25 days tour

Tibet: Kailash – Snow Jewel On The Roof Of The World

Tibet: Kailash – Snow Jewel On The Roof Of The World

This tour includes:

Meals

Catering according to the travel program (22xF, 16xM, 14xA)

Flights

international flights Frankfurt-Chengdu-Lhasa and Lhasa-Frankfurt (via Beijing and/or Chengdu) with Air China or another airline airport taxes/fuel surcharges

Guide

Continuously German-speaking mosquito guide Tibetan escort team: driver, cook and yakmen

Others

small language course Tibetan for interested farewell dinners in Shigatse Camping equipment: tent, camping mat, cooking equipment, plates, cups, cutlery, etc. entry permit for Tibet Autonomous Region

Transport

all transfers, bus trips and guided tours according to the itinerary

Accommodation

7 units in typical middle-class hotels, 9 units in simple guesthouses (multi-bed rooms), 5 lessons in a 2-person tent, 1 hour in a comfortable communal tent

Not included:

Others

Shuttle to/from Frankfurt (Rail&Fly €70 or flight) lunch and dinner expenses, if not provided during the course of the trip , tips (about €90 for Tibetan team), other personal expenses visas for China (including fees about €190), we will help with the provision!

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Tibet: Kailash – Snow Jewel On The Roof Of The World

  • Day 1 Day 1: Direct Flight To Chengdu
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Direct Flight To Chengdu

      We use the direct flight from Frankfurt to Chengdu. We would be happy to book the train or flight for you in addition to the flight. Just let us know when you register.

  • Day 2 Day 2: Flight Over The High Plateau To Lhasa (3.600M), Pilgrimage Round On The Barkhor
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Flight Over The High Plateau To Lhasa (3.600M), Pilgrimage Round On The Barkhor

      After arriving in Chengdu early in the morning, we fly together over the Tibetan plateau with our Tibet entry permit and land on the roof of the world. Already during the drive from the airport to Lhasa, we are spoiled by the fascinating landscape of the Yarlung Valley. Here, where the cradle of Tibetan culture can be found, we cross the Brahmaputra for the first but certainly not the last time on our journey. At this point, we are already drawing a line to the sacred Mount Kailash, from which the Yarlung Tsangpo, as the Tibetans call it, rises. Further east, it flows towards India and supplies millions of people with water. We reach Lhasa, situated at an altitude of 3,600 m, in the afternoon and check into our hotel in the middle of the old town. Despite the ever-increasing Chinese influence, the "City of Gods" has managed to retain much of its charm and spirituality to this day. We get a first impression of this on the pilgrimage walk around the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred building of the Tibetans! We circle the monastery in a clockwise direction along the so-called Barkhor Road and experience the Tibetan believers in their deepest spirituality. Your tour guide will give you an initial explanation of the culture and beliefs of the Tibetans. Together with him, you will visit places that you would probably pass by on your own. After our tour, we will stop for a leisurely meal in a Tibetan restaurant. Try delicious momos (dumplings) or thenthuk (hearty soup with noodles, vegetables and yak meat). Overnight stay: 3* hotel (-/-/A)

  • Day 3 Day 3: Lhasa, Jokhang Temple
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Lhasa, Jokhang Temple

      We walk through the narrow alleyways back to the Barkhor and observe the numerous pilgrims performing their rituals. Many of them come from far and wide, have covered many kilometers and - if performed in the traditional way - have taken upon themselves the suffering of living beings through countless prostrations. Their first port of call after arriving in Lhasa is also our destination. It is the Jokhang, where the holiest Buddha statue of the Tibetans is kept! Together with our Tibetan guide, we take a look behind the facades inside this sacred building and learn more about the Buddhist faith. The smell of yak butter, the sound of mumbled mantras and the masses of believers combine to make for an unforgettable first Tibetan experience! In the afternoon you have free time and can stroll through Lhasa’s old town, for example. However, it is better to take it a little easier. After all, we are at an altitude of 3,600 m above sea level! Overnight stay: 3* hotel (F/M/-)

