Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa Sightseeing 12 Days
Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa

Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa Sightseeing 12 Days

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Trip at a Glance
Duration12 Days
Trip GradeModerate
CountryTibet
Maximum Altitude5,630 meters (18,471 feet) At Dolma La Pass
Group Sizeany
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
ActivitiesLhasa Sightseeing, Kailash Kora, Lake Mansarovar Puja
Best TimeMay through June and September through October

Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa Sightseeing With Kailash Kora is a spiritual and cultural journey that takes you through the magnificent landscapes of Tibet in just 12 days. While traveling in Tibet, apart from experiencing the vibrant Lhasa city sights like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery while getting acclimatized, you also experience the devout pilgrimage to sacred Mansarovar Lake and Mount Kailash Kora, which is regarded as one of the most sacred pilgrimage routes in the four religions, namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. Pilgrims make a 52 kilometers journey around Mount Kailash, which is known as the Kora and one of the holiest pilgrimages of the four religions.

Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa Sightseeing With Kailash Kora Overview 

The Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa Sightseeing with Kailash Kora is an amazing pilgrimage. It combines the most ancient spiritual treasures of Tibet, the holy city of Lhasa, the holy waters of Lake Mansarovar and the famous Mount Kailash Kora. Located in western Tibet, Mt Kailash reaches an elevation of 6638m and is considered the holiest mountain in Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bon religions. Hindus consider the holy mountain as the eternal dwelling place of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, whereas Tibetan Buddhists look at it as the spiritual core of the Universe.

Popularly known as the 'Roof of the World', Tibet has been regarded as one of the most spiritual places in Asia. Lhasa has historically been the capital of Tibet and houses some of the holiest monasteries, temples and religious sites in the entire Himalayan region. Its thousand-year-old Buddhist culture, sacred pilgrimage sites and wonderful monasteries make it an appropriate start for your holy trip to Mt. Kailash. The Lhasa tour, instead of having an immediate trip to Kailash, gives the pilgrims enough time to get acclimatized with the Tibetan atmosphere while experiencing its ancient history, traditions and cultures by visiting Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Drepung monastery and Sera monastery prior to heading towards the interior part of the plateau. Such experiences deepen pilgrims' understanding of Buddhist traditions in Tibet and the spiritual significance of their journey to Kailash.

Finally, you will reach the holy Mansarovar Lake, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, where the pilgrims perform prayers, meditation and purify themselves. Following the lake, you can see giant Mt Kailash, a mountain that no one has ever conquered due to its religious significance. A 3-day sacred circumambulation of Mt Kailash, over 52km long, passes through Derapuk, Dolma La pass (5630m) and Zutulpuk monastery, which is a central part of this pilgrimage. It has been the practice for thousands of years that the pilgrims make a holy circuit and receive blessings, spiritual achievement, purification and liberation from negative karma. The Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa is a voyage beyond any normal sightseeing trip.

Lhasa Excursion With Holy Mount Kailash Tour Highlights 

  • Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa with stunning views of Mount Everest, Makalu, Shishapangma, and the Himalayan range.
  • Two full days to acclimatize in Lhasa, the historic capital of Tibet and the religious capital of Tibetan Buddhism.
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lamas.
  • Sacred pilgrimage to Jokhang Temple, and explore the surrounding Barkhor pilgrimage circuit along with Tibetan pilgrims.
  • Discover the Buddhist past of Tibet with a visit to Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, the site for daily Monk Debate.
  • Optional visit to Norbulingka, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lamas.
  • Explore the beautiful Tibetan plateau, known as “the roof of the world.”
  • Drive over the scenic Kamba La Pass(4794m), where you can view the turquoise Yamdrok Lake.
  • Observe the old Gyantse, see the golden roofs of the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
  • See isolated Tibetan villages, nomadic herds, immense grasslands, and dramatically sculpted mountains.
  • Trek through some of the world's highest passes and some of the most beautiful scenery in Tibet.
  • Visit sacred Mansarovar lake, the world's highest freshwater lake, and one of the sacred pilgrim site in Asia.
  • Perform puja, meditate, take holy dips and perform spiritual rituals on the shores of Mansarovar Lake.
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kailash, revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon religionists alike.
  • Embark on a legendary 3-day trek around Mount Kailash Kora, one of the most revered pilgrim routes in the world.
  • Trek along beautiful Lha Chu Valley, visit the Tarboche Prayer Flag Site.
  • Be face-to-face with the awe-inspiring North Face of Mount Kailash from Derapuk.
  • Cross the tough Dolma La Pass (5,630 m), the highest point of the Kailash Kora.
  • Visit sacred Gauri Kund, where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati reside, in the Hindu tradition.
  • Visit the sacred Zutulpuk Monastery, the great Tibetan saint Milarepa.
  • Complete the holy 52 km pilgrimage journey around Kailash Parikrama, believed to grant spiritual benefits.
  • Follow an ancient pilgrims' trail walked by thousands of devotees for centuries.
  • Experience unique Tibetan culture, Buddhism, sacred lakes, monasteries and Himalayan spiritual aura.
  • Travel back through scenic Gyirong Valley, where landscapes turn from high plateaus of Tibet to lush green forests of the Himalayas.

About The Full Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa Route We Use in 12 Days

This Lhasa to Mt. Kailash tour itinerary is considered one of the most sought-after tours, as it offers optimum acclimatization, culture and pilgrimage. This is a comfortable and the finest way to explore Mount Kailash.

Starting with an overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa, then two days will be spent exploring the most important places such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Drepung and Sera monastery. The two days in Lhasa give time for the visitor to acclimatize at a good altitude before venturing further deep into the Tibetan plateau.

From Lhasa, we will be traveling towards Shigatse and Saga, enjoying the various amazing sights along the way, such as various passes high in the mountain ranges, sacred monasteries, Tibetan villages and turquoise blue Lake Mansarovar. Further, the trip continues towards Darchen, which is the base for Mount Kailash, and starts the pilgrimage.

The actual Kora, which takes three days and covers Derapuk, Dolma La Pass, Zutulpuk and then to Saga and back via Kerong, making it one of the most sacred pilgrimage routes in the world.

Why Reach Mount Kailash via Lhasa Instead of Kerung in 2026/2027? 

Many travelers, our sherpa and even Tibetan guides consider arriving in Mount Kailash via Lhasa as the best approach for 2026/2027 Pilgrims and travelers, as proper acclimatization is ensured prior to arriving in western Tibet's high altitudes. On the contrary, most travelers passing thru Kerung are usually quickly traveling from Nepal to high altitudes, and there might not be sufficient time for altitude acclimatization, leading to possible headaches, tiredness, and other travel-related altitude problems.

