[Ngari Grand Loop] Tibet Ngari Great Northern Route 14-Day 13-Night Pure Sightseeing Group Tour (Including Mount Kailash Kora)

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. In Tibetan, it means "holy land" or "land of Buddha." It is the holy city in the hearts of Tibetans and a paradise in the hearts of travelers. With the opening of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, Lhasa is no longer out of reach. Bustle and crowds are not Lhasa's true face; let us explore its mysterious charm together. After arriving at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, our guide will present you with a khata and offer warm blessings (friendly reminder: please inform us in advance of your mode of transportation and arrival time). Then you will be escorted to your hotel in downtown Lhasa for check-in (friendly reminder: the airport is located about 60 kilometers southeast of downtown, with a drive of 1 to 1.5 hours). After check-in, it is recommended that you use the remaining time of the day to rest and relax and adapt to Lhasa's high-altitude environment. Before starting your wonderful Tibet journey, it is crucial to let your body fully adapt to the plateau environment. [Friendly Reminders] √ According to regulations, visitors from outside the mainland must be accompanied by a licensed guide when arriving in or leaving Lhasa; the travel agency will inform you in advance of the hotel room collection method so you can report to the front desk for check-in. If you do not receive notice, please contact the travel agency staff promptly (see the tour departure notice) for assistance. The guide will notify you of the next day's meeting time by phone or text message before 22:00. [Altitude Sickness Reminders] √ Rest fully and maintain a calm mindset—this is the best way to prevent altitude sickness. √ Do not engage in strenuous exercise on the day you arrive in Lhasa, and do not take a shower that night to prevent catching a cold. √ Do not drink alcohol. You may drink more warm water and eat fruit, and avoid overeating. √ If needed, you may prepare in advance herbal or oxygen-assistance products such as rhodiola, American ginseng lozenges, and Gao Yuan An to help your body adapt. Please always follow the advice of the guide and staff. If you feel unwell, inform the guide immediately and seek medical attention promptly.

[Potala Palace] (visit limit 1 hour) Songtsen Gampo spent half of his life conquering Tubo and the other half building magnificent palaces and temples. Wander among the golden Buddhist halls, stupas, living quarters, and corridors, where the dim lights, lowered curtains, and the scent of butter pervading the air make it feel as if you have fallen into an ancient dream, involuntarily losing yourself in the scriptures, Buddha statues, murals, and distant legends. [Potala Palace Ticket Booking Instructions] √ Potala Palace tickets use a real-name reservation system. A valid ID (ID card, household register, or passport) is required for the reservation. After a successful reservation, tickets cannot be reserved again within 7 days from the visit date. If visitors cannot enter the Potala Palace for visiting due to incorrect information provided by the visitors, the travel agency shall not bear any responsibility or consequences. Before the visit, visitors must carry the original valid ID. If the name or ID number does not match the actual document used, entry for the visit will not be possible, and the ticket purchase fee will have already been incurred and cannot be refunded. Please understand! √ The visiting time of the Potala Palace is randomly issued by the Potala Palace Management Office through a unified computer system, and the visiting time cannot be specified. Please understand. At the same time, the actual tour route order may differ from the reference itinerary. √ During peak season, the Potala Palace restricts visits. Each travel agency in Tibet has only a limited number of group reservation quotas per day. To ensure visitors can visit smoothly, the travel agency will solve the problem through different channels. Due to the special ticket purchase requirements of different channels, please follow the guide's arrangements. The following situations are normal arrangements: 1) Each group may be split into multiple small groups (it may be necessary to separate the group or visitors who booked together, and there may be situations where they join unfamiliar group members to enter for the visit). 2) Each small group visits at different times/dates. 3) Each small group enters with a different guide. [Tibetan Culture Experience] Now that you are in Lhasa, you can still experience traditional Tibetan handicrafts (Tibetan incense making, woodblock printing, and learning about Tibetan script). Go to the Tibetan Culture Experience Hall to learn how the refreshing Tibetan incense is made, and you can also participate in making it by hand, which is completely different in meaning from buying Tibetan incense. A knowledgeable teacher will introduce the origin of Tibetan script and help you write Tibetan blessings or your own Tibetan name. At the same time, you can also experience traditional woodblock printing. The Tibetan incense you make by hand, the prints, and the Tibetan script written by the teacher can all be taken home as souvenirs of this trip to Tibet. [Barkhor Street] This was once the traditional kora (pilgrimage circuit) around the monastery. Today's Barkhor Street is bustling, filled with a rich scent of incense, and the sound of pilgrims chanting scriptures lingers in your ears. You can taste butter tea in tea houses, put on Tibetan clothing for photos, and also buy distinctive handicrafts and souvenirs from China's Tibet, Nepal, and India.

