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A shorter overland version for Nepalese travellers, keeping Kathmandu as the main staging point while tightening the route and rest days.
Duration
9N/10D
Group Size
6–16 pilgrims
Best Time
May to September, subject to permits and route conditions
Difficulty
Challenging
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Route overview
Day 1 of 10
Begin your sacred journey with a warm welcome at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Our expert guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your luxurious hotel in Lhasa. After settling in, embark on an acclimatization stroll to the nearby Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama. Explore the palace's grand halls, chapels, and temples, and witness the intricate Tibetan architecture. Enjoy a traditional Nepali lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the vibrant Jokhang Temple, one of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism. As the sun sets, indulge in a sumptuous welcome dinner at a renowned local restaurant, featuring an array of Tibetan and Nepali delicacies. Overnight at the luxurious Lhasa hotel, with breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
Day 2 of 10
Delve deeper into Lhasa's rich history and culture on this fascinating day. Start with a visit to the bustling Barkhor Street, a sacred circuit for Tibetan pilgrims. Explore the nearby Drepung Monastery, one of the largest and most important monasteries in Tibet. Witness the mesmerizing chanting of monks and the vibrant colors of traditional Tibetan attire. Savor a traditional Tibetan lunch at a local family's home, where you can learn about their customs and traditions. In the afternoon, visit the vibrant Namtso Lake, the highest saltwater lake in the world, and enjoy a scenic boat ride on its serene waters. As the sun sets, return to Lhasa and enjoy a leisurely evening stroll around the city, taking in the sights and sounds of this enchanting place. Overnight at the luxurious Lhasa hotel.
Day 3 of 10
Bid farewell to Lhasa and embark on a scenic drive to Shigatse (280 km, 4 hours). Visit the magnificent Tashilhunpo Monastery, the largest functioning monastery in Tibet and the seat of the Panchen Lama. Marvel at the stunning architecture, intricate murals, and sacred artifacts. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the nearby Shigatse market, where you can browse local handicrafts and souvenirs. Return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Overnight at the luxurious Shigatse hotel.
Day 4 of 10
Depart Shigatse and drive to Saga (420 km, 7 hours), with breathtaking views of the Tibetan Plateau. Visit the charming Nyainrong County, known for its traditional Tibetan villages and stunning natural scenery. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the rolling hills and rugged mountains. Visit the Nyainrong Monastery, a sacred site for Tibetan pilgrims, and explore the surrounding countryside. Return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening, with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Overnight at the luxurious Saga hotel.
Day 5 of 10
Embark on a scenic drive to Darchen (420 km, 7 hours), the gateway to the sacred Mt. Kailash. Visit the charming Darchen village, surrounded by stunning mountains and scenic valleys. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the nearby Kailash Lake, a sacred site for Tibetan pilgrims. Explore the surrounding countryside, taking in the breathtaking views of the majestic Mt. Kailash. Return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening, with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Overnight at the luxurious Darchen hotel.
Day 6 of 10
Embark on the sacred Kailash Parikrama, a 52-kilometer circuit around the majestic Mt. Kailash. Trek through stunning landscapes, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visit the sacred Dirapuk Monastery, located at the foot of Mt. Kailash, and explore the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan lunch at a local monastery, followed by a visit to the nearby Tarboche Flagpole, a sacred site for Tibetan pilgrims. Return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening, with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Overnight at the luxurious Darchen hotel.
Day 7 of 10
Continue on the sacred Kailash Parikrama, trekking through stunning landscapes and taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visit the sacred Drolma La Pass, a sacred site for Tibetan pilgrims, and explore the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan lunch at a local monastery, followed by a visit to the nearby Juthulpuk Monastery, located at the foot of Mt. Kailash. Return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening, with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Overnight at the luxurious Darchen hotel.
Day 8 of 10
Bid farewell to the sacred Mt. Kailash region and embark on a scenic drive to Lhasa (420 km, 7 hours). Upon arrival, visit the majestic Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama. Explore the palace's grand halls, chapels, and temples, and witness the intricate Tibetan architecture. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the nearby Jokhang Temple, one of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism. Return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening, with breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Overnight at the luxurious Lhasa hotel.
Day 9 of 10
Delve deeper into Lhasa's rich history and culture on this fascinating day. Start with a visit to the bustling Barkhor Street, a sacred circuit for Tibetan pilgrims. Explore the nearby Drepung Monastery, one of the largest and most important monasteries in Tibet. Witness the mesmerizing chanting of monks and the vibrant colors of traditional Tibetan attire. Savor a traditional Tibetan lunch at a local family's home, where you can learn about their customs and traditions. In the afternoon, visit the vibrant Namtso Lake, the highest saltwater lake in the world, and enjoy a scenic boat ride on its serene waters. As the sun sets, return to Lhasa and enjoy a leisurely evening stroll around the city, taking in the sights and sounds of this enchanting place. Overnight at the luxurious Lhasa hotel.
Day 10 of 10
Bid farewell to Lhasa and embark on your return journey to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Our expert guide will transfer you to the airport, where you will depart for your onward journey. Take with you the memories of your sacred journey to Mt. Kailash and the enchanting city of Lhasa, and cherish the experiences of a lifetime.
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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.