With the Lhasa approach, one could spend 2 days fully acclimating to an altitude of about 3,650 meters while enjoying sightseeing at all popular sites such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Drepung monastery and Sera monastery. The acclimatization days at these sites assist your body to get accustomed to altitude before moving toward Shigatse, Saga, Lake Mansarovar, Mount Kailash and subsequently the kora.

This is why most pilgrims like to arrive at Tibet via Lhasa and depart from Tibet via Kerung. This way one is guaranteed to visit the main sites and get adapted well before continuing their holy pilgrimage.

Lhasa Sightseeing Acclimization Tour Before Mount Kailash Visit

Potala Palace

  • Altitude: 3,700m
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Former home of the Dalai Lama
  • Built on Marpo Ri (Red Hill)
  • The most iconic structure in Tibet

The Potala Palace has been the home of the Dalai Lama and the center of Tibetan Buddhism for many centuries, having been built originally by Songtsen Gampo in the 7th Century; the current structure is a 17th-century rebuild commissioned by the 5 th Dalai Lama. The Palace is the cultural symbol of Tibet and one of the symbols of Tibetan Buddhism.

What to See?

You can meander through the White Palace, which served as the Dalai Lama's residence; the Red Palace, which contains numerous chapels, stupas, Buddhist scriptures and murals, as well as other religious artefacts; you also gain impressive views over Lhasa City from the Palace itself.

How does this help acclimatisation?

This gives you an opportunity to acclimatise to Lhasa (approx 3,650m) very slowly through taking an easy-paced wander, with ample rests, at this altitude.

Jokhang Temple

  • Founded in 652 AD
  • Holist Temple in Tibet
  • Located in the heart of Lhasa
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site addition
  • Contains the Jowo Shakyamuni statue

Jokhang Temple is known as the spiritual home of Tibetan Buddhism. It was originally constructed by Songtsen Gampo, and many pilgrims come from all parts of Tibet to prostrate themselves, worship and pray here.

What to See?

The most important sight is the statue of Jowo Shakyamuni, regarded as one of the holiest statues in Buddhism, along with the amazing murals and numerous prayer halls and butter lamps. There are great views from the roof of the monastery, and the devotional sight of numerous pilgrims.

How does this help acclimatisation?

There is very little walking, and very little effort at Jokhang, helping your acclimatisation at high altitude.

Barkhor Street

  • Ancient pilgrimage circuit around Jokhang Temple
  • One of the oldest streets in Lhasa
  • Traditional Tibetan Market area
  • Important Religious and cultural centre
  • Popular with pilgrims and tourists

For a very long time, it has been a pilgrimage path and a market. The Barkhor Street, which encircles the Jokhang Temple, provides visitors with an unforgettable chance to witness a unique part of daily life, Tibetan culture, religion and business.

What to See?

Pilgrims making kora (circumambulations), traditional Tibetan souvenirs, prayer wheels, thangkas, various religious items and handicrafts can be purchased along Barkhor street.

How does this help acclimatisation?

This slow and passive walk through the busy market will allow your body to carry on getting to terms with the altitude.

Sera Monastery

  • Founded 1419 AD
  • One of Tibet's Three Great Monasteries of the Gelug school of Buddhism
  • Over 500 monks are resident
  • Home to famous debates between monks
  • Located approx 5 kilometers north of Lhasa

The Sera Monastery is one of the important monastic institutions where monks dedicate their lives to studying Buddhism and other subjects for the purpose of preservation of this learning.

What to See?

The highlight here is the monk debate, which takes place every afternoon; these are rather animated debates between two students involving great gestures and loud hand-clapping; various other sights include chapels, prayer halls and important artefacts and relics.

How does this help acclimatisation?

The moderate level of walking at Sera monastery helps your body adapt to the thin air; being at an altitude similar to that of Lhasa will mean this is great continued adaptation before proceeding to higher ground.

Drepung Monastery

  • Founded in 1416 AD
  • The largest monastery in the world at its peak
  • Home of the Dalai Lamas prior to the Potala Palace
  • Located on Mount Gambo Utse
  • One of Tibet's three great monasteries

The Drepung Monastery was originally the largest monastery in the world and once housed up to ten thousand monks and was the home of the Dalai Lamas prior to the construction of Potala.

What to See?

You can explore the magnificent main assembly hall, monastic colleges, numerous Buddhist statues and historical chapels and experience the day-to-day running of a monastery.

How does this help acclimatisation?

This monastery provides moderate-level walking and little exertion, allowing you to continue to acclimatise to the altitude without any strain, and the extra day sightseeing in Lhasa will greatly reduce your chances of getting mountain sickness on further parts of your journey.

The Historical and Religious Connection Between Lhasa and Mount Kailash 

  • The historical relationship between Lhasa and Mount Kailash goes back centuries, forming one of the most important spiritual connections in Tibet. Lhasa has been one of the main pilgrimage route gateways leading to Mount Kailash for over 1,000 years. The orthodox Tibetan pilgrimage used to start in Lhasa and continue to western Tibet for circumambulation around the holy Kailash Kora, which is the most sacred of the religious pilgrimages in Tibet.
  • Both destinations share the same importance as the most sacred places in Tibetan Buddhism. Lhasa was designated as the religious capital of Tibet, while Mount Kailash gradually became regarded as the central pivot of the universe and a Holy Place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and followers of the Bon religion.
  • With the spreading of Tibetan Buddhism across the region, Lhasa became strongly connected with Kailash. The pilgrimage between monastic communities in Lhasa and the holy sites in western Tibet has continuously made Kailash continuously recognized as a holy mountain.
  • Tibetan kings played a role in creating the link between the two destinations. During the time of the Tibetan Empire, Lhasa turned out to be the political and religious capital of Tibet, while Mount Kailash rose to be the most sacred mountain of the Tibetan world, and both gained a sacred relation.
  • Mount Kailash itself predated the formation of Buddhism in Tibet; it has long been considered a sacred holy mountain by the Bon religion and has been regarded as central to the historic Zhangzhung Kingdom in west Tibet.
  • Many of the most renowned Tibetan saints have walked between Lhasa and Kailash; the greatest master, Milarepa, is closely associated with Kailash and its holy significance was greatly increased by him.
  • Pilgrims usually visited Lhasa before travelling to Kailash; there are widely held beliefs that one must be blessed in Jokhang Temple and other holy places in Lhasa before undertaking the spiritual pilgrimage to Mount Kailash.
  • There is a deeply shared sacred heritage of the major monasteries in Lhasa with Mount Kailash. All religious teachings carried out at Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery are linked to pilgrimage practice in Kailash.
  • Nowadays, Lhasa continues to be an important place of pilgrimage, and thousands of pilgrims travel from Lhasa to holy Mount Kailash and holy Lake Mansarovar for holy circumambulation and merits.
  • The linkage of these two places explains why Lhasa is considered the classic route to Kailash, which enables travellers to feel the sacred spiritual essence of Tibet in Lhasa before heading to the prime destination of pilgrimage: Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

Why the 12 days Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa Is Ideal for First-Time Visitors?

