Kailash & Guge Via Lhasa
This extraordinary 18-day journey connects the sacred heritage of Nepal with the spiritual and cultural heart of Tibet. Begin in Kathmandu with visits to the historic Kathmandu Valley and the sacred caves of Pharping, traditionally associated with Guru Rinpoche's meditation and spiritual realization. Continue to Lhasa to explore Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, followed by an excursion to historic Samye Monastery, traditionally regarded as Tibet's first Buddhist monastery. Travel across the Tibetan Plateau to Lake Manasarovar, the Guge Kingdom and ancient Khyunglung before undertaking the three-day Mount Kailash Kora. The journey culminates with the challenging crossing of Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters before returning to Kathmandu.
TOUR ITINERARY
A day-by-day breakdown of your journey through Kailash & Guge Via Lhasa.
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)
Welcome to Kathmandu, the vibrant gateway to the Himalayas. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, take time to relax and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short visit to Swayambhunath Stupa, popularly known as the Monkey Temple. In the evening, receive a briefing about the upcoming Tibet journey and complete any necessary preparations.
Day 2
Pharping Sacred Caves – Kathmandu
After breakfast, drive south of Kathmandu to Pharping, one of the most important sacred sites associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) in Nepal. Visit the Yangleshö Cave, traditionally regarded as the lower meditation cave where Guru Rinpoche practiced Yangdak Heruka with Shakyadevi. Continue to the Asura Cave, also known as the Upper Cave of Yangleshö, where Tibetan Buddhist tradition associates Guru Rinpoche with further Vajrayana practice and profound spiritual realization. Take time to explore the sacred caves, surrounding monasteries and prayer sites while experiencing the peaceful spiritual atmosphere of Pharping. The two caves are among the most revered Guru Rinpoche pilgrimage sites in the Kathmandu Valley. After the visit, return to Kathmandu. Overnight at a 3-star hotel.
COST DETAILS
What is Included
Tea
Not Included
Coffee
Book Your Tour
This trip is available year-round — complete your details below and our team will contact you to confirm your preferred travel dates.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Discover the sacred Yangleshö and Asura Caves of Pharping, traditionally associated with Guru Rinpoche.
Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street in Lhasa.
Explore historic Samye Monastery, traditionally regarded as Tibet's first Buddhist monastery.
Visit magnificent Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Cross the spectacular Tibetan Plateau.
Experience sacred Lake Manasarovar beneath Mount Kailash.
Explore the mysterious Guge Kingdom, including Tholing and Tsaparang.
Complete the three-day Mount Kailash Kora.
Cross Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters.
Experience the living traditions, monasteries and spiritual landscapes of the Himalayas.
PRETRIP ESSENTIALS
Helth
Tour FAQs
Pharping is traditionally identified with the sacred site of Yangleshö, where Guru Rinpoche practiced and attained important spiritual realization. The Asura and Yangleshö caves are major pilgrimage sites associated with him.
The Yangleshö Cave is traditionally regarded as the lower cave, while Asura Cave is the upper cave, also known as the Upper Cave of Yangleshö.
The connection is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist textual and pilgrimage traditions. It is best presented as religious tradition rather than independently proven archaeological fact.