• Arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport / railway station • Meet local guide and transfer to hotel • Rest for acclimatization • Light walk around hotel area • Overnight in Lhasa
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Lhasa – Everest – Manasarovar – Mount Kailash Trek – Lhasa
15Days
Overview
The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Kathmandu is one of the most sacred and spiritually powerful journeys in the world. Located in the remote Tibetan plateau, Mount Kailash is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, while Lake Manasarovar is considered a symbol of purity and enlightenment.
With the Kerung (Rasuwagadhi–Gyirong) road closed after the August 2026 floods, this overland journey now crosses from Nepal into Tibet via the Kodari–Zhangmu (Tatopani) border, following the historic Araniko Highway — a route that offers excellent acclimatization as you climb gradually from the lush Bhote Koshi gorge (2,300 m) through Nyalam (3,750 m) onto the vast Tibetan plateau at Saga (4,450 m).
The return journey adds the cultural heart of Tibet to your pilgrimage: driving east from Saga through Shigatse, Gyantse, and the turquoise Yamdrok Lake to Lhasa (3,650 m), home of the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. The yatra concludes with a spectacular one-hour Himalayan flight back to Kathmandu, offering panoramic views of Everest and the central Himalaya on a clear day.
Organized by Hiking Friends Travel Nepal, this trip ensures full support from Kathmandu to Lhasa, including permits, Chinese group visa assistance, an experienced Tibetan guide, transport, oxygen backup, and accommodation.
Mount Kailash is sacred to multiple religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. Lake Manasarovar is considered one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world and symbolizes purity, peace, and spiritual rebirth.
Highlights
- Sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash (6,638 m) and Lake Manasarovar (4,590 m)
- Overland entry to Tibet via the Kodari–Zhangmu (Tatopani) Friendship Bridge — the open crossing while Kerung is closed
- Drive the historic Araniko Highway from Kathmandu through the Bhote Koshi gorge
- Gradual, safer acclimatization: Zhangmu (2,300 m) → Nyalam (3,750 m) → Saga (4,450 m)
- Crossing of Tong La Pass (5,150 m) with close views of Mt. Shishapangma (8,027 m)
- Two full days of guided sightseeing in Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Sera and Drepung monasteries
- Scenic drive to Lhasa via Gyantse Kumbum, Karo La glacier (5,045 m), and Yamdrok Lake
- Spectacular Himalayan flight Lhasa → Kathmandu (Everest views when seated on the right side)
- Carefully planned high-altitude itinerary with oxygen support and an experienced Tibetan guide
- Full assistance with Tibet travel permit, Chinese group visa, and border formalities
Day-by-Day Itinerary
• Visit Potala Palace (historic palace & museum) • Visit Jokhang Temple (cultural heritage site) • Walk around Barkhor old town market • Overnight in Lhasa
• Visit Drepung Monastery (largest monastery in Tibet) • Visit Sera Monastery (famous for monk debate courtyard) • Afternoon free for rest • Overnight in Lhasa
• Scenic drive via Yamdrok Lake • Stop at Karo La Pass (glacier viewpoint) • Visit Gyantse Kumbum Stupa (architectural landmark) • Continue to Shigatse • Overnight in Shigatse
• Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery (historical site) • Drive towards Everest region • Reach Everest Base Camp (North Face, Tibet side) • Sunset view of Mount Everest (weather permitting) • Overnight at guesthouse near EBC
• Early morning Everest view • Drive across vast Tibetan plateau landscapes • Reach Saga town • Overnight in Saga
• Drive along Brahmaputra River basin • Visit Lake Manasarovar for scenery and photography • Visit Rakshastal Lake (unique saltwater lake) • Overnight near Manasarovar
• Morning walk along lake shore (optional) • Scenic drive to Darchen town • Rest and prepare for trek around Mount Kailash • Overnight in Darchen
🥾 Mount Kailash Trek (Cultural & Adventure Experience) (Trek is optional; vehicle stay possible for non-trekkers) • Start trek around Mount Kailash • Enjoy dramatic mountain landscapes • North face view of Mount Kailash • Overnight at basic guesthouse
• Cross Dolma La Pass (5,630 m) • High-altitude trekking experience • Descend to Zuthulpuk valley • Overnight at guesthouse
• Complete trek • Drive back to Saga • Overnight in Saga
• Long scenic drive across Tibetan plateau • Overnight in Shigatse
• Drive back to Lhasa • Free time for shopping and rest • Optional farewell dinner • Overnight in Lhasa
• Leisure day • Optional short walks, cafe time, photography • Overnight in Lhasa
Transfer to airport / railway station
Cost Details
What's Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- All necessary travel permits in Tibet.
- All entrance fees as described in the itinerary above.
- Experienced Tibetan guide in Tibet (English language).
