Kailash Mansarovar Via Lhasa

Pre-Yatra Briefing

After breakfast, begin your Kathmandu cultural and spiritual orientation.

Visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most revered temples associated with Lord Shiva, situated beside the sacred Bagmati River. Continue to Guhyeshwari Temple, an important Shakti pilgrimage site, followed by Budhanilkantha, home to the remarkable reclining image of Lord Vishnu.

Return to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, attend the Pre-Yatra Briefing, covering the Tibet journey, high-altitude considerations, packing requirements, border procedures, daily routine and practical preparation for the Kailash Parikrama.

Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu

Guhyeshwari Temple, Kathmandu

Budhanilkantha Temple, Kathmandu

Early morning transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight to Lhasa.

On arrival at Gonggar Airport, meet the Tibetan operations team and transfer by road to Lhasa, approximately 1.5 hours depending on road conditions.

Check in and allow your body time to adjust to the altitude.

After lunch and sufficient rest, begin a gentle cultural experience with a visit to Jokhang Temple, traditionally regarded as one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Tibet. Continue with a walking experience around Barkhor, the historic pilgrimage circuit and traditional market district surrounding Jokhang.

Return to the hotel for an early evening and rest.

Cultural & Spiritual Immersion

After breakfast, visit the magnificent Potala Palace, the historic landmark overlooking Lhasa. Explore its chapels, courtyards and historic interiors with your guide.

After lunch, continue to Sera Monastery, one of Tibet's major monastic institutions and traditional centers of Buddhist learning.

A specially arranged Buddhist monk interaction/session may be included, subject to monastery availability and local arrangements, providing an opportunity to learn about Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and traditions.

Return to the hotel for rest and acclimatization.

Potala Palace, Lhasa

Sera Monastry , Lhasa

Leave Lhasa after breakfast and begin the scenic drive toward Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city.

The journey crosses high-altitude landscapes, open valleys and traditional Tibetan settlements.

Upon arrival, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of Tibet's most important monastic complexes and historically associated with the Panchen Lama lineage.

Check in and relax after the day's journey.

Continue westward across the vast Tibetan Plateau toward Saga.

Today's journey introduces the dramatic scale of the Himalayan highlands, with expansive grasslands, distant snow peaks and river valleys.

As you gain altitude, the emphasis is on maintaining a relaxed pace, hydration and rest.

Arrive in Saga and check in.

Today is one of the defining stages of the pilgrimage.

Travel toward Lake Manasarovar, crossing the spectacular Tibetan Plateau and continuing through the highland landscapes of the Kailash region.

Subject to operational conditions, customs and permit procedures, continue toward the lake and experience your first views of Mount Kailash rising above the surrounding landscape.

A section of the Lake Manasarovar circuit may be completed by vehicle, according to the prevailing route and local regulations.

If conditions and timing permit, visit Chiu Gompa, dramatically positioned above the lake.

Begin the morning beside the sacred waters of Lake Manasarovar.

Time is provided for prayer, meditation, Puja and other personal spiritual practices, subject to local regulations, weather and access conditions.

A ritual bath or immersion should not be assumed or guaranteed and will depend entirely on prevailing regulations and conditions.

Later, drive toward Darchen, the traditional starting point for the Kailash Kora.

En route, enjoy views of Rakshastal and the dramatic high-altitude landscape surrounding the Kailash massif.

Check in and prepare for the Parikrama.

The Kailash Parikrama

After breakfast, drive to Yam Dwar, the traditional gateway and starting point of the Kailash Parikrama.

Begin walking through the stark and magnificent landscape surrounding Mount Kailash.

The trail gradually approaches the North Face of Mount Kailash, with prayer flags, mani stones and traditional pilgrimage markers along the route.

The day requires steady pacing and careful attention to altitude.

Optional Charan Sparsh:

An excursion toward Charan Sparsh may be possible only when officially permitted and operationally available. It involves additional high-altitude walking and should be undertaken only according to the guide's advice and prevailing conditions.

The most demanding day of the pilgrimage.

Set out early for the ascent toward Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the Kailash Kora at approximately 5,630 m.

The trail is steep and physically demanding, with the effects of altitude becoming increasingly significant.

After reaching the pass, descend toward Gauri Kund, traditionally associated with Goddess Parvati, before continuing through the valley toward Zhuthulpuk.

This is a long and challenging day. The pace will be determined by altitude, weather, trail conditions and the condition of the group.

Dirapuk Monastry, Tibet

Dolma La Pass, Tibet

Gauri Kund, Tibet

Complete the final section of the Kailash Parikrama from Zhuthulpuk toward Darchen.

After reaching the roadhead, board the waiting vehicle and begin the return journey toward Saga.

The landscape gradually opens into the vast Tibetan Plateau, with opportunities to see highland rivers, villages and expansive mountain scenery.

Arrive in Saga and enjoy a well-earned evening of rest.

After breakfast, retrace the route east toward Shigatse.

Today's drive provides another opportunity to experience the scale and beauty of the Tibetan Plateau, passing through remote settlements, river valleys and high mountain landscapes. Arrive in Shigatse and check in.

Continue your journey back to Lhasa.

Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Use the evening to rest, reflect on the pilgrimage or take a gentle walk around the city, subject to your physical condition.

Return to Nepal

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu, subject to airline operations and weather conditions.

On arrival, transfer to your Kathmandu hotel.

The remainder of the day is free for shopping, relaxation, spa treatments or simply resting after the high-altitude journey.

Journey Home

After breakfast, enjoy some final time in Kathmandu before your onward journey.

At the appropriate time, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight.

Your pilgrimage concludes with memories of Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, the Tibetan Plateau and the sacred Himalayan landscape.