Nepal Tibet Trekking Touching soul of the Himalayas
per person based on 2 PAX
Lhasa to Everest Base Camp, Kailash & Guge Kingdom Overland Tour (12–16 Days)
This is not just a tour, it’s a transformation.
Some travels transport you from place to place. This one takes you deeper—both into the heart of Tibet and into yourself.
The overland route from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp, Kailash, and Guge Kingdom is one of the world’s most extraordinary high-altitude excursions. Over the course of 12 to 16 days, you’ll travel throughout the enormous Tibetan Plateau from the golden rooftops of Lhasa to the base of Mount Everest, from the sacred waters of Lake Manasarovar to the wind-carved remains of the ancient Guge Kingdom.
This adventure combines raw Himalayan landscapes, vibrant spiritual traditions, and authentic off-the-beaten-path exploration. Whether you’re a pilgrim, an adventurer, or a cultural explorer, it meets you where you are and takes you further than you imagined.
Why Tibet?
Tibet is the world’s highest level, with an average elevation of more than 4,500 meters. It is also a strictly regulated site that necessitates special permissions, planned travel, and advanced planning.
And that’s why it still feels unspoiled.
Those who make the trek encounter something increasingly rare: huge, open landscapes devoid of crowds, monasteries still alive with daily rituals, and pilgrims who have traveled these pathways for generations. The silence especially in distant areas like Kailash and Guge is significant, intense, and unforgettable.
This is not a place you just happen to end in. It’s an adventure you chose one that will stay with you long after you return.
Your tour begins in Lhasa (3,650 metres), Tibet’s spiritual and historic heart and one of the world’s highest towns. Spend two to three days here, not as a guest, but as someone who is beginning to understand a faith- and tradition-shaped civilization.
Stand in front of the Potala Palace, a 13-story, 1,000-room architectural wonder that rises from Red Hill, and you’ll understand why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For almost 300 years, the Dalai Lamas spent their winters here, and every corridor, church, and golden rooftop embodies centuries of history and devotion.
Walk the Barkhor Street pilgrimage circuit, where Tibetan pilgrims in traditional attire move in a peaceful pace among monks, traders, and tourists. The air smells of juniper incense, prayer wheels spin in each hand, and life continues as it has for generations. This is not produced; it is ordinary Lhasa.
Visit Jokhang Temple, Tibetan Buddhism’s holiest temple, which was established in the seventh century during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo. Pilgrims do full-body prostrations at its entry, many of whom have traveled hundreds of kilometers, creating a moving and memorable scene.
Lhasa also acts as an acclimatization stop. Spending two nights here, moving slowly and staying hydrated, allows your body to adjust before continuing your journey into Tibet’s high-altitude regions.
After leaving Lhasa, the ride becomes one of the most stunning overland drives in the Himalayas. The journey travels past Gyantse, which is home to the famous Pelkor Chöde Monastery and the one-of-a-kind multi-tiered Kumbum Stupa, before arriving in Shigatse (3,900m), Tibet’s second largest city.
Visit Shigatse’s Tashilhunpo Monastery, the Panchen Lama’s traditional seat—a massive monastic complex noted for its golden roofs, expansive courtyards, and bustling monastic life.
From here, the road climbs steadily to Everest Base Camp (5,200m) on the Tibetan (north) side. This technique provides a very different experience than Nepal. There are no crowded routes or teahouse only an open plateau with a direct, unbroken view of Mount Everest.
Standing at base camp, you face the mountain in its full scale the north face rising sharply, the summit piercing the sky. There is nothing between you and the highest point on Earth.
Sunrise and sunset at Everest Base Camp are unforgettable. Often photographed but rarely captured in full, the shifting light over the mountain is something you truly must witness in person.
The plateau extends west into the isolated Ngari Prefecture in far western Tibet. Lake Manasarovar, at 4,590 meters, is one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes, as well as one of Asia’s most spiritually significant bodies of water.
Manasarovar is revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon practitioners equally, and is thought to have originated in Lord Brahma’s thoughts before manifesting on Earth. Its name, Manas (thought) and Sarovar (lake), indicate their origin. Pilgrims travel long distances from India, Nepal, and Tibet, thinking that a single ritual bath in its waters will wash away the sins of a hundred lifetimes.