After departure, the route follows the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley, offering a bird's-eye view of the Yarlung Tsangpo. The Yarlung Tsangpo along Provincial Road 101 is the widest river surface near Lhasa. Following the Yarlung River valley onto Provincial Road 307 and driving to the mountainside, you can overlook the Yarlung Tsangpo River, with a vast and magnificent view. 【Gangbala Mountain】The best viewpoint to see the most beautiful side of Yamdrok Lake, the bluest sky, and the bluest lake are all here. Here, you will understand the meaning of "angels' tears in heaven, Yamdrok's blue on earth," but many photographers also say, "No matter how many times you photograph Yamdrok Lake, you can never capture her beauty..." Many Tibetans on Gangbala Mountain offer yaks for photos; please agree on the price first to avoid unnecessary trouble. 【Yamdrok Lake】is a freshwater lake and one of the three sacred lakes of Tibet. The water is as clear as mutton fat and sweet enough to drink. The deep blue water merges with the distant snow mountains, and with the colorful mountain ranges on both sides, the distinctive Tibetan villages, and the herds of cattle and sheep everywhere, the journey is truly refreshing. Yamdrok Lake covers an area of 638 square kilometers, with a surface elevation of 4,441 meters and a shoreline of 250 kilometers. This lake is also considered a turquoise earring dropped to the mortal world by a goddess. Standing at the top of Gangbala Mountain at 4,950 meters and looking south, Yamdrok Lake looks like a sapphire inlaid among the peaks, its blue water smooth as a mirror, reflecting the bright blue sky. 【Karola Glacier】 One of the three major continental glaciers in Tibet. The glacier is backed by the Noijin Kangsang Snow Mountain, one of the four highest peaks in Tibet. The massive glacier extends from the misty clouds at the mountaintop all the way down to the roadside, just a few hundred meters from the highway. Although the glacier appears in black-and-white layers due to years of dust from the highway, the upper part of the glacier shines brilliantly in the sunlight, like a giant thangka hanging on the mountain wall. It gained fame after serving as a filming location for the movies Red River Valley, The Battle of Gyantse, and Yun Shui Yao. Overnight in Shigatse. In Tibetan, Shigatse means "the finest manor" and is one of the "granaries of Tibet." It was historically the political, religious, and cultural center of Tsang and the seat of successive Panchen Lamas. With a history of over 500 years, it is currently the second largest city in Tibet. 【Warm Tips】 In addition to the Tibet Travel Permit, visitors from outside the mainland must register uniformly at the Shigatse Entry-Exit Administration. The guide will reasonably adjust and arrange the itinerary according to circumstances. Please follow the guide's arrangements and cooperate actively.

Set off from Shigatse, bid farewell to the human warmth and bustle of this important town of Tsang, and drive into the vast hidden realm of the western Tibetan Plateau. Along the way, the mountains gradually shed their dense vegetation, exposing rock layers interwoven with ochre red and blue-gray, outlining vigorous textures in the sunlight. When you reach Sangsang Grassland, a green ocean instantly unfolds before your eyes. In midsummer, the meadows are covered with purple lousewort and yellow gesang flowers. Herds of yaks and Tibetan sheep are like stars scattered on a green carpet, and herdsmen's black tents dot the landscape with curling cooking smoke. Occasionally an eagle circles in the sky, and the wind carries a mixed scent of green grass and butter, fully displaying the vividness and grandeur of the plateau grassland. Continue west to Saga, and the scenery gradually transitions to semi-desert terrain. The highway winds between river valleys and mountains. In the distance, the snow peaks of the mountain ranges are covered in snow year-round, while nearby are sparse sea buckthorn and red willow thickets. As the sun sets in the west, the glow gilds the mountains, and the boundary between grassland and desert faintly appears in the twilight, outlining the unique vastness and majesty of western Tibet.

Departing from Saga, the wheels roll over the highway on the northern slope of the Himalayas, and the altitude gradually rises. The Tibetan-style villages of Zhongba are dotted like prayer flags at the edge of the desert. The colorful desert flows under the sunlight, as if a palette of mineral pigments has been overturned. Crossing Gongzhu Lake, the sapphire-blue water reflects the Gangdise Mountains, beautiful and moving. When the sacred lake Manasarovar suddenly appears in view, all words seem inadequate. This "eternally invincible jade lake" is a holy lake jointly revered by Bon, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Tibetans circumambulating the lake hold prayer wheels, engraving their faith into every mani stone. Finally, arrive at Tarchen.

