The Lhasa and Kailash Mansarovar Tour is a 17-day journey from Kathmandu [27.7172° N, 85.3240° E] to Lhasa [29.6500° N, 91.1000° E] and on to Mount Kailash [31.0656° N, 81.3120° E], the most sacred mountain in this part of Asia. You fly across the Himalaya into Tibet, drive west over the high plateau through Shigatse and Saga, and reach Ngari Prefecture in the far west. There, Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar stand in an almost empty landscape of wide valleys and open sky.
Very few international flights land in Lhasa, so most travelers reach Tibet through Nepal or mainland China. Kathmandu is the shortest and most practical gateway. The flight to Lhasa takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and passes some of the highest mountains on earth!
The tour follows one long loop. After two days in Kathmandu, you fly to Lhasa and spend two nights there. You then drive west to Shigatse, on to Rongbuk and Everest Base Camp, and far across the plateau through Saga to Darchen, where the Kailash Kora begins.
After the kora and a visit to Lake Manasarovar, you drive back through Saga to Kyerong, cross into Nepal, and finish with three relaxed days in Kathmandu.
This is a tour and a pilgrimage, not a technical expedition. Most days are spent in a private vehicle, and the walking is concentrated in the three days of the kora. Mount Kailash itself is never climbed, out of respect for its sacred status!
Two things shape the whole trip. The first is altitude. You spend eleven days on the plateau, and seven of those nights are above 4,500 m. The second is distance. The drives between Shigatse, Saga, and Darchen are long, and some days run 6 to 9 hours in the vehicle.
Culture matters here too! Tibetan Buddhism and the older Bon tradition shape daily life in every town on the route.
Walk around monasteries and stupas clockwise, the same way as the pilgrims around you. Bon followers walk counterclockwise, so you may see both directions at Kailash!
Also, remember to ask before you photograph monks or pilgrims. Cover your shoulders and knees inside temples. Conversations about politics, and about the Dalai Lama in particular, are best avoided in Tibet.
Phone signal and Wi-Fi are usually available in Lhasa, Shigatse, and Gyantse, but weak or missing around Rongbuk, Saga, and Kailash!
Here's what to expect on this 17-day Tibet journey:
The Potala Palace stands on Red Mountain above Lhasa (3,650 m) and served as the winter home of the Dalai Lamas.
The first buildings go back to the 7th century, but most of what you see today was rebuilt in the 17th century.
Hundreds of steps lead up through white and red walls to chapels, tombs, and meeting halls. Together with Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka, it forms one UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Jokhang Temple was founded in the 7th century and is seen as the holiest temple in Tibet.
Pilgrims walk around it clockwise at almost every hour, many with prayer wheels, and some lie flat on the stones in full prostrations at the front.
Barkhor, the market street that circles the temple, sells prayer flags, jewelry, and religious items. It is also a good place to watch daily life in Lhasa!
On the road from Lhasa toward Gyantse you cross Kamba La (about 4,790 m) and see Yamdrok Tso (about 4,440 m) far below.
It is one of the four great sacred lakes of Tibet, and its color changes from deep blue to bright turquoise as the light moves. Further on, Karo La Pass (about 5,010 m) brings a glacier close to the road.
Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse (3,840 m) was founded in 1447 and is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas, the second-highest lineage in the Gelug school.
It is a working monastery with many monks, and it holds one of the largest gilded copper Buddha statues in the world!
Sakya Monastery (about 4,280 m) is known for its tall gray walls and its link to the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Its great hall is large and dark, with rows of pillars and old statues!
Rongbuk Monastery (about 5,000 m) is often called the highest monastery in the world. It sits in a wide valley that opens toward the north face of Everest.
From the base camp area (about 5,150 m), the whole face rises ahead with no other ridge in the way. Unlike the Nepal side, this base camp is reached mostly by road, not after days of trekking.
Pelku Tso (4,591 m) is a large lake, about 27 km long, set in a dry basin with no outlet.
