Drive from Kerung (Gyirong) to Saga (4,640 m)
After an early breakfast at your hotel in Kerung, you will begin one of the most spectacular scenic drives of your Mount Kailash pilgrimage. Leaving the beautiful green valleys of Gyirong behind, the road gradually ascends onto the vast Tibetan Plateau, where breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and endless grasslands create an unforgettable travel experience.
Today's journey is an important stage of the expedition as you gain significant altitude while travelling across one of the highest plateaus in the world. The drive follows a well-maintained highway through remote valleys, high mountain passes, wide-open plains, and traditional Tibetan settlements. Along the way, you will cross several mountain ridges decorated with colourful Buddhist prayer flags, where local pilgrims stop to offer prayers for a safe journey.
As you climb higher, the scenery changes dramatically. Dense forests gradually disappear, giving way to alpine meadows, rolling grasslands, and the vast open landscapes of western Tibet. Large herds of yaks, sheep, and goats graze peacefully across the plateau, while Tibetan nomads continue their traditional lifestyle in black yak-hair tents scattered across the grasslands.
On clear days, today's drive offers magnificent panoramic views of some of the Himalayan region's highest peaks, including Shishapangma (8,027 m), the only mountain over 8,000 metres located entirely within Tibet. You may also enjoy distant views of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and several unnamed snow-covered peaks stretching across the Nepal–Tibet border.
The Tibetan Plateau is also famous for its remarkable wildlife. During the journey, you may encounter wild Tibetan yaks, Kiang (Tibetan wild ass), blue sheep, Himalayan marmots, Tibetan gazelles, and occasionally Tibetan foxes. Bird lovers may spot black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, golden eagles, and Himalayan griffon vultures soaring high above the plateau. Wildlife sightings depend on the season and weather conditions but add a memorable element to today's drive.
The road is mostly smooth asphalt with occasional gravel sections due to seasonal maintenance. Your experienced Tibetan driver will make several stops along the route for photographs, rest breaks, and lunch, allowing you to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes and fresh mountain air. Because today's altitude increases considerably, your guide will encourage everyone to walk slowly during stops, drink plenty of water, and monitor their health to support proper acclimatization.
After travelling approximately 230 kilometres over 6 to 7 hours, you will arrive in Saga, a lively Tibetan town situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Tsangpo). Saga serves as an important gateway for pilgrims travelling to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. The town offers comfortable hotels, restaurants, shops, banks, pharmacies, and basic medical facilities, making it an ideal overnight stop before continuing farther west.
After checking into your hotel, you will have time to relax, take a short walk around the town if you feel comfortable, and enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers. Your guide will provide a briefing about the next day's journey to the sacred Lake Manasarovar and answer any questions about altitude, weather, and travel conditions.
Day Information
Destination: Saga, Tibet
Start Elevation: 2,700 m (8,858 ft)
End Elevation: 4,640 m (15,223 ft)
Maximum Elevation: Approximately 4,800 m (15,748 ft) at a high mountain pass
Driving Distance: Approximately 230 km (143 miles)
Driving Time: 6–7 hours
Walking Distance: Optional 1–2 km around rest stops and Saga town
Walking Time: 30–45 minutes
Elevation Gain (Ascent): +1,940 m
Elevation Loss (Descent): Minor descents along the route
Road Condition: Mostly paved highway with occasional gravel sections. The road is generally in good condition but includes winding mountain passes and high-altitude terrain.
Transportation: Private Toyota Land Cruiser, 4WD Jeep, Hiace Van, Tourist Minibus, or Coach depending on group size.
Landscape: Tibetan Plateau, alpine grasslands, high mountain passes, river valleys, glacial streams, nomadic settlements, and vast open plains.
Mountains Visible: Shishapangma (8,027 m), Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and surrounding Himalayan peaks (weather permitting).
Flora: Alpine grasses, dwarf juniper, wild edelweiss, cushion plants, hardy shrubs, medicinal herbs, and seasonal wildflowers.
Fauna: Wild Tibetan yak, Kiang (Tibetan wild ass), blue sheep, Tibetan gazelle, Himalayan marmot, Tibetan fox, black-necked crane, bar-headed goose, Himalayan griffon vulture, golden eagle, and various high-altitude birds.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel in Saga
Room Type: Twin-sharing room with attached bathroom. Single room available upon request (subject to availability and additional cost).
Hotel Facilities:
- Comfortable beds
- Attached private bathroom
- Hot shower (subject to hotel supply)
- Electric blanket (seasonal)
- Wi-Fi available in most hotels (connection may be limited)
- Electricity for charging cameras, phones, and batteries
- Restaurant serving Tibetan, Chinese, and simple Western meals
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinking Water: Bottled mineral water and boiled drinking water are available for purchase.
Mobile Network & Wi-Fi: Chinese mobile network coverage is generally available in Saga. Hotel Wi-Fi is available but may be slow.
Electricity: 220V electricity is available. We recommend bringing a universal travel adapter and a power bank.
Weather: Daytime temperatures generally range from 8°C to 18°C, while nighttime temperatures can fall between -2°C and 5°C, depending on the season.
Today's Highlights
- Drive across the breathtaking Tibetan Plateau.
- Cross spectacular high mountain passes decorated with colourful prayer flags.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Shishapangma (8,027 m) and the Himalayan range.
- Observe traditional Tibetan nomadic communities and yak pastures.
- Spot wildlife such as wild yaks, Kiang, blue sheep, marmots, and Himalayan birds.
- Experience the dramatic transition from the green Gyirong Valley to Tibet's vast high-altitude landscapes.
- Arrive in the important pilgrimage town of Saga.
- Continue acclimatizing before travelling to the sacred Lake Manasarovar.
- Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel with modern facilities.