*** Updated October 2026 ***

Day 1: Lhasa arrival [3650m]
Welcome to Lhasa! Our Tibetan staff will warmly greet you and accompany you to your hotel. Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world. We understand that the high altitude of Tibet can be challenging for some, so we recommend taking your time to acclimatise. Rest assured, we will provide all the necessary support to ensure your well-being. Remember to drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest to minimise any symptoms of altitude sickness. Prepare to begin your journey of a lifetime! Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 2: Lhasa sightseeing: Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple.
At the scheduled time, we’ll begin our tour by visiting the iconic Potala Palace. Built in the 17th century by the Fifth Dalai Lama, this magnificent palace offers breathtaking views over Lhasa and houses the Dalai Lamas’ private quarters, grand ceremonial halls and numerous chapels filled with sacred Buddhist treasures. Afterwards, we’ll visit the revered Jokhang Temple, founded in the 7th century during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo and considered the holiest temple in Tibet. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this magical land as you stroll through the vibrant Barkhor Old Quarter, following pilgrims from across the Tibetan Plateau on a kora around the Jokhang Temple. Kora is a term used in Tibetan Buddhism that refers to the practice of circumambulating a sacred site, such as a temple, stupa, or mountain, as an expression of devotion and a way of accumulating spiritual merit. The practice involves walking clockwise around the site, often reciting mantras and prayers, in the belief that this practice brings blessings, good fortune and spiritual purification. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 3: Lhasa sightseeing: Drepung & Sera Monasteries.
After breakfast, we’ll head to the outskirts of Lhasa to visit Drepung Monastery. Founded in 1416, Drepung was once the largest and most powerful monastery in Tibet, housing over 7000 monks. Along with Ganden and Sera, it is one of the three great monastic universities of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, also known as the Yellow Hat School. Drepung was also the residence of the early Dalai Lamas before the construction of the Potala Palace. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Sera Monastery, where we’ll witness the famous philosophical debates between Buddhist monks. With animated gestures, rhythmic clapping and lively exchanges, the monks challenge each other’s understanding of Buddhist teachings in a centuries-old tradition that remains an essential part of their monastic education. It’s a fascinating experience and one of the highlights of any visit to Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 4: Lhasa – Gyantse [268 km, 3980m]
Get ready for an exciting day: we’ll start driving west towards the Tsang region to ascend the Kampa-la Pass [4797m], where you’ll witness the stunning Mt. Noijin Kangsang [7206m] and the breathtaking turquoise waters of the holy Lake Yamdrok-Tso. An unreal sight that will leave you spellbound all the way to the Karo-la Pass [5050m], where you’ll marvel at the glacier that majestically hugs the roadside. If the group’s timing allows, you’ll have the chance to walk to Jayang-tso Lake and see the Kyangyong Glacier. Our last stop of the day will be at Ralung Monastery, founded in the late 12th century, nestled in a remote and serene area surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes. Although less visited than other major monasteries in Tibet, it holds great importance in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly for the Drukpa Kagyu lineage in Bhutan. Finally, we’ll arrive in the charming town of Gyantse before dinner. Overnight in Gyantse.

Day 5: Gyantse – Sakya [237 km, 4320m]
Our first visit today will be to the Kumbum Stupa inside the Pelkor Chode Monastery, renowned for its exquisite Tibetan art paintings. From the top of the Kumbum, you’ll also be treated to a magnificent view of the majestic Gyantse Dzong fortress overlooking the valley. On the way to Sakya, we’ll make a short detour to visit the historic Shalu Monastery. Built in the 11th century, the monastery was partially destroyed by an earthquake in the 14th century and then rebuilt, resulting in a blend of architectural styles. Shalu Monastery boasts an impressive collection of Buddhist art and sculptures that are remarkably well preserved. It was a renowned centre of learning for various tantric practices and techniques, and some of these were described in Alexandra David-Néel’s book Magic and Mystery in Tibet, which captivated readers worldwide. Returning to the Friendship Highway, we’ll continue our journey to Sakya to end the day. The lucky ones might even witness the sunset from atop the monastery walls, accompanied by the hypnotising sound of the monks playing their dungcheng, a traditional long Tibetan horn. Overnight in Sakya.

Day 6: Sakya – Rongbuk (Mt. Everest) [240 km, 5000m]
Another thrilling day! We’ll reach one of the major highlights of our trip, near Mt. Everest North Base Camp [5200m]. First, we’ll visit the stunning Sakya Monastery, the principal seat of the Sakyapa Sect founded in 1073 and one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Its powerful abbots governed Tibet during the whole of the 13th century until they were eclipsed by the rise of the Gelugpa Sect. With its unique Mongolian-style architecture, this monastery stands out from any other you’ve seen before. The journey to Rongbuk involves crossing the high passes of Dong-la [4800m] and Gawu-la [5150m]. The Dong-la Pass offers the opportunity to see the little-known eastern face of Everest (Kangshung) and the Himalayas for the first time; and from the top of the Gawu-la you’ll enjoy amazing views of several peaks, including Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Mount Everest. Rongbuk Monastery is located at the foot of Everest and is the highest monastery in the world. You’ll spend the night at the tourist campsite located a few kilometres from the actual Everest Base Camp used by mountaineering expeditions, where you’ll have direct views of Mt. Everest (Qomolangma). Since 2018, tourists have not been allowed to visit the EBC due to environmental protection, and there is now an eco-bus shuttle to access Rongbuk. Overnight in Rongbuk.