The shore is quiet and the water is a strong blue against brown hills. On clear days, the huge peak Shishapangma (8,027 m) can be seen to the south.
Mount Kailash (6,638 m) is sacred to four faiths. Hindus believe it is the home of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
Tibetan Buddhists see it as the home of Buddha Demchok. Jains call the mountain Ashtapada and link it with Rishabhadeva, the first of their spiritual teachers.
Followers of Bon call it a nine-story swastika mountain and a source of spiritual power. The Kailash Kora is the 54 km circuit around its base. We describe each of the three walking days in the itinerary below!
Lake Manasarovar lies at about 4,588 m and is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. It covers about 412 sq km, reaches a depth of up to about 70 m, and stretches roughly 26 km.
In Hindu belief, Lord Brahma created the lake from his mind as a bathing place for his sons. In Buddhist tradition, the gods brought the mother of the Buddha here to bathe. Jain and Bon followers also honor the region.
Right beside it lies Rakshas Tal (about 4,575 m, about 250 sq km). Its water is salty, so it is not used for drinking, and very little grows on its shores.
The name means "lake of the demon." In Hindu stories, the demon king Ravana prayed to Shiva here. Local beliefs describe the lake as dark or unlucky, which is why it is sometimes nicknamed the Ghost Lake.
Many pilgrims see the two lakes as a pair, with Lake Manasarovar standing for light and purity, and Rakshas Tal for its dark side. Sources give slightly different sizes for both lakes, so treat the figures above as approximate!
This tour can be done from May through early October, as that's the only time when Tibet allows Kailash Yatra. Here's the seasonal breakdown to help you understand better:
Tibet's rules have changed several times in recent years, so we recheck every requirement close to your departure date. Here's a general idea:
Border and return route: Our usual plan returned to Nepal by road through Kyerong (Kyirong). However, the crossing was badly damaged by flooding in late August 2026, and tourist crossings are still unavailable. We confirm the crossing status before every departure. If the border is closed on your dates, the return leg runs as a Lhasa to Kathmandu flight instead. That change affects the number of days and the price, and we explain both before you book!
This trip is demanding because of altitude and length, not technical skill. You do not need trekking or climbing experience. You do need to be able to walk 6 to 9 hours on the two hardest kora days with a light daypack, while the support crew carries the rest of your gear.
The height plan is the main challenge! You fly to Lhasa at 3,650 m, and you spend ten nights above 3,600 m, with seven of them above 4,500 m.
The biggest jump in sleeping altitude comes on Day 6, when you go from Shigatse (3,840 m) to the Rongbuk area (5,150 m). Because you arrive by plane, acute mountain sickness can affect anyone, however fit.
Early signs are headache, tiredness, mild nausea, and poor sleep. Our guides check on the group every day. Tell them at once about any headache that does not go away, unusual tiredness, or nausea. People with heart, lung, or blood pressure conditions should speak with a doctor before booking.
The drives are long. Some days between Shigatse, Saga, and Darchen run 6 to 9 hours. The road from Lhasa to Shigatse is generally good. West of Shigatse it becomes more remote and can be slowed by weather, especially outside the main season!
To prepare, walk regularly and do some hill training in the weeks before the trip. Drink water often, avoid alcohol, and eat light meals on the first days at each new altitude.
Also, note that your travel insurance must cover high-altitude travel and emergency evacuation, because medical help is very limited outside Lhasa.
In Kathmandu and Lhasa you stay in hotels with standard facilities for international travelers.
In Shigatse, Saga, and Kyerong, hotels are simpler but generally comfortable. Around Rongbuk and on the kora at Dirapuk and Zutulpuk, lodging is basic guesthouse style, with shared rooms and no attached bathroom.
Food is a mix of Tibetan, Chinese, and Nepali-style dishes. Momos, thukpa, and rice meals are easy to find, and you will also meet tsampa and butter tea.
Around Rongbuk and along the kora, choices are limited and meals are simple and hot.
