Focus on Kailash: A Short Path to 13 Blessings
June 22 – July 05, 2026
Arrival in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Meeting of participants, transfer to the hotel for rest and acclimatization. Lhasa's altitude is 3,650 meters above sea level. Therefore, we will spend the next few days in the city, sightseeing in a relaxed mode. We need to gain strength for the kora (pilgrimage) around the sacred Mount Kailash, which is why we have all gathered here.
Night in Lhasa at Saikhang hotel 4*
Over the next few days, we will follow in the footsteps of pilgrims: feel reverence in the Potala Palace, touch ancient energy in the Jokhang Temple, and explore majestic monasteries. Each day will be filled with discoveries and inner work. We will start the day with the practice of prostrations at the main temple of Lhasa, Jokhang, together with local residents. We will tell you about the meaning of this practice and provide instructions. You will be able to feel like a part of this city and hear its heartbeat.
Today we will visit the Potala Palace, the symbol of Tibet. The Potala Palace was the main residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The height of the palace is 113.7 meters with thirteen floors.
Lhasa — the historical capital of Tibet — is located in a picturesque river valley. The gorge that narrows the road to Lhasa gradually opens up, and the appearing valley is filled with a row of white-walled houses, and around the bend, a majestic structure rises on a hill above the city — the Potala Palace. This site is among the most majestic temples of Tibet, interesting from the perspective of pilgrimage and esoteric tourism, and is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The second place to visit today is the Jokhang Monastery. Jokhang (House of Buddha) is the first Buddhist temple in Tibet and a landmark of the country. The construction of the city of Lhasa began precisely at this site and with this monastery in the 7th century. The temple remains one of the most sacred places for Tibetans. They perform regular prostrations here and walk the kora around Jokhang every day, in which we will also certainly join them. We will look inside the monastery itself and perform a ritual kora.
Visiting Jokhang is not a tour, but an immersion in the sacred rhythm of Tibet, essential for understanding its soul and faith.
Night in Lhasa at Saikhang hotel 4*
For today, we have planned a visit to the mystical cave city of Drak Yerpa. The cave complex consists of about 80 meditation caves and is located 35 km from Lhasa, at an altitude of 4,885 meters above sea level. It also houses the Drak Yerpa Monastery, founded in the 12th century.
It was here that the most famous teachers of Tibet — Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and Atisha, as well as the King of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo — spent years in meditation. The cave complex was completely destroyed and remained empty for a long time. Monks have only recently begun to return here. There is something good in this – since not many tourists have set foot here over the years, the energy in the caves has remained very powerful.
We will walk, meditate, and be able to purchase souvenirs made by the hands of monks and blessed in the monastery. Such a half-day walk at a high altitude and a night at 3,600m are good tools for adaptation.
However, in the afternoon, a short evening service awaits us at the "Oracle" monastery, Nechung, in the suburbs of Lhasa. Small but incredibly significant, Nechung is the home of the famous state oracle of Tibet. Here, in a state of trance, the oracle gave advice to the Dalai Lamas.
The atmosphere here is particularly mystical and intense: bright, almost frightening murals of the protectors of the teachings, dark altars, and a sense of the presence of unseen forces. Visiting Nechung is an immersion into the esoteric heart of Tibetan Buddhism, a world of rituals and prophecies.
Night in Lhasa at Saikhang hotel 4*
Today we depart from Lhasa and head to the city of Shigatse.
On the way, we will stop at the Pelkor Chode Monastery – the spiritual center of Gyantse, an amazing monastery that holds many secrets. The hallmark of Gyantse is the multi-colored Kumbum Stupa ("thousand" – 1,000 images of Buddhas, deities, and bodhisattvas). It is cosmology frozen in stone, a nine-story mandala rising 32 meters toward the sky.
It is not a simple structure, but an architectural embodiment of the spiritual path. Each of the nine levels, topped with a golden finial, symbolizes the stages of enlightenment, and its architecture, weaving Nepalese elegance with Tibetan power, embodies the harmony of the universe's primary elements. At the top, an entrance to Shambhala awaits you.
Total travel time: about 7 hours without stops.
Upon arrival, we will invite you to a very good spa.
Night in Shigatse at Schery hotel 4*
In the morning, we will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, located in Shigatse. It is considered one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Tibet, which, moreover, remains fully functional to this day, serving as the residence of the Panchen Lama.
The Panchen Lama is traditionally the mentor of the Dalai Lama and an emanation of Buddha Amitabha, holding the second most significant position in the hierarchy of the Gelug school after the Dalai Lama. Panchen Lamas search for the reincarnations of Dalai Lamas and vice versa. Furthermore, the Panchen Lama is vested with the power of state management if the Dalai Lama is still too young for it.
