Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Destinations

Thanks to its relative isolation of the years, Tibet has remained one of the most mysterious countries in the world, until now. The country is slowly becoming more accessible, and this 12-day trekking tour will uncover the best of what this breathtaking Chinese territory has to offer. You’ll start by exploring the administrative capital of Lhasa, before embarking on an epic overland journey both in car and on foot. A three-day drive will take you to Mount Kailash via the remote towns of Saga and Paryang. Three days are then dedicated to trekking, where you’ll pass stunning mountain gorges, the majestic Lake Mansarovar and end your journey in the ancient Guge Kingdom, all whilst sleeping in untouched monasteries along the way.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Superlatives: Visit the highest town in the world at Paryang, then bathe in the highest freshwater lake in the world at Lake Manasarovar.
  • Sacred Peaks: Three days trekking from Mt Kailash grants hikers rugged views of the mountains and peaceful stays in remote monasteries.
  • Ancient Kingdom: The isolated and holy Guge Kingdom dates back to the 10th century.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Lhasa

On this first day you will arrive in Lhasa, the administrative capital of Tibet. On the journey from airport, stop by the Tibetan Village Project, a humanitarian project that promotes sustainable village life. Check in to your hotel and have the rest of the day to relax and acclimatize. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location:The Shangri-La Lhasa is located in the center of the city, within walking distance to Lhasa’s historic sites.

History:Lhasa is rich with history, and the hotel pays homage to this heritage by promoting local traditions and creating a luxurious environment with traditionally Tibetan appeal.

Service: Guests can enjoy true Tibetan hospitality through various customs in addition to the Shangri-La's world-famous five-star service.

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Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel
  • Location: At just three miles away from the most important Tibetan structure in the world, the location of the Songtsam Linka Lhasa is hard to beat.
  • Style: The hotel’s Thangka paintings and wall tapestries produce an environment reminiscent of how noble Tibetan families lived centuries ago.
  • Comfort: The inviting beds and sitting rooms are a perfect place to unwind and refresh after long days spent exploring the cultural and natural wonders of Lhasa.
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Songtsam Linka Lhasa Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This hotel is located in the famed Barkhor area, surrounded by stunning landscapes, and nearly 4,000 meters above sea level - among the highest city altitudes in the world.

History: Lhasa has a rich and colorful history that dates back over a millenium, and the St. Regis Lhasa faces one of the most important historical sites in the city - the once chief residence of the Dalai Lama.

Service: Guests can benefit from 24 hour bespoke butler service so that they need not lift a finger.

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St. Regis Lhasa Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Lhasa

A whole day of exploring this fascinating city is on the bill today, with guided stops-offs to Barkhor Square, the incredible Potala Palace (which is perched 361 feet above Lhasa) and the recently renovated Old Town area. Other cultural excursions include visits to an ancient monastery and Jokhang Temple, widely-considered to be Tibet’s holiest place of worship.

Lhasa
Lhasa

Day 3

Shigatse

Leave the luxury of your hotel behind and make the epic seven-hour journey to Shigatse, passing some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Along the drive, there will be a chance to see the majestic Lake Yamdrok Tso as well as 600-year-old monastery. Once in Shigaste, the capital of the central Tsang region and Tibet’s second-largest city, you’ll have an authentic dinner at a local family home before checking in to the hotel.

Hotel Options
About

The Shigatse Hotel is a modern 3* hotel located in the city centre. It boasts 123 rooms, with a choice of either modern Western-style or traditional Tibetan.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Saga

Day four marks the start of a three-day journey to the legendary Mount Kailash, with stop-offs at Saga and Paryang along the way. Most of the day will be spent on the road to Saga, a stunning mountainous town nestled deep in untouched Tibet. After an eight-hour drive with several stops on the way, you’ll check into a guest house and have dinner before having time to relax.

Hotel Options
About

Along the foothills and remote areas are small towns and rest stops for hikers and travelers. Basic guesthouses are available and offer a bed and shower for travelers on their journey along the Himalayas.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Saga
Saga

Day 5

Paryang

The second full day on the road will take you to Paryang, a particularly remote area that is known to be one of the highest towns in the world at around 15,000 feet above sea level. The eight-hour journey will take you through more stunning scenery and over jaw-dropping Himalayan valleys. Arrive in good time to check in to a guest house, with time in the evening set aside for dinner and relaxation.

Hotel Options
About

Along the foothills and remote areas are small towns and rest stops for hikers and travelers. Basic guesthouses are available and offer a bed and shower for travelers on their journey along the Himalayas.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 6

Lake Mansarovar

The final leg of your three-day overland journey takes you to the picturesque Lake Mansarovar. The drive from your hotel in Paryang to here takes approximately nine hours, and there will be plenty of opportunities to stop off and enjoy the spectacular scenery, as well as lunch along the way. Check in to your guesthouse near the lake in the evening before sitting down to a delightful dinner.

