Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa 15 days

Things to Know
  • Duration15 Days
  • Difficulty Level Technical Challenging
  • Altitude 5600 m Dolma La Pass
  • Trip Type Tour and HIke
  • Start and End Kathmandu and Kathmandu
  • Best Time May to Sep
What You’ll Do
  • Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley, UNESCO world heritage sites (Pashupatinath, Gujeswari Temple, Jal Narayan and Boudhanath Stupa)
  • Visit the World's famous Monasteries in Tibet 
  • Visit the Historical cities of Tibet, Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse and Lhatse
  • Driving on the well-paved road until the base of Mt. Kailash (Darchen)
  • 3 Days Mt. Kailash Parikrama 39 KM walking (option: can take a horse )
  • Crossing the Highest Pass, Dolma La, while in Mt. Kailash Parikrama
  • Exploration of Lake Manasarovar and surroundings

Kailash Mansarovar Tour via Lhasa takes you through the capital of Tibet. It is a pilgrimage that takes you to the holiest sites in the world, located in the remote corners of Tibet. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa for Indian citizens includes the important cultural sites of Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, and Kailash Mansarovar, as well as pilgrimage sites. Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Norbulingka Palace, Jokhang Temple, Tibetan traditional Barkhor Square, Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, and the most sacred Yamdrok Lake on the road driving from Gyantse to Shigatse are the primary tourist attractions of this tour surrounding Lhasa. Our journey to the Kailash region continues through many culturally rich Tibetan cities.

Our journey begins with a breathtaking Mountain View flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, where we will stay for two days. A two-day guided tour and acclimatisation in Lhasa will help your body to acclimate to high altitudes. Following a cultural tour of central Tibet's Lhasa, we travel to Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash in Tibet's Ngari region. We visit the holy Lake Mansarovar and perform a three-day Mt Kailash Parvat Kora/ Parikrama on foot or by horseback. Except for three days of Kailash kora, the entire Lhasa Kailash Tour is driven on a well-paved road. The breathtaking scenery, the spiritual energy, and the sense of accomplishment make the Kailash Mansarovar and Lhasa Tour a truly transformative experience.

Planning the Journey

Planning a journey to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa requires careful consideration and planning. The first step is to apply for the necessary permits and visas. The Chinese government controls access to Tibet, and all visitors require a Tibet Travel Permit to enter the region. The permit can only be obtained through a registered travel agency, and ICONIC HOLIDAY NEPAL will manage all the procedures. The permit is also subject to approval from the Tibet Tourism Bureau.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Lhasa route takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. The journey starts in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and takes you to the Kora of Mount Kailash, the holiest mountain in the world. The trip also includes a visit to the stunning Lake Manasarovar, considered one of the most sacred lakes in the world.

Travelling to Lhasa

The journey to Lhasa is an adventure in itself. The best way to reach Lhasa from Nepal is via flight, which is a 4-hour flight time.  The most popular option to approach the Kailash tour via Lhasa is to take a flight from Kathmandu International Airport. The flight to Lhasa is an amazing experience, as you fly over the Himalayas and witness the stunning landscape. Now, Himalayan Airlines operates flights to Lhasa 3 times a week.

Acclimatisation in Lhasa

Lhasa is located at an altitude of 3,656 meters (11,995 ft) above sea level. Acclimatisation is essential to avoid altitude sickness. The first few days in Lhasa should be spent resting and acclimatising to the altitude. This will help your body adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. To make Lhasa acclimatisation effective, we will approach a sightseeing tour in Lhasa's major locations, including Potala Palace, Jhokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. This location has a primitive historical approach.

Exploring Lhasa

Lhasa is home to several historic sites, such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. These sites are a testament to the rich Tibetan culture and history. The Potala Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of Tibet's most iconic landmarks. The palace was the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and is now a museum. The Jokhang Temple is located in the heart of Lhasa and is considered the spiritual center of Tibet. The temple is a testament to the rich Tibetan Buddhist culture and is a must-visit site for anyone visiting Lhasa. Barkhor Street is a bustling market in the heart of Lhasa. The street is lined with traditional Tibetan shops and is a great place to buy souvenirs and local handicrafts.