This tour gives the visitor an overview of Tibet, of its culture, history, religion and landscapes even before they arrive at Mount Kailash. This is not only a journey to a pilgrimage destination but a comprehensive travel experience which shows you the real Tibet: from the oldest monasteries and lively pilgrim routes to the endless plateau, the native towns, and the holy lakes.

This tour itinerary is a better option for those first-time travellers of Tibet, first-time pilgrims to Mount Kailash, international travellers who are unfamiliar with the high altitude tours, senior pilgrims who prefer a more relaxed trip, those who are interested in photography, culture and a deeply spiritual experience from their pilgrimage. The added sightseeing trip helps a lot for you to understand Tibetan Buddhism, the customs of the locals and the historical significance of the visiting sites.

It is a richer and more substantial trip than shorter itineraries that just wish to arrive in Mount Kailash at the soonest time. When you reach Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash, you are already deeply familiarized with Tibet, and thus a more meaningful, cultural and religious experience is created.

Kailash Kora (Kailash Circumambulation) After Lhasa Sightseeing in 2026/27

The Kailash Kora, or Kailash Parikrama or Circumambulation, is often the spiritual highlight of the Mount Kailash Tour from Lhasa. After a few days exploring the sacred monasteries and acclimatising to the high altitude of Tibet, pilgrims eventually travel towards the pristine Mansarovar Lake before commencing their circumambulation of the revered Mount Kailash. The trek covers 52km in 3 days, and involves passing through Derapuk, Dolma La Pass (5630m) and Zutulpuk.

How Lhasa Sightseeing Helps Before the Kailash Kora

The time spent sightseeing in Lhasa is very important to the Kailash Kora. Exploring the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, and the Sera Monastery gradually acclimates your body to the high altitude of Tibet. By the time the pilgrims reach Darchen and commence their pilgrimage around Kailash, they are generally better physically prepared than a traveller rushing straight towards Kailash.

What Does Completing the Kailash Kora Mean?

The Significance of Completing a Kailash Kora. For Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and the Bon religion, the completion of one Kora is thought to remove the accumulated negativity of a lifetime and bless you with good karma. Many pilgrims embark on this spiritual journey in search of internal peace, greater understanding, and spiritual enrichment. It is not just a trek, it is considered to be the world's holiest trek.

What If You Cannot Complete the Kora?

It is not always possible to complete the full Kora; some travellers may have altitude or weather conditions, medical problems or limitations which make completing the Kora a practical impossibility. Pilgrims who do not wish to trek are normally able to wait in the village of Darchen whilst their group completes the full Kora. For many pilgrims, merely visiting Mansarovar Lake and seeing Mount Kailash in its majestic glory makes the journey worthwhile, even if the full Kora is not completed.

Mount Kailash Mansarovar Tour via Lhasa Sightseeing Cost 2026, 2027 and 2028

The costs for Mount Kailash Mansarovar Tour via Lhasa Sightseeing with View Nepal Treks begin from US$ 2,450 per person. For a package cost, this is very affordable compared to many similar Lhasa-Kailash tour packages found on the market. This is a fantastic deal.

In Mount Kailash Mansarovar Tour via Lhasa Sightseeing Tour starting from US$ 2,450 per person includes Private van / mini coach transportation, Kathmandu to Kerong & back to Kathmandu, Tibet Travel Permit, Kailash trekking Permit, English speaking Tibetan guide, accommodation during the trip, daily breakfast, all sightseeing in Lhasa, entry fees for monuments, and all arrangements of Mansarovar lake and Kailash Kora.

Extra Expenses for Travelers to Consider and Budget Before Kailash and Lhasa Combined Tour

Extra costs that the travelers can consider and budget before undertaking the Kailash and Lhasa combined tour:

Tibet Visa fee

To enter Tibet through Nepal, all foreign travelers need to acquire a Tibet Group Visa, and the costs below do not include visa fees:

  • Non-US passport holders: US$ 85 per person
  • US passport holder: US$ 185 per person

Kathmandu to Lhasa flight fare

The journey by flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is an exquisite one, with amazing Himalayan views during the one-hour flight over Mount Everest and the Tibetan plateau.

Average cost is US$ 350 per person (subject to flight availability and change in airline prices)

Lunches and Dinners

There is only breakfast included in this package.

  • Average lunch: US$ 5-10 per meal
  • Average dinner: US$ 8-15 per meal

It would be ideal to have a total budget for food of around US$ 150-250 per person (depending on individual preferences).

Hire Porter during Kailash Kora

  • By hiring a porter, you can comfortably walk while your personal bag is carried by them.
  • Average cost for a porter for the Kailash Kora: US$ 20-30 per day / US$ 60-90 for the 3-day Kora.
  • The porter will do: Take your day pack, assist you on the trek, and help you out with your duffel bags/backpacks.
  • What he doesn't do: Carrying you or assisting you on all steep sections of the trek, providing medical assistance, and providing individual guidance.

Hire Yak during Kailash Kora

  • A yak helps carry your luggage through the rugged trekking routes during the 3-day Kailash Kora.
  • Average cost for a yak during Kailash Kora: US$ 25-45 per day / US$ 75-135 for the 3-day Kora.
  • The yak will do: Carry heavy luggage; share the load of your duffel bag/backpack; and move things between camps.
  • It will not: Carry you, guide, or carry fragile items.

Hire a horse during the Kailash Kora.

  • A horse is ideal to ride during difficult parts of the trekking in case of fatigue, specifically on the Dolma La Pass day of the Kailash Kora.
  • Average cost for a horse during Kailash Kora: US$ 30-50 per day / US$ 90-150 for the 3-day Kora.
  • What the horse does: Carries you and assists you during most parts of the trek.
  • What it cannot do: Take you through all the parts of the Dolma La Pass, and can only transport you over rugged terrain.