  • Day 4 Day 4: Lhasa, Potala Palace
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Lhasa, Potala Palace

      Hopefully everyone has already got used to the thin air. Today we are heading to one of the great architectural wonders of the world, the Potala Palace, where there are quite a few steps to climb. The castle-like complex on Marpo Ri - the red mountain - is already very impressive from the outside and towers over the city as a landmark! We enter the palace together with our guide, who will try to make us understand a little more of the complex Tibetan thought. There are magnificent mandalas, beautiful murals and numerous Buddhist shrines to marvel at. Even though the former residence of the Dalai Lamas (numbers 5 to 14) attracts many visitors from outside Tibet, it is still a sacred place for the locals. We leave the Potala, walk a little further along the adjacent pilgrimage path and can watch the believers turning the prayer wheels, or even try it ourselves - always clockwise, of course! Our path leads us to a park directly behind the Potala, where we rest in a Tibetan teahouse surrounded by numerous locals and have lunch. Afternoon free time. Overnight stay: 3* hotel (F/M/-)

  • Day 5 Day 5: Lhasa, Drak Yerpa
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Lhasa, Drak Yerpa

      Today we take a trip east of Lhasa to the Drak Yerpa monastery. Unlike Ganden and Sera, it is only visited by a few tourists and offers us a quiet change from the bustling city. In a peaceful setting, we follow the locals and visit small caves where important figures of Tibetan Buddhism meditated for many years. During this excursion, our bodies experience a new altitude stimulus during the day (around 4,400 m), and in the evening we go to bed for the last time in Lhasa, which is "deep" by Tibetan standards. Travel time: approx. 2h, walking time: approx. 2h, ↑ 200m ↓ 200m, overnight: 3* hotel (F/M/-)

  • Day 6 Day 6: Picturesque Yamdrok-Tso (Scorpion Lake), Kumbum In Gyantse
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Picturesque Yamdrok-Tso (Scorpion Lake), Kumbum In Gyantse

      Today we set off early on the Friendship Highway from Lhasa to Shigatse, the seat of the Panchen Lama. On the way there, we first pass the Khamba La Pass (4,794m) and look down to the picturesque Yamdrok-Tso (Scorpion Lake). It is wonderful to hike along its shore, for which we have plenty of time. The Karo La, the second pass and the highest point of the day at just over 5000 meters, opens the way to Gyantse, once the third largest city in Tibet. While the fortress towering over the city is of little importance nowadays and is mainly of historical significance (the locals fought against a numerically far superior British army), the Pelkhor monastery is bustling with comings and goings. The complex, which was badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, is famous for its kumbum, the largest chorten in Tibet. Every floor you climb in this beautiful stupa is said to bring you one step closer to enlightenment - try it out! Continue through a very fertile and cleverly irrigated valley, where we can watch the farmers cultivating the land. Overnight stay in a hotel. Travel time: approx. 6-7 hours, overnight: 3* hotel (F/M/-)

  • Day 7 Day 7: Shigatse, Tashilhunpo Monastery &Amp; Gorgeous Himalayan Panorama!
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Shigatse, Tashilhunpo Monastery &Amp; Gorgeous Himalayan Panorama!

      The highlight of China’s highest city is undoubtedly the Tashilhunpo Monastery. The traditional seat of the Panchen Lama is home to numerous halls filled with statues, murals and other masterpieces of Buddhist art that are just waiting to be explored by us. Now we make our way to the Everest region. First we pass the 5,248m high Gyatso La and a little later we leave the "Friendship Highway" and wind our way up to the Pang La. From there, there are fantastic views of the Himalayan massif in front of us. The panoramic view of 6 of the 14 eight-thousand-metre mountains on our planet is probably unique. Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Makalu (8,463m), Lhotse (8,516m), Everest (8,848m), Cho Oyu (8,201m) and Shishapangma (8,013m) are lined up from east to west. Wrapped up warm and camera in hand, your guide will show you the best places to capture this impressive panorama. The spectacular journey continues down to Tashi Dzom/Peruche (4,080m). Travel time: approx. 5h, walking time: approx. 1h, ↑ 150m ↓ 150m, overnight stay in Tashi Dzom in a simple guesthouse with washing facilities in the courtyard. (F/M/-)

