Trip Overview
The Mount Kailash Trip is a comprehensive 18-day expedition across the Tibetan Plateau. It begins in the heritage-rich Kathmandu Valley before flying to the “Holy City” of Lhasa. The journey traverses the vast, high-altitude landscapes of Tibet, leading to the sacred Lake Mansarovar and the three-day Kora (trek) around Mount Kailash. This itinerary also includes a rare detour to the Everest North Face, allowing you to stand before the world’s highest peak at Rongbuk.
Trip Highlights
Mount Kailash Kora: Complete the 52km sacred circuit, reaching the spiritual high point at Dolma La Pass.
Lake Mansarovar: Perform a holy dip or prayers at the highest freshwater lake in the world (4,590m).
Everest North Face (EBC): Witness the unobstructed, colossal North Face of Mt. Everest from Rongbuk.
Potala Palace: Explore the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama and the landmark of Tibetan Buddhism.
Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street: Join thousands of pilgrims in the spiritual heart of Lhasa.
Tashilhunpo Monastery: Visit the seat of the Panchen Lama in Shigatse, home to a 26-meter golden Buddha.
Top Attractions of the Trip
Dolma La Pass (5,630m): The physical and spiritual peak of the Kora, draped in thousands of prayer flags.
Gauri Kunda: The “Lake of Compassion,” a pristine turquoise pool located just below Dolma La.
Barkhor Street: An ancient round street surrounding Jokhang Temple, perfect for observing local culture.
Rongbuk Monastery: The highest monastery in the world, serving as the gateway to Everest.
Tashilhunpo Monastery: One of the four great monasteries of the Gelugpa school.
Best Time and Season
May to September: This is the primary window for the Kailash Yatra. The weather is relatively mild, and the high passes are accessible.
Saga Dawa Festival: A particularly auspicious time to visit (usually in May or June), as it celebrates Buddha’s enlightenment.
Full Moon Departures: Many pilgrims prefer to time their Kora with the full moon for its enhanced spiritual energy and the beauty of the mountain under moonlight.
Trip Difficulty
This trip is rated Strenuous. While the majority of the travel is by private vehicle, the three-day Kora involves walking at altitudes above 5,000 meters. The crossing of the Dolma La Pass (5,630m) is physically demanding due to thin air and steep terrain. Excellent physical health and mental resilience are required.
How to Train for the Trip
Cardio Endurance: Engage in running, swimming, or cycling for 1 hour, 4–5 times a week, at least three months prior.
Hiking Practice: Go on day hikes with a 5–7 kg backpack to get used to the weight.
Breathing Exercises: Practice Pranayama or deep breathing to help your lungs adapt to lower oxygen levels.
Things to Consider Before the Trip
Tibet Travel Permit: Requires at least 20–30 days for processing; you must book through a registered operator.
Altitude Sickness (AMS): This is a real risk. Drink 3–4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol, and consult your doctor about preventative medication.
Visa: You will need a Chinese Group Visa, which must be obtained at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Outside of major cities, facilities are basic guest houses with shared amenities.
Necessary Equipment & Gear
Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof, broken-in trekking boots.
Clothing: Heavy down jacket, thermal layers, waterproof shell, and trekking trousers.
Accessories: 30L daypack, polarized sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, and trekking poles.
Personal Care: Reusable water bottle, purification tablets, and a high-capacity power bank.
Detail Itinerary
Duration: 01 hrs
Max. Altitude: 1,400 Meter.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Kathmandu is a sensory-rich introduction to the Himalayas. After checking in, you can spend the evening exploring the narrow, vibrant streets of Thamel or resting before your multi-day adventure begins.
Duration: 06 hrs
Max. Altitude: 1,400 Meter.
Today, you will dive into the history of Nepal. Visit Pashupatinath, the most sacred Hindu temple in the country, and the massive Boudhanath Stupa. These sites offer a spiritual preparation for the journey ahead. You will also visit Swayambhunath (The Monkey Temple) for a panoramic view of the capital city.
Duration: 06 hrs
Max. Altitude: 1,400 Meter.
Explore the medieval beauty of Patan Durbar Square, famous for its Newari architecture and exquisite metalwork. Later, visit Bhaktapur, the "City of Devotees," where the cobblestone streets and ancient palaces take you back in time. This day also serves as a final gear check and briefing.
Duration: 05 hrs
Max. Altitude: 1,400 Meter.
This is a final day in Kathmandu for the processing of your Tibet Group Visa. You can visit the Budhanilkantha temple or the Garden of Dreams for a peaceful escape. The evening is spent packing and preparing for the high-altitude transition to Lhasa.
