13-Day Kailash Lhasa Tour (Kyirong In/Out)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Saga, located 169 km away (approximately 4 hours). En route, you’ll pass the majestic Ghungtang-La Pass (5236 meters), offering stunning views of ancient monasteries, cascading waterfalls, winding rivers, and dense alpine forests. Along the way, you’ll also catch a glimpse of the sacred Brahmaputra River.

Saga is a small town nestled on the banks of the Brahmaputra River and lies in the shadow of the towering Great Himalayas. Known as a cold desert Tibetan plateau, it is often referred to as the “Roof of the World” due to its unique position at the heart of the Tibetan Plateau. The journey to Saga is a true immersion into the natural beauty and spiritual significance of this high-altitude region.

Accommodation: Stay at a standard hotel in Saga on a twin-sharing basis.

Overnight Stay: Elevation: 4500 meters.

After breakfast, continue your journey towards the sacred Lake Mansarovar. This day holds immense spiritual significance, as you will have your first glimpse of the holy lake and catch sight of the majestic Mount Kailash from Horchu.

Upon completing the necessary local immigration formalities, you will proceed to complete the Lake Mansarovar Parikrama (circumambulation) by vehicle. Along the way, stop at a scenic spot to capture memorable group photos featuring the breathtaking views of Kailash, Mansarovar, and the Rakshas Tal (Lake of Demons).

This is the moment that every pilgrim eagerly anticipates—the awe-inspiring sight of Lake Mansarovar and the surrounding grandeur of Mount Kailash, creating an unforgettable memory to cherish for a lifetime.

Accommodation: Stay in a mud house or guest house at Lake Mansarovar, on a dormitory-sharing basis.

Overnight Stay: Elevation: 4500 meters

Distance & Drive Time: 500 km, approximately 7 hours of driving.

Today is a highly auspicious day for all Yatris, as you are in the presence of divinity. Start the day with a sacred bath at the banks of the holy Lake Mansarovar, followed by a Puja and Havan ceremony, along with meditation and other spiritual activities. This is a momentous occasion, as being at the abode of the gods is a lifetime achievement.

After a spiritually enriching experience and lunch, we will continue our journey towards Darchen.

Accommodation: Stay at a standard hotel in Darchen on a twin-sharing basis.

Overnight Stay: Elevation: 4700 meters

Distance & Drive Time: Approx. 40 km, with a drive time of 1 hour.

After breakfast, we begin with a short drive to Yamdwar (7 km), the starting point of the Kailash Parikrama. After offering prayers and performing a brief darshan at Yamdwar, all pilgrims will begin the trek towards Diraphuk (12 km). You can choose to walk the entire distance or hire a horse and porter to carry your backpack.

As you trek, immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the surroundings—flowing rivers, alpine meadows, and the stunning view of Nandi Kailash along the way. Upon reaching Diraphuk, you will get your first glimpse of the North Face of Mount Kailash, a breathtaking sight that will leave you in awe. Don’t miss the spectacular view of the Golden Kailash at sunrise—the first rays of the sun touching the mountain’s snow-capped peaks is a once-in-a-lifetime visual treat.

For those not doing the Parikrama, you will have darshan at Yamdwar and return to Darchen to rest until the trekking pilgrims return.

Accommodation: Stay at a guest house in Diraphuk on a dormitory-sharing basis.

Overnight Stay: Elevation: 5000 meters

Distance & Trek Time: 12 km, approximately 4-6 hours of walking.

Rise early and have a light breakfast as you continue your second day of the Kailash Parikrama, trekking from Diraphuk to Zutrulphuk (22 km). This is considered the most challenging and important day of the entire journey.

The trek begins with a steep ascent to Dolma La Pass (5620 meters), a grueling 6-7 km climb. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment. Afterward, you will descend steeply into the valley below, passing Gaurikunda, before continuing another 3-4 hours to Zutrulphuk.

For pilgrims who have hired horses, it’s important to note that they too must climb the steep path to Dolma La and descend towards Gaurikunda. Once this strenuous section of the trek is completed, you will reach local tea stalls where you can take a well-deserved rest with a hot cup of tea or noodles.

On your way to Zutrulphuk, you’ll catch a glimpse of the East Face of Mount Kailash, adding a spiritual and visual highlight to the day’s journey.

Accommodation: Stay at a guest house in Zutrulphuk on a dormitory-sharing basis.

Maximum Elevation: Dolma La Pass at 5620 meters

Overnight Stay Elevation: Zutrulphuk at 4790 meters

Distance & Trek Time: 22 km, approximately 10 hours of walking.