  • Day 8 Day 8: "Everest North Face", Rongbuk Monastery
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: "Everest North Face", Rongbuk Monastery

      After a Tibetan breakfast in our cozy guesthouse, we load up our vehicle and set off for the northern flank of Everest, the highest mountain on our planet. It is already visible from the Rongbuk Monastery (monastery visit optional). We spend the night in a stationary communal tent with beds in a large camp near the monastery (5,000m). In the evening we can share our travel adventures around the warm stove. Note: It is also possible to spend the night in Tashi Dzom again for a small additional cost if you are intolerant of altitude. Travel time: approx. 1h (F/M/A)

  • Day 9 Day 9: The Mother Of The Universe
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: The Mother Of The Universe

      We leave our tent just in time for sunrise, gaze at the northern flank of the "Qomolongma" (8,848m), as the locals call it, and have plenty of time to marvel at it in all light conditions. After we have certainly found a suitable weather window for a view of the highest mountain on earth, we say goodbye to the famous "North Face" and drive on to Tingri. From here there are once again fantastic distant views of Everest, Cho Oyu and other snow-capped mountains. Travel time: approx. 3 hours, overnight stay in a simple hotel/inn with washing facilities in the courtyard. (F/M/A)

  • Day 10 Day 10: Drive To Peiku Tso Near Shishapangma (8,013M)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Drive To Peiku Tso Near Shishapangma (8,013M)

      After about 90 kilometers westwards, we leave the Friendship Highway and drive along lonely paths through a unique high mountain landscape. The white giants of Nepal’s Langtang Himal tower to the south. Soon the Shishapangma, which at 8,013 meters is the only 8,000-meter peak to be found exclusively in Tibet, makes an appearance. Today’s destination is Peiku Tso, a lake with an excellent panorama of the surrounding mountains. We set up our tents and settle in comfortably. We will certainly have some free time to explore the surrounding area. Travel time: approx. 2 hours, overnight: tent (F/M/A)

  • Day 11 Day 11: Continue Over The Tibetan Highlands, Sand Dunes Of Paryang
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Continue Over The Tibetan Highlands, Sand Dunes Of Paryang

      Our route continues across the Tibetan highlands, which are home to an amazing variety of wildlife. In addition to yaks and sheep, you may also spot antelopes, foxes or black-necked cranes. Enriched by these impressions, we bid farewell to this natural backdrop and continue our journey to western Tibet. The Yarlung River (Brahmaputra), whose source is only a short distance from our route, accompanies us for a while on the left. At Paryang we look for a suitable place to camp for the night. Grazing yaks, lush green meadows, broad sand dunes and the snowy peaks of the Nepalese Himalayas in the background form an incredibly beautiful backdrop. Travel time: approx. 7 hours, overnight: tent (F/-/A)

  • Day 12 Day 12: Arrival At Lake Manasarovar, Holy Gurla Mandata (7.694M)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Arrival At Lake Manasarovar, Holy Gurla Mandata (7.694M)

