Overland Tour Lhasa - Kailash – Kashgar with Trekking around Kailash

By 4WD vehicle from central Tibet to Kailash and to West-China.

Visit in Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse.

3 days trekking around Kailash and ancient Kingdom of Guge.

From the Tibetan highland through the Kunlun mountains.

Oasis city Kashgar.

It is a spectacular journey to fly from Beijing to Lhasa. We land at Gongga Airport, which is located in the Yarlung Tsangpo valley and about 100 kilometers far away from Lhasa proper. We will spend two full days for sightseeing in and around Lhasa, the holy land and religious center for pilgrims from all parts of the country. Afterwards we travel by 4WD jeep along the south route to West Tibet. During the long (some times 12 hours driving within one day) driving on bad roads we enjoy the unforgettable fantastic landscapes between Himalaya and Trans-Himalaya. We’ll pass by the beautiful Yamdrok Lake and cross over the Karo La (5.010 m) (La=Pass) and Simi La before we reach Gyantse and Shigatse, where we visit the famous and beautiful monasteries of monasteries Pelkor and Tashilunpo to enjoy the magnificent religious constructions, great Buddhist statues and excellent murals. Kailash (6.714 m) is regard as "center of the world" by Hinduism and Buddhism. We get across the 5.600 m high Doelma La (La=Pass), decorated with fluttering prayer flags and mani stones, we trek around the snow-crowned dome of the glacier mountain along the pilgrimage path in three days. Before the trekking we visit Manasarovar - the holiest lake in Tibet. The enormous canyons appear along the Sutlej River. Here the ruins of Tsaparang, the capital of the former Guge Kingdom stands. After the visit of these 900-year old places by the deep ravine of the Sutlej River drive northwards to Kashgar in the Southwest of Xinjiang. On the way we enjoy the landscape of oasis, Taklamakan desert the grandiose Kunlun mountain ranges. In Kashgar the largest oasis city of China we experience prosperity and minority folkways of Uigur in the Sundays market before we fly to Urumqi, where we fly back to Beijing.

Itinerary (23 days):

Day01 Arrive in Beijing

Today we arrive in Beijing, the capital of China, transfer to hotel nearby airport. Overnight at 3*Taiwan Hotel

Day02 Air Beijing – Lhasa (B)

In the morning transfer to airport, fly to Lhasa (CA4112 0710/1210), the capital of Tibet. Upon arrival at the Gongga airport, take another 1.5-hour-drive to the city proper (3650 m). On the way you will enjoy the spectacular scenery, and the typical Tibetan villages as well as the Yak-skin-boat cruising on Yalung Tsangpo River. Overnight at 3*Dhood Gu Hotel

Day03 Lhasa (B/L/D)

In the morning visit Potala, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor. In the afternoon visit Jokhang monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where thousands of pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties. Overnight at 3*Dhood Gu Hotel

Day04 Lhasa (B/L/D)

In the morning visit Drepung monastery the sacred land of Gelug Sect., which was established in 1416 and the second, third and fourth Dalai Lama once resided in. In the afternoon visit Sera monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. Overnight at 3*Dhood Gu Hotel

Day05 Lhasa – Gyantse - Shigatse (B/L/D)

In the morning drive to Gyantse along the Kyichu River. On the Kamba La (4.796 m) have a fantastic view of the holy lake of Yamdrok Yumtso (4441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of waterfowls in south Tibet. On one of the peninsulas of the spear-shaped lake lies the holy Mt. Donang Sangwari (5,340m), and the snow peaks of Nojin Gangzang (7,191m) and Jangzang Lhomo rise in the distance. The lake and the Yarlungtsangpo River (3570) are separated by a mountain and the shortest distance between them is only 6 kilometers. The 800m-high difference contributes a rich water resource to this region. Many Tibetans believe that the life of Tibet will no longer continue when the lake dries up. Pass by the 5.010 m high Karo La and the Simi La to Gyantse (approx. 3.900 m). In the afternoon visit Pelkor Chode Monastery as well as the splendid Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) nearby, both of them built in the15th century and situated in the northwestern edge of Gyantse. This typical Tibetan Buddhist monastery is the only one large building complex in Tibet that old monastery and stupas are completely preserved and characterized as a monument. It is recorded14,000 kilograms of copper was used to make the 8-meter-high sitting statue of Sakyamuni Buddha housed in the grand hall of the temple. The 8-storey stupa is 42m high and 62m in diameters contains a total of 76 chapels with wonderful murals revered by art scholars around the world. In the afternoon drive about 90 kilometers to Shigatse, (3880m), the second largest city with 40,000 inhabitants in Tibet and the traditional capital of the Tsang. Overnight at 3*Manasarovar Hotel

