Tibet Kailash Tour Overview

The Tibet Kailash Tour from Nepal is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual and adventure journey to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, combining breathtaking Himalayan landscapes with deep Tibetan cultural experiences. This 15-day overland tour takes travelers from Kathmandu, through the high-altitude regions of Kodari, Nyalam, Saga, and Paryang, to the sacred pilgrimage sites of western Tibet.

Mount Kailash (6,638 m) is revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of the Bon tradition as the center of the world and the abode of Lord Shiva. The tour includes the sacred Kailash Parikrama (Kora), a 52-kilometer circumambulation trek that offers profound spiritual rewards, stunning vistas of alpine meadows, glacial rivers, and distant peaks, culminating at the high Dolma La Pass.

Travelers also visit the serene and sacred Lake Mansarovar, a high-altitude freshwater lake holding deep significance in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Its crystal-clear waters reflecting Mount Kailash provide a sense of peace and tranquility. The journey also includes visits to ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries like Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse and the historic Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, immersing you in Tibetan religious life and culture.

The journey is designed for gradual acclimatization to high altitudes, with overnight stops at camps or lodges along the route, including Darchen, Dira Phuk, and Zuthul Phuk. This tour is ideal for spiritual travelers, adventure seekers, and cultural enthusiasts wishing to explore one of the most revered and remote destinations in the Himalayas.

Things That You Need to Know

Duration & Difficulty:

This is a 15-day tour that includes a challenging 3-day Kora (circumambulation) trek around Mount Kailash at altitudes over 5,600m. It requires good physical fitness, stamina, and proper acclimatization.

Best Season:

The best time is from May to September, when the weather is most favorable for crossing the high Dolma La Pass and the Kora is accessible.

Accommodation & Meals:

The package includes twin-sharing hotel/guesthouse accommodation in Tibet on a full-board basis (all meals) during the Yatra. Quality food is provided. In Kathmandu, accommodation is on a bed & breakfast plan.

Permits & Visa:

Travelers need a Tibet/China visa and a Tibet Travel Permit, which are not included. A Nepal re-entry visa fee also applies upon return.

Spiritual Significance:

Mount Kailash is considered the center of the world in Tibetan cosmology. The Kora pilgrimage is believed to cleanse the soul and bring spiritual liberation, offering a transformative journey of self-discovery.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1Altitude: 1350mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival at Kathmandu Airport. Welcoming by Global Nepal Treks Member, pick up and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2Altitude: 1350mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Rest Day in Kathmandu

Rest day for Kathmandu exploration and preparation for the Kailash tour. Finalize permits and gear. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 3Altitude: 3750mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Drive to Kodari / Nyalam

Scenic drive from Kathmandu to the border at Kodari and continue to Nyalam (1,23km, 6-7 hours). Cross into Tibet. Overnight at camp or lodge.

Camp/Lodge in Nyalam

Day 4Altitude: 3750mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Acclimatization Day in Nyalam

Rest day for acclimatization to the high altitude. Short walks to aid adjustment. Overnight at camp or lodge in Nyalam.

Camp/Lodge in Nyalam

Day 5Altitude: 4250mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Nyalam to Saga via Pelku Tso

Drive from Nyalam to Saga (4,250m) via Pelku Tso (Lake). Approx. 250km, 8 hours. Scenic drive with stunning views. Overnight at camp or lodge.

Camp/Lodge in Saga

Day 6Altitude: 4650mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Saga to Paryang

Drive from Saga to Paryang (4,650m). Approx. 255km, 8 hours. Traverse the high Tibetan plateau. Overnight at camp or lodge.

Camp/Lodge in Paryang

Day 7Altitude: 5410mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Paryang to Lake Mansarovar

Drive from Paryang to the sacred Lake Mansarovar (5,410m). Approx. 250km, 8 hours. First glimpse of the holy lake and Mount Kailash in the distance. Overnight at camp.

Camp at Lake Mansarovar

Day 8Altitude: 4660mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Manasarovar to Darchen

Morning rituals and exploration at Lake Mansarovar. Short drive (30km, 2 hours) to Darchen (4,660m), the base town for the Kailash Kora. Overnight at camp.

Camp in Darchen

Day 9Altitude: 4910mTrekking: 6.0 hrs

Start Kora: Darchen to Dira Phuk

Trek from Darchen to Dira Phuk Gompa (4,910m). This is the first day of the Kora, trekking approx. 6 hours. Overnight at camp.

