Arrive in Lhasa (Gonggar Airport or train), transfer to your hotel for rest to begin altitude acclimatization; keep activity light for the afternoon. Prioritize hydration and rest to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Walk the Barkhor kora around Jokhang Temple to experience local pilgrims and souvenir stalls; the Jokhang complex is a spiritual heart of Lhasa and gives a gentle cultural introduction. Note: Jokhang Temple typically open about 9:00am–5:00pm; check local hours.
Try Tibetan Kitchen (or a reputable local Tibetan restaurant) for momos, thukpa, and yak butter tea — hearty food that helps with acclimatization. Many Lhasa restaurants operate 7:00am–9:00pm; confirm current hours.
Visit Potala Palace (historic winter palace of the Dalai Lamas) for panoramic city views and historic chapels; book tickets in advance — typical opening ~9:00am; last entry often mid-afternoon (varies by season).
Casual lunch with local and Chinese options; choose casseroles or soups to keep meals light but filling at altitude. Most sit-down places are open 11:00am–2:00pm for lunch.
Visit Sera Monastery to see the lively monk debate (typically begins ~3:00pm, subject to monastery schedule) — a memorable cultural experience. Monastery visiting hours generally 9:00am–5:00pm; check exact debate timing locally.
Prepare warm layers and a small daypack for long drives; confirm vehicle, driver, permits, and fuel — your Tibet Travel Permit and Ali/Ngari permits should be arranged by your tour operator well before departure.
Scenic drive west toward Shigatse with a stop at Yamdrok Tso (Yamdrok Lake) for photos — total driving ~4–6 hours depending on stops. Roads and weather can slow travel; bring snacks and water.
Visit Tashilhunpo, the seat of the Panchen Lama, with vast assembly halls and giant Buddha statues — monastery hours roughly 9:00am–5:00pm; confirm local times.
Early departure for the long westward drive to Darchen (gateway town for Mount Kailash and Manasarovar). Expect 10–14 hours on the road with stops for fuel, permits checks, and scenic views; acclimatization remains important.
CURRENCY0 (tour/vehicle cost typically included), 12h0m
Arrive in Darchen, check into a guesthouse or simple hotel; rest early to prepare for the Manasarovar visit tomorrow. Facilities in Darchen are basic; book accommodation ahead in high season.
Dinner at the guesthouse: often Tibetan hot pot, noodles, and yak meat — simple but filling. Kitchens typically serve until guests finish; be prepared for limited menu choices.
Early drive to Manasarovar Lake (approx. 2–3 hours depending on road/weather) to maximize daylight and better weather; the lake is sacred and very scenic with clear reflections of the sky and surrounding peaks.
Walk part of the lakeshore, visit small shrines, and — if you wish — collect a small bottle of Manasarovar water (believed sacred by pilgrims). There is no strict opening hour; access is typically year-round but can be limited by weather. Avoid swimming unless properly acclimatized.
CURRENCY0–CURRENCY20 (donation/parking/permits vary), 1h30m
Short drive to Rakshastal, the saline lake adjacent to Manasarovar with stark, beautiful landscapes and quieter shores — good for photography and reflection. No fixed opening hours.
Simple Tibetan/Chinese lunch at a guesthouse near the lake; expect communal dining with warm soups and local staples. Kitchens open around meal times—plan for basic but warm food.
Return drive to Darchen, check rest, and prepare for the Kailash kora (circumambulation) starting tomorrow. Rest well and layer clothing overnight — temperatures drop significantly after sunset.
Early start to reach the kora trailhead before the crowds and to make the most of daylight; many pilgrims begin very early. Dress warmly and carry headlamp, water, snacks, and waterproof layers.
Start the circumambulation on foot or partly by vehicle to the standard trail; the kora climbs gradually before the steep final ascent to the pass on Day 7. Today’s goal is to reach Dirapuk (or a nearby campsite/guesthouse) and rest — high-altitude trekking, plan 6–8 hours including stops.
Eat a packed lunch or stop at a small tea house for hot soup/tsampa. Many stops are available but offerings are basic and may close early; carry extra snacks.
Arrive at Dirapuk or nearest overnight location to rest before the high pass crossing tomorrow. Facilities are primitive: expect basic bedding and communal rooms.
CURRENCY0 (lodging included in tour cost), Overnight
Pre-dawn ascent to Dolma La (about 5,600 m). Crossing is steep and challenging but spiritually resonant for many pilgrims; expect 3–5 hours for the pass segment depending on fitness and weather. Begin very early to avoid afternoon winds and to allow descent in daylight.
Descend the far side to Zutulpuk and complete the kora back toward Darchen; time your descent carefully and keep warm — weather changes rapidly at altitude.
Return to Darchen for a hearty lunch and to rest after the kora; guesthouse kitchens can provide simple, warming meals. Plan to rest before beginning the return drive.
Begin the long drive back east toward Shigatse (or to the next planned stop such as Saga/Lhasa depending on your schedule). Expect 10–12 hours if returning all the way to Shigatse; many travelers stage the return over two days.
Arrive at your planned overnight town (likely Shigatse or a midway stop). Rest and recover; congratulate yourself for completing the kora and Manasarovar visit.