Today marks the final day of the Kailash Kora trek. After an early wake-up, enjoy a light tea/coffee with cookies to fuel up for the day. The trek today is approximately 7 km and will take around 2 hours to complete. As you reach the endpoint of the Parikrama, our bus will be waiting to take you back to Darchen, where you’ll rejoin the group and conclude the Parikrama circuit.

After a brief rest and breakfast, we will begin our return journey to Saga, where you can reflect on the unforgettable experiences and spiritual memories you’ve gathered during this remarkable journey.

Accommodation: Stay at a 3-star standard hotel in Saga on a sharing basis.

Overnight Stay Elevation: 4500 meters

Distance & Drive Time: 7 km of walking (2 hours) + 500 km of driving (approximately 7 hours).

Driving from Shigatse to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River offers a breathtaking journey through Tibet’s rugged landscapes. The route winds through the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau, following the course of the river as it cuts through deep gorges and sweeping valleys. Along the way, you’ll pass traditional Tibetan villages, ancient monasteries, and stunning mountain views, including the distant peaks of the Himalayas. The Yarlung Tsangpo, known as the Brahmaputra in India, adds to the awe with its vast, majestic presence. This scenic drive is a unique blend of natural beauty and Tibetan culture, creating an unforgettable experience.

Accommodation: Stay at a 4-star hotel in Banak Shol Hotel on a twin-sharing basis.

Overnight Stay Elevation: 3650 meters

Distance & Drive Time: 280 km, approximately 5-6 hours of driving.

Visiting the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa offers a deep dive into Tibetan spirituality and history. The Potala, perched on a hill, was once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and is a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. Its towering white and red walls house elaborate rooms, chapels, and intricate frescoes, offering panoramic views of the city.

The Jokhang Temple, a short distance away, is considered the holiest site in Tibetan Buddhism. Pilgrims from all over Tibet journey to this temple, where the sacred Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue resides. Both sites are rich in spiritual significance, featuring ancient Tibetan art, sacred relics, and a profound atmosphere of devotion that reflects the heart of Tibetan culture and faith.

Driving from Lhasa to Gyantse via Yamdrok Lake is a scenic and unforgettable journey through the Tibetan highlands. The trip covers approximately 260 kilometers and takes you through dramatic landscapes, with views of snow-capped peaks, vast plateaus, and traditional Tibetan villages. The highlight is Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s sacred lakes, known for its stunning turquoise waters set against a backdrop of mountains. After enjoying the serene beauty of the lake, the drive continues through the Karo La Pass, offering panoramic views of glaciers. As you approach Gyantse, the road winds through picturesque valleys. The journey combines natural beauty and cultural significance, making it a memorable route for travelers exploring Tibet’s rich landscapes and spiritual heritage.

Accommodation: Stay at a 4-star hotel in Yutok on a twin-sharing basis.

Overnight Stay Elevation: 3800 meters

Distance & Drive Time: 260 km, approximately 7 hours of driving.

It is way back to Kyirong today with a long-drive.

Accommodation: Stay at hotel in Kyirong on a twin-sharing basis.

Overnight Stay Elevation: 2700 meters

Distance & Drive Time: B0 km, approximately 9 hours of driving.

Cross Kyirong border and transfer to Kathmandu. Our Kailash Lhasa Tour is officially ends here.

Yes, the Kailash Lhasa tour is physically demanding, especially the Kailash Trek (circumambulation of Mt. Kailash). The trek involves high altitudes (up to 5,600 meters), steep climbs, and long hours of walking. Pilgrims should be in good health, physically fit, and ideally acclimatized to high altitudes. Many travelers take Diamox (acetazolamide) tablets to help with altitude sickness.

Yes, pilgrims require a Tibet Visa and a Chinese Entry Permit to visit Kailash Mansarovar, as the pilgrimage passes through Tibet (China). The visa process is typically handled by the tour operator, and you’ll need to provide a valid passport and other documents for processing. Nepal Visa can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu for most nationalities.

Accommodation varies based on the location. In Kathmandu, you’ll stay in 4-star hotels, and in Tibet, you’ll find a combination of guest houses, mud houses, and simple hotels on a twin-sharing basis or dormitory-style rooms. For more remote locations, such as near Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash, the accommodation can be basic but functional.

For those who are unable to trek or prefer not to, the Kailash Kora (circumambulation) can be completed by vehicle on certain days. However, the Parikrama around the northern face of Mount Kailash (via the Kora route) is considered a spiritual and physical journey, and some pilgrims prefer to do it on foot to experience the full spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.