Sacred spaces and stunning landscapes! Magnificent temples, mountain passes, snow-capped peaks, nomad camps, pilgrims – this is truly a journey to stir the senses and nourish the soul.

Explore the holy city of Lhasa - a city of marvels where history and art, commerce and religion meld into an unforgettable experience. Marvel at the great monastic complexes of Gyantse, Shigatse and Sakya.

The 3-day circumambulation of the world's most sacred mountain is tough, but clenses you of the sins of a lifetime - relax afterwards beside Lake Manasarovar, lengendary source of the four great rivers of South Asia.

Of all the destinations in Asia, this is the most sacred and sublime.

Trip Itinerary

Days 1-2
Flying into Kathmandu is an unforgettable experience with the Himalaya
spread out before you. You will be met at the airport on arrival and
transferred to your hotel. On day 2 a full day tour introduces to some
of the wonders of Kathmandu.

OR
Days 1-2
Chengdu, the bustling capital of Sichuan Province is home to some of
the best (and spiciest!) food in the world. It is also a city of temples,
gardens and teahouses. An early morning visit to the Breeding and
Research Center sees the magnificent Giant Pandas and Red Pandas at
their most active. In the evening discover a little of Sichuan’s rich
cultural heritage at a tea-house performance of opera, acrobatics,
puppetry and ‘changing faces’.

Day 3
The flight to Lhasa is spectacular. From Gongkar airport it is about 1½
hours’ drive to Lhasa, first along the Yarlung Tsangpo then into the Kyi
Chu Valley.

Days 4-6
With a relaxed pace to allow for the effects of altitude, explore this
fantastic city on the roof of the world. The spiritual heart of Tibet is
the Jokhang Temple and every morning is full of life as pilgrims bring
offerings of butter and barley flour. The Potala Palace rises above the
city and, more than any other sight, symbolizes the history and culture
of Tibet. Nearby are the huge monastic universities of Drepung and
Sera – still active institutions.

Day 7
A long, yet scenic day’s drive across the Khamba La and Kora La (passes),
along the shores of Lake Yamdrok Tso to Gyantse. Once an important
trading town, Gyantse retains a feel of ‘old’ Tibet.

Day 8
In the morning visit Gyantse’s monastery – Pelkor Choede – and the
justifiably famous Kumbum, within the same complex. There may also
be time to visit the dzong (fort) that towers above the town. In the
afternoon we make the short (2-3 hour) drive along the valley to
Shigatse.

Days 9-10
Tashilhunpo is the seat of the Panchen Lama, second only in importance
to the Dalai Lama. Its numerous halls contain a 26-meter statue of
Maitreya, the future Buddha and elaborate, jewel encrusted reliquary
chorten. The fortified monastery of Sakya suffered during the Cultural
Revolution, but was once the political center of Tibet.

Days 11-13
Magnificent valleys, herds of grazing yak, goats and sheep, passes topped by prayer flags and few permanent settlements mark the journey towards Tibet’s ancient heartland.

Day 14-16
The 53-kilometer kora of Mount Kailash is one of the most sacred of
pilgrimage circuits in the world. Kailash (Kang Rinpoche in Tibetan) is
the earthly manifestation of Mount Meru and is sacred to Buddhists,
Hindus, Bonpo and Jains – the entire route is lined with prostration
points, places to check you sin-level, drink or immerse yourself in
sacred waters, make offerings and hang prayer flags. The high point,
both physically and spiritually is the Drolma Pass (5636m) on the second
day.

On day 16
it is a short walk to Darchen before heading to Chiu Gompa
on the shores of Lake Manasarovar to soak in the hot springs.

Days 17-18
Retrace the route as far as Saga before turning south via the mirror-like Piku Tso (lake) towards Nyalum.

Days 19-20
Awesome passes are followed by the dramatic descent to Zhangmu
and on to Kathmandu.

Tour cost includes
»Accommodation as per itinerary (Chengdu, Kathmandu, Lhasa, Gyantse & Shigatse - twin share. Other accommodation twin or multi share)
»Land transport as per itinerary
»All airport transfers
»Sightseeing as per itinerary (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung, Sera, Pelkor Choede, Tashilumpo, Sakya, Mt Kailash)
»English speaking interpreter/guide
»Permits & vehicle fees

Not included in the tour cost
»Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, laundry and souvenirs.
»Meals
»International flights and departure taxes
»Visa and passport fees
»Travel insurance
»Emergency evacuation
»Tips and gratuities
»Costs arising from unforeseen events outside the control of Shiva Outdoors(eg. Landslides)

Note
Please note that the published itinerary is a statement of intent and to be used as a guide only. The guide in charge of your trip will alter the schedule if conditions necessitate and any/all such alterations are at the
discretion of Shiva Outdoors and your guide.