Day06-08 Shigatse – Lhatse - Saga – Paryang (B/L/D)

In the morning visit Tashilunpo monastery of Gelug Sect, the seat of the Panchen Lama built in 1447 and one of the six grand monasteries in Tibet. The monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the biggest gilded statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future) in China, and a tomb of the 4th Panchen Lama containing masses of jewels and gold. In Tibet Buddhism, Panchen Lama is just the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha. Today 600 monks live in the monastery. After the visit drive along the south route to enjoy wonderful landscapes on the way. In the south the snowy magnificent Himalayas rise, in the north line up the summits of the Trans Himalaya. We may see Kiangs and Antelopes running on this highland. The first day we reach Lhatse, the second day Saga and the third day Paryang. Overnight in tent.

Day09 Paryang – Manasarovar Lake (B/L/D)

Today come to the Manasarovar lake. The fresh water lake is 4,588 meters high above sea level and covers an area of 330 square kilometers. The depth of the lake is 81.8 meters. The lake is situated between two snow-covered mountain ranges is extremely beautiful. It is an important part for the Tibetan pilgrims to orbit and take a bath in the lake. Overnight in tent near the Chiu Gompa in the north bank of the Lake.

Day10 Manasarovar Lake - Darchen (B/L/D)

In the morning walking and visiting by the lake. The small monastery Chiu Gompa standing on rock, offers a splendid view over the lake. In the afternoon take the jeep to Darchen (4.800 m), which is 6 km to the north of the main street. In Darchen there are only a few stones houses. Here we prepare for the Kailash orbiting. Overnight in tent.
 

Day11-13 Trekking around Kailash (B/L/D)

Trekking begins with the company of carriers and yaks. On the first two days we fulfill about 20 kilometers per day and on the third day only 8 kilometers. Pass by numerous stupas and mani stones we walk into the broad valley at the west of the mountain. Together with Tibetans and Indian pilgrimages we pass by the famous prayer flags at the “foot casting Buddhas” and at the former medication caves. After about 7 hours of trekking we reach the first mani stone piles at the altitude of 5,100 m. The second day is the most important stage, as we will reach the holiest place, the 5,600-meter Doelma La Pass. On the pass there are many prayer flags. The Kailash is the holy place for four religions: the Hinduism, Buddhism, Jains and Bon. It should be the holies place in the world. The Hindus believe that on the mountain the divinity Shiva live with his wife Parvati; the Tibetan Buddhist believers believe that the divinity Demchog live here. To walk around the Kailash is not only to release the sins, but also good for the reincarnation. From the big mani stone piles we need trekking 3-4 hours to the Doelma La pass. After the pass we come over the Thuji Zimbo Lake, which is called as Gauri-Kund by the Hindus and regarded as a holy place for them. Trek down along the slightly steep but good path. Altogether we need about 10 hours on the way. On the third day we pass by many mani stones, which are usually marked with pictures or characters. In the early afternoon we reach Darchen and drive to Tirthapuri by jeep. It is one of the holiest places in the west Tibet because there stand the medication caves of Padmasambhavas with his companion Yeshe Tsogyel. For Buddhism the mountain Kailash and the lake Manasarovar form a perfect religious unit. If this unit is reconstructed as internal experience, the pilgrimage way is completed. If the pilgrim can feel the unit with their heart, he must have gained something. Overnight in tent.

Day14 Tirthapuri - Tsada (B/L/D)

Northwest from Trithapuri, in the middle of the canyon erosion landscape of the Sutlej River, lie the impressive ruins of Toling and Tsaparang – flourishing centers of the former Kingdom Guge. Tsaparang disappeared in the middle of 17. Century; the Toling monastery, our today’s goal was until the 1960's religious center. Fortunately, despite of devastations by the Culture Revolution some buildings and temple remained. Overnight at simple Tsada Hotel.

Day15 Tsada (B/L/D)

Early in the morning we drive to Tsaparang (10 km, 3.800 m), the oldest center of Guge Kingdom. A group of four temples surround the lower part of the fortress walls, one fifth of which lie above the remains of the city, the former Summer Palace of the kings. The coffered ceilings and carved bars of the temples are decorated in different designs. Parts of murals are well-preserved and complicatedly decorated. Overnight at simple Tsada Hotel.

Notice: Since a last local permit must be acquired and the groups must be accompanied by a representative on behave of the "culture office", it means this visit depends on the last decision.

Day16 Tsada - Shiquanhe (B/L/D)

Experience various landscape on the way to Shiquanhe (280 km), the capital of Ngari Prefecture in West Tibet a city at the confluence of Indus and Gar. Shiquanhe River the main source of the Indus, originates from the Kailash. It is modern city and center of administration, business and shopping. Overnight at simple Shiquanhe Hotel.

Day17 Shiquanhe - Pangong Tso – Dorma (B/L/D)

Drive northwards to Dorma. On the way we visit the Pangong Tso, a long and narrow lake, situated on the border of Indian and China. Fresh air with fantastic view. Overnight in tent.

Day18 Dorma - Dahongliutan (B/L/D)

Start driving early in the morning because the road becomes more difficult from Dorma. Soon after drive along a river valley we again stand on the land 5,000 to 5.300 m high. Now and then we have to try hard to deal with the rugged road resulted from the heavy trucks. Get across the Tialongtan La (about 5.000 m) and keep on driving 203 km in 7-8 hours to Dahongliutan. Overnight in tent.

Day19 Dahongliutan - Mazar (B/L/D)

We will drive 253 km to Mazar. How long it will take for the driving depending upon road and climate conditions. We are now on the Lingzi Thang Plains; the Kunlun mountain ranges are on the right and the Karakorum mountain range left. The road is very straight, and the landscape fantastic: out of the window scenery appears in brown and red alternatively; emerald small lakes shine under the sunlight. After crossing a high pass (4.950 m) we find a suitable place for tents camp. Overnight in tent.

Day20 Mazar – Yecheng (B/L/D)

Soon after pass by Mazar we begin to cross the Kunlun mountains. The Chiragsaldi (4.960 m) is the last pass we have to cross on the way. Afterwards we drive downward along the Yecheng ravine to Xinjiang. Situated at the edge of the Taklamakan desert, Yecheng is a city with a pretty Bazar inhabited by Uigur and Han Chinese. Overnight at simple Dengshan Hotel.

Day21 Yecheng – Kashgar (B/L/D)

Early in the morning we drive about 250 km to Kashgar (1.300 m), the largest oasis of China. The tar road runs at the edge of the Taklamakan desert. On the way enjoy the landscape of the Kunlun. Grey-black rocks and sand dunes compose the major feature of the landscape of Taklamakan. On the last section of the way we pass by an expanded, watered field. The Islamic oasis city is coin-shaped and inhabited mainly by Uygur. It was once an important communication on the Silk Road, being the starting point of the northern and southern routes. In the afternoon we visit the Sundays market of Kashgar, one of the largest weekly markets of Asia. In the morning the farmers drive with their sheep and goats to the market from all directions. The road is crowded with full-loaded donkey trucks carrying vegetable and fruit, men, children and women. We walk among them. At hotel we can recover from the hardship of the last driving days. Overnight at 3*Seman Hotel

Day22 Air Kashgar – Urumqi - Beijing (B)

Free until transfer to airport and fly to Urumqi. Upon arrival in Urumqi, meet with local guide, who will give you the ticket for flight to Beijing. Arrive at Capital airport, transfer to hotel. Overnight at 3*Taiwan Hotel

Day23 Beijing – Home (B)

Free till transfer to airport and fly back home.