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A longer overland package for foreign passport holders, planned with extra acclimatisation, permit lead time and more buffer around the Tibetan plateau crossing.
Duration
16N/17D
Group Size
6–18 pilgrims
Best Time
May to September, subject to permits and route conditions
Difficulty
Challenging
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Route overview
Day 1 of 17
Upon arrival at Lhasa's Gongga Airport, you will be greeted by our team and transferred to your luxurious hotel in the heart of the city. Spend the day acclimatizing to the high altitude, exploring the hotel's amenities, and enjoying a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Savor traditional Tibetan cuisine, such as thukpa (noodle soup) and momos (dumplings), while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayas. In the morning, engage in a meditation session at the hotel's serene courtyard, guided by a local monk. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama, and explore its opulent temples, chapels, and murals adorning the walls. As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the bustling Barkhor Street, lined with colorful prayer flags, shops, and stalls selling local handicrafts.
Day 2 of 17
Begin the day with a gentle yoga session at the hotel, followed by a nutritious breakfast. Visit the Jokhang Temple, one of the most sacred sites in Tibetan Buddhism, and witness the vibrant atmosphere of pilgrims and monks. Explore the adjacent Tsuklakhang Temple, housing a stunning collection of thangkas (Buddhist paintings) and ancient manuscripts. In the afternoon, visit the Norbulingka Palace, the summer residence of the Dalai Lama, and discover its beautiful gardens, temples, and intricate wooden carvings. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan tea ceremony, savoring the flavors of butter tea and snacks, while learning about the significance of this ancient ritual. In the evening, indulge in a sumptuous dinner at a local restaurant, featuring dishes such as tsampa (roasted barley) and yak meat.
Day 3 of 17
After a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic trek to the breathtaking Yamdrok Lake, situated at an altitude of 4,441 meters. The trail winds through rolling hills, barley fields, and villages, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival, take a leisurely boat ride on the lake's crystal-clear waters, admiring the surrounding mountains and spotting rare aquatic birds. Enjoy a packed lunch at a scenic spot, featuring dishes such as Tibetan-style fried rice and vegetables. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Karo La Pass, where you can witness the majestic beauty of the Himalayas. Return to Lhasa in the evening, relaxing with a rejuvenating massage at the hotel spa.
Day 4 of 17
After a leisurely breakfast, depart for Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, via the scenic Gyantse Valley. The drive passes through stunning landscapes, with the snow-capped Himalayas as a backdrop. Visit the majestic Gyantse Dzong, a 14th-century fortress, and explore its impressive murals, chapels, and ancient artifacts. Stop at the nearby Pelkhor Chode Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire its intricate architecture and peaceful atmosphere. In the evening, arrive in Shigatse and check-in to your luxurious hotel, enjoying a sumptuous dinner featuring local specialties such as Tibetan-style BBQ and steamed dumplings.
Day 5 of 17
Begin the day with a gentle stroll through the bustling Shigatse Market, where you can purchase local handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs. Visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the largest functioning Buddhist monasteries in Tibet, and witness its impressive architecture, intricate murals, and stunning thangkas. Explore the adjacent Shigatse Museum, featuring an extensive collection of Tibetan art, artifacts, and historical relics. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Ngam Cho Monastery, a 17th-century temple, and admire its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan tea ceremony, savoring the flavors of butter tea and snacks, while learning about the significance of this ancient ritual.
Day 6 of 17
After a hearty breakfast, depart for Saga, a small town situated at the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, via the scenic Lhatse Valley. The drive passes through stunning landscapes, with the snow-capped Himalayas as a backdrop. Visit the nearby Lhatse Dzong, a 17th-century fortress, and explore its impressive murals, chapels, and ancient artifacts. Stop at the nearby Pelkhor Chode Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire its intricate architecture and peaceful atmosphere. In the evening, arrive in Saga and check-in to your luxurious hotel, enjoying a sumptuous dinner featuring local specialties such as Tibetan-style BBQ and steamed dumplings.
Day 7 of 17
After a leisurely breakfast, depart for Darchen, a small town situated at the foot of Mount Kailash, via the scenic Saga Valley. The drive passes through stunning landscapes, with the snow-capped Himalayas as a backdrop. Visit the nearby Lake Manasarovar, one of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism, and take a leisurely boat ride on its crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a packed lunch at a scenic spot, featuring dishes such as Tibetan-style fried rice and vegetables. In the afternoon, arrive in Darchen and check-in to your luxurious hotel, enjoying a rejuvenating massage at the hotel spa.
Day 8 of 17
Spend the day relaxing and acclimatizing to the high altitude, enjoying the hotel's amenities and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Engage in a meditation session at the hotel's serene courtyard, guided by a local monk. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Darchen village, taking in the sights and sounds of the local market and shops. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner featuring local specialties such as Tibetan-style BBQ and steamed dumplings.
Day 9 of 17
Begin the day with a gentle yoga session at the hotel, followed by a nutritious breakfast. Embark on the Mount Kailash Parikrama (Kora), a 52-kilometer trek around the sacred mountain, considered one of the most sacred sites in Tibetan Buddhism. The trek passes through stunning landscapes, with breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayas. Enjoy packed lunches and snacks along the way, featuring dishes such as Tibetan-style fried rice and vegetables. In the evening, arrive back at the hotel and enjoy a rejuvenating massage at the hotel spa.