The Journey to Mount Kailash Kora

Mount Kailash Kora takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Kailash Kora takes place for three days, circling the Holy Mount Kailash. During the Yatra, you will see four faces of Mount Kailash. Starting from Darchen first day hike reaches to Derapuk. Second day, cross the Dolma La Pass (5,630 m), then Juthulpuk. Similarly, Third day, back to Darchen. During the Kora, there are options like charan sparsh and Inner Kora tour, but this option is suspended now due to security reasons.

Iconic Holiday Nepal will operate the Kailash Lhasa Tour with Nepalese and Tibetan tour guides. For Bo0king and inquiries, do not hesitate to send us an email at [email protected], or for short messages and quick responses, WhatsApp us at +977 9851328431

Itinerary
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  • Altitude1400m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time1 hrs

Our representative will greet you and escort you to the hotel for check-in. For easy communication, our representatives  hold the card with your name and company logo.

  • Altitude1400m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time6-7 hrs

Today, after a light breakfast, we visit some Iconic landmarks inside the Kathmandu valley. You will explore Pashupatinath Temple and worship lord Shiva and learn about the temple. Our  Next stop will be Guheswori Temple, one of the holiest temples, 1 km east of Pasupatinath on the bank of the Bagmati River. We will then drive a short distance to the Boudhanath Stupa. The Final destination will be Jalnarayan Temple (Sleeping Vishnu), 

  • Altitude3750 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time1.5 hrs flight time

After breakfast, we will go to Tribhuwan International Airport for the Lhasa flight. Our Tibet staff will greet you at the airport in Lhasa, Tibet's cultural capital, and bring you to your hotel.

  • Altitude3750 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time5-6 hrs

You'll visit the Jokhang Temple, the Himalayas' holiest Buddhist temple. The most revered figure of Buddha is housed in Jokhang Temple, which was founded nearly 1400 years ago. Along with Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet's distant reaches, you will also see the Potala Palace,  Norbulingka and Drepung Monastery 

  • Altitude3900 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time5-6 hrs

After having breakfast at Lhasa Hotel, we drive to Shigatse through Gyantse. We start driving over the Gampala Pass(4750m) and get stunning views of Yamdrok Lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. We continue to explore the lakeshore from various viewpoints and continue our journey to Korola Glacier, which is considered to be the largest Glacier in Tibet.  We continue driving to Gyantse following Simila Mountain Pass  (4350m) and Buddhist prayer flags. After arriving in Gyantse, we can spend some time taking photos of the ancient city of Gyantse. Finally, we will arrive in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. After checking into the hotel, you can take a good rest and prepare for the next day’s trip to Mount Everest.

  • Altitude4300 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time6-7 hrs

Shigatse to Tingri follows the Friendship Highway for a little over 300 kilometers. We will cover this distance in about 4 hours. This 2 lane highway connects Lhasa with Kathmandu. Tingri County is a small settlement in Tibet that is famous for offering a different perspective of Mt. Everest. You will see the backside of Mt. Everest along with peaks such as Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu.

  • Altitude4600 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time6-7 hrs

On the 7th day of the Kailash Yatra from Lhasa, we will descend from EBC (5200 m) to Saga (4640 m). It will take us about 8 hours to reach our destination, where we will see the beautiful Pelku Tso Lake. We can stop by to admire the view, if you prefer to, or just head to our destination. You will also be able to see Mt. Shishapama. Crossing the Yarlung La pass, we will reach Saga, where we will spend the night.

  • Altitude4500m
  • AccommodationLodge
  • Time6-7 hrs

The day starts with full excitement as today you drive towards the holy Lake Mansarovar. While driving from Saga to Mansarovar, you will glimpse holy Mount Kailash first time. We have to cross several checkpoints on the way to Lake Mansarovar. Upon reaching Mansarovar, check into the guest house near the lake. Later, visit Lake Mansarovar. One can also spend time sitting near the lake under the stars. Admire the beauty of the lake and the stunning surroundings. All meals and stay will be in the guesthouse

  • Altitude4600 m
  • AccommodationLodge
  • Time1.5 hrs

In the morning, you’ll have time to explore Lake Manasarovar and visit the nearby monastery,  Chiu Gompa. Afterwards, you’ll take a short drive to Darchen, the base town for Mount Kailash Kora (circumambulation). We use today to prepare for the trek. Pack only the essentials, as you’ll need to carry your belongings during the trek. Make sure you eat a good meal and get plenty of rest for the trek tomorrow. Overnight at a local guest house.