Tashilhunpo Monastery was built in 1447 on a hill; it was founded by Gendun Drup, a disciple of the great master Tsongkhapa (recognized after his death as the First Dalai Lama), with funds from patrons. One of the main attractions of the monastery is the burial stupas containing the remains of the First Dalai Lama and several Panchen Lamas. Here stands the golden eleven-meter stupa of the Fourth Panchen Lama, built in 1666. The stupa is made of pure gold and decorated with precious stones. The magnificent stupa of the Tenth Panchen Lama is also kept here. It took 614 kg of gold, 868 precious stones, and over 246,000 semi-precious stones to craft the stupa.
There is also a small cell of Green Tara here, where we will conduct a group meditation.
Night in Saga at Western Inn Sheli hotel 4*
After breakfast, we depart toward Lake Manasarovar (with a view of Kailash).
According to Tibetan legends, Lake Manasarovar is the gateway of spirits that connects our physical world with the otherworldly world. This lake is round and symbolizes the forces of light. The Indian epic Ramayana mentions Lake Manasarovar. Hindus are certain that Manasarovar is the soul of the god Brahma. It is believed that Shiva and his wife Parvati bathed here. Another legend says that Lake Manasarovar was the first earthly creation that Brahma created in his mind.
Buddhists believe that Manasarovar is the legendary lake where the gods took Buddha after his birth to wash him. Every day, thousands of believers strive to visit the waters of Manasarovar. It is an integral part of the sacred Mount Kailash.
We will also visit the Chiu Gompa monastery. We will ask for a blessing for the kora. Chiu is a very significant shrine for followers of Buddhism. A life-sized sculpture of Buddha Chomdente is kept here.
According to legend, Guru Rinpoche — the founder of Buddhism in Tibet — spent the last seven days of his life here. It is believed that it was he who taught Tibetans the mystery of meditation and the art of enlightenment.
Night in Darchen village at Himalaya hotel 4*
Today we continue our journey to the picturesque Garuda Valley and the Kingdom of Guge. We will stop by the Gurgyam Monastery and visit the ancient city of Tsaparang.
Garuda Valley is a powerfully energetic valley located near Mount Kailash. Its name is associated with the mythical creature Garuda, the king of birds in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. The fantastic landscape here simply makes you believe that time travel is nothing but reality. It is here, according to legend, in the capital of the first Shangshung civilization in Tibet, that the ancient Bon religion was born. For followers of Bon, this valley is no less, and perhaps even more sacred, than Kailash itself.
Gurgyam consists of the ruins of an ancient castle and fort located in a side valley near Kailash. Mostly foundations and wall fragments remain of the structure, but its location on a hill and its shape are impressive. Many local legends are associated with it. It is believed to have been the castle of the ancient Kingdom of Shangshung, which dominated the region before the arrival of the Tibetans and was the center of the Bon religion. Overall, Gurgyam is a reminder of the powerful civilization that existed at the foot of Kailash hundreds of years before the emergence of major Tibetan monasteries. This place is particularly interesting for historians and enthusiasts trying to unravel the mysteries of the history of Tibet and the Kingdom of Shangshung.
Tsaparang is the "Machu Picchu" of Tibet. Abandoned, hard to reach, and steeped in history, it offers the traveler not architectural splendor, but grandiose ruins, stunning panoramas, and a sense of touching a lost civilization that once flourished in the harsh lands of Western Tibet.
Tsaparang was not just a palace, but an entire city carved inside and on top of a massive rock. It included a royal palace, temples, residential quarters, monastic cells, and a complex system of passageways and staircases connecting the multi-level structures. Unique frescoes preserved in its cave temples represent an incredible blend of Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan styles, demonstrating the highest level of art of the Guge Kingdom. Unfortunately, many of them are badly damaged.
Night in Zanda city. Best local 3 hotel*
The Kingdom of Guge, which existed in the 10th-17th centuries in the Sutlej River valley, was a powerful center of Tibetan culture and the revival of Buddhism after the collapse of the empire, famous for its cave cities, majestic monasteries (like the ruins in Tsaparang), and its role in spreading teachings. Its tragic end came in 1630 when it was conquered by the army of Ladakh and the king was taken prisoner, leaving behind only impressive ruins of palaces and temples carved into the rocks against the backdrop of the harsh landscapes of the high-altitude desert.
Zanda Valley is truly a place for real explorers and lovers of wild, untouched nature. It offers a sense of the real end of the earth and silence, as well as a chance to see traces of ancient nomads preserved on the stones.
Here we will visit the Tholing Monastery — one of the most important monasteries in the history of Tibet, founded in 996 by King Yeshe-O of the Guge Kingdom. This place is the true cradle of Tibetan Buddhism and an architectural gem. The frescoes of Tholing, although damaged, are considered some of the most valuable and unique in Tibet.