Registration, Booking and Going With View Nepal Treks on Lhasa Tour and Kailash Mansarovar Trip

By booking your Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa with View Nepal Treks, you will experience the highest Himalayan tour operator with experience in handling trekking for the last 20 years. View Nepal Treks is a registered Nepal-based tour operator that is a member of an important tour association and provides reliable service, professional guides, personalized assistance and professional trip managing service in Nepal, Tibet and the Himalayan regions. The traveler will receive the best pre-departure advice, support regarding traveling in Tibet and dedicated attention throughout the tour.

You can easily book your Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Lhasa with us by just following these steps below.

After confirmation of your preferred dates for departure, we shall send you the booking form and document list. Upon receipt of passport copy and initial deposit, we shall then start booking, permit & travel arrangements for your trip and before departure, we shall then hand over to you the final tour itinerary, packing information and departure details.

Step 1: Choose your departure date

Select the date of travel from the available travel dates that is most convenient for your tour arrangements. Please check with us regarding dates for group departure.

Step 2: Request the booking form

You can email or call us at our office in order to obtain the registration form and a more detailed itinerary of the tour.

Step 3: Fill out the Registration Form

You are requested to provide your personal details in the booking form accurately, as stated in your passport.

Step 4: Scan and send a copy of your passport

We need a scan/copy of your passport, colored. Normally, your passport is required to have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of departure.

Step 5: Send your advance payment

Your payment of the advance deposit will be necessary to reserve your seat on the tour. Please note, seat will not be guaranteed until the advance deposit payment.

Step 6: Receive the Booking Confirmation

On receipt of your registration form and the initial deposit amount, we will send you the booking confirmation and complete trip details.

Step 7: Other Document Submissions

You are needed to submit further documents needed for permits, visa, etc in Tibet.

Step 8: Remaining Payment

You are required to make the final payment for the tour before the date as informed by our office.

Step 9: Permit arrangement and Pre-departure briefing

We will arrange the permits required for your tour in Tibet, we will have a pre-departure briefing and provide you with a list of things to carry along and general travelling details.

Step 10: Arrive at Kathmandu 4-5 days prior and start your tour

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu, attend a pre-departure briefing and group meet-up to begin your Kailash Manasarovar tour from Lhasa.

12 Days Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa Detailed Altitude Chart for Every Day

Day

Route

Distance

Sleep Altitude

Highest Altitude Reached

Gain

Loss

Acclimatization Status

01

Kathmandu → Lhasa

Flight

3,650m

3,650m

+2,350m

0m

Initial altitude exposure

02

Lhasa Sightseeing

Local

3,650m

3,700m

+50m

-50m

Acclimatization Day 1

03

Lhasa Sightseeing

Local

3,650m

3,700m

+50m

-50m

Acclimatization Day 2

04

Lhasa → Shigatse

350 km

3,840m

4,794m

+190m

-954m

Well acclimatized

05

Shigatse → Saga

450 km

4,450m

5,000m+

+610m

-550m

Moderate altitude

06

Saga → Lake Mansarovar

410 km

4,590m

4,590m

+140m

0m

High altitude zone

07

Mansarovar → Darchen

53 km

4,600m

4,600m

+10m

0m

Kailash preparation

08

Darchen → Derapuk

19 km

4,750m

4,900m

+150m

-150m

Kora Day 1

09

Derapuk → Dolma La → Zutulpuk

20 km

4,790m

5,630m

+880m

-840m

Kora Day 2 (Hardest Day)

10

Zutulpuk → Darchen → Saga

480 km

4,450m

4,790m

0m

-340m

Recovery Day

11

Saga → Kerong

240 km

2,700m

4,450m

0m

-1,750m

Major descent

12

Kerong → Kathmandu

175 km

1,300m

2,700m

0m

-1,400m

Return to low altitude

Altitude & Trekking Statistics

Starting Altitude

1,300m

First Night in Tibet

3,650m

Highest Sleeping Altitude

4,790m

Highest Point of Entire Trip

5,630m

Total Kailash Kora Distance

52 km

Total Driving Distance

Approx. 2,100 km

Acclimatization Days

2 Full Days

Days Above 4,500m

5 Days

Maximum Daily Altitude Gain

+880m

Largest Descent in One Day

-1,750m

Mount Kailash Base Area (Darchen)

4,600m

Lake Mansarovar Altitude

4,590m

Dolma La Pass Altitude

5,630m

Overall Difficulty

Moderate to Challenging

Altitude Risk Level by Day

Day

Risk Level

Day 1

Moderate

Day 2

Low

Day 3

Low

Day 4

Low

Day 5

Moderate

Day 6

Moderate

Day 7

Moderate

Day 8

Moderate–High

Day 9

High (Dolma La Pass)

Day 10

Moderate

Day 11

Low

Day 12

None

The altitude profile of this tour, particularly via Lhasa, is one of its biggest draws. With 2 nights spent in Lhasa at 3,650m prior to heading onto Lake Mansarovar (4,590m) and Mount Kailash (4,600m+), it makes for a far more comfortable tour than some of the other speedier entry methods.

Itinerary

Mount Kailash Tour and Lhasa Excursion Itinerary and Cost 

We have planned the Lhasa to Mt Kailash tour to make you accustomed to the altitude, discover new cultures, make a pilgrimage and witness some of the highest mountains in the Himalayas. Fly to Lhasa and spend two complete days visiting the major sites of Tibet, such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery before you proceed to Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash.

The price for the Lhasa to Mt Kailash tour package from View Nepal treks starts from US $2,450 per person. Here is our suggested Mount Kailash tour itinerary, which has been prepared through our years of experience in conducting the Kailash pilgrims. It is a flexible program and can be customized as per your traveling date, the number of groups, desire, availability of time and the budget that suits you, whether it is for a pilgrim, culture lover, photographer or first-time visitors in Tibet.

Trip PlanExpand all

You will take the early morning flight from Tribhuvan International Airport to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, where, in just 90 minutes, you will gain an astonishing altitude of 2,350m. Flying over the Himalayas, you will see through the window on a clear day Everest, Makalu and Shishapangma. 

After you arrive, the Tibetan guide from View Nepal Treks will check your Tibet Travel Permit and drive you through the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley.

There is often a tendency for many families to rush around exploring Lhasa straight away. But this is not recommended. You will check into your hotel and not move for the whole day, and try to drink as much water as possible (4-5 litres) and not have any alcohol or sleeping pills. Do not have a shower. You will be served a simple Tibetan meal in your room by the guide at about 7 PM.

