Mt. Kailash & Manasarovar Pilgrimage Tour

  • Duration 11
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Starts at Lhasa
  • Ends at Lhasa
  • Meals Breakfast
  • Accommodation 3-Star Hotel
  • Max. Altitude 5,560m
  • Activity Tours
  • Group Type Private
  • Group Size 2+
  • Best Season May - September
Highlights
  • Arrival in Lhasa (Day 1): Begin your journey by acclimating to the high altitudes of Tibet and resting before the tour officially starts.
  • Lhasa City Sightseeing (Day 2): Explore the iconic Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street, delving into the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Tibet.
  • Drive to Shigatse (Day 3): Pass through stunning landscapes like Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier, visit Gyantse to explore the Kumbum Monastery, and then reach Shigatse to see the Tashilunpo Monastery.
  • Saga (Day 4): Journey through natural beauty, including meadows, rivers, and snow-capped mountains, towards Saga for an overnight stay.
  • Darchen and Lake Manasarovar (Day 5): Travel towards Darchen and Lake Manasarovar, offering a serene, spiritual atmosphere. Visit the sacred lakes and begin your journey towards Mt. Kailash.
  • Guge Kingdom Ruins (Day 6): Discover the fascinating Guge Kingdom ruins in Tsada, a unique historical site reflecting the ancient kingdom’s grandeur and eventual fall.
  • Lake Manasarovar and Purang (Day 7): Experience the profound spiritual energy of Lake Manasarovar, and continue your journey to Purang for rest.
  • Return to Saga (Day 8): Drive back to Saga, enjoying spectacular mountain views and serene landscapes.
  • Shigatse Visit (Day 9): Explore Shigatse and the world’s largest Jampa statue at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, an important site for Tibetan Buddhism.
  • Return to Lhasa (Day 10): After visiting Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, travel back to Lhasa along the scenic Friendship Highway, passing through breathtaking Tibetan landscapes.
  • Departure from Lhasa (Day 11): End your spiritual journey, with an escort to the airport or train station for your departure from Tibet.

Mt. Kailash & Manasarovar Pilgrimage Tour Overview

The 11- Day  Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar Pilgrimage Tour offers a transformative journey through the heart of Tibet and the sacred landscapes of Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. This extended pilgrimage allows you to immerse yourself in the spiritual, cultural, and natural wonders of the Tibetan plateau, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The tour begins in Lhasa, where you’ll acclimate to the high altitudes and explore key Tibetan sites, including the magnificent Potala Palace and the revered Jokhang Temple. The rich spiritual history of these sacred places will provide a deep connection to Tibetan Buddhism and the cultural heritage of Tibet.

As you travel through the vast Tibetan landscapes, the journey takes you through awe-inspiring natural wonders such as Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier before heading to Shigatse, home to the impressive Tashilunpo Monastery. From here, the path leads through remote towns like Saga and Zhongba, offering serene landscapes of rivers, meadows, and snow-capped peaks, and allowing time for reflection and relaxation.

The pilgrimage culminates in the sacred region of Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, where you’ll visit Darchen, the starting point of the Kailash Kora (circumambulation), and explore the mesmerizing Guge Kingdom ruins. Surrounded by the towering presence of Mt. Kailash, revered as the earthly embodiment of Mt. Meru and the spiritual center of the world, the journey will provide profound spiritual growth and clarity.

This tour is not just about visiting sacred sites—it’s about a journey of self-discovery and connection with something greater. The serene beauty of the Tibetan Plateau, coupled with the spiritual significance of Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, makes this pilgrimage a life-changing experience for those who seek spiritual enlightenment, inner peace, and a deeper understanding of Tibetan culture and Buddhism.

By the time you return to Lhasa, having made the full circle around Mt. Kailash and experienced the majestic landscapes and sacredness of this region, you will have experienced a spiritual transformation that will stay with you forever.

This journey is an exploration of faith, culture, history, and breathtaking nature, making it a world-class pilgrimage for those seeking to deepen their spiritual journey in one of the most awe-inspiring regions on earth.

Day to Day Itinerary
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Upon your arrival at Lhasa airport, your knowledgeable tour guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel for check-in. Due to Lhasa’s high altitude, the day will be focused on acclimatization. Relax and take it easy to help your body adjust, staying hydrated and resting to minimize altitude sickness symptoms. This is the perfect opportunity to ease into your Tibetan adventure.

