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15 Days Kailash and Mansarovar Tour

  • Overview
  • Detailed Itinerary
  • Cost Info

15 Days Kailash and Mansarovar Tour is once in a lifetime opportunity for devout pilgrims around the world as the journey to the sacred Mt. Kailash is considered to be one most strenuous one for the pilgrims. The entire tour to Kailash Mansarovar offers unique travel experience as you get to explore various highly venerated pilgrimage sites blessed with religious importance and natural beauty.

Unlike the celestial natural beauty you’ve encountered from the Lhasa to EBC, once you enter Nagri region, you will notice the palpable sense of holiness. The magical environment, dramatic terrain, charming Mansarovar and sublime Mt. Kailash are sure to awe you at every moment of your journey. As you begin the Kora trek along the prostrating pilgrims in quaint pilgrimage route, you will start attaining the peace and enlightenment.

Mount Kailash, the most sacred mountain, is the spiritual junction for the Hindus, Buddhist, Jains and Bonpos followers. For solemn pilgrims, Mount Kailash tour presents the ultimate realization of their spiritual quest. And for nature-enthusiast, this trip depicts raw beauty, remoteness, isolation and adventure of lifetime.

15 days Kailash and Mansarovar trip starts with an exploration of architectural masterpieces of Lhasa. We explore majestic Potala Palace, quaint Barkhor Street, significant Drepung & Sera monastery, Jhokhang temple and fascinating summer palace of the Dalai Lama – Norbulinkha. This tour provides firsthand experience of local culture and religion.

After proper acclimatization and exploring Shangri-La’s treasure trove, we take the rigorous overland tour to Everest Base Camp. Here we witness the magnificent Mt. Everest and several other highest peaks including Lhotse and Nuptse.  Then we take an adventurous drive to Mt. Kailash witnessing numbers of isolated villages, nomads’ tents with flocks of sheep, domesticated mountain goats and secluded land where one seems to be very far from material attachments.

Mount. Kailash & Lake Mansarovar

Standing at (22,028ft), Mount Kailash is considered to be the physical embodiment of the mythical Mt. Meru and is believed to be the holiest mountain in the world. The snow dusted rocky pyramid of Mt. Kailash is located between the Himalayas and Karakurum range, a scenically blessed area of western Tibet.

The entire surrounding of Mt. Kailash is religiously significant and includes the two turquoise-blue high altitude lake of Mansarovar and Rakshesa. To Hindus, Mt, Kailash is the holy abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. The nearby Mansarovar is believed to the first creation of Lord Brahma on earth. Tibetan calls Kailash Kang Rimpoche. Jains believes it as Mt. Ashtapada, the peak where the religion’s founder, Rishabnatha, attained his spiritual liberation. And Bon-Po (pre-Buddhist shamanistic religion) followers worship it as the soul of the Tibet.

Lake Mansarovar, a great expansion of sparkling blue water, is believed to be the holy seat of Brahma (the creator of universe).  The entire Kailash Kora tour is the holiest of all the pilgrimage tour, a symbol of peace and serenity. It is believed that single Kora to Mt. Kailash cleanses all the accumulated sins of lifetime and 108 Kora paves the way of Nirvana.

How to Plan a Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Tour

The best time of the year to visit Kailash is April to October, particularly in the months of April, May, September and October. For Mt. Kailash Trip, travelers should not only obtain Tibet Entry Permits but also purchase the Alien Travel Permit which is issued by the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) of Tibet. The formalities is quite different for Indian citizen, so let us know if you are Indian in advance.

Located about 1,300km west from Lhasa, Mt. Kailash Tour can be conducted via flight or overland tour. The air trip takes 3 hours but is highly expensive. The flight is scheduled only 4 times a week. The overland tour to Mt. Kailash takes about 3 days, from Lhasa- if we ignore the visit to Everest Base Camp.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Lhasa and transfer to the hotel

Day 02: Lhasa tour – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street (B, D)

Day 03: Lhasa Tour – Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (B)

Day 04: Lhasa – Shigatse via Gyantse (360km) (B)

Day 05: Shigatse – EBC (350km) (B0

Day 06: EBC – Saga (450km)

Day 07: Saga – Darchen via Lake Mansarovar (450km)

Day 08: Darchen – Dirapuk (drive 7km, trek 13km)

