The journey to Mount Kailash is a unique opportunity to take part in a pilgrimage to one of the world's most sacred holy places, Mount Kailash, and Manas Sarovar Lake. These holy places are said to be in the heart of the mighty Himalayas. A lot are attracted to these holy places, and different people have followed different paths. Out of all the possible routes to this holy Mt. Kailash site, you could hardly find one route that surpasses the beauty of Tibet with the cultural grandeur of the country's ancient capital and at the same time gives structural safety. So, a Kailash Yatra via Lhasa is the ideal way for you to first acquaint yourself with the spiritual soul of a small country, Tibet, and then proceed on the wild Tibetan Plateau.
At the price of $3,799 per person, this itinerary is so carefully planned and is perfectly balanced between a soul-shaking cultural experience and a thorough physical workout. A helicopter trip to high elevation is usually risky, and travelers are often at least in discomfort and, in many cases, get AMS or some other form of acute mountain sickness, whereas a gradual altitude acclimatization that one enjoys while going all the way to Kailash via Lhasa practically eliminates the possibility of getting this illness.
Our team at Holy Kailash Tourshas shown the first few days of your pilgrimage, which start with you taking part in an experience of culture that really, deep down, touches one's soul and a period of rest and rejuvenation in between your journey.
Day 1: Welcome to Lhasa and essential rest (Elevation: 3,650 m)
Kailash Mansarovar yatra via Lhasa
Your holy journey commences as you land at the Lhasa Gonggar Airport or step off at the Lhasa Railway Station. Breathe in the dry, fresh, and eager atmosphere. At Lhasa, you will be received by your expert, English-speaking Tibetan guide, who will offer you a traditional white Hada (appropriately, a Muslim mint silk scarf).
A comfortable private vehicle will drive you to your luxurious 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city. Day 1 golden rule: enforce a complete break from physical activity.
You must allow your body the possibility to adapt to the summit at 3,650 meters (11,975 feet). Do not move around without necessity, do not eat too much, and do not drink alcohol. Stay in your hotel room, keep drinking water, and allow your body to take a deep breath at the roof of the world.
Day 2: Heart of Tibetan Buddhism: The Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street
Background of the Jokhang Temple: The Jokhang Temple, the 'Place of the Lord,' is the most important and sacred temple in Tibetan Buddhism. The whole temple building was originally built in the late 7th century. Following a hearty breakfast, your spiritual experiences commence.
We will continue your physical accommodation with a gentle sauntering tour during which we will explore the ancient core of Lhasa. First, we will visit the holy Jokhang Temple, still regarded as the holiest temple in all of Tibet.
You'll be in front of the Jowo Shakyamuni (a fantastic life-sized, almost world-famous depiction of the Buddha at the age of twelve, who arrived in Lhasa in 7) inside. As you go out, you will find yourself among hundreds of local pilgrims, who are spinning prayer wheels on Barkhor Street.
It is a venerable pilgrim circuit around the Jokhang Temple with its vintage circular shape. With the crackling of prayer wheels and incense filling the air and numerous Tibetans displaying arts and crafts, the spiritual atmosphere lingering in the air will surely start off your experience of the sacred Mount Kailash.
Day 3: Architectural Wonder: The Iconic Potala Palace
Kailash Mansarovar yatra via Lhasa
Day 3: Today you will gaze upon one of the most famous architectural wonders in the world. The awe-inspiring Potala Palace dominates the Lhasa Valley. This winter palace of the Dalai Lamas has more than 1,000 chambers, many shrines, and stunning golden roofs.
While we stroll its labyrinthine halls, your guide will direct you through the vast audiences, chambers, and the largest jewel stupas of historical Dalai Lamas. The glass views of Lhasa from its topmost terraces are truly breathtaking.
In the afternoon, we explore the historic Sera Monastery, with its impressive whitewashed walls, where the colorful, theatrical tradition of Tibetan monks engaged in studies of Buddhist philosophy in its bustling monastery yard will be in full swing, from spirited clapping hands to dramatic movements.