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Travel Options Via Nepal
You can enter and exit Tibet in a few different ways, depending on your schedule and budget.
Let us know your preference when booking and we will arrange the rest.
Meals in Tibet
Tours in Tibet are mostly organized on a bed and breakfast (B&B) basis. Breakfast is included with your hotel, while lunch and dinner are paid separately as per the itinerary and plan. If you would like us to arrange them, lunch and dinner can be provided on request for a total of RMB 120.
Health Check and Oxygen Monitoring
Much of the journey takes place at high altitude, so your health comes first. Before going higher, we carry out an oxygen level check and an AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) health assessment. You continue only if you are eligible and fit enough for your health condition.
Kailash Kora: Horse and Porter Services
The Mt. Kailash kora is a 3-day circuit with its highest point at Dolma La Pass (5,620 m). If you would prefer not to carry your own gear or walk every step, we can arrange extra support:
Any other relevant service can also be arranged on request. These services are paid for by the guest and arranged by our operator.
Proper preparation matters on any Himalayan trek. For the Lhasa and Kailash Mansarovar Tour, you will be reaching 5,630 m on a route with basic guesthouse and camp-style conditions along the kora. Here is what our HEN team recommends:
No technical skills are needed, but you should be able to walk 6 to 9 hours a day for three days in a row at high altitude. If you need additional support during the kora, horse and porter services can be arranged through the operator at an additional cost. Exact availability and arrangements should be confirmed before departure!
No, Mount Kailash has never been officially climbed, and no permits are issued for its summit out of respect for its sacred status. The kora is a walk around the base of the mountain.
It is more sustained than most Nepal treks. You spend eleven days on the plateau, ten nights above 3,600 m, and seven nights above 4,500 m, with one crossing above 5,600 m at Dolma La. The time in Lhasa and the slow pace help, but they cannot remove the risk!
Many pilgrims dip in the lake or sprinkle its water on their heads as a blessing. The water is very cold and the air is thin, so we keep this optional and short. Listen to your guide.
You land at Tribhuvan International Airport, where a HEN team member meets you and drives you to your hotel in Kathmandu.
The ride takes about 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. After you check in, rest and take a short walk nearby.
Kathmandu is at 1,400 m, so altitude is not a concern today. In the evening, we hold a trip briefing. We go through the route, the altitude plan, the daily driving times, and the packing list, and we check your passport, photos, and permit details.
Dinner is not included today, but restaurants are close to most hotels. Hotel breakfast is included every morning in Kathmandu from tomorrow!
Today is for paperwork and packing. In the morning, our team finalizes your Tibet Travel Permit details and checks your Chinese visa position, or confirms visa-free entry if your passport allows it.
Pack a decent-sized daypack for the kora and a separate bag for everything else. Baggage limits on the Lhasa flight are strict, so we confirm the current allowance with you.
The afternoon is free. You can walk around Thamel to buy gloves, a warm hat, or trekking poles, visit a pharmacy, or stop at a nearby heritage site. Drink plenty of water and keep meals light!
After an early breakfast, you transfer to the airport for the flight to Lhasa. It lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours and crosses the main Himalayan range.
The right-hand side of the plane usually gives the best chance of seeing Everest. You land at Lhasa Gonggar Airport (about 3,570 m), and your Tibetan guide welcomes you with a white silk scarf, called a khata.
The drive to the city follows the Yarlung Tsangpo River and takes roughly an hour. Because the height gain is fast, the rest of the day stays easy. Check in, rest, and drink often.
A light headache or shortness of breath is common today. Lunch and dinner are included from this day onward!
This is your main sightseeing day in Lhasa, and we keep the pace slow. In the morning, you visit the Potala Palace. Entry is by timed ticket and requires your passport, so we plan around the slot we receive.
The climb up many steps is slow and steady, and you pass chapels, tombs of earlier Dalai Lamas, and large halls. Photos inside most chapels are not allowed.
