Trekking in Tibet: Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar (9 days)

Arrive in Tibet’s spiritual capital of Lhasa. You’ll be greeted at the airport and chauffeur-driven to the luxurious St. Regis. Once you’ve checked in, you’re free to spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Relax and enjoy getting acquainted with your new surroundings, perhaps trying out some delicious Tibetan delicacies for dinner.

Today you’ll get a real feel for why Lhasa is known as the center of Tibetan Buddhism. Visit its three great spiritual hotspots, starting with Potala Palace, the one-time home of the Dalai Lama, and continuing on to Barkhor Square, a bustling pilgrimage site made up of busy, cobbled lanes. Finish off your tour with Jokhang Temple, considered by many Tibetans to be their country’s most important and sacred temple. Overnight once again in your plush room at the St. Regis.

Check out of the St. Regis this morning and hop on a plane to Ali, also known as Ngari, from where you’ll drive between four and five hours to Darchen. This small town sits directly in front of the sacred Mt Kailash, which is the starting point for pilgrimages in the region. Check into a simple guesthouse, or you may also choose to set up camp. Enjoy views of the mighty Mt Kailash, which towers over the town at an altitude of 4,575 meters.

Wake up to views of the mighty Mt Kailash, which towers over the town at an altitude of 4,575 meters. Today, you’ll trek five to six hours to Dirapuk, which translates literally as female yak horn cave. From here, you’ll be graced with incredible views of Mt Kailash’s northwest face. Stay overnight in a guesthouse, or set up camp in the great outdoors.

You’ll embark on the longest trek of your journey today, hiking between eight and nine hours to Zultulpuk, over Dormala Pass. This pass rises 5,636 meters above sea-level. The weather is somewhat unpredictable here, but your guides will ensure your safety and comfort. Once you reach Zultulpuk, you may set up camp or check into a guesthouse for the night.

Leave Zultulpuk this morning and trek about four or five hours. From here, you’ll continue your journey by car, giving your tired legs a break. Drive one hour to Lake Mansarovar, one of the few freshwater lakes on the plateau. Take a sip of its water - considered sacred amongst Tibetans and India’s Hindus as well. Visit the ancient Chiu Gompa monastery, before checking in to a guesthouse or setting up camp for the night.

After another refreshing drink from the holy lake, you’ll hop in a car and be driven back to Ali. Along the way, you’ll catch even more stunning views of Mt Kailash, as you fly past. Check in to a hotel in Ali, where you can relax and enjoy some free time to do as you please.

Today you’ll check out of your hotel and head to the airport, where you’ll fly in to Lhasa. From here, you’ll be taken to your exquisite room at the St. Regis, where you are free to explore more of the spiritual city, or perhaps enjoy total indulgence at the Iridium Spa. You deserve it!

Check out of your room at the St. Regis today - you’ll be chauffeur-driven to the airport in time for your onward journey, either home, or to your next destination.