Imperial Capitals & Modern Marvels: China's Golden Triangle
Journey Through Tibet's Holiest Sites
Overview
This transformative 20-day pilgrimage takes you through Tibet's most sacred landscapes and spiritual centers, combining profound cultural immersion with breathtaking natural wonders. From Lhasa's iconic monasteries to the sacred Mount Kailash kora, this journey offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Tibetan Buddhism in its most authentic settings.
Detailed Itinerary
Section 1: Lhasa Spiritual Immersion (Days 1-3)
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa
- Arrive at Lhasa Airport (3,650 meters elevation)
- Transfer to downtown hotel
- Rest and acclimatize to high altitude
- Accommodation: Taehf Phodrag Tibet Culture Theme Hotel
Day 2: Lhasa Cultural Exploration
- Morning: Visit Tibet Museum
- Afternoon: Explore Sera Monastery (witness monk debates)
- Visit Norbulingka Park (summer palace)
- Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Lhasa's Sacred Heart
- Morning: Comprehensive tour of Potala Palace
- Afternoon: Visit Jokhang Temple (Tibetan Buddhism's holiest site)
- Explore Barkhor Street pilgrimage circuit
- Visit local nunnery
- Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Section 2: Journey to Western Tibet (Days 4-7)
Day 4: Lhasa to Shigatse
- Scenic drive to Shigatse
- Stop at Yamdrok Yumtso Lake (one of Tibet's three great holy lakes)
- Check into Shigatse hotel
- Accommodation: Gasar Hotel - VIP Building
Day 5: Shigatse to Saga
- Travel along Brahmaputra River to Lhatse
- Continue to Saga
- Experience local accommodation
- Accommodation: Tent or Local Guest House
Day 6: Saga to Paryang
- Journey through dramatic plateau landscapes
- View snow-capped peaks and high-altitude scenery
- Accommodation: Tent or Local Guest House
Day 7: Paryang to Manasarovar Lake to Tarchen
- Visit sacred Lake Manasarovar (invincible jade lake)
- Witness pilgrims performing ritual baths
- Continue to Tarchen at base of Mount Kailash
- Accommodation: Tent or Local Guest House
Section 3: Mount Kailash Pilgrimage (Days 8-11)
Day 8: Begin Mount Kailash Kora
- Start three-day circumambulation of sacred Mount Kailash
- Learn about spiritual significance (atonement of sins)
- Experience pyramid-shaped mountain's powerful presence
- Accommodation: Tent or Local Guest House
Day 9: Continue Kailash Kora
- Second day of pilgrimage circuit around mountain
- Deepen spiritual connection through walking meditation
- Accommodation: Tent or Local Guest House
Day 10: Complete Kailash Kora
- Final day of Mount Kailash circumambulation
- Return to Tarchen with completed pilgrimage
- Accommodation: Tent or Local Guest House
Day 11: Tarchen to Tsada
- Transfer to Tsada region
- Rest and recover from kora journey
- Accommodation: Tent or Local Guest House
Section 4: Ancient Kingdoms & Western Tibet (Days 12-16)
Day 12: Tsada Exploration
- Visit Tsada Earth Forest (unique wind-eroded landscape)
- Explore Ruins of Guge Kingdom (historical site with statues/murals)
- Discover Tholing Monastery (blend of Indian, Nepalese, Tibetan architecture)
- Accommodation: Tent or Local Guest House
Day 13: Tsada to Seng Ge Tsangpo
- Travel to Shiquanhe (Seng Ge Tsangpo)
- Check into hotel accommodation
- Accommodation: Shiquanhe Hotel
Day 14: Palgon Lake & Bird Island
- Visit sacred Palgon Lake (rift valley lake)
- Explore Bird Island with nesting grounds
- Return to Shiquanhe
- Accommodation: Shiquanhe Hotel
Day 15: Seng Ge Tsangpo to Gertse
- Journey to Gertse through vast highlands
- Wildlife spotting opportunities
- Accommodation: Tent or Local Guest House
Day 16: Gertse to 22 Highway Maintenance Squad
- Travel via Tsochen to highway maintenance station
- Experience remote Tibetan landscape
- Accommodation: Tent
Section 5: Return Journey & Final Blessings (Days 17-20)
Day 17: Return to Shigatse
- Travel back to Shigatse via Lhatse
- Check into comfortable hotel
- Accommodation: Gasar Hotel - VIP Building
Day 18: Shigatse Spiritual Sites
- Visit Tashilunpo Monastery (seat of Panchen Lama)
- Explore New Palace of Panchen (summer palace)
- Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Day 19: Shigatse to Lhasa
- Return journey to Lhasa
- Final night in Tibetan capital
- Accommodation: Taehf Phodrag Tibet Culture Theme Hotel
Day 20: Departure from Lhasa
- Transfer to Lhasa Airport
- Conclude 20-day Tibetan pilgrimage journey
- Meal: Western buffet breakfast
This profound pilgrimage combines physical challenge with spiritual renewal, taking you to Tibet's most sacred sites while providing deep insight into Buddhist traditions and Himalayan culture.