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Gurla Mandhata

Western Tibet Tour

Go to far western Tibet to experience the ultimate paradise Ngari, which is known as the highest region with the mountain ranges of the Himalayan, Kailas, Hargoolunuul, Kunlung, as well as the headstream of 3 major rivers - Yarlung Zangbo River, Ganges River and Indus.

Traveling to western areas of Tibet, you can explore the great wonders on the way such as the Gyantse Dzong, Everest Base Camp, Lake Manasarovar, and Mount Kailash, as well as track the glory of ancient Tibetan civilization. You can visit the Guge Kingdom Ruins, do kora around Mt. Kailash and pay a visit to the Tibetan Buddhism Monasteries which can be dated back to the 11th century, such as Rutog Monastery, Tashilhunpo Monastery and Sakya Monastery. After traveling in western Tibet, you will definitely have a deep and better understanding of the unique culture and magnificent highland landscape.

Lhasa – Shigatse - EBC - Kailash - Shigatse - Lhasa
Explore Tibetan culture more deeply. It's a challenge as it's a pilgrimage tour to the holy Mt. Kailash and Everest.
USD1990
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Lhasa - Shigatse - EBC - Lake Manasarovar - Mt. Kailash - Guge Kingdom - Ali - Gegye – Gertse - Shigatse - Lhasa
Uncover all must-see attractions in central and western Tibet. Get ready to be impressed by its in-depth charm.
USD3939
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Lhasa - Tsetang - Nyingtri -Pomi - Nyingtri - Lhasa - Lake Namtso - Ali - Darchen - Mt.Kailash - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - EBC - Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa
Long adventure to gain insights into views, culture and Tibetan Buddhism of the plateau including a big loop of Nagri.
USD4360
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Lhasa- Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Mt Kailash Kora - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Shigatse - Lhasa
Cover important sites in central and western Tibet such as Everest Base Camp, holy Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
USD2680
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Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Mt.Kailash Kora - Zada - Gegye - Gertse - Shigatse - Lhasa
Witness the magnificent landscape of western Tibet, experience 3-day kora and explore the lost civilizations of Ngari.
USD4020
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Frequently Asked Questions

​Where is western Tibet?

​Western Tibet mainly refers to the Ngari region, also the western part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, covering the northwestern part of the Shigatse and Ngari region. It is located in a remote area on the edge of the Himalayas. The elevation of this region is higher than other places of Tibet and the mountains are rugged. Most of the year, western Tibet is desolate. Yet, there owns unique plateau scenery with numerous snow-capped mountains, holy lakes, glaciers, rivers, and canyons.

From the beginning of May to the end of October each year, it is the best time to travel to the Ngari area. From mid-June to mid-September, the temperature in Ngari is mild.

In the rainy season from July to August, plants grow best and the oxygen content reaches its highest. The weather is very pleasant and the air is not too dry, making it the best time to have the Ngari loop tour.

From Lhasa to Ngari, it usually goes the national highway G318 and then transfers to the national highway G219. Here is the route:

Lhasa --- Qushui County (65km) --- Shigatse City (210km) --- Lhatse County (150km) --- Sakya County (300km) --- Zhongba County (168km) --- Payang Town (76.5km) --- Huoer Township (63km) --- Tsada County (422.6km) --- Shiquanhe Town (260km).

Shiquanhe is the capital of Ngari Prefecture. The distance from Lhasa to Shiquanhe is about 1,500 kilometers, which excludes distance to various scenic spots along the way. If you prefer to have a grand Ngari northern route tour or Ngari loop tour, the corresponding kilometers will also increase.

The natural environment of western Tibet is harsh, and it is sparsely populated. However, the natural sceneries are superb in Tibet. There're majestic snow-capped mountains, countless beautiful lakes, and endless desert. Sacred Mount Kailash, Holy Lake Manasarovar, and the mysterious ruins of the Guge Kingdom are the top three scenic spots, making Ngari the most mysterious and beautiful area in Tibet. Besides, Zanda Clay Forest, Ghost Lake Rakshastal, Zhari Namtso, Gurla Mandhata, Shiquan River and Xiangquan River are all well-known.

According to the regulations of the Tibet Tourism Administration, foreign tourists can't travel independently to Tibet but join a tour arranged by a Tibet travel agency. Going to western Tibet, you need more travel documents, such as Alien’s Travel Permit, and Military Permit besides your Tibet Travel Permit.

Here're things to keep in mind.

1.  Due to the harsh environment on the Tibetan plateau, it is recommended to have a physical examination before departure if you are taking seniors to travel to the plateau;
2.  The Ngari area has a higher altitude, so it is recommended to stay in Lhasa for a day or two to adapt to high elevation before heading to Ngari;
3.   The board and lodging conditions are relatively poor, so you should lower your expectations. If you were a bit of a neat freak, you could bring a disposable bed sheet or sleeping bags. If you were not accustomed to food there, you could bring some snacks;
4.  When you encounter religious facilities such as temples, Mani stones, and stupas during the journey, you have to go around from left to right, and you must not cross or trample on the prayer flags and religious artifacts at will;
5.  The temperature in the Ngari area is low throughout the year, so be sure to keep warm;
6.  The Ngari area of Tibet is vast, and in some places, the network signal is too weak to use mobile payment, so you need to bring some cash.

Tailor-made your tours within 0.5~24 hours

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