Camp at Dira Phuk

Day 10Altitude: 4790mTrekking: 7.0 hrs

Kora: Dira Phuk to Zuthul Phuk via Dolma La

Trek from Dira Phuk to Zuthul Phuk (4,790m), crossing the highest point of the Kora, the Dolma La Pass (approx. 5,630m). A challenging 7-hour day. Overnight at camp.

Camp at Zuthul Phuk

Day 11Altitude: 4560mTrekking: 3.0 hrs

Complete Kora: Zuthul Phuk to Darchen

Final day of the Kora, trekking from Zuthul Phuk back to Darchen (4,560m). Approx. 3 hours. Celebrate completing the sacred circumambulation. Overnight at lodge or camp.

Lodge/Camp in Darchen

Day 12Altitude: 4650mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Drive Darchen to Paryang

Begin the return journey, driving from Darchen back to Paryang. Overnight at camp or lodge.

Camp/Lodge in Paryang

Day 13Altitude: 4250mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Drive Paryang to Saga

Continue the return drive from Paryang to Saga. Overnight at camp or lodge.

Camp/Lodge in Saga

Day 14Altitude: 3750mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Drive Saga to Nyalam

Drive from Saga back to Nyalam. Overnight at camp or lodge.

Camp/Lodge in Nyalam

Day 15Altitude: 1350mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Drive Nyalam to Kathmandu

Drive from Nyalam to the border at Kodari and back to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 160Trekking: 0.0 hrs

Departure

Departure from Kathmandu to your onward destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tibet Kailash Tour?

The Tibet Kailash Tour is a 15-day spiritual pilgrimage and overland adventure from Nepal to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in western Tibet. It combines a challenging 52km circumambulation (Kora) of Mount Kailash with visits to ancient monasteries, high-altitude landscapes, and deep Tibetan cultural experiences.

What is the significance of Mount Kailash?

Mount Kailash is revered as a sacred mountain by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and the Bon tradition. Hindus believe it is the abode of Lord Shiva, while Buddhists consider it the center of the universe. Circumambulating it (Kora) is believed to bring spiritual merit and cleanse sins.

What is the Kailash Kora?

The Kailash Kora is a 52-kilometer circumambulation trek around Mount Kailash. It typically takes 3 days and involves crossing the high Dolma La Pass (approx. 5,630m). It is a profound spiritual and physical challenge.

What is the best time to do this tour?

The best time is from May to September, when the weather is most favorable for crossing the Dolma La Pass. The region is accessible, and the views are at their best during these months.

What permits and visas are required?

You will need a valid passport, a Tibet/China visa, and a Tibet Travel Permit. A Nepal re-entry visa is also required for your return to Nepal. These are not included in the package.

How difficult is this tour?

This is a challenging tour due to the high altitudes (over 5,600m at Dolma La), long driving days, and the 3-day Kora trek. Participants need excellent physical fitness, stamina, and proper acclimatization.

What is Lake Mansarovar?

Lake Mansarovar is a sacred high-altitude freshwater lake near Mount Kailash. It is deeply revered in Hinduism and Buddhism, and taking a dip in its holy waters is considered highly meritorious.

What is the accommodation like on this tour?

Accommodation includes hotels/guesthouses in Tibet on a full-board basis. During the Kora, camping is provided with full kitchen crews and support staff. In Kathmandu, accommodation is in hotels on bed & breakfast.

What kind of food is provided?

The package includes quality food during the Yatra (pilgrimage), with all meals provided during the tour in Tibet. Traditional Tibetan and Nepali dishes are typically served.

Do I need special gear for the Kora?

Essential gear includes sturdy trekking boots, warm layers (down jacket provided on refundable basis), a good sleeping bag, trekking poles, and a daypack. Yaks and yak men are provided to carry belongings.

What is the Potala Palace?

The Potala Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lhasa and a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. It was the winter palace of the Dalai Lama and is a massive architectural wonder with thousands of rooms, shrines, and artifacts.

What is the Jokhang Temple?

The Jokhang Temple is considered the most sacred and important temple in Tibetan Buddhism, located in Lhasa. It houses a revered statue of Jowo Sakyamuni Buddha and is a major pilgrimage destination.

What is the Dolma La Pass?

Dolma La is the highest point on the Kailash Kora, at approximately 5,630 meters (18,470 feet). Crossing this pass is the most challenging part of the circumambulation and holds immense spiritual significance.

Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

There are no specific age restrictions, but participants must be in excellent health and capable of handling high-altitude trekking. A medical check-up before the journey is highly recommended.

What should I pack for this tour?

Pack layered clothing for extreme temperature variations, sturdy trekking boots, a warm sleeping bag, sun protection (sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, hat), personal medications, water purification tablets, and a refillable water bottle.

Tibet Kailash Tour