Kailash Trek - Mt. Kailash Kora - Lhasa to Mt. Kailash overland Tour