Pilgrimage to multiply blessings: Kailash in the year of horse
06 – 20 September 2026
Arrival in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Meeting of participants, transfer to the hotel for rest and acclimatization. The altitude of Lhasa is 3,650 meters above sea level. Therefore, we will spend the next few days walking around the city and sightseeing in a free mode. We need to gain strength for the kora (pilgrimage) around the sacred Mount Kailash, which is, in fact, why we have all gathered here.
Night in Lhasa. Saikhang or Shangri-La hotel 4-5*
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 squeezing the road to Lhasa gradually recedes, and the opened valley is filled with a row of white-walled houses, and around the bend appears a majestic structure rising 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 point for today: Jokhang Temple — the spiritual heart of Tibet and the oldest shrine in Lhasa, founded by King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. It is the main object of pilgrimage for Tibetans, where the sacred altar houses Jowo Rinpoche — a priceless statue of Buddha Shakyamuni at the age of 30, brought to Tibet by the Nepalese princess Bhrikuti. The architecture of the temple, which absorbed Nepalese, Tibetan, and Indian styles, symbolizes the unity of cultures. Jokhang impresses with its living, powerful energy: an atmosphere of deep reverence reigns here under a haze of incense, the sounds of mantras merge with the rustle of prostrating pilgrims on the outer kora (ritual circuit).
Visiting Jokhang is not an excursion, but an immersion into the sacred rhythm of Tibet, essential for understanding its soul and faith. Barkhor Street is the central tourist street of Lhasa, where you can buy souvenirs, equipment, paintings, and much more. And also simply admire the city over a cup of delicious tea.
Night in Lhasa. Saikhang or Shangri-La hotel 4-5*
Today we set off from Lhasa towards the city and monastery of the same name, Samye. On the way, we will visit a cave city and a beautiful castle.
Chim Puk (Drimbuk) Caves: This is a network of ancient caves for solitary meditation, carved into the rocks high in the mountains above the monastery. Milarepa — the famous hermit yogi — is closely associated with them. Pilgrims climb up here for deep practice, considering this place charged with immense spiritual power. Overall, this place represents an ideal unity of two aspects of the Buddhist path: intellectual study of philosophy in the monastery and deep personal contemplation in secluded caves. The path to the caves is one of the most impressive hiking trails in the vicinity of Lhasa.
Yumbulagang: The First Palace of Tibet The legendary Yumbulagang, whose name means "Palace of Mother and Son," is the oldest fortress in Tibet. According to legend, it was here that the first king of Tibet descended from heaven. Located on a picturesque hill in the cradle of Tibetan civilization — the Yarlung Valley, it served as the residence of ancient rulers. Today it is an active monastery offering a panoramic view of the valley.
Incredible views: A unique observation deck at the top of the palace, offering a stunning panoramic view of the entire Yarlung Valley — green fields and a winding river, surrounded by mountains. This view itself is one of the main reasons to visit.
Living history: A unique combination of an ancient fortress, a royal palace, and a Buddhist monastery.
Date of construction: Around the 2nd century BC (more than 2,000 years ago).
Night in Samye monastery hotel 4*
Samye Monastery is the oldest and the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, founded in the 8th century by King Trisong Detsen. This place marks the birth of Buddhism in the Land of Snows and is a powerful center of spiritual power. The unique structure of the monastery represents a giant mandala (a sacred geometric diagram). Masters from Tibet, Nepal, China, and India participated in its construction, which was reflected in a unique architectural style combining different traditions. The monastery was a center of translation activity, where Indian texts were transformed into Tibetan canons. Samye is a place of power and pilgrimage: the monastery is closely associated with the name of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who defeated local spirits here and consecrated the land for Buddhist teachings. Pilgrims consider it one of the most blessed places for performing practices and circuits (kora).
Night in Shigatse. Hilton hotel 5*
In the morning, we will visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, located in the city of 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 a reflection 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 reincarnates 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*
Today we make our way through the Garuda Valley, where we will stop by the Gurgyam and Tirthapuri monasteries with their hot springs, and also visit 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.
Tirthapuri Temple is a sacred geothermal complex west of Mount Kailash, revered as the meditation site of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and his consort Mandarava. It is considered a place of purification: pilgrims come here to perform an ablution in the hot springs, which symbolically washes away sins and illnesses.
The main ritual here is a short kora (about an hour) around the entire complex. The route passes by a rock with the body print of Guru Rinpoche, caves, temples, and steaming springs.
Night in Zanda city. Best local 4* 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 4* 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 4* hotel in Darchen
Before reaching the starting point of the kora, the village of Darchen, we will stop by the sacred lake and visit the Chiu Monastery, where pilgrims usually ask for a blessing for the kora.
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.
Then we are heading to Darchen to prepare ourselves for Kora.
Night in Darchen village at 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 heading to Purang city, where is the new airport located.
Night in Purang hotel 5*
Early in the morning we get on a plane to Lhasa. That evening, a night in a well-deserved comfortable high class 5* hotel awaits us.
Night at St. Regis Lhasa hotel 5*
We don't plan anything special for this day, except for a joint walk around the city and a traditional dinner. You will be able to sleep in, buy souvenirs, breathe oxygen in the hotel lounge, go to the SPA, the theater, or simply do nothing all day.
In the evening, we will gather together to have dinner in the circle of pilgrims with whom we walked this path and discuss impressions and adventures.
We are sure this is only the beginning…
Night at St. Regis Lhasa hotel 5*
Morning — for packing, coffee, farewell walks, and breakfast in a friendly atmosphere. Then — flight home.
06 – 20 September 2026
$7,990
~$900