Day 09: Dirapuk – Dzutrpuk (18km trek)

Day 10: Dzutrupuk – Darchen (7km trek, 5km drive)

Day 11: Darchen – Saga (450km)

Day 12: Saga – Sakya (340km)

Day 13: Sakya – Shigatse (170km)

Day 14: Shigatse – Lhasa (B)

Day 15: End of the tour, Airport off (B)

Day 01: Arrival in Lhasa

Fly to Lhasa or arrive in Lhasa by train. Our representative will receive you and transfer you to hotel in Lhasa. On way, you can admire the incredible highland view along with the Yarlong Tsangpo river (the longest river in Tibet and highest river in the world with an average elevation of 4,000m), originated from the melt of Jiemayangzong Glacier of northern Himalayan range.

Day 02: Lhasa tour – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street (B, D)

Today, we visit the Potala Palace, the winter palace of Dalai Lama. It is located on the red hill, a good view point in Lhasa. It remains constantly bustling with religious worshippers. The palace was put into use since the 7th century by the 33rd great king of Tibet. The glided burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and meditation cave of 33rd great king of Tibet are the most valuable collection of Potala Palace.

In the afternoon, we visit the renowned Jokhang Temple which offers the first glimpse of devout Tibetans. Here we will see the glistering statue of Sakyamuni which is considered as the Tibetan Buddhism’s rarity. You can perceive many pilgrims making prostrating in front of the Temple.

Next, we stroll around the ancient Barkhor Street to witness ancient art and architecture. Beside that, we can taste local dishes and tea with locals in tea house.

Optional

If time permits, we can visit the Tibetan Handicraft art or Tibetan Traditional Medicine center. For more experience, you can enjoy the traditional Tibetan culture show in the evening (fee USD 60).

Overnight stay in Lhasa

Day 03: Lhasa Tour – Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (B)

After breakfast, we proceed to visit the Drepung Monastery, one of the great three Gelug Monasteries of Tibet, founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choge. Jamyang Choge is one of the main Tsongkhapa’s disciples. We also visit the biggest monastery Kitchen inside the monastery and explore the Buddhist Sculpture Carving workshop near Drepung.

In the Afternoon, we head for paying homage to Sera Monastery, another one of the great three Gelung monasteries in Tibet. We witness the Monks debate held at around 3 – 5 PM in the noon. Moreover, we make a short visit to the Tibetan religious scripture printing house, inside the monastery where we can witness three sand Mandalas and colorful Rock Painting of Lord Buddha.

Overnight stay in Lhasa

Day 04: Drive from Lhasa – Shigatse (3,900m) via Gyantse (B)

After morning breakfast, drive from Lhasa to Shigatse. On the way, we drive across the Gampala Pass (4,790m) and get the tantalizing view of Yamdrok-tso (4,400m). The lake is surrounded by lofty mountain peaks and the magnificent holy Mountain Nyenchen Khangsar (7,191m) is seen far at horizon.

Further drive lets us enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside. We can hang a prayer flag at Simila Mountain Pass. A short drive takes us to historical city, Gyantse, third largest city in Tibet after Lhasa and Shigatse. In Gyantse, we pay homage to holy Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum and admire the distance view of Gyangtse Fortress.

Further one and half drive from Gyantse leads us to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. Here we explore the traditional Barley Mill and enjoy the landscape of Barley field.

Overnight stay in Shigatse

Day 05: Drive from Shigatse to EBC (5,200m) via Tingri (B)

Early in the morning, we explore the holy seat of Panchan Lama – Tashilunpo Monastery. After that, we obtain travel permit and drive from Shigatse to Lhatse, a small town where we halt to take lunch.

Next we drive across Tsola Pass (4,600m) and Gyatsola Pass (5,248m) and enter into Mt. Everest National Nature Reserve. With magnificent views of Himalayas from Gawula, we drive drive along a zigzag road to Everest Base Camp (5,200m). Here we get closer view of gigantic Mount Everest Peak. The sunset view over the Everest peaks is simply stunning.

Overnight stay in Tent or Rongbuk Monastery lodge

Day06: EBC – Saga (450km)

After breakfast, we enjoy the first ray of sun over the Everest Peak at the lodging area (subject to clear weather). And we drive to Saga with the view of world’s 14th highest peak Mt. Shishapangama (8,012m) and Turquoise Lake Peiku Tso (4,590m). If we are lucky, we get the glimpse of highland wildlife – wild donkey, wild antelope etc.

