A deep Ngari loop across the northern Changtang to the sacred mountain and lake. The scenery is vast but the altitude is high and the roads demanding, so it suits experienced travellers with enough time and stamina.
Day 1 — Arrive in Lhasa
Airport or station transfer and hotel check-in, then rest to acclimatise.
Day 2 — Lhasa city
Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, continuing to acclimatise.
Day 3 — Lhasa to Shigatse
Via Yamdrok Lake, overnight in Shigatse.
Day 4 — Shigatse to Saga
West along National Highway 318 over several passes, overnight in Saga.
Day 5 — Saga to Parayang to Manasarovar
Across the northern Changtang to the sacred Lake Manasarovar, with views of Mount Gurla Mandhata.
Day 6 — Manasarovar to Mount Kailash
To the foot of Mount Kailash; a short kora experience can be arranged depending on fitness.
Day 7 — Mount Kailash to Zanda
To the Zanda earth forest and the ruins of the Guge Kingdom.
Day 8 — Zanda to Shiquanhe
Reach Shiquanhe (Ali's capital) for a rest day.
Day 9 — Shiquanhe to Gerze
Return east along the Changtang, skirting the edge of the uninhabited area.
Day 10 — Gerze to Nyima
Past Dangra Yumco, overnight in Nyima.
Day 11 — Nyima to Lhasa
A long drive back, arriving in Lhasa in the evening.
Day 12 — Departure from Lhasa
Transfer to the airport or railway station according to your flight or train.
This route enters the border area, so a valid border pass is mandatory — please choose the ticket type that includes border pass processing when booking.
The Ngari section averages above 4,500 m and some stretches have no mobile signal; please assess your health carefully.
The route is long with demanding roads; weather or road closures may force changes. Itineraries and prices are subject to the current published rates.
What is the difference between the permit and a border pass?
The permit covers entering Tibet; the border pass covers entering border areas such as Everest, Ngari, Yadong and Zhangmu. They cover different scopes, and itineraries touching border areas usually need both.
Is a border pass the same as the Tibet Travel Permit?
No. The Tibet Travel Permit covers entry to Tibet itself, while the border pass covers border areas such as the Everest direction, Ngari, Yadong and Zhangmu. They are issued and checked separately, and itineraries that touch border areas normally need both.
Where do I apply for a border pass and what do I need?
Foreign travellers normally have it arranged by the receiving service together with the permit. Holders of a mainland ID card can apply at the police station where they are registered, free of charge, with an ID card, household register and two one-inch photos, stating the prefecture and county to be visited. Applications in Lhasa go through a travel service, require you to appear in person and a service fee applies, usually completed in one working day.
How long is a border pass valid?
Passes issued at your place of registration can be valid for one month, three months, six months or a year depending on the stated purpose, with tourism usually capped at six months. Passes issued in Lhasa are commonly valid for one month. Check that the validity covers your whole trip.