Nepal16 days
Mount Kailash & Lake Manasarovar Pilgrimage: Kathmandu to Tibet — 16 Days
Sacred sites across Nepal and Tibet, culminating in the three-day kora around Mount Kailash during Saga Dawa Festival in June.
This 16-day itinerary begins in the Kathmandu Valley, visiting major Hindu temples including Pashupatinath and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, before flying to Lhasa and heading westward across the Tibetan plateau to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. The route traverses high-altitude passes, passes through the regional capitals of Shigatse and Gyantse, and reaches the circumambulation route — known as the kora — around Mount Kailash. The three-day kora concludes during Saga Dawa Festival, held in June at the full moon, when Tibetan pilgrims gather to mark the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Buddha. The return journey descends through Kerung to Nepal's border. Throughout, accommodation ranges from standard hotels in Nepal and Lhasa to guest houses at higher altitudes, with all meals, ground transportation, permits, guides, and medical support included.
Highlights
- Pashupatinath Temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu Valley
- Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa at 3,656 meters
- Yamdrok Lake and Tashilhunpo Monastery near Shigatse
- Lake Manasarovar at 4,558 meters, the world's highest freshwater lake
- Three-day kora circumambulation of Mount Kailash
- Drolma La Pass at 6,714 meters
- Saga Dawa Festival celebration in June at Darboche Valley
- Encounters with Tibetan nomadic herders and yak herds across the plateau
Day by day
1Arrival in KathmanduTribhuwan International Airport · central Kathmandu
Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu is met by tour staff, who provide transfer to the hotel. A briefing session introduces the itinerary and other group members. Accommodation is in central Kathmandu at 1,400 meters elevation.
2Hindu Temples of Kathmandu ValleyPashupatinath · Gujeswari Shaktipith · Jalnarayan Temple
The day focuses on major Hindu temples in the Kathmandu Valley. Visits include Pashupatinath, one of Nepal's most significant pilgrimage sites; Gujeswari Shaktipith; and Jalnarayan Temple. Time is set aside for obtaining any necessary supplies before departure to Tibet. Overnight accommodation remains in Kathmandu at 1,400 meters.
3Cultural Heritage Sites: Doleshwor and BhaktapurDoleshwor Mahadev Temple · Bhaktapur Durbar Square · Kathmandu hotel
While awaiting visa confirmation for eligible travelers, the day visits additional sites in Kathmandu Valley. Doleshwor Mahadev Temple, which houses a representation of Kedarnath, is followed by exploration of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the valley's most preserved cultural complexes. Return to Kathmandu hotel at 1,400 meters.
4Flight to LhasaLhasa · Tribhuwan International Airport · the hotel
Morning transfer to Tribhuwan International Airport for the 1.5-hour flight to Lhasa, Tibet. Upon arrival, staff provide transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is devoted to acclimatization to the altitude of 3,656 meters, with emphasis on hydration and rest to prepare for the high-altitude journey ahead.
5Lhasa: Potala Palace and Barkhor CircuitLhasa · Potala Palace · Barkhor Street · Jokhang Temple
Morning sightseeing in Tibet's capital includes a three-hour visit to Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lamas, one of the world's highest-elevation palaces at 3,656 meters. The route continues through Barkhor Street, the pilgrimage circuit surrounding Jokhang Temple, which remains Lhasa's most important religious site. Overnight accommodation in Lhasa.
6Lhasa to Shigatse via GyantseLhasa to Shigatse · Shigatse · Tashilhunpo Monastery · Yamdrok Lake
The 272-kilometer drive crosses Tibetan plateau landscape toward Shigatse, the capital of Tsang region and seat of the Panchen Lama. En route through Gyantse, an early-morning excursion visits Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447, with its temple to Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. A stop at Yamdrok Lake provides views of one of Tibet's largest freshwater bodies. Overnight guest house accommodation in Shigatse at 3,900 meters.
7Shigatse to Saga: High Passes and Nomadic PlateauShigatse to Saga · Saga · Tibetan plateau · Brahmaputra River
A 449-kilometer drive crosses multiple passes above 5,000 meters through remote Tibetan plateau terrain. The route passes lakes, encounters nomadic herders with yak and sheep herds, and traverses sandy and mountainous landscape. Crossing the Brahmaputra River in late afternoon signals arrival at Saga, a Tibetan and Chinese town at 4,640 meters, marking entry into the western approach to Mount Kailash.
8Saga to Lake Manasarovar via ParyangLake Manasarovar
The 277-kilometer drive leads to Lake Manasarovar at 4,558 meters, the world's highest freshwater lake, distinguished by its greenish-blue waters. According to Hindu tradition, the lake is associated with Vishnu and is surrounded by Mount Kailash, Mount Gurula-Mandata, and Lake Rakshasa (Rakshash Taal), which local belief attributes to the mythological demon king Ravana and considers poisoned. Overnight accommodation in a guest house beside Lake Manasarovar.
