Tibet: The Kailash Kora
Roof of the World — 12 days of transformation
Tour Program
Detailed description of each day of travel
Departure for Chengdu
Evening departure for Chengdu, arriving the following day. Here we collect the original permits for visiting the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Chengdu — collecting permits
Arrival in Chengdu to collect the original permit for visiting Tibet. In the evening, a welcome dinner at one of the city’s finest restaurants: we get to know one another and receive a briefing on the journey ahead.
Flight to Lhasa — the "Land of the Gods"
Flight from Chengdu to Lhasa (2 hours 20 minutes). Welcome to the heart of Tibet! Transfer and check-in at the best hotel in the city. We meet the Buddhist-scholar guide and the team. The focus of the day is adapting to the altitude of 3,500 m, with unhurried walks or rest at the hotel. Welcome dinner.
Lhasa — the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple
The Potala Palace, built in the 7th century, is the legendary residence of the Dalai Lamas; we walk its terraces. Next is the Jokhang Monastery, the holiest place for Tibetans: before the golden statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, thousands of pilgrims perform their offerings. We then stroll through the famous Barkhor market.
The Drepung and Sera monasteries
Drepung Monastery — the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas, founded in 1416. Until the 1950s more than 15,000 monks lived here. Next is Sera Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the world, where the monks’ philosophical debates are an unforgettable spectacle.
Lhasa to Shigatse via Lake Yamdrok-Tso
The start of the great journey across Tibet along the Himalayan range. We descend to the bed of the Brahmaputra River and climb to the Khamba La pass (4,794 m) with incredible views of the sacred Lake Yamdrok-Tso. At the Karo La pass (5,045 m) a glacier hangs over the road. A stop in Gyantse for the Pelkor Chode Monastery and the unique Kumbum stupa.
Shigatse — Saga
A tour of Shigatse: the ancient dzong fortress and Tashilhunpo Monastery — the residence of the Panchen Lamas, with golden domes and mighty walls. We then head west along the Brahmaputra River, among majestic mountains and valleys, over passes with panoramic views.
Saga — Lake Manasarovar — Darchen
Stunning views of the Tibetan Plateau — the "Roof of the World". We stop on the shore of Lake Manasarovar, the highest freshwater lake on the planet (4,727 m). Chiu Gompa Monastery offers incredible views of the lake and the sacred peak. We arrive in Darchen, the starting point for the kora.
The kora begins: Darchen — Dira Phuk
The start of the sacred pilgrimage — the kora around Mount Kailash. From Chuku Gompa Monastery we climb to the grassy meadows of Damding Donkhang (4,890 m), the "Valley of the Yaks". In the afternoon we reach Dira Phuk Monastery (5,100 m). The three small hills before Kailash — Manjushri, Avalokiteshvara, and Vajrapani — symbolize wisdom, compassion, and power. Sunset with a view of Kailash.
The Dolma La pass (5,630 m) — Zutul Phuk
The hardest and most sacred day. We climb past Shiva-tsal (5,330 m), where pilgrims leave offerings. The Dikpa Karnak stone (5,390 m) is a place of trial, where only the pure of heart can squeeze between the boulders. The Dolma La pass (5,630 m), adorned with prayer flags, is a symbol of the goddess Tara. We descend to Lake Gauri Kund, the bathing place of the goddess Parvati. In the evening we reach Zutul Phuk Gompa Monastery (4,790 m) with Milarepa’s cave.
Completing the kora — transfer to Ali
The final day of the pilgrimage. We descend along the Zhong Chu River, past rockfalls carved with mantras, and take our farewell view of Kailash from Chaksal Gang. We then transfer to Ali across the harsh desert landscapes of Ngari Prefecture — the land of the ancient Kingdom of Guge and the legendary Zhangzhung empire.
Flight to Lhasa — free day
A two-hour flight from Ali back to Lhasa. A free day to relax: walks through Lhasa and visits to local shops for Tibetan souvenirs — from jewellery to traditional fabrics and ritual objects. A farewell dinner at one of the city’s finest restaurants, where we look back on an unforgettable journey.
Journey home
Breakfast and transfer to the airport. The journey home, carrying memories of magnificent landscapes, spiritual discoveries, and the beauty of Tibetan culture.