Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa – Fly In, Land Out Nepal
Trip at a glance
- Duration
- 14 days · 13 nights
- Trip type
- Cultural tour
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Max altitude
- 5630
- Group size
- 2-20
Overview
A sacred Himalayan pilgrimage combining the spiritual wonders of Tibet, the breathtaking beauty of Lake Mansarovar, and the unforgettable three-day circumambulation of Mount Kailash.
This carefully designed journey begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, allowing pilgrims to explore Tibet's cultural treasures and acclimatize to the high altitude. The adventure continues across the magnificent Tibetan Plateau to the sacred Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash.
Experience an extraordinary spiritual journey to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar with Om Holidays Tour & Trek. This special 14-day pilgrimage combines a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa with an adventurous overland return journey through the spectacular Tibetan Plateau and the Nepal–Tibet border at Tatopani.
Your journey begins with a breathtaking flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, the spiritual capital of Tibet. Explore the magnificent Potala Palace, sacred Jokhang Temple, and traditional Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. Continue through the beautiful landscapes of Shigatse and Saga toward the holy Lake Mansarovar.
The spiritual highlight of this unforgettable adventure is the three-day Mount Kailash Parikrama (Kora), where pilgrims walk around the sacred mountain, crossing the challenging Dolma La Pass at approximately 5,630 meters.
After completing the holy Parikrama, travel back through the Tibetan Plateau toward Nyalam and Zhangmu before crossing the Tatopani border into Nepal.
This remarkable journey offers a perfect combination of spiritual discovery, Tibetan culture, Himalayan adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Trip highlights
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Enjoy a scenic international flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa
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Explore the cultural and spiritual heritage of Lhasa
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Visit the magnificent Potala Palace and sacred Jokhang Temple
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Enjoy spectacular views of Yamdrok Lake
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Explore the historic Tibetan towns of Gyantse and Shigatse
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Cross the magnificent Tibetan Plateau
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Visit sacred Lake Mansarovar
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Experience spiritual prayers, meditation, and rituals
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Complete the sacred three-day Mount Kailash Parikrama
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Cross the spectacular Dolma La Pass at approximately 5,630 m
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Visit Dirapuk and Zutulpuk monasteries
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Experience traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture
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Return overland through Nyalam and Zhangmu
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Cross the Nepal–Tibet border at Tatopani, subject to reopening and tourist entry/exit approval
Daily itinerary
Morning transfer from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu for your international trans-Himalayan flight to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA).
Enjoy aerial views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and the Himalayan chain.
Meet your licensed local Tibetan guide and driver upon clearing customs and immigration at Lhasa Gonggar Airport.
Board private tourist transport for the scenic 1 to 1.5-hour drive along the Yarlung Tsangpo and Lhasa rivers into Lhasa.
Check into your hotel in Lhasa, unpack, and rest.
Dedicated rest afternoon to adjust to the 3,650-meter elevation. Drink plenty of warm water and avoid strenuous physical activity.
Dinner and overnight stay in Lhasa.
Wholesome breakfast followed by a full-day guided pilgrimage through Lhasa's UNESCO World Heritage landmarks.
Morning visit to the Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, perched above the Red Hill (Marpo Ri). Climb stone stairways to tour the White and Red Palaces, ceremonial council halls, and gold-encrusted stupas.
Afternoon pilgrimage to Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism, housing the revered 7th-century statue of the 12-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha (Jowo Rinpoche).
Join Tibetan pilgrims along the Barkhor Street circumambulation circuit, walking alongside devotees spinning prayer wheels, aromatic incense burners, and traditional artisan market stalls.
Dinner featuring authentic Tibetan and vegetarian specialties, followed by an overnight stay in Lhasa.
Morning departure heading southwest out of the Lhasa valley along the southern Friendship Highway.
Climb switchback mountain roads to the prayer-flag-strewn crest of Kamba La Pass (4,990 m).
