Kailash Tour via Lhasa
Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa – A Sacred Journey Through the Heart of Tibet.
Discover the perfect blend of spiritual pilgrimage and cultural exploration with our carefully curated Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa. This extraordinary journey offers travelers the rare opportunity to experience Tibet’s spiritual and cultural capital—Lhasa—before embarking on the sacred overland journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the world.
Designed for those seeking a deeply spiritual experience enriched by Tibetan culture and heritage, the Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa is ideal for pilgrims, adventure seekers, and cultural travelers alike who want to explore the soul of Tibet while completing the life-changing Mount Kailash Kora.
Why Choose the Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa?
Starting your pilgrimage in Lhasa allows for better altitude acclimatization, cultural immersion, and a smoother transition into the sacred terrain of western Tibet. You will visit iconic Buddhist sites such as the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple before setting off on the spiritual journey to the majestic Mount Kailash—believed to be the earthly manifestation of Mount Meru and the abode of Lord Shiva.
Tour Highlights:
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Explore Lhasa: Begin your journey in the spiritual heart of Tibet with guided visits to the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, and Barkhor Street.
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Drive Across the Tibetan Plateau: Travel through awe-inspiring landscapes, ancient villages, and serene high-altitude passes en route to Kailash.
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Lake Manasarovar: Bathe in or meditate by the sacred lake known for its purifying energies and spiritual significance.
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Mount Kailash Kora: Complete the 3-day circumambulation (Kora) of Mount Kailash—an act believed to cleanse lifetimes of negative karma.
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Authentic Tibetan Experience: Interact with local Tibetans, learn about Buddhist traditions, and witness age-old rituals along the route.
Who Should Join the Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa?
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Spiritual seekers and Hindu/Buddhist pilgrims looking to perform the Kailash Kora
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Cultural travelers wanting to explore the rich heritage of Lhasa before heading west
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Adventurous travelers interested in Tibet’s natural beauty and sacred geography
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First-time high-altitude travelers who benefit from Lhasa’s gradual acclimatization
Why This Route is Special:
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Begins in Lhasa for optimal altitude adjustment and cultural immersion
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Offers both spiritual and cultural highlights in one seamless itinerary
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Led by expert Tibetan guides with deep spiritual and historical knowledge
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Safe, well-organized overland journey with full logistical support
Comfort & Safety:
The Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa includes all necessary Tibet travel permits, comfortable hotel stays in Lhasa and other key stops, experienced Tibetan guides, medical and oxygen backup, and a well-paced itinerary to ensure a safe and enriching experience at high altitude.
Follow the Path of Pilgrims and Saints
The Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa is more than a journey—it’s a spiritual awakening that begins in the holy city of Lhasa and leads to the divine peak of Mount Kailash. Along the way, you’ll walk the sacred paths of countless sages, monks, and pilgrims who have made this pilgrimage for centuries.
Book your Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa today and experience a transformative adventure through Tibet’s most sacred and majestic landscapes.
Sample Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Max Altitude: 1,355 m | 4,445 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Radisson or Similar
Mode of Travel: Bus / Van
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After check-in, you may rest or enjoy free time in the evening to explore the surroundings at your own pace.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
Max Altitude: 1,355 m | 4,445 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Radisson or Similar
Mode of Travel: Bus / Van
After breakfast, we begin our sightseeing with visits to Pashupatinath Temple, Guheshwori Devi Temple, and Budhanilkantha (Sleeping Vishnu / Jal Narayan). After lunch, we proceed to Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), offering panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley.
Day 03: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
Max Altitude: 1,355 m | 4,445 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Radisson or Similar
Mode of Travel: Bus / Van
This morning, we visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and Boudhanath Stupa, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the afternoon, explore the lively streets of Thamel, ideal for souvenir shopping and enjoying local Nepali cuisine. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of Kathmandu.
Day 04: Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa
Max Altitude: 3,650 m | 11,972 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mode of Travel: Flight
After breakfast, transfer to the international airport for your scenic flight to Lhasa—one of the most spectacular trans-Himalayan journeys. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, our Tibetan guide will receive you and escort you to your hotel in Lhasa city.
Gonggar Airport to Lhasa: 65 km | ~1 hour
Altitude of Lhasa: 3,650 m
Day 05: Lhasa Sightseeing Tour (Potala Palace, Norbulingka, Jokhang Temple)
Max Altitude: 3,650 m | 11,972 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s full-day sightseeing includes the iconic Potala Palace (outside circuit), the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, followed by Norbulingka Palace, his summer residence. We conclude with a visit to the sacred Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet. Later, explore local markets and enjoy traditional Tibetan cuisine.
Day 06: Lhasa Sightseeing Tour (Sera & Drepung Monasteries)
Max Altitude: 3,650 m | 11,972 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Sera Monastery, famous for its monk debates, followed by Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in Tibet, housing nearly 10,000 monks at its peak. Located on a mountain slope northwest of Lhasa, it offers deep insight into Tibetan Buddhism.
Day 07: Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse
Max Altitude: 3,900 m | 12,793 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mode of Travel: Chinese Bus
Drive Time: ~5 hours
Distance: 270 km
After breakfast, drive west to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. The route follows the northern highway along the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River, a key corridor leading toward Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.
In the afternoon, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. The monastery houses a magnificent 26-meter-high gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha, adorned with approximately 300 kg of gold.
Day 08: Drive from Shigatse to Saga
Max Altitude: 4,500 m | 14,760 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mode of Travel: Chinese Bus
Drive Time: ~8 hours
Distance: 490 km
After breakfast, drive toward Saga, the gateway to Mount Kailash. En route, pass through Lhatse, a historic junction town connecting routes to Everest Base Camp, Kailash, Manasarovar, and Lhasa. Continue through high mountain passes and vast Tibetan landscapes before reaching Saga, located along the Brahmaputra River.
