12-Day Indian Pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar
Small-group tour (4–13). Local Tibetan guide. Including Tibet Travel Permit
- Lhasa ⇀ Shigatse / Saga / Lake Mansarovar/ Darchen / Dirapuk / Zutulpuk/ Darchen/ Saga/ Shigatse ⇀ Lhasa
12-day Tour to Mount Kailash for Indians
2026 Saga Dawa Festival date May 26, 2026
Overview
This 12-day spiritual pilgrimage is a journey of a lifetime, taking you from the heart of Lhasa to the sacred realms of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
Revered in Hinduism as the abode of Lord Shiva and the source of creation, these sites hold unparalleled significance.
This yatra is designed for the Indian pilgrim, blending profound darshan with the physical challenge of the high-altitude Kailash Parikrama.
It is a transformative experience that traverses breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, ancient monasteries, and culminates in the ultimate act of devotion—circumambulating the holy Mt. Kailash.
Included in the price
- Tibet permit processing and government fees: We arrange and cover all required Tibet permits for this itinerary, including the Tibet Travel Permit (TTB), Alien’s Travel Permit (PSB), and Border/Military Passes needed for the Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar region. Permits are applied through a licensed local agency and delivered to you before travel.
Excluded
- Note: A valid China visa is required before we can apply for your Tibet permits. Typical TTP processing is about 8–9 business days; permits for Ngari (Kailash) can take 20–30 days. Please start the process at least 15–20 days before your tour.
- China visa service and fees: We do not handle China visa applications (individual or group). Travelers must obtain their China visa independently before we can process Tibet permits.
Small Group
4-13 Participants and 3 nights guesthouse/dorm on the Kora
Meal Inclusions
8 breakfasts provided at hotels
Attraction Transfers
Tourist vehicle transfers between attractions
Accommodation
5 nights Lhasa and Shigatse, 3 nights in along the route, 1 night in Lake Mansarovar, 1 night in Dirapuk Monastery, 1 night in Zutulpuk
Permits Handled
Tibet Travel Permit for foreign travelers
Activity Level: 4/5
Some extended walking on varied terrains.
Tibetan English-speaking guide
Lhasa ⇀ Shigatse / Saga / Lake Mansarovar/ Darchen / Dirapuk / Zutulpuk/ Darchen/ Saga/ Shigatse ⇀ Lhasa
Altitude & Safety
Oxygen supply provided; altitude support
How can we help?
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How to Book
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Detailed Itinerary
Price included:
- Pick-up & Drop-off: Complimentary airport/train station pick-up and drop-off service in Lhasa.
- Tibet Travel Permits: All necessary travel documents, including Tibet Travel Permit, Alien’s Travel Permit, Border Pass, and other required permits.
- Transportation: Comfortable tourist vehicle (17–29 seats) throughout the journey.
- Accommodation:
- 5 nights in comfortable hotels in Lhasa and Shigatse
- 3 nights in basic hotel accommodation along the route
- 1 night in a guesthouse at Lake Mansarovar or Hor Qu
- 1 night in Dirapuk Monastery guesthouse
- 1 night in Zutulpuk Monastery guesthouse
- Meals: 8 breakfasts provided at hotels.
- Tour Guide: Knowledgeable Chinese-English or Tibetan-English speaking local guide.
- Entrance Fees: All entrance tickets mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel Insurance: Includes Travel Accident Insurance, Vehicle Seat Insurance, and Travel Agency Liability Insurance.
- Service Fees: All applicable taxes, service charges, and handling fees, including Potala Palace reservation, guide and driver lodging/dining subsidies, and yak/yak-helper service during the Mount Kailash (Gang Rinpoche) Parikrama.
Price excluded:
- Single Room Supplement: Extra charge for travelers requesting a single room.
- Meals: All lunches and dinners not specified in the itinerary.
- Tips: Gratuities for the tour guide and driver.
- Personal Expenses: Laundry, drinks, phone calls, and optional activities.
- Unforeseen Events: Additional costs arising from natural disasters, road closures, or other force majeure factors.
