagpole, a huge pole that stands on the Kailash kora, south of the mountain. People from all over Tibet gather here that day to attach their prayer flags they brought from home, to pray, and to help erect the flagpole. The flagpole should stand perfectly upright, or else things are not good for Tibet. The whole ceremony is led by a Lama from the nearby monastery. The large ritual ceremony starts around 10:30 and lasts about 3 hours.

49 km
42 minutes
Overnight in a simple guesthouse

Breakfast

Saga Dawa Festival

DAY
9

27.05.2021 Trekking around Kailash, about 22 km

Start of the 3-day Kailash trekking tour

The village Darchen consists only of a few stone houses, which are about 6 km north of the main road. Accompanied by porters and yaks you set off for the 3-day Kailash orbit. For Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bons, the mountain is the holiest point in the world, the cosmic axis of the world, the "navel of the world". Past numerous chorten and Manimauern the path leads into the broad gorge on the west side of the mountain. Along with Tibetan and Indian pilgrims, you will pass the famous prayer flagpole, the Buddha's Footprints, and abandoned hermit clauses. After about 7 hours of walking, on the first day of the tour you will reach our campsite at 5,100 m altitude.

Trekking 22 km
Overnight in a simple guesthouse

Breakfast

Trekking around Kailash

DAY
10

28.05.2021 trekking around Kailash, about 20 km

Crossing the 5,600 m high Dolma La

The most important part of the circumnavigation around Kailash involves crossing the most sacred spot, the 5,600m high Dolma-La, the highest point of the Parikrama, where there is a "holy" stone adorned with prayer flags , according to legend, that is the place where the goddess Dolma disappeared. Trek down a slightly steep but good path. Soon you will pass Thuji Zimbo Lake, which the Hindu Gauri call it Kund and consider sacred. The total walking time on the second day is 7 to 8 hours.

Trekking 20 km
Overnight in a simple guesthouse

Breakfast

Holy Mountain Kailash

DAY
11

29.05.2021 Trekking around Kailash, about 11 km, drive to Paryang

Kailash Kora ends

The third stage needs past numerous mani walls with stone tablets back to Darchen, which means the circle of your circumnavigation ends. In Darchen you get into the vehicle, which brings you to Paryang.

Trekking 11 km
259 km
3 hours 43 minutes
Overnight in a simple guesthouse

Breakfast

Trekking around Kailash

DAY
12

30.05.2021 Paryang - Saga - Lhatse

Return journey

Drive via Saga to Lhatse.

531 km
8 hours 22 minutes
Overnight at the simple Nongmin Hotel

Breakfast

Bird

DAY
13

31.05.2021 Lhatse - Shigatse – Lhasa

Return journey

Drive via Shigatse back to Lhasa.

420 km
7 hours 24 minutes
Overnight at the 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast

Prayer Flags

DAY
14

01.06.2021 Leave Tibet

Travel to next destination

Today transfer to airport or railway station, leave Tibet.

Breakfast

Oblations

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This trip can also be tailor-made, please let us know your travel idea: travel date, duration, number of travelers, child (2 - 12 years old), baby (0 - 2 years old), other travel destinations, meals, accommodation category, boutique hotel, special interest ...

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Private travel, great experiences! Please contact us for your tailor-made travel offer.

With individual China Tibet travel, you can decide when, where and how you go on tour by yourself. What's more, you can choose the length of travel and whom you go with.

Information

Hotel, program and itinerary are subjected to change with prior notice.
We must point out that you counter a basic tourism infrastructure in this region. You stay overnight mostly at simple hotel/guesthouse. Long journeys on bad roads and trekking on high altitude and delays require good physical fitness, resilience and flexibility of the participants. Program and route changes due to unforeseen events are expressly reserved. If you desire the unknown and have an understanding of contingency, this is the right trip for you.

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