- Transportation, we will arrange a comfortable mini van for the whole trip.
- Vehicle fuel, tools and vehicle repairs (if necessary).
- Driver and guide’s food and accommodation.
- Accommodation. 1 single room during g the stay at hotels with breakfast
- In Lhasa Banashol hotel or similar
- In Shigatse, Gesar hotel or similar
- In Saga : Northern Holiday Hotel or similar
- In Darchen Mt Divine Recreation Hotel or Kailash Castle Hotel
- In EBC, tent guesthouse (Mt Everest Base camp )
- Guest houses dorm bed without bath room during the trek around Mt Kailash.
- Your all entrance fee for monasteries or lakes,Mt Everest and Mt kailash, listed on an itinerary.
- Tourist accident/casualty insurance.
- Travel agency service fee.
- Oxygen tank & bottled mineral water...
- Porters or yaks to carry your language during the kora around Mt Kailash
Not Included
- China VISA fee
- Plane or train tickets to or out of Tibet.
- Meals and drinks except breakfasts . Our guide who will recommend local Tibet restaurant, here food costs is about 50-100Yuan per person each time.
- Personal expenses
- Horse for personal use during the Kora around Mt kailash, if you need it.
- Important Note:
- The Mount Kailash Kora is optional. Travelers who choose not to trek may remain in Darchen and rejoin the group upon completion of the pilgrimage circuit.
Gear List
Essential Documents Passport (minimum 6 months validity) Chinese Visa & Tibet Travel Permit Travel insurance copy Passport-size photo Copies of important documents Duffel Bag & Daypack Duffel bag (carried in vehicle/yak during Kailash trek) Small daypack (20–35L) for daily essentials Waterproof backpack cover Waist pouch for passport, money, and phone Clothing Base Layers Thermal tops and bottoms (2 pairs) Moisture-wicking T-shirts Comfortable trekking pants Innerwear Mid Layers Fleece jacket or warm hoodie Light wool sweater Softshell jacket (optional) Outer Layers Warm down jacket Waterproof and windproof jacket Waterproof pants or rain pants Trekking & Camp Wear Comfortable travel clothes Extra warm clothing for evenings Light clothes for Kathmandu and Lhasa Headwear & Hand Protection Warm beanie or wool hat Sun hat or cap Neck buff or scarf Warm gloves Waterproof gloves (optional) Footwear Comfortable trekking boots with good grip Lightweight camp shoes or sandals Warm trekking socks (4–5 pairs) Good trekking shoes are especially important during the Kailash Parikrama, where the trail crosses rocky terrain and the high pass near Dolma La (5,630m). Personal Care & Toiletries Toothbrush & toothpaste Soap & shampoo Sunscreen SPF 50+ Lip balm Moisturizer Wet wipes Hand sanitizer Toilet paper/tissues Quick-dry towel The Tibetan Plateau has strong UV exposure and very dry air, so sunscreen and moisturizer are essential throughout the trip. (tibettourism.com) Medicines & Health Items Personal medications Altitude sickness medicine (consult doctor) Pain reliever Cold & flu medicine Diamox (if recommended by your doctor) Motion sickness tablets Band-aids and blister care Basic first-aid kit Water purification tablets (optional) Electronics Mobile phone Camera Power bank Universal travel adapter Charging cables Extra batteries or memory cards Headlamp or flashlight Snacks & Hydration Reusable water bottle or thermos Energy bars and dry snacks Electrolyte powder Optional but Useful Trekking poles Sleeping bag (-10°C to -15°C recommended) Sunglasses with UV protection Notebook and pen Prayer flags or pilgrimage items Important Tips Dress in layers because temperatures can change quickly. Keep warm clothing and important medicines in your daypack. Drink plenty of water during the journey for better acclimatization. Pack light but include proper cold-weather gear for the Kailash trek. Modest clothing is recommended when visiting monasteries and sacred sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Travelers need a valid Chinese visa along with Tibet Travel Permit and other necessary permits for Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash regions. Hiking Friends Travel Nepal will arrange all required documents after booking confirmation.
The best season is from April to October, when weather conditions are more stable, roads are accessible, and mountain views are clearer. May–September is especially popular for Kailash pilgrimage.
The Kailash Parikrama is considered moderate to challenging due to high altitude (up to 5,630 m at Dolma La Pass). Proper acclimatization is included in the itinerary, and pony/yak support is available for luggage in some sections.
In Kathmandu and Lhasa, comfortable 3 star hotels are provided depending on the package. During the Everest and Kailash region, accommodation is in basic guesthouses or lodges with clean but simple facilities.
Yes, since the journey reaches very high altitudes, mild altitude sickness can occur. The itinerary is designed with proper acclimatization days in Lhasa and during the journey. Our guides carry necessary support, and oxygen is available if required.
