Meet at the group hotel in Kathmandu. Transfers from Kathmandu Airport are provided. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the immediate vicinity of the hotel and get acclimatised to this bustling city. Alternatively, you may prefer to recover from your journey by relaxing beside the hotel pool. KE Land Only package services begin with the evening meal. Your guide will take dinner with you and will provide an informal briefing about the days ahead.

After breakfast at our hotel, we will be picked up and taken on a guided sightseeing tour amongst the most important of Kathmandu's sites. We start out with the exciting drive across town to the 35 metre-high white-painted Buddhist stupa of Bodhnath, one of the largest in the world. A gilded spire with 13 tiers (representing the stages man has to go through to attain nirvana) sits on top of the white dome and features the all-seeing eyes of Buddha facing each of the 4 cardinal directions. Ropes of prayer flags hang down from near the top of the stupa which is located on an ancient trade route from Tibet. There are many Tibetan people, refugees from their home country, who live in this part of Kathmandu and devout pilgrims circle the stupa continually. It is a powerful place. Not too far away (just a kilometre or so) is Pashupatinath, the great Hindu sanctuary beside the Bagmati River. There are hundreds of temples on this site which is also a place of cremation for Hindus. The ritual burning of bodies takes place on raised platforms alongside the river. It is fascinating to spend an hour at the site, exploring amongst the temples, perusing the souvenir stalls and photographing the super-colourful sadhus (Hindu holy men) who hang out here (and make a good living by posing for photographs). Reunited with our transport, we will drive out to medieval Bhaktapur, the ancient capital of the Malla kings, where we will have a traditional Newari lunch at a local home. This will be a good opportunity for us to get a feel for the 'real Nepal', before we head out to do some exploring, both in the main Durbar Square with its important religious architecture and in the back alleys. Late in the afternoon we will check in at a very authentic Newari guesthouse in Bhaktapur which occupies a historically important building.

After breakfast at our charming guesthouse, we will have another walk around the backstreets of Bhaktapur as the population wakes to a new day. We will see local people visiting shrines and temples and farmers bringing their produce into market. Then, we'll board our transport for the drive up onto the valley rim at Nagarkot (2000m). It takes over an hour to drive the narrow and winding 25 kilometre tarmac road up to the string of lodges and hotels which line the ridge at Nagarkot. This village is renowned for its Himalayan views and on a clear day (especially at sunset and at sunrise) it is possible to see 8 separate ranges, from the Annapurnas in the west to distant Mount Everest. We will have some free time in the afternoon and then, accompanied by our guide, we will take a stroll along the ridge to a viewpoint where we can watch the light fade and try to pick out some of the famous Nepali peaks. Dinner and overnight at our Nagarkot hotel.

If it is clear, we will be up early to see if the sunrise views are any better than those at sunset. Then, after breakfast, we'll drive out (15 minutes) to Telkot and from there walk easily (2 hours), through villages, open country and forest, to the small temple of Chengu Narayan which is one of the oldest in the valley, dating from the fourth century. We can expect some great views during this walk. Then, reunited with our transport, we will drive back down into the city for lunch. In the afternoon there's the option of another guided sightseeing tour to the 'Monkey Temple' at Swayambhunath. It's just a short drive from our hotel, followed by a staircase of 365 steps which leads up to the site. We'll take our time, looking out for the mischievous macaques which inhabit this area. There are some colourful statues of Buddha low down and lots of prayer flags festooning the trees that line the walkway. As well as the impressive central stupa, there are lots of shrines and temples here and it's always busy with worshippers. This is also one of the best places from which to get an overview of the city. We will return to the hotel in time to freshen up, before going out to dinner in Thamel.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport and check in for the 90 minute flight to Lhasa. The flight passes over the Khumbu area, and if it's clear there are great views of Mount Everest and Makalu and of Kangchenjunga to the east. After landing at Lhasa Airport it is an hour's drive to the Tibetan capital, where we check in to our hotel. The altitude at Lhasa (3660m) will dictate that we take it easy for the next couple of days.

On this first day in Lhasa we will visit the Potala Palace with a local guide and an interpreter. The Potala is the most spectacular of the sights of Lhasa, built on a small outcrop known as the Red Hill and dominating the city. The present palace was constructed in the 17th century during the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama. It is a vast building, containing the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and many important chapels. Today, we will also visit the 7th century Jokhang Temple, one of the most sacred shrines in Tibet. The temple has lots of small chambers and chapels, each with its own significance and there's always a queue of devout Tibetans forming an orderly procession through the complex. Surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkor, a maze of narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses which is the central market of Lhasa. The name Barkor actually refers to the pilgrims' circuit around the Jokhang, which winds its way through the market streets. During the course of their clockwise circumambulation of the Jokhang, the pilgrims regularly stop to scrutinise the merchandise on the stalls which line both sides of their route. Sitting at a café in the Barkor, watching the world go by, is a great way to spend the afternoon.