After lunch, you visit Jokhang Temple, where butter lamps fill the halls and pilgrims move in a steady line around the shrines. The afternoon ends on the Barkhor circuit, where you walk clockwise with the local crowd and stop at the stalls. Go to bed early for tomorrow's long drive!
The drive is about 350 km and takes roughly 6 to 7 hours with stops. The road runs west along the river, then turns south and climbs to Kamba La (about 4,790 m).
From the top, Yamdrok Tso (about 4,440 m) appears far below, and the road follows its shore for a long stretch. You then cross Karo La Pass (about 5,010 m), where a glacier hangs close to the road.
Lunch is usually in or near Gyantse (about 3,980 m), a town known for its old fort and its Kumbum stupa. We keep the stop short.
From Gyantse, it is about 90 km along a broad farming valley to Shigatse, where you arrive in the late afternoon.
This is one of the longest drives of the trip, about 9 to 10 hours with stops. After an early breakfast, you spend about an hour and a half at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. The road then heads west and south, with a stop at Sakya Monastery (about 4,280 m) to see the great hall.
Back on the Friendship Highway, you climb to Gyatso La (about 5,220 m) and Pang La (about 5,150 m). On a clear day, Pang La shows Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu in one line.
A final stretch of about 2 hours leads up the valley to Rongbuk Monastery. Guesthouses here are very simple, with shared rooms and basic toilets.
Nights are freezing, and this is the highest sleep of the trip, so go to bed early, drink water, and tell your guide about any headache.
If the sky is clear, we start early to see the north face of Everest in the morning light. You spend time at Rongbuk Monastery and the Everest Base Camp viewpoint (about 5,150 m to 5,200 m).
The last 8 km from Rongbuk to base camp may be done by local shuttle, depending on current rules. The drive west then passes Tingri and crosses Lalung La (about 5,100 m) before dropping to Pelku Tso Lake (4,591 m), a good place for lunch and photos.
From the lake, the road continues to Saga, a small plateau town on the Yarlung Tsangpo. The full drive is about 8 to 9 hours. Your sleeping height drops by about 500 m from last night, which helps most people rest better.
Today the road enters the remote west. The drive is about 8 to 9 hours, so we leave early. You follow the upper Yarlung Tsangpo valley through open pasture, dry hills, and sand dunes, and pass small settlements such as Zhongba and Paryang, where lunch is a simple meal at a roadside restaurant.
Near the end, the road crosses Mayum La (about 5,200 m). On a clear day, it gives you your first views of Gurla Mandhata (7,694 m) and the shape of Mount Kailash. You reach Darchen in the afternoon.
Your guide holds a short briefing. If you want porter or horse support for the kora, we can arrange it at an additional cost.
The kora begins today! After breakfast in Darchen, you carry a small daypack with water, snacks, a jacket, and rain gear. If you need horse or porter support during the kora, the service can be arranged at an additional cost.
The trail starts near a large prayer-flag pole on the edge of town and follows the Lha Chu valley upstream on a wide, gentle path, with red rock walls on one side and the river on the other. Within the first hour, the west face of Mount Kailash comes into view.
Pilgrims walk beside you spinning prayer wheels, and some move by in full-body prostrations. The trail passes below Chuku Monastery, where a stop depends on time and opening hours. The walk is about 20 km and takes 6 to 7 hours.
The climb is slow, and the altitude makes each hour feel longer than it is, so we rest often. By afternoon, you reach Dirapuk Monastery, facing the north face of Kailash, one of the best views of the trip. The guesthouse is basic, with shared rooms and no attached bathroom.
The evening is cold and quiet; hot soup helps, and most people sleep lightly at this height.
This is the hardest day of the trip, about 18 to 22 km on foot and 8 to 9 hours of walking. We leave early, often before sunrise, in cold air. The first hours are a steady climb up a rocky valley with the north face of Kailash behind you.