9Lake Manasarovar Rituals and Transit to DarchenLake Manasarovar · Darchen · Manasarovar's shore
We begin with ritual observances at Manasarovar's shore, performing puja and prayers as our staff provide hot water drawn directly from the sacred lake for bathing. The morning ritual complete, we undertake a jeep-based circumambulation of Lake Manasarovar, taking in the full expanse of this pilgrimage site. We then drive 40 kilometers to Darchen, a modest settlement positioned directly beneath Mount Kailash's southern face. At 4,575 meters, Darchen serves as the staging point for the three-day kora and remains our base as we acclimatize to the altitude. Overnight hotel accommodation in Darchen.
10Kora Begins: Darchen to Tarboche to DrirapukTarboche · Drirapuk · Yamadwar
The three-day circumambulation of Mount Kailash begins with a short drive to Tarboche (Darboche), the traditional starting point and entrance to what locals call the Valley of Gods. Yamadwar, the symbolic gate of the deity of death, marks the kora's beginning. A 7-kilometer walk of approximately 5 hours reaches Drirapuk, a settlement on the mountain's north face offering views of Kailash's northern aspect. Overnight rest at a guest house.
11Dirapuk to Juthulpuk via Drolma La PassJuthulpuk · Jarok Donkhang · Shiva-stal · Gaurikunda, the Holy Pond · Zruthulpuk cave
This is the longest and most demanding day of the kora. The 19-kilometer route (8–9 hours) begins with a hike toward Jarok Donkhang and continues to Shiva-stal, where a rest stop offers respite before the steep descent to the Lham-chu Khir river. The landscape unfolds with sacred landmarks: Gaurikunda, the Holy Pond, appears along the descent, while Buddha's Footprints mark the way. The route culminates at Juthulpuk village, named for the remarkable Zruthulpuk cave nearby—known throughout the region as the miracle cave for its association with pilgrimage healing. The day reaches a maximum altitude of 4,760 meters. Meals provided throughout. Overnight accommodation at a guest house in Juthulpuk.
12Saga Dawa Festival: Juthulpuk to Darboche ValleyDarboche Valley · Juthulpuk Monastery · Juthulpuk to rejoin vehicles
Morning visit to Juthulpuk Monastery precedes a 6-kilometer walk to rejoin vehicles. The drive returns to Darboche Valley where the final day of Saga Dawa Festival takes place, marked by the gathering of Tibetan pilgrims and religious observances at the full moon. Accommodation is limited in this area due to the festival's scale.
13Darchen to SagaDarchen to Saga · Saga
After the morning's Saga Dawa Festival rituals conclude, we begin our return drive to Saga across the Tibetan plateau on paved roads. The 470-kilometer journey takes approximately 9 hours, retracing our approach route. We arrive in Saga and settle into a guest house for the evening at 4,640 meters elevation.
14Saga to Kerung: Descent Toward Nepal BorderSaga to Kerung · Kerung
A 170-kilometer drive of approximately 5 hours covers terrain with descending elevation, reaching Kerung at 3,000 meters, the last settlement on the Tibetan side of the Nepal-Tibet border. The day allows rest following the kora and extended plateau travel. Overnight accommodation in Kerung.
15Border Crossing: Kerung to KathmanduKathmandu · Nepal-Tibet border · Thamel
Immigration procedures at the Nepal-Tibet border are completed before the 175-kilometer drive to Kathmandu, a journey of approximately 8 hours. Afternoon time in Kathmandu allows for souvenir shopping in Thamel and other central areas. Overnight hotel accommodation in Kathmandu at 1,400 meters.
16Departure from KathmanduTribhuwan International Airport
Final transfer to Tribhuwan International Airport according to flight departure times concludes the itinerary.
Where you go
- 1Pashupatinath
- 2Kathmandu
Included
- Included
- Documentation
- Tibet Permits
- Tibet Visas
- Special Kailash Mansarovar Permit
- Applicable Entrance Fees to above mentioned places
- Transportation
- All ground transportation in private vehicles
- Airport Pickup and Drop Off Service
- Kathmandu – Lhasa Flight
- Accommodation
- 4* Standard Accommodation in Kathmandu, Lhasa
- Twin Sharing Basis in Kathmandu, Lhasa, and Tibet, Group Sharing in Kailash Region
- Support and Crew
- Nepali Guide and Tibetan Guide
- Nepali Crew Members in Kailash Region
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (VEG)
- Drinking Water (2 bottles per day)
- Sightseeing
- KATHMANDU: Pashupatinath Temple, Guheshwori Shaktipeeth, Jalnarayan (Sleeping Vishnu) Temple, Thamel
- TIBET: Lake Mansarovar, Holy Mount Kailash, Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple, Milarepa Cave, Drolma La Pass, Yamadwar, Gauri Kunda
- Equipment
- Medical Kits
- First Aid
- Oximeter daily check (Pulse and Oxygen Level)
- Enough Oxygen Cylinders
- Other Necessary Equipment
- Stick for Parikrama
- Clothing
- Down Jacket on a returnable basis
- Duffle Bag
- Day Backpack
Not included
- Excluded
- Personal Expenses
- Pony – Horseman – Helper
- International Airfare
- Insurance
- Emergency Circumstances
- Extra Nights