The lake is bordered by snow-covered peaks and monastery walls. Its water, a tint of blue that cannot be translated into English, shimmers with spiritual energy. On clear mornings, the reflection of Mount Kailash swirls over the surface. Sitting beside the lake, you’ll have an undeniable impression of being somewhere truly sacred.
Mount Kailash, which stands at 6,638 meters, serves as the spiritual hub for four of Asia’s major religions. Hindus consider it Lord Shiva’s abode, Buddhists say it is the home of Demchok, the deity of greatest bliss, and Jains see it as the place of their first saint’s enlightenment. The Bon tradition regards it as the source of all spiritual strength.
Climbing Kailash is forbidden one has ever summited it, and worldwide consensus says it will never be. Instead, pilgrims complete the Kora, a famous 52-kilometer circumambulation of the mountain that takes three days and involves walking clockwise around its sacred flanks.
Day 1 of the Kora starts in Darchen (4,670m) and ends in Dirapuk Monastery (5,000m), a steady 5- to 6-hour walk through river valleys and rocky terrain. As you approach Kailash’s spectacular north face, the mountain feels closer with each step. Most trekkers are taken aback by how affecting the environment and the company of pilgrims are—more beautiful and profound than anticipated.
The goal on Day 2 is to pass Dolma La Pass, the Kora’s highest peak at 5,630 meters. It is a hallowed threshold. Shiva-tsal, a rocky plateau just before the pass, is where pilgrims leave behind a symbol of death and rebirth, such as an offering or a piece of clothing. Crossing Dolma La on a clear day, with Kailash behind you and the Gauri Kund glacier lake below, is a profound experience that words cannot properly explain.
Day 3 is the descent back to Darchen. The walk is gentler, slower, and reflective. Many trekkers find this day silent, absorbed in contemplation. The journey isn’t just physically, it’s deeply spiritual, and there’s much to sit with.
Your journey from Darchen takes you into the isolated expanses of far western Tibet, where you will find Zanda County and the ruins of the Guge Kingdom, which are perhaps one of Tibet’s most outstanding and least seen historical sites.
The Guge Kingdom was a strong Buddhist civilization that lived from the 10th to the 17th centuries, notable for its outstanding art, contributions to the renaissance of Tibetan Buddhism, and the construction of Tsaparang, its labyrinthine capital. Tsaparang, which is carved directly into a 300-meter cliff face, used to shelter thousands of monks, aristocrats, and townspeople in hundreds of chambers, tunnels, and temples packed vertically into the rock.
However, in the late seventeenth century, the kingdom unexpectedly dissolved. Scholars disagree on whether it was due to war, internal insurrection, or water constraint. What remains are cliffside monastery adorned with 600-year-old murals, vacant cave homes that once housed a lively population, and an almost purposeful quiet.
Guge is visited by a small number of people, and those who do frequently enthuse about their experience. The nearby Toling Monastery, constructed in the tenth century, is still an active religious center with some of the earliest surviving Tibetan sacred art.
Best time to visit
The best months to visit are April through October, with May, June, and September being particularly enjoyable. During these months, you can expect consistent weather, bright skies, and wide roads. One of the most sacred festivals in the Tibetan calendar is the Saga Dawa Festival, which takes place on the full moon in May or June. Visiting Kailash during this festival means trekking the Kora with thousands of pilgrims from all around Asia—an incredible experience.
Avoid visiting from November to March. Temperatures at Kailash plummet dramatically, roads in western Tibet become unreliable, and many attractions close for the winter.
This route reaches 5,630 meters at Dolma La Pass, so appropriate acclimatization is critical for your safety and enjoyment. The plan includes two acclimatization days in Lhasa, allowing your body to adjust before ascending.
Key tips:
Before you go, see your doctor about acetazolamide (Diamox). Our knowledgeable guides are trained to spot the signs of altitude sickness and carry supplemental oxygen.
Why Travel with Us?
We are a Nepal-based trekking firm with extensive experience in Himalayan tourism, collaborating with reputable, certified Tibetan operators. We manage everything from permits to logistics to acclimatization, so all you have to do when you arrive in Lhasa is focus on the road ahead.
Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa with panoramic Himalayan views.
Day 02–03: Sightseeing in Lhasa – Potala Palace, Norbulingka, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Market, Drepung & Sera Monasteries.
Day 04: Drive Lhasa to Gyantse.
Day 05: Drive Gyantse to Shigatse; visit Tashilhunpo Monastery.
Day 06: Drive to Sakya; explore Sakya Monastery.
Day 07: Drive to Old Tingri; trek preparation.
Day 08: Trek Old Tingri to Tsojan.
Day 09: Trek Tsojan to Namla Pass base.
Day 10: Trek via Namla Pass to Zemukh.
Day 11: Trek Zemukh to Rongbuk (near Everest Base Camp).
Day 12: Hike to Everest Base Camp and return to Rongbuk.
Day 13: Drive to Saga.
Day 14: Drive to Lake Manasarovar.
Day 15: Drive to Tarchen (Kailash trek preparation).
Day 16: Start Kailash trek; trek to first campsite (~15 km).
Day 17: Trek via Dolma La Pass to Zuthulphuk.
Day 18: Trek ends; return to Tarchen and drive to Tirthapuri.
Day 19: Drive to Toling; visit Toling Monastery.
Day 20: Explore ancient Guge Kingdom.
Day 21: Drive to Darchen.
Day 22: Drive to Saga.
Day 23: Drive Saga to Nyalam.
Day 24: Drive back to Kathmandu via Zhangmu.
Permits Are Required.
Traveling to Tibet requires multiple permits:
Accommodation :
In Lhasa and Shigatse, you will find comfortable accommodation with private facilities. As you approach Saga and Darchen, accommodation becomes more basic—clean, efficient guesthouses that are part of the experience. During the Kora, you’ll be staying in simple monastic guest homes. Bring a sleep sack and an open mind to make the most of it.
Essential Gear
Warm layered gear is needed since temperatures at high elevations can fluctuate considerably during the day. Make sure you bring:
3,650m
Your journey begins with a spectacular trans-Himalayan flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, offering breathtaking aerial views of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest. The flight takes approximately one hour, making it one of the most scenic routes in the world. Upon arrival in Lhasa, you will be warmly received and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is reserved for acclimatization to the high altitude.
3650m
Over the next two days, you will explore the cultural and spiritual heart of Tibet. Visits include the iconic Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, and the sacred Jokhang Temple, a major pilgrimage site. You will stroll through the vibrant Barkhor Street, filled with traditional Tibetan markets and local life. Additional highlights include Norbulingka Palace, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama, as well as Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, where you can witness the fascinating monk debates. These two days also allow your body to adjust to the altitude before heading further into the Tibetan plateau.
3,650m
Over the next two days, you will explore the cultural and spiritual heart of Tibet. Visits include the iconic Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, and the sacred Jokhang Temple, a major pilgrimage site. You will stroll through the vibrant Barkhor Street, filled with traditional Tibetan markets and local life. Additional highlights include Norbulingka Palace, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama, as well as Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, where you can witness the fascinating monk debates. These two days also allow your body to adjust to the altitude before heading further into the Tibetan plateau.
3,950m 260 km/ 6-7 hours
Today, you begin a scenic drive across the Tibetan plateau toward Gyantse. The journey covers approximately 260 km and takes around 6 to 7 hours. En route, you will cross the spectacular Karo La Pass (5,010m), offering close-up views of glaciers, and visit the stunning turquoise Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s most sacred lakes. The drive is filled with dramatic landscapes, traditional villages, and snow-capped peaks.
3,900m 90 km / 2 hrs
After a short exploration of Gyantse, including the famous Kumbum Stupa, you will drive approximately 90 km (around 2 hours) to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. Here, you will visit the renowned Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, known for its impressive architecture and spiritual significance.
4300m 150 km / 4–5 hrs
Today’s drive takes you about 150 km westward to Sakya, which takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. The highlight of the day is the visit to Sakya Monastery, famous for its unique grey walls and vast collection of ancient scriptures. The monastery reflects a rich cultural heritage preserved over centuries.
