15-Day Northern Kailash Pilgrimage | Highlights of Mount Kailash, Mount Everest, the Three Sacred Lakes, Guge, and Northern Tibet—Small Group (6 People)

Upon arrival in [Lhasa] by plane or train, a dedicated representative will be waiting 24 hours a day with a sign to meet you at the airport or train station. There’s no need to share a ride or wait for others—you’ll be taken directly to your hotel to rest as soon as you arrive. In Tibetan, Lhasa means “the abode of the gods” and has been the spiritual home of the Tibetan people for thousands of years. On the first day, there’s no need to rush—let your body gradually adjust to the high-altitude rhythm.

On your first day here, please get plenty of rest, limit your physical activity, drink plenty of warm water, and avoid alcohol and hot baths to help your body adjust to the high altitude.

The three most iconic spots in Lhasa were all on the same day. First, I climbed the Potala Palace to take in the view of the entire holy city; then, I walked a full circuit of Barkhor Street, following the stream of pilgrims; and finally, I entered the Jokhang Temple to watch the Tibetans perform prostrations again and again. In the afternoon, I found a café directly across from the Potala Palace, sat down, sipped sweet tea, and gazed at the palace—a moment of leisure I set aside for myself before heading to Ali.

➤ Potala Palace
Combining a palace, a monastery, and a stupa hall into a single complex, it houses a vast collection of Buddhist statues, thangkas, and sutras, and stands as a masterpiece of Tibetan history, religion, and art. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1994.

➤ Barkhor Street
One of Lhasa’s oldest streets, it is also a must-visit pilgrimage route for pilgrims. Small shops lining both sides sell thangkas, handicrafts, and spices, so you can combine shopping with walking the pilgrimage route.

➤ Jokhang Temple
The Jokhang Temple was built first, followed by the city of Lhasa. The temple houses a life-size statue of Shakyamuni, which Princess Wencheng brought to Tibet, and it is common to see Tibetans prostrating themselves in worship there; the atmosphere is solemn and moving.

★ Potala Palace Scenic Afternoon Tea
As an exclusive perk, enjoy sweet tea and pastries at the scenic café in Shangbu Palace.

★ Travel Tips:
The Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple require reservations made under a real name. Reservations must be made using a passport, Home Return Permit, or Taiwan Compatriot Permit, and visitors must present the original document upon entry. Visiting times are randomly assigned by the system and cannot be specified.

★ Travel Tips:
The Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple require reservations made under a real name. Reservations must be made using a passport, Home Return Permit, or Taiwan Compatriot Permit, and visitors must present the original document upon entry. Visiting times are randomly assigned by the system and cannot be specified.

Today, we visited our first sacred lake. After crossing the Gamba La Pass, the entire azure expanse of Yamdrok Lake unfolded beneath us; driving further on, the Karola Glacier seemed to lie right beside the road. In the afternoon, we went to Gyantse to see the 100,000-Buddha Stupa at the White Temple, and arrived in Shigatse in the evening. We checked into the five-star Hilton—our only night at a five-star hotel during the trip—to rest up and recharge for the climb up Mount Everest the next day.

▶ Yamdrok Lake (Sacred Lake)
In Tibetan, the name means “Jade Lake.” It is one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes and, according to legend, is the incarnation of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. A panoramic view of the lake can be seen from the Gamba La Pass.

▶ Karola Glacier
At an elevation of about 5,600 meters, snow-white ice walls, prayer flags, and the blue sky intertwine. The glacier is retreating at a pace visible to the naked eye, and the time we have to witness this firsthand is growing ever shorter.

➤ Hakujuji Temple
A monastery where the Sakya, Kadam, and Gelug schools coexist. The 100,000-Buddha Stupa stands 42 meters tall and features nine stories with 77 chapels; it is hailed as the “King of Tibetan Stupas.”

➤ Rikaze
Tibet's second-largest city and the last major city before heading to Mount Everest.

