Tibet, from Lhasa to Kailash and Kingdom of Guge, Special Saga Dawa
In the vastness of Tibet, from the monasteries of Lhasa to the sacred Mount Kailash, to witness the Saga Dawa festival.
Duration
18 days
From
€3,990/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Solo, Couple, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
Welcome to Tibet, a spiritual land that invites us to discover in depth the richness of Buddhist culture. Perched on the Himalayan high plateaus, this fascinating territory preserves ancestral traditions that few travelers have the chance to observe up close.
This 18-day circuit offers you the opportunity to explore Lhassa, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Tibet, where the Potala Palace dominates the city with its majestic presence. You will also discover the emblematic monasteries that have punctuated Tibetan religious life for centuries.
The highlight of this journey, you will attend the Saga Dawa festival, one of the most important events on the Tibetan calendar, which brings together thousands of pilgrims from across the country every year. The festival notably attracts many devotees to Mount Kailash, a sacred mountain for several religious traditions, where you will witness the ceremony of raising the prayer flag pole at Tarboche, a powerful moment filled with fervor.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Chengdu – Lhassa (1h30 transfer – 3500 m)
Lhassa (3700 m)
We treat ourselves to a beautiful excursion to the Drepung Monastery built at the foot of the mountain outside Lhasa. This site was once the largest Buddhist monastery in the world. It still offers extremely demanding Buddhist teachings.
We spend the afternoon visiting Sera Monastic University. It suffered significant destruction during the Chinese invasion of Tibet, but was rebuilt during the Cultural Revolution and has not lost its monastic function, still welcoming a large number of monks and pilgrims.
Lhassa (3700 m)
This day takes us to discover Lhassa. This morning we visit the famous Potala Palace and begin a pilgrimage walk (kora) around the palace in the company of Tibetan pilgrims. The Potala stands at the center of Lhassa on Marpori Hill. A true jewel of Tibetan Buddhism, it is both the religious and administrative fortress of Tibet.
We continue our visits with the Norbulingka, in other words the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas. Listed on the Unesco World Heritage list, this palace contains great cultural wealth and magnificent gardens.
Lhassa – Gyantsé (3950 m)
After breakfast, we head to Gyantsé. Along the way we pass by the magnificent Yamdrok Lake, one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains reflected in its turquoise blue waters, the high-altitude lake extends over 638 km².
We arrive in Gyantsé in late afternoon. We take advantage of the last light of the day to climb to the Gyantsé fort and enjoy the superb view over the valley and city. The Dzong of Gyantsé holds many secrets of history concerning the Tibetan-British conflict and the British invasion in 1904.
Gyantsé –Shigatsé (3800 m)
This morning, we set off to visit the Pelkor monastery, and the old town of Gyantsé. The Pelkor Monastery is known throughout the country for its involvement in the history of Tibetan Buddhism but also for its imposing Kumbum.
We head back on the road to Shigatsé. Along the way we stop to discover a Tsampa factory. We also stop for a short visit to the charming village of Shalu and its monastery, dating from the 11th century. This temple benefited from restoration work in the 15th century with the support of the Mongol empire. It stands out from other Tibetan sanctuaries with its roof of Chinese influence featuring yellow and green tiles.
Shigatse (3800 m)
We stroll through the market of Shigatsé before visiting the Tashilunbo Monastery which was the residence of successive Panchen Lamas. Built by the 1st Dalai Lama in the 15th century, this building houses the largest bronze statue in the world, designed in 1904 for the Buddha of the future Maitreya.
We have lunch at the monastery kora. We take a 1-hour walk and enjoy a small tour of the market.
In the late afternoon, we head to the Summer Palace of the Panchen Lamas.
Shigatse – Sakya – Everest Base Camp (5200 m)
This morning, we are heading to Sakya. This city is home to a monastery built in 1073 that represents the seat of one of the four great schools of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Sakyapa school. We are amazed by the medieval Mongol architecture that differs from that of the sanctuaries of Lhassa.
Subsequently, we discover the Rongbuk monastery by taking a beautiful road known as one of the highest in the world with an average altitude of 5000 m and passages exceeding 5200 m.
Sakya (3800M) → Camp de base de l'Everest
We take a shuttle to Rongbuk to settle into a simple-comfort guesthouse.
We visit Rongphu monastery before moving on to Dza Rongphu.
We explore the world's highest temple with an impressive panorama of Everest (more specifically the north face, visible only from Chine). This building stands out for its modest structure, endowed with an authentic charm.
If the monk is available, we explore the Guru Rimpoche cave.
Everest Base Camp – Peiku Lake – Saga (3800 m)
Camp de base de l'Everest → Saga
We wake up early to admire the sunrise over Everest.
We make an 8-hour journey along the north slope of the Himalayan range, which allows us to observe breathtaking landscapes. We cross vast spaces where we can encounter antelopes, kyangs and birds. We also find villages and tents of Tibetan nomads with their huge herds of yaks and sheep.
Passage between Pelku Lake and the Shishapangma Range where we catch a glimpse of Everest and Cho Oyu pointing towards the sky.
