Ngari Loop: Mount Kailash Kora, Guge Kingdom, and Northern Route

Depart from Lhasa to visit Mount Everest, complete the Mount Kailash Kora, explore the Guge Kingdom and Pangong Tso, and return via Changtang and Namtso.

The complete Ngari Grand Loop: take the southern route via Mount Everest and Saga to the sacred mountain and lake. After a three-day kora, head to Zanda and Shiquanhe, then take the northern route through the Changtang lake region, returning to Lhasa via Namtso. This route features high altitudes, long driving distances, and basic accommodations. Those not participating in the kora can wait in Darchen. Suitable for advanced travelers in good physical condition; a 4WD vehicle and an experienced driver are required.

June to September is the most stable period. The dirt roads on the northern route are difficult to navigate after rain. Border defense permits are required for the entire route.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrive in Lhasa and Acclimate

Lhasa（Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street）

Drive from Gonggar Airport to the city center (approx. 1 hour). No long-distance travel is planned for today; take a leisurely walk in the old town.

The entire route is at high altitude; it is highly recommended to arrive in Lhasa 1 to 2 days in advance.

Stay: Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple

Day 2 · Potala Palace and Sera Monastery

Lhasa（Potala Palace、Sera Monastery）

Take a taxi or charter a car within the city. Visit the Potala Palace in the morning and watch the sutra debating at Sera Monastery in the afternoon.

Stay: Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple

Day 3 · Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse to Shigatse

Lhasa（Yamdrok Lake） → Gyantse（Karola Glacier、Pelkor Chode Monastery (Gyantse)）

Drive over Gampala Pass to Yamdrok Lake, then pass Karola Glacier and Gyantse to Shigatse. Approx. 360 km, 7 hours.

Stay: Around Tashilhunpo Monastery

Day 4 · Tashilhunpo Monastery to Mount Everest

Shigatse（Tashilhunpo Monastery） → Everest Base Camp (Tingri)（Gawu La (Pang La) Viewpoint & 108 Bends、Everest Base Camp (North)）

Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in the morning, then drive over Gawula Pass to Rongbuk (approx. 340 km), transferring to the eco-friendly shuttle bus for the final stretch.

Stay: Rongbuk Monastery Base Camp

Day 5 · Peiku Tso and Shishapangma to Saga

Everest Base Camp (Tingri)（Rongbuk Monastery） → Gyirong Valley（Peiku Tso）

Drive from Rongbuk via Old Tingri and Peiku Tso to Saga. Approx. 450 km, 9 hours. This is a long driving day.

Stay: Saga County Town

Day 6 · Westward on G219 to Lake Manasarovar

Mount Kailash & Lake Manasarovar（Lake Manasarovar、Chiu Gompa）

Drive from Saga along G219 via Zhongba and Mayum La Pass to the sacred lake. Approx. 460 km, 8 to 9 hours.

The road conditions on G219 are good, but the distance is long; start early.

Stay: Chiu Gompa (North Shore of Lake Manasarovar)

Day 7 · Lake Rakshastal to Darchen for Rest

Mount Kailash & Lake Manasarovar（Lake Rakshastal、Gurla Mandhata）

Drive from Chiu Monastery along the lake to Lake Rakshastal, then continue to Darchen. Approx. 40 km, 1 hour. Rest in the afternoon.

Confirm the weather forecast in Darchen. If you need a porter, contact a guide in advance.

Stay: Darchen

Day 8 · Kora Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery

Mount Kailash & Lake Manasarovar（Tarboche Flagpole、Mount Kailash & Kora、Dirapuk Monastery）

Take the eco-friendly shuttle bus from Darchen to the starting point, then hike about 13 km (5 to 7 hours) to Dirapuk Monastery.

Those not doing the kora can wait in Darchen. Pack enough warm clothes and trail food.

Stay: Dirapuk Monastery (First Night of the Kora)

Day 9 · Cross Drolma La Pass to Zutulpuk Monastery

Mount Kailash & Lake Manasarovar（Drolma La Pass & Gauri Kund、Zutulpuk Monastery）

Hike about 24 km today, crossing the Drolma La Pass at approximately 5,630 meters. Expect 10+ hours.

Depart before dawn. There may still be ice on the pass in summer; descend immediately if you experience severe altitude sickness.

Stay: Zutulpuk Monastery

Day 10 · Complete the Kora and Drive to Zanda Clay Forest

Zanda（Zanda Earth Forest）

Hike about 12 km back to Darchen, then drive about 260 km to Zanda in the afternoon. Approx. 5 hours.

Stay: Tholing Town (Zanda County Seat)

Day 11 · Guge Kingdom Ruins to Shiquanhe

Zanda（Guge Kingdom Ruins (Tsaparang)、Tholing Monastery） → Shiquanhe & Pangong Tso（Shiquanhe Town & Wansui Hill）

Drive from Tholing Town to the Guge Ruins in the early morning, then head north to Shiquanhe in the afternoon. Approx. 255 km, 5 hours.

Drones are strictly prohibited at the ruins. Climb the clay steps carefully and within your physical limits.

Stay: Shiquanhe Town

Day 12 · Rutog Rock Paintings and Pangong Tso

Shiquanhe & Pangong Tso（Rutog Rock Art (Rimodong)、Pangong Tso (Rutog)、Pangong Bird Island）

Drive north from Shiquanhe along G219 to Rutog and Pangong Tso, then return. Total driving time is about 6 hours.

Shiquanhe is the last major supply point before the northern route; stock up on fuel and food.

Stay: Shiquanhe Town

Day 13 · Northern Route: Shiquanhe to Gêger and Gêrzê

Gêgê County → Gêrzê County

Drive east along the northern route from Shiquanhe through Gêger to Gêrzê. Approx. 380 km, 8 hours.

Some sections of the northern route are dirt roads; a 4WD vehicle is required.

Stay: Gêrzê County Town

Day 14 · Through Changtang to Nyima

Nyima County

Drive from Gêrzê along the northern route through the Changtang lake region to Nyima. Approx. 390 km, 8 to 9 hours.

There are many uninhabited areas along the way with poor mobile signal; travel in a convoy.

Stay: Nyima County Town

Day 15 · Siling Tso to Baingoin

Siling Tso

Drive east from Nyima along the southern shore of Siling Tso to Baingoin. Approx. 330 km, 7 hours.

Stay: Baingoin County Town

Day 16 · Namtso Back to Lhasa

Namtso（Tashi Dor Peninsula、Largen La Pass）

Drive from Baingoin to Namtso, cross Nagen La Pass, and return to Lhasa via Damxung. Approx. 460 km, 9 hours.

The final day covers a long distance; book your return transport for the following day.