      We are in one of the most beautiful landscape regions of Tibet, have our first visual contact with the holy Kailash today and reach Lake Manasarovar at the foot of the Gurla Mandata (7,694). Manasarovar has the shape of a sun and, together with the neighboring crescent-shaped Raksa Valley, is part of the large natural mandala with Kailash at its center. Incidentally, Manasarovar is the highest freshwater lake in the world (4,560m). While our cook makes the first preparations for dinner, we can visit one or two interesting places around the lake. There used to be 8 Buddhist monasteries around the Manasarovar, 6 of which have been rebuilt. Worthwhile views over to Kang Rinpoche, as the Tibetans call Kailash, are offered by the ascent to Chiu Gompa, just a short distance from our camp. Let yourself drift, but don’t miss the delicious dinner in the communal tent. For tired and tense muscles, there is the opportunity to take a soothing bath in the local hot springs below Chiu Gompa (optional). Travel time: approx. 6 hours, overnight: tent (F/-/A)

  • Day 13 Day 13: Tirthapuri, Sutlej River And Arrival In The Mystical Garuda Valley
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Tirthapuri, Sutlej River And Arrival In The Mystical Garuda Valley

      Our trail continues westwards, initially on the main route, which we soon leave and head towards the Sutlej, the western river of the great natural mandala. We reach Thirtapuri (4,330m), the entrance to the legendary Garuda Valley. For Tibetan pilgrims, this place is no less important than Kailash itself, as it is home to another meditation site of the Indian Guru Rinpoche and his companion Yeshe Tsogyel. We explore the sacred sites on foot and then head deeper into the Garuda Valley. Not far from Tirthapuri is the old Bon monastery of Gurugyam. Beautifully situated and rebuilt in the 1980s, we pay it a visit, this time moving respectfully against the clock. We drive a little further along the Sutlej and finally reach Kyhunglung. We spend two nights in a tent in this remote and incredibly exciting place. Travel time: approx. 3-4h, walking time: approx. 1.5h, ↑ 50 m ↓ 50 m, overnight: tent (F/M/A)



  • Day 14 Day 14: The Legendary Kingdom Of Shangshung
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: The Legendary Kingdom Of Shangshung

      Ruins of huge chortens mark the entrance to today’s location. The Buddhist caves in the impressive canyon make this place one of the most interesting in western Tibet. According to well-known researchers, Kyhunglung is said to have been the capital of the former Shangshung kingdom, which was over 2,000 years old. It spread from northern China to Pakistan, from present-day Ladakh to Lhasa. There is also a newer village in Khyunglung, although development as we know it from central Tibet has not yet arrived here. We still experience a very original way of life here, with great dependence on field work and livestock farming. The inhabitants still follow the ancient shamanistic Bön faith, the same religion as their ancestors of the Shangshung kingdom. We have the whole day to explore the ruins. Enjoy free time for your own explorations or to complete your travel diary. Our camp offers an ideal environment for this. Walking time: approx. 3h, ↑ 150 m ↓ 150 m, overnight: tent (F/M/A)

  • Day 15 Day 15: Breathtaking Landscapes Of The Sutlej Canyon And The Indian Himalaya, Drive To Tsaparang
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Breathtaking Landscapes Of The Sutlej Canyon And The Indian Himalaya, Drive To Tsaparang

      A spectacular ride lies ahead of us. Back on the main route, we make our way to what are probably the most beautiful viewpoints in the entire Sutlej Canyon. Over millions of years, surreal landscapes have been carved here by the power of wind and water. The mountain ranges of the Indian Himalayas loom on the horizon. The sacred Nanda Devi (7,816m) and the striking peak of Kamet are clearly visible on a clear day. In the late afternoon we reach Tsaparang in the former Guge kingdom. Rest of the day free time. Two nights in a guesthouse (shared room and shower facilities) with a friendly Tibetan family, journey time: approx. 6-7 hours (F/M/A)

  • Day 16 Day 16: Natural Wonders &Amp; Ruins In Guge Kingdom
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 16: Natural Wonders &Amp; Ruins In Guge Kingdom