Admire panoramic views of the turquoise waters of sacred Yamdrok Lake (4,441 m) set against snow-capped Mount Nojin Kangsang (7,191 m).
Skirt the lakeshore and pass the hanging ice cliffs of Karola Glacier (5,560 m).
Stop in the historic town of Gyantse to view the multi-tiered Kumbum Stupa and Pelkor Chode Monastery.
Continue through the fertile Nyang Chu agricultural valley to Shigatse (3,840 m), Tibet's second-largest city.
Check into your hotel in Shigatse, dine, and rest.
Overnight stay in Shigatse.
Morning pilgrimage to Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas.
Tour the Grand Assembly Hall, the 26-meter gilded bronze statue of Future Buddha (Maitreya), and ancient funerary chortens.
Board private transport for an overland journey westward across the vast Tibetan Plateau toward Saga.
Cross high mountain passes and open plains flanking the northern slopes of the Himalayas, passing nomadic yak herders and traditional Tibetan stone settlements.
Cross the Yarlung Tsangpo River via bridge into Saga (4,640 m).
Settle into your hotel, rehydrate, dine on hot vegetarian meals, and rest.
Overnight stay in Saga.
Early morning departure heading west along China National Highway 219.
Drive through the sandy expanses, river plains, and remote settlements of Dongba and Paryang.
Cross the high-altitude Mayum La Pass (5,216 m), marking entry into the Ngari Prefecture.
Catch your first view of the turquoise waters of Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m), with the pyramid of Mount Kailash rising in the northern distance.
Arrive at the sacred lakeside (near Hor Qu or Chiu Gompa).
Spend a serene late afternoon performing silent meditation, personal prayers, and spiritual contemplation on the shoreline.
Dinner and overnight stay at a local guesthouse near Lake Mansarovar.
Pre-dawn start to witness the sunrise over Lake Mansarovar, watching early light illuminate Mount Kailash and Mount Gurla Mandhata.
Perform traditional morning prayers, puja, and holy water collection (jal darshan) in designated, environmentally compliant shoreline areas.
Visit Chiu Gompa (Bird Monastery), perched on a rocky crag overlooking the lake, featuring a meditation cave of Guru Padmasambhava.
Wholesome lunch followed by a scenic 1-hour drive (approx. 35 km) across the Barkha plains to Darchen (4,670 m), the base town of Mount Kailash.
Organize personal daypacks, finalize optional horse/yak/porter hire with local handlers, and attend a route briefing for the three-day Kora.
Dinner and overnight stay at a guesthouse in Darchen.
Early breakfast followed by a short 15-minute drive from Darchen to Yamadwar (Tarboche / Gate of Salvation).
Pass through the ceremonial portal of Yamadwar to begin the 52-km sacred circumambulation.
Follow the western canyon of the Lha Chu river along a steady, rocky, and gentle uphill trail.
Trek alongside fellow pilgrims and prayer flag walls beneath sheer granite cliffs and cascading glacial melt streams.
Arrive at Dirapuk (4,900 m) in the afternoon, positioned directly opposite the snow-capped North Face of Mount Kailash.
Trekking Distance: Approximately 14–18 km. Duration: 5–7 hours.
Evening meditation facing the north face, hot vegetarian dinner, and overnight stay at a local guesthouse in Dirapuk.
Pre-dawn alpine start with headlamps for the most demanding and transformative day of the pilgrimage.
Ascend steep moraine switchbacks past the Shiva-tsal burial ground, where pilgrims symbolically leave behind an article of clothing to represent spiritual renewal.
Climb to the prayer-flag-covered summit of Dolma La Pass (5,630 m / 18,471 ft), the pinnacle altitude of the journey.
Perform prayers at the pass before descending the steep, rocky boulder trail.
View the emerald-green holy waters of Gauri Kund (Lake of Compassion), sacred to Goddess Parvati.
Continue down into the eastern Zhong Chu valley across flat riverside paths.