★ Travel Tips:
In addition to the Letter of Introduction for Tibet, travelers heading to Mount Everest must obtain a travel permit in Shigatse. In the event of system malfunctions or long lines during peak season, processing times may be extended; the tour guide will adjust the day’s itinerary flexibly based on the progress.

The car wound its way up the mountain road, loop after loop, until it reached the Gauri Pass at an elevation of approximately 5,198 meters. The Himalayas stretched out in a long line; on a clear day, you can see five 8,000-meter-class snow-capped peaks at once, including Mount Everest and Shishapangma. We continued on to Rongbuk Monastery and then entered Everest Base Camp. Tonight, we upgraded to the Rongbuk Lodge; as soon as I opened the door, there was Mount Everest right before my eyes. After dark, a sky full of stars seemed to weigh down on the mountain peak—this night will stay with me for a long time.

➤ Gaura Pass Viewpoint
Located at an elevation of approximately 5,198 meters, it is a must-pass point on the way to Everest Base Camp and one of the best vantage points for viewing the peaks of the Himalayas.

➤ Rongbu Temple
One of the highest-altitude monasteries in the world, it was founded in 1899 by Awang Tenzin, a high-ranking monk of the Nyingma School, and is known as “the monastery closest to the sky.”

➤ Everest Base Camp
Located at an elevation of approximately 5,200 meters, this is the closest and best spot to view Mount Everest. On clear days, the pyramid-shaped summit is clearly visible, and in the evening, you may have the chance to see the "Golden Summit" phenomenon.

★ Travel Tips:
Whether Rongbuk Monastery is open to visitors depends on on-site policies. If accommodations at the Rongbuk Lodge cannot be booked due to special circumstances, guests will be accommodated in tents at Everest Base Camp and receive a refund of 200 CNY per person; if the tents have been dismantled, guests will be accommodated at a four-star hotel at the foot of Mount Everest. Accommodations at Mount Everest are relatively basic, and there is a significant temperature difference between day and night, so please be sure to bring a down jacket.

Leaving Mount Everest behind and heading west, we entered the Shishapangma Nature Reserve. This stretch of road ran almost the entire day at an altitude of around 4,500 meters; outside the car windows were snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and vast grasslands. If we were lucky, we’d spot Tibetan antelopes and wild yaks grazing by the roadside. As we passed by Lake Pegu, the 8,000-meter snow-capped peaks were reflected on the lake’s surface, creating a scene so serene it looked like a painting. That night, we checked into a newly opened oxygen-supply hotel in Saga, took a hot shower, and got a good night’s sleep to save our energy for the kora the day after tomorrow.

➤ Hichia Pangma Reserve
Mount Xixabangma is the only 8,000-meter-class peak located entirely within China; the nature reserve is home to high-altitude animals such as Tibetan antelopes and wild yaks.

➤ Pegucuo
A high-altitude lake at the foot of Mount Shishapangma; on clear days, the snow-capped peaks are reflected on its surface. As the car drove along the lakeshore, I gazed at the view from the car window.

➤ Saga
A small town on the upper reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the final stop on the way to the sacred mountain and holy lake.

Today’s drive is the highest-altitude leg of the journey before the kora. Once you’re on the bus, take it easy, drink plenty of warm water, and let the tour guide know immediately if you feel unwell.

Traveling westward through the vibrantly colored Five-Colored Desert, we arrived at Mapam Yumco, the “King of Sacred Lakes”—the second sacred lake of the day. The Namnani Snow Peak on the southern shore is reflected on the lake’s surface, and on a clear day, Mount Kailash can be seen in the distance to the north. Just a hill away lies Lake La’angcuo, with fresh water on one side and saltwater on the other—one sacred, one profane, each with a completely different character. We arrived at Taqin at the foot of the sacred mountain in the evening and stayed at the Marriott International that night, where we received continuous oxygen supplementation throughout the night as part of our final preparations for tomorrow’s circumambulation of the mountain.

➤ Colorful Desert
In the hidden paradise of the upper reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the sand dunes shimmer in a variety of colors—golden, red, and white—which stand out vividly under the high-altitude sunlight.

