Nepal + Tibet. Expedition to Places of Power

Day 1 — May 18. Kathmandu: The Expedition Begins

We arrive in Kathmandu in the morning — this is important, because we need to submit visa documents the same day. Flights from Europe usually take 12–16 hours with convenient connections through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul or Sharjah.

Kathmandu greets us with noise, movement, spices, dust, temples and its strange, organized chaos. This is where the shift begins: from city speed to the pulse of the Himalayas.

On the first day, we handle the practical side: buying any missing equipment, getting local SIM cards and exchanging money into rupees. Then we walk through Thamel to Durbar Square, meet the gaze of the living goddess Kumari and start to understand: this is definitely not an ordinary vacation.

Day 2 — May 19. Langtang: The Road into the Mountains

After breakfast, we head toward the Langtang Valley region for acclimatization before Tibet. First, we drive in the direction of Dhunche, then hike to Deurali village at 2600 m.

This is the first day when the body starts to feel the mountains: the air changes, the steps become more conscious and city thoughts begin to fade. Overnight in Deurali.

Day 3 — May 20. Chandanbari: First Serious Ascent

After breakfast, we trek to Sing Gompa in Chandanbari village. We gradually climb to 3300 m, which gives us smoother acclimatization before tomorrow’s ascent to the lake.

The trek takes around 5–6 hours. We don’t rush. We move at a pace that allows the body to adjust to altitude.

Day 4 — May 21. Gosaikunda: Mountain Lake at 4380 m

Today we climb through dense forests and mountain slopes to Gosaikunda Lake at 4380 m. Snowy peaks come closer, the air becomes colder and the space around us feels more silent and high.

This is a 6–7 hour trekking day. It is not easy, but it is powerful. Here, the mountains are no longer a background — they are part of the journey.

Day 5 — May 22. Descent to Dhunche: The End of Nepal Acclimatization

This is a long descent to Dhunche, around 7–8 hours of trekking. In the evening, we meet the second part of the group.

Today, our Chinese visas should be delivered from Kathmandu, and after that, the second part of the expedition begins — Tibet. After Nepal, the trekking and the first altitude days, we are already not quite the same people who landed in Kathmandu.

Day 6 — May 23. Border and Kerung: Entering Tibet

We drive to the border, complete the formalities and then continue through Chinese territory to Kerung. We stay overnight in a hotel and begin adapting to Tibetan food, altitude and a different rhythm.

The roads become better, the landscapes bigger, and the altitude more serious. The Tibetan Plateau is ahead.

Day 7 — May 24. Saga: Tibet from the Bus Window

Today we get to know Tibet on the road. We drive through high mountain passes, stop above 5000 m and take the kind of photos that make it hard to believe this is real.

Our destination is Saga, an unexpected island of civilization among the wide mountain deserts of the Tibetan Plateau. We stay in a comfortable hotel and have dinner in a traditional Chinese restaurant. This will also be the last large supermarket before Kailash and the sacred lakes.

Day 8 — May 25. Manasarovar and Darchen: Living Water and the Road to Kailash

After several hours on the road, we see two sacred lakes: Rakshas Tal, often called “dead water,” and Manasarovar, known as “living water.”

Lake Manasarovar lies at 4557 m in one of the most powerful valleys on the planet. The Himalayas hold it from the south, and the Kailash range from the north. Here, everything feels different: silence, water, wind and space have an almost physical presence.

By the end of the day, we arrive in Darchen. This is where the Kora around Kailash begins — one of the most sacred routes on Earth.

Day 9 — May 26. Kora Around Kailash: Day One

The first day of the Kora takes us through the Lhachu Valley. Green meadows, mountain streams, cold clear air, narrow canyons and waterfalls follow us along the way.

Today we finally see the northern face of Kailash and reach Dirapuk Monastery at 4950 m. We stay overnight opposite the monastery, with a view of the north side of the mountain. This is one of those evenings when you want to speak less and look longer.

Day 10 — May 27. Dromla Pass: The Highest Point of the Kora

The second day of the Kora is the most serious one. Early wake-up, backpacks, breakfast and the ascent to Dromla Pass at 5650 m.

Today we walk around 23 km and climb from 4730 m to 5650 m. It is a day where the body works honestly, the mind becomes quiet and every step matters.

There is a place where pilgrims leave an object that symbolizes an old life. Not as a “photo ritual,” but as a private moment of letting go of something you no longer need to carry.

Day 11 — May 28. Completing the Kora and Road to Saga

The third day of the Kora takes us from Zutulpuk to Darchen. It is around 12 km and about 5 hours of walking.

Before leaving, we visit the cave inside the monastery where, according to tradition, the great yogi Milarepa meditated. After returning to Darchen, we change clothes and drive to Saga — around 6–7 hours on the road.

Finally, a comfortable hotel and a hot shower after the Kora. And yes, that shower may deserve its own place in your memory.

Day 12 — May 29. Road to Shigatse

During the day, we cross two more high mountain passes with views of Himalayan peaks. Most of the day is spent on the road, with yaks, sheep, huge spaces and Tibet moving slowly outside the window.

Closer to evening, we cross the Brahmaputra River and arrive in Shigatse. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.

Day 13 — May 30. Lhasa: City of the Gods

Today we reach Lhasa, the historical capital and main sacred city of Tibet, located at 3680 m.

After arrival, we check into a 4-star hotel, have a snack at a nearby café and rest after a long travel day. The name Lhasa translates as “City of the Gods” or “Place of the Gods.” It was once the traditional residence of the Dalai Lama.

Day 14 — May 31. Lhasa: Potala and Jokhang

Today we visit the main sacred sites of Lhasa. We see the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama, and Jokhang, the first Buddhist temple in Tibet.

Jokhang holds a statue of Buddha that, according to tradition, was created during the lifetime of Buddha himself. This is a day where history, faith and architecture become one strong experience.

Day 15 — June 1. Lhasa: Free Day

This day is left for Lhasa without rushing. You can walk through shops, explore small corners of the city, buy a singing bowl, metalwork or something small that will later bring you back to this day.

In the evening, we have dinner together at the well-known Lhasa Kitchen.

Day 16 — June 2. Flight Lhasa — Kathmandu

We fly back to Nepal on a direct Lhasa — Kathmandu flight. It is a rare and beautiful route, taking around one and a half hours.

In Kathmandu, the final part of the expedition begins: hotel check-in, rest and a celebratory dinner in Thamel.

Day 17 — June 3. Kathmandu: The Final Day

Today we say goodbye to Kathmandu. There is time for last shopping: souvenirs, spices, Nepali tea, maybe something you didn’t plan to buy, but it clearly found you.

According to flight schedules, we go to the airport, hug one more time and fly home. After a journey like this, “returning” does not always mean coming back as the same person who left.

Day 18 — June 4. Reserve Day

A reserve day in case of changes in logistics, flights or route timing.

‍

Expedition-style journey: trekking in Nepal, high-altitude roads in Tibet, sacred sites, monasteries and the Kora around Mount Kailash. Simple lodges during the strongest part of the route, comfortable hotels where possible, and full support from the team along the way.

Oleksandr is a team leader for complex routes where logistics, calmness, safety and a sense of support matter equally.

During this expedition, he holds the route, the group pace and the practical side of the journey: transfers, altitude, trekking days, everyday details and communication with local partners.

With him, you don’t need to “keep up” just to prove you are strong. You can move at your own pace, listen to yourself and know that the route has been thought through, and that you are traveling with someone who understands challenging journeys from real experience.

‍