Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa

Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Tibetan guide and transferred to your hotel in Lhasa (approximately 98 km / 2 hours). Take the rest of the day to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. Overnight at hotel in Lhasa.

Today, visit the historic Sera Monastery, known for its monastic debates, and the beautiful Norbulingka Palace, the summer residence of the Dalai Lama with Tibet’s largest man-made garden. Explore the sacred Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet, and stroll through Barkhor Street, a lively market and pilgrimage route. Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included.

Today, visit the iconic Potala Palace, a magnificent structure with the Dalai Lama’s private quarters and many impressive rooms, reconstructed in the 17th century. Next, explore Drepung Monastery, founded in the 14th century, which is the largest monastery in the world, once home to around 10,000 monks. Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included.

After breakfast, begin your scenic drive from Lhasa (3,650 m) to Shigatse (3,900 m), located 350 km away. The drive will take approximately 8-9 hours, offering stunning views of the Tibetan plateau along the way. Upon arrival in Shigatse, check into your hotel and relax. Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included.

After breakfast, begin your long drive from Shigatse (3,900 m) to Saga (4,450 m), located 390 km away. The journey takes approximately 9–10 hours, offering stunning views of the Tibetan plateau along the way. Upon arrival in Saga, check into your hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Today, you will embark on a long but scenic drive from Saga to Mansarovar. The journey covers 496 km and takes about 8-9 hours. You will pass through Paryang (4,558 m), a small town known for its peaceful surroundings and high-altitude landscape. Continue your drive through the Tibetan plateau, with stunning views of the vast open land and distant mountains, until you reach Mansarovar (4,600 m), one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world and an important pilgrimage site in Tibet. Upon arrival, check into your guesthouse and rest to acclimatize to the altitude. Overnight at guesthouse near Mansarovar.

Today, after breakfast, you will drive a short distance of 40 km to Darchen, a small town located at the foot of Mount Kailash. The journey will take about 1-2 hours, and along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the stunning Tibetan plateau and the surrounding mountains. Darchen is the starting point for the famous Kailash Kora (circumambulation) trek around Mount Kailash. Upon arrival, check into your guesthouse and rest for the day, preparing for the trek ahead. Overnight at guesthouse in Darchen.

Today marks the start of the sacred Mount Kailash Kora. After breakfast in Darchen (4,564 m), drive to Yama Dwar, the gateway to the kora route. Begin your 15 km trek (6–7 hours) through a scenic valley along the Lha Chu River, with increasingly close views of Mount Kailash’s stunning north face. The trail gently ascends to Dira Puk Monastery (5,000 m), offering one of the most iconic views of the mountain. Very basic accommodation is available near the monastery. Overnight at a guesthouse in Dira Puk.

Today is the most challenging and spiritually significant day of the Kailash Kora. After breakfast at Dira Puk (5,000 m), start your trek early and ascend to Dolma La Pass (5,645 m), the highest point of the kora. The climb is steep and demanding, but the views and spiritual experience are incredibly rewarding. After crossing the pass, descend to Gauri Kund, a sacred lake, before continuing your trek to Zuthulpuk Monastery (4,800 m). The trek is about 22 km and will take approximately 8–9 hours. Very basic accommodation is available near the monastery. Overnight at a guesthouse in Zuthulpuk.

On the final day of the Kailash Kora, begin your trek from Zuthulpuk Monastery (4,800 m) back to Darchen (4,564 m). The trek is approximately 8 km and takes around 2–3 hours, descending through the valley with one last view of Mount Kailash. Once you reach Darchen, your journey continues with a 2–3 hour drive to Lake Manasarovar (4,600 m), a sacred and peaceful site. Upon arrival, take time to relax and reflect by the tranquil waters of the lake. Overnight at a guesthouse near Manasarovar.

After breakfast, depart from Lake Manasarovar (4,600 m) and begin your drive to Saga (4,450 m). The drive covers approximately 496 km and takes around 8–9 hours, passing through the vast Tibetan plateau with spectacular views of the landscape, rivers, and mountains. Upon arrival in Saga, check into your hotel and relax after the long journey. Overnight at a hotel in Saga.

After breakfast, begin your drive from Saga (4,450 m) to Kyirong (2,700 m). The drive covers approximately 232 km and takes around 6–7 hours, descending from the Tibetan plateau into the lush valleys of Kyirong. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you pass through rivers, valleys, and small Tibetan villages. Upon arrival in Kyirong, check into your hotel and rest. Overnight at a hotel in Kyirong.

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kathmandu. The drive from Kyirong to the Friendship Bridge will be in a Tibetan vehicle. After clearing immigration and crossing into Nepal, you will switch to a Nepalese vehicle for the remainder of the journey to Kathmandu. The drive covers approximately 175 km and takes about 7–8 hours, with changing scenery from Himalayan landscapes to the lush hills of Nepal. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. Our services end here.