Duration: 17 Days | Route: Kyirong – Lhatse – Shigatse – Gyantse – Samye – Tsethang – Lhasa
Experience Level: Moderate | Group Size: Medium (customizable)
Tibet Neykor Description
Embark on a spiritually enriching journey through the heart of Tibet, beginning at the Himalayan border of Nepal and culminating in the sacred city of Lhasa. This carefully curated pilgrimage follows the footsteps of enlightened masters, kings, and yogis across ancient monasteries, mystical caves, pristine lakes, and holy mountains.
Travel through historic Kyirong, home to self-arisen Avalokiteshvara temples and the birthplace of Tibet’s beloved yogi-saint Milarepa. Continue westward through the high Himalayan passes to central Tibet, visiting the monumental monasteries of Sakya and Tashilhunpo, and the artistic marvel of Gyantse’s Kumbum Stupa.
Venture to Samye, Tibet’s first monastery and a spiritual heartland of Guru Rinpoche’s legacy. Explore sacred hermitages, lakes, and temples linked to Yeshe Tsogyal, King Trisong Detsen, and other foundational figures of Tibetan Buddhism. In the Yarlung Valley, the cradle of Tibetan civilization, uncover legends tied to the early Tibetan kings and great masters like Jigme Lingpa and Machig Labdrön.
Your journey culminates in Lhasa, Tibet’s timeless spiritual capital. Here, you’ll walk the pilgrim circuit of Jokhang Temple, gaze upon the towering Potala Palace, witness debates at Sera Monastery, and visit some of the most revered retreat sites and sacred springs in the region.
This tour offers not only a deep immersion into Tibetan Buddhism’s rich spiritual lineage but also a contemplative, immersive travel experience amidst some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights
Kyirong Jowo Lhakhang & Milarepa’s meditation caves
Sacred sites of Guru Rinpoche and Yeshe Tsogyal in Samye and Tsethang
Ancient monasteries: Sakya, Tashilhunpo, Zhalu, Dorje Drak, Mindrolling, Tsurphu
Scenic drives through Himalayan passes and turquoise lakes (Yamdrok, Phegu Tsho)
Exploration of Lhasa’s cultural jewels: Jokhang, Potala Palace, Sera Monastery
Visits to rare pilgrimage sites connected with Dzogchen, Machig Labdrön, and Longchenpa
What’s Included
Tibet Travel Permit and all necessary local permissions
All entrance fees to monasteries, temples, and cultural sites as per the itinerary
Experienced Tibetan-English bilingual guide throughout the tour
Sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary, with flexibility to visit additional sites if time permits
3- to 4-star hotel accommodation in Tibet (twin-sharing basis)
All meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
Mineral water provided throughout the trip
Comfortable private tourist vehicle for all ground transportation
Bhutanese team leader/escort from the organizing tour agency
Basic travel insurance (Neykor Nyensung)
Oxygen supply for high-altitude support
What’s Excluded
Tips for the Tibetan guide and driver (at your discretion)
Round-trip airfare: Paro – Kathmandu
One-way airfare: Lhasa – Kathmandu
Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, phone calls, and optional activities
Meals not listed in the daily meal plan
Medical expenses, excess baggage charges, and donations/nyendars
Unexpected costs due to delays, natural disasters, political unrest, or other unforeseen circumstances
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Nepal – Kyirong (Tibet)
Distance: 175 km | Driving Time: ~6 hrs
Drive from Nepal to the Nepal–Tibet border and continue to Kyirong.
After hotel check-in, visit Kyirong Jowo Lhakhang, one of the five self-arisen Avalokiteshvara temples in Tibet.
Overnight: Phuntsok Khansang Hotel
Day 2: Kyirong – Spiritual Heritage of Milarepa
Begin with a visit to Mangyul Jamtrin Lhakhang, established in the 7th century by Songtsen Gampo. This geomantic temple is believed to subdue the right foot of the demoness representing the Tibetan landscape. The current four-story structure features unique pagoda-style architecture.
Continue to Drakar Taso, Drakmar Chungdra, Uma Dzong, and Kangtsuphu—important Milarepa meditation sites.
End the day with a visit to Gungthang, the birthplace of Milarepa.
Overnight: Phuntsok Khansang Hotel
Day 3: Kyirong – Lhatse
Distance: 340 km | Driving Time: ~6 hrs
En route, stop at Gungthang Lamo Pass, from where Guru Rinpoche departed Tibet for the land of the Rakshasas.
Make a short stop at the tranquil Phegu Tsho Lake.
Overnight: IBIS Hotel, Lhatse
Day 4: Lhatse – Shigatse
Distance: 273 km | Driving Time: ~5 hrs
Visit the Sakya Monastery, the seat of the Sakyapa tradition.
Continue to Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lamas, founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama.
Overnight: Shiga Yangcha Hotel
Day 5: Shigatse – Gyantse
Distance: 95 km | Driving Time: ~2 hrs
On the way, stop at Shang Zabulung, where Yeshe Tsogyal is said to have attained rainbow body. The site lies in the heart of a mandala of five sacred valleys.
Optional visit to Zhalu Monastery or Ashi Nangsa Yoebum’s temple.
Evening visit to Kumbum Stupa and Palcho Monastery in Gyantse.
Overnight: Yutok Hotel
Day 6: Gyantse – Samye
Distance: 295 km | Driving Time: ~4.5 hrs
Visit Druk Ralung Monastery, Dorje Drak (one of the six Nyingma mother monasteries known for the Jangter tradition), and cross Gambala Pass (4,900 m).
Enjoy panoramic views of Yamdrok Yutso Lake en route.
Overnight: Samye Xinyun Hotel
Day 7: Samye – Pilgrimage Sites
Explore sacred sites around Samye:
- Drak Yangdzong, one of the eight great retreat places of Guru Rinpoche
- Latsho and birthplace of Yeshe Tsogyal
- Sonkar/Zurkhar Stupa, where King Trisong Detsen first met Guru Rinpoche
-
Hepori, a sacred mountain
Overnight: Samye Xinyun Hotel
Day 8: Samye – Tsethang
Distance: 33 km | Driving Time: ~35 mins
Morning visits to Samye Chimphu, Samye Monastery, and Drakmar Yarmalung, an important heritage site.
Overnight: Samye Longma Hotel
Day 9: Tsethang – Yarlung Valley Exploration
Discover ancient Yarlung sites:
- Thradruk Temple and Yumbulakhang Palace, among Tibet’s earliest structures
-
Rachungphug Hermitage, Vairocana Cave, Takchen Bumpa, Gongtang Bumpa, and Tseringjong, the seat of Jigme Lingpa
Overnight: Samye Longma Hotel
Day 10: Tsethang – Sacred Feminine Lineage
Visit Zangri Khangmar, the seat of Machig Labdrön from age 37 to 99.
Continue to:
- Tshechu Bumpa
- Tshetang Yui Lhakhang
- Jasa Lhakhang
-
Yarlung Sheldrak, Guru Rinpoche’s first meditation cave in Tibet, associated with Yonten (qualities).
Overnight: Samye Longma Hotel
Day 11: Tsethang – Lhasa
Distance: 148 km | Driving Time: ~2 hrs 15 mins
En route to Lhasa, visit:
- Shugsheb Nunnery, an important female monastic center
- Gangri Thoekar, where Longchenpa composed many of his seminal works
-
Mindrolling Monastery, a major Nyingma institution
Overnight: Thangka Hotel
Day 12: Lhasa
Visit the spiritual heart of Tibet:
- Jokhang Temple, home of the Jowo Shakyamuni
-
Norbulingka Palace, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas
Overnight: Thangka Hotel
Day 13: Lhasa – Sacred Architecture & Debate Tradition
- Visit Jowo Ramoche
- Tour the iconic Potala Palace
- Explore Sera Monastery, renowned for its monastic debates
Overnight: Thangka Hotel
Day 14: Lhasa – Sacred Caves and Retreat Sites
Visit Drak Yerpa, Vairocana Cave, and Phabongkha Monastery, revered sites for retreat and meditation.
Overnight: Thangka Hotel
Day 15: Lhasa – Hidden Lineages
Explore:
- Neythang Dolma Lhakhang, associated with Tara
- Kudung Chorten of Jowo Atisha
- Druk Monastery
-
Zhabdrung Rinpoche’s birthplace
Overnight: Thangka Hotel
Day 16: Lhasa – Karmapa Seat & Divine Spring
Visit:
- Tsurphu Monastery, the seat of the Karmapa lineage
- Neynak Hermitage
-
Shongpa Lhachu, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have created a divine spring
Afternoon walk on the Lingkhor pilgrimage circuit or enjoy free time in Lhasa.
Overnight: Thangka Hotel
Day 17: Departure
Fly from Lhasa to Kathmandu.