➤ Marbunyongtso
One of the three sacred lakes of Tibet, it is revered as a holy site by Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, and Bon, and it is believed that the lake’s waters can wash away sins.

➤ Laon Tso
The “Ghost Lake,” separated from Mapam Yumco by a single mountain, has virtually no vegetation along its shores. Standing at the lakeshore and looking south, both the Namna Ni snow-capped peak and the deep-blue lake waters can be seen in the same frame.

➤ Tachin
The small town where the Mount Kailash pilgrimage begins.

The kora officially begins. Starting from the Prayer Flag Square, we pass through the Two-Legged Stupa and head deeper into the Laqu River Valley. The gentle slope makes this a crucial day for acclimatizing our bodies to high-altitude hiking. Along the way, we passed by Qugu Monastery, where a glance upward revealed the sacred silhouette of the mountain. We arrived at Zhire Monastery in the evening; situated directly opposite the north face of Mount Kailash, it offers the most complete view of the entire sacred mountain.

✨ China2Go's Exclusive Benefits
A shuttle bus runs directly from the starting point, saving you the initial flat stretch so you can save your energy for the real mountain climb.

➤ Highlights Along the Way

• Sutra Square: The five-colored prayer flags flutter in the breeze, and legend has it that passing through the center of the two-legged stupa in front of the square can wash away one’s sins.
• Chukwu Temple: The first monastery along the pilgrimage route, which houses a rare "flying conch shell." When the lamas chant sutras, they blow the conch to bestow blessings upon the pilgrims.
• Zhihe Temple: Our first night's lodging, directly facing the north face of Mount Kailash.

★ Travel Tips:
Zhi Re Temple is a shared dormitory with simple facilities; it is the only overnight stop along the Kora route that does not provide oxygen equipment. Prices for horseback riding, porters, or luggage transport are negotiated on-site; it is recommended to confirm these details with your guide in advance.

I stepped out of my room before dawn, watching the first rays of sunlight turn the north face of Mount Kailash golden—a scene many pilgrims hope to capture during their circumambulation. I then began the ascent, passing the sky burial site and crossing the Drolma La Pass at an elevation of approximately 5,630 meters—the highest point of the entire pilgrimage route—where pilgrims hang prayer flags and scatter longda. Below lay the emerald-green Lake of Compassion. We then descended all the way to Fudong Diding, where a shuttle bus took us back to Taqin. That evening, we returned to the Marriott to rest and recover.

➤ Highlights Along the Way

• Sunrise on the North Face of the Sacred Mountain: Zhire Temple faces the northern cliff directly, with the Golden Summit bathed in sunlight right before your eyes.
• Dromola Pass: Elevation approximately 5,630 meters; the highest point of the pilgrimage circuit, with prayer flags covering the mountain pass.
• Lake Compassion: The area below the mountain pass is as green as jade and is also known as “the bathing place of the Dakinis.”

✨ Why Choose the Essence to Mount Shān?
The traditional pilgrimage around the mountain takes three days and covers more than 50 kilometers. China2Go preserves the entire highlight section of the route—the northern face of the sacred mountain, the sky burial site, and the Zhuoma La Pass—and provides a shuttle bus back to Taqin after crossing the pass, allowing you to conserve your energy for the most rewarding parts of the journey and still enjoy a good night’s sleep at an oxygen-supplied hotel upon your return.

Today’s hike features high elevation and a long downhill stretch, so please bring a thermos, snacks, and sunscreen. Take it slow and keep your breathing steady. With one guide for every group of six, the guide will have plenty of time to attend to each participant’s needs.

After completing the pilgrimage around the mountain, the journey delves into the depths of Ali’s history. Sedimentary layers from an ancient lake bed have been carved by flowing water and wind into the vast Zada Earth Forest, with formations resembling castles and stupas. The Kingdom of Guge once flourished here for centuries, but later vanished mysteriously, leaving behind only the ruins of the royal city built against the mountainside and murals that remain vividly colorful to this day. As the evening sun casts its rays upon the earthen forest, it is the most photogenic moment in Ali.

