12 Nights / 13 Days | Tibet Part – Sacred Mount Kailash Pilgrimage
Tour Overview
The Kailash Kora Tour is one of the most sacred pilgrimages on Earth, revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of Bon.
This journey leads you through the spiritual heart of Tibet, across vast high-altitude plateaus, holy lakes, ancient monasteries, and finally around Mount Kailash, the mythical axis mundi of the world.
Designed with proper acclimatization and experienced local support, this tour is ideal for travelers seeking spiritual depth, inner transformation, and authentic Himalayan pilgrimage.
🗺 DETAILED ITINERARY – TIBET PART
Day 1 – Arrival in Lhasa (3,595m)
Arrival at Gonggar Airport, Lhasa (from Chengdu / Chongqing / other cities).
Meet our representative and transfer to Lhasa city (approx. 1 hour).
Rest for acclimatization. Mild altitude symptoms such as headache or dizziness may occur and usually subside within 1–2 days.
Advice: drink plenty of water and consume light, liquid food.
Overnight at medium hotel near Jokhang Temple.
Day 2 – Lhasa Sightseeing
Morning visit:
-
Potala Palace, the former seat of Tibetan religious and political power
-
Sera Monastery, one of the three great Gelugpa (Yellow Sect) monasteries, including the Main Assembly Hall and colleges
Afternoon visit:
-
Jokhang Temple, the most sacred shrine in Tibet
-
Barkhor Street, the traditional pilgrimage circuit around Jokhang
Overnight at medium hotel in Lhasa.
Day 3 – Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse
Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse, then onward to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.
Highlights:
-
Crossing Kamba La Pass (15,700 ft)
-
Yamdrok Tso Lake (over 40 miles along the lakeshore)
-
Karo La Pass (16,500 ft)
-
Traditional Tibetan town of Gyantse
Total drive: approx. 7.5 hours to Gyantse + 2.5 hours to Shigatse
Overnight at 4-star hotel in Shigatse.
Day 4 – Shigatse to Saga
Drive to Saga via Lhatse and Ngangtso Lake.
Distance: 480 km | 8–10 hours
Overnight at Norling Hotel or similar medium hotel.
Day 5 – Saga – Darchen – Lake Manasarovar
Drive across vast Tibetan plains via Zhongba and Paryang.
Highlights:
-
Crossing Mayum-La Pass (5,216m / 17,108 ft)
-
Arrival at the sacred Lake Manasarovar, believed in Hindu mythology to be created in the mind of Brahma
Distance: 542 km | 10–12 hours
Overnight at Gangtese Hotel or similar medium hotel near Darchen.
Day 6 – Kailash Kora Day 1 (Darchen – Dirapuk Gompa)
Begin the sacred Kailash Kora.
Start from Tarboche, marked by colorful prayer flags and the site of the important Saga Dawa Festival.
Trek to Dirapuk Monastery.
-
Distance: 20 km | approx. 6 hours
-
Altitude: 4,910m / 16,102 ft
Overnight at guest house with dormitory accommodation (4–6 beds).
Day 7 – Kailash Kora Day 2 (Dirapuk – Zutulpuk)
The most challenging and spiritually significant day.
Trek through Drolma Chu Valley and cross the sacred Drolma-La Pass (5,630m / 18,466 ft), adorned with prayer flags.
-
Distance: 18 km | 6–7 hours
-
Altitude at Zutulpuk: 4,790m / 15,711 ft
Overnight at guest house with dormitory accommodation (4–6 beds).
Day 8 – Kailash Kora Day 3 – Darchen – Manasarovar
Complete the final stretch of the Kora back to Darchen.
Lunch in Darchen, then drive back to Lake Manasarovar.
Overnight at very simple guest house with dormitory accommodation (6–8 beds).
Day 9 – Manasarovar to Saga
Drive back to Saga.
Distance: 530 km | 8–10 hours
Overnight at medium hotel.
Day 10 – Saga to Shigatse
Drive to Shigatse.
Distance: 480 km | approx. 8 hours
Overnight at medium hotel.
Day 11 – Shigatse – Damshung
Morning visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lamas.
Then drive to Damshung.
Distance: 340 km | approx. 6 hours
Overnight at medium hotel in Damshung.
Day 12 – Damshung – Namtso Lake – Lhasa
Morning drive to Namtso Lake.
-
Transfer to government environment bus
-
Explore Namtso (Sky Holy Lake) for 2–3 hours
Drive back to Lhasa.
Total distance: approx. 250 km | 4–5 hours
Overnight at medium hotel in Lhasa.
Day 13 – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Lhasa Airport for onward flight.
End of Kailash Kora Tour.
✅ PRICE INCLUDES
-
All necessary Tibet travel permits
-
Private sightseeing with licensed English-speaking local guide
-
Accommodation:
-
Twin/double sharing rooms in Lhasa, Shigatse, Saga & Darchen
-
Dormitory guest houses (4–6 beds) during Kailash Kora & Manasarovar
-
-
All applicable entrance fees for:
-
Mountains
-
Monasteries
-
Lakes (except hot springs & museums)
-
-
Private vehicle transportation as per itinerary
-
Daily breakfast
-
Permit delivery service fee
❌ PRICE EXCLUDES
-
Lunches & dinners
-
International & domestic air tickets
-
Emergency ambulance services
-
Kailash Kora porters
-
Horse rental during Kailash Kora (if required)
-
Personal expenses (shopping, bar bills, hot springs, etc.)
-
International travel & medical insurance
-
Chinese visa fee
-
Tips for guide & driver
✨ TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
-
Sacred Mount Kailash Kora
-
Holy Lake Manasarovar
-
High Himalayan passes & Tibetan plateau
-
Major monasteries of Central Tibet
-
Namtso Sky Lake
-
Fully supported pilgrimage by experienced local team
