Sacred Journey to Mount Kailash and Tibet

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  • Duration 20 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • CountryMulti Country
  • Maximum Altitude 5,630m (Drolma-La Pass)
  • Group Size 6-8
  • Starts Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Ends Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Activities Pilgrimage, Trekking, Cultural Exploration
  • Best Time May to October

Mount Kailash, revered as the spiritual center of the world, stands at the heart of western Tibet. This 20-day pilgrimage and adventure combines the legendary Kailash Kora (circumambulation), a visit to sacred Lake Manasarovar, and an overland journey across the Tibetan plateau, including Everest Base Camp (Tibet side) and the vibrant cities of Lhasa and Shigatse.
This journey is designed for seekers of spiritual transformation, breathtaking Himalayan vistas, and deep immersion in Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Highlights

  • Complete the sacred Kailash Kora, a 52 km pilgrimage trek around Asia’s holiest mountain

  • Experience Lake Manasarovar, believed to purify the soul

  • Cross the dramatic Drolma-La Pass (5,630m), the spiritual and physical high point of the trek

  • Guided exploration of Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and more

  • Visit Everest Base Camp (Tibet side) for unparalleled Himalayan views

  • Cultural immersion in monasteries and traditional Tibetan villages

  • Expert support team: guides, yaks, porters, and all permits arranged

Why Choose This Tour?

This is a unique opportunity to experience the spiritual heart of Tibet and the grandeur of the Himalayas, with comprehensive support and a focus on both adventure and cultural depth. The tour is ideal for those seeking a life-changing pilgrimage, breathtaking landscapes, and a close encounter with Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

Sacred Journey to Mount Kailash and Tibet Itinerary

Starts from: Kathmandu, Nepal Ends to: Kathmandu, Nepal
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Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Rest and optional exploration of Kathmandu.

  • Max Altitude: 1350 m
  • Meals: Dinner
  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel

This day is dedicated to preparing for the trip and completing necessary travel procedures. You can use this time to check your gear, exchange currency, and explore Kathmandu if desired.

  • Max Altitude: 1350 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Take a morning flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a city in southern Nepal. Rest and prepare for the next day’s journey.

  • Max Altitude: 150 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Nepalgunj

Early morning flight to Simikot, the gateway to Humla. Begin trekking to Dharapori, following the Karnali River through beautiful mountain scenery (3-4 hours walk).

  • Max Altitude: 2960 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse/camp

Trek through remote villages and terraced fields to Kermi, known for its hot springs (5-6 hours walk).

  • Max Altitude: 2670 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse/camp

Continue trekking along the Karnali River, passing Buddhist monasteries and traditional villages to reach Yalbang (6-7 hours).

  • Max Altitude: 3020 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse/camp

Trek through pine forests and remote settlements to Tumkot, home to an important monastery (5-6 hours).

  • Max Altitude: 3380 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse/camp

Continue trekking through the arid landscape, gaining altitude as you reach Yari (6-7 hours).

  • Max Altitude: 3700 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse/camp

The toughest day so far, crossing the Nara La Pass (4,620m) with panoramic Himalayan views, then descend to Hilsa at the Tibet border. Transfer to Purang by vehicle.

  • Max Altitude: 4620 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse/hotel

Drive through the Tibetan plateau, stopping at the sacred Lake Manasarovar for rituals and views, then continue to Darchen, the base for Mount Kailash kora.

  • Max Altitude: 4675 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse/hotel

Begin the sacred kora (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash. Travel 7km by eco-bus, then trek 13km on foot to Dira-Puk Monastery, with stunning views of Kailash’s north face (6 hours).

  • Max Altitude: 5080 m
  • Meals: Guesthouse/camp
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse/camp

The most challenging day: cross the high Drolma-La Pass (5,630m), then descend to Zutul-Puk Monastery (23km, 6-7 hours).

  • Max Altitude: 5630 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse/camp

Finish the kora with a short trek (10km on foot, 4km by eco-bus, 2-3 hours) back to Darchen.

  • Max Altitude: 4830 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse/hotel

Long scenic drive across the plateau, passing through Paryang to reach Saga (490km, 7-8 hours).

  • Max Altitude: 4610 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel/guesthouse

Drive from Saga to the Tibetan side of Everest Base Camp, with spectacular views en route (340km, 6-7 hours).

  • Max Altitude: 5200 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse/camp

Drive to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, passing through dramatic Himalayan landscapes (340km, 6-7 hours).

  • Max Altitude: 5200 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Scenic drive to Lhasa, stopping in Gyantse to visit historic sites before arriving in the Tibetan capital.

  • Max Altitude: 3840 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Explore Lhasa’s most important spiritual and cultural landmarks, including the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Walking tour, no vehicles.

  • Max Altitude: 3656 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Morning flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Free time in Kathmandu for shopping or relaxation.

  • Max Altitude: 1350 m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Transfer to Kathmandu airport for your international departure. End of the journey.

  • Max Altitude: 1350 m
  • Meals: Breakfast
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Route Map

Sacred Journey to Mount Kailash and Tibet

Altitude Graph

Sacred Journey to Mount Kailash and Tibet

Sacred Journey to Mount Kailash and Tibet Cost Details

Includes

  • 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj (double occupancy, all meals)

  • All meals (full board: B/L/D)

  • Boiled water (Nepal), mineral water (Tibet)

  • Permits for Nepal and Tibet, monastery entrance fees

  • Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Simikot and Lhasa-Kathmandu flights

  • All ground transfers and sightseeing by van

  • Local English-speaking guide, support staff, yaks/herders for Kailash Kora

  • Porterage and tented camps where required

Excludes

  • Personal drinks

  • International flights

  • Travel insurance and helicopter evacuation

  • Excess baggage on domestic flights

  • Additional Kathmandu expenses

  • Costs due to natural disasters or unforeseen events

Add-ons and Options

  • Private guide upgrade

  • Luxury vehicle upgrade

  • Photography-focused itinerary

  • Cultural extension in Lhasa or Kathmandu

Sacred Journey to Mount Kailash and Tibet FAQs

The highest altitude is 5,630 meters at Drolma-La Pass during the Kailash Kora.

While prior trekking experience is helpful, it is not mandatory. Good physical fitness and preparation for high altitude are essential.

Accommodation includes 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, guesthouses and camps during the trek, and hotels or guesthouses in Tibet.

Yes, the package includes all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) as per the itinerary, except for personal snacks and beverages.

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is mandatory.

The Kailash Kora is considered moderate to strenuous due to high altitude and long walking days, especially when crossing Drolma-La Pass.

You will need a Tibet Travel Permit, Alien’s Travel Permit, and a Kailash trekking permit. The tour operator arranges all necessary permits.

The best time is from May to October, when the weather is most favorable and mountain passes are accessible.

Price Per Person US$4708US$4908
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