Option 1: Kathmandu - Kyirong - Manasarovar Lake - Saga Dawa Festival - Mount Kailash Kora - Kyirong - Kathmandu - 10 Days (Guaranteed Departure)
Itinerary in detail
Day 01; 7th June 2025: Drive from Kathmandu – Rasuwagadhi (1,815m) – Kyirong (2,700m)
Distance: Approximately 160 km
Driving Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing)
Meal: Lunch & Dinner
Start your journey early in the morning from Kathmandu. Drive through picturesque landscapes of the Trishuli River valley, passing by small villages and terraced fields. Reach Rasuwagadhi at the Nepal-China border for customs and immigration formalities. After crossing the border, continue the drive to Kyirong, a small Tibetan town.
Day 02; 8th June 2025: Drive from Kyirong – Pelku Lake (4,592m) - Saga (4,640m)
Distance: Approximately 300 km
Driving Duration: 8-9 hours
Accommodation: 3* Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing)
Meal: Breakfast and Dinner
Depart from Kyirong and drive through the beautiful Tibetan countryside. The road winds through green valleys and over high mountain passes. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the vast Tibetan plateau. Enjoy the drive with stops at Pelko Lake and other picturesque spots along the way to Saga. Arrive in Saga, a bustling town that serves as a hub for travelers.
Day 03; 9th June 2025: Drive from Saga - Dzongba (4,450m) - Paryang (4,550m) - Manasarovar Lake (4,590m)
Distance: 520 km
Driving Duration: 8-9 hours
Accommodation: Local Guest House (4 Beds Dormitory)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive through remote Tibetan landscapes to reach the sacred Manasarovar Lake, revered in both Hinduism and Buddhism. The lake is considered a source of purity and a place of pilgrimage. The clear waters of the lake reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere.
Day 04; 10th June 2025: Visit Chiu Gompa (4,590m) - Manasarovar Circumambulation by Vehicle - Drive to Darchen (4,575m)
Distance: 50 km
Driving Duration: 1-2 hours
Accommodation: 4* Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Visit Chiu Gompa Monastery, perched on a hill overlooking Manasarovar Lake. The monastery offers stunning views of the lake and Mount Kailash in the distance. Perform a circumambulation of Manasarovar Lake, a ritual that many pilgrims undertake to purify their sins. Afterward, drive to Darchen, the starting point of the Kailash Kora.
Day 05; 11th June 2025: Drive from Darchen to Tarboche (4,675m) - Saga Dawa Festival - Darchen (4,575m)
Distance: 7 km (to Tarboche)
Driving Duration: 20-30 minutes
Accommodation: 4* Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Participate in the Saga Dawa Festival at Tarboche, a significant event celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. The festival involves traditional Tibetan rituals, prayer ceremonies, and a large gathering of pilgrims. Witness the raising of the Tarboche flagpole, a highlight of the festival. Return to Darchen for overnight.
Day 06; 12th June 2025: Drive from Darchen - Tarboche (4,675m) - Trek to Diraphuk (4,890m) (Kailash Kora)
Distance (Driving): 7 km (to Tarboche)
Distance (Trekking): 18 km
Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Local Guest-house (4 Beds/8 Beds Dormitory)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Begin the Kailash Kora trek from Tarboche to Diraphuk, offering stunning views of Mount Kailash. The trail follows the Lha Chu Valley, passing by numerous prayer flags, mani walls, and small monasteries. As you ascend, the north face of Mount Kailash comes into view, providing a breathtaking backdrop for the trek.
Day 07; 13th June 2025: Trek from Diraphuk to Dzutulphuk (4,790m) traverse Dolma-La Pass (5,660m) (Kailash Kora)
Distance: 22 km
Trekking Duration: 8-9 hours
Accommodation: Local Guest-house (4 Beds/8 Beds Dormitory)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This challenging day involves crossing the Dolma-La Pass, the highest point of the trek. The ascent to the pass is steep and can be physically demanding. At the top of the pass, you will find prayer flags and a small shrine dedicated to the deity Dolma. After crossing the pass, descend to Dzutulphuk, passing by the sacred Gauri Kund Lake along the way.
