Tailored Travel
Tibet · The Center of the World
About This Journey
Over 10 days, from Lhasa, you head west into Ngari. You will stand beneath the red walls of the Potala Palace—the highest palace in the world—walk beside pilgrims on the Barkhor kora, and stop before the blue of Yamdrok Lake. You will reach the foot of Mount Kailash, the sacred peak revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and Bonpos as the center of the world. Over two days, you will walk 52 kilometers and cross the Drolma La Pass at 5,630 meters—not to conquer the mountain, but to meet your own limits. You will stand among the Zhada Earth Forest at sunset and read the mystery of a vanished kingdom in the ruins of Guge. This is not a sightseeing trip—it is a pilgrimage to the axis of the world.
Why This Journey
Stand before Mount Kailash, recognized by four major religions as the center of the world; a single circumambulation is said to wash away a lifetime of sins
Complete the 52-kilometer pilgrimage circuit—two days crossing the 5,630-meter Drolma La Pass, testing body and will
Pause before the blue of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's three great sacred lakes, its color shifting through blues and greens with the passing light
Stand in the ruins of the Guge Kingdom, a dynasty that vanished overnight, leaving only ruins on a yellow mountain top
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Lhasa, take it slow—at 3,650 meters your body needs time to adjust. Drink warm water, avoid showers, alcohol and strenuous activity.
In the morning, visit the Potala Palace at your reserved time—the world's highest ancient palace-fortress, its Red and White Palaces rising above Red Hill. Before entering, stop at the Yaowangshan viewing platform for the iconic 50-yuan-banknote view. The visit climbs 1,080 stone steps over 2–3 hours.
In the afternoon, enter Jokhang Temple, home of the life-sized Jowo Shakyamuni statue, then walk clockwise along Barkhor Street—the oldest pilgrim circuit in Lhasa, 1,300 years old. Late afternoon, share a wooden table with locals over sweet tea at the Old Guangming Gangqiong Tea House. Dinner near Barkhor or at the famous Makye Ame, then evening night views at Potala Palace Square.
Hotels
Lhasa
In the heart of Lhasa on Beijing Zhonglu by Potala Palace Square, with easy access to the Potala Palace, Tibet Museum and Jokhang Temple—rooms with free oxygen supply and smart amenities.
2 nights
Shigatse
Smart rooms with oxygen supply, just 3 minutes from Shigatse railway station and within easy reach of Tashilhunpo Monastery—ideal for exploring Tsang.
1 night
Saga
On Deji Road in Saga County, offering a restaurant, elevator, self-service laundry, free parking, free oxygen and free hot water—the key supply stop before Ngari.
2 nights
Darchen
In Tarchen at the foot of Mount Kailash, with 24-hour oxygen supply, floor heating, zero-pressure mattresses and smart room amenities—an ideal base for preparing and recovering from the kora.
3 nights
Zhada
Spacious, clean rooms with reliable oxygen supply, a rich breakfast and friendly front desk—a comfortable base for exploring the Earth Forest and the Guge ruins.
1 night
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What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- 9 nights' accommodation with daily breakfast included
- English-speaking guide for 10 days
- Local transportation throughout the itinerary
- Private chauffeur service to/from airport or railway station at the start and end of your trip
- Travel insurance for 10 days
- 24/7 online travel assistance throughout the trip
What's Excluded
- All admission fees and activity costs not explicitly included in the itinerary
- Any optional, recommended, or self-funded items listed in the itinerary
- All meals, snacks, and beverages
- Gratuities for driver and guide (at guest's discretion)
- Personal expenses, including shopping, souvenirs, and other items of a personal nature
Booking & Payment
How do I book this tour?
Ready to start your China journey? Click "Start Your Journey" in the upper right corner to fill out the inquiry form, or send an email to hello@localechina.com and include your travel preferences. One of our travel designers will get in touch with you promptly to craft a one-of-a-kind itinerary, tailored just for you.
What is the payment schedule?
A. Deposit: To begin reserving your arrangements, we ask for a deposit of 30% of the total trip cost per person. Don't worry, this deposit goes directly toward your trip and will be deducted from your final payment.
B. Full payment: Final payment for your trip is due 30 days before departure. If you book within 30 days of your travel date, full payment will be required at the time of booking. We accept credit card, international bank transfer, WeChat, and Alipay.
What is your cancellation policy?
See our full booking conditions here.
Why LocaleChina
Because great journeys are built on local knowledge. Unlike large international operators, we're based right here in China — meaning faster response, deeper connections, and authentic experiences you can't book online.
- Insider access · Skip-the-line VIP entry, hidden viewpoints, and private cultural encounters
- Full service, no hidden costs · Private GL8 transport, expert guides, and hand-picked accommodations — all arranged
- Real-time support · 24/7 local assistance before and during your trip