Overnight stay at local teahouse

Day 07: Saga – Darchen via Lake Mansarovar (450km)

After breakfast, we head to Darchen. On the way, we get to admire the tantalizing view of the Saga valley between Gangdise Range and Himalayan Range. Meanwhile, we can witness the picturesque view of grassland and local villages. We drive across the Mayomla Pass (5,112m) and enjoy the great view of Mt. Naimonanyi (7,694m). Eventually we reach Lake Mansarovar and further short drive takes us to the southern foot of Mt. Kailash, the most revered mountain in the Asia.

Overnight stay at local teahouse

Day 08: Darchen – Dirapuk (drive 7km, trek 13km)

Today we take an eco-bus tour from Darchen to Sarshung valley. Here we meet the Yaks and porters (hiring cost of Yaks, horses and porters are not included in the packages). Then we start our trek (13km) through rugged trail to Drirapuk Monastery via the Lachu valley and rivers. Today we get the views of both west and north face of Mount Kailash. We explore the Drirapuk Monastery and stay overnight.

Day 09: Dirapuk – Dzutrpuk (18km trek)

Today we cross Dromola La Pass (5,630m), the highest pass of the Kailash Kora. On the way, we take some rest in a teahouse. It is the toughest day of the Kora. All along the way, we can witness many Tibetan prostrating in the Kora Path and Kadoe Lake. We also visit Zutulpuk Monastery.

Overnight stay in local teahouse

Day 10: Dzutrupuk – Darchen (7km trek, 5km drive)

Today is the last day of the Kora. We will trek 7km to Zongto and take bus drive to Darchen. On the Kora, we will see the piles of Mani Stones and prayer flags.

(Optional): Soothe at Lake Mansarovar and enjoy bathing at nature hot spring to relax the tired muscles.

Day 11: Darchen – Saga (450km)

Drive back to Saga via same route, we used previously

Overnight stay in local teahouse

Day 12: Saga – Sakya (340km)

After breakfast, we drive back to Sakya enjoy the magnificent scenery and mountain vistas

Overnight stay in local teahouse

Day 13: Sakya – Shigatse (170km)

After breakfast, we explore the ancient Sakya town and visit the Sakya Monastery. The monastery houses impressive murals, scriptures and statues. After exploration, we head towards Shigatse.

Overnight stay in local teahouse

Day 14: Shigatse – Lhasa (B)

After breakfast, you will explore the culturally and religiously revered Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse. The monastery is one of the six prominent yellow hat sect monastery and is the holy seat of the Panchen Lama Lineage. You can witness the majestic view of the entire monastery along with giant Jamba Buddha statue from the entrance point.

Drive to Lhasa via the Northern Friendship Highway with eye-catching views and incredible scenery of the Brahmaputra River.

Day 15: End of the tour, Airport off (B)

Your adventurous Kailash tour comes to an end today. Your guide will escort you to the airport or train station based on your departure information.

Cost Included

  • All the essential Tibet permits including Tibet travel permits
  • All the entrance ticket fees as per itinerary
  • Highly experienced Tibetan, English-speaking local tour guide
  • Personal comfortable, clean and safe vehicle with experienced Tibetan Driver; 4WD land cruiser and minibus are used depending on the size of group and client’s request
  • All the accommodation as per itinerary. It’s up to you, where to stay: either in luxury 5-star international hotel, cozy 4-star hotel, economic 3-star hotel, budget hotel, guest house or tent. Please notify the preferred accommodation in the enquiry form so we can arrange the best-value hotel for you.
  • Domestic flight/train tickets listed in the itinerary
  • First aid kit
  • Tourist accident/casualty insurance
  • First aid kit

Cost Excludes

  • International flight to and from Tibet
  • Chinese via (Note: we can help you obtain the Chinese visa by providing the invitation letter, presenting the hotel or domestic flight reservation copies and son on that you may need.
  • Not specified Meals (Usually it costs about USD3 – 15 per person per one meal in TAR, Tibetan Autonomous Region)
  • Tip and gratitude for guide and porter
  • Personal nature expenses like Laundry, Phone calls, snacks, drinks (please do the best to avoid the alcoholic beverages) and optional tour activities other than itinerary
Kailash Manasarovar Tour