Max Altitude: 3,650m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: HotelDuration: 1.5 hours flight + 1 hour transferDistance: Flight (~600 km)

After breakfast, you are going to start the Lhasa city tour and get accustomed to the high altitude. During the morning, you are going to visit the astounding Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas and a symbol of Tibet. Lying on top of the Red Hill, this UNESCO World Heritage Site can look over the whole city and inside are located many chapels, stupas, murals and holy icons.

Later on, you will visit the holiest temple in Tibetan Buddhism, the Jokhang Temple, a sacred center for the Tibetan Buddhist people, with many pilgrims arriving from Tibet, praying to the holy Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue. In the evening, you can wander through the Barkhor Bazaar, the oldest market and pilgrimage circuit in Lhasa, surrounded by Tibetan culture and a wide variety of souvenirs and objects such as prayer wheels, thangka paintings and more. While looking around, you can observe pilgrims performing their kora (pilgrimage circuit).

Accommodation at the Kyichu Hotel, Lhasa.

Max Altitude: 3,700m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: HotelDuration: 6–8 hoursDistance: 20 km city sightseeing

After breakfast, you continue your acclimatisation in Lhasa by visiting two of the greatest monasteries of Tibet.

You will explore the Drepung monastery, formerly the biggest monastery of Tibet and the former residence of the Dalai Lamas, before the construction of the Potala Palace. The monastery situated on Gambo Utse mountain offers fantastic views over the Lhasa Valley and provides a deep insight into the Buddhist study and monastery life of Tibet.

Afterwards, continue your tour to Sera Monastery, one of the "Three Great Gelug Monasteries" of Tibet. This monastery is famous for its spirited debates among the monks. The monks debate the Buddhist philosophies in an often theatrical manner employing traditional gestures of debating; this experience gives a glimpse into the hundreds-of-years-old educational system of Buddhism in Tibet.

Optional visits to Norbulingka (the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas) and the Tibetan Museum can be scheduled, time permitting. Thereafter, you have time to relax and adjust further to the altitude of 3,650 m before you travel towards the sacred Mount Kailash.

Max Altitude: 3,800m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: HotelDuration: 6–7 hoursDistance: 25 km sightseeing

On day 4, you will set out on a journey from Lhasa to Shigatse. At 7 am, your driver will pick you up, and you will be on your way, traveling west along the Friendship Highway, tracing the valley of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The scenery becomes sparser and sparser, leaving areas of agriculture, with barley fields and villages, the plateaus begin to appear barren, exposed and often windswept, with black tents indicating the home of nomadic yak herders. 

After passing Kamba La Pass, at 4,794 meters, the dramatic increase in altitude begins to affect some of the poorly acclimatized, inducing new bouts of sickness and headaches. Your guide will stop for a Coca-Cola, which Tibetans maintain counteracts the effects of altitude sickness via both the carbon and the sugar.

Yamdrok Lake has an amazing turquoise color, contrasting with the browns of the mountains. Stops for photographs were necessary and were in an environment with high levels of UV rays and below freezing wind chill. You'll have lunch in Gyantse town at around 1 PM, where small, authentic Sichuan restaurants serve safe fried rice and noodle dishes. 

Your last glimpse on the road to Shigatse is the gold roofs of Tashilhunpo Monastery.

Max Altitude: 4,794 Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: HotelDuration: 8–9 hoursDistance: 350 km

Your departure time from Shigatse is 6:30 AM; you'll stop at military check points while your guide offers travel permits to the guards while you remain still within the vehicle. The road turns from paved highway into very rocky tracks that will bounce Land Cruiser around, creating motion sickness for any children not yet used to bumpy roads. You'll travel over Gyatso La Pass (5,220m), even sitting there gives me shortness of breath, this is much higher than Mont Blanc and many who seem accustomed to the altitude begin to get headaches.

Tibetan Plateau offers a visual spectacle of endless space dotted by the occasional Tibetan antelope or wild donkey. Later, you will arrive in Saga, an overland town that caters to travelers. The guesthouse provides dorms with shared shower facilities and unreliable electricity. 

At 4,600 meters altitude exhaustion is at its most intense; many families fear there must be something medically wrong when their children cannot sleep even though they are exhausted. Realize there's nothing alarming about altered sleep patterns that can simply be managed with appropriate response, not emergency transport.

Max Altitude: 5,220m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Guest HouseDuration: 9 hoursDistance: 450 km

Today, you will leave Saga at 7 AM, along with other groups of pilgrims, in the direction of Mount Kailash. The track will lead you through various river fords on which melted glacial water runs along the road. Your driver will be very skillful in maneuvering so you are not pushed off course by the water flow. 

You will pass through Tibetan settlements with people herding their yaks over the vast meadows. Lake Manasarovar emerges suddenly around 3 PM, its sapphire waters reflecting snow peaks in the thin air's crystalline clarity. Hindus consider this sacred lake capable of cleansing sins; you will observe Indian pilgrims performing ritual bathing despite water temperatures near freezing. The guesthouse at Manasarovar offers the most basic amenities you have encountered.

Max Altitude: 4,590m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Guest HouseDuration: 8 hoursDistance: 410 km

You will wake at dawn to do a circumambulation around part of Lake Manasarovar, whose shore is 88 km long. As you take it easy on the sandy path, Mount Kailash's south face hangs like a sharp triangle over the horizon to your north. In the dawn light, the pyramid-shaped mountain glows white against the sky, and you feel the spiritual link to centuries of pilgrims who have made the same journey. Your guide will tell you it is considered the holiest mountain on Earth by Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Bon adherents alike, each for different spiritual reasons.

The short journey to Darchen will take about two hours, and you will arrive at this scruffy base camp village about 11 am, where trekking groups will be gathering gear, hiring yak drivers, haggling on the price of porters and generally arranging the practical side of their trekking adventure. This basic guesthouse will be the last refuge of the vaguely civilised prior to your three-day kora (circumambulation). 

Here, your guide will conduct a thorough kit check and confirm that you have all of your thermal layers, high-calorie snacks, blister remedies and water purification tablets; very few families grasp just how strenuous the Dolma La Pass at 5630 meters will prove to be.

Max Altitude: 4,600m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Guest HouseDuration: 2–3 hours drive with lake ritualsDistance: 53 km

After breakfast, you will start trekking from Darchen to Derapuk, which involves a 19 km trek. You'll trek north through Lha Chu valley with a slow, misleading incline that wears the families out, dragging their own bags up. 

