18-Day Mt. Kailash Pilgrimage Tour & Trek
Make your holiday awesome
Book this trip as a private departure -for any group, big or small
More Information
Embark on a spiritual journey through Tibet, exploring the palaces, monasteries, and sacred landscapes of Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, and the Tibetan Highlands. Travel by 4WD jeep through remote regions, following the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley, to reach the sacred Lake Manasarovar and the awe-inspiring Mount Kailash. Complete the revered pilgrimage by trekking the Kora around the holy mountain, a significant spiritual experience. Afterward, return to Lhasa or continue via the Friendship Highway to Kathmandu, Nepal, for the conclusion of this transformative tour.
Tour Highlights:
-
Explore the cultural and spiritual heart of Tibet: Visit iconic palaces, monasteries, and temples, immersing yourself in the rich history and traditions of Tibet.
-
4WD Journey Across the Tibetan Highlands: Traverse remote landscapes by 4WD jeep, following the Yarlung Tsangpo River, to the sacred areas of Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash.
-
Sacred Pilgrimage Trek: Experience a life-changing trek around Mount Kailash, completing the revered Kora (circumambulation).
-
Flexibility in Departure: Conclude your journey either by returning to Lhasa or continuing via the Friendship Highway to Kathmandu, Nepal.
Program Overview:
-
Total Duration: 18 Days
-
Daily Trek Duration: 5-7 hours
-
Route: A combination of lodge stays and camping
-
Difficulty Level: Moderate
-
Best Season: April to October
This spiritual and physical journey offers an unparalleled chance to connect with Tibet’s sacred sites and landscapes. From the bustling streets of Lhasa to the serenity of Lake Manasarovar and the challenge of the Kailash trek, each day is an adventure in itself, perfect for those seeking both physical challenge and spiritual fulfillment.
Fly to Lhasa, Tibet from Kathmandu, Chengdu, or Beijing. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude and relaxing in the serene surroundings of Tibet's capital city.
Begin your exploration of Lhasa with visits to its most famous cultural and spiritual landmarks, including:
- Potala Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the former residence of the Dalai Lama.
- Norbulinka: The Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama.
- Drepung Monastery: Once one of the largest monasteries in Tibet, renowned for its spiritual significance.
- Sera Monastery: Famous for its monastic debates and picturesque architecture.
- Jokhang Temple: The holiest temple in Tibet, situated at the heart of Lhasa.
- Barkhor Bazaar: A lively market where you can experience Tibetan culture and shop for traditional items.
Overnights in hotel accommodations in Lhasa.
Drive westward from Lhasa, passing through the scenic Yamdrok Lake, and continue to the towns of Gyantse and Shigatse. Visit the Pelkor Chode Monastery and Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, two of Tibet’s most significant spiritual sites.
- Overnight in Gyantse (Hotel) and Lhatse (Guesthouse or Tent).
Travel further west into the Tibetan Highlands, following the great Yarlung Tsangpo River. The journey takes you through Saga and Dongba before reaching the stunning Lake Manasarovar, a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kailash from the nearby town of Darchen, your base for the trek around Kailash.
- Overnight in Guesthouses or Tents.
Take a day to relax and explore the spiritual significance of Lake Manasarovar. This is a key site for pilgrims, and you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, visit temples, and reflect on the journey ahead.
- Overnight in Tents.
Begin your sacred Kora (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash, the holiest mountain in Tibetan Buddhism. The trek will take you across high-altitude terrain, with stunning views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes. Key stops include:
- Droma La Pass: A high-altitude pass offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
- Drira Puk: A sacred monastery where pilgrims often stop for prayer.
- Zuthulpuk Cave: A meditation cave that holds spiritual significance, where you’ll camp for the night. This trek is a challenging yet rewarding experience, deepening your connection to the sacredness of Kailash.
- Overnight in Tents throughout the trek.
After completing the Kora, return to your starting point in Darchen. From here, you can either:
- Drive back to Lhasa for further sightseeing and exploration, or
- Journey along the Friendship Highway to Kathmandu, Nepal, a scenic route that offers a different perspective of the Tibetan plateau. The tour concludes with a flight from either Lhasa to your home country or a continued journey to Kathmandu.