Day 08; 14th June 2025: Trek from Dzutulphuk to Mani Wall (4,800m) (Kailash Kora) - Drive to Darchen (4,575m) - Paryang (4,550m)/Dzongba (4,450m)
Distance (Trekking): 11 km
Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
Distance (Driving): 270 km
Driving Duration: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Local Guest-house/Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Complete the Kailash Kora with a trek to Mani Wall, a significant pilgrimage site adorned with carved stones. After finishing the trek, drive back to Darchen and continue to Paryang or Dzongba for overnight.
Day 09; 15th June 2025: Drive from Paryang/Dzongba - Saga (4,640m) - Kyirong (2,700m)
Distance: 380 km
Driving Duration: 7-8 hours
Accommodation: Local Guest-house/Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive through the scenic Tibetan landscape to Kyirong, a gateway to Nepal. The route passes through beautiful valleys, rivers, and traditional Tibetan villages. Kyirong is known for its mild climate and lush vegetation, offering a stark contrast to the arid Tibetan plateau.
Day 10; 16th June 2025: Drive from Kyirong - Rasuwagadhi (1,815m) - Kathmandu (1,400m)
Distance: 160 km
Driving Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: N/A
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
Cross the border at Rasuwagadhi and continue to Kathmandu, marking the end of the journey. The drive through the mountainous terrain of Nepal offers stunning views of lush green hills, rivers, and local villages. Upon arrival in Kathmandu then transfer to your own booking hotel. You can explore the vibrant capital city of Nepal, rich in cultural heritage and historical sites.
# TRIP PRICE ON GROUP SIZE BASIS; (PRIVATE TRIP)
01PAX - USD 5350
02PAX - USD 3250 Per Person
03-04PAX - USD 2450 Per Person
05-06PAX - USD 2300 Per Person
# Group Size (Min. 05pax - Max. 15pax)
Group Joining Trip Price: USD 2300 Per Person
Single Room Supplement Charge: USD 325 (Note: It is only possible in Kyirong, Saga, Darchen and Paryang/Dzongba)
Trip Cost Includes:
* Kathmandu – Rasuwagadi – Kathmandu land transport by Jeep in Nepal side.
* TIMS and Langtang national park permit.
* Border clearance fees and porterage charge.
* English Speaking local Tibetan Guide.
* All 3* hotel and local guest-house accommodation during the Tibet tour.
* Freshly cooked full board food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the tour.
* Nepali Kitchen crews.
* All monasteries and local entrance fees.
* Yak and Yak man during Kailash trek.
* Oxygen, Gamow bag and first aid kit for altitude problem.
* All transportation by Van or Bus or Jeep as per group size in Tibet.
* Tibet Travel Permit and Tibet Group Visa Fees.
* Agency service charge and applicable tax.
Trip Cost Excludes:
* Any meals and accommodation in Kathmandu.
* International Travel insurance.
* International air fare to and from Nepal.
* China Express Visa Fees and Nepal Tourist Visa fees.
* Items and expenses of personal nature.
* Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, snacks, laundry, phone call, Internet.
* Personal Trekking Equipment.
* Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
* Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, domestic flight delays, political disturbance, and strikes etc.
* Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
* Horse renting and additional porters due to natural calamities during the trip.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver...
Option 2: Lhasa - EBC - Manasarovar Lake - Saga Dawa Festival - Kailash Kora - Kyirong - Kathmandu - 14 Days (Guaranteed Departure)
Itinerary in detail
Day 01; 3rd June 2025: Arrival in Lhasa (3,656m) by Flight or Train
Upon arrival in Lhasa, you will be greeted by the breathtaking landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau. Lhasa, known as the "Place of the Gods," is the administrative capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region and a center of Tibetan Buddhism. Spend the day acclimatizing to the high altitude and exploring the vibrant city.