      Nestled in a unique gorge landscape, today we head to the ruins of the sunken kingdom of Guge, which are over 900 years old. In the former capital, we go in search of traces of the ancient high culture. Various temples, the remains of fortress walls and the former summer palace are just as impressive as a few wall paintings, some of which are still well preserved. The latter are among the most delicate and beautiful examples of Buddhist icon painting. From this impressive fortress, a short, easy hike through a gorge takes us back to our guesthouse. Walking time: approx. 4h, ↑ 300 m ↓ 300 m, overnight: guesthouse as on the previous day (F/M/-)

  • Day 17 Day 17: From Guge Kingdom To Darchen (4,620M)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 17: From Guge Kingdom To Darchen (4,620M)

      We set off and drive eastwards again to Darchen, the starting point for our Kailash Kora. In the evening, we discuss the trek for the next three days together. Overnight stay in a simple guesthouse (shower facilities external and optional). Travel time: approx. 6-7 hours (F/M/A)

  • Day 18 Day 18: Kailash-Kora: Trekking To Diraphuk Monastery
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 18: Kailash-Kora: Trekking To Diraphuk Monastery

      We get up early and join the stream of pilgrims from various religions. Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon worship Mount Kailash, although only the latter do so in an anti-clockwise direction. Today’s section begins at the Mani Lakhang in Darchen and leads us westwards through the valley of the River of the Gods, initially through lovely countryside. We walk past numerous chortens and Mani stones across a wide grassy area to Tarpoche. It is the famous flagpole that is erected once a year for the Saga Dawa festival. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment and entry into nirvana of Buddha Sakyamuni. We circle this sacred place, with Kailash beautifully in view, and continue on our way. This leads us into an awe-inspiring gorge with steep walls and occasional waterfalls. This is the realm of the Amithaba Buddha, who, the Tibetans believe, rules over the "western paradise". A little later, we reach the reconstructed Chuku Monastery, which towers on a steep mountain slope and is a worthwhile detour, not only for devout pilgrims. Previously hidden from view, from up here we can once again make eye contact with the precious snow jewel. Today’s destination is our camp near the Diraphuk monastery. We reach it after 7-8 hours and enjoy an incredibly fascinating view of the majestic north face of Kailash from there. Miraculously, the northern aspect of the mandala appears and takes your breath away. Overnight stay in a very simple guesthouse at an altitude of just over 5,000m (shared room, no shower facilities, external toilets). Walking time: approx. 7-9h, ↑ 450m ↓ 100m, 20km (F/M/A)

  • Day 19 Day 19: Kailash-Kora: Trekking To Zutrulphuk Monastery Via Dölma La Pass (5,636M)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 19: Kailash-Kora: Trekking To Zutrulphuk Monastery Via Dölma La Pass (5,636M)

      The north face is magnificently illuminated at sunrise - a sight that certainly makes up for the agony of getting up early from the toasty warm sleeping bag. Strengthened by breakfast, we swing our day’s luggage onto our backs and set off on the most important and longest stage of the Kailash circumnavigation. With the mountain always on our right, we begin the ascent to the pass. Halfway up we pass Shiva Tsal (charnel ground). The faithful throw themselves to the ground here to become aware of their sins and symbolically die. The air becomes thinner and the tough, steep final ascent lies ahead of us. For believers, this is the bardo (Tibetan) - the state between death and rebirth. You experience the latter as you cross the pass at an altitude of 5,636m. The goddess Dölma helps them and - freed from all previous sins - a new life now begins. Yak horns, stone towers and prayer flags adorn the sacred place. The pilgrims make sacrifices to the goddess Dölma, including smearing butter on the mighty rock in which their savior is said to be hidden. Shortly after the pass, in the emerald green Gaurikund (Lake of Compassion), Indian pilgrims take a cleansing bath. We descend along a moderately steep but good path into a landscape of paradisiacal beauty. With the strength of the ascent and the crossing of the pass, we hike through the valley that the Tibetans associate with the great yogi Milarepa. He was the only person to climb Kailash when he was challenged to a contest by a powerful Bon magician. Your tour guide will be happy to tell you the full story in the evening. But first you have to hike to the Zutrulphuk monastery, in whose chambers there is a meditation cave of the aforementioned Milarepa. Incidentally, every child in Tibet knows him - after all, he passed on Buddhist culture and philosophy in a vivid way through numerous songs and poems. Overnight stay in a simple guesthouse at 4,790m (shared room, no shower facilities, external toilets). Walking time: approx. 9-10h, ↑ 720m ↓ 880m, 22km (F/M/A)

