Bon (Bön) was the old religion of Tibet before the arrival of Buddhism in the 7th century AD dating back more than 3800yrs. The Bon spiritual tour packages are now getting more popular since many foreign people practice the Bon religion. We are the only Tibetan travel agency with decades of experience operating and guiding the Bon tours in Tibet, and we know about the Bon better than anyone else.
Bön is spelt either Bön or Bon and is sometimes called Bonism. There are still some monasteries and people who worship the Bon religion in Tibet and around the world. The native Bon followers and Bon followers outside of Tibet doing the kora around Bonri and Mt. Kailash as counterclockwise during the Bon tour.
Based on the extensive and profound ancient Shangshung culture, absorbing the cultural essence of the surrounding areas, the Bon religion formed the unique Tibetan religious culture.Â
Besides this tour, we have other 14days Kailash tour and many others packages.
Lhasa Gongkar Airport (Google Map)
Upon arrival at the Nyingchi (2900m) Milin airport, our client will warmly welcome our Tibetan local tour guide and the driver with the traditional Tibetan white scarf.
We are starting our Bon tour by driving about an hour to the hotel. After check-in at the hotel, the guide will be briefing the tour itineraries for the next day.
We highly recommend you relax in the hotel to acclimatise to the high altitude for the rest of the day.
Sightseeing for the three Bon Monastries around Nyingchi Bayi County
Whole day visit for two Monasteries of Bon religion and a far distance peak view of holy Bonri.
Today we drive from Nyingchi to Lhasa along the Niyang river covering a distance of 400km, via Nyingchi Lhasa Highway, which is well-paved and beautiful scenic zones on the way.
Once we reach Lhasa, we will check in the hotel and the rest of the day for free time exploring old Lhasa city.
Today is the scenic drive with breathtaking high passes and the holy lake. Driving along the Lhasa river till the Lhasa Airport and we cross Kampa-la Pass [4797m] and then Karo-la Pass [5050m], where Mt. Nyanchen Khangsar [7206m] glacier lies near the road.
In the middle, we enjoy the unreal turquoise waters of holy lake Yamdrok-Yumtso. Finally, we arrive at Gyantse town, where we stop for lunch. Also, we admire the majestic Gyantse Dzong (fortress) overlooking the valley.
Then we drive North-West to reach the second largest city in Tibet Autonomous Region – Shigatse. At there, we visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, built in the 15th century by the first Dalai Lama.
Nowadays is the spiritual seat for the successive Panchen Lamas. We recommend doing Kora around Tashilhunpo Monastery if times allow having an incredible panorama view of the valley and impressive Dzong (fortress).
It’s a whole day drive from Shigatse to Saga crossing nine passes at an elevation of around 5000m.
Most of the road we drive through nomads area because we are gaining the altitude and wonderful great natural mountains and rivers from western Tibet along the way.
Driving along the Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra) and the Himalayan chain continues over the 5100m high pass Mayum La to the holy lake Manasarovar.
Mansarovar is one of the sacred lakes where the Hindu pilgrims usually take depth in the water before the Kailash kora because it said that it would purify the sins after a bath in the lake.
Crossing Mayum La pass, you will see for the first time – The summit pyramid of Mt. Kailash after the long drive from Lhasa. From then, it’s just 68km to Montser town.
Today is the day for exploring the ruins of Kyunglung Silver Town (Garuda Valley), once said to be the city of Shangshung and the monastery Gurgyam.
According to Bonpo historical accounts, this region was the centre of the ancient kingdom of Shangshung, from where the Bon religion was originated. This day is one of the most significant days in our Bon tour.
After lunch, we drive about an hour to Darchen and start to prepare for the next three days kora.
The Highlight of the Bon spiritual tours is the next three days of conversion (52km) of the sacred Mt. Kailash. The trek starts today, and only 12km to Zutrulpuk Cave is the easiest part of the Kora.
Today we set out from Zutrulpuk cave early morning to cross the Dolma La pass. About 4km ascending to the Dolma La pass and a decent 6km is the most challenging part of the trek.
After that, we reach Dirapuk cave, where we have the best and most beautiful stunning view of the holy Kailash north face.
The trek starts from Dirapuk cave, and 10kms after leaving the lodge, we reach the spot Tarpoche, the large prayer flag pole in honour of Buddha, at the entrance to Kora for the Buddhist.
The walk for today is easy as decent down to Darchen.
After enjoying the last view of Kailash from Darchen, we drive back to Saga the same way.
Drive the same route back to Shigatse.
Today, we drive back to Lhasa through the G318 Friendship Highway along the Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra) for 6hrs.
After arrival in Lhasa, you will have half-day free time for shopping and exploring around.
Our Bon spiritual tour to Kailash and Nyingchi officially ends today. Have a safe journey after that.
