Duration : 13 Days
Places to Visit: Kailash & Manasarovar
Activities:
Transport: Private Vehicle
The Kailash Manasarovar Fly-In Fly-Out Tour is the fastest and most comfortable way to undertake the sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet. Designed for devotees and travelers seeking a shorter journey, this package minimizes overland travel by utilizing flights and helicopter services.
The tour offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, a holy visit to Lake Manasarovar, and the opportunity to perform the revered Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash, considered one of the most sacred mountains in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon traditions.
With organized transportation, accommodation, permits, and experienced guides, this pilgrimage provides a convenient and spiritually enriching experience while allowing travelers to complete the journey within a limited timeframe.
Upon arrival at the Lhasa Airport, you will be met and transferred to hotel, about 60km, 1 hour drive. Independent time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. Lhasa- means holy land in Tibetan. Located on the northern bank of Lhasa River, a tributary of Yarlungtsanpo River, it is 3,650 meters above sea level. It is the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region and is a political, economic and cultural center of the region. It boasts many historical sites and scenic spots both in its urban areas and outskirts.
Tour of Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street Jokhang Temple is in the heart of old Lhasa, most sacred temples in Tibet established in 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo, the King who brought Buddhism to Tibet. Barkhor Bazaar is the market place where everything is available, also good for people watching. Tibetans spin prayer wheels and shop as they circumambulate. Good for shopping everything from trinkets to tantaric ritual objects. Afternoon drive to Sera monastery, the 15th century sprawl of golden roofs and whitewashed walls is situated on a mountain slope, few miles north of Lhasa city. This monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect and is one of the three great monasteries of Tibet, the other two being Drepung& Ganden. The highlight of the visit to Sera would be to witness the monks debating out in the courtyard. Stay overnight at hotel in Lhasa.
Potala Palace is the cardinal landmark and a structure of massive proportion. This symbol of Tibet, an architectural gem built in the colossal monastic style of Central Tibet by Gyelwa Ngapa, the fifth Dalai Lama, in the 17th century, stands 300m above the valley atop the hill called Marpo Ri. The thousand rooms in Potala date from 1645 when the fifth Dalai Lama began erecting a palace that would serve as a sacred and administrative center. It served many succeeding Dalai Lamas and as one of Tibet‚s most impressive and enduring monuments. Norbulingka is the summer palace of His Holiness Dalai Lama. The 8th Dalai Lama designated it as a summer retreat but the majority of the buildings were not erected until the reigns of 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas. Every year as the chill air warmed, the Dalai Lama would leave Potala in a grand procession for six months residence in the Norbulingkha. It is worth a visit and the park is a great place to be at festival times and public Holidays. Stay overnight at hotel in Lhasa.
After breakfast we start drive to Shigatse, climb to Kampa La Pass 4793m to view the Yamdrok Tso (lake). Yamdrok Tso (lake) also known as Turquoise lake is situated in the Lhoka area, covers 621 square km at elevation of 4441M and is one of the three largest lakes in Tibet. Enjoy the beautiful views of the lake; time for photo opportunity and short walk. Visit Pelkor Choede Monastery. Its' remarkable feature accommodates the three sects of Tibetan Buddhism in one monastery coexisting in peace with each other. The three sects are: the Sakya, the Kagyu and the Gelug. The full name of the Palcho Monastery is "The Auspicious Wheel Joy Monastery." According to the historical records, this monastery was built in 14th or 15th century. It consists of the Assembly Hall, the 100000-Buddha pagoda, dratsangs and an enclosure wall as its construction units. Also visit the justifiably famous Kumbum monastery with its extraordinary architecture. The Stupa was designed by Newari architects from Nepal and is one the unique stupas in Tibet. Continue driving 90 kms, 2 hours to Shigatse, an ancient city on the Plateau of which its history can be traced back to more than 500 years. With its altitude of 3800m, Shigatse covers a total area of 182000sq.km in 18 counties and is the second largest city after Lhasa. With population of 635200 under its jurisdiction, Shigatse is historically named 'Nyangme' which means -the lower reaches of the Nyangchu River- in Tibetan.
Visit the interesting Tashilunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lamas. This is the monastery founded by Gedun Drup in 1447, which was later recognized as the first Dalai Lama. The main statue of this monastery is Maitreya Buddha, thefuture Buddha. The statue is made of 275 kilograms of gold and measures 26 meters in height. Today you will have a long day drive, pass several high plateau lakes, towns, herder’s tents, and along the route with Plateau Mountain ranges. Stay overnight at hotel in Saga.
After taking breakfast,you will start the journey to Lake Manasarovar. En route you will pass through local villages and crossMayum La Pass before arriving atDungyunTso Lake. On this trip you will enjoy the first glimpses of holy Mt.Kailash. Stay overnight in Manasarovar.
Today is a special day. Following breakfast you will explore Lake Manasarovarand perform ritual puja. You will visit Chiu Monastery located on the northwest side of the lake and capture magnificent views of Mt. Kailash and Mt. Gurlamandata along with Lake LahangTso (Rakshas Tal). You will continue our drive to Darchen which is also known as base camp of Mount Kailash. Stay overnight in Darchen.
Today the sacred KailashKora begins. Following morning breakfast, you will take a private vehicle ride to Yamadwar which is at a 7km distance. Once in Yamadwar, you will start hiking, starting at Lha Chu Valley passing by beautiful hills, cliffs meadows and waterfalls under clear blue sky. You will enjoy towering views of north face of Mt. Kailash all the way through.Dirapuk Monastery is a 13th century Buddhist monastery. Stay overnight in Dirapuk.
You will wake up before Sunrise andtravel from Derapuk to Zuthulpuk. You will hike up the Dolma Chu Valley and cross over Dolma La pass (5630 meter), the highest pass in Tibet, and then drop down to Zuthulpuk Monastery. The views of the sacred Lake Gaurikunda (ThukpeDzingbu) and Mt. Kailashfrom Zuthulpuk Monastery is impressive. Stay overnight at a lodge.
Today is the last day of the KailashKora. Early morning, you will finish the last hiking stretch of 10km over the Dzongdud plain and reach Dzongdud Mani wall, the end point of the hiking. The hike will last for around 2 hrs. You will then have our morning breakfast before returning to Saga on a private vehicle. Stay overnight in Saga.
The drive from Saga to Shigatse (3,900m) takes approximately 7-8 hours, offering a mesmerizing journey through Tibet’s high-altitude landscapes. The smooth highway winds past vast grasslands, deep river valleys, and traditional Tibetan settlements, with breathtaking views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks along the way. Keeps an eye out for yaks grazing in open fields and nomadic herders maintaining their centuries-old lifestyle. Upon reaching Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, immerse yourself in its rich history by visiting Tashilhunpo Monastery, the revered seat of the Panchen Lama.
You will go for morning sightseeing to the Panchen Lama's Tashilhumpu Monastery. Later you will drive to Lhasa via Lhasa-Shigatse high way. Stay overnight hotel.
Early morning drive to Gonggar airport or train station for your departure flight to your destination.