Day 10 of 17
Spend the day relaxing and acclimatizing to the high altitude, enjoying the hotel's amenities and scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Engage in a meditation session at the hotel's serene courtyard, guided by a local monk. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Darchen village, taking in the sights and sounds of the local market and shops. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner featuring local specialties such as Tibetan-style BBQ and steamed dumplings.
Day 11 of 17
After a hearty breakfast, depart for Saga, a small town situated at the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, via the scenic Darchen Valley. The drive passes through stunning landscapes, with the snow-capped Himalayas as a backdrop. Visit the nearby Lake Manasarovar, one of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism, and take a leisurely boat ride on its crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a packed lunch at a scenic spot, featuring dishes such as Tibetan-style fried rice and vegetables. In the evening, arrive in Saga and check-in to your luxurious hotel, enjoying a sumptuous dinner featuring local specialties such as Tibetan-style BBQ and steamed dumplings.
Day 12 of 17
After a leisurely breakfast, depart for Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, via the scenic Gyantse Valley. The drive passes through stunning landscapes, with the snow-capped Himalayas as a backdrop. Visit the majestic Gyantse Dzong, a 14th-century fortress, and explore its impressive murals, chapels, and ancient artifacts. Stop at the nearby Pelkhor Chode Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire its intricate architecture and peaceful atmosphere. In the evening, arrive in Shigatse and check-in to your luxurious hotel, enjoying a sumptuous dinner featuring local specialties such as Tibetan-style BBQ and steamed dumplings.
Day 13 of 17
Begin the day with a gentle stroll through the bustling Shigatse Market, where you can purchase local handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs. Visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the largest functioning Buddhist monasteries in Tibet, and witness its impressive architecture, intricate murals, and stunning thangkas. Explore the adjacent Shigatse Museum, featuring an extensive collection of Tibetan art, artifacts, and historical relics. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Ngam Cho Monastery, a 17th-century temple, and admire its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan tea ceremony, savoring the flavors of butter tea and snacks, while learning about the significance of this ancient ritual.
Day 14 of 17
After a hearty breakfast, depart for Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, via the scenic Gyantse Valley. The drive passes through stunning landscapes, with the snow-capped Himalayas as a backdrop. Visit the majestic Gyantse Dzong, a 14th-century fortress, and explore its impressive murals, chapels, and ancient artifacts. Stop at the nearby Pelkhor Chode Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire its intricate architecture and peaceful atmosphere. In the evening, arrive in Lhasa and check-in to your luxurious hotel, enjoying a sumptuous dinner featuring local specialties such as Tibetan-style BBQ and steamed dumplings.
Day 15 of 17
Begin the day with a gentle yoga session at the hotel, followed by a nutritious breakfast. Visit the Jokhang Temple, one of the most sacred sites in Tibetan Buddhism, and witness the vibrant atmosphere of pilgrims and monks. Explore the adjacent Tsuklakhang Temple, housing a stunning collection of thangkas (Buddhist paintings) and ancient manuscripts. In the afternoon, visit the Norbulingka Palace, the summer residence of the Dalai Lama, and discover its beautiful gardens, temples, and intricate wooden carvings. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan tea ceremony, savoring the flavors of butter tea and snacks, while learning about the significance of this ancient ritual.
Day 16 of 17
Spend the day relaxing and shopping for souvenirs in the bustling Barkhor Street, lined with colorful prayer flags, shops, and stalls selling local handicrafts. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, featuring a sumptuous spread of Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. In the evening, depart for the airport and board your flight back home, bringing back memories of your extraordinary journey to the Roof of the World.
Day 17 of 17
Bid farewell to the majestic landscapes and rich culture of Tibet, as you depart from Lhasa's Gongga Airport. Take with you the memories of your incredible journey, the warmth of the Tibetan people, and the blessings of the sacred Mount Kailash.
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Difficulty
Challenging
Highest altitude
Ask for route-specific altitude guidance
Walking expectation
This is a demanding high-altitude journey. Medical clearance and travel insurance with evacuation cover are strongly recommended., The Dolma La crossing reaches about 5,630 metres; the itinerary must retain acclimatisation time and may change for safety., China/Tibet visas, permits, border access and the availability of routes or sacred sites must be reconfirmed before any payment or flight booking.
Acclimatization
Extra acclimatization can be discussed
Questions
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The most ideal time for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is between May and September. During these months, the weather is relatively stable with clearer skies and milder temperatures. However, you should always be prepared for sudden weather changes, as the high-altitude environment in Tibet is notoriously unpredictable. The monsoon season in July and August brings some rain to the lower regions, but the Tibetan plateau remains relatively dry, making it a viable time for the pilgrimage.
The highest point on the outer kora (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash is the Dolma La Pass, which sits at an impressive altitude of approximately 5,630 meters (18,471 feet). Acclimatization is absolutely critical for this journey, and our itineraries are carefully designed with gradual ascents and rest days to help your body adjust to the extreme altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.