Overview And Highlights
TRIP FACTS
"Mount Kailash, where heaven touches Earth, and the soul finds its sacred path to serenity."
The Mount Kailash and Lhasa Expedition is an extraordinary journey encompassing sacred sites in western Tibet, including the revered Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, as well as a rich cultural exploration of central Tibet, taking you through the historic cities of Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse. Annapurna Encounter offers an exceptional and cost-effective opportunity to embark on this unforgettable pilgrimage and cultural odyssey, ensuring a cherished and meaningful experience.
Nestled in the western expanse of Tibet, Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar hold profound significance for followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. Beyond its spiritual allure, this region is also a dreamland for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Lake Mansarovar, a pristine freshwater body, rests serenely at the base of Mount Kailash, at an elevation of 4590 meters. Notably, several major Asian rivers, including the Indus, Brahmaputra, Karnali, and Sutlej, originate from the Kailash Mansarovar region. Annually, countless pilgrims and nature enthusiasts make their way to this sacred land during the optimal season, spanning from May to October. The pinnacle of this expedition is the three-day Kailash Parikrama, a spiritual circumambulation around Mount Kailash. This journey involves three days of strenuous trekking, including a challenging ascent to the 5600-meter-high Dolma La pass.
Commencing in Lhasa, you have the flexibility to reach this remarkable city from mainland China or Kathmandu, Nepal. Spending three nights in Lhasa, you can acclimatize to the high altitude while immersing yourself in its historical treasures. The Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Norbulinka Palace, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Barkhor Square are among the must-visit sites in Lhasa. Continuing on, you will traverse to the historic towns of Shigatse and Gyantse as part of our Lhasa to Kailash Mansarovar Tour package. During this journey, you will explore the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, admire the stunning Yamdrok Lake along the route, and visit the Gyantse Zhong. After a captivating exploration of central Tibet and its historical gems, we venture into western Tibet via Saga. The driving route provides mesmerizing views of the Himalayas, traversing numerous high mountain passes. The distinctive landscapes, direct interactions with local communities, and immersion in Tibetan culture make the Mount Kailash and Lhasa Expedition an enchanting experience like no other.
Highlights Of Mount Kailash and Lhasa Tour
- A visit to Lhasa's popular spots, including the Potala Palace, Norbulinka Palace, Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, and Barkhor Square.
- Traveling on smooth, nicely constructed roads.
- Crossing high mountain passes adorned with colorful Tibetan flags.
- Exploring additional important landmarks along the route.
- Taking in the wide, breathtaking views of majestic mountains and stunning lakes.
- Discovering the traditions and people of the local Tibetan culture.
- Visiting the sacred Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash.
- Completing a three-day circuit around Mount Kailash by either walking or with the assistance of horses.
Lhasa to Kailash Mansarovar Tour
The Lhasa to Kailash Mansarovar Journey is yet another incredibly breathtaking and astounding adventure we offer. The majority of our Mount Kailash and Lhasa tours are conducted in groups, but if you wish to have a private experience, we can accommodate your preferences and create a personalized tour plan. Annapurna Encounter Team provides an excellent group coordinator and a team of dedicated members to ensure your trip becomes a cherished memory. You can place your full trust in our knowledgeable Tibetan and Nepali guides who have been at the forefront of group tours in central and western Tibet for a considerable period, offering valuable insights into local cultures and places. This tour schedule can be adapted to include other well-known destinations in Tibet, such as the Everest Base Camp, Guge Valley, Namtso Lake, the Indus River Valley, and many more.
Itinerary Expand All Close All
Morning after breakfast, transfer to international airport. Our guide will pick up you either from Lhasa train station or from Gonggar Airport Lhasa. Day will be rest in hotel for your acclimatization in high altitude.
- Overnight hotel
- Gonggar airport to Lhasa city: 65 km | 1 hr. & 15 minutes.
