Sacred Peaks & Spiritual Paths: 16-Day Tibet & Mount Kailash Pilgrimage

  • Duration 15
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Starts at Lhasa
  • Ends at Lhasa
  • Meals Breakfast
  • Accommodation 3-Star Hotels/Resorts
  • Max. Altitude 5,645 m
  • Activity Cultural Tour and Trekking
  • Group Type Family, Couple
  • Group Size 1-35
  • Best Season May-April
Highlights

🌟 Experience the sacred Saga Dawa Festival at Mount Kailash

🏰 Visit Lhasa’s iconic landmarks: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery

🚗 Scenic drive through Tibet’s breathtaking landscapes, including Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier

🏞️ Trek the holy Mount Kailash kora, a spiritual pilgrimage trail

🕊️ Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at Lake Manasarovar

🏔️ Explore the majestic Mount Everest Base Camp and panoramic views of the Himalayas

🕉️ Immerse in Tibetan culture, traditions, and spirituality

Sacred Peaks & Spiritual Paths: 16-Day Tibet & Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Overview

Take part in our exclusive 16-day Tibet tour at the time of the Saga Dawa Festival, Tibet’s holy day. Participate in this unique spiritual experience as thousands of pilgrims assemble at Mount Kailash to make the holy kora (circumambulation) that is said to absolve sins and attract divine blessings. Beginning in the capital city of Tibet, Lhasa, this tour visits holy sites such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery, which reflect rich Tibetan history and culture. Venture out to the west side towards Mount Kailash over and Mansarovar lake with the spectacular Tibetan Plateau via Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, and Everest Base Camp along the way.

 

Day to Day Itinerary
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  • Arrive in Lhasa, Tibet’s capital, and transfer to your hotel.
  • Rest and acclimate to the high altitude.
  • Enjoy a light walk around the city to get used to the environment.
  • Overnight: Lhasa
  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 1.5 hrs
  • 65 km

  • Visit Drepung Monastery, one of the largest and most influential monasteries in Tibet.
  • Explore Sera Monastery, famous for its lively monk debates.
  • Visit nearby sights and enjoy the views of the Tibetan Plateau.
  • Overnight: Lhasa
  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 6-8 hours
  • 50 km

  • Visit Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former winter residence of the Dalai Lama.
  • Explore Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibetan Buddhism.
  • Walk along Barkhor Street, a vibrant marketplace and pilgrimage route.
  • Overnight: Lhasa
  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 6-8 hours
  • 50 km

  • Drive to Gyantse, a picturesque town known for the Gyantse Kumbum and Pelkor Chode Monastery.
  • Continue your drive to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet.
  • Overnight: Shigatse
  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 6-7 hours
  • 350 km

  • Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
  • Begin the drive toward Everest Base Camp (EBC), passing through scenic areas like the Gawula Pass and Gyatsola Pass.
  • Reach EBC and enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Everest.
  • Overnight: EBC (Tent accommodation or nearby guesthouse)
  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 7-8 hours
  • 350 km

  • Explore Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, and enjoy panoramic views of Everest.
  • Continue the journey, passing by the serene Peiku Tso Lake and heading toward Saga, a small town in Tibet.
  • Overnight: Saga
  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 9-10 hours
  • 500 km

  • Drive through the expansive Ngari Plateau and reach Darchen, the base for the Kailash Kora trek.
  • Get the first views of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.
  • Overnight: Darchen
  • Tea Tea house/Lodge
  • Breakfast
  • 6-7 hours
  • 320 km

  • Begin your trek around Mount Kailash (the Kailash Kora).
  • Hike to Dirapuk Monastery, located on the northern face of Mount Kailash.
  • Enjoy scenic views of the holy mountain and surrounding landscapes.
  • Overnight: Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse
  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 5-6 hours
  • 13 km

  • Continue trekking towards the west slope of Mount Kailash, a sacred spot for meditation and spiritual reflection.
  • Enjoy the serenity of the area and take in the stunning views of Kailash.
  • Overnight: Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse
  • Tea Tea house/Lodge
  • Breakfast
  • 6-7 hours
  • 13 km

  • Trek to Dolma La Pass (5630 m), the highest point of the trek.
  • Visit Guri Kund Lake, a holy lake near the pass.
  • Continue trekking to Zutulpuk Monastery.
  • Overnight: Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse
  • Tea Tea house/Lodge
  • Breakfast
  • 8-9 hours
  • 13 km