Accommodation: 3* Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing)
Meal: N/A
Day 02; 4th June 2025: Lhasa Sightseeing Tour
Potala Palace: The former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, Potala Palace is an architectural masterpiece. Climb up the steep steps to explore its chapels, stupas, and panoramic views of Lhasa city.
Jokhang Temple: Considered the most sacred temple in Tibet, it houses the revered Jowo Rinpoche statue. Pilgrims from all over Tibet come here to worship, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Barkhor Street: This ancient market street is full of shops selling prayer flags, Tibetan handicrafts, and religious items. It’s also a great place to observe the devotion of Tibetan pilgrims.
Accommodation: 3* Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing)
Meal: Breakfast
Day 03; 5th June 2025: Lhasa Sightseeing Tour
Norbulingka Palace: The summer residence of the Dalai Lama, featuring beautiful gardens and pavilions. Stroll through the lush greenery and visit the palaces, which showcase a mix of Tibetan and Western styles.
Sera Monastery: Famous for its monk debates, held in the afternoon. Watch as monks engage in lively theological discussions in the monastery’s courtyard.
Drepung Monastery: Once the largest monastery in the world, it offers insight into Tibetan monastic life and history. Explore its vast complexes, including the main assembly hall and numerous chapels.
Accommodation: 3* Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing)
Meal: Breakfast
Day 04; 6th June 2025: Drive from Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake (4,441m) - Gyantse (4,000m) - (Shigatse 3,836m)
Distance: 360 km
Driving Duration: 7-8 hours
Accommodation: 3* Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing)
Meal: Breakfast
Drive along the scenic route to Yamdrok Lake, one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. Its turquoise waters and surrounding snow-capped mountains provide a stunning backdrop. Continue to Gyantse, where you will visit the Gyantse Kumbum, a magnificent multi-storied chorten (stupa) with many small chapels. Then, drive to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet and home to the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama.
Day 05; 7th June 2025: Drive from Shigatse - Rongbuk (5,100m) - Explore Everest Base Camp (5,200m)
Distance: 350 km
Driving Duration: 7-8 hours
Accommodation: Monastery Guest House (4 Beds Dormitory)
Meal: Breakfast
The journey to Rongbuk Monastery offers stunning views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks. Rongbuk is the highest monastery in the world and provides a perfect viewpoint for Everest. From here, drive to Everest Base Camp to marvel at the world’s highest mountain. The view of Everest from the base camp is awe-inspiring, with the north face of the mountain towering above you.
Day 06; 8th June 2025: Drive from Rongbuk - Tingri (4,300m) - Pelko Lake (4,592m) - Saga (4,640m)
Distance: 300 km
Driving Duration: 7-8 hours
Accommodation: 3* Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing)
Meal: Breakfast and Dinner
Travel through the high-altitude plains with scenic stops. Tingri offers spectacular views of Mount Everest and Cho Oyu. Continue to Pelko Lake, a serene and picturesque lake surrounded by stunning landscapes. Finally, reach Saga, a small town that serves as a transit point for travelers heading to Kailash.
Day 07; 9th June 2025: Drive from Saga - Dzongba (4,450m) - Paryang (4,550m) - Manasarovar Lake (4,590m)
Distance: 520 km
Driving Duration: 8-9 hours
Accommodation: Local Guest House (4 Beds Dormitory)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive through remote Tibetan landscapes to reach the sacred Manasarovar Lake, revered in both Hinduism and Buddhism. The lake is considered a source of purity and a place of pilgrimage. The clear waters of the lake reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere.
Day 08; 10th June 2025: Visit Chiu Gompa (4,590m) - Manasarovar Circumambulation by Vehicle - Drive to Darchen (4,575m)
Distance: 50 km
Driving Duration: 1-2 hours
Accommodation: 4* Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Visit Chiu Gompa Monastery, perched on a hill overlooking Manasarovar Lake. The monastery offers stunning views of the lake and Mount Kailash in the distance. Perform a circumambulation of Manasarovar Lake, a ritual that many pilgrims undertake to purify their sins. Afterward, drive to Darchen, the starting point of the Kailash Kora.