By the completion of Day 3, both your body and soul will be ready to leave Lhasa in our dust and set foot overland for Western Tibet.
Day 4: Lhasa to Shigatse, passing the Turquoise Yamdrok Lake (Elevation: 3,840 m)
We depart the capital and start our scenic drive eastward on Friendship Highway as our private transport ascends the switchbacks of Kamba La Pass (4,790 m). A spectacular first sight unveils itself: the stunning, deep-turquoise glacial waters of Yamdrok Lake just below the snowy summit of Mount Nojin Kangsang.
We descend again near the lakeside for great photo opportunities and drive toward the shrunken city of Gyantse. On the way, we see the Pelkor Chode Monastery and the unique 13th-century multi-tiered Kumbum Stupa. Soon we reach the second-largest city of Tibet, Shigatse.
Day 5: Shigatse to Saga (via Lhatse) (4,450 m), as we say goodbye to Shigatse.
Kailash Mansarovar yatra via Lhasa
We make a stop at the impressive Tashilhunpo Monastery, the former residence of the Panchen Lama. Our stroll around its mammoth golden domes and vast temples is an ode to the monastic life, soon to be replaced by the trail-blazing life of Western Tibet.
The journey from Shigatse to Saga delivers us far away from the constricting valleys and into the wide open spaces of the nomad plateau.
Driving through farmlands, over high mountain passes, and along the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra, or Yarlung Tsangpo as it's named locally, the silky smooth tarmac of Tibet already promises an epic road trip as your unburdened body happily adapts and acclimatizes to a higher base elevation.
To guarantee the utmost safety and satisfaction of every pilgrim before tackling the ultimate heights of Mount Kailash, active acclimatization in Saga will be done on
Having relaxed in the morning, we will enjoy the rest of the day walking around the local plains in relative ease, acquainting ourselves with the bustling nomadic trading center, and calling into some village shrines.
An individual oxygen saturation check will be made by your guide, and a detailed briefing will be given on the expected physical pace for the demanding days to follow.
Day 7: Saga to Lake Mansarovar The First Holy Darshan (Elevation 4590 m)
Kailash Mansarovar yatra via Lhasa
One of the most emotional and spiritually exciting days of the entire journey.
We begin a long but awe-inspiring drive through the remote and windswept Jungar County of the Ngari Prefecture. We also see the huge, deep blue waters of Lake Manak Tso and herds of wild Tibetan asses (Kiang) grazing on the plains.
Later that afternoon, the road becomes a highway, and then lines of white, shining sand, the sacred, radiant prayer-wheel sands of Lake Mansarovar, spread out before your eyes.
And just at the right moment, in the perfect position to take in the scene, you will have your first phenomenal view: the First Holy Darshan of majestic Mount Kailash, flowing skywards like a pristine white pyramid. We stay overnight in a guest house just near the lakeside, which will prove to be the most peaceful mindset you will ever experience.
Day 8: Mansarovar, a sacred campus of the Himalaya, and transfer to Darchen (4,670 m)
Rise early and watch the sunrise over the sacred waters of Lake Mansarovar as they turn to a golden hue. Pilgrims have soaked in these waters for centuries, believing it would wash away a lifetime of sins. There's plenty of time to reflect quietly with a book or a prayer or to gather waters from the lakeshore.
Later that afternoon we drive a partial lap of the lake and then take the short 30 km journey to the busy base camp of Darchen set at the foot of the mountain. We check into our hotel, pack our daypacks, and iron out details with the local yaks and porters for our epic 3-day Kora starting bright and early.
Day 9: The initial Kora Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery (4,900 m)
Kailash Mansarovar yatra via Lhasa
This is the final spiritual journey, starting just after breakfast. We load our main luggage onto the support vehicles/yaks and go to the beginning of the circumambulation, located at Tarboche, indicated by an enormous colorful prayer flag pole.
