Kailash-Manasarovar-Lhasa from Kathmandu (Overland Tour No Kora Trek)

This day is used for trip briefing, Chinese group visa and Tibet permit processing, and final preparation for the Kailash Yatra. You will meet your guide and group, and all necessary documents will be arranged. If time allows, a short sightseeing visit to Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa can be organized. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Meals: Bed and breakfast

After an early breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Kodari (~115 km, 5–6 hrs) via Dhulikhel on the Araniko Highway. The road follows the Sun Koshi and Bhote Koshi river gorges with waterfalls and deep valleys. Complete Nepal immigration at the Tatopani/Kodari checkpoint, then cross the Friendship Bridge and complete Chinese immigration. Drive a short distance up the steep gorge road to Zhangmu (Dram/Khasa, 2,300 m), where your Tibetan guide and driver receive you. Check into your hotel and rest for acclimatization.

Distance/Drive: ~115 km, 5–6 hrs

Meals: Bed and breakfast

Transport: Bus/jeep

A short but dramatic drive (30–35 km, ~1 hr) climbs the switchback road out of the gorge to Nyalam (3,750 m) on the plateau edge. The rest of the day is kept deliberately light for acclimatization: rest, hydrate, and take a gentle walk around the town for views of the Langtang and Rolwaling Himalayan ranges. Overnight in Nyalam.

Distance/Drive: ~35 km, 1 hr + rest

Drive from Nyalam to Saga (approx. 230–240 km, 6–7 hrs). The road climbs onto the high plateau, crossing Tong La Pass (5,150 m) with spectacular views of Mt. Shishapangma (8,027 m) — the only 8,000-meter peak entirely within Tibet. Weather permitting, stop at the beautiful Peiku Tso (Peikutso) Lake en route. Descend to the wide plains of Saga (4,450 m), the gateway to western Tibet. Check into your hotel and rest to adjust to the altitude.

Distance/Drive: ~240 km, 6–7 hrs

After breakfast, drive from Saga to the sacred Lake Manasarovar, a long but scenic journey of about 450 km (9–10 hrs) across the far western plateau, with nomad camps, herds of yak, and distant views of the Kailash range. On arrival at Manasarovar (approx. 4,590 m), settle into your guesthouse. Spend the evening absorbing the peaceful spiritual atmosphere of the holy lake, with Rakshas Tal nearby and Mt. Kailash rising beyond.

Distance/Drive: ~450 km, 9–10 hrs

A short drive of about 30 km takes you to Darchen, the base camp of Mount Kailash and the starting point of the kora. Enjoy views of Chiu Gompa monastery and the lake this morning before departure. After reaching Darchen, rest and prepare for the next phase of the journey. No trekking is scheduled today.

Distance/Drive: ~30 km

Today you will take a short excursion by vehicle to a viewpoint of Mount Kailash (6,638 m). From here you can witness the sacred mountain up close from a distance — an unforgettable spiritual moment for pilgrims. You may also visit nearby monasteries or spiritual sites depending on time and conditions. Return to Darchen for overnight stay.

Drive back from Darchen to Saga (~475–490 km, 9–10 hrs), retracing the route across the Tibetan plateau. Upon arrival in Saga, check into your hotel and rest after the long journey.

Distance/Drive: ~480 km, 9–10 hrs

Today the journey turns east toward central Tibet. Drive from Saga to Shigatse (3,840 m) via Lhatse (~500 km, 8–9 hrs), following the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) valley. Shigatse is Tibet's second-largest city and seat of the Panchen Lama. In the afternoon (or the following morning), visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the oldest and largest functioning monasteries in Tibet. Overnight in Shigatse at a comfortable hotel.

One of the most spectacular driving days of the trip. Drive to Gyantse (95 km) to visit the famous Pelkor Chode Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum, with its layered chapels. Continue over Karo La Pass (5,045 m), with close views of the Karo La glacier, then descend to the astonishing turquoise Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's three holiest lakes. Cross Kamba La Pass (4,794 m) and descend to the Lhasa valley. Arrive in Lhasa (3,650 m) in the evening and check into your hotel.

Distance/Drive: ~400 km, 8–9 hrs with sightseeing stops

• Potala Palace — the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rising 13 storeys above the city.
• Jokhang Temple — the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism, housing the revered Jowo Shakyamuni statue.
• Barkhor Bazaar — the circular pilgrim circuit and old-town market around Jokhang, ideal for souvenirs. Overnight in Lhasa.

Meals: Bed and breakfast

• Drepung Monastery — once the largest monastery in the world, home to thousands of monks.
• Sera Monastery — famous for its afternoon monk debates in the courtyard (usually weekdays).
• Norbulingka — the former summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, with beautiful gardens. Overnight in Lhasa. Farewell dinner in the evening.

Meals: Bed and breakfast

Early morning transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (~60 km) for your flight to Kathmandu (approx. 1 hour). On a clear day, the flight offers breathtaking views of Mt. Everest and the Himalayan range. On arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel or onward to your international flight. End of services.

Meals: Breakfast

Early morning transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (~60 km) for your flight to Kathmandu (approx. 1 hour). On a clear day, the flight offers breathtaking views of Mt. Everest and the Himalayan range. On arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel or onward to your international flight. End of services.

Meals: Breakfast

Transport: Airport drop (Lhasa) & pickup (Kathmandu)

Optional Extension: Return Overland to Kathmandu (adds 3 days → 17 days)

For travelers who prefer to end the trip in Kathmandu by road instead of flying:

• Day 14: Lhasa → Shigatse via express highway (~270 km, 3–4 hrs). Overnight Shigatse.
• Day 15: Shigatse → Nyalam via Lhatse (~485 km, 8–9 hrs). Overnight Nyalam.
• Day 16: Nyalam → Zhangmu → Friendship Bridge → Kodari → Kathmandu (~150 km, 6–7 hrs). Overnight Kathmandu.
• Day 17: Departure from Kathmandu.

Subject to the Kodari–Zhangmu border remaining open and road conditions on the Araniko Highway.

Transport: Airport drop (Lhasa) & pickup (Kathmandu)

The tour officially ends on Day 14 upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, after your one-hour flight back from Lhasa. You land in Kathmandu by early/mid-afternoon, where our representative meets you and transfers you either to your hotel or directly to your onward international departure. Most international flights out of Kathmandu leave in the evening or at night, so same-day departure is normally possible and your airport drop is included. Note that the hotel night in Kathmandu after the return flight is not part of the 14-day package.

When extra nights are needed:

Because international flight schedules vary, you may need or prefer extra nights in Kathmandu — for example:

• Your international flight leaves the next morning
• You want a full day of rest, shopping, or sightseeing after the yatra
• You arrive in Kathmandu before Day 1 of the fixed itinerary

These extra nights are NOT included in the package cost and can be arranged on request:

Rates are indicative and vary with season and hotel availability; exact rates are confirmed at booking.

If you choose the overland return to Kathmandu (17 days) instead of the Lhasa flight:

The Lhasa–Kathmandu flight fare is deducted from the package, while a supplement applies for the three additional days (vehicle, fuel, driver, guide, extended permits, and extra hotel nights in Shigatse and Nyalam). The supplement depends on group size and is quoted at booking.

Flight delays and cancellations:

The Lhasa–Kathmandu flight is weather-dependent and is occasionally delayed or cancelled. Any hotel nights, meals, or rebooking costs arising from delays, cancellations, or border/road closures are the traveler’s responsibility under the "unforeseen circumstances" exclusion — please make sure your travel insurance covers these. We strongly recommend keeping at least one buffer day after Day 14 before your international departure.