Travelers’ Choice Awards 2025

Travelers’ Choice Awards 2025

15-Day Mount Kailash Kora & Northern Tibet Loop Tour from Lhasa

Small-group tour (4–13). Local Tibetan guide. All permits arranged

Duration
15 days
Tour Type
Group Tour
Price From
Request a quote

Get a quote in 24h

Overview

This 15-day private tour from Lhasa takes you deep into western Tibet to complete one of the most sacred journeys on earth: the Mount Kailash Kora. Over three days you’ll walk the full 52-kilometer circuit around the holy mountain and cross the Drolma La Pass at 5,630 meters — a route that Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bön followers have walked for centuries.

The tour doesn’t stop at Kailash. The return journey follows the Northern Grand Route across the Changtang plateau, a vast and largely uninhabited wilderness where wild yaks, Tibetan antelopes, and kiangs roam freely. You’ll pass the sacred Bön lake Dangra Yumco, spend a night in the remote Wenbu South Village, and close the loop at Namtso before returning to Lhasa.

Lhasa to Kailash and back. 15 days. One complete northern Tibet loop. All permits handled.

Small Group

4-13 Participants

Meal Inclusions

not included

Attraction Transfers

Tourist vehicle transfers between attractions

Accommodation

14 nights 3/4 star hotels; dorm bed of guesthouse and tent

Permits Handled

Tibet Travel Permit + Alien Travel Permit + Ngari Permit

Activity Level: 4/5

Challenging

Local Guide

Tibetan English-speaking guide

Itinerary

Lhasa — Shigatse — Changtang — Kailash Kora — Ali — Dangra Yumco — Namtso — Lhasa

Altitude & Safety

Oxygen supply provided; altitude support

Jessie, Founder Experience Tibet

How can we help?

For advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect tour, talk to our Travel Experts.

How to Book

Plan your Tibet trip with us: Contact us
Wechat ID: experiencetibettour

Tibet Travel Agency Reviews (TripAdvisor)

What Travelers Say: Verified Tibet Travel Agency Reviews

Detailed Itinerary

Lhasa and Shigatse cultural days

Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery debates, and Tashilhunpo — the seat of the Panchen Lamas.

Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier

One of Tibet's three holy lakes and a roadside glacier, both on the drive west from Lhasa toward Shigatse.

Wild Changtang traverse

Days of driving across the remote northern plateau with real wildlife: Tibetan antelopes, kiangs, wild yaks. Landscapes most Tibet travelers never reach.

Dangra Yumco and Wenbu South Village

A sacred Bön lake hidden in the wilderness and a remote lakeside village with traces of the ancient Zhangzhung kingdom.

Namtso Lake

Close the loop at one of Tibet's holiest lakes, with the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains reflected in the water.

Kailash Kora — 3 days, 52 km

Walk the full sacred circuit around Mount Kailash and cross the Drolma La Pass at 5,630 m. The high point of the Kora and of most travelers' lives.

Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa (3,650 m)

Your guide meets you at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station with a traditional white Hada and transfers you to the hotel. Rest and acclimatize. Don’t plan anything else today — altitude at 3,650 m deserves your full attention on arrival.

lhasa-gonggar-airport

Morning at the Potala Palace on Red Hill: the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, with its stupa burial shrines and centuries of Tibetan history layered inside.

Afternoon at Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism, to see the sacred 12-year-old Sakyamuni statue.

End the day walking Barkhor Street, where pilgrims have been circling the temple continuously for over a thousand years.

 

Traveler viewing the Potala Palace in Lhasa during a short Tibet tour

 

Jokhang Temple

 

Morning at Drepung Monastery, once home to over ten thousand monks and the largest monastery of the Gelug school.

Afternoon at Sera Monastery for the monk debates — fast, loud, and completely unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere.

 

Sera Monastery monk debates

Cross the Gampala Pass for the first view of turquoise Yamdrok Lake spread below.

Continue past the Karola Glacier, through the ancient town of Gyantse, and arrive in Shigatse by late afternoon.

 

8 Days Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival & Lhasa Discovery Tour

Early morning at Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas.

Then north across the Northern Tibetan Plateau through Namling and Shenzha counties.

The Changtang grassland opens up as the day goes on. First wildlife sightings are possible from the vehicle.

 

tashilhunpo cuoqin hall

A long drive across the fringes of the northern uninhabited zone.