Saga – Purang (4600 m)
In the morning, we take the road towards the Lake Manasarovar to reach the Mount Kailash, the sacred mountain of Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and many other religions.
We then visit the Shepeling monastery and the Gokung caves.
Purang – Manasarovar – Darchen (4600 m)
We visit the Darchula bazaar in Purang. Then we take the road to Khojarnath which is located 21 km south. We visit the splendid Korjak monastery. Lunch, then road to Manasarovar Lake. We treat ourselves to a getaway along the lake.
Discovery of Chiu monastery majestically situated on the rocky hill.
Late in the afternoon, we take a walk along the shores of the lake. We admire the sunset there with the peaks of the Mont Kailash to the northwest and Gurla Mandata to the south.
We return to Darchen to spend the night at the Himalaya Hotel 3*.
Darchen – Kailash – Darchen "SAGA DAWA" (4600 m)
We start the half-day hike from the West due to the circumambulation of the Buddhists.
We go on a walk to visit the Chuku monastery which is perched on the cliff, before returning to Darchen. Many Tibetan pilgrims participate in the animation of the great Saga Dawa festival.
Darchen – Tithapuri – Tholing (3700 m)
We take the road towards Tirthapuri to visit the temple.
Passing by the Gurugyam temple which is hanging from the cliff.
Tholing – Tsaparang – Tholing
This morning, we discover the Tholing Monastery.
We then head towards Tsaparang to explore its immense fortress perched on a pyramidal rock featuring tunnels and caves carved inside. This city represents the former capital of the Guge Kingdom and an archaeological site of interest within the khyunglung valley, in the western Tibetan desert. We find remarkable Buddhist frescoes there, which testify to the brilliant civilization of the Guge Kingdom. The latter constitutes a source of the Buddhist renaissance in the region.
Tholing – Dungkar – Ali (4600 m)
Then we take the road towards Ali. Arrival at the end of the day.
This morning, we set out to discover Dungkar and Piyang. We also visit the great Buddhist caves of Tibet and admire sumptuous cave temples decorated with 11th century paintings.
On the way back, we visit the caves with famous mandalas dating back to the same period.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Chinese visa fees (€160 per person)
- Tips for guides and drivers (€70 per person for the entire stay)
- Travel insurance, complementary activities, personal expenses
- Single room supplement of €560
Included
- The hotels mentioned with breakfast every day
- All meals and two bottles of water per day
- Domestic and International Flights with Air China
- English-speaking Tibetan quality guide throughout the trip
- All transport in private minibus
- The entry permit for Tibet
- Entrance tickets for all visits and activities
- Payment by bank card in France, to benefit from your travel insurance offered
- Guarantees of our French travel agency (professional insurance, guarantee of deposited funds)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to China for tourism purposes. Since entry rules may change, we recommend verifying information with official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter China, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
China has extended its unilateral visa exemption program to numerous countries. Nationals of most European Economic Area countries, as well as Switzerland, benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays. Canadian nationals are also eligible for this exemption following the recent expansion of the program.
Currently, this exemption allows a stay of up to 15 days upon entry to the territory, for transit or tourism purposes. The exact duration and conditions may vary depending on nationality; it is advisable to verify the provisions applicable to your passport before departure.
Authorities may also request:
an outbound ticket (return or onward flight),
proof of accommodation booking for the duration of your stay,
proof of sufficient financial resources.
Tourist visa (type L)
For travelers not eligible for visa exemption, or wishing to stay for a longer period, you must obtain a type L tourist visa from the competent Chinese embassy or consulate before departure.
The application file generally includes:
the completed visa application form,
a recent identity photograph meeting requirements,
the valid original passport,
proof of flight and accommodation booking,
any document evidencing sufficient financial resources.
Processing times may vary; it is recommended to submit your application several weeks before departure.
Entry registration card
Upon arrival in Chinese territory, foreign travelers must complete an entry registration card provided on board the aircraft or available at border posts. This document must be presented to immigration services when passing through passport control.
Furthermore, any foreigner staying in China must register with local authorities within 24 hours of arrival:
at a hotel, registration is completed automatically by the establishment,
if staying with a private individual, the traveler must visit the local police station to complete this registration.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccines are mandatory to enter China for travelers from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. However, certain vaccinations are recommended depending on the regions visited and length of stay:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
Japanese encephalitis (for stays in rural areas),
rabies (for extended or adventure stays).
It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should inquire at the Chinese embassy or consulate of their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
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Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the detailed policy outlining all coverage and claims procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
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Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Visitors benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays, provided they hold a valid passport for at least 6 months after entry. Beyond exemption periods, a standard tourist visa can be obtained from the consulate. Conditions change regularly: check with your country's consular authorities for the rules applicable to your nationality before departure.
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You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 160 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Chinese high-speed trains are an experience in their own right.
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Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to suit our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Tibet-Himalaya
Explorer of a Plural China, based in Yunnan
China impresses with its vastness, but it's often the details that leave the deepest mark: a forgotten village, an encounter, a market, a light over the mountains of Yunnan.
— Paul