➤ Zada Earth Forest
Formed over countless years by the weathering of an ancient lake bed, it stretches endlessly; its layers are most clearly defined when the evening light falls at an angle.

➤ Ruins of the Guge Kingdom
The royal city rises in tiers from the residential areas and monasteries at the foot of the mountain all the way to the royal palace at the summit; the cave murals are an important treasure trove of Tibetan art history.

★ Travel Tips:
To reach the Guge Ruins, you’ll need to climb steep earthen steps to an elevation of approximately 3,800 meters; please wear shoes with good traction. Photography is prohibited in most of the cave murals; please follow the on-site rules.

Today we’re traveling along one of the least-known stretches in Ali. The entire cliff face of Piyang Dongga is dotted with thousands of caves, some of which still preserve murals that blend Indian, Central Asian, and Tibetan styles; Xiayi Gorge is a canyon where ochre and earthy yellow hues intertwine. With few visitors, it’s a peaceful place to quietly observe the pristine wilderness of Ali. In the evening, we arrived at Shiquanhe, the administrative center of Ali, which serves as the best supply stop before the upcoming long stretch through Northern Tibet.

➤ Piyang·Dongga Ruins
One of Tibet’s largest cave temple complexes—stepping inside is like opening an illustrated book from a thousand years ago.

➤ Xiayi Gully
The vivid red canyon stands out strikingly in the sunlight.

➤ Shiquan River
The administrative center of Ali Prefecture and one of the headwaters of the Indus River, it has shops and restaurants where you can stock up on supplies.

★ Travel Tips:
We'll be entering Tibet over the next few daysFor the long-distance leg of the journey north, we recommend stocking up on snacks and water tonight, and making sure your cell phone and power bank are fully charged. The hotel will not be providing oxygen tonight, so an oxygen concentrator has been provided in your room.

We officially set out on the “Lake Route” along the Ali Great Northern Route. On the Northern Tibetan Plateau, lakes stretch one after another, and the locals jokingly refer to it as “one lake after another.” Nie’er Co features emerald-green waters set against white salt flats, while Wuma Co is divided into several sections by a strip of land; the highway cuts right through the middle of the lake, with emerald green up close, milky blue in the middle, and deep blue in the distance—as if the earth had spilled its paint palette. We passed by Dara Co at dusk, bringing our day-long journey through the lakes to a close.

➤ Nie'ercuo
China's largest carbonate salt lake; from the car window, we could see the green-and-white-striped surface of the lake in the distance.

➤ Wuma Co
One of the best spots for taking photos along the North Route, where you can see several shades of blue-green at once.

➤ Dara Co
The last lake before reaching Gaize—the evening light is the most beautiful there.

★ Travel Tips:
Due to road conditions and nature reserve regulations, some of the lakes along the way can only be viewed from the car or from the roadside. Gai Ze is located deep in northern Tibet, where accommodations cannot compare to those in the city; the hotel we’re staying at tonight is one of the best oxygen-supplied options in the area, with clean rooms and hot water.

Today we crossed the Qiangtang Wilderness—a place many people have visited Tibet several times without ever having the chance to set foot in. Tibetan antelopes, Tibetan wild asses, and wild yaks roam freely here. Rivers have carved patterns into the earth that resemble the grain of a giant tree; you can only see the full picture by looking down from a high vantage point. In the afternoon, we approached Lake Dangra Yumco, the holiest site in Bon Buddhism. The lake’s waters are a deep blue, with the Dago Snow Mountain rising behind it. The way of life in the village of Wenbu on the lakeshore has remained virtually unchanged to this day.

➤ The Qiangtang Wilderness
In the nearly deserted wilderness of the plateau, when you see a figure running outside the window, don’t rush to grab your phone—take a good look with your own eyes first.

➤ The Tree of the Earth
The giant tree-like patterns carved by river alluvium on the Northern Tibetan Plateau are the most breathtaking natural wonders along the Northern Route.

