The Golden Triangle of Tibet

The Golden Triangle of Tibet

Lhasa — Shigatse — Gyantse

6 days5010 m, the Karo La pass (passed through)from ₽132,000

Route at a glance

Duration

6 days

Distance

700 km across Tibet

Maximum altitude

5010 m, the Karo La pass (passed through)

Difficulty

Easy, no trekking

Accommodation

3–4* hotels in the cities

Meals

Breakfasts and lunches on the way

Best season

April to October

About the route

A short programme for a first acquaintance with Tibet: three cities, three principal monasteries and the road between them — the very road that is worth the journey even without the kora.

The highest overnight altitude is 3900 m, so the route suits those who are not ready for a week above 4500 m, and works well as a reconnaissance before a larger expedition to Mount Kailash.

Route highlights

Lhasa
Shigatse
Samye

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Arrival in Lhasa

    Meeting at the airport and transfer into the city. A day for acclimatisation: no sightseeing, just a quiet walk in the evening.

    Altitude: 3650 mTrek: —
  2. Day 2

    Lhasa. The Potala and the Jokhang

    The Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple and a walk around the Barkhor. In the evening, a Tibetan dinner and a conversation about the Buddhist tradition.

    Altitude: 3650 mTrek: —
  3. Day 3

    Drepung and Sera monasteries

    The two largest monasteries of the Gelug school. At Sera, the well-known debates of the monks in the inner courtyard.

    Altitude: 3650 mTrek: 20 km
  4. Day 4

    Lhasa — Gyantse

    The road over the Kamba La pass, past Lake Yamdrok and the Karo La glacier. In Gyantse, the Dzong fortress and the Kumbum stupa.

    Altitude: 3900 mTrek: 260 km
  5. Day 5

    Gyantse — Shigatse

    Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lamas and one of the few monasteries in Tibet to come through the twentieth century almost intact.

    Altitude: 3850 mTrek: 90 km
  6. Day 6

    Shigatse — Lhasa. Departure

    Back to Lhasa along the new road beside the Brahmaputra, and the flight home.

    Altitude: 3650 mTrek: 280 km

What is included

  • Accommodation in 3–4* hotels as per the programme
  • Breakfasts and lunches on the way
  • Transport within Tibet and transfers
  • A Russian-speaking group leader
  • A local Tibetan guide and driver
  • Permits for the Tibet Autonomous Region
  • Entrance tickets to the monasteries in the programme

What is not included

  • International flights to Kathmandu or Lhasa and back
  • The Chinese visa and the group visa for Tibet
  • Insurance covering altitudes up to 6000 m
  • Dinners and drinks
  • A porter or a horse on the kora
  • Personal expenses, souvenirs and tips
A monk at the entrance to a Tibetan monastery
Mount Kailash is not just a place on the map. It is a path to yourself that stays with you for good.
— Alexey, expedition participant

Upcoming departures

Pick the dates that suit you and reserve a place in the group.

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₽162,000per person
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₽145,000per person
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₽162,000per person
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₽162,000per person
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₽162,000per person
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6 days
₽145,000per person
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We will find the right route for you

Tell us what interests you, and a destination expert will get in touch, answer your questions about altitude, dates and preparation, and suggest a suitable programme. The consultation is free and commits you to nothing.

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