Mt Kailash by Lhasa – 18 Days
Experience the spiritual and breathtaking journey of Mt Kailash by Lhasa, combining scenic drives, cultural sightseeing, and a three-day trek around the sacred Mt Kailash.
Country
Tibet
Duration
18 Days
Difficulty
Hard
Trip Type
Pilgrimage Tour
Max Altitude
4760m/15617ft
Best Season
Mar-Dec
Accomodation
Hotel and Camping twin sharing bed basis during the tour.
Meals
All meals ( Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast) during the tour
Start/End Point
Kathmandu
Highlights & Overview
Explore Lhasa’s Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor StreetScenic drives across Tibetan plateau, Yamdrok Lake, and Gyantse KumbumVisit Tashilhunpo Monastery in ShigatseThree-day trek around sacred Mt KailashHigh-altitude camping and cultural immersion in remote Tibetan villagesPanoramic mountain, glacier, and lake viewsSpiritual experience and participation in Tibetan rituals
This 16-day Mt Kailash by Lhasa expedition is a perfect blend of cultural immersion, high-altitude adventure, and spiritual exploration. Starting in Lhasa, travelers will explore iconic landmarks such as the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple before embarking on scenic drives through Gyantse, Shigatse, and Saga. The highlight of the trip is the three-day trek around the sacred Mt Kailash, offering stunning views of glaciers, high-altitude lakes, and traditional Tibetan monasteries. With carefully planned acclimatization stops, camping at high-altitude regions, and comfortable hotel stays in lower elevations, this journey balances adventure with safety. Ideal for adventure travelers, spiritual seekers, and photographers, this trip offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of Tibet’s sacred landscapes.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft)
- Day 2: Transfer to Lhasa (3650m/11975ft)
- Day 3: Lhasa Sightseeing (3650m/11975ft)
- Day 4: Drive Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m/12959ft)
- Day 5: Drive Gyantse to Shigatse (3900m/12795ft)
- Day 6: Drive Shigatse to Sakya / Lhatse (3900m/12795ft)
- Day 7: Drive Lhatse to Saga (4600m/15092ft)
- Day 8: Drive Saga to Paryang (4550m/14928ft)
- Day 9: Drive Paryang to Chiu Gomba (4550m/14928ft)
- Day 10: Drive Chiu Gomba to Gosul Gomba (4550m/14928ft)
- Day 11: Drive Gosul Gomba to Darchen (4520m/14829ft)
- Day 12: Drive Darchen to Traboche and Trek to Dera Phuk (4860m/15945ft)
- Day 13: Trek Dera Phuk to Zutul Phuk (4760m/15617ft)
- Day 14: End Trek Near Darchen and Drive to Horaa (4500m/14763ft)
- Day 15: Drive Horaa to Paryang (4550m/14928ft)
- Day 16: Drive Paryang to Saga (4600m/15092ft)
- Day 17: Drive Saga to Nyalam (3750m/12295ft)
- Day 18: Drive Nyalam to Zhangmu (2300m/7546ft) and Return to Kathmandu
Price Includes
Tour/trekking GuideNecessary PermitsRoad permitsAccommodation on Bed and Breakfast BasisTransportation during the tripPrice Doesn't Include
FlightsGuide TipsDriver and helpersChina VisaAdditional Services if requirePersonal EquipmentsOther services if requireMt Kailash by Lhasa – 18 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft)
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Rest and acclimatize for the upcoming high-altitude journey to Tibet. Kathmandu offers vibrant culture, historical temples, and bustling markets to explore if time permits.
Max Altitude
1300m/4264ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Day 2: Transfer to Lhasa (3650m/11975ft)
Transfer to Kathmandu airport and fly to Lhasa. Arrive at Gongar Airport and transfer to your hotel. Rest and acclimatize to the Tibetan plateau, preparing for sightseeing and high-altitude drives.
Max Altitude
3650m/11975ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 3: Lhasa Sightseeing (3650m/11975ft)
Spend the day exploring Lhasa’s spiritual and cultural landmarks, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. Experience Tibetan culture and enjoy panoramic city views. Overnight at hotel.