- Altitude of Lhasa: 3650 m. | 11972 ft.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Elevation
3650
A guide from Annapurna Encounter will show you around the historic sites in Lhasa. You'll visit the Jokhang Temple, where Lord Buddha's residence was discovered in 647 AD by King Songtsen Gampo. You'll also explore the Sera Monastery, established in 1419 AD, which serves as a university for monks. Another stop today will be the Drepung Monastery, another university with over 7700 monks. Your overnight stay will be at a hotel.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
After your morning meal at the hotel, you'll begin your tour of Lhasa. The Potala Palace, which served as the residence of the Dalai Lama until 1959, is one of the world's wonders and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Another attraction is the Norbulinka Palace, a traditional summer residence of the Dalai Lama constructed in 1755. You'll also visit Barkhor Square, an old market in Lhasa. Your overnight stay will be at a hotel.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accomodation
Hotel/ Lodge
Your journey kicks off after breakfast in Lhasa. You'll have the opportunity to view golden fields along the banks of the Lhasa River. As you pass through several high mountain passes, you'll be treated to clear views of the Tibetan Himalayas and the massive Khorala Glacier, which stands at 7200 meters. Your destination is Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet and the administrative hub of western Tibet. From here, it's just a 5-hour drive to Mount Everest.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Elevation
7200
Today, it's a short drive from Shigatse to Lhaste, which helps you acclimatize to the altitude, making it more suitable for your Kailash Parikrama. You'll pass through varied landscapes, including plateau terrain, green fields, rivers, barley fields, high mountain passes, and typical Tibetan villages.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Elevation
3950
You'll enter the Ngari region of Tibet today, with Saga being one of the Tibetan towns in western Tibet and known as the gateway to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. Along the way, you'll encounter several lakes, nomadic tents, and yaks and sheep being herded by the locals. In the late afternoon, you'll cross the Brahmaputra River to reach Saga.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Elevation
4450
The journey begins with great anticipation as you look forward to your first view of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. You'll arrive at the small town of Chiu Gumba for an overnight stay. You can also visit Chiu Monastery located atop a hill near the bank of Mansarovar. Your accommodations will be at a guest house.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Elevation
4580
Take some time to explore the area and then drive to Darchen (40km – 1 hour), the base of Kailash. Prepare for the Kailash Kora and enjoy the morning view of the lake with the sunrise. You'll spend more than half a day here before driving to Darchen for the night. Bathing in the waters of Mansarovar is a preferred ritual for most pilgrims. You can also participate in a puja or hawan ceremony at the lake's shore and explore the hot springs near Chiu Gumpa. Your overnight stay will be at a guest house.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Elevation
4575
Early in the morning, you'll start your drive from Darchen. Our staff will provide you with a packed lunch for the journey. You'll head to the Valley of the God, also known as Yamadwar, and then commence your walk towards Derapuk. The walking trail is relatively flat with some minor inclines. Upon reaching Derapuk, you'll have a view of the north face of Mount Kailash. Your overnight accommodations will be at a guest house.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Elevation
4900
Today is the most challenging and significant day of the tour. You'll start your walk very early in the morning, facing steep uphill climbs until you reach Dolma La pass, followed by a sudden descent towards Gauri Kunda. You'll continue trekking to Juthulpuk, with different perspectives of Mount Kailash along the way. You'll spend the night at a guest house.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Elevation
5613
You'll embark on a gentle and straightforward walk from Juthulpuk to Darchen. Meet your transportation and drive back to Saga via Darchen, with an opportunity to collect holy water from Mansarovar along the way. Your overnight stay will be at a guest house.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Returning the same way, you'll drive back to Shigatse. If you haven't visited Tashilhunpo Monastery before, you'll have another chance to do so.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
The journey back to Lhasa follows the same route. You can drive via Yamdrok Lake by departing early in the morning from Shigatse.
Food
Breakfast+Dinner+Lunch ( Included)
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
We'll drop you off at Lhasa train station or Gonggar Airport.