Vast gravel plains, continuous snow-capped ridges, and the best wildlife of the trip: Tibetan antelopes, wild yaks, and kiangs in open terrain.

Arrive in Ge’gyai County, the eastern gateway to Ngari, by evening.

 

Trekking in Tibet: A Guide to Himalayan Routes

 

Drive south across the Ngari wilderness toward Darchen, the small town at the foot of Mount Kailash.

The pyramid-shaped peak appears gradually on the horizon.

Use the afternoon to prepare gear and rest before the Kora begins.

17-Day Mt Kailash & Guge Kingdom Tour from Lhasa

The Kora begins with a gradual ascent along the Lhachu Valley past the Two-legged Stupa and prayer flag square.

Walking alongside you are pilgrims from across Asia completing the same circuit for their own reasons.

Arrive at Dirapuk Monastery at 5,080 m in the late afternoon, with unobstructed views of Kailash’s north face.

12-Day Indian Pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar

 

The hardest and most sacred day. Ascend to the Drolma La Pass at 5,630 m — the highest point of the circuit.

From the pass you overlook the Lake of Compassion (Khandro Sanglam Tso).

Descend steeply into the valley and arrive at Zultulpuk Monastery by evening.

 

15-Day Mount Kailash Kora Tour from Lhasa | Northern Tibet Loop

A shorter final stretch completes the 52-kilometer circuit back at Darchen. The Kora is done.

Drive to Shiquanhe, the administrative center of Ngari Prefecture, for a hotel night with proper facilities.

15-Day Mount Kailash Kora Tour from Lhasa | Northern Tibet Loop

The return journey begins along the Northern Route. Rolling wilderness, colorful mountain ridges, and the characteristic emptiness of the high plateau.

Arrive in Gertse County by evening.

15-Day Mount Kailash Kora Tour from Lhasa | Northern Tibet Loop

Head into the realm of plateau lakes. Dangra Yumco is a sacred Bön lake hidden deep in the wilderness — one of the least-visited major sacred lakes in Tibet.

Arrive at Wenbu South Village on the lakeshore in time for sunset. The village preserves traces of the ancient Zhangzhung kingdom.

15-Day Mount Kailash Kora Tour from Lhasa | Northern Tibet Loop

 

15-Day Mount Kailash Kora Tour from Lhasa | Northern Tibet Loop

Leave Dangra Yumco at dawn. Pass highland lake clusters including Dagze Tso and cross the heart of the Changtang grassland.

Grazing yak and sheep herds, plateau wetlands, and the long open road east.

Arrive in Baingoin County by evening.

15-Day Mount Kailash Kora Tour from Lhasa | Northern Tibet Loop

Morning at Namtso Lake, one of Tibet’s three great holy lakes at 4,718 m.

Walk the Tashi Peninsula with the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains reflected in the water.

Cross the Nagenla Pass in the afternoon and descend back to Lhasa via Damxung. The northern loop is complete.

Packing for Tibet: The Ultimate Checklist

15-Day Mount Kailash Kora Tour from Lhasa | Northern Tibet Loop

Transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station at your scheduled time. End of tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to process the Tibet Travel Permit?

Typically, it is recommended to apply at least 15-20 days before your planned travel date to ensure ample processing time.)

The best time to visit Tibet is from April to October when the weather is most favorable, with clearer skies and milder temperatures. However, for those looking to experience specific festivals or less crowded seasons, other times of the year can also offer unique advantages.

Yes, vegetarian options are available, especially in larger cities like Lhasa and Shigatse. Hotels typically offer simple Western meals, and vegetarian dishes can be found in local Chinese restaurants or noodle shops in remote areas or small towns during long journeys.

Breakfast at the hotel usually includes simple Western options. In larger cities, you’ll have a wider range of choices, whereas in more remote areas, the selection may be more limited but still satisfying.

4-star hotels generally offer a higher standard of accommodation, with more spacious rooms, additional amenities, and better service compared to 3-star hotels. Both options provide comfortable lodgings, but 4-star hotels may offer a more luxurious experience.

Our tours are designed for small groups, with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 13 people. This ensures a more personalized and enjoyable travel experience.

Yes, we provide 1L oxygen bottles for each tourist. For destinations further from Lhasa, we also supply medical-grade oxygen canisters, which are more effective than small bottles. It’s also advisable to prepare some altitude sickness medication as a precaution.