Day 7: Rongbuk – Saga [300 km, 4490m]
For those eager to embrace an early start, witness the sunrise with breathtaking views of Everest’s peak on the horizon [8848m]. After breakfast, we’ll visit Rongbuk Monastery for a final view of Mt. Everest’s North Face. Our journey then continues northwest, crossing high mountain passes with spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Cho Oyu and Shishapangma, as well as the wild and stunning Peiku- tso Lake. Overnight in Saga.

Day 8: Saga – Darchen [490 km, 4670m]
Early this morning, we’ll enter the semi-nomadic regions of Tibet’s far west. Keep your eyes peeled for authentic Tibetan landscapes as we traverse the vast and lofty Tibetan Plateau — the largest and highest in the world — on this long drive. Following the course of the Yarlung Tsangpo River westwards, also known as the Brahmaputra in India, we’ll arrive at the small town of Darchen, nestled at the foot of Mount Kailash. Overnight in Darchen.

Day 9: Trek to Dira-Puk Monastery [20 km, 5-6h, 5050m]
Today marks one of the most special moments of our journey: the beginning of our pilgrimage kora around Mount Kailash, the most sacred mountain in Asia, revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and followers of the Bön tradition. We first visit Tarpoche (Dharpoche / Tarboche), an important pilgrimage site at the foot of Mount Kailash, before beginning our sacred kora. The trek starts with a gentle ascent, offering views of the southwest face of Kailash as we enter the Valley of the Gods and follow the Lha Chu River towards Dira-Puk Monastery. Overnight in Dira-Puk, at the foot of the majestic north face of Mt. Kailash, in a simple guesthouse (dormitory room without bathroom, with an outdoor latrine).

Day 10: Trek to Zutrül-Puk Monastery via Drolma-la Pass [18 km, 6-10h, 4820m]
The day will start frosty and present itself as a great challenge. Along the way, we pass Shiva-tsal, a sacred site where Tibetan pilgrims traditionally leave personal belongings as a symbolic act of letting go of their past lives. After a demanding four-hour ascent, we reach Drolma-la Pass (5630m), the highest point of our journey, adorned with colourful prayer flags. The descent is initially steep, passing near the sacred Gauri Kund Lake (Thukje Chenpo Tso), before gradually easing into a gentler walk towards Zutrül-Puk Monastery. Overnight in Zutrül-Puk, in a simple guesthouse (dormitory room without bathroom, with an outdoor latrine).

Day 11: Trek to Darchen [14 km, 3-4h]
Compared to the challenges of the previous day, today’s final stage is a much gentler walk. Following the Dzong Chu River through a beautiful valley, we gradually descend towards Darchen, completing our sacred kora around Mount Kailash. According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, completing 108 koras is believed to lead to enlightenment — so only another 107 to go! We should arrive back in Darchen around midday. Optionally, after a short rest in Darchen, you can undertake the kora around Lake Manasarovar (Mapham Yum-tso) using the designated eco-bus service. Overnight in Darchen.

Day 12: Darchen – Saga [490 km, 4490m]
Today begins the end of your Tibetan journey through the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and greatest mountains on earth. We’ll travel through arid landscapes dotted with sand dunes, enjoying spectacular views of the Himalayan Range and the vast Tibetan Plateau. Overnight in Saga.

Day 13: Saga – Phuntsokling – Shigatse [460 km, 3890m]
We’ll leave the main routes behind and follow the Yarlung Tsangpo River to Phuntsokling Monastery [4010m], one of Tibet’s hidden treasures. Originally belonging to the Jonang school, it flourished in the 16th–17th centuries under Jetsün Taranatha, who emphasized the Kalachakra Tantra. The monastery houses a monumental mural depicting the Buddha’s life, designed by Taranatha around 1615–1630. After his death, having founded monasteries and promoted Buddhism in Mongolia, Taranatha’s reincarnation was recognized by the Fifth Dalai Lama in the son of the Khalkha Mongol Khan. These incarnations became known as the Jetsün Dampa Hutuktu, spiritual leaders of the Gelug lineage in Mongolia. Although the Jonang tradition was later forcibly subsumed for political reasons, it persisted in secrecy in remote regions and endures to this day. The modern monastic complex is striking and photogenic and from here you can climb the hill to explore the ruins of the ancient dzong that once dominated the valley. In the afternoon, we’ll continue on to Shigatse [3840m], Tibet’s second largest city. If time allows, don’t miss doing the Kora around Tashilhunpo Monastery to enjoy sweeping views of the valley and the imposing Dzong. Overnight in Shigatse.

Day 14: Shigatse – Lhasa [272 km, 3650m]
Our final day on this Tibetan traverse follows the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River, taking the most direct route back to Lhasa along the Friendship Highway. As early as possible, we’ll visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in the 15th century by the First Dalai Lama and traditionally the seat of the Panchen Lama. One of the highlights of our journey, its greatest treasure is the magnificent golden statue of Maitreya Buddha (the Future Buddha), a colossal 26-metre-high figure covered in gold and copper, considered one of the largest of its kind in the world. On arrival in Lhasa, enjoy some free time to relax or explore at leisure. Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 15: Tibet departure
Enjoy your final hours in Tibet exploring Lhasa at your own pace before your guide and driver transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. End of our services.

Please contact us for information about extending your stay in Tibet.