The path passes Shiva-tsal, a rough, stony area where pilgrims leave a piece of clothing or a strand of hair to mark a symbolic end of the old self. From here the trail steepens, the air feels thin, and rest stops come every few minutes.
After several hours, you reach Dolma La Pass (5,630 m), the highest point of the kora, covered in prayer flags and named after the goddess Dolma. Many pilgrims see the crossing as a passage through death and rebirth. Just below lies Gauri Kund, a small glacial lake linked with Parvati.
Then comes the steepest part, a long, rocky descent that is hard on the knees, so trekking poles help. The trail eases into a broad valley with grass, streams, and yaks, and you reach Zutulpuk, near the monastery linked with the yogi Milarepa.
Rooms are simple and shared, and nights are freezing, so be mentally prepared for that!
The last day of the kora is gentle. After breakfast, you walk about 14 km down a narrow valley past red cliffs and small streams. The trail is mostly flat and slightly downhill, and takes about 4 to 5 hours.
You finish near Darchen, where a large gateway stupa marks the end of the circuit, and many pilgrims stop for a short prayer or a photo. After lunch and a rest, your vehicle takes you to Lake Manasarovar (about 4,588 m), roughly 35 km away and about 40 minutes by road.
On the way, you pass close to Rakshas Tal (about 4,575 m) and can see how different the two lakes look. At Manasarovar, you have free time to walk the shore, watch the color of the water, or join pilgrims in sprinkling lake water on the head.
The water is very cold, so swimming is your choice and not part of the program. On a clear day, Kailash appears far off to the north. You drive back to Darchen for the night!
Today you start the long trip east. The drive is about 8 to 9 hours on the same road as Day 8, so we start early. Legs are usually sore after the kora, and the vehicle gives you a chance to rest. The plateau often looks clearer in the morning light, with Gurla Mandhata in view.
Lunch is near Paryang or Zhongba, with short stops for photos. By evening, you arrive in Saga. The hotel is simple but comfortable enough. Rest well, because tomorrow brings a big change in elevation.
The drive takes roughly 6 to 7 hours and takes you from the dry plateau to green river valleys. From Saga, the road heads east and passes Pelku Tso a second time, then turns south and begins to drop.
It winds down steep valleys with rivers, waterfalls, and forest, and the air feels thicker and warmer. Trees appear for the first time since Lhasa. By evening, you have dropped almost 2,000 m and arrive in Kyerong (also spelled Kyirong and Gyirong), the last Tibetan town before the Nepal border.
The hotel is comfortable, and your guide helps sort your paperwork for tomorrow!
After breakfast, you drive down to the border. Chinese exit checks and Nepal immigration together take about 2 to 3 hours, so we arrive early.
You say goodbye to your Tibetan guide and cross into Nepal, where our team meets you. The road to Kathmandu is winding and can be bumpy, running through river gorges and small mountain towns, and takes roughly 6 to 8 hours.
Lunch is on the road, and landslides can slow the drive in the rainy season. You reach Kathmandu in the evening, back at 1,400 m.
NOTE: Border conditions can change, so please read the border and return route note in the Essential Information section.
Today is a free day in Kathmandu, so you can spend it however you like.
If you would like to see more of the valley, you could visit Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath, or Bhaktapur Durbar Square on your own, or book our Kathmandu Valley Cultural Tour as an add-on for a guided day out.
Today is free. You may sleep in and stay near the hotel. Others shop in Thamel for gifts such as tea, singing bowls, and handmade paper, or revisit a place they liked.
The day is also a buffer. If weather, road, or border delays have pushed the return, it gives us room to keep your flight home safe. If everything runs on time, it is a simple day to repack, wash clothes, and rest.
After breakfast, a HEN representative drives you to Tribhuvan International Airport, so you arrive about three hours before your international flight.
The ride takes 20 to 40 minutes. Check that your passport, boarding pass, and souvenirs are packed before you leave the hotel.
We say goodbye and wish you a safe journey home. If your flight is in the evening, we can help you plan the rest of the day and keep your luggage safe!