In the morning we will drive a short distance from the city to the Sera Monastery, which is a fascinating complex of whitewashed walls and golden roofs, housing one of the best preserved monasteries in Tibet. From the monastery there are splendid views across the plains back to Lhasa. Then, in the afternoon, we will visit the Drepung Monastery which was the seat of power in Tibet prior to the construction of the Potala. At over 20,000 square metres, this is the largest monastery in Tibet. We return to the city and in the evening go out to sample the fare of one of the city's typical Tibetan restaurants.

Setting off on our overland journey to Kailash, we drive past the airport and after a further half an hour arrive beside the great Brahmaputra River which here is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo. From here, we continue to follow the 'Friendship Highway' and climb via a switchback road to the summit of the Khamba La (4794m), the first of several major passes on our route. From the top of the pass there are dazzling views out across the deep turquoise waters of the lake, Yamdrok Tsho to the snow-capped summit of Nazin Kang Sa (7252m). During the period of maximum snowmelt in the spring, several rivers flow into this lake, but they dry up for most of the year. Similarly, the lake has no permanent outflow. Beyond the lake we pass through the small town of Nagartse and begin the climb up to the Karo La (5045m) with distant views of the Bhutan Himalaya on our left-hand side. At the pass there is the amazing sight of a huge glacier which tumbles down to within a few hundred metres of the road. Descending, we drive through the village of Ralung and then continue through a wonderful valley, with a series of colourful Tibetan villages. We will take the opportunity to stop a couple of times to take photographs and to meet the welcoming local people. We reach our hotel in Gyantse (3950m) in the late afternoon and have time to visit the most important of Gyantse's religious sites; the spectacularly large and ornate stupa known as the Kumbum. This gold-topped pyramid has been little-damaged over the centuries, and is one of the finest buildings in Tibet. The paintings which adorn its many chapels (there are 112 chapels in all) are especially fine. Gyantse itself is an important town, one of the largest in Tibet and is overlooked by an impressive 15th century fort, once the stronghold of a powerful war-lord. Younghusband and his troops occupied the fort for a month during his expedition to Tibet in 1904.

This morning we will drive just 90 kilometres on a very good road to Shigatse. On arrival, we will check in at our hotel and have lunch, before heading out to see Tashilhunpo monastic complex. The red and gold buildings which comprise this monastery are surrounded by a high wall, and around this wall there is an important pilgrim's circuit which includes small shrines, significant rock inscriptions and many prayer wheels. The circuit takes less than an hour, but much longer if you stop regularly to watch the goings on of the Tibetan pilgrims. A ruined fortress follows a rugged ridge above the city, which is the second largest in Tibet and capital of the province of Tsang.

Continuing our drive along the Friendship Highway, we climb to a pass which offers a first distant view of the Nepal Himalaya. Descending from the pass we reach the small town of Lhatse, which has the feeling of a frontier town in the Wild West. Apart from its hot springs, Lhatse's claim to fame is that the long road to western Tibet begins a short distance west of the town. Beyond Lhatse, we climb up to cross the highest pass on the Friendship Highway, the Gyamtso La (5220m). Then, rounding a bend on the descent from the pass, we are confronted by our first views of Everest, Lhotse and Cho Oyu. We encounter wild Tibetan settlements, lonely monasteries and the encampments of nomadic herders on the next 50 kilometre stretch of road to Shegar (4050m) also known as New Tingri. We overnight at one of the best hotels in Shegar which offers basic but comfortable accommodation. It is from here that we will set off on our detour to the Rongbuk Valley and the north side of Everest.

We leave the Friendship Highway and head south towards the great chain of the Himalaya on a road which was constructed by the Chinese for an Everest expedition in 1960 and which has recently been graded and improved. Climbing up to cross the Pang La (5150m) we will stop off to take in the superb views of the arrayed peaks of the Himalaya; one of the finest panoramas from any road pass in the world. We then drop down to Phadhruchi and from there the road follows the river, ascending very gradually. Everest is lost from sight to begin with, but as we turn into the Rongbuk Valley it reappears, more impressive than ever. The Chinese authorities do not permit private buses on the road to the monastery at Rongbuk (4980m) and we will make a short transfer in official cars. Our support vehicle is allowed to bring our equipment and supplies. Rongbuk is one of the highest monasteries on Earth and we will overnight nearby in a basic guesthouse. If we are blessed with good weather, as the sun sets, the north face of Everest is typically illuminated by pink and orange light - a truly memorable sight.