  • Day 20 Day 20: Kailash-Kora: Last Trekking Stage
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 20: Kailash-Kora: Last Trekking Stage

      Today we have to complete the circumnavigation of Kailash. A leisurely half-day tour lies ahead of us, slightly downhill with small river crossings in a fairytale canyon. We return to the Barkha plain, soon catch sight of the Gurla Mandata and the two lakes Raksastal and Manasarovar as dark blue stripes and reach Darchen, the starting point of our kora. A journey around the axis of the cosmos is complete. Mentally invigorated and physically exhausted, we can take a shower in Darchen (external, optional) and enjoy a leisurely dinner. You are also welcome to stroll through this small pilgrimage village on your own. Overnight stay in a simple guesthouse. Walking time: approx. 4h, ↓ 200m, 11km (F/-/A)

  • Day 21 Day 21: Drive To Saga
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 21: Drive To Saga

      Now back on four wheels, we leave the Kailash region and head east again. Thanks to the well-maintained roads, we make good progress and check into the hotel in Saga. Dinner together. Travel time: approx. 7-8 hours, overnight: 3* hotel (F/M/-)

  • Day 22 Day 22: Tibetan Highlands, Sakya Monastery: Walk In The Northern Part
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 22: Tibetan Highlands, Sakya Monastery: Walk In The Northern Part

      We leave Saga behind us and drive to Sakya today on paved roads that are new to us. On the way here, we took the southern route, coming from the Everest region and Peikutso. We can stretch our legs and slowly say goodbye to the Tibetan highlands at numerous stops in the beautiful countryside. After the small town of Lhatse, we leave the Friendship Highway for a detour to Sakya, which is worthwhile in many respects. Upon arrival, our guide invites you to take an optional walk in the northern part of Sakya Monastery. Travel time: approx. 7-8h, walking time: approx. 1h, ↑ 50 m ↓ 50 m, overnight: 3* hotel (F/-/-)

  • Day 23 Day 23: "Cultural Treasury" At Sakya Monastery, Shigatse
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 23: "Cultural Treasury" At Sakya Monastery, Shigatse

      We delve further into the world of the "Flower Sect", another mainstream of Tibetan Buddhism. The main monastery here is home to a large number of cultural assets, including a library with over 84,000 documents, which is why it is often referred to as the "Second Dunhuang". Originally built as a fortress against the Mongols, the monastery can look back on over six hundred years of history. After a joint tour, there is free time to explore on your own. For example, you can walk along the monastery walls or buy a souvenir or two in the small pilgrim stores in Sakya. Afterwards, we return to Shigatse and have a leisurely farewell dinner in the evening. Travel time: approx. 4 hours, overnight: 3* hotel (F/-/A)

  • Day 24 Day 24: To Lhasa Airport And Return Flight
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 24: To Lhasa Airport And Return Flight

      After a last restful night in the heart of Tibet, we slowly make our way back home. After breakfast, we drive to Gongkar Airport near Lhasa and shortly afterwards can enjoy unforgettable views of the Himalayas from the plane! Return flight via Beijing and/or Chengdu. Travel time: approx. 7 hours (F/-/-)

  • Day 25 Day 25: Morning Arrival Home
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 25: Morning Arrival Home

      With unforgettable impressions you will return home.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but you’re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

You’ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Challenging

Long and challenging experience. You’ll be required to have good physical fitness to go on it. In some of these activities you'll need previous experience on similar activities.

Age range

Age range

Min: 9 / Max: 79

Age range allowed for this experience.

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