Starting point: Tarchen (altitude 4,675 meters) End point: Zhire Temple/Gangga (altitude 5,100 meters) Distance: about 20 km, about 6 km by eco-friendly bus to the Prayer Flag Square (Darboche), about 14 km on foot Hiking duration: about 7-8 hours Hiking difficulty: ** In the early morning, board the eco-friendly bus and depart from Tarchen to the Prayer Flag Square, preparing for the kora trek. The scenic area provides yak and porter rental services, offering convenience for guests carrying large luggage, and also provides horse rental services for those with insufficient physical strength. Adjust your breathing, get ready, and measure this pure land with your own two feet. As you ascend along the valley, blue skies and snow mountains accompany you all the way. Occasionally a river winds past, allowing you to experience the uncanny workmanship of nature with the most authentic perception. Along the way, you will also see the west and north faces of Mount Kailash. One side towers into the clouds, while the other is layered and continuous. During the winding trek, you will have a wonderful encounter with a mountain peak, sampling diverse and unique perspectives and experiencing it deeply. After about 14 km of kora, you will arrive at Zhire Temple. Among the colorful fluttering prayer flags, you will rest and sleep with piety toward faith and reverence for nature. [Warm Tips] 1. The tour fee does not include the cost of riding horses, hiring yaks, yak workers, or porters. If needed, visitors must pay for the rental themselves. 2. During the trek, food and accommodation conditions are relatively poor. During the kora, accommodation for 2 nights is arranged at local guesthouses (multi-person rooms, shared bathrooms, one bed per person).

Starting point: Zhire Temple/Gangga (altitude 5,100 meters) Crossing the pass: Drolma La (altitude 5,650 meters) End point: Zunzhu Temple (Zuchu Temple) (altitude 4,880 meters) Distance: about 20 km on foot Hiking duration: 10-11 hours Hiking difficulty: *** Get a good night's rest and build up your energy for a new day of hiking. Today you will cross the highest point of this kora, Drolma La Pass (5,650 meters). At 【Drolma La Pass】, colorful prayer flags flutter in the breeze, and below the valley lies a beautiful small lake, 【Compassion Lake】, like a transparent piece of white jade inlaid among the towering mountains. After passing Drolma La Pass, the route begins to descend, consuming much less energy. That night, stay overnight at a guesthouse at 【Zunzhu Temple】. Along the way, you will inevitably encounter many devout Tibetans bowing in prostration. The falling rocks in the valley clatter, making the walk somewhat difficult. The so-called kora path is actually the traces leading to holiness that Tibetans have worn into the ice, snow, and gravel with their bodies and feet. With the accumulation of time, the road to the sacred is slightly difficult to walk, but you can rest at teahouses along the way to adjust your energy.

Starting point: Zunzhu Monastery (altitude 4,880 m) Trekking end point: Zongdui (altitude 4,680 m) End point: Tarchen (altitude 4,675 m) Distance: 10.6 km, trekking about 6.6 km + 4 km by eco-bus Trekking duration: 2-3 hours Trekking difficulty: * On the third day of the kora, as the altitude drops, the surrounding colors gradually change from snowy white to emerald green, and small animals begin to stir among the shrubs, bringing an ever stronger sense of life. Besides the small animals, there are piles of mani stones, colorfully stacked between the snow mountains and grasslands, like monks deep in prayer. After completing the final 6.6 km trek, it is just noon; if you already feel exhausted and hungry, you can take the eco-bus back. After finding a place for lunch, continue on to Zanda.

Departing from Zanda County, begin a double feast of Western Tibet's culture and landforms. First go to the Guge Kingdom Ruins. Sunlight slants across the red walls and broken pillars, and the thousand-year-old ruins quietly tell the rise and fall of the Tubo descendants. Bending closer, you can still glimpse traces of surviving murals. Then enter the Zanda Earth Forest, where earthen mounds stretching for dozens of miles resemble a sculpture group of nature, with light and shadow flowing through the ravines, so magnificent it leaves you speechless. Next, head to the Xiayigou Earth Forest. The rock layers interwoven with light red and earth yellow stand out vividly against the blue sky. Though lesser known, it is stunning, and casual photos look like textured blockbuster shots. Finally, arrive at Shiquanhe. Prayer flags flutter gently beside the streets, and a cup of hot drink dispels fatigue. In this Ali supply town, feel the plateau's unique tranquility and warmth.

