15-Day Mt. Kailash Trekking Tour
Embark on a Journey to Discover Tibet’s Natural Beauty & Cultural Heritage
- Lhasa ⇀ Lhasa/Gyantse/Shigatse/EverestBaseCamp/MountKailash ⇀ Lhasa
You will be in exclusive company if you come on this 15 Day Mt Kailash Tour that takes you on the journey of a lifetime. To do a “kora” around Mt Kailash is supposed to erase a lifetime of karma in the religion of Tibetan Buddhism, and as you trek this incredible landscape you will witness the faithful prostrating along the same path. Mt Kailash sits in the western reaches of Tibet and is a pilgrimage not only for Tibetan Buddhists, but also followers of the Bon religion, Jainism, and Hinduism. This is a unique place in the world full of ancient traditions and customs, as well as being all together wild and remote. Have the adventure of a lifetime and let us transport you to a place that abounds in magic and mystery in the wilderness of Tibet.
4-13 Participants
Breakfasts: 9, Lunches: 2, Dinners: 1
Tourist vehicle transfers between attractions
11 nights in premium 3/4 star hotels; 3 nights in dorm bed of guesthouse or tent
Tibet Travel Permit for foreign travelers
Some extended walking on varied terrains.
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.
Tour Highlights
Discover the heart of Tibetan culture and spirituality with visits to iconic landmarks.
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa
Activities: Transfer from the airport/train station to the Gang-Gyan Hotel Lhasa. Rest and acclimatize to the high altitude.
Accommodation: Gang-Gyan Hotel Lhasa or similar.
Day 2: Exploring Lhasa's Monasteries
Activities: Morning visit to Drepung Monastery, followed by an afternoon at Sera Monastery to witness the monks’ debate activities. Enjoy a welcome dinner.
Meals: Breakfast and welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Gang-Gyan Hotel Lhasa or similar.
Day 3: The Heart of Tibetan Culture
Activities: Tour the iconic Potala Palace, participate in local Tibetan folk activities in the park, visit Jokhang Temple and Barkor Street, and experience Tibetan social culture at a sweet tea house.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Gang-Gyan Hotel Lhasa or similar.
Day 4: Lhasa to Gyantse to Shigatse
Activities: Journey west to Gyantse, passing by Yamdrok Yumco Lake, visiting rural families for a farm lunch, Karola Glacier, and Gyantse Bally farmland.
Meals: Breakfast and farm house lunch.
Accommodation: Shiga-Yangcha Hotel Shigatse or similar.
Day 5: Shigatse to Everest Base Camp
Activities: Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse. En route to Everest Base Camp, stop at Gawula Pass and enjoy breathtaking vistas of Mount Everest and the adjacent Himalayas peaks. Transition to an eco-friendly bus to Everest Base Camp.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Everest Camp(dorm bed)
Day 6: Drive to Saga
Activities: Visit Rongbuk Monastery in the morning. Winding along the Friendship Highway, stop at Pekutso Tso, and watch Mount Shishapangma from afar. Finally arrive at Saga(4,500meters).
Meals: /
Accommodation: Yalong Zangpo Hotel or similar.
Day 7: Saga to Mount Kailash
Activities: You will reach Darchen in the afternoon, and spend time preparing for the Kailash Kora for tomorrow.
Meals: /
Accommodation: Himalaya Hotel or similar.
Day 8: Mount Kailash Kora: Darchen to Driapuk Monastery
Activities: Take a short bus ride to Sershong, where we start the sacred Kora pilgrimage (13km/5-6hrs). The trail takes us along a lush river valley. Along the way, we will pass by several simple tea houses where we can stop to rest, enjoy snacks and refresh with hot water or tea. The destination for today is Drirapuk Monastery.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Driapuk Monaster Guesthouse (dorm bed)
Day 9: Mount Kailash Kora: Driapuk Monastery to Dzultripuk Monastery
Activities: Today’s hike will present a physical challenge as we make our way up to cross Droma La pass at an elevation of 5,630 meters. Follow the rocky trail down towards the Lake of Mercy in the valley below, we will finally arrive at Dzutrulphuk Monastery nestled in the vast basin to rest.(22km/10hrs)
Meals: /
Accommodation: Dzultripuk Monastery Guesthouse (dorm bed)
Day 10: Complet Mount Kailash Kora, and visit Manasarovar Lake
Activities: Today will be a more relaxed pace as we walk 7km along a flat dirt road. Then, we will take a bus back to Darchen. Once rested, we will continue to visit the Manasarovar Lake. Drive back to Darchen in the late afternoon.
Meals: /
Accommodation: Himalaya Hotel or similar.
Day 11: Darchen to Saga
Activities: After breakfast we commence a scenic drive to Saga along the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley. We will stop at Gongzhu Lake on the way to admire its serene beauty and take in panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills and grassy plains. Continue on to the town of Saga where we stay overnight.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Yalong Zangpo Hotel or similar.
Day 12: Saga to Kyirong
Activities: This morning we wind our way down through lush, forested hills as the elevation gradually decreases on our drive to Kyirong. Situated in a fertile valley at an elevation of around 3,000 meters, Kyirong is nestled between the verdant hills of southwestern Tibet near the border with Nepal. Those travellers continuing on to Nepal tomorrow can work with your guide to prepare the necessary permits and paperwork for smooth border crossing.
Meals: /
Accommodation: Pencuo Kangsang Hotel or similar.
Day 13: Kyirong to Tingri
Activities: We begin our drive back towards the high Tibetan Plateau as the altitude steadily increases. In the afternoon, we’ll have returned to Tingri. Its vast expanses welcome us with incredible night skies punctuated by the Milky Way.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Tingri Everest Hotel or similar.
Day 14: Return to Lhasa
Activities: As the day unfolds, begin your journey back to Lhasa, tracing the meandering path along the picturesque Yarlung Zangbo River.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Gang-Gyan Hotel Lhasa or similar.
Day 15: Departure
Activities: Transfer to the airport/train station. End of the tour.
Meals: Breakfast.
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 and availability
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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
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Experience Tibet is a professional and friendly travel agency with over 15 years of expertise in organizing small group tours throughout Tibet.
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