Arrive at Zutulpuk Monastery (4,790 m), home to the sacred meditation cave of Tibetan yogi Milarepa.
Trekking Distance: Approximately 22–24 km. Duration: 9–11 hours.
Nourishing hot dinner and overnight rest at a local guesthouse in Zutulpuk.
Morning breakfast before walking the final, gentle stage of the Kailash Kora.
Follow the Zhong Chu river canyon down along a flat trail flanked by carved cliff shrines.
Reach the waiting transport rendezvous point near Darchen, successfully completing the holy circumambulation.
Trekking Distance: Approximately 8–10 km. Duration: 3–4 hours.
Celebrate the completion of the Parikrama with your team and fellow yatris.
Board private tourist transport for the return drive eastward across the high plateau past Paryang and Dongba.
Arrive back in Saga (4,640 m) for hot tea, dinner, and a comfortable night's rest in your hotel.
Overnight stay in Saga.
Wholesome breakfast before departing Saga on the paved southern highway.
Retrace your route across the vast plateau, enjoying changing light over the northern Himalayan wall.
Travel past Lhatse and cross high passes before re-entering the fertile Nyang Chu river basin.
Arrive in Shigatse in the late afternoon and check into your hotel.
Enjoy a hot shower, rest, and relax with an evening stroll around the city.
Dinner and overnight stay in Shigatse.
Morning departure from Shigatse heading southwest toward the Nepal border region.
Cross Gyatso La Pass (5,248 m), the highest road pass on the Friendship Highway corridor, adorned with prayer flags.
Continue past Tingri (Shegar), enjoying distant panoramas of Mount Everest and Cho Oyu in clear weather.
Cross Lalung La and Tong La passes (~5,050 m) before descending out of the barren plateau into the rugged mountain valley of Nyalam (3,750 m).
Check into your hotel in Nyalam, unpack, and rest.
Dinner and overnight stay in Nyalam.
Morning breakfast followed by the dramatic drive down through the deep Matsang Tsangpo gorge.
Watch the alpine landscape transition into lush subtropical cliffs, river gorges, and waterfalls as elevation drops significantly.
Arrive in the border town of Zhangmu (Dram), situated on steep terraced hillsides facing Nepal.
Check into your local guesthouse or transit hotel.
Guide coordinates customs paperwork, verifies luggage, and conducts a final border-crossing orientation for the following morning.
Dinner and overnight stay in Zhangmu (or local approved border transit lodge).
Morning breakfast followed by transfer to the Chinese border immigration terminal at Zhangmu Port.
Complete Chinese exit customs, health screening, and immigration formalities.
Walk across the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge to Kodari / Tatopani on the Nepal side to complete Nepal arrival immigration.
Meet your awaiting private Nepalese tourist vehicle (car, van, or 4WD) and driver.
Drive along the Araniko Highway through Sindhupalchok and Kavre districts, following the Bhote Koshi and Sun Koshi rivers past terraced farmlands and waterfalls.
Arrive in Kathmandu in the late afternoon or early evening and check into your hotel.
Enjoy a hot shower, celebrate the completion of the pilgrimage with a farewell dinner, and rest.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Wholesome breakfast at your hotel in Kathmandu.
Free morning time for souvenir shopping around Thamel or personal reflection.
Room check-out and scheduled private airport transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your onward flight.
Conclude your 14-Day Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with Om Holidays Tour & Trek.
Important notes
Things to know before you go to Mount Kailash Spiritual Journey this part is important to put in this program
1. Passport, Visa, and Travel Permits
Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are located in Tibet, an autonomous region of China.
Before departure, ensure that you have:
• A valid passport with sufficient validity.
• The required Chinese visa or group visa, depending on your nationality and travel arrangements.
• Tibet Travel Permit.
• Other necessary permits for the Kailash and Mansarovar region.
• Nepal entry visa, if applicable.
• All required travel documents confirmed before departure.