We will spend the morning at this remarkable place. The site of the modern-day basecamp for the north side of Everest is situated close to the snout of the Rongbuk Glacier just a few kilometres beyond the monastery and at the end of a rough road. If, at the time of our visit, the Chinese authorities are allowing tourists to go as far as basecamp, then we will drive up there. The view of Everest from anywhere in the valley is spectacular in any case. After lunch, we will board our transport for the drive out of this remote place. We take the old road directly to Old Tingri (on the Friendship Highway) from the lower Rongbuk Valley. This is a pretty rough road, crossing another 5000 metre pass which, yet again, provides excellent views of Everest and Cho Oyu. Overnight in another basic Tibetan hotel.

Following what was formerly the main road towards Nepal, with views of Everest and Cho Oyu on our left hand side, we turn off just before the Lalung La and continue in a westerly direction across a remote part of the Tibetan Plateau. We pass the 27 kilometre-long lake of Pelkhu Tso (4500m) and will have a stop to look out for some of the rare bird species that live here, including black-necked crane and bar-headed goose. In this area we also have a good chance to see the stocky Tibetan wild ass which is known as a kiang. Leaving the lake we have 2 more 5000 metre passes to cross and this time on our left hand side we can see Shishapangma, the only 8000 metre which has its summit in Tibet. Close to Dzongka, the road turns north and after another hour we reach our overnight stopping place at Saga. This is real 'wild west' town with a long strip of a main street and a very Chinese feel. There are a few shops where you can stock up on any goodies you might need over the coming days.

This will be the longest day of driving on the approach to Mount Kailash, as we follow the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River upstream to the sacred lake of Manasarovar. We will pass through a number of villages and small towns. Crossing several 4500 metre passes, we can continue to look out for wild asses and for marmots which live in burrows alongside the road. From the final pass, the Mayum La (5280m) we get our first views of Kailash and can stop to pay our respects and take photos, before dropping down to the lakeshore. We overnight in a lodge close to Chiu Gompa with views southwards across the lake to the peak of Gurla Mandata (7694m).

This morning, there's a welcome opportunity to stretch our legs as we take a walk along the northern shore of Manasarowar. The complete 90-kilometre perimeter of the lake is a pilgrim's circuit or 'yatra' and we may meet Tibetans who are undertaking this walk. We may also see local people grazing their sheep and goats beside the lake and there is always a wealth of birdlife here, including ravens, grebes, ducks, geese and a couple of species of land-locked gulls. We will aim to walk for a couple of hours which, at 4500 metres elevation, will be a good test of our acclimatisation ahead of our walk around Kailash. Assorted chortens and mani walls provide interesting photographic subjects with the backdrop of the endless lake and distant Gurla Mandata. We will also be able to visit Chiu Gompa on its rocky outcrop and enjoy the views from there of the stunning snow-cone of Kailash. After lunch, we will drive for an hour to the small town of Darchen (4575m) where we will check in at our hotel.

Darchen was once an important centre of the wool trade, prior to the breakdown of the cross border trading between Tibet and India in the 1940's. Now the village is mainly inhabited in summer (when a sprawling tent city grows around the cluster of permanent structures) and serves as a point of departure for the many pilgrims who come to Kailash from far and wide. Only the very top of Kailash is visible from Darchen, as the foothills of the mountain approach the northern side of the village and obscure the view. Spending the day in and around Darchen will allow us to do some exploring and to take a walk up to one or more of several viewpoints from which more of Kailas can be seen. This is the busiest time of year for Darchen and thousands of pilgrims will be coming in to the town for the Saga Dawa Festival, some of them having walked and hitch-hiked for weeks to get here. The many basic guesthouses and tea-shops will be full to capacity and it's fascinating to watch the comings and goings of the pilgrims. We spend a second night at our Darchen hotel.

