The Sacred Path: Kailash + Manasarovar
Extended program with deep immersion
Tour Program
Detailed description of each day of travel
Arrival in Kathmandu
Group meet-up at the airport. Hotel check-in. Evening meditation and introduction to the lama who will accompany the group.
Kathmandu — Lhasa
Morning flight to Lhasa with breathtaking views of the Himalayas from the window. Hotel check-in, rest, and the start of acclimatization. Evening meditation.
Acclimatization day in Lhasa
A full rest day with two meditation sessions. Morning meditation at dawn. A gentle walk around the area. Evening talk with the lama on Buddhist philosophy.
Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple
Visit to the legendary Potala Palace — the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon, the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibet, and a walk along Barkhor Street.
Sera and Drepung Monasteries
Visit to two great monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Drepung Monastery — once the largest in the world. Sera Monastery — watching the monks’ philosophical debates.
Lhasa — Shigatse
The start of the journey west. Crossing the Kamba La pass (4,700 m) with views of the turquoise Lake Yamdrok. Arrival in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.
Tashilhunpo Monastery
Visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery, the residence of the Panchen Lamas. A 26-meter statue of the Maitreya Buddha. Free time for a walk and meditation.
Shigatse — Saga
A long drive across the high-altitude Changtang plateau. Endless landscapes, herds of wild yaks and antelopes. Overnight in the town of Saga.
Saga — Lake Manasarovar
Continuing west. The first distant view of the sacred Mount Kailash. Arrival at Lake Manasarovar, one of the most sacred lakes in the world.
Kora around Manasarovar: Day 1
The start of the three-day kora around the sacred lake (90 km). The first day covers the northern shore with views of Kailash. A ritual bathing at dawn.
Kora around Manasarovar: Day 2
Continuing the kora along the eastern and southern shores of the lake. Visit to the Chiu Gompa monastery on its rocky perch. Meditation by the water.
Kora around Manasarovar: Day 3
Completing the kora around the lake. Returning to the starting point along the western shore. A rest day and preparation for the kora around Kailash.
Manasarovar — Darchen
Transfer to Darchen, the base camp for the kora around Kailash. Preparing gear, assigning porters and yaks. Meditation before the kora.
Outer kora: Day 1
The start of the outer kora around Kailash. The route runs from Darchen to Dirapuk through the western valley. A gradual climb with views of the western and northern faces of Kailash.
Outer kora: Day 2 — Dolma La pass
The hardest and most sacred day. Climbing the Dolma La pass (5,630 m). The sacred Dolma stone and Lake Gauri Kund. Descent into the Zutulpuk valley.
Outer kora: Day 3
Completing the outer kora. Descent through the eastern valley back to Darchen. Celebrating the completion of the first kora.
Rest day in Darchen
Recovering after the outer kora. Meditations and talks with the lama about the symbolism of Kailash. Preparation for the inner kora.
Inner kora: Day 1
The start of the inner kora to the south face of Kailash. This is a rarer and more spiritually charged route. The trek to the inner-kora base camp.
Inner kora: Day 2
Approaching the south face of Kailash. Meditation at the foot of the sacred mountain. Return to Darchen. A profound conclusion to the pilgrimage.
Darchen — Saga
The start of the return journey. A farewell glance at Kailash. A long drive to Saga with rest stops along the way.
Saga — Shigatse
Continuing the return journey. A gradual descent to lower altitudes and more comfortable conditions. Time to reflect on the experience.
Shigatse — Gyantse
Transfer to the ancient city of Gyantse. Visit to Pelkor Chode Monastery and the unique Kumbum stupa with its 108 chapels.
Gyantse — Lhasa
Return to Lhasa along a scenic route. Time for some final shopping and a farewell walk around the city.
Lhasa — Kathmandu
Morning flight to Kathmandu. Free time in the city. A farewell group dinner with a gratitude ceremony.
Departure home
Transfer to the airport. The end of the 25-day pilgrimage. Returning home with new experience and transformation.