Hotel Options
About

Along the foothills and remote areas are small towns and rest stops for hikers and travelers. Basic guesthouses are available and offer a bed and shower for travelers on their journey along the Himalayas.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Lake Mansarovar
Lake Mansarovar

Day 7

Dirapuk

This first day of trekking gives you a great chance to warm up for the rest of the trip, with no steep slopes or particularly difficult terrain. The total trek, which will circle Mt Kailash and end up in at Dirapuk, will take around eight to nine hours. 

Day 8

Zultulpuk

This second day of trekking - lasting eight to nine hours in total - will take you up to the Drolma-La Pass (by around midday), and there’s a chance to visit various holy sites along the way. Drolma-La is a popular pilgrimage spot, and you too can string up prayer flags and make an offering to the Gods above. A steep afternoon ascent will take you to Zulpultruk, where you’ll also be spending the night camping or at a local guest house.

Hotel Options
About

The best way to experience Tibet's beautiful landscape, wildlife and cultures is to hike the ancient foot trails and camp. Surrounded by wilderness, travelers fall asleep under the stars and wake up to crisp Tibetan air and unspoiled scenery each morning – campsites really allow travelers to connect with their environment and enjoy the serenity of the Himalayas.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Along the foothills and remote areas are small towns and rest stops for hikers and travelers. Basic guesthouses are available and offer a bed and shower for travelers on their journey along the Himalayas.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Zultulpuk
Zultulpuk

Day 9

Tirthapuri

Say goodbye to the peaceful Zulpultruk monastery and head for Tirthapuri, the final destination of your epic three-day trek through Tibet. Along the way, you’ll be treated to more incredible views of Lake Manasarovar, which at 14,948 feet is the highest freshwater lake in the world. There’s also a chance to bathe in and even drink the water here, which is believed to rid believers of their sins. After an eight-hour trek, there is an onwards drive to Tirthapuri (two hours) where you’ll be spending the night in a guesthouse.

Hotel Options
About

Along the foothills and remote areas are small towns and rest stops for hikers and travelers. Basic guesthouses are available and offer a bed and shower for travelers on their journey along the Himalayas.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 10

Ngari (ali)

A seven-hour drive to Guge Kingdom awaits on this tenth day, a very remote and holy region of Tibet. There, you’ll have the chance to visit untouched shrines, temple ruins and visit the highly-regarded system of mountainous caves, which are currently under consideration to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check in to Xiangxiong hotel, where you can enjoy dinner and relax in the evening after another full day.

Hotel Options
About

Perfectly located for exploring the surrounding delights of the ruined city of ancient Guge, the Xiangxiong Hotel is set in Shiquanhe Town in nearby Ali. The large hotel, while not luxurious, is one of the best options in the area and provides a comfortable respite after a day of exciting discovery.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 11

Ngari (ali)

This penultimate day of your 12-day Tibetan adventure is dedicated to more time in the stunning Guge Kingdom, with time set aside for exploring more ruins of this ancient settlement. Your tour guide can take you to several remote towns and former monasteries, many of which lie in ruins today. Dinner will be back at the hotel and the rest of the evening can be spent preparing to depart this remote region back to Lhasa the next day.

Ngari (ali)
Ngari (ali)

Day 12

Departure

After a morning check-out, private transportation will take you to the airport, where you’ll catch the flight back to the Tibetan capital, Lhasa. You’ll be welcomed back to the stunning Shangri-La hotel, where your Tibetan journey first began 12 days ago. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing or doing some final shopping in the city before catching your final flight home the following morning.

Suggested Hotels For Days 1–2

Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa
Preferred Hotel

Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa

Opened in April 2014, this luxury property is a fitting new addition to the Lhasa hospitality scene. Shangri-La is, after all, the mythical kingdom believed to inhabit the Tibetan plateaus. Located in the city center, this stylish urban retreat allows guests to experience time-honored Tibetan customs - being welcomed with a local drink called chima, for instance, and being presented with a ceremonial khata scarf. Visitors at the Shangri-La Lhasa can enjoy being within strolling distance of this historic city's main attractions, including Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. For those who find Lhasa's high-altitude landscapes literally breathtaking, there's an oxygen lounge and relaxation center at the resort primed for guest recuperation. As with all Shangri-La properties, local culture plays a vital role in both the hospitality and the décor. At the Lhasa resort, this manifests in traditional architecture and design, with contemporary, luxuriously appointed guest rooms accented with local Tibetan textiles and artworks. Guests are also spoiled with far-reaching views of the mountains, the city and the spectacular Potala Palace.  

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Songtsam Linka Lhasa
Preferred Hotel

Songtsam Linka Lhasa

When people close their eyes and imagine Tibet, the iconic Potala Palace may come to mind, and the Songtsam Linka Lhasa positions its guests just a stone’s throw from the famed structure. The palace is located a mere three miles away and is directly visible from the windows and balconies of several of the hotel’s rooms. The hotel itself features slaked lime walls, indigo-carved windows, and a fish-fin-shaped facade – all nods to traditional Tibetan artisans and culture – and the interior maintains an aura of reverence with decorations like wooden floors covered by warm carpets and exquisite wall tapestries. Rooms are spacious, with sitting spaces, balconies, and comfortable beds, and they are equipped with oxygen concentrators to help guests deal with Lhasa’s demanding altitude. There is a Chinese and Tibetan restaurant, which serves excellent home-style dishes, as well as a Western restaurant, where guests will find a breakfast buffet and a selection of wines later in the day. There is also a library and a boutique where guests can purchase souvenirs. Besides Potala Palace, visitors to Lhasa can also explore Jokhang Temple and the Drepung and Sera monasteries, and there are also many natural landscapes to explore in the region.
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St. Regis Lhasa
Preferred Hotel