After an early breakfast, the drive out to the festival site at Tarboche will take about 40 minutes. Here, along with a horde of pilgrims, we will watch as lamas and monks from nearby monasteries preside over the ceremonies. The main event is the gradual erection of the giant flagpole hung with prayer flags, whilst horn-blowing monks and throngs of pilgrims circle the site. There are horsemen in traditional dress, souvenir stalls, colourful paper prayer leaflets blowing on the wind and the all-pervading smell of incense. Once the pole is upright, we can set off on the Kailash 'kora', accompanied by thousands of pilgrims, many of whom will be aiming to complete the circuit in one day. The traditional circuit proceeds in a clockwise direction, according to the requirements of the Buddhist religion. Hindu pilgrims also complete clockwise circuits. Conversely, the Tibetan Bon Po religion requires its adherents to circle the mountain counter-clockwise. Together with our trek crew and yaks we trek northwards, gaining height very gradually, passing mani walls and the impressive, arched Kangnyi Chorten, to Chukku Gompa on the western side of the river. We can make a detour to climb up to this monastery and admire the view of Kailash, before returning to the east side of the river. The pilgrim's trail continues through the Lha Chu Canyon and then begins to turn towards the east, reaching a huge conglomerate boulder at Damding Dongkhang after three hours of fairly level walking. A further 2 to 3 hours of level trekking takes us to our lodge accommodation near to Diraphuk Gompa (5000m). This is a superb little monastery with an exquisite interior and a good view of the North Face of Kailash.

After an early breakfast, we start out with a couple of hours' walk to Jarok Donkhang (5250m). From this point, the main valley heads north and is one possible route towards the source of the Indus. Our route crosses the Drolma La Chu (a tributary of the Lha Chu) and heads towards the high point of the circuit, the Drolma La (5648m). Initially the climbing is interspersed with level sections and then becomes more continuous, passing the sacred site of Shiwa Tsal where the Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims leave items of clothing or locks of hair as an offering. The final rocky scramble to the pass is lined with hundreds of cairns, and looking back there is a last view of the north side of Kailas. It is approximately 4 hours to the pass from Diraphuk. At the pass is a huge boulder, the Drolma Stone, festooned with prayer flags and daubed with yak butter. The devout of all religions prostrate before this stone and walk around it three times before continuing. A steep and rocky descent from the pass leads past a large frozen lake and after about an hour, to the more level floor of the Lham Chu Valley where we once again meet a Chinese road. We continue down the valley for a further 2 - 3 hours, looking out for the single spot where we can look back for a view of Kailash's mysterious east face. We overnight in a lodge close to Zutulpuk Gompa (4800m) after a long day.

We have a much shorter day today, plenty of time to enjoy our trek. Near to Zutulpuk Gompa is an interesting cave, which legend has it, was carved by Milarepa during a magical contest. Our trek continues south towards a narrowing of the valley and a short section of gorge beyond which, we turn towards the west. After 2 - 3 hours walking we cross a ridge and we can see Raksas Tal, the lake which lies just to the west of Lake Manasarovar, framed by the snowy peaks of the Himalaya, almost like a mirage. We can also see the monastery building at our destination, Darchen. Arriving here, we have completed the 49-kilometre circuit or kora of Kailash and we can say goodbye to our trek crew and their yaks before making our way back to our hotel.

We will make an early start for our long return drive eastwards. At the top of the Mayum La we will stop to say farewell to Mount Kailash, as this is the last point from which the mountain can be seen. Continuing our drive, with the Tsang Po now on our right hand side, there will be a stop for lunch possibly in Paryang. Overnight at the hotel in Saga.

Heading south from Saga, we cross the Tsangpo and retrace the 60 kilometres of road that we covered on Day 13 in the opposite direction. Beyond Dzongka, we drop down into the Kyirong Valley and find ourselves in an increasingly green and pleasant part of Tibet with Shishapangma rising up to the south-east. We overnight at a hotel in Kyirong which, at an elevation of just 3000 metres, feels positively balmy after the Tibetan Plateau.

On this final day of our journey, we make an early start and drive to the border with Nepal which is marked by a 'Friendship Bridge'. We have to complete the border-crossing formalities again at the Nepalese post at Rasuwa Ghadi. This road link between Tibet and Nepal has replaced the original route through Zangmu further east, which was effectively closed by the 2015 earthquake. At this point the road enters a narrow gorge with many waterfalls, forest and small houses. We reach Syabrubensi in the Langtang region and climb via a switch-back section to Dhunche before dropping down gradually to Trisuli Bazaar. The road is better again as we reach the Arnikho Highway and make the final crossing of the Kathmandu valley rim to reach our hotel. Time to freshen up before going out into Thamel for a celebratory meal.

KE Land Only package services end after breakfast. Transfers to Kathmandu Airport are provided. To extend your holiday in Nepal, why not pre-book a day's sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu Valley, or a multi-day excursion to the wildlife reserve at Chitwan. Contact our office for details.