Important: Permit requirements differ according to nationality and travel route. Your tour operator should confirm the required documents before you begin your journey.
2. High Altitude and Acclimatization
The Mount Kailash journey takes you through some of the highest inhabited and remote regions of the Himalayas.
Important elevations include:
Destination | Approximate Altitude
Lake Mansarovar | 4,590 m
Darchen | 4,670 m
Dirapuk Monastery | 5,080 m
Dolma La Pass | 5,630 m
At these elevations, oxygen levels are significantly lower than at sea level.
Travelers may experience:
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty sleeping
Proper acclimatization is essential. Follow your guide's instructions and never rush the journey.
Severe altitude sickness can be life-threatening. If symptoms become serious, descend to a lower altitude and seek medical assistance immediately.
3. Physical Fitness and Medical Preparation
The Mount Kailash pilgrimage is physically demanding, particularly for travelers undertaking the three-day Kailash Parikrama.
Before departure:
• Consult your doctor for a complete medical examination.
• Begin regular walking and light hiking several weeks before the journey.
• Practice gentle yoga, stretching, and breathing exercises.
• Inform your tour operator about any existing medical conditions.
• Carry all prescribed medications.
The Kailash Parikrama involves high-altitude walking, steep ascents, and challenging terrain.
Even physically fit travelers can experience altitude sickness. Medical preparation is therefore essential.
4. Best Time to Visit Mount Kailash and Mansarovar
The most suitable period for the Mount Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage is generally:
May to September
Month | Travel Conditions
May | Spring scenery and cooler weather
June | Popular pilgrimage season
July | Warmer conditions, possible rainfall
August | Pleasant daytime temperatures, possible rain
September | Cooler weather and autumn scenery
Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Tibetan Plateau.
The Saga Dawa Festival is an important Buddhist religious celebration associated with Mount Kailash and is a particularly meaningful time for spiritual travelers.
However, festival periods can be crowded, so advance planning is recommended.
5. What to Pack for the Spiritual Journey
Packing appropriate clothing and equipment is essential for comfort and safety.
Essential Clothing:
• Warm down jacket
• Thermal innerwear
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Comfortable trekking pants
• Woolen socks
• Gloves and warm hat
• Comfortable trekking boots
Essential Equipment:
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Reusable water bottle
• Personal first-aid kit
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Trekking poles
• Small daypack
• Sleeping bag suitable for cold conditions
Personal Items:
• Passport and travel documents
• Personal medications
• Basic toiletries
• Cash in suitable currencies
• Mobile phone and power bank
Carry enough essential medication for the entire journey, including extra supplies in case of delays.
6. Understand the Kailash Parikrama
The Kailash Parikrama, also known as Kora, is the sacred circumambulation of Mount Kailash.
The traditional route takes approximately three days.
The major sections include:
Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk
• Begin the sacred walk around Mount Kailash.
• Enjoy views of the western and northern faces of the mountain.
• Overnight near Dirapuk Monastery.
Day 2: Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk
• Cross the challenging Dolma La Pass.
• Experience the spiritual significance of the highest point.
• Descend toward Zuthulpuk.
Day 3: Zuthulpuk to Darchen
• Complete the final section of the Parikrama.
• Return to Darchen.
The full circuit is approximately 52–53 km, depending on the route and measurement.
Travelers who are unable to complete the Parikrama due to health or fitness concerns should discuss alternative arrangements with their tour operator.
7. Spiritual and Cultural Respect
Mount Kailash is sacred to several religious traditions.
During your journey:
• Respect local Tibetan customs and religious practices.
• Walk clockwise around Mount Kailash, following the traditional pilgrimage route.
• Respect monasteries, prayer flags, and sacred monuments.
• Ask permission before photographing people or religious ceremonies.
• Avoid littering around Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash.
• Follow your guide's instructions at sacred sites.
The journey is not only about reaching a destination. It is also about spiritual reflection, devotion, and respect for the Himalayan environment.