Max Altitude
3650m/11975ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 4: Drive Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m/12959ft)
Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse, passing Yamdrok Lake with breathtaking turquoise waters. Explore Gyantse town and the iconic Gyantse Kumbum. Overnight at hotel.
Max Altitude
3950m/12959f
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 5: Drive Gyantse to Shigatse (3900m/12795ft)
Continue the drive to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. Overnight at hotel.
Max Altitude
3900m/12795ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 6: Drive Shigatse to Sakya / Lhatse (3900m/12795ft)
Drive from Shigatse through the Sakya region to Lhatse. Stop at local monasteries and enjoy high-altitude landscapes. Overnight at hotel.
Max Altitude
3900m/12795f
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 7: Drive Lhatse to Saga (4600m/15092ft)
Drive to Saga, a remote Tibetan town. Prepare for camping and acclimatization for the upcoming high-altitude trek.
Max Altitude
4600m/15092ft
Accomodation
Camping / Guesthouse
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 8: Drive Saga to Paryang (4550m/14928ft)
Drive to Paryang, traversing dramatic Tibetan plains and mountain passes. Overnight at camp.
Max Altitude
4550m/14928ft
Accomodation
Camp
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 9: Drive Paryang to Chiu Gomba (4550m/14928ft)
Drive to Chiu Gomba, enjoying vast Tibetan landscapes and high-altitude plateau views. Overnight at camp.
Max Altitude
4550m/14928ft
Accomodation
Camp
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 10: Drive Chiu Gomba to Gosul Gomba (4550m/14928ft)
Continue the scenic drive to Gosul Gomba camp, surrounded by high-altitude mountains and pristine lakes.
Max Altitude
4550m/14928f
Accomodation
Camp
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 11: Drive Gosul Gomba to Darchen (4520m/14829ft)
Drive to Darchen, the starting point of the Mt Kailash trek. Prepare for camping and trekking gear check.
Max Altitude
4520m/14829ft
Accomodation
Camp
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 12: Drive Darchen to Traboche and Trek to Dera Phuk (4860m/15945ft)
Begin the three-day trek around Mt Kailash, starting from Traboche to Dera Phuk. Enjoy stunning mountain views, high-altitude lakes, and remote landscapes.
Max Altitude
4860m/15945ft
Accomodation
Camp
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 13: Trek Dera Phuk to Zutul Phuk (4760m/15617ft)
Continue the Mt Kailash trek, reaching Zutul Phuk camp. Witness sacred rituals and panoramic views of glaciers and valleys.
Max Altitude
4760m/15617ft
Accomodation
Camp
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 14: End Trek Near Darchen and Drive to Horaa (4500m/14763ft)
Complete the trek and drive to Horaa camp, celebrating the spiritual journey around Mt Kailash.
Max Altitude
4500m/14763ft
Accomodation
Camp
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 15: Drive Horaa to Paryang (4550m/14928ft)
Drive back to Paryang camp, retracing scenic Tibetan landscapes. Overnight at camp.
Max Altitude
4550m/14928ft
Accomodation
Camp
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 16: Drive Paryang to Saga (4600m/15092ft)
Drive to Saga camp, preparing for the descent towards lower altitude regions.
Max Altitude
4600m/15092ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 17: Drive Saga to Nyalam (3750m/12295ft)
Drive to Nyalam camp, enjoying Tibetan villages and riverside scenery. Overnight at Hotel.
Max Altitude
3750m/12295ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 18: Drive Nyalam to Zhangmu (2300m/7546ft) and Return to Kathmandu
Descend to Zhangmu border and continue to Kathmandu, concluding the Mt Kailash by Lhasa adventure. Overnight at hotel.
Max Altitude
2300m/7546ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Packing Lists
Cloathing
Down jacket and warm fleeceLightweight waterproof jacketTrekking pants and casual wearThermal base layersSun hat, woolen hat, glovesGears
Comfortable walking shoesLight trekking shoes or bootsSandals for city and hotel usePersonal Items
Sunglasses (UV protection)Sunscreen SPF 40+Lip balm, moisturizerPersonal medicationsOther Items You Can Bring
Passport and visasCamera / phonePower bankSmall backpackReusable water bottle