After a restful night, begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Potala Palace, perched above the city and offering stunning views. Explore its chapels and immerse yourself in the rich history of Tibetan Buddhism. Next, head to the Jokhang Temple, a revered site that attracts pilgrims from across Tibet. Finally, take a leisurely walk down the lively Barkhor Street, where Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts create a vibrant, bustling atmosphere.

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey to the stunning Yamdrok Lake, set against snow-capped mountains, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views from the Kampala Pass. Continue on to the impressive Karola Glacier and the Kumbum Monastery in Gyantse. Your journey ends in Shigatse, home to the sacred Tashilunpo Monastery and a deep spiritual heritage.

Embark on a memorable journey from Shigatse to Saga, covering 450 km in approximately 9 hours. The drive takes you through breathtaking scenery, with lush meadows, rivers, and towering snow-capped mountains forming a mesmerizing backdrop. As the road winds through picturesque landscapes, the beauty of the surroundings will make the lengthy journey feel incredibly rewarding. You’ll arrive in Saga by evening and unwind in a cozy hotel, ready to relax after a day filled with stunning views. This day promises to be a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility amidst nature’s grandeur.

The adventure begins with a peaceful visit to the Old Drongpa Monastery in Drongpa County, a serene spot for reflection. You’ll then journey through the breathtaking landscapes to Lake Manasarovar, where the still waters reflect the grandeur of the Tibetan plateau. Continuing your route, you’ll arrive in Darchen, a key gateway to the sacred Mt. Kailash. After the day’s explorations, settle in at a local guesthouse in Darchen for a restful evening, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the region. This day blends spirituality with the vast, untouched nature of Tibet.

Drive from Darchen to Tsada, covering 300 km in 6 hours. Along the way, explore the fascinating ruins of the Guge Kingdom, an ancient civilization that once thrived in Tibet. The ruins of Tsada Tulin will give you a glimpse into the region’s history and culture. Spend the night at a guesthouse or in tents for a more rustic and authentic experience of Tibet, though without private bathrooms.

Experience a deeply spiritual day as you travel to the serene Lake Manasarovar, a sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism. The tranquil surroundings offer the perfect setting for reflection and inner peace. After taking in the beauty of the lake, head towards Purang for a relaxing evening. Stay in a local guesthouse and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Tibet’s countryside.

Today, embark on a 9-hour journey from Purang to Saga, covering 500 km. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the Tibetan landscape, with its towering mountains and shimmering lakes. After a day of awe-inspiring scenery, reach Saga in the evening and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay.

Continue your journey with a 7-hour drive from Saga to Shigatse, taking in the ever-changing landscapes along the way. After arriving in Shigatse, relax at your hotel and prepare for a visit to the famous Tashi Lhunpo Monastery the following day.

Start your day with a visit to the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, a spiritual and cultural treasure of Tibet. Afterward, enjoy a scenic drive back to Lhasa along the iconic Friendship Highway, accompanied by the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Upon reaching Lhasa, relax at your hotel and unwind after a fulfilling day of exploration.

Your adventure concludes as your guide escorts you to the airport or train station. With unforgettable memories of Tibet’s stunning landscapes and sacred sites, you will depart with a sense of fulfillment and tranquility, marking the end of your remarkable journey.

Our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

Cost Includes
  • Tibet travel permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet.
  • All entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary.
  • Personal knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide.
  • Personal comfortable, clean, and safe vehicle with a reliable Tibetan local driver (ranging from a 4WD land cruiser to a minibus, depending on your group size).
  • All lodging listed in the itinerary (luxury 5-star hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economic 3-star hotel, budget hostel, guesthouse, or tent). Please specify your preference when submitting an inquiry.
  • Domestic flight/train tickets listed in the itinerary.
  • All meals listed in the above itinerary.
  • Tourist accident/casualty insurance.
  • First aid kit.
Cost Excludes
  • International flight to and out of China.
  • Chinese visa (assistance available for application, including invitation letters, hotel reservations, and flight reservation copies).
  • Domestic flight/train tickets not listed in the itinerary (discounted booking service available).
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary (estimated cost: USD 3-15 per person per meal in TAR).
  • Tips and gratuities for the tour guide and driver.
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, snacks, soft drinks, optional tour activities, etc.).
  • Alcoholic beverages (recommended to avoid during your Tibet trip).
Departure Dates
  • We have daily departures for this trip from March to May and from mid-September to mid-December. You can type in the number of passengers to book a reservation and select a date that is convenient for you. Due to group size, we never cancel a trip once you’ve made a reservation. If you would rather join the group, we will add more travelers on the selected date. You can let us know once you make a reservation or earlier.