11-Day Ngari Discovery Tour Manasarovar Lake and Mt. Kailash

Day 1: Reach to Lhasa

1. Lhasa
   5h
   Depending on the time of your arrival, you might have some free time to spend in Lhasa. Our guides will be happy to advise you on what you can do with your time in Lhasa. After you check in the hotel, you are welcome to explore the city, visit nearby temples,do some shopping, try delicious Tibetan food in one of the local restaurants, or just take a rest.
   
   Most importantly, on your first day in Tibet, be sure to relax,enjoy your day and allow some time for acclimatizing.

Day 2: Downtown Lhasa: Potala Palace—Jokhang Temple—Barkhor Street

1. Potala Palace
   3h · Admission ticket included
   The Potala Palace was the seat of the Dalai Lamas since the 17th century. We will then go inside and spend approximately 1.5-2 hours from the entrance gate to the exit.While there, you will see many of its most famous artifacts.
2. Jokhang Temple
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Next,we will walk towards the Jokhang Temple.It was built in the 7th century to display the Jowo Shakyamuni Statue-the statue of the 12-year-old Buddha before his enlightenment. The statue was created at the time when the historical Buddha lived. It is elaborately decorated with gold, jewels, and precious stones.
3. Barkhor Street
   3h · Admission ticket included
   After visiting the temple, we recommend taking a walk around Barkhor Street.

Day 3: Lhasa—Yamdrok Lake—Karola glacier—Gyantse—Shigatse

1. Yamdrok Yumtso Lake
   3h · Admission ticket included
   In the morning, depart from Lhasa and cross the 4990-meter-high Gangbala Pass.Along the old route, head to Yamdrok Lake, known as "Turquoise Lake"in Tibetan, which is one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet and renowned as a heavenly lake.The lake,with its crystal-clear and sweet water resembling mutton fat, is drinkable.It served as the filming location forthe movie "Red River Valley". The azure lake water merges seamlessly with distant snow-capped mountains. Coupled with colorful mountain ranges, distinctive Tibetan villages,and scattered herds of cattle and sheep, the journey is truly refreshing.
2. 3h
   Visit the historic town of Gyantse to explore the renowned Pelkor Chode Monastery,which uniquely
   
   combines the three major Tibetan sects and is famous for its exquisite murals and carvings (at your own expense). Also, visit the Zongshan Anti-British Fort.Upon arrival in Shigatse, you may have the chance to witness Buddhist pilgrims prostrating every three steps, devoutly kowtowing on the snowy plateau, measuring their pilgrimage route with their flesh and blood, enduring the hardships on their way to their sacred destination.

Day 4: Shigatse—Lazi—Saga

1. Lhatse County
   3h
   After enjoying breakfast, embark on a journey to Lazi and Sangsang Grassland by car. Along the way, you'll be treated to magnificent views of snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands illuminated by brilliant sunlight. The endless expanse of grassland dotted with herds of cattle and sheep will surely delight you.
2. Saga County
   3h
   On the way, we will pass through areas dotted with hot springs and misty hot spring areas. Alongside the road, witness the ever-changing colors of the lakes—blue, green, purple, gray, and yellow waters peacefully coexist, enticing you to linger and admire.The fault lakes and saltwater lakes reflect the azure sky. Wild protected animals such as wild donkeys, Tibetan antelopes, wild yaks, yellow sheep, wild rabbits, and yellow ducks gallop across the grasslands, resembling a vivid classical ink painting. In the evening. We are going to stay overnight in Saga.

Day 5: Saga—Zhongba—Darchen

1. Manasarovar Wetland
   3h · Admission ticket included
   At 8:30 in the morning, depart from Saga and head towards the sacred mountain and lake, with the Ghost Lake en route.Along the way, you'll catch a distant glimpse of the Lhakpa Ri Peak,towering at an altitude of 7095 meters. Passing through Zhongba,you'lreach Paryang, where you'll first visit the sacred lake, Lake Manasarovar.Lake Manasarovar is a freshwater lake, while Lake Rakshastal is a saltwater lake. It is said that Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal are connected underwater, with one side being the sacred lake of freshwater and the other side being the ghost lake of saltwater. Lake Rakshastal is also a captivating sight to behold.
2. Mount Kailash
   3h · Admission ticket included
   After lunch, pass through the border inspection station at Mayum Bridge and head to the town of Tarqing, located below the sacred mountain, Mount Kailash. The main peak of Mount Kailash, Gang Rinpoche,stands at an elevation of 6638 meters. In Sanskrit, it is called "Meru," meaning "the abode of Shiva, "while in Tibetan, it means "the mountain of gods."Mount Kailash resembles a pyramid, with symmetrical walls on allfour sides.Mount Kailash is
   universally recognized as a sacred mountain and is designated as the center of the world by Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, the indigenous religion of Tibet, Bon, as well as Jainism. Stay overnight in Darchen.

