Explore Historic Ruins of Guge Kingdom, western Tibet from Lhasa Tour

Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Western Tibet: Lhasa Guge Kingdom Tour

Embark on an extraordinary adventure through the remote villages of western Tibet with the Lhasa Guge Kingdom Tour. This unique Guge Kingdom tour offers a glimpse into the mystique of the Kailash Guge Kingdom in the majestic Himalayas, promising an unforgettable experience in the heart of Tibet.

Nestled 18 km away from Zada County, the ancient Guge Kingdom tour stands as one of the first culturally significant relics under protection. The grand palace ruins, perched on a 300-meter tall yellow earth hill along the Xiangquang River, add an air of mystery to the region.

The Guge Kingdom tour traces its origins to the 10th century, founded by the descendants of the Tubo Kingdom. The regime flourished, extending its influence from Ngari to Kashmir and present-day Pakistan. However, in 1635, the Ladakh Regime conquered the Guge Palace, leaving the once-mighty kingdom in ruins and shrouded in historical enigma.

The majestic Guge Palace, built strategically along the mountains, still evokes awe. Spread over 720,000 square meters, it comprises 445 rooms, 879 caves, 58 pillboxes, 4 secret tunnels, and 28 Buddhist pagodas. The palace, with its underground tunnels and thick walls, narrates tales of a bygone era.

A Trek Through Magnificent Landscapes

Guge Kingdom tour takes you on a trek through a breathtaking mountain area, immersing you in the charm of Thakuri villages and serene rivers. The landscape is dotted with vibrant prayer flags, creating a picturesque setting for your exploration.

The Sacred Center: Kailash and Gosul Gompa

As you venture south of Kailash, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists as the “center of the world,” you’ll be captivated by the awe-inspiring views from Gosul Gompa and the surrounding mountains. Sven Hedin, in his iconic work “Transhimalaya,” described these as surpassing everything he had seen.

Pilgrimage Across Dolma La

Guge Kingdom tour journey brings you closer to the mighty rock dome of Kailash, where you join pilgrims in the sacred trail (Parikrama) across the challenging Dolma La at 5600m. The Guge Kingdom tour destination is adorned with countless prayer flags, and circumambulating the snow-covered cupola takes three days. The pilgrimage concludes in Tirthapuri, a significant site in Tibetan tradition alongside Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.

Surreal Beauty of Sutlej Valley and Tsaparang

The canyon-like valley of the Sutlej unveils the almost surreal landscape, where the ruins of Tsaparang, the ancient capital of the Guge Kingdom, lie embedded. Exploring the 900-year-old site, you’ll be enchanted by the magical play of light and shadows created by summer clouds, casting a spellbinding atmosphere over the barren vastness during Guge Kingdom tour.

Sacred Temples Along the Journey

The Guge Kingdom tour includes visits to two of Tibet’s most sacred temples – Tashilhunpo in Shigatse and Kumbum in Gyantse. These revered sites add a spiritual dimension to your exploration, enriching your understanding of Tibetan culture and history.

Unveiling the Extraordinary: Guge Kingdom Tour

For those seeking an adventure beyond the ordinary, the Guge Kingdom tour in Tibet promises a journey filled with spiritual significance, natural wonders, and cultural richness. Explore the hidden treasures of western Tibet and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m)

Upon arrival, you will be warmly received and transferred to your hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing

Explore the cultural gems of the Kathmandu Valley, including the Shri-Pashupatinath Temple, Budhanilkantha, and Swayambhunath Stupa. In the evening, attend a Guge Kingdom tour briefing and pack for the upcoming journey.

Day 03: Arrival in Lhasa (3600m)

Upon arriving in Lhasa, our guide will welcome you and escort you to your hotel. It is advisable to take ample rest and avoid strenuous activities. Later, wander around the Barkhor street, an ancient Tibetan market surrounding the Jokhang Temple.

Day 04: Lhasa Guided Tour

Explore the Jokhang Temple, the holiest Buddhist temple in the Himalayas, housing a sacred statue of Buddha. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lama for centuries.

Day 05: Lhasa Guided Tour

Visit the Drepung Monastery in the morning and experience the pilgrimage circuit around Drepung. In the afternoon, explore the Sera Monastery, witnessing live philosophical debates among monks in the courtyard.

Day 06: Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse (3840m / 354 km)

Depart Lhasa early morning for Guge Kingdom tour. We will Drive through the breathtaking Yamdrok Lake and passing the Karo La Glacier. Explore Gyantse, visiting the Pelkhor Chode Monastery and continuing to Shigatse, where you’ll explore the TashiLhunpo Monastery.

Day 07: Drive from Shigatse to Latse (4200m / 150km)

Embark on a scenic drive through the rugged landscape, stopping at the Sakya Monastery, the principal seat of the Sakyapa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.

Day 08: Drive from Latse to Saga (4500m / 340 km)

Travel through the wilderness of central Tibet, with opportunities to spot wildlife and marvel at the stunning landscapes.

Day 09: Drive from Saga to Lake Manasarovar (5000m / 520km)

Enter the wild western Tibet, driving along the Yarlung Tsangpo river, and stop at the sacred Lake Manasarovar. Take a moment to meditate by the lake before continuing to Darchen, the base camp for Kailash trekking.

Day 10: First Day of Kailash Trek (5080m / 20 km)

Embark on a 20-kilometer trek around Mt. Kailash, reaching DiraPuk Monastery for an overnight stay.

Day 11: Second Day of Kailash Trek (5630m / 18 km)

Trek over the Dolma La Pass, enjoying stunning mountain and glacier views, and descend to ZutulPuk Monastery for an overnight stay.

Day 12: Final Day of Kailash Trek (5000m / 14 km)

Complete the 14-kilometer trek back to Darchen, followed by a final night near Lake Manasarovar.

Day 13: Drive from Darchen to Guge (3699m / 254 km)

Explore the ruins of the Guge Kingdom, a highlight of the journey, and stay in Shanda, a small town near the ruins.

Day 14: Drive from Guge to Lake Manasarovar (4597m / 290 km)

Visit Guge ruins and Tholing Monastery in the morning before driving back to Lake Manasarovar for the night.

Day 15: Drive from Lake Manasarovar to Saga (4500m / 897 km)

Return to Saga along the same scenic route.

Day 16: Drive from Saga to Mount Everest Base Camp (5200m / 493 km)

Visit Rongbuk Monastery, walk to the base of Mount Everest, and take in panoramic views of Himalayan peaks before staying in a tent guesthouse near Rongbuk Monastery.

Day 17: Drive from Everest Base Camp to Shigatse (3840m / 350 km)

Witness the sunrise on Mt. Everest before journeying back to Shigatse, exploring farming villages and Lhatse along the way.

Day 18: Drive from Shigatse to Lhasa (3600m / 260 km)

Return to Lhasa, allowing time for last-minute souvenir shopping and a final pilgrimage circuit around Jokhang Temple.

Day 19: Fly to Kathmandu

In the morning, transfer to Lhasa airport for your departure to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be received and transferred to the hotel.

Day 20: Departure

After breakfast, depart for the airport. The enchanting journey through Guge Kingdom tour concludes.