➤ Dangye Yongcuo
The most sacred lake in Tibetan Bon; believers circumambulate the lake counterclockwise, in the opposite direction from that practiced in Tibetan Buddhism.

★ Travel Tips:
The Tree of the Earth can only be fully appreciated from a high vantage point or via aerial photography; on-site arrangements will depend on weather and viewing conditions. Today’s drive is relatively long, and the area along the route is vast and sparsely populated, so please let your tour guide know in advance if you need to use the restroom.

On the slopes along the shore of Lake Dazecuo, the tiered, stair-like marks are the remnants of ancient lake shores left behind by the lake’s waters long ago; the highest tier rises fifty meters above the current lake surface. Next, we arrived at Lake Selinco, Tibet’s largest lake, whose surface stretches as far as the eye can see. Tonight we’re staying in Bangor—our final night on the Northern Tibetan Plateau during this entire journey. On clear nights, stepping outside reveals a sky full of stars, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way.

➤ Dazecuo
If you're lucky, you might spot some Tibetan antelopes on the grasslands by the lake.

➤ Selin Co
The largest lake in Tibet and the second-largest saltwater lake in China, its Tibetan name means “Devil’s Lake.” According to legend, the devil Serling, who devours living creatures, is sealed at the bottom of the lake.

➤ The Night Sky Over Northern Tibet
With its high elevation, clean air, and lack of light pollution, this was the best night of the entire trip for stargazing.

When you go stargazing at night, remember to wear a down jacket, don’t stray too far from the hotel—you can watch the stars from the hotel’s observation deck—and be sure to let your tour guide know if you go out.

The last of the sacred lakes. Namtso, which means “Heavenly Lake” in Tibetan, lies at an elevation of approximately 4,718 meters. Its southern shore is flanked by the perpetually snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, where the lake’s waters blend seamlessly with the sky. From Yamdrok Lake on the third day, to Mapam Yumco on the sixth, to Namtso today—at this moment, we have completed our journey to all three sacred lakes.

There is an old Tibetan saying: “Circumambulate the mountain in the Year of the Horse; circumambulate the lake in the Year of the Goat.” The Tibetan Year of the Goat is a major pilgrimage year for Lake Namtso. Legend has it that in this year, all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas gather at the lake’s shore, so the merit gained from circumambulating the lake is doubled, and one will see far more pilgrims circumambulating the lake than usual.

After that, it was all downhill on the way back to Lhasa; the elevation dropped by more than 1,000 meters, and breathing became noticeably easier. Having passed Mount Everest, the Sacred Mountain, the Sacred Lake, and the wilderness of Northern Tibet, seeing the Potala Palace again felt very different from the first day.

➤ Lake Namtso · Tashi Peninsula
The final stop on the tour of the Three Sacred Lakes, the Tashi Peninsula is the most iconic spot for viewing Lake Namtso.

➤ Back to Lhasa
After a half-month journey through the highlands, we returned to where we started.

★ Travel Tips:
This itinerary includes a stop at the Tashi Peninsula on Lake Namtso; a full hike around the lake is not included. It can be windy by the lake, so be sure to bring a jacket, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Please do not step into the lake or disturb the mani stones.

➤ Airport & Train Station Transfers (24/7 Private Service)
We offer 24-hour dedicated transportation services. Whether you have an early morning flight or a late-night train, a private vehicle and a dedicated driver will be waiting for you at your hotel. There’s no sharing a ride and no waiting—we’ll take you to the airport or train station right on time.

➤ Qinghai-Tibet Railway
If you choose to leave by taking the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, our team can book sleeper tickets on your behalf (advance request required; subject to ticket availability). The train passes through snow-capped mountains, grasslands, glaciers, and Tibetan villages, allowing you to enjoy the scenery as you slowly make your way down from the plateau to the lowlands.

If you wish to extend your trip, CITS Global Travel—China2Go has offices in Chengdu, Chongqing, Beijing, Zhangjiajie, Yunnan, Guizhou, Xinjiang, and other locations. Our staff can assist you in arranging accommodations and planning the rest of your itinerary.