St. Regis Lhasa

Opened in November 2010, the St. Regis Resort in Lhasa stands on eight acres of land at “the roof of the world," with sweeping views of the Potala Palace. The spacious 162 rooms and villas with marble baths are decorated with carefully sourced artifacts that reflect the richness of Tibetan culture. There are a variety of restaurants to choose from, including the intimate private wine club Decanter by Haut-Brisson and Si Zi Kang, which serves traditional Tibetan cuisine. The health club boasts an indoor heated swimming pool, a yoga and pilates studio, and Iridium, a spa offering refined indulgence with Tibetan flavor. The business center offers 4 meeting rooms, copy and printing services, and faxing services. Other amenities include secretarial service and 24-hour butler service. The St. Regis Lhasa is located just minutes from the Potala Palace, the famous Barkhor area, Jokang Temple, Norbulinka, and is 46 miles from Gongga International Airport.

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Suggested Hotel For Day 3

Shigatse Hotel

Shigatse Hotel

The Shigatse Hotel is a modern 3* hotel located in the city centre. It boasts 123 rooms, with a choice of either modern Western-style or traditional Tibetan. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, pay movies, minibar, hairdryer & telephone. The hotel also has 4 restaurants serving buffet, Chinese, Tibetan and international menus as well as breakfast. There is also a beauty salon, massage, shopping centre, gym, bar and disco.

Suggested Hotel For Day 4

Guest House

Guest House

Along the foothills and remote areas are small towns and rest stops for hikers and travelers. Basic guesthouses are available and offer a bed and shower for travelers on their journey along the Himalayas.

Suggested Hotel For Day 5

Guest House

Guest House

Along the foothills and remote areas are small towns and rest stops for hikers and travelers. Basic guesthouses are available and offer a bed and shower for travelers on their journey along the Himalayas.

Suggested Hotel For Day 6

Guest House

Guest House

Along the foothills and remote areas are small towns and rest stops for hikers and travelers. Basic guesthouses are available and offer a bed and shower for travelers on their journey along the Himalayas.

Suggested Hotels For Day 8

Camping

Camping

The best way to experience Tibet's beautiful landscape, wildlife and cultures is to hike the ancient foot trails and camp. Surrounded by wilderness, travelers fall asleep under the stars and wake up to crisp Tibetan air and unspoiled scenery each morning – campsites really allow travelers to connect with their environment and enjoy the serenity of the Himalayas. Accompanied by guides and horses or yaks transporting camping equipment, you will stay at established campsites with all food and drinks provided, with meals prepared by an experienced chef.

Guest House

Guest House

Along the foothills and remote areas are small towns and rest stops for hikers and travelers. Basic guesthouses are available and offer a bed and shower for travelers on their journey along the Himalayas.

Suggested Hotel For Day 9

Guest House

Guest House

Along the foothills and remote areas are small towns and rest stops for hikers and travelers. Basic guesthouses are available and offer a bed and shower for travelers on their journey along the Himalayas.

Suggested Hotel For Days 10–11

Xiangxiong Hotel

Xiangxiong Hotel

Perfectly located for exploring the surrounding delights of the ruined city of ancient Guge, the Xiangxiong Hotel is set in Shiquanhe Town in nearby Ali. The large hotel, while not luxurious, is one of the best options in the area and provides a comfortable respite after a day of exciting discovery. With 58 rooms, ranging from singles and doubles to suites, there are configurations suitable for all parties. While it’s not overwhelmingly sumptuous by international standards, the accommodation is clean and adequately equipped with televisions, air-conditioning and WiFi, as well as complimentary coffee and tea facilities. The hotel restaurant serves up a range of dishes from local Sichuan specialties and Cantonese classics to western favourites. For guests who still have a little energy left over for some evening entertainment, there is a games rooms as well as singing and dancing in the ballroom. Meanwhile, those seeking a little relaxation can retreat to the beauty salon or the spa and sauna to unwind.

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Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

Fringe Benefits

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Tsetang is one of Tibet’s largest cities, and as the seat of Tibet’s ancient emperors, contains significant historical importance. Flanked by Mt Gongbori, in the Yarlung Valley, with colorful prayer flags strewn about, the area is beautiful...
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A Couple from Virginia

A Couple from Virginia

This was our fourth trip with Remote Lands...Thank you for making the introductions to a wonderful people and culture in Tibet.

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Family of four from Atlanta & Colorado

Our guides everywhere, from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, Siem Reap and Phuket, were all excellent. Each one was informative, flexible and quick to respond to any changes.

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Family from Minneapolis

Our family's trip to Japan was extremely well planned and well executed, on very short notice... Hats off to you!

Japan

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