Day 09; 11th June 2025: Drive from Darchen to Tarboche (4,675m) - Saga Dawa Festival - Darchen (4,575m)
Distance: 7 km (to Tarboche)
Driving Duration: 20-30 minutes
Accommodation: 4* Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Participate in the Saga Dawa Festival at Tarboche, a significant event celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. The festival involves traditional Tibetan rituals, prayer ceremonies, and a large gathering of pilgrims. Witness the raising of the Tarboche flagpole, a highlight of the festival. Return to Darchen for overnight.
Day 10; 12th June 2025: Drive from Darchen - Tarboche (4,675m) - Trek to Diraphuk (4,890m) (Kailash Kora)
Distance (Driving): 7 km (to Tarboche)
Distance (Trekking): 18 km
Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Local Guest-house (4 Beds/8 Beds Dormitory)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Begin the Kailash Kora trek from Tarboche to Diraphuk, offering stunning views of Mount Kailash. The trail follows the Lha Chu Valley, passing by numerous prayer flags, mani walls, and small monasteries. As you ascend, the north face of Mount Kailash comes into view, providing a breathtaking backdrop for the trek.
Day 11; 13th June 2025: Trek from Diraphuk to Dzutulphuk (4,790m) via Dolma-La Pass (5,660m) (Kailash Kora)
Distance: 22 km
Trekking Duration: 8-9 hours
Accommodation: Local Guest-house (4 Beds/8 Beds Dormitory)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This challenging day involves crossing the Dolma-La Pass, the highest point of the trek. The ascent to the pass is steep and can be physically demanding. At the top of the pass, you will find prayer flags and a small shrine dedicated to the deity Dolma. After crossing the pass, descend to Dzutulphuk, passing by the sacred Gauri Kund Lake along the way.
Day 12; 14th June 2025: Trek from Dzutulphuk to Mani Wall (4,800m) (Kailash Kora) - Drive to Darchen (4,575m) - Paryang (4,550m)/Dzongba (4,450m)
Distance (Trekking): 11 km
Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
Distance (Driving): 270 km
Driving Duration: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Local Guest-house/Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Complete the Kailash Kora with a trek to Mani Wall, a significant pilgrimage site adorned with carved stones. After finishing the trek, drive back to Darchen and continue to Paryang or Dzongba for overnight.
Day 13; 15th June 2025: Drive from Paryang/Dzongba - Saga (4,640m) - Kyirong (2,700m)
Distance: 380 km
Driving Duration: 7-8 hours
Accommodation: Local Guest-house/Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive through the scenic Tibetan landscape to Kyirong, a gateway to Nepal. The route passes through beautiful valleys, rivers, and traditional Tibetan villages. Kyirong is known for its mild climate and lush vegetation, offering a stark contrast to the arid Tibetan plateau.
Day 14; 16th June 2025: Drive from Kyirong - Rasuwagadhi (1,815m) - Kathmandu (1,400m)
Distance: 160 km
Driving Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: N/A
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
Cross the border at Rasuwagadhi and continue to Kathmandu, marking the end of the journey. The drive through the mountainous terrain of Nepal offers stunning views of lush green hills, rivers, and local villages. Upon arrival in Kathmandu then transfer to your own booking hotel. You can explore the vibrant capital city of Nepal, rich in cultural heritage and historical sites.
# TRIP PRICE ON GROUP SIZE BASIS; (PRIVATE TRIP)
01PAX - USD 7100
02PAX - USD 3900 Per Person
03-04PAX - USD 3250 Per Person
05-06PAX - USD 3100 Per Person
# Group Size (Min. 05pax - Max. 15pax)
Group Joining Trip Price: USD 3100 Per Person
Single Room Supplement Charge: USD 475 (Note: It is only possible in Lhasa, Shigatse, Saga, Darchen, Paryang/Dzongba and Kyirong)
Trip Cost Includes:
* Airport/Train Station pick up by private car/van in Lhasa.