Start our brisk walk of 13 km in the breathtaking Lha-chu valley. The walk is mostly flat, but it takes sustained slow breathing as the altitude is extreme.
As we approach the bends in the valley, the formidable North Face of the holy Mount Kailash is suddenly revealed, towering as a vertical cliff of black rock and pure ice. We descend to Dirapuk Monastery for the night, where you will sleep beneath the watchful vigil of the sacred summit.
Day 10: The Ultimate Challenge Dirapuk to Zutulpuk through Dolma La Pass (Elevation: 5,630 m)
Today is arguably the hardest physically yet most spiritually elevating day of your life.
We will be starting our trek well before dawn, trekking upright and traversing the sharp moraine ridge. As we trek, every step demands our full concentration towards the renowned Dolma La Pass (5,630 m / 18,471 ft), the highest point of the entire Yatra.
The pass is spectacular, shrouded by thousands of brightly colored Tibetan prayer flags hanging in the wind, erected by successive groups of pilgrims. Having completed our prayers and rested for a moment, we hasten down the steep descent.
While descending, you can see the brilliant, green Gauri Kund (the Lake of Compassion). Trek through the soft riverbed for the last leg to reach the guest house close to Zutulpuk Monastery (4,790m), exhausted but proud.
Day 11: Restoring the Holiest, doing kora, and driving back to the Saga (4,450 m)
Awake to the soothing sounds of monks chanting at Zutulpuk. The last 7 km of Yatra is fairly gentle; the trail meanders downslope through the canyon as the valley begins to open again towards the Barkha plains.
Once you arrive at the end of the valley, you have officially finished your Mt. Kailash Kora.
Our vehicle for our private tour will be awaiting your arrival, prepared to take you back to Darchen, where a well-deserved lunch awaits. In the afternoon, our vehicle will be ready to take you on the long journey eastward along the scenic plateau to Saga.
A long-awaited hot shower and lazy night in a comfortable hotel may now be yours.
Day 12: Heading back eastward: Saga to Shigatse (Elevation: 3,840m)
Having completed your arduous trekking pursuits, on this day you will travel leisurely backwards down the Friendship Highway, now an easy, laid-back drive from Saga to Shigatse.
Enjoy a different kind of panoramic Western Tibetan scenery, this time in the changing light of the sky. Today is a rest day for your leg muscles, so you can study the most beautiful pictures saved on your camera and reflect on the glorious, one massive spiritual journey you have just made.
In the late afternoon, you will be returning to a very cosy hotel in Shigatse, and this will offer the opportunity of shopping in local markets or relaxing in a warm Tibetan tea house.
Day 13: Shigatse to Lhasa Back to the Holy Capital (3,650 m)
Begin our day with a picturesque return journey along the awe-inspiring Yarlung Tsangpo (or Brahmaputra) River valley to Lhasa.
As the mountain passes begin to emerge out of the afternoon sunlight, the mountains throw dramatic shadows into the valley, and the iconic shadowed skyline of the Holy Capital is seen. Once you have arrived and checked into the comfort of our hotel, the rest of the day is yours at leisure.
If you wish, spend this evening in a relaxed stroll, retracing the route of your initial kora on Barkhor Street for one last walk beneath the tranquil spirit of the land that welcomed you to Tibet.
Day 14: Leisure, Reflection & Souvenir Shopping in Lhasa
Lhasa: This buffer and spare day gives us a chance for a bit of a rest and some reflection after the hard trek of the Kora. It's more relaxed and relaxed; no rush before your flights home.
Today you can go serious shopping for genuine Tibetan relics and gifts; the local family shops offer beautifully crafted prayer wheels, thangkas, dzi beads, or high-grade Tibetan incense.
Relax in a rooftop café and sip a lovely cup of local yak butter tea in the afternoon, watching the sunset behind the golden roofs of Jokhang Temple.
Your penultimate day in Lhasa is reserved for you to relax and enjoy the city before leaving Tibet. You will go back and relax at one of our favorite places for you and enjoy some time by yourself if you fancy it.