Departing from Shiquanhe, begin a high-altitude self-driving journey toward Gerze, fully enjoying the salt lakes and wilderness scenery of northern Tibet. First pass through Geji County for a short stop, feeling the tranquility of a small town in northern Tibet; then arrive at Nyer Co, where the lake surface glimmers with the fine silver light of salt crystals, and gentle ripples rise when the wind passes, full of pristine clarity. Upon reaching Yanhu Township, you can glimpse herders' yurts and free-ranging cattle and sheep, with the flavor of Tibetan life rushing toward you; climb onto the Biruoze Co viewing platform and look down at the lake water changing in blue-green gradients with the light, forming a sharp contrast with the surrounding earth-yellow terrain, so magnificent that it makes people stop. Finally pass by Wuma Co, watch water birds skim across the lake surface, and at last arrive at Gerze County town, shedding the fatigue of the journey in warm accommodation.

Departing from Gerze, drive into the vast panorama of Changtang in northern Tibet. Along the way are boundless grasslands with herds of cattle and sheep scattered across them, and distant snow mountains stretching across the horizon like silver ribbons. Arriving at Dongco, the deep blue lake is set in the wilderness, and water birds occasionally skim over the wetlands with dense aquatic plants, showing vitality amid the vast desolation. Continuing onward, the blue of Tangra Yumco gradually spreads before your eyes. The lake water shifts in layers of deep blue and light blue with the changing light, and the peaks of the Dargo Snow Mountains are reflected in the lake, holy and magnificent. Finally, arrive at Wenbu South Village. The village is built along the lake and against the mountains, with earth-yellow dwellings contrasting with the deep blue lake and ochre-red mountain bodies. Ancient prayer flags flutter in the wind, perfectly blending the wildness and cultural heritage of northern Tibet.

Depart from Wenbu South Village, a hidden gem in northern Tibet. Beside the village, the azure waters of Dangqung Co reflect the clouds, herds graze leisurely by the lake, and Tibetan-style houses set off fluttering prayer flags, full of pristine Tibetan charm. Next, go in search of the "Tree of the Sky"; the naturally formed patterns on the salt flats look like a giant tree rooted in the earth, especially stunning from an aerial view. Then head to Siling Co, the second-largest lake in Tibet. The lake surface is vast like the sea, water birds skim across the shimmering waves, and Tibetan antelopes occasionally pause on the shore, fully displaying the vitality of the plateau. Afterwards, pass by Bange Co, whose tranquil surface shifts with the light between pale blue and light green, forming a picture with the surrounding grasslands. Finally arrive in Bange County, unload the fatigue of the journey in warm accommodation, and keep the beauty of lakes and mountains along the way in your heart.

Departing from Baingoin, the vast panorama of the Northern Tibetan grasslands unfolds before you. Endless meadows stretch to the horizon, dotted with black-and-white yaks and sheep, while an occasional eagle sweeps low overhead, revealing the grandeur of the plateau. As you enter Namtso National Scenic Area, Tashi Peninsula nestles against the deep blue sacred lake, its waters mirroring the reflection of the Nyenchen Tanglha snow mountains. Prayer flags flutter loudly on the cliffs, and Tibetan-style houses dot the landscape, blending culture and nature. 【Namtso Scenic Area】 As one of the three great sacred lakes of Tibet, it is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking natural scenery and profound cultural heritage. The lake sits at an elevation of 4,718 meters, and its waters display distinct layers of blue that shift with light and weather. Tashi Peninsula—a limestone peninsula that forms the heart of the scenic area—features unique karst landforms: towering stone pillars and natural stone bridges appear and disappear in the lake waters, the Welcoming Stone (Husband-and-Wife Stone) greets pilgrims with open "arms," and the natural reliquary stupa in the Padmasambhava Cave adds an air of mystery. On the peninsula, Tashi Monastery sends up wisps of incense, and the kora path is lined with colorful prayer flags, together with the ochre-red hills and deep blue lake forming a living thangka. Reaching the Lakenla Pass, you stand at 5,190 meters and take in a panoramic view of Namtso, where lake and sky merge into one vast, boundless expanse. Descending the mountain and heading south, the scenery gradually becomes milder, with patches of farmland and villages appearing in the river valleys, until you finally arrive in Lhasa.

After breakfast, arrange airport or train station drop-off according to your flight time, bringing the pleasant journey to an end. The city center is about a 1-hour drive from the airport, so it is advisable to book a flight departing after 10:00. [Warm Reminders] 1. According to regulations, visitors from outside the mainland must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide when arriving in or leaving Lhasa. 2. The guide will confirm your departure information with you in advance. Please be sure to provide an accurate flight itinerary or train ticket booking confirmation so that the travel agency can reasonably arrange the unified free pick-up and drop-off service for the group tour.