Welcome to Lhasa! Your guide will greet you at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the railway station and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is for rest and acclimatization to the high altitude. Your guide will give a detailed briefing about the 15-day journey ahead, check your equipment, and answer any questions. We recommend light walking, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding alcohol.

Morning visit to the magnificent Potala Palace, the 13-story UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,000 rooms filled with ancient murals, Buddhist relics, and stupas. In the afternoon, visit the sacred Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibet, housing the revered Jowo Shakyamuni statue. Walk the Barkhor kora circuit with pilgrims spinning prayer wheels.

Visit Drepung Monastery (8km west of Lhasa), once the world's largest monastery housing up to 10,000 monks. Climb through the whitewashed buildings to the Ganden Palace. In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery for the famous monks' debating session (3-5 PM) in the debating courtyard. Evening free for packing for the long journey west.

Depart Lhasa heading south. Cross the Karo La Pass (5,010m) with spectacular mountain views. Stop at the stunning turquoise Yamdrok Lake (4,441m), one of Tibet's three holy lakes. Continue past the Karola Glacier to Gyantse. Visit the magnificent Pelkor Chode Monastery and the 35-meter-high Kumbum Stupa with its 9 tiers and 77 chapels. Continue to Shigatse (3,900m).

Morning visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, the seat of the Panchen Lama, featuring the 26-meter-tall gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha. Then begin the long drive westward through the vast Tibetan plateau. Pass through Lhatse and follow the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley. The landscape becomes increasingly remote. Arrive in Saga (4,500m), the last major town before entering Ngari Prefecture.

Continue west through the remote and spectacular landscapes of Ngari. Cross the Mayum La Pass and enter the vast high-altitude plains dotted with nomadic yak herders' tents. Spot wild donkeys and Tibetan antelope. In the afternoon, catch your first glimpse of the sacred pyramid-shaped Mount Kailash (6,638m) rising from the plain. Arrive in Darchen (4,575m), gateway to the Kailash Kora.

Begin the sacred Kora (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash. From Darchen, walk to Tarboche, the site of the giant Saffron Flagpole, the tallest prayer flagpole in Tibet. The trail follows the Lha Chu River valley with excellent views of Kailash's south face. The walking is relatively gentle with gradual ascent. Arrive at Dira Puk Monastery (4,890m) late afternoon. Spectacular views of Kailash's north face.

The most challenging and spiritually significant day. Start early (around 5 AM). Ascend steeply to the Dolma La Pass (5,630m / 18,471ft), the highest point of the Kora. Thousands of prayer flags flutter at the pass. Offer a hada scarf. The views of Kailash's west face are breathtaking. Descend past the sacred Gauri Kund lake to Zutul Puk Monastery (4,790m). This is a physically demanding 8-10 hour day.

Complete the Kora by walking from Zutul Puk back to Darchen (about 3 hours). Congratulations! After lunch, transfer to the holy Lake Manasarovar (4,590m), the highest freshwater lake in the world. Take a ritual bath or simply soak in the spiritual atmosphere. Visit Chiu Monastery perched on a hilltop overlooking the lake.

A full day at the sacred lake. Options include driving the lake circuit (90km kora), visiting lakeside monasteries, hiking for panoramic views of Mount Kailash reflected in the pristine waters, or simply meditating by the shore. This day is designed for spiritual reflection and physical recovery after the challenging Kora.

Begin the return journey east across the Ngari plateau. The drive retraces the route through the high-altitude wilderness. Stop for photos of the vast landscapes, nomadic camps, and wildlife. Arrive in Saga late afternoon.

Continue east through the Tibetan heartland. The scenery changes from barren high plateau to greener river valleys. Arrive in Shigatse late afternoon. Check into a comfortable hotel with modern amenities. Hot shower and rest.

Drive back to Lhasa along the scenic Yarlung Tsangpo River valley. The journey takes 5-6 hours with photo stops. Arrive in Lhasa in the afternoon. Free evening Welcome to Lhasa! After arriving at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the railway station, your English-speaking guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle. The drive into the city takes approximately one hour, passing by the dramatic Tibetan landscape and the scenic Lhasa River valley. Upon arrival at your hotel, take it easy and allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Your guide will provide an orientation briefing about the days ahead and offer helpful tips for managing high-altitude travel.

A free day to enjoy Lhasa. Options include visiting the Tibet Museum, exploring Norbulingka Summer Palace, or simply relaxing at a traditional sweet tea house on Barkhor Street. Farewell dinner recommended.

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will transfer you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station according to your departure schedule, with plenty of time for check-in procedures. Bid farewell to the magnificent landscapes of Tibet. End of services. Tashi Delek! We hope this journey through the Roof of the World has left you with unforgettable memories of Tibet's majestic mountains, sacred monasteries, and warm-hearted people.