Lhasa to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Welcome to Tibet! Upon arrival at Lhasa’s airport or train station, meet our Tibetan guide and driver and receive a warm khata welcome.

Transfer to your hotel in Lhasa. En route, catch your first glimpses of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) and Lhasa rivers as they wind through the valley.

The rest of the day is free to relax and acclimate to Lhasa’s high altitude. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the journey ahead and introduce you to fellow travelers.

Start your exploration of Lhasa with a focus on its great monastic institutions. In the morning, visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in Tibet, home to 10,000+ monks in its prime.

Wander its massive halls and courtyards as your guide explains Drepung’s rich history and the basics of Tibetan Buddhism. Next, tour the nearby Sera Monastery, another of Tibet’s “Great Three” Gelugpa monasteries.

In the afternoon (around 3-5 PM), observe the famous monk debate in Sera’s courtyard – a lively, ritualized debate of Buddhist philosophy punctuated by emphatic gestures. It’s a fascinating window into monastic education.

Enjoy a welcome dinner with traditional Tibetan cuisine in the evening, getting to know your group.

Today covers Lhasa’s most revered sites. Start at the Potala Palace, the monumental 17th-century fortress that dominates Lhasa’s skyline. Climb its stairways for a rewarding panoramic view over Lhasa’s old city.

Explore Potala’s chapels and treasures – from golden stupas of past Dalai Lamas to ancient Buddhist murals – learning about its role in Tibetan governance and spirituality.

After descending, stroll through Longwangtan Park at the palace base to get a different perspective of Potala and see locals socializing.

Next, visit the Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest shrine, where pilgrims from all corners of Tibet prostrate themselves outside its gates.

Inside Jokhang’s dim halls, behold the revered Sakyamuni Buddha statue and feel the devotion that permeates the air.

Exiting, join pilgrims on a walk around Barkhor Street, the devotional circumambulation route encircling the temple. Browse the Barkhor market for prayer flags or souvenirs as incense smoke and devotional chants fill the street.

Before day’s end, drop by a bustling local teahouse – sip sweet Tibetan tea shoulder-to-shoulder with locals and chat about daily life in Lhasa, a memorable cultural immersion.

Begin the overland journey west across Tibet. Drive up to Gampa La Pass (4,790m), where an unforgettable vista of Yamdrok-Tso unfolds below – a massive turquoise lake ringed by snowy peaks.

On a clear day, you’ll see Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar (7,191m) looming in the distance. Descend to the lakeshore and appreciate Yamdrok’s startling blue waters.

We stop at a traditional village by the lake, where you’ll be welcomed into a local family’s home for Lunch – an authentic taste of Tibetan hospitality.

Catch sight of the imposing Karola Glacier as we pass beneath its ice cliff that nearly touches the road. At Simila Pass, join locals in hanging prayer flags, sending prayers out on the mountain winds for health and peace.

By late afternoon, arrive in Gyantse. Snap photos of Gyantse Dzong fortress and the farmlands around this historic town known for its heroic past.

Then, we will drive through fertile fields along the Nyangchu River to reach Shigatse (Tibet’s second-largest city) in the evening.

Set out early towards the Himalayas and Mount Everest. Traverse the stark high-altitude landscape to reach Gyatso La Pass (5,248m), where you first glimpse Everest shimmering far on the horizon.

Enter the Qomolangma (Everest) National Nature Reserve and ascend to the panoramic Gawu La Pass (5,198m).

Weather permitting, an incredible scene unfolds: the Himalayan panorama of five 8,000m giants – Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma – strung across the horizon.

Continue along the new zigzag road down into the Rongbuk Valley. By afternoon, arrive at the Everest Base Camp area (≈5,000m). Standing here, the north face of Everest dominates the skyline – a colossal pyramid of rock and ice.

Enjoy a golden sunset on Everest’s summit if the weather is clear. After dusk, conditions permitting, you may witness a breathtaking night sky with the Milky Way over Everest’s silhouette.

Accommodations near EBC are fundamental – in summer, tent camps operate at the site, and in colder months, you’ll stay in a guesthouse at a village like Tashi Dzom nearby.

Rise early for a chance to see sunrise on Everest, as the first rays light up its summit in pink and gold.

After breakfast, visit Rongbuk Monastery (5,154m), the world’s highest monastery, which offers one more phenomenal view of Everest’s towering face.