8. Accommodation and Food
Accommodation in the remote Kailash region is generally basic compared with hotels in Kathmandu.
Travelers should be prepared for:
• Simple guesthouses and lodges.
• Shared or basic accommodation in some locations.
• Limited hot water.
• Basic vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, depending on availability.
• Limited electricity and internet connectivity.
During the pilgrimage, comfort may be limited, especially in remote areas.
A flexible mindset and a willingness to adapt will make your journey more enjoyable.
9. Travel Insurance and Emergency Preparedness
Travel insurance is an important requirement for the Mount Kailash journey.
Ensure that your insurance covers:
• High-altitude travel.
• Emergency medical treatment.
• Helicopter evacuation, where available.
• Medical repatriation.
• Trip delays and additional accommodation expenses.
Confirm the altitude limits and evacuation coverage with your insurance provider.
Emergency evacuation in remote Tibet may be difficult and can be delayed by weather conditions.
What's included
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Scheduled one-way international economy-class flight from Kathmandu (TIA) to Lhasa Gonggar (LXA)
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Private airport arrival pickup in Lhasa and departure transfer in Kathmandu
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Private tourist coach/van throughout Tibet for all scheduled transfers, sightseeing, and the Kailash Parikrama launch
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Overland transportation from Saga through Nyalam and Zhangmu to the Nepal–Tibet border
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Dedicated private vehicle transfer from Tatopani border to your hotel in Kathmandu
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1 night of hotel accommodation in Kathmandu upon return on a twin/double sharing basis
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2 nights of hotel accommodation in Lhasa
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2 nights of hotel accommodation in Shigatse
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2 nights of hotel accommodation in Saga
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1 night of hotel accommodation in Nyalam
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1 night of guesthouse/transit lodge accommodation in Zhangmu or the designated border staging point
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4 nights of guesthouse/lodge accommodation in Western Tibet, including 1 night near Lake Mansarovar, 1 night in Darchen, 1 night in Dirapuk, and 1 night in Zutulpuk
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Daily breakfast at all hotels and guesthouses throughout Tibet and Nepal
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Lunch and dinner with pure vegetarian meals arranged during the Kailash and Western Tibet sectors
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Boiled drinking water and hot tea during the journey
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Official Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) processed through the Tibet Tourism Bureau
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Chinese Group Visa processing assistance through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu
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Ngari Prefecture Alien's Travel Permit, Military Border Permit, and Foreign Affairs clearances
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Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Conservation Entry Permits
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Licensed and experienced English-speaking local Tibetan tour guide throughout Tibet
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Dedicated Nepali tour coordinator accompanying the group
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Professional drivers for all transportation sectors in Tibet and Nepal
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Complete operational arrangements for the three-day Kailash Kora
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Vehicle emergency supplemental oxygen cylinder and first-aid medical kit
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Daily pulse oximeter monitoring for blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate
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All applicable Nepal and Tibet government taxes
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Entrance fees to listed sites, including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Tashilhunpo Monastery, and Yamdrok Lake
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Agency administration charges
What's excluded
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Round-trip international flights to and from Kathmandu
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Nepal entry/re-entry tourist visa fees, payable at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)
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Comprehensive personal travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance covering high-altitude travel up to 6,000 m
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Personal horse/pony, yak, or riding porter hire fees during the three-day Kailash Parikrama (locally arranged through the official union desk at Yamadwar/Darchen)
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Personal expenses, including laundry, phone calls, Wi-Fi vouchers, hot bucket shower fees at high-altitude lodges, and beverages such as bottled water and sodas
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Personal gear and supplies, including down jackets, thermal innerwear, trekking boots, personal medication, and toiletries
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Single room supplement in city hotels (not applicable in multi-bed guesthouses during the Kora)
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Tips and gratuities for Tibetan guides, drivers, and support staff
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Additional accommodation, meal, or transportation costs arising from flight cancellations, landslides, roadblocks, severe weather, health emergencies, or border restrictions