4,300m 160 km / 5–6 hrs
Continuing your journey across the vast Tibetan plateau, you will drive around 160 km (5–6 hours) to Old Tingri. Along the way, enjoy expansive views of high-altitude plains and distant Himalayan peaks. This is also your final preparation point before starting the trekking section toward Everest Base Camp.
4,700m 15km/5-6 hours
Your trekking journey begins from Old Tingri, heading deep into the vast and remote Tibetan plateau. Today’s trek covers approximately 15 km and takes around 5 to 6 hours at a gradual pace, allowing proper acclimatization. The trail gently ascends through open landscapes, where you will witness the raw beauty of Tibet’s high-altitude wilderness. Along the way, you may encounter traditional nomadic camps, herds of yaks, and local shepherds living a centuries-old lifestyle. The scenery is dominated by wide valleys, distant snow-capped peaks, and an endless sky, offering a true sense of isolation and peace. Upon reaching Tsojan, you will settle into your campsite surrounded by pristine nature.
4,900m 15km/6 hours
Today’s trek continues deeper into the untouched terrain as you make your way from Tsojan to the base of Namla Pass. Covering around 15 km in approximately 6 hours, the trail gradually gains elevation as you approach higher ground. The environment becomes increasingly remote, with fewer signs of human settlement and more dramatic mountain views unfolding around you. The crisp mountain air, silence of the plateau, and the vastness of the surroundings create a truly meditative trekking experience. As you arrive at Namla Base, you will camp in preparation for the high pass crossing the following day, with magnificent views of surrounding peaks.
5150/4800m 6-7 hours
This is one of the most rewarding days of the trek as you cross the high Namla Pass at an altitude of 5,150 meters. The trek covers approximately 18 km and takes about 6 to 7 hours. The ascent to the pass is steady and requires a good level of endurance, but the effort is fully rewarded at the top with breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including distant glimpses of Mount Everest and other towering peaks. After spending time enjoying the views, you will descend gradually toward Zemukh village. The descent offers a changing landscape with rocky terrain, alpine valleys, and occasional wildlife sightings, making it a visually diverse and memorable day.
4,980m 12km/ 4-5 hours
Today’s trek is relatively shorter and more relaxed, covering about 12 km in 4 to 5 hours. As you leave Zemukh, the trail leads you closer to the Everest region, and the views become increasingly dramatic. One of the highlights of the day is the first close and clear view of Mount Everest, standing majestically above the surrounding peaks. The sense of achievement and excitement builds as you approach Rongbuk Monastery, known as the highest monastery in the world. Located in a stunning setting, Rongbuk offers a peaceful atmosphere and incredible views of Everest’s north face. Overnight stay near the monastery provides a unique high-altitude experience.
5200m 8km
Today marks one of the most significant highlights of the entire journey. You will take a relatively short but meaningful hike of approximately 8 km round trip to Everest Base Camp (North). The trail follows the rugged glacial terrain leading you closer to the base of Mount Everest. Early morning is the best time to witness a spectacular sunrise over Everest, as the golden light illuminates the world’s highest peak. The surrounding landscape of glaciers, ice formations, and vast open skies creates a powerful and unforgettable experience. After spending time at base camp, you will return to Rongbuk for rest and reflection on this remarkable achievement.
4,640m 230 km / 6–7 hrs
Leaving the Everest region, you will drive approximately 230 km to Saga, taking around 6 to 7 hours. The journey follows the vast plains and river valleys, including the Brahmaputra River, offering a sense of Tibet’s immense scale and beauty.
4,590m 450 km / 8–9 hrs
This is one of the longest driving days, covering about 450 km in 8 to 9 hours. As you approach Lake Manasarovar, you will be rewarded with the first distant views of Mount Kailash, one of the most sacred mountains in the world. The serene lake, surrounded by mountains, holds deep spiritual significance for multiple religions.
4,670m 40 km / 1 hr
A short drive of around 40 km (1 hour) brings you to Tarchen, the starting point of the Kailash trek. The rest of the day is for preparation and rest before beginning the pilgrimage.