Tsanda Canyon is a grandiose natural phenomenon surrounding the city of Tsanda and the ruins of Guge. It is not just one canyon, but a vast territory of whimsical erosion formations and a natural fortress. It was in these soft rocks that countless caves were easily hollowed out, in which the people of ancient Guge lived. This is a place of stunning natural beauty that transports you to another planet.
The Petrified Forest (3 million years old) in Tsanda is living proof of ancient life: Fossilized tree trunks, estimated to be 2-3 million years old, prove that thick forests once grew in place of the current high-altitude deserts and canyons under warm and humid climate conditions. A trip here is an amazing journey not only into human history but also into the deep geological past, inevitably making one think about global climate change.
Night in Zanda city. Best local 3 hotel*
A visit to this place is ideal for travelers seeking authentic Tibet, far from the main tourist routes, and wishing to touch ancient history and untouched spirituality.
What we will see:
Phyang Monastery (Piyang Gompa): A unique fortress-monastery founded in the 2nd century! It is a rare example of the Drikung Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery seems to grow out of the rock, and its white walls, golden roofs, and ancient frescoes create a sense of time travel.
Piyang Caves: We will explore the numerous caves that riddle the rocks in these parts. Although many of them are empty, the ruins of the monastery and two caves with beautiful wall paintings are especially worth a visit. One of the oldest buildings in Piyang is the Karsak-Lhakhang temple, dating back to the 10th century and associated with King Yeshe-O.
Dunkar Caves: Located about 3 km from Piyang, Dunkar is also famous for its cave paintings. These images are believed to be among the oldest in the Ngari region, exceeding 1,000 years in age. The "mandala cave" with nine large painted mandalas is the best preserved. The style of the paintings demonstrates a unique connection with the art of Dunhuang on the Silk Road. The vast scale of the caves and the remote, untouched landscape make Piyang a truly atmospheric place for exploration.
Night in Darchen village at Himalaya hotel 4*
Sacred Mount Kailash (6714 m). Believers of many religions — Hindus, Buddhists, Jainists, and followers of Bon consider this extraordinary mountain the "heart of the world," the "axis of the earth," a place where cosmic spheres touch. The great rivers of India — the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus, and Kali Gandaki — take their origin from the slopes of this mountain. In this center, a breakthrough of levels and the acquisition of sacred knowledge are possible.
Having asked for a blessing for the kora, we begin the journey to the Dirapuk Gompa monastery, where the meditation cave of Master Milarepa (5,080 m) is preserved. On the first day, we cover 13 km, about 6–8 hours on the way.
Night in a guest house near the monastery.
Second day of the kora. Trek to Zutulpuk (4,910 meters above sea level). Here are the most important meditation caves of Milarepa, where the Great Teacher contemplated his flight to Kailash.
The second day of the pilgrimage is the most physically challenging — we have to walk 18 km, which takes about 10 hours of trekking. We also have to overcome the rocky Dolma-la pass (5,600 m). One must be very careful not to stumble, as the road will be strewn with huge stones. At the pass, pilgrims leave their clothes or personal items as a sign of ending the past period of their life with hope for a new life.
On this day, we will also pass through the Valley of Death, the Shiwatsal cemetery, overcome the Green Tara pass, pass by Lake Gauri Kund, see the Axe of Karma, and finally arrive at the Zutulpuk Monastery (4,910 m).
Night in the monastery shelter.
Final day of the kora. A descent of 15 km, about 5 hours on the way, awaits us. The road lies along the picturesque Barkha Valley, and on the way, we will be able to reflect on the completed kora.
We return to Darchen (4,910 meters above sea level), jump into our comfortable cars, and head briefly to the hot springs at the Tirthapuri Monastery. According to legends, Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) meditated here together with his consort Mandarava. They turned this place into a powerful center of spiritual power, subduing the local spirits and blessing it.
The main attraction is the cave of Padmasambhava where he practiced, as well as natural hot springs and stupas. Pilgrims perform a ritual circumambulation (kora) here and take baths in the springs, considering them healing and purifying.
A trip to Tirthapuri after the kora is the final stage of purification. Pilgrims believe that the hot springs of Tirthapuri possess the unique power to "wash away" what was "uncovered" or came to the surface during the kora around Kailash. This solidifies the positive effect of the pilgrimage and helps one leave completely cleansed.
Night in Darchen village at Himalaya hotel 4*
Early in the morning, we depart for the nearby town of Ali and board a flight to Lhasa. That evening, we'll spend the night at a well-deserved, comfortable 5-star hotel.
Overnight at the Shangri-La Lhasa Hotel 5*
Morning – packing, shopping, coffee, farewell walks and breakfast in a friendly atmosphere.
Evening – flight home.
June 22 – July 05, 2026
$7,390
Additional expenses (exact prices will be provided at the time of booking):