Day 6: Darchen—Zanda—Darchen

1. Zanda County
   6h
   Departing from Darchen at 8 o'clock in the morning,you'll witness the morning glow between Mount Kailash and Mount Naimona Nyi. Passing through the earth forest, head to Zanda to visit the ruins of the ancient Guge Kingdom. The road conditions may be challenging, with some sections undergoing repairs. Upon arrival in Zanda,have lunch before proceeding to the magnificent Guge Palace (Guge Dynasty).
   
   After completing the tour, return to Zanda County along the same route. Visit the over 900-year-old Tholing Monastery in Zanda, which serves as a significant historical site.

Day 7: Darchen—Zhongba—Saga

1. Zhongba County
   6h
   Departing from Darchen at 8 o'clock in the morning, head towards the sacred lakes of Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal,situated between Mount Kailash and Mount Naimona Nyi, under the morning glow. Lake Manasarovar is renowned as the "Mother of World Rivers", while adjacent to it lies Lake Rakshastal, also known as "Lhagang Lake"in Tibetan, meaning "poisonous black lake".Lake Rakshastal is a saltwater lake and is often referred to as the "Ghost Lake".Despite its stunning beauty,Lake Rakshastal is
   unfortunately associated with negative connotations and is sometimes avoided by travelers due to its reputation. However, the scenery here is exceptionally beautiful, with dark red hills along the lakeside and pebble beaches resembling a bright silver ribbon. There is also a small island in the lake, tinged with dark red hues. Then, proceed to observe Gongjue Lake from a distance before heading to Saga for accommodation.

Day 8: Saga—Mt. Shishapangma—Peikutso—EBC

1. 3h
   After breakfast, we will drive to the most captivating glacier group in the Himalayas, the Shishapangma Glacier Group .Mount Shishapangma, with an elevation of 8012 meters, ranks fourteenth among the fourteen peaks above 8000 meters in the world. It is the only peak entirely located within China's territory. The most enchanting part of the journey is the ice tower area between 5000 to 5800 meters above sea level, which appears like a tranquil and beautiful ice garden.Mount Shishapangma, covered in gleaming snow under the sunlight, is truly magnificent.
2. 3h
   Next, we are going to drive to Peikutso, the largest lake in the Shigatse area, where you can find various unique Tibetan plateau species along the lakeshore.
3. Qomolangma National Nature Preserve
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Then, proceed by car to the base camp of Mount Everest, capturing the scenery of the folded mountains of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau along the way and taking photos of the continuous snow-capped peaks of Mount Everest from the observation deck.Later, visit Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, situated at an altitude of 4980 meters. Rongbuk Monastery offers the best vantage point to admire Mount Everest. You may have the fortune to witness the spectacular Everest flag cloud fluttering like the flame of life.

Day 9: Everest Base Camp—Tingri—Shigatse

1. Qomolangma National Nature Preserve
   3h · Admission ticket included
   In the morning, explore the magnificent natural scenery of the Everest Nature Reserve, the highest natural reserve in the world.Experience the grandeur of nature in the Everest Scenic Area, where you may have the privilege to witness the spectacular Everest flag cloud fluttering likethe flame of life. Capture the majestic sight of Mount Everest and the renowned Rongbuk Glacier and glacier tongues.
2. Tingri County
   3h
   Departing from Tingri,you will pass through Lhatse on the way to Shigatse. Lhatse,meaning "the golden peak first lluminated by light"in Tibetan, is the original birthplace of Tibetan knives, where you can purchase the finest Tibetan knives. Here, you may also find some marine fossil specimens collected by Tibetan children. Then, retrace your steps back to Shigatse.

Day 10: Shigatse—Tashilhunpo Monastery—Lhasa

1. Tashilunpo Monastery
   6h · Admission ticket included
   In the morning we will visit Tashilumpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lamas. This monastery was founded by the first Dalai Lama, and it is one of the most important monasteries in Tibet. You can take photos in some of the chapels for extra costs.

Day 11: Drop-off in Lhasa

1. Lhasa
   5h
   Please prepare in advance for your departure. It takes approximately one hour to drive to the airport and around thirty minutes to reach the train station. We will arrive at the airport three hours before your departure flight if you are traveling to Nepal and two hours before any domestic flight.

Pickup details

You can arrive at the Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the train station.The airport is 62 km/39 miles away from the city. it takes approximately one hour to get to the hotel from there. On the way to Lhasa,you will enjoy beautiful views of mountains. The train station is located in Lhasa. You will only need a short transfer to the hotel.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness