China14 days

Mount Kailash: Tibet's Sacred Circuit — 14 Days

Trek the kora around Mount Kailash, visit Lake Manasarovar, and traverse the Tibetan Plateau from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp.

Mount Kailash is sacred to Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bon practitioners. This 14-day journey begins in Lhasa, crosses the Tibetan Plateau westward to the mountain, and completes a three-day circumambulation—known as the kora—before returning east to Everest Base Camp and back to Lhasa. The route follows pilgrimage routes and visits major monasteries including Ganden, Sera, Tashilumpo, and Rombuk. Travel is by private vehicle and on foot; accommodation ranges from hotels in Lhasa and Shigatse to basic guesthouses at pilgrimage sites. A Tibet Permit is required for entry.

Highlights

Potala Palace in Lhasa: 130-meter-high former seat of the Dalai Lamas with the White Palace (secular) and Red Palace (religious) containing chapels, shrines, and tombs
Jokhang Temple in Lhasa: the most sacred temple in Tibetan Buddhism, attracting steady flows of pilgrims and housing a golden Buddha at its center
Ganden Monastery kora hike: 1.5-hour trek from the back of Wanggo Mountain to view the Ganden valley, plus a 2–3 hour upper circuit reaching 4,800 meters
Khamba La Pass (4,750m) and Yamdrok Tso Lake: crossing the pass offers views of the vast freshwater lake with snow-capped ranges to the south
Karo La Pass (5,045m): high-altitude pass crossing before descending to Gyantse and Pelkhor Choede monastery with its Kumbum Pagoda
Mount Kailash kora trek: three-day pilgrimage circuit passing Dirapuk Monastery, Drolma La pass, and Zutrul Puk Monastery.
Drolma La pass crossing (5,630m): the highest point of the kora, with steep descent and symbolic significance in Tibetan pilgrimage tradition
Lake Manasarovar: high-altitude freshwater lake sacred to Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain practitioners, surrounded by prominent peaks including Gurla Mandata (7,694m)
Rombuk Monastery (5,000m): the world's highest monastery with views directly up the valley to Mount Everest Base Camp and Qomolangma (8,849m)
Tashilumpo Monastery in Shigatse: vast monastery complex and seat of the Panchen Lama
Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River valley: drive following the river valley between major cities across the Tibetan Plateau

Day by day

1Arrival in Lhasa at 3,670 MetersLhasa airport · Lhasa River · Shang Bala Hotel or similar

Upon arrival at Lhasa airport (approximately 100 kilometers from the city in an adjacent valley) or the train station on the city's outskirts, you will be greeted by your local guide and welcomed with a white katak (prayer scarf). The transfer to your hotel (approximately 100 kilometers, 2–3 hours) includes views along the Lhasa River and occasional stops to photograph local villages. As you have ascended rapidly to 3,670 meters above sea level, there are no planned activities for the remainder of the day. Rest, hydrate, and allow your body to acclimate to the altitude. Accommodation: Shang Bala Hotel or similar, 3-star (4 nights). Meals: None included.

2Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street PilgrimagePotala Palace · Jokhang Temple · Barkhor Street

Begin at Potala Palace, the 130-meter-high former seat of government and winter residence of successive Dalai Lamas. The structure divides into two sections: the White Palace (administrative and residential) and the Red Palace (religious), which contains chapels, shrines, and tombs of Dalai Lamas. You will move through the site with your guide, a requirement for all visitors. Afterward, visit Jokhang Temple, the primary sacred temple in Tibetan Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage site. According to tradition, the temple was built over a lake after multiple attempts to establish monasteries elsewhere failed. At its center stands a golden Buddha. In the late afternoon, join pilgrims walking clockwise around Barkhor Street—the circumambulation considered a sacred kora by Tibetans. Walking distance: approximately 3 kilometers. Duration: 5–6 hours including site time. Accommodation: Shang Bala Hotel or similar, 3-star (4 nights). Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.

3Ganden Monastery Kora and Upper-Circuit TrekGanden Monastery · Ganden Monastery to Lhasa

Drive to Ganden Monastery, the primary monastery of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism, located on Wanggo Mountain and built in 1409. The morning trek from the back side of the mountain takes approximately 1.5 hours and follows the pilgrim kora route used by local Tibetans, covering approximately 5 kilometers with views across the Ganden valley. After a picnic lunch, undertake the afternoon upper-circuit hike, ascending from 4,000 meters to 4,800 meters over 2–3 hours. The return drive to Lhasa covers the afternoon and early evening (approximately 1.5 hours). Walking distance: approximately 11 kilometers total. Duration: 7–8 hours total including drive and meals. Accommodation: Shang Bala Hotel or similar, 3-star (4 nights). Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.

4Pawangka Monastery to Sera Monastery Hillside TrekPawangka Monastery · Pawangka Monastery to Sera Monastery · Sera Monastery

Visit Pawangka Monastery, built in the seventh century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo and significant as the place where Tibetan calligraphy was first designed. Afterward, begin a hillside trek passing an active sky burial site (where bodies are traditionally exposed for birds of prey to consume, per Tibetan Buddhist practice) and continuing to Tashi Choling monastery. The path then follows the hillside to Sera Monastery (approximately 5 kilometers from Pawangka, 2–3 hours), one of the major university monasteries of Lhasa. At Sera, you may witness monks engaged in philosophical debate in the courtyard (debates do not occur on Sundays). Walking distance: approximately 8–10 kilometers. Duration: 5–6 hours including site time. Return to Lhasa in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Shang Bala Hotel or similar, 3-star (4 nights). Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.

5Khamba La and Karo La Passes to Shigatse: 360 KilometersKaro La Pass · Kyichu Valley · Khamba La Pass · Yamdrok Tso · Pelkhor Choede monastery · a local family · Tangka Hotel Shigatse

Depart Lhasa for a full day's drive to Shigatse, covering approximately 360 kilometers and taking 7–8 hours. Drive down the Kyichu Valley to the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River, then ascend to Khamba La Pass (4,750 meters). From the pass, views encompass the freshwater Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake) in the foreground, with snow-capped ranges to the south. Continue along the lake's western shore before crossing Karo La Pass (5,045 meters) to reach Gyantse. Here, visit Pelkhor Choede monastery, notable for its Kumbum Pagoda—an eight-story three-dimensional mandala containing approximately 100,000 religious images. Uniquely among Tibetan monasteries, Pelkhor Choede is not home to a single sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Before reaching Shigatse (3,836 meters), stop to visit a local family to observe daily Tibetan domestic life. Duration: 7–8 hours driving plus 2–3 hours site visits. Accommodation: Tangka Hotel Shigatse or similar, 3-star (1 night). Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.

6Across the Tibetan Plateau to Saga: 480 KilometersSaga Hotel · Shigatse to Saga · high-altitude grasslands across the Tibetan Plateau

Another extended driving day takes 9–10 hours to reach Saga (4,640 meters). Shortly after departing Shigatse, cross the Brahmaputra River and head west across high-altitude grasslands interspersed with lakes and small rivers. This region supports significant bird populations as well as Tibetan antelope and wild yaks. Roads throughout Tibet are paved but under continual development; delays due to roadwork are common, particularly during seasons requiring maintenance. Arrival is typically in the late afternoon. Saga is a small town with both Chinese and Tibetan character. Duration: 9–10 hours driving. Accommodation: Saga Hotel or similar, 2-star (1 night). Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.

7Saga to Darchen: First Sightings of Mount KailashSaga to Darchen · Darchen · Manasarovar Lake

Travel west across the high plateau toward Darchen, your base for the Mount Kailash kora trek. Throughout the day, the Himalayan range is visible to the southern horizon, while to the north lies the Changtang Plateau inhabited by nomads whose lifestyle remains largely unchanged over centuries. In the afternoon, Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar come into view. Arrive at Manasarovar Lake in the late afternoon; the lake is one of the holiest bodies of water in Tibet, sacred to Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain practitioners, and receives thousands of pilgrims annually. The lake is surrounded by prominent peaks including Gurla Mandata (7,694 meters). Drive onward to Darchen (4,675 meters), a small settlement and the starting point for the Mount Kailash kora. Duration: 8–9 hours driving. Accommodation: Himalaya Kailash Hotel or similar, 2-star (2 nights). Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.

8Kailash Kora Day 1: Trek to Dirapuk Monastery (5,210m)Dirapuk Monastery · Darchen to Sarshung Valley · Tamdin · Mount Kailash's north face

In the morning, take the bus from Darchen to Sarshung Valley to begin the three-day kora circumambulation of Mount Kailash. The trek proceeds alongside many pilgrims who have traveled from across Tibet and beyond to complete this sacred circuit. After approximately 4 hours of walking (approximately 12 kilometers), reach Tamdin (4,780 meters) where nomadic tents provide basic food and boiled water. From here, the final 4 kilometers (approximately 1–1.5 hours) to Dirapuk Monastery offer views of Mount Kailash's north face. Dirapuk Monastery (5,210 meters) is positioned on the north side of the Lha-chu River; it was rebuilt in 1985. The monastery's name derives from Dira (female yak horn) and Puk (cave), referencing local legend. Duration: 6–7 hours trekking. Overnight in a basic local guesthouse. Accommodation: Dirapuk Guesthouse (1 night). Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.

9Kailash Kora Day 2: Drolma La Pass (5,630m) to Zutrul PukDrolma La · Shabjay Dakpo · Zutrul Puk Monastery · Zutrul Puk Guesthouse

This day includes the most challenging section of the kora. Cross Drolma La (5,630 meters), the circuit's highest point. Although the ascent itself is neither exceptionally long nor steep, the altitude makes it physically demanding. Pilgrims undertake this crossing as a symbolic death; reaching the pass marks symbolic rebirth. The descent from Drolma La is notably steep (approximately 600 meters descent) and requires careful footing. After descending into the long valley below, rest and take lunch at Shabjay Dakpo, a nomadic tent encampment (approximately 8–9 hours of trekking from Dirapuk). The remainder of the day involves descent (approximately 3–4 hours, 8–10 kilometers) following the valley alongside mani walls and prayer flags, eventually reaching Zutrul Puk Monastery (approximately 4,800 meters). Duration: 9–10 hours trekking. Overnight in a basic local guesthouse. Accommodation: Zutrul Puk Guesthouse (1 night). Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.

10Kailash Kora Day 3: Return to Darchen and Lake ManasarovarDarchen · Lake Manasarovar · Darchen to Lake Manasarovar

Complete the kora with an easier final trek back to Darchen (approximately 14 kilometers, 5–6 hours). Follow the widening valley alongside lines of mani walls (stone prayer markers) and prayer flags strung between rock cairns. Upon reaching Darchen, you will have completed the circuit around Mount Kailash. A short drive returns you to Lake Manasarovar, where you will overnight at a guesthouse near the lake shore. Walking distance: approximately 14 kilometers. Accommodation: Himalaya Kailash Hotel or similar, 2-star (2 nights). Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.

11Return Journey: Lake Manasarovar to SagaLake Manasarovar to Saga · Saga Hotel or similar

Retrace the outward route eastward across the Tibetan Plateau back to Saga for overnight stay. Duration: 8–9 hours driving. Accommodation: Saga Hotel or similar, 2-star (1 night). Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.

12South Across Grasslands to Rombuk Monastery with Everest ViewsRombuk Monastery · Paiku-tso Lake · Friendship Highway

From Saga, turn south across grasslands surrounding Paiku-tso Lake. Cross the Friendship Highway and ascend steeply toward Rombuk in a day of considerable elevation change. Rombuk Monastery (5,000 meters) is the world's highest occupied monastery, first built in 1902 by a Nyingma Lama. Originally housing more than 500 monks, today approximately 50 monks and nuns remain, sharing a prayer hall but maintaining separate residences. The nuns often welcome visitors to evening prayers. From the monastery, views extend up the valley toward Mount Everest Base Camp and Qomolangma (Mount Everest, 8,849 meters). Note: A separate expedition to Everest Base Camp (approximately 8 kilometers from Rombuk, 2–3 hours drive) is not included in this itinerary but may be arranged separately. Duration: 6–7 hours driving. Accommodation: Rombuk Guesthouse, basic (1 night). Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.

13Rombuk to Shigatse: Tashilumpo MonasteryTashilumpo Monastery · Friendship Highway · Tangka Hotel Shigatse

Follow the Friendship Highway back to Shigatse. Upon arrival, visit Tashilumpo Monastery, a large monastery complex and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest ranking figure in Gelugpa Buddhism. Duration: 7–8 hours driving plus 2 hours site time. Accommodation: Tangka Hotel Shigatse or similar, 3-star (1 night). Meals: Breakfast and lunch included.

14Return to Lhasa via the Brahmaputra ValleyYarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River valley · Lhasa Airport

After breakfast, drive eastward along the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River valley back to Lhasa (approximately 360 kilometers, 7–8 hours), arriving at Lhasa Airport in time for departure flights after 15:00. The departure flight is not included in this trip; assistance with booking onward flights to Beijing, Chengdu, or other Chinese cities can be arranged, as can additional accommodation in Lhasa if preferred. Duration: 7–8 hours driving. Meals: Breakfast included.

Where you go

Map: Mount Kailash: Tibet's Sacred Circuit — 14 Days route — Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

1Potala Palace
2Jokhang Temple
3Barkhor Street
4Sera Monastery
5Darchen
6Lake Manasarovar

Included

Included:
10 nights' hotel & 3 nights' guesthouse accommodation based on twin share
Local English speaking guide sevice throughout
Private transfers as specified
Sightseeing tours with entrance fee as specified
13 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 1 dinner
Tibet Permit & Boarder card

Not included

Do Not Include:
International airfare
Visa fee