The last day with us means a final goodbye to your fellow travel buddies and an unforgettable experience. We will come over with the traditional Tibetan song and a special meal that includes the local delicacies and wine of the Tibetans. You will receive a gift that is unique and one-of-a-kind from your guide at this special moment, and also a blessing, as is traditional for the occasion.
This night is one that you will remember the next time you think about these days. It will be full of emotions, reflections on the journey we have just finished, and a deep sense of connectedness as fellow pilgrims who have shared this incredible journey.
Your 16-day pilgrimage will come to an end on your last day after your mealtime has been served. After breakfast, our team will book you a private, smooth transfer to the Lhasa Gonggar Airport or the Lhasa Railway Station for your onward departure home. You are going to be the last one of the pilgrims on your flight or train, and yet you will carry in your heart the spiritual and magical power of Mount Kailash and the sacred Lake Mansarovar, which you have already touched. You will surely have memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Mount Kailash Tour Package from Lhasa: It is important for you to understand the complete details of this holy travel package, so we have prepared the itemized details for a better understanding.
What is Included: All Tibet Permits:
TTP, Foreigner Permit, and Military/Border Passes are required for the restricted zone of Mount Kailash. We take full responsibility for their management and acquisition. Accommodations: 15 nights of hotel bookings in major cities are included: Lhasa, Shigatse, and Saga; also, you will be given the option to stay in a clean but cheap guesthouse near Kailash Mansarovar Lake and along the Kora route.
Transport: private, clean, air-conditioned vehicles with very skilled local Tibetan drivers throughout the entire journey. Expert Guiding: We will hire an English-speaking professional local Tibetan guide who is fully responsible for planning logistics, monasteries, and safety throughout the tour.
Admissions & Environmental Buses: your fees for entering any of the attractions on the trip, such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Tashilhunpo Monastery, etc., are covered by our package. An environmental eco-bus in the Kailash area is a mandatory part of your journey. Emergency Medical Support: A complete medical first-aid kit together with several emergency oxygen cylinders is kept in your vehicle for the altitude portion.
Personal Meals: Meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are provided during the trip.
Exclusions: Travel to and from Lhasa:
International air travel and train travel to and from Lhasa. Additional Costs for Kora: Optional charges for hiring a personal horse, yak, and porter during the 3-day circumambulation of Mount Kailash.
Individual expenses: Extra expenditures resulting from situations beyond our power, like natural calamities, flight delays, changes, or cancellations, accidents, etc.
More days in Kathmandu / other places. Travel Insurance: A personal mandatory travel insurance that is specifically designed to cover high-altitude medical evacuation in an emergency.
Dedicated Tibetan guide & driver Tips: At the end of the trip, you must tip your dedicated Tibetan guide and driver.
How many days does it take to complete the Kailash Mansarovar tour via Lhasa?
Our professionally planned tour lasts 16 days. This time allows a gradual, safe ascent to the plateau, giving your body plenty of time to get used to the low oxygen before the tough high-altitude trek.
Is the Lhasa route less risky for altitude sickness?
The Lhasa overland route is, in fact, the preferred and least risky way to go to Mount Kailash. Three full days spent relaxing and visiting Lhasa (3,650m) give your body a chance to adjust itself slowly, reducing the likelihood of acute mountain sickness (AMS) significantly compared to the direct, high-altitude flights via the helicopter routes.
Is it possible for Indian passport holders to go via the Lhasa route?
They can, as per special travel conditions. Indian pilgrims are processed separately by China's authorities through official channels. If you're an Indian passport holder, do get in touch with our Holy Kailash Tours team personally so we can explain to you the detailed visa application procedure for this tour route.
Which is the most suitable period for booking this 16-day tour?
Weather on the Tibetan Plateau is at its best from May to late September. The temperatures are not extreme, the visibility is better, and the mountain paths are mostly free of heavy snow, which enables better access.
