Lhasa to North Everest Base Camp – Mt. Kailash and the Guge Kingdom Tour

Arrive in Lhasa, the spiritual and cultural heart of Tibet. Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, meet your Tibetan guide and transfer to your hotel in the city. The rest of the day is free for acclimatisation to the altitude. Gentle walks around the nearby streets are recommended, while avoiding strenuous activity during the first day in Tibet.

Overnight in Lhasa

Begin your exploration of Tibet with visits to the iconic Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and one of Tibet’s most recognisable landmarks. Continue to Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibetan Buddhism, before walking through the lively Barkhor Street, filled with pilgrims, local markets, and traditional Tibetan culture.

Overnight in Lhasa

Continue discovering the cultural treasures of Lhasa with visits to Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, two of the most important monastic institutions in Tibet. If timing allows, witness the famous monk debates at Sera Monastery in the afternoon. The remainder of the evening can be spent relaxing or exploring Lhasa independently.

Overnight in Lhasa

Begin the overland journey across the Tibetan Plateau. Drive via the scenic Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s most sacred lakes, and cross several high Himalayan passes offering breathtaking mountain views. Visit Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Kumbum Stupa in Gyantse before continuing to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city.

Approximate driving distance: 360 km / 7–8 hours

Overnight in Shigatse

Travel westward across dramatic Himalayan landscapes towards North Everest Base Camp. En route, enjoy panoramic views of several Himalayan peaks before arriving near the northern face of Mount Everest. Weather permitting, witness unforgettable sunset views over the world’s highest mountain.

Approximate driving distance: 340 km / 8 hours

Overnight at EBC Guesthouse

Enjoy morning views of Mount Everest before continuing the overland drive through remote Tibetan wilderness towards Saga. The journey passes vast plains, nomadic settlements, and spectacular high-altitude scenery.

Approximate driving distance: 450 km / 8–9 hours

Overnight in Saga

Drive across the rugged landscapes of western Tibet towards the sacred region of Mount Kailash. Along the route, enjoy distant views of Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash before arriving in Darchen, the starting point of the Kailash Kora pilgrimage.

Approximate driving distance: 500 km / 8–9 hours

Overnight in Darchen

Begin the sacred Mount Kailash Kora, one of the world’s most important pilgrimage journeys. Trek through the beautiful Lha Chu Valley with magnificent views of the north face of Mount Kailash before reaching Dirapuk Monastery.

Approximate trekking distance: 18 km / 6–7 hours

Overnight at Guesthouse in Dirapuk

The most challenging and spiritually significant day of the Kora. Cross the high Dolma La Pass (5,630m), passing prayer flags, glacial landscapes, and sacred sites before descending towards Zutulpuk Monastery.

Approximate trekking distance: 22 km / 8–10 hours

Overnight at Guesthouse in Zutulpuk

Complete the final section of the Kailash Kora before returning to Darchen. After lunch, continue driving through remote western Tibetan landscapes towards Zanda, gateway to the ancient Guge Kingdom.

Approximate driving distance: 250 km / 5–6 hours

Overnight in Zanda

Visit the extraordinary ruins of the ancient Guge Kingdom, once an important centre of Tibetan civilisation famous for its monasteries, caves, and murals. After exploring the historic site, drive to the sacred shores of Lake Manasarovar, revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers.

Approximate driving distance: 300 km / 6–7 hours

Overnight near Lake Manasarovar

Enjoy peaceful morning views over Lake Manasarovar before beginning the long drive back eastward towards Saga through vast Tibetan landscapes and Himalayan scenery.

Approximate driving distance: 500 km / 8–9 hours

Overnight in Saga

Continue driving towards the Nepal-Tibet border through valleys, mountain passes, and changing landscapes as the altitude gradually decreases. Arrive in Kyirong, a green border town surrounded by forested hills.

Approximate driving distance: 260 km / 6 hours

Overnight in Kyirong

After completing border formalities, cross into Nepal and continue the scenic drive to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening after completing the overland Tibet journey.

Approximate driving distance: 160 km / 7–8 hours including border procedures

Overnight in Kathmandu

Free day in Kathmandu for rest, shopping, sightseeing, or personal activities. Optional guided sightseeing tours can be arranged upon request.

Overnight in Kathmandu

Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward international flight. Your Tibet and Himalayan journey concludes with unforgettable memories of sacred landscapes, ancient culture, and high Himalayan adventure.