It is here at the Tarboche flagpole that the kora truly begins. At around 2 PM, you will pass the west face of Kailash. 

The flagpole at Tarboche signals the official beginning of the kora, where the prayer flags fly by the thousands, snapping in the perpetual wind. You'll come to the western face of Kailash at around 2 PM; its raw rock faces towering at 2,000m over the valley floor in imposing verticals. Reaching the Derapuk monastery guesthouse, after a relatively small distance, takes about six to seven hours for most families.

At 4,750 meters, altitude headaches might become excruciatingly bad. So it's advised to take proper rest and a meal.

Max Altitude: 5,080m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Guest HouseDuration: 6–7 hoursDistance: 19 km trek

You begin at 6 am for the hardest stretch of the kora, 900 metres climbing to Dolma La Pass (5,630m). A steep, zig-zag path immediately hits you both cardiovascularly and on the altitude; you'll need to stop every 20 to 30 paces as your heart rate rockets and breathing strains. For many families, real fear sets in as their children cry in exhaustion, from a headache or from altitude sickness, with absolutely no option of retreat or rescue.

The pass, decorated with prayer flags, gives a reward of stunning 360-degree Himalayan views for your suffering, prior to the start of the cruel descent. You will feel the burn in your knees and quadriceps on the 700m descent on loose scree down to the Lham Chu valley.

The trek along the river valley to Zutulpuk monastery in the afternoon adds a further 8km. You'll arrive exhausted at 4 pm. You have just endured the toughest day on the kora. Guesthouse accommodation is identical, and only those families with realistically low expectations will get through this emotionally with little complaint.

Max Altitude: 5,630m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Guest HouseDuration: 10–12 hoursDistance: 20 km trek

You will hike the last 14 km of the kora through the river valley and return to Darchen. The morning hike should take 3-4 hours, passing stones erected to the pilgrims who perished in their attempt at circumnavigation of Kailash. You will feel the mixed elation of accomplishment and the agony of exhausted limbs when you finish circumambulating, an endeavor undertaken by over 20,000 people each year.

In Darchen, your vehicle will set off after lunch to tackle the long, uneventful 500-kilometer drive back to Saga. Three days of arduous, high-altitude trekking over 5,000m have left your body in an exhausted haze, which passes before you on the way. 

You will arrive in Saga by about 9 pm, to check back into the basic guest house used in Day 5. It is not uncommon to be strangely melancholic at the end of the pilgrimage part of the trip and the beginning of regular travel.

Max Altitude: 4,790m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Guest HouseDuration: 3–4 hours trek with 8–9 hours driveDistance: 14 km trek with ~500 km drive

You will leave Saga in the morning at 7 am, traveling back east to the border of Nepal at Kerong (aka Gyirong). You will drive approximately 250 kilometers, decreasing in altitude from the dry, open Tibetan Plateau into wetter vegetation, through the valleys north of the Himalayas. The vegetation gradually shifts from hardy junipers on the high plain to rhododendron forests and even tropical vegetation when you descend below 3,000 meters.

The Kerong border post is located down in a dramatic, steep valley, and it's here where your Chinese and Nepali customs officers check your exit permit. Tonight you sleep in a standard Kerong guesthouse, then cross into Nepal tomorrow, wondering as you arrive just how the past week's undertaking, one of the toughest pilgrim routes in Asia, has changed you.

Max Altitude: 4,600m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Guest HouseDuration: 6–7 hoursDistance: 250 km

From Kerung, after breakfast, we will drive to the border between Nepal and Tibet at Rasuwagadhi. On the way, you can see awesome mountains, valleys, and high Himalayan scenery along the zigzag narrow road. You are transferred to the border, and the immigration process on the Nepal side will be completed by your guide and crew.

You come back to the Nepal side after crossing the Friendship Bridge. You will then take a car from the border and start driving to Kathmandu, following the valley of the river Trisuli. You can see different villages, riverbank cities, and green hills. The journey to Kathmandu takes a few hours, according to the traffic and road conditions. From this stage, you will find the weather is getting warmer as you descend to Nepal from the highlands of Tibet.

When you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the assigned hotel in Kathmandu. This will mark a wonderful conclusion of the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Lhasa. 

Max Altitude: 2,700m Meals: BreakfastDuration: 7–9 hoursDistance: 175 km
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Cost Details
Includes
  • You need to be in average physical condition, able to walk up to a maximum of 5 hours a day on unpaved trails and track.
  • Private Transportation by Van / mini coach
  • All necessary Tibet Travel and Trekking permit
  • English speaking Tibetan Guide
  • All Sightseeing and Entrance fee as per the itinerary.
  • Meal plan on B/B Basis
  • Kathmandu to Border to Kathmandu transportation
Excludes
  • Tibet Visa Fee $85/- and $185 for US Passport holder.
  • Flight Fare ( Kathmandu- Lhasa) US$ 350.00 ( Subject to available)
  • Lunch and Dinner
  • Insurance of any kind.
  • Hiring porter, Yak/ horse
  • Rescue and Evacuation Service
  • Any Additional cost due to Nature calamity and Unforeseen Circumstances and etc.
Route Map
Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa
Add-ons & Options

Lunch and Dinner (Optional upgrading to a full meal in the Kailash section only)

One can upgrade his/her package for a full vegetarian meal (B, L & D) with an additional payment. With this upgraded package, you get:

  • All vegetarian/sattvic meals will be organized in advance.
  • No need to search for food during the journey
  • Hygienic Indian & Tibetan food at every stopping point
  • Flawless arrangement of food throughout the trip

The mentioned upgrading can be applied to the tour from Day 06 to Day 11.

Porter / Yak / Horse Services (Support services on Kailash Parikrama)

During the Kailash Parikrama (Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk through Dolma La Pass), one can opt to hire:

  • Porters to carry your bags
  • Yaks or horses to support you during the trekking section
  • The estimated cost for such services will be around RMB 400 per animal/day per person. These services will only be available as an optional add-on on certain designated days of trekking on the Kailash circuit.

Luxury Accommodation (wherever available)

Luxury hotels are available in the main cities on the path, such as:

  • Kathmandu: 4/5 star hotels available
  • Lhasa: 3/5 star hotels available
  • Shigatse: 3/4 star decent hotels with upgrading facilities

However, due to a lack of modern facilities in remote places such as Saga, Darchen, and the Kailash region, the best available rooms are assigned, with the possibility to upgrade your rooms for your convenience.

