Mi Adventures'23

Upon arrival in Chengdu International Airport (CTU), private transfer will be organized to your hotel.

We will take a flight from Chengdu to Lhasa. This will be acclimatization day. Local representative will meet you and have a full pre-climb briefing. Take it easy, sip a cup of tea/ coffee & explore the city but not too much ☺

Explore the rich Tibetan history, art, and religious traditions at some of Lhasa’s most iconic landmarks, all set against the stunning Himalayan backdrop. First, we visit Norbulingka Palace, also known as the "Jewel Park," a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama. The palace is renowned for its beautiful gardens and historical importance. Next, we head to the Potala Palace, the iconic red-and-white structure that once served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, offering breathtaking views and housing an impressive collection of Tibetan art and culture. We will also visit Sera Monastery, famous for its lively monk debates, providing a fascinating insight into Tibetan Buddhist practices and philosophy. Additionally, if time permits, we can visit the Jokhang Temple, a revered pilgrimage site and often considered the spiritual heart of Lhasa.

The journey from Lhasa to Shigatse offers incredible views of Tibet's diverse landscapes. A highlight along the route is Yamdrok Tso Lake, one of Tibet's three sacred lakes, known for its stunning turquoise waters nestled amidst snow-capped mountains. The drive passes through high-altitude mountain passes, such as Kamba La 15,728 ft (4,794 m), offering panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding peaks.

The historical town of Gyantse provides a stop to visit the Gyantse Kumbum, a unique stupa filled with beautifully painted chapels that reflect Tibetan Buddhism. Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city, is home to the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama, and offers an enriching cultural experience. The journey combines natural beauty, religious significance, and cultural heritage, making it an unforgettable part of the Tibetan adventure.

The journey from Shigatse to Shegar, also known as New Tingri, is a scenic drive through the Tibetan Plateau. Situated at an altitude of 14,271 ft (4,350 m), Shegar serves as the gateway to Everest Base Camp. The route offers captivating views of rolling grasslands, dramatic mountain passes, and traditional Tibetan villages. Along the way, you’ll encounter the Gyatso La Pass, standing at 17,125 ft (5,220 m), which provides breathtaking panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks. This section of the journey highlights the stark yet stunning beauty of Tibet's rugged landscapes.

Shegar, though small, is an important stop for travelers enroute to Mount Everest. The town is surrounded by the towering Himalayas and offers accommodations suited for acclimatization to high altitudes. Nearby attractions include the ruins of Shegar Dzong (Shegar Fortress), a historical site perched on a hill, offering a glimpse into Tibet's rich cultural heritage. The area is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a perfect stop to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of the region before advancing toward Everest Base Camp.

Traveling from New Tingri to Rongbuk is a captivating journey through some of Tibet's most breathtaking landscapes. The journey from New Tingri to Rongbuk takes travelers along a rugged and often winding road. The route provides unparalleled vistas of the towering peaks, including Mount Everest, which becomes increasingly visible as you approach Rongbuk, the highest monastery in the world.

Rongbuk is situated at an elevation of around 16,400 ft (5,000 m), making it the highest monastery in Tibet and one of the most unique destinations for travelers in search of awe-inspiring views. The monastery, founded in the early 20th century, has long been a pilgrimage site for Buddhists, but it also serves as a base camp for those attempting to summit Mount Everest. From Rongbuk, visitors can trek closer to Everest's northern base camp, gaining a closer view of the world's tallest peak. The region is also known for its unique and harsh environment, where the air is thin, and temperatures can plummet, making it an unforgettable, albeit challenging, travel experience. The road from New Tingri to Rongbuk offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural significance, and a sense of adventure that attracts travelers seeking to experience the heart of the Himalayas.

Traveling from Rongbuk to Everest Base Camp (EBC) and onward to Saga is an adventurous journey through the heart of the Tibetan plateau, offering stunning landscapes and a glimpse of Tibet's remote beauty. From Rongbuk, visit the north side of Everest Base Camp, located at an altitude of approximately 5,150 meters (16,900 feet). This route offers close-up views of Mount Everest’s northern face, and travelers often experience the profound silence of the Tibetan plateau, with the majestic peak towering in the distance. EBC itself is a starting point for climbers attempting to summit Mount Everest from the northern route, but for most visitors, it’s a place for sightseeing, photography, and reflection on the awe-inspiring natural beauty.

After spending time at EBC, travelers continue on the journey to Saga. This is a long but scenic drive takes you through the rugged and remote regions of western Tibet. Saga, situated at an elevation of 4,640 meters (15,223 feet), is a small town that serves as an important rest stop for travelers on their way to other destinations like Lake Manasarovar or the Mount Kailash area. The route from EBC to Saga passes through diverse landscapes, including wide valleys, desert-like plains, and rolling hills, offering striking views of the Tibetan Plateau’s unique geography.

The journey from Saga to Darchen takes travelers through the awe-inspiring landscapes of western Tibet. Darchen, situated at an altitude of 15,321 ft (4,670m), serves as the starting point for the pilgrimage circuit around Mount Kailash. The road winds through barren plains, rugged mountains, and small Tibetan villages, offering stunning views of the Tibetan Plateau. Along the way, travelers may pass by ancient monasteries and lakes, further enriching the cultural and spiritual significance of the route.