- Visa Fees: Chinese Visa or Group Visa application fees.
- Flights & Trains: International and domestic air or train tickets to/from Tibet.
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa (3,650m)
Upon arrival in Lhasa, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Today is vital for acclimatization — take complete rest, drink plenty of water, and allow your body to adjust to the altitude. In the evening, you may take a gentle walk nearby.
Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa
Day 2: Acclimatization Day in Lhasa
Spend the day at leisure to help your body adapt to the high altitude. You may enjoy quiet reflection, meditation, or a relaxed stroll around the hotel area.
This day ensures your readiness for the spiritual journey ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa
Day 3: Lhasa to Shigatse (3,900m)
Drive across the scenic Tibetan plateau to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. Visit the grand Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama, known for its immense Maitreya Buddha statue and golden-roofed chapels.
Accommodation: Hotel in Shigatse
Day 4: Shigatse to Saga (4,600m)
Journey deeper into western Tibet, passing through vast plains, rugged mountain ranges, and the shimmering Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Tsangpo). The dramatic landscapes mark your transition into the remote heart of Tibet.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saga
Day 5: Saga to Lake Mansarovar (4,560m)Day 5: Saga to Lake Mansarovar (4,560m)
Today marks a sacred milestone — arriving at Lake Mansarovar, one of Asia’s holiest lakes. Admire its crystal-clear waters and the distant view of Mount Kailash. Participate in ritual bathing, meditation, or puja by the lakeside, embracing the spiritual serenity of the setting.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Mansarovar or Hor Qu
Day 6: Lake Mansarovar to Darchen (4,600m)
Spend the morning by Lake Mansarovar for darshan and meditation.
Later, drive to Darchen, the base town for the Kailash Kora. Use the afternoon to prepare for the trek, rent gear if needed, and rest.
Accommodation: Hotel in Darchen
Day 7: Kailash Parikrama Day 1 – Darchen to Dirapuk (4,900m)
A short drive takes you to Yam Dwar, the gateway to the sacred kora. Begin your pilgrimage trek to Dirapuk Monastery, with the awe-inspiring north face of Mount Kailash in view.
At sunset, the golden glow over Kailash offers an unforgettable moment of divine grace.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Dirapuk Monastery
Day 8: Kailash Parikrama Day 2 – Dirapuk to Zutulpuk (4,800m)
The most challenging yet spiritually rewarding day of the kora. Cross the high Dolma La Pass (5,636m) — a sacred point symbolizing rebirth and purification.
After descending, continue to Zutulpuk Monastery, associated with the great yogi Milarepa.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Zutulpuk Monastery
Day 9: Kailash Parikrama Day 3 – Zutulpuk to Darchen, then Drive to Saga
Complete the final leg of the Kailash Kora with a gentle descent to Darchen.
The circumambulation ends with a sense of spiritual fulfillment. Later, drive back to Saga for rest.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saga or Zhongba
Day 10: Saga to Shigatse
Retrace your route through Tibet’s vast highlands back to Shigatse.
Reflect on the profound experiences of the past days and the inner peace gained from your pilgrimage.
Accommodation: Hotel in Shigatse
Day 11: Shigatse to Lhasa
Drive back to Lhasa, following the scenic route along the Yarlung Tsangpo River.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed final evening in the holy city.
Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa
Day 12: Departure from Lhasa
After breakfast, transfer to the airport or train station for your onward journey, carrying the blessings of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar with you.
Accommodation: None
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.)
Q: When is the best time to travel to Tibet?
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.
Q: Is it easy to find vegetarian food during the trip?
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.
Q: WVhat about breakfast at the hotel?
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.
Q: What is the difference between 3-star and 4-star hotels?
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.
Q: What is the maximum andnum number of people in a group?
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.
Q: Will medical assistance be provided for altitude sickness?
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.
Q: How do most guests travel to Tibet?
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.
Q: Do we have to carry our luggage, or will it be transported?
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.
Dates, availability and Prices
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12-Day Indian Pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar
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