* Border clearance fees and porterage charge.
* English Speaking local Tibetan Guide.
* All 3* hotel and local guest-house accommodation during the Tibet Tour.
* Freshly cooked full board food (brekfast, lunch and dinner) from Saga onward.
* All necessary kitchen crews from Saga onward.
* All monasteries and local entrance fees.
* Yak and Yak man during the Mount Kailash trek.
* Oxygen, Gamow bag and first aid kit for altitude problem.
* All transportation by Jeep/Van/Bus as per group size in Tibet.
* Rasuwagadi to Kathmandu land transportation by Jeep.
* Tibet Travel Permit.
* Agency service charge and applicable tax.
Trip Cost Excludes:
* Any meals (Lunch and Dinner) in Lhasa, Shigatse, Rongbuk other than breakfast.
* Any meals and accommodation in Kathmandu.
* International Travel insurance.
* International air fare to and from Nepal/China.
* China Tourist Visa Fees and Nepal Tourist Visa fees.
* Items and expenses of personal nature.
* Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, snacks, laundry, phone call, Internet.
* Personal Trekking Equipment.
* Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
* Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, domestic flight delays, political disturbance, and strikes etc.
* Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
* Horse renting and additional porters due to natural calamities during the trip.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver...
Tibet Group Visa - Documentation for entering Tibet from Nepal:
Entering Tibet via Nepal by land or air: If you plan to enter Tibet from Nepal, you must get your Tibet Group Visa from the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu and it takes minimum of 4 working days (Monday-Friday). Whether you already have a Chinese visa or not, a Tibet Group Visa is compulsory for all tourists entering Tibet from Nepal. Tibet Group Visa is on paper not on passport, with the name, sex, nationality, passport number, date of birth and occupation of each member of your group listed. The dates of entry and exit are precisely recorded. Usually, the visa is valid only for the length of the trip you have booked but it's possible to extend the visa for few additional days, but only for staying in Lhasa. There will be two original copies of the Tibet Group Visa, one for immigration at entry and another for exit.
Your Arrival and Departure from Kathmandu, Nepal
The only entry/exit point by air in Nepal is the Tribhuvan International Airport. There are numerous international flights that will bring you to Nepal. Similarly, there are a number of land entry and exit points as well. Kakarvitta, Nepalgunj, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Dhangadi, and Mahendranagar are the land entry points at the Nepal-India border. Similarly, Kerung is the entry/exit point at the Nepal-Tibet border. The railway from Jayanagar in India to Raxaul in Nepal and bus routes also connect Nepal and India. There are no other ways to enter/exit Nepal as it is a landlocked country.
Accommodation in Kathmandu (before and after the Tibet Trip)
As Kathmandu is the capital of the country, there are a variety of hotels available. Most of the big and spacious hotels are situated here. Even small hotels are well equipped with water, electricity and internet facility along with some even providing transportation. From 1-star hotels to 5-star ones, travelers have a number of options to choose from. On your request, we can assist you to book the hotel accommodation in Kathmandu such as our 3* Hotel Swiss Family Home in Pharping where you can spend few nights for hiking around the hills for better acclimatization or 3* Hotel Marshyangdi or 3* Kumari Boutique Hotel or 4* legendary Kathmandu Guest House or 4* Hotel Mulberry or 5* Hotel Hyatt Regency or 5* Hotel Yak and Yeti. You must make sure that your arrival in Kathmandu should be at least 5-7 days prior to our Tibet tour departure.
Yes, the hotels in Kathmandu offer you the facility of storing your luggage. Most of the tourists stay in the hotels for some days and then keep their extra luggage in the hotel they are staying in. The hotels generally keep the luggage for free or with a minimum charge but you need to stay in the same place after your return. If your hotel isn’t ready yet or you want to look around before searching for one then there are also separate luggage storage places available in Kathmandu. We at Swiss Family Treks and Expedition provides duffle bags to our customers for storing their luggage.
Note: The package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste. For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de
Important: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Family Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.