Darchen itself is a small town, primarily known for its role as a base for those embarking on the Kora, the circumambulation of Mount Kailash. As one of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism, the region attracts pilgrims from across the world, many of whom travel long distances to complete the spiritual trek around the mountain. The area's high-altitude environment and stunning natural beauty make the journey from Saga to Darchen an unforgettable experience for adventurers and spiritual seekers alike.

This is a long but spiritually enriching day as we depart early in the morning for Lake Manasarovar. Our journey takes us to the banks of this sacred lake, where we will spend the night near Chu Gompa. Lake Manasarovar is considered one of the holiest lakes in Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism, believed to have been created by Lord Brahma as a reflection of his soul.

Historically, Lake Manasarovar was surrounded by eight monasteries, each adding to its spiritual significance. The lake is revered by pilgrims, believing it will purify their souls. The breathtaking landscape, with the shimmering waters of the lake and the towering presence of Mount Kailash in the background, makes this place a truly awe-inspiring destination for spiritual seekers.

After breakfast, we begin our trek from Yam Dwar, the starting point of the sacred Kailash Parikrama (Kora). You can see south face of Mt. Kailash from Yam Dwar. Here, we meet our porters and yaks, who will assist in carrying your duffle bags for the trek. Once everything is organized, we set out towards Damding, stopping for lunch at Donkhang, located at an altitude of 16,044 ft (4,890 m), after approximately three hours of trekking. This leg of the parikrama offers breathtaking views of Mount Kailash’s majestic west face, leaving trekkers in awe of its grandeur.

After lunch, we continue along the Lha Chu River, with Mount Kailash’s striking North face gradually coming into view. Along the way, we pass several guesthouses and the Diraphuk Gompa on the opposite bank of the river. By evening, we are treated to spectacular, close-up views of Kailash’s north face, visible from our guesthouse or campsite. The three smaller hills at the base of the mountain are named after Buddhist deities—Manjushree, Avalokitesvara, and Vajrapani—representing wisdom, compassion, and strength. We conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the guesthouse in Diraphuk.

After an early breakfast, we set out from Diraphuk to begin the day’s trek. Crossing the Lha Chu River on a wooden bridge, the Kora route takes us on a challenging ascent over a moraine before merging with the trail from the east bank. The path gradually levels out, leading to a meadow at an altitude of 17,096 ft (5,212 m), where marmots are often spotted. Continuing onward, we reach Shiva-sthal at 17,488 ft (5,330 m), a sacred site where Tibetan pilgrims leave offerings such as a piece of clothing or a drop of blood, symbolizing the shedding of their past life.

The trail ascends further to a series of rock cairns, culminating at a prominent cairn at 17,685 ft (5,390 m). Beyond this point, we navigate a boulder field before climbing through large rocks to a small stream at the base of Dolma La. A steep ascent then takes us to the high pass at 18,472 ft (5,630 m), marked by a boulder adorned with colorful prayer flags, symbolizing the Goddess Dolma. From the pass, we begin a steep and rocky descent, winding through switchbacks past Gauri Kund. Further descents lead us to the campsite for the night, located by the Lham Chhukhir River at 16,897 ft (5,150 m), where we enjoy dinner and rest in Zutulphuk.

At Zutulphuk Gompa 15,716 ft (4,790 m), there is a cave where the renowned Tibetan saint Milarepa is believed to have meditated. According to legend, Milarepa adjusted the cave’s height with his foot to make it more comfortable, and his footprint can still be seen on the roof. From here, the trek continues along the Jhong Chu River, crossing a bridge before descending to 4,610 meters, where we reach the last prostration point, Chaksal Gang. This spot offers great views of Lake Manasarovar, though Mount Kailash remains hidden from view.

At this point, vehicles can access the trailhead, but those wishing to complete the full Parikrama can continue trekking for another hour through Mani walls and carved yak skulls, eventually returning to Darchen, the starting point of the trek. Once back in Darchen, we board our waiting vehicles and drive to Lake Manasarovar for lunch. Afterward, we drive towards Saga.

It's going to be a long day and drive. From Saga, we begin our journey towards Kerung, a border town situated at an altitude of 8,858 ft (2,700 m). Kerung is an important stop on the way to Nepal, as it marks the entry point for travelers crossing from Tibet into Nepal.

From Kerung, we continue our drive to Timure, located near the Nepalese border. Timure is a small village, often used as a transit point for travelers heading towards Kathmandu. After completing the border formalities, we drive to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, which is approximately 125 kilometers (78 miles) away. The journey offers scenic views of the lower Himalayan foothills, marking a significant change in landscape as we descend towards the vibrant city of Kathmandu

After breakfast, we visit the famous Pashupatinath Temple in the heart of Kathmandu, for a darshan. Later in the evening you can walk through the small lanes and by-lanes of Thamel. You get a fair idea of the nature of this crazy city where the adventure seekers, travelers, trekkers, tourists, political activists are juxtaposed against the grace of an old Nepal.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport, ensuring arrival at least three hours before your scheduled departure.