Essential Information

Best Time To Go Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa

Your Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa can only be undertaken during two distinct weather seasons, which allow for the roads to be traversable and the high altitude to be sustainable for human survival. The exact period of the year you choose to undertake your trip will have the most significant bearing on how successful and how safe your experience will be.

Spring Season (May to Early June)

Your journey will be best when winter snows melt during May and early June, and summer monsoons are still far away. You'll be walking within the range of 10-15°C during the daytime, while nightly temperatures may fall as low as -5°C to 0°C in Darchen. 

Spring wildflowers would start carpeting the brown grasslands, and baby yaks could be seen near the nomadic camps on the plateau. Road conditions would be in their prime condition, and river crossings would still be passable before the strong glacier melting process.

Saga Dawa (the festival for Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death) is held on the full moon of the fourth month (end of May-early June). You will find huge numbers of Tibetan pilgrims around Mount Kailash, making for a genuinely spiritual experience. Still, a severe shortage of accommodation and high permit prices will mean you have to book a few months in advance.

Autumn Season (September to Early October)

From September through early October is the finest weather of the year, as it follows the monsoon downpours. This is the time of clear views and a perfectly defined north face of Kailash against deep blue, unclouded skies. Temperatures during the day will average between 5-12°C; nighttime temperatures, however, will dip to -10°C, and it will be necessary to purchase high-quality cold-weather sleeping bags.

Although fewer pilgrims are found in autumn than in spring, and therefore a sense of solitude prevails during your kora circuit, guesthouse rooms will be available; be prepared for progressively colder weather as October progresses. 

All tours leaving in late October have a potential chance of a surprise snowfall and closing the high passes. Travel traffic is highest for spring departures, as the travel season is briefer and a number of well-traveled people avoid festival seasons. Spring is an eight-week season, versus fall, which is only about six weeks long.

Transportation

You'll be driven by a licensed Tibetan driver in a private, agency-arranged vehicle suited to high-altitude, unpaved Tibetan roads. Eleven days and 2,200 kilometers later, you'll have crossed passes over 5,200 meters. Each vehicle carries oxygen cylinders and emergency provisions, but breakdowns on the most isolated sections are common. 

You'll encounter many police checkpoints at which you must show permits (managed by your guide; remain seated). Between Saga and Darchen, conditions of the road deteriorate sharply; river fords, potholes and the sheer ruggedness of the ride can have vehicles buckling severely. Experienced operators arrange for an accompanying support vehicle.

Accommodations

You'll encounter widely varying levels of comfort as you travel during the tour. In Lhasa, you can expect 3-star hotels with heat, hot water, and Western toilets. Shigatse has decent guesthouses, but with unpredictable facilities. Saga, Manasarovar, and Darchen will have crude concrete buildings with squat toilets (shared), cold water (at best), and a diesel generator run sporadically to power a few lights. 

Guesthouses at Derapuk and Zutulpuk on the Kora circuit have about as primitive conditions as you can get in dormitories. You'll want to bring your own sleeping bag liner, a headlamp, and your expectations about decreasing levels of convenience.

Food and Meal

Food during the Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa will mainly consist of Sichuan-style Chinese food (fried rice, noodles and fried vegetables) and a selection of standard Tibetan food (tsampa barley flour, momos (dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup)). Restaurants in Lhasa and Shigatse offer satisfactory levels of cleanliness and have a few Western dishes on their menus. 

Guesthouses in remote locations only offer predictable, fixed menus from the kitchen facilities without a refrigerator, and food poisoning is more likely. Be prepared for salted and rancid yak butter tea, sweet milk tea and instant noodles in all varieties. 

Bottled water is readily available in town; it is limited on the kora route, so pack water purification tablets. Pack your own high-energy snacks (nuts, dried fruit, chocolate bars, energy bars, etc.) to make up for poor meals and fuel for treks. Vegetarians have no problem; vegans will struggle for protein.

Required Permits and Expenses for Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa

To undertake the Mount Kailash pilgrimage via Lhasa, there are five essential permits that are required. Firstly, the Chinese Visa will permit you to enter China. You need to research the requirements for your particular nationality with the closest Chinese Embassy. The Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) will permit you to travel within the Tibet Autonomous Region and is required for all foreigners. The TTP can only be obtained via a permitted travel agency and is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau.

It enables foreigners to leave Lhasa for restricted regions, for instance, Kailash. Military Permit (MPS) enables them to enter Ngari, which the government regards as a militarily sensitive region. Foreign Affairs Permit (FAP) permits to reach out-of-the-way regions, for instance, the Kailash region, issued by the Foreign Affairs office in Lhasa via a recognized agent.

Documentation Requirements

You have to hand over your valid passport (validity not less than six months), current China visa, 2 recent photographs and an itinerary with the actual itinerary of your trip, including places you intend to visit along with dates. Certain agents will need you to provide a medical certificate for high altitude and travel insurance.

You will need to provide the following documents for permit applications:

  • Valid Passport: Minimum six months remaining validity from your travel date
  • Chinese Visa: Current valid visa if entering Tibet from mainland China
  • Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photographs
  • Travel Itinerary: Detailed trip plan including specific dates and locations
  • Medical Certificate: Health fitness certification for high-altitude travel (agency-dependent)
  • Travel Insurance: Proof of comprehensive coverage for Tibet region

Application Process

All applications need to be made to a registered Tibetan tour operator, as individually submitted applications will be rejected due to regulations. A legitimate agency will do all of the paperwork and negotiations with the Chinese administration. The operator deals with established contacts and will therefore have a quicker response for approvals. Check out reviews on your agency, the agency's permission rate and the agency's level of experience.

Permit Costs and Fees

You'll spend between $170 and $220 on permit fees, depending on your nationality and the agency used. The Chinese Visa fee depends on your country of origin ($30-140). The Tibet Travel Permit can range from $50-100, the Alien's Travel Permit costs about RMB 50 ($7), and the Combined Military and Foreign Affairs Permits cost approximately RMB 100 ($15). The above permit fees don't include service fees, which can run from $100-200 per agency for their part in obtaining your permits.

What are the Physical Fitness Requirements for the Kailash With Lhasa Trip?

Physical fitness requirements needed to be met for Kailash with Lhasa are:

  • Basic physical fitness requirements: Average to good physical fitness is required. This requires participants to have sufficient fitness to be able to trek for 4-6 hours a day on average while on the uneven trekking routes of Kailash Kora, as well as ascend to an elevation of 5,600 meters.
  • Endurance required for high altitude trekking: The main physically taxing portion of the tour, the 3-day Kailash Kora, requires the trekker to manage the crossing of Dolma Pass at an altitude of 5,630 meters. The trip requires you to be sturdy-legged and fit enough to pace oneself and trek slowly but consistently at high altitudes. It is strongly recommended that you train yourself in walking/hiking/aerobic activities prior to the trip.
  • Adaptation to altitude: As one has to journey to the Mt Kailash region at 4,600 meters from Lhasa at 3,650 meters progressively, one has to be able to acclimatize oneself in a low-oxygen environment and carry on well in a low-oxygen environment. Trekkers with previous high-altitude trekking experience shall do better in this journey, although novice trekkers can also enjoy it with proper training.
  • The people who should not take part: This tour is not recommended for people with chronic respiratory/heart diseases and a history of high-altitude sickness. Please consult your doctor prior to booking if you suffer from any condition that requires assessment prior to the sacred pilgrimage.

DOs and DON’Ts Full Information On 12 days Mount Kailash Tour via Lhasa

DOs and DON'Ts in Lhasa Tour (View Nepal Treks Guide)

DOs in Lhasa

  • Do remain a minimum of 2-3 nights in Lhasa in order to acclimatize to the high altitude (3,650 m)
  • Do walk slowly upon arrival and not engage in frantic sightseeing on your first day.
  • Drink lots of water and make sure to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.
  • Do explore major sacred sites such as the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple, and the Barkhor Street with utter reverence and respect.
  • Do eat small, light meals for the first few days, helping your body to adjust smoothly.
  • Do strictly adhere to your guide's recommendations regarding altitude and the pace of sightseeing.
  • Do bring along sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, and a lip balm, given the intensity of the solar radiation.
  • Do keep your permits and copies of your passport close at hand for any checks on the way.

DON'Ts in Lhasa

  • Don't take on overly enthusiastic sightseeing on the first few days at high altitude and prioritize adjusting.
  • Don't neglect even the small aches and pains such as fatigue or headaches. Make sure to take enough rest.
  • Don't consume alcoholic beverages or smoke during the initial days at high altitude.
  • Don't disturb religious proceedings or take photographs without permission at monasteries.
  • Don't stuff your daily bags to an unhealthy extent when you go sightseeing.
  • Don't hesitate to drink water and force yourself, even if you do not feel thirsty.
  • Don't see Lhasa as just a transit point on your way to Kailash; it's a city that you should give your body time to adjust to.

DOs and DON'Ts in Kailash Trip (View Nepal Treks Guide)

DOs in Kailash

  • Do move in a slow manner for the duration of the trip due to the extreme altitude (4,500 m - 5,600 m+)
  • Do make full use of your acclimatization days in Saga and other destinations before heading towards Mount Kailash.
  • Do remain well hydrated (at least 4 liters of water daily is recommended at high altitude).
  • Do walk carefully and consistently during the Kailash Kora (parikrama).
  • Do bring along a set of warm clothes that you can wear in layers, since the temperature can decrease at any given point.
  • Do offer prayers and respect the local spiritual practices at Lake Manasarovar and the sites around it.
  • Do carry some medicine that can treat altitude sickness, and talk to your guide if you notice any symptoms.
  • Do have only light vegetarian or easily digestible meals to keep your energy levels high.
  • Do rest when you need to, listening to your body and any physical signs of stress.

DON'Ts in Kailash

  • Don't speed up the itinerary or try to push yourself "through" any pain at high altitude.
  • Don't ignore the signs of altitude sickness, such as dizziness, nausea, headache, and shortness of breath.
  • Don't drink any alcohol or smoke during the trip, as it would adversely affect your already limited oxygen intake.
  • Don't engage in any undue risks during the Kailash Kora, especially near the tricky slopes such as the Dolma La Pass.
  • Don't pack heavy items; the sheer weight will make it all the more tiresome at such a high altitude.
  • Don't skip any of your acclimatization stops, such as Lhasa or Saga.
  • Don't make the mistake of assuming it would be a casual trek; this trip is challenging both mentally and physically.
  • Don't wander away from the group while traversing the isolated sections of the trekking route. 
FAQs

It is a moderately to highly challenging high-altitude trek. The difficulty of this journey lies not in the distances covered on foot but in the extreme altitude (4,500m - 5,600m+) and the long travel on unpaved and remote Tibetan roads.

Mt Kailash is 6,638 meters. The points of significance are Lhasa, 3,650 meters; Saga, 4,500 meters; Lake Manasarovar, 4,590 meters; and Dolma La Pass, 5,600 meters. It is essential to spend a few days acclimatizing in Lhasa.

Generally, a tour will last 12-15 days, including the travel to and from Lhasa, 1-2 days for acclimatization, 5-7 days for the road journey and 3 days for the Kailash Parikrama and the travel back.

Yes, a Chinese Group Visa, a Tibet Travel Permit and other regional permits to enter areas such as the sacred Mt Kailash and western Tibet are required and will be provided by the registered tour operator.

The period between May and September is the best time to visit Mt Kailash because of the relatively stable climate and open roads, along with comfortable temperatures that suit the high altitude trip.

Yes, this trip is suitable for first-time high altitude travelers if a proper acclimatization schedule is followed. Those with chronic heart or lung diseases or with a severe altitude-related illness should not take this trip.

Wear and gloves, carry warm, layered clothing, sunglasses, sunblock, personal medical items and toiletries suitable for a cold climate.

Yes, it is highly advised to have a high altitude and emergency evacuation cover in your insurance policy for this remote and high altitude tour.

Even during summer, temperatures can dip to below freezing at night. Extreme cold prevails in areas like Dolma La Pass, where winter-like temperatures are often retained along with snow and strong winds.

You can take photographs generally in the places of the tour, excluding the sacred monasteries and holy places. You should seek permission before photographing restricted sites and respect the guidance of your tour guides.

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It felt like everything was there when it was needed. All meals, hotels, transit, and rest times always came into the right perspective. I never felt like either the tour...

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May 17, 2026
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- Austria
A Journey Where Even Delays Didn’t Feel Like Problems

Traveling at 5000 meters, even delays felt manageable. Even though we experienced several situations in which we had delays because of the unpaved terrain or because of the weather conditions,...

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- Canada
The Small Decisions They Made Changed the Whole Experience

Their small actions made all the difference. It was really their small, considerate and discreet actions that made all the difference for our trip. Things like altering driving departure times...

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- United States
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