  • Trek to Dolma La Pass (5630 m), the highest point of the trek.
  • Visit Guri Kund Lake, a holy lake near the pass.
  • Continue trekking to Zutulpuk Monastery.
  • Overnight: Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse
  • Tea Tea house/Lodge
  • Breakfast
  • 8-9 hours
  • 24 km

  • Complete the kora trek by returning to Darchen.
  • Celebrate the successful completion of the spiritual journey around Mount Kailash.
  • Overnight: Darchen
  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 4-5 hours
  • 12 km

  • Drive back towards Saga, passing through the rugged Ngari Plateau.
  • Enjoy the tranquil Tibetan countryside during the drive.
  • Overnight: Saga
  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 7-8 hours
  • 380 km

  • Continue the journey to Gyirong, a picturesque valley known for its lush greenery.
  • Stop for scenic views of the surrounding mountains and Tibetan villages.
  • Overnight: Gyirong
  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 6-7 hours
  • 320 km

  • Continue driving toward Tingri, passing through lush valleys and striking mountain landscapes.
  • Enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas.
  • Overnight: Tingri
  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 5-6 hours
  • 200 km

  • Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
  • Continue driving back to Lhasa, taking in the final views of Tibet’s striking natural beauty.
  • Overnight: Lhasa
  • Tea 3-Star Hotel
  • Breakfast
  • 6-7 hours
  • 300 km

  • Tea NA
  • Breakfast
  • 8-9 hours
  • 145 km

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

Customize Trip
Cost Includes

✅ 📄 Tibet Travel Documents – Includes Tibet Travel Permit and delivery to your hotel in mainland China.
✅ 🚐 Comfortable Transport – One person, one seat in standard tourist vehicles with professional local drivers.
✅ 🏨 Accommodation – Comfortable 3-star hotels (upgrades available; EBC features multi-person tent guesthouse).
✅ 🍽️ Listed Meals – All meals mentioned in the itinerary are included.
✅ 🗣️ Expert Guide – English-speaking local Tibetan tour guide (other languages available upon request).
✅ 🎫 Entry Tickets – Admission to all attractions listed in the itinerary and eco-bus fees.
✅ 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Travel accident insurance is included for your peace of mind.
✅ 🚖 Transfers – Convenient pick-up and drop-off services included.

Cost Excludes

❌ 🛃 Chinese Visa – Chinese visa not included (contact us for assistance if needed).
❌ ✈️ International Flights – Flights to/from China must be arranged separately.
❌ 🚆 Domestic Travel to Lhasa – Flights or trains to and from Lhasa are not included (booking help available).
❌ 🛏️ Single Room Supplement – Extra charge applies if a single room is required or preferred.
❌ 🍱 Some Meals – Meals not listed in the itinerary are at your own expense.
❌ 💵 Tips – Tips for guide and driver not included (suggested $7 per person/day).
❌ 🌪️ Force Majeure Expenses – Unforeseen costs due to events like delays or natural disasters aren’t covered.
❌ 🧳 Personal Expenses – Any personal purchases or services not mentioned in the inclusions are extra.

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.
Useful Info

📅 Best Time to Visit Mount Kailash

The ideal time for the Mount Kailash Yatra is from May to September, with Saga Dawa Festival (usually in May or June) being the most spiritually powerful time. During this festival, thousands of pilgrims gather to perform the Kailash kora (sacred circuit), making it the most auspicious time to visit.

📍 How to Reach Mount Kailash

To reach Mount Kailash, you first need to fly to Lhasa, Tibet from mainland China (like Chengdu, Beijing, or Kathmandu via Nepal). From Lhasa, travel overland through the Tibetan Plateau, visiting iconic spots like Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse, Shigatse, and Everest Base Camp.

🧾 Travel Permits & Visa

Foreign travelers need a China visa first, followed by a Tibet Travel Permit, which your tour operator will arrange. No independent travel is allowed in Tibet—joining a registered tour is mandatory.

🏞️ Difficulty & Altitude

Mount Kailash kora reaches up to 5,630 meters (18,471 ft) at Drolma La Pass, so it’s moderately to highly challenging. It requires good physical fitness and proper altitude acclimatization.

🧘 Spiritual Importance

Mount Kailash is sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bonpo followers. It’s believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and represents the center of the universe in many belief systems.

🛍️ What to Pack

Warm layered clothing, trekking boots, personal medications, sun protection, reusable water bottles, and high-calorie snacks. Oxygen cans may be helpful at high altitudes.

Booking Price From:$2350P/P
We offer group price
   
2-4 pax $2350
5-7 pax $2275
7-14 pax $2200
15+ pax $2150
Total Price USD$2350
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HOLYLAND ADVENTURES TOURS AND TRAVELS Have Questions?
Talk to Expert

Hari Bhakta Shrestha

WhatsApp/Viber (+977) 9851033991
FAQs

  • The Saga Dawa Festival honors the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Lord Buddha. It’s the holiest day in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar, and thousands of pilgrims gather at Mount Kailash for the sacred kora (circumambulation), creating a truly spiritual and culturally rich atmosphere.

  • Yes. You’ll need a Chinese Visa and a special Tibet Travel Permit. Both are mandatory and must be arranged before entering Tibet. We will assist you in processing these documents once the tour is confirmed.

  • The 3-day Mount Kailash kora trek covers approximately 52 km (32 miles), with high-altitude terrain and a maximum elevation of 5,630 meters (18,471 ft) at Drolma La Pass. It’s moderately to highly strenuous, so good physical fitness is essential.

  • Absolutely! While Mount Kailash holds deep spiritual significance, many join the tour for its natural beauty, remote landscapes, and cultural exploration. The journey is enriching whether you’re spiritual, adventurous, or both.

  • Yes, due to elevations above 5,000 meters, altitude sickness is a risk. Our itinerary is designed to help with acclimatization, especially with time in Lhasa and Shigatse. Staying hydrated, eating well, and moving slowly helps reduce risk.

  • You’ll stay in three-star hotels in major towns like Lhasa and Shigatse, and in basic guesthouses during the Mount Kailash trek. Rooms are usually twin-sharing, with upgrades available on request.

  • The best time is during the Saga Dawa Festival (usually May–June), but the broader travel window for Mount Kailash is from May to September when the weather is favorable and trails are accessible.

  • Due to the high altitude and physical challenge, the tour is recommended for those between 18 to 65 years in good health. Please consult your doctor before booking if you have medical conditions.

  • Definitely! While Mount Kailash holds immense spiritual significance for many Tibetan Buddhists, this tour is open to anyone interested in experiencing the stunning landscapes, unique culture, and adventure of Tibet. Whether you’re seeking adventure, nature, or cultural immersion, this tour offers something for everyone.

  • Due to the physical and high-altitude challenges, this tour is generally recommended for those between 18 and 65 years in good health. Seniors or individuals with underlying medical conditions should consult their doctor before booking. Children under 12 may find the trek too strenuous, and we recommend them not participate in the Kailash trek.

  • You’ll need to pack appropriately for high-altitude trekking. Essential items include:

    • Warm clothing (even in summer, temperatures can drop below freezing at night)

    • Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)

    • Sturdy trekking shoes and warm socks

    • Lightweight sleeping bag (during the trek)

    • Personal medications, including altitude sickness medicine if recommended by your doctor

  • Meals are primarily Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. Expect hearty, simple meals like rice, noodles, dal, vegetables, and momo (dumplings). While trekking, meals are provided at guesthouses, and in major cities, you’ll find a wider variety of options. If you have specific dietary preferences, please inform us beforehand.

  • In Lhasa and Shigatse, mobile networks and Wi-Fi are available at most hotels. However, as you trek toward Mount Kailash, network coverage will be limited. It’s a good idea to enjoy the disconnection and embrace the serenity of the mountains.

  • To get the most out of this spiritual and adventurous tour, we recommend:

    • Physical preparation through walking, hiking, or any aerobic exercises.

    • Acclimatization by spending time at lower altitudes before heading to Tibet.

    • Mental readiness for high-altitude trekking and the rugged conditions in Tibet.

    • Reading about the history and cultural significance of Mount Kailash and Tibet will also enhance your experience.

  • Booking is easy! Simply fill out the online inquiry form on our website, or contact our team directly. We’ll assist you in finalizing the tour details, arrange permits, and take care of all logistics for a seamless experience.

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