Duration: 01 hrs
Max. Altitude: 3,650 Meter.
Take a spectacular flight over the Himalayas to Lhasa. Upon arrival, you will be driven to your hotel. The key today is total rest. To avoid altitude sickness, minimize physical activity, drink plenty of water, and allow your body to adjust to the elevation of the "Holy City."
Duration: 05 hrs
Max. Altitude: 3,650 Meter.
Begin your Tibetan journey at the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual epicenter of Tibet. Afterward, join the sea of pilgrims on Barkhor Street. This circular market street is a sensory experience of incense and chanting, where locals perform their ritual circumambulations.
Duration: 06 hrs
Max. Altitude: 3,700 Meter.
Visit the Potala Palace, the iconic fortress that dominates the Lhasa skyline. You will explore its ancient chapels and jeweled stupas. In the afternoon, visit Norbu Lingka, the "Jeweled Park," which served as the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas.
Duration: 09 hrs
Max. Altitude: 4,590 Meter.
After visiting the famous monk debates at Sera, you will begin the long drive toward Western Tibet. By evening, you will reach the shores of the sacred Lake Mansarovar. This is a moment of profound peace, watching the sunset over the turquoise water with Mt. Kailash visible in the distance.
Duration: 03 hrs
Max. Altitude: 4,600 Meter.
Spend a peaceful morning at Lake Mansarovar, where you can perform a holy dip or prayers. Afterward, take a short drive to Darchen, a small settlement that serves as the base camp for the Kailash Kora. Here, you will finalize your trekking gear and rest for the circuit.
Duration: 07 hrs
Max. Altitude: 4,950 Meter.
Your Kora begins with a gradual walk through the valley. The trail is relatively easy, passing by the Tarboche flagpole and the Chuku Monastery. You will spend the night at Dirapuk, where you are treated to a stunning, close-up view of the North Face of Mount Kailash.
Duration: 10 hrs
Max. Altitude: 5,630 Meter.
This is the toughest day. You will climb the steep Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the trip. After reaching the summit, you will descend past the sacred Gauri Kunda lake. The day ends at Zuthulphuk, the "Cave of Miracles," where the great saint Milarepa once meditated.
Duration: 08 hrs
Max. Altitude: 4,450 Meter.
After finishing the final few hours of the Kora walk, you will meet your vehicle and drive toward Saga. The drive takes you back across the vast Tibetan plains, passing nomad camps and grazing yaks along the Yarlung Tsangpo River.
Duration: 07 hrs
Max. Altitude: 4,000 Meter.
Continue your drive eastward across the plateau to Latze. This is a day of long drives through arid landscapes, but the changing colors of the Tibetan hills and the occasional mountain peak on the horizon keep the journey engaging.
Duration: 09 hrs
Max. Altitude: 5,200 Meter.
A major highlight: you will drive to the Rongbuk Monastery to witness the Everest North Face. After spending time at the Everest Base Camp area to soak in the views of the world's highest peak, you will drive to the town of Xegar for the night.
Duration: 06 hrs
Max. Altitude: 3,900 Meter.
Travel to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. Here, you will visit the sprawling Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded by the First Dalai Lama and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.
Duration: 06 hrs
Max. Altitude: 3,650 Meter.
Retrace your way back to Lhasa. This final leg of the Tibetan road journey allows for a relaxing evening in the capital. You can revisit Barkhor Street for final souvenir shopping or enjoy a celebratory Tibetan dinner.
Duration: 01 hrs
Max. Altitude: 1,400 Meter.
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Kathmandu. After arriving and checking back into your hotel, you have a free afternoon to relax or explore Thamel once more for gifts and souvenirs. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Duration: 01 hrs
Max. Altitude: 1,400 Meter.
After breakfast, our representative will provide a private transfer to the airport for your flight home. You leave with the spiritual merit of the Kailash Kora and memories of the world's highest landscapes.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- All Tibet Travel Permits and Everest National Park fees.
- Kathmandu - Lhasa - Kathmandu round-trip airfare.
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels and basic guest houses.
- Daily breakfast in cities; all meals during the 3-day Kailash Kora.
- Licensed English-speaking Tibetan and Nepali guides.
- Private, comfortable transportation throughout the trip.
- All entrance fees for monasteries, palaces, and heritage sites.
Cost Excludes
- Visa fees.
- Nepal Entry Visa.
- Lunch and Dinner in Lhasa, Shigatse, and Kathmandu.
- Travel Insurance (Mandatory).
- Personal expenses (tips, laundry, beverages, horse/porter hire).