Most of our guests choose to fly into Tibet, with many domestic cities offering flights to Lhasa. It’s the quickest way, usually taking 1-3 hours, compared to over 20 hours by train. Train tickets can only be booked 15 days in advance.

Large luggage can be stored in the vehicle or left at hotels during your stay. You’ll only need to carry personal items and anything you might need for the day’s activities.

Here’s a general overview of hotels in Tibet; actual stays may vary depending on the tour and pricing.

Dates, availability and Prices

Book your tibet trip

ExperienceTibet” specializes in small group tours to Tibet, focusing on some of the most sought-after itineraries, ranging from the “4-day Holy City Tour” and “6-day Lhasa to Shigatse” journey, to the extensive 15-day Mt. Kailash tour

15-Day Mount Kailash Kora & Northern Tibet Loop Tour from Lhasa

How to Book

Plan your Tibet trip with us: Contact us
Wechat ID: experiencetibettour

Availability calendar for all our Tours

YMDAYTOUR
2026Aug166 Days Lhasa to Shigatse Tour
2026Aug168 Days Nepal to Tibet Lhasa Tour
2026Aug178 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
2026Aug184 Days Holy City Tour
2026Aug206 Days Lhasa to Shigatse Tour
2026Aug218 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
2026Aug2110 Day Lhasa, Everest, Namtso Tour
2026Aug215 Day Lhasa & Yamdrok Lake Tour
2026Aug217 Days Tibet to Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa
2026Aug2115 Day Mt. Kailash Trekking Tour
2026Aug225 Days Lhasa and Ganden Monastery Tour
2026Aug236 Days Lhasa to Shigatse Tour
2026Aug248 Days Nepal to Tibet Lhasa Tour
2026Aug2515 Day Mt. Kailash Trekking Tour
2026Aug268 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
2026Aug264 Days Holy City Tour
2026Aug267 Days Tibet to Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa
2026Aug2810 Day Lhasa, Everest, Namtso Tour
2026Aug287 Days Tibet to Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa
2026Aug2915 Day Mt. Kailash Trekking Tour
2026Aug308 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
2026Aug306 Days Lhasa to Shigatse Tour
2026Aug308 Days Nepal to Tibet Lhasa Tour
2026Sep110 Days Mount Kailash Tour from Kathmandu
2026Sep25 Days Lhasa and Ganden Monastery Tour
2026Sep28 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
2026Sep28 Days Nepal to Tibet Lhasa Tour
2026Sep44 Days Holy City Tour
2026Sep410 Day Lhasa, Everest, Namtso Tour
2026Sep47 Days Tibet to Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa
2026Sep64 Days Holy City Tour
2026Sep68 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
2026Sep66 Days Lhasa to Shigatse Tour
2026Sep815 Day Mt. Kailash Trekking Tour
2026Sep96 Days Lhasa to Shigatse Tour
2026Sep97 Days Tibet to Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa
2026Sep94 Days Holy City Tour
2026Sep95 Days Lhasa and Ganden Monastery Tour
2026Sep95 Day Lhasa & Yamdrok Lake Tour
2026Sep118 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
2026Sep1110 Day Lhasa, Everest, Namtso Tour
2026Sep117 Days Tibet to Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa
2026Sep1215 Day Mt. Kailash Trekking Tour
2026Sep136 Days Lhasa to Shigatse Tour
2026Sep134 Days Holy City Tour
2026Sep135 Days Lhasa and Ganden Monastery Tour
2026Sep1510 Days Mount Kailash Tour from Kathmandu
2026Sep158 Days Nepal to Tibet Lhasa Tour
2026Sep167 Days Tibet to Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa
2026Sep164 Days Holy City Tour
2026Sep165 Day Lhasa & Yamdrok Lake Tour
2026Sep168 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
2026Sep176 Days Lhasa to Shigatse Tour
2026Sep1715 Day Mt. Kailash Trekking Tour
2026Sep1810 Day Lhasa, Everest, Namtso Tour
2026Sep188 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
2026Sep1915 Day Mt. Kailash Trekking Tour
2026Sep204 Days Holy City Tour
2026Sep205 Days Lhasa and Ganden Monastery Tour
2026Sep206 Days Lhasa to Shigatse Tour
2026Sep227 Days Tibet to Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa
2026Sep255 Day Lhasa & Yamdrok Lake Tour
2026Sep2510 Day Lhasa, Everest, Namtso Tour
2026Sep257 Days Tibet to Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa
2026Sep2615 Day Mt. Kailash Trekking Tour
2026Sep278 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
2026Sep298 Days Nepal to Tibet Lhasa Tour
2026Sep2910 Days Mount Kailash Tour from Kathmandu
2026Sep2911 Days Beijing Xian Tibet Train Tour
2026Sep308 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
2026Sep307 Days Tibet to Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa
2026Oct16 Days Lhasa to Shigatse Tour
2026Oct17 Days Tibet to Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa
2026Oct110 Day Lhasa, Everest, Namtso Tour
2026Oct15 Days Lhasa and Ganden Monastery Tour
2026Oct18 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
2026Oct28 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
2026Oct46 Days Lhasa to Shigatse Tour
2026Oct44 Days Holy City Tour
2026Oct415 Day Mt. Kailash Trekking Tour
2026Oct58 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
2026Oct68 Days Nepal to Tibet Lhasa Tour
2026Oct610 Day Lhasa, Everest, Namtso Tour
2026Oct710 Days Mount Kailash Tour from Kathmandu
2026Oct85 Day Lhasa & Yamdrok Lake Tour
2026Oct810 Day Lhasa, Everest, Namtso Tour
2026Oct87 Days Tibet to Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa
2026Oct86 Days Lhasa to Shigatse Tour
2026Oct98 Days Nepal to Tibet Lhasa Tour
2026Oct108 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
2026Oct114 Days Holy City Tour
2026Oct115 Days Lhasa and Ganden Monastery Tour
2026Oct1115 Day Mt. Kailash Trekking Tour
2026Oct148 Days Nepal to Tibet Lhasa Tour
2026Oct145 Day Lhasa & Yamdrok Lake Tour
2026Oct146 Days Lhasa to Shigatse Tour
2026Oct1410 Days Mount Kailash Tour from Kathmandu
2026Oct167 Days Tibet to Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa
2026Oct1610 Day Lhasa, Everest, Namtso Tour
2026Oct164 Days Holy City Tour
2026Oct165 Days Lhasa and Ganden Monastery Tour
2026Oct178 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
2026Oct1815 Day Mt. Kailash Trekking Tour
2026Oct197 Days Tibet to Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa
2026Oct2110 Days Mount Kailash Tour from Kathmandu
2026Oct228 Days Nepal to Tibet Lhasa Tour
2026Oct236 Days Lhasa to Shigatse Tour
2026Oct237 Days Tibet to Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa
2026Oct235 Days Lhasa and Ganden Monastery Tour
2026Oct234 Days Holy City Tour
2026Oct235 Day Lhasa & Yamdrok Lake Tour
2026Oct238 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
2026Oct2310 Day Lhasa, Everest, Namtso Tour
2026Oct248 Days Nepal to Tibet Lhasa Tour
2026Oct256 Days Lhasa to Shigatse Tour
2026Oct277 Days Tibet to Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa
2026Oct278 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
2026Oct294 Days Holy City Tour
2026Oct298 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
2026Oct298 Days Nepal to Tibet Lhasa Tour
2026Oct317 Days Tibet to Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa

Tour Highlights

Discover the heart of Tibetan culture and spirituality with visits to iconic landmarks.

Tibet Travel Permit (TTP): Requirements, Processing & How We Arrange It

China Visa & Tibet Travel Permit 2025: New Policies, Visa-Free Countries & Complete Guide

China Visa & Tibet Travel Permit 2026: New Policies, Visa-Free Countries & Complete Guide

Planning your adventure to majestic Tibet in 2026 requires comprehensive knowledge about entry documentation, particularly regarding China’s updated visa policies and the mandatory China Visa Tibet Travel Permit 2026. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, including recent visa exemptions and detailed steps to secure your Tibet permit effortlessly. What Exactly is a Tibet Travel Permit? Issued exclusively by Tibet Tourism Bureau, a Tibet Travel Permit (commonly unofficially called a “Tibet Visa”) is compulsory for all international visitors traveling to the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. Established since the 1980s, this official document grants access specifically to the Lhasa prefecture. Entry without this permit is strictly prohibited. It must be shown clearly at

Read More »

Tibet Travel Guide 2026: Routes, Best Time to Visit, Altitude & Tips

//
Got questions? Ask about itineraries, permits, tours, or available dates!
👋 Hi! Real local guide here—fast replies!

Enquiry & Booking

Get Your Free Tibet Tour Quote in 24 Hours