  • Altitude4750 m
  • AccommodationLodge
  • Time6-7 hrs

Today is the first day of the Mount Kailash Trek. You’ll drive to Serchung, the starting point of the trek, and begin walking toward Derapuk. The trail takes you through valleys surrounded by mountains, with Mount Kailash’s northern face visible along the way. Overnight at a local guest house.

  • AltitudeDolma-La Pass 5,620 m
  • AccommodationLodge
  • Time6-7 hrs

This is the most challenging and rewarding part of the trek. Today is the hardest day of the Kora, as you cross the Dolma-La Pass at 5,620 meters. This is the highest point of the trek, and the views are breathtaking. You’ll see the stunning beauty of the mountains. Sacred sites like Gauri Kund, a small lake on the way. After crossing the pass, you’ll descend to Zutulpuk Monastery.

  • Altitude4400 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time7-8 hrs

Today, we complete the third day of Kailash Kora and drive back to Saga. Hike approximately 10 km to the designated point, then take your transportation to return to Saga via Darchen. Overnight at a guest house.

  • Altitude2900 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time4-5 hrs

The morning after breakfast, we pack up our belongings and then set off for Gyirong (China-Nepal border point). Today, we travel approximately 210 km to reach Gyirong. On the way, we cross the river Brahmaputra, then the drives take a right turn to Gyirong via Peiku lake. Night stay will be in a hotel at Gyirong.

  • Altitude1400m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time7-8 hrs

After breakfast, we drive to the China-Nepal border and after completing border formalities, we enter the Nepal side. The Tibetan guide will say goodbye, and on the Nepal side, local Nepalese vehicles will be waiting for you to take you to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. The drive to Kathmandu is through some paved and rough roads that take about 7-8 hours to reach Kathmandu.

    Breakfast will be in the hotel. Later, in time (checkout time 1200 hours, noon), you will be transferred to Kathmandu airport to board a flight to your home/onward destination.

    Trip Cost Details
    Included
    • All arrival & departure arrangements
    • Twin Sharing accommodation at a Star category Hotel in Kathmandu 
    • Twin sharing accommodation in Lhasa, Shigaste, Lhatse 
    • Veg foods (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) for the entire trip 
    • Group Sharing Guest House in Kailash Region from Saga
    • One half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley
    • Flight Ticket of Kathmandu - Lhasa - Kathmandu
    • All Entrance fees
    • Transportation in Kathmandu by private vehicle
    • All transportation by Van / Bus in Tibet/ Kailash 
    • Applicable entrance fees to visit the Monasteries
    • Normal Tibet Entry Visa fee
    • Special Kailash Parikrama Permit
    • One down Jacket to each pilgrim on a returnable basis, plus a Certificate on successful completion of the Holy Yatra, which retains nostalgic memories even years after undertaking this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage tour.
    • Oxygen cylinder 
    • Emergency Rescue Management
    • Yak to Carry your goods during Kailash Parikrama
    Excluded
    • Emergency evacuations/Rescue expenses, if required.
    • Expenses of a personal nature
    • Personal horse, and Helper during Kailash round/ parikrama
    • Travel & Medical Insurance Permissions and other official formalities
    Useful Info

    Tibet Group Visa

    The Tibet Group Visa is a special visa issued by the Chinese Embassy to people travelling in groups to Tibet. Lots of Kailash Mansarovar Yatris use this visa.  It is valid only for the period mentioned in the travel schedule, and it is not extendable or transferable. The Tibet Group Visa is required at the entrance to Tibet, together with the Tibet Travel Permit.  This shall be organised only via authorised travel agencies since it is not possible to get independently because of restrictions within Tibet against travelling alone. It takes approximately 3-5 days for processing.

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