Upon arrival in Chengdu, you will be met and transferred to hotel.

Overnight in Chengdu.

If time permits, you can take an optional tour of Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Center in the morning, which is located just 10 km (6 miles) from the city. These pandas are found only in Sichuan, Shaanxi and Ghansu provinces. Besides the Pandas, black-necked cranes, white storks and other more than 20 species of rare animals are fed and bred in this center throughout the year.

Transfer to airport and fly to Lhasa, the exciting capital of Tibet. You will be met at the airport by your local Tibetan guide and transferred to the hotel. Afternoon is at your leisure for acclimatization & rest or just take a leisurely walk around the Barkhor Bazar, near your hotel.

Overnight in Lhasa.

Today will be spent exploring palaces.

First on the list will be the Potala Palace. The palace of the Dalai Lama, a treasure of Tibetan culture, was until 1965, the seat of both religion and politics in Tibet and quite possibly, the singularly most important building in all of Tibet. It was built in the seventh century by Tsongtsen Gampo as a fort and later renovated by the fifth Dalai Lama in the seventeenth century to its present specifications.

The next stop will be Norbulingkha, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama which was built in the eighteenth century.

Overnight in Lhasa.

Today we visit the Drepung monastery. This is the largest monastery in the world and once housed 10,000 monks and nuns. It was built in 1419, and the second, third and fourth Dalai Lamas lived and were entombed here. If we are lucky, we may have a chance to see the monks mixing the butter tea in a washing machine. This happens when there is a special ceremony and large numbers of monks are present.

Our next stop will be the Jokhang Temple. This is the holiest shrine in Tibet and houses a golden statue of the Buddha which was brought to Tibet by the Chinese princess “Wen Chen”. Then we stop off at Barkhor Bazaar outside the Jokhang monastery. This is a bustling flea market and is, generally, the place to buy souvenirs.

Overnight in Lhasa.

An early morning start from Lhasa and a 259 km drive will get us to Gyantse via two passes Khamba La (15,750 ft.) and Karo La (16,270 ft.). En route enjoy the spectacular views of Yamdrok Tso (“Turquoise Lake”), Karo La Glacier and Nyching Kangsang Snow Peak (22,100 ft.).

Arrive in Gyangtse (13,000 ft.) and sightseeing tour of Pelkhor Chode (Kumbum), known as 'monastery with praying wheel’

The short drive of 95 km takes us to Shigatse at an elevation of (12,500 ft), which is the second largest city in Tibet and the capital of the province of Tsang.

Overnight in Shigatse.

Drive to Lhatze and continue to Saga.

Overnight  in Saga.

From Saga you will head west along the left bank of Matsend Tsangpo river through the villages of Shue and then to Paryang. 

Continue the drive towards west to Samsang and then to Mayum La (16,900 ft) before  going down to the holy lake of Mansarovar.

Overnight at Guest House.

Rest day or explore around the beautiful lake which Hindus believe, was created by Brahma ( the Hindu creator deity) as a reflection of the depth of his soul. This is a holy lake for both Hindus and Buddhist.

Afternoon drive to Darchen, and prepare for next day's trek to Mt. Kailash, 

Overnight at Guest House.

Start trek by heading west as you climb up to a series of prayer flags at 15,514 ft. from where you should have great views of Mt. Kailash. Then head north through Darboche, Shersong, the rebuilt Chukku Gompa and Damding Donkhang and finally arrive at Dirphuk.

Overnight at Lodge.

Climb through a moraine to a meadow at 17,000 ft. and then past rock cairns to emerge at Dolma La at 18,500 ft. highest point of the trip. From the pass descend via Gauri Kunda to the La Chukkir Valley at 16,890 ft., where you should look out for the foot prints which pilgrims believe belonged to the Buddha. Descend further along a long, gentle path to Zuktrul Puk Gompa. There is a cave in which the saint Milarepa is said to have meditated.

Overnight at Guest House.

Trek along the Zhong Chu river to a bridge, cross it and climb a little before descending to 15,120 ft. from where you will have good views of Mansarovar Lake. A short trek through Mani walls will lead you back to Darchen. Your waiting  vehicle will take you to Mansarovar.

Overnight in Guest House.

Return to Saga.

Overnight in Saga.

Continue driving back to Shigatse.

Overnight at Hotel.

Morning we'll visit Tashilunpo Monastery which is the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second in spiritual importance only to the Dalai Lama. The monastery was built in 1447 by Gendun Drup and once housed upward of 3400 monks. Of particular interest at Tashilunpo is a nine story gilded statue of Maitreya - the “Future Buddha”.The rulers of this province had dominion over all of Tibet prior to 1642 AD. At Shigatse, we'll visit Tashilunpo Monastery which is the seat of the Panchen Lama who is second in spiritual importance only to the Dalai Lama. The monastery was built in 1447 by Gendun Drup and once housed upward of 3400 monks. Of particular interest at Tashilunpo is a nine story gilded statue of Maitreya - the “Future Buddha”.

Drive to Lhasa and overnight.

At an appointed time, transfer to airport and fly back to Chengdu and connect your flight to U.S. or  extend your tour to China or Nepal or other destinations in Asia.