4,900m 15km walking 6 -7 hours
Your sacred Kailash Kora begins from Tarchen, the traditional starting point of this spiritual journey. Today’s trek covers approximately 15 km and takes around 6 to 7 hours at a gradual pace. The trail follows a wide valley alongside a flowing river, surrounded by barren yet striking landscapes typical of western Tibet. As you walk, you will be accompanied by fellow pilgrims from different parts of the world, adding a deeply spiritual atmosphere to the journey. Gradually, the north face of Mount Kailash comes into view an awe-inspiring sight revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. Upon reaching Dirapuk, you will settle in for the night with stunning, close-up views of Kailash’s majestic north face.
4790m/5630m 18km/8-9 hours
This is the most challenging and spiritually significant day of the entire trek. You will begin early from Dirapuk, ascending steadily toward the high Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters, the highest point of the Kora. The trek covers approximately 18 km and can take 8 to 9 hours depending on pace and weather conditions. The climb is steep and demanding, but the sense of achievement at the top is truly rewarding. Near the pass, you will encounter the sacred Gauri Kund, a turquoise glacial lake deeply associated with Hindu mythology. The descent from the pass is equally steep but gradually eases into a valley leading toward Zuthulphuk. The day is not only physically demanding but also spiritually profound, symbolizing purification and rebirth according to local beliefs.
4,300m 10km/3-4 walking and 70km/2-3 hour drive
The final day of the Kailash trek is relatively easy and enjoyable. You will walk approximately 10 km over 3 to 4 hours, following a gentle trail through scenic valleys and rocky landscapes. Along the way, you may explore caves and meditation sites associated with great Tibetan yogis. Upon completing the Kora, you will arrive back at Tarchen, marking the successful completion of this sacred pilgrimage. From here, you will driven 70 km (2–3 hours) to Tirthapuri, a revered site known for its natural hot springs and spiritual significance. Pilgrims often visit Tirthapuri for purification rituals and relaxation after the demanding trek.
3,800m 250km/6-7 hours
Today you journey deeper into the remote regions of western Tibet, driving approximately 250 km over 6 to 7 hours. The route passes through vast desert-like landscapes, eroded hills, and dramatic canyons shaped by centuries of wind and water. Along the way, you will visit the historic Toling Monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in western Tibet. The monastery is known for its ancient murals, unique architecture, and deep historical roots connected to early Tibetan Buddhism.
3700
Today is dedicated to exploring the fascinating ruins of the ancient Guge Kingdom. Once a powerful civilization, the Guge Kingdom is now an extraordinary archaeological site featuring hundreds of caves, temples, and fortress-like structures carved into the cliffs. As you wander through this historical landscape, you will discover remnants of ancient murals, meditation caves, and royal palaces that tell the story of a once-thriving Himalayan kingdom. The unique terrain, with its dramatic formations and desert hues, makes this day both culturally enriching and visually unforgettable.
4,670m 300km/7-8 hours
After exploring Guge, you will begin your return journey, driving 300 km over 7 to 8 hours back toward Darchen. The drive takes you across the remote Tibetan plateau, offering expansive views of barren landscapes, distant mountains, and occasional nomadic settlements. The sense of isolation and untouched beauty continues to define this region, making the journey as memorable as the destination.
4,640m 500km/8-9 hours
Today’s drive is one of the longest, covering approximately 500 km and taking 8 to 9 hours. Traveling across vast plains and alongside winding rivers, you will witness the immense scale of the Tibetan plateau. The route passes through remote areas where you may encounter nomadic herders, yaks, and traditional Tibetan life. By evening, you will arrive in Saga, a small but important town that serves as a gateway between central and western Tibet.
3750m 220km/6-7 hours
On this day, you will drive 220 km over 6 to 7 hours toward Nyalam. The journey marks a significant transition in landscape from the dry, high-altitude plateau to greener valleys as you approach the Himalayan range. The road descends gradually, revealing rivers, forests, and dramatic mountain scenery. This change in environment signals your approach toward the Nepal border and the final stage of your Tibetan adventure.
1,300m 150 km / 6–7 hrs
On the final day, you descend from the Tibetan plateau through the dramatic mountain roads to the border and continue your journey back to Kathmandu. The landscape changes dramatically into lush greenery, rivers, and waterfalls, marking the end of this extraordinary Himalayan adventure.
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