Day 09: Drive from Saga to Lake Manasarovar (Chiu Gompa)
Max Altitude: 4,640 m | 15,219 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mode of Travel: Chinese Bus
Drive Time: ~9 hours
Distance: 545 km
One of the most spiritually significant days of the Mount Kailash Yatra. Drive west across the Tibetan plateau, passing nomadic settlements and high passes. Stop at Mayum-La Checkpost for document verification, then cross Mayum-La Pass (5,220 m).
After reaching the eastern shore of Lake Manasarovar, explore the sacred lake by eco-vehicles. The tour concludes at Chiu Gompa Monastery, where we stay overnight.
Day 10: Lake Manasarovar to Darchen
Max Altitude: 4,690 m | 15,383 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mode of Travel: Chinese Bus
Drive Time: 45 minutes
Distance: 37 km
Perform holy rituals, prayers, and sacred bathing at Lake Manasarovar. After lunch, drive to Darchen, the base camp for the Mount Kailash Parikrama.
Day 11: Drive to Yama Dwar & Trek to Dhirapuk
Max Altitude: 5,080 m | 16,663 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mode of Travel: Bus + Trek
Trek Distance: 13 km | Duration: 6–7 hours
Drive to Tarboche (Yama Dwar), the ceremonial gateway to Mount Kailash. Those who have hired porters or horses meet them here. Begin trekking to Dhirapuk Monastery, following a gradual and scenic trail.
Pilgrims not participating in the trek return to Darchen and wait for the group to complete the Parikrama.
Day 12: Dhirapuk – Dolma La – Zutulphuk Trek
Max Altitude: 5,620 m (Dolma La)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mode of Travel: Trek
Distance: 22 km | Duration: ~9 hours
The most challenging and sacred day of the Mount Kailash Parikrama. Start early to cross Dolma-La Pass (5,620 m) and visit Gaurikunda Lake. Descend toward Zutulphuk, where Milarepa is believed to have meditated. Overnight stay in a basic guesthouse with dormitory accommodation.
Day 13: Zutulphuk to Zongdau & Drive to Saga
Max Altitude: 4,500 m | 14,760 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, trek from Zutulphuk to Zongdau (8 km, ~4 hours), marking the completion of the Mount Kailash Kora. Drive back to Darchen and reunite with the group before continuing the journey to Saga.
Zutulphuk to Zongdau: 8 km | ~4 hours trek
Zongdau to Darchen: 4 km | ~20 minutes drive
Darchen to Saga: 495 km | ~8 hours drive
Day 14: Drive from Saga to Kyirong
Max Altitude: 2,800 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mode of Travel: Chinese Bus
Drive Time: ~3–4 hours
Distance: 180 km
After breakfast, drive to Kyirong, a scenic border town near Nepal. Enjoy a relaxed evening and overnight stay in Kyirong.
Day 15: Kyirong to Kathmandu
Max Altitude: 1,355 m | 4,445 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mode of Travel: Bus
Drive Time: ~7–8 hours
Distance: 186 km
After breakfast, drive to the Friendship Bridge and complete immigration formalities on both the Chinese and Nepalese sides. Continue the journey through the Himalayan foothills to Kathmandu. Lunch will be provided en route. Arrival in Kathmandu is expected in the evening.
Day 16: Final Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Please report to the airport at least three hours prior to departure, as per international flight regulations.
- Accommodation in Kathmandu (twin/triple sharing).
- Basic guesthouse/lodge accommodation during Tibet/Kailash portion.
- All rooms on shared basis unless private room supplement is requested.
- All vegetarian meals as per itinerary.
- Packed or hot meals during Kailash Parikrama and remote areas.
- Mineral water or boiled drinking water provided daily.
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu.
- Private vehicle throughout the Nepal portion.
- Deluxe bus/van or 4WD (as per group size) in Tibet region.
- Yak and porter during Parikrama for carrying luggage.
- Experienced English/Hindi speaking Nepali tour guide.
- Chinese/Tibetan local guide as required.
- Support crew, cook, and helpers throughout the trip.
- Oxygen cylinders and basic first aid kit for high altitude safety.
- Tibet Travel Permit and Group Visa.
- Mount Kailash Entry Permit.
- Restricted Area Permit and Environment Conservation Fees.
- All necessary border formalities and documentation assistance.
- Guided Kathmandu sightseeing tour including entry fees (Pashupatinath, Guhyeshwari, Jal Narayan).
- Manasarovar Lake exploration and rituals.
- Parikrama (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash by foot.
- Down jacket (on returnable basis).
- Duffle bag for packing.
- Sleeping bag (on returnable basis).
- Basic travel insurance for Nepal side (check with your agent).
- Tibet/China group visa processing support.
- Nepal re-entry visa assistance.
- Pick-up and drop-off at Kathmandu airport on arrival/departure.
- Kathmandu to Lhasa flight ticket.
- Personal expenses like shopping, snacks, and laundry in Nepal and Tibet.
- Travel insurance and emergency rescue (if needed during the tour).
- Bar bills, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
- Tips for guides, drivers, and support staff.
- Extra cost for rescue jeep if someone returns early from the Kailash tour.
- Additional expenses due to landslides, roadblocks, or other natural problems.
- Nepal visa fee and re-entry visa if leaving and coming back.
- International phone calls, mobile data, and roaming charges.
- Personal clothing, shoes, or gear needed for trekking or walking.
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