You might encounter hardy monks or nuns living year-round in these extreme conditions. Then bid farewell to Everest and drive westwards into the remote expanses of western Tibet (Ngari region).

En route, pause to view Mt. Shishapangma (8,027m), Tibet’s highest peak entirely within its borders. Shishapangma’s snow-draped massif, alongside its sister peaks, reflects in the waters of Pelku Tso (Peiku Tso) lake – a gorgeous photo stop.

Crossing broad plains where nomads herd yaks under big skies, we reach Saga (4,400m) by late afternoon.

Saga is a busy township on the banks of the Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo) and the main gateway to Kailash. Stock up on any last supplies for the trek (snacks, water, sunscreen, etc.) if needed.

Today’s drive takes us through some of Tibet’s most isolated terrain as we approach the sacred destinations. Travel west across the vast Saga Valley between the Himalaya and Gangdise mountain ranges.

The scenery features towering snow peaks flanking endless open grasslands; you may see herds of yaks and sheep grazing, with nomadic herders camped in black tents.

On the way, pass the emerald-green Gongzhucuo Lake, a sparkling gem amid the wilderness. Climb over Mayum La Pass (5,211m) – crossing this pass officially brings you into Ngari, the far-west region of Tibet.

In the distance, Lake Manasarovar comes into view, with the silhouette of Mount Kailash beyond – a moment that leaves many travelers speechless. Descend to the shores of Lake Manasarovar, revered as a source of spiritual power.

Weather permitting, take a break to admire the lake’s clear waters and surrounding vistas.

By late afternoon, arrive in Darchen (4,575m), the small frontier town at the base of Mount Kailash. Darchen is the starting point for the Kailash Kora.

Check into a simple guesthouse and prepare your gear for trekking. (If you wish to hire a porter or yak to carry your bags for the trek, inform your guide today so arrangements can be made – porters are available for an additional fee.).

The Mount Kailash Kora begins! After an early breakfast, take an eco-friendly shuttle bus from Darchen to the trailhead at Sarshung Valley.

Here, start trekking with your guide and fellow pilgrims along a gently rising valley on Kailash’s western flank.

Mount Kailash soon comes into sight – its distinctive black pyramid summit and year-round snow cap guiding our way.

The day’s hike is moderate, following the Lha Chu River and passing groups of prayer stone piles (mani stones) left by devotees.

You’ll likely encounter Tibetan and Indian pilgrims making their circumambulation, some performing full-body prostrations along the entire route – a humbling display of faith.

By afternoon, arrive at Dirapuk Monastery (4,900m), near the north face of Kailash. If the skies are clear, this location offers one of the most striking views of Kailash’s sheer north face, also called the “Western Portal.”

Visit the small monastery and take photos of Dirapuk’s chortens (stupas) framing Kailash.

As evening falls, weather permitting, enjoy a spectacular sunset on Mount Kailash, as the dying light paints the mountain’s west face orange and gold.

Hardest trekking day. Rise before dawn for the most challenging and rewarding part of the Kora. Today you’ll cross the Dolma-La Pass (5,630m) – the highest point of the entire journey.

The day begins with a steep 4km ascent from Dirapuk, climbing through glacial moraine terrain. As you climb, pause to see the sunrise glow on Kailash’s northwest shoulder.

Reach a level area at around 5,200m marked by a collection of prayer flags – a sign you are nearing the pass.

Push on a bit further to reach the top of Dolma La, adorned with hundreds of fluttering prayer flags and yak skulls left as offerings.

Congratulations – you are standing at 5,630m! Take a moment to savor this achievement and, according to tradition, to let go of worldly burdens at the pass (locals often leave personal items or hair/nail clippings to symbolize shedding sin).

Beyond the summit lies the small, sacred Lake Gauri Kund (Lake of Compassion), shimmering green below the trail.

The descent from Dolma-La is steep and can be snowy or slippery, so careful footing is required (even in summer, patches of ice are standard).

Trek down into the valley, where the oxygen feels richer and every step gets easier.

By afternoon, follow the river to arrive at Zutulpuk Monastery (4,790m), named after a cave associated with the 11th-century Buddhist saint Milarepa.

If energy allows, explore the small temple or chat with pilgrims who might share inspiring stories of their journey.

Near Zutulpuk, you may spot wild goats or Tibetan pika on the rocky slopes, and you will undoubtedly see the endless lines of prayer flags strung across the cliffs.

Final day of the Kailash parikrama. In the morning, an easy 2-3 hour trek along the Barkha plain brings you back to the trailhead where you started, completing the circuit around Mount Kailash.

Congratulations on finishing the Kora – an accomplishment that pilgrims believe erases the sins of a lifetime!

Meet your driver in Darchen and rest a bit. Later, take a short drive (about 30km) to the shores of Lake Manasarovar, which sits just south of Kailash.

Lake Manasarovar is one of the holiest lakes in Asia. In Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, it is a symbol of purity, believed to have been created by Lord Brahma, and is capable of cleansing spiritual impurities.

Walk to the water’s edge and if you wish, touch the sacred waters or take part in a brief ritual bath (for those hardies enough to brave the cold!). Many visitors dip their hands or sprinkle the water on their heads in reverence.

Enjoy some quiet time by this serene lake, set against a backdrop of the Gurla Mandhata range. You may see prayer flags and perhaps pilgrims performing rituals on the shore.

There is also an optional hot spring near the lake (at an extra small cost) where you can soak your feet – a nice way to relax after the trek.

By late afternoon, return to Darchen. With the Kora complete, the most challenging part of your journey is over.

Begin the drive back eastwards. We retrace our route from Darchen to Saga, bidding farewell to holy Kailash and Manasarovar.

Though covering familiar ground, the landscapes remain inspiring from the reverse perspective. Take a last look at the Ngari wilderness – the rolling plains and distant peaks that have been your home for the past days.

En route, make wildlife spotting stops if opportunities arise; you might catch sight of a Tibetan wild ass (Kiang) or other high plateau fauna.

By evening, arrive again in Saga, a comforting outpost of civilization after the remote journey. Enjoy a hot meal and well-earned rest.

Today, we diverge from our original path to explore a different facet of Tibet’s geography.

Head south from Saga towards the Gyirong Valley on the Tibet-Nepal border. As we drive, notice the landscape changing dramatically: the arid plains give way to more vegetation, and the air grows more humid.

Descend from the plateau into the Gyirong Gorge, a region famed for its stunning natural beauty. By afternoon, arrive in Gyirong Town (Kyirong), sitting at a lower elevation (~2,700m).

Surrounded by forested mountains, Gyirong enjoys a milder climate and lush greenery unique in Tibet. The British explorer Howard-Bury once described Gyirong Valley as “the most beautiful in the world”.

Explore the area: visit a local Sherpa village, where the culture blends Tibetan and Nepali influences.

You’ll see terraced fields, flowing streams, and maybe even monkeys in the trees – starkly contrasting to the austere high Himalaya. Enjoy the evening in this peaceful valley town.

This morning, those ending their Nepal trip can depart from the nearby border (Gyirong Port) to Kathmandu.

For those continuing to Lhasa, we take a leisurely morning in Gyirong – you can rest or enjoy the valley’s scenery again. After Lunch, start the journey back north.

Ascend from the lush Gyirong valley back onto the Tibetan Plateau, re-entering the realm of high mountains and sparse terrain. By late afternoon, reach Tingri (a small town at 4,300m in the Shigatse region).

Tingri offers sweeping views of the Himalayan range from a different angle; on a clear day, you might catch farewell views of Everest or Cho Oyu in the distance.

Today is a long drive, completing the circuit back to Lhasa. Depart Tingri in the morning and travel to Shigatse, where we stop for final sightseeing.

In Shigatse, visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the 15th-century monastery sprawling on a hillside that is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama.

Explore Tashilhunpo’s giant Maitreya Buddha statue and its golden-roofed prayer halls, soaking in one more grand example of Tibetan spiritual architecture.

Follow the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River eastward from Shigatse on the drive back to Lhasa. This route passes through picturesque river canyons and villages – a pleasant and scenic road.

Arrive in Lhasa in the late afternoon or evening. Enjoy a final night in Lhasa with a farewell dinner (on your own) or some last-minute souvenir shopping in Barkhor.

Your epic journey concludes today. After breakfast, check out of the hotel. Transfer to Lhasa Airport or Train Station is provided according to your schedule.

Bid farewell to your guide and driver, and Tashi Delek – may good fortune be with you!

We trust that the spiritual memories of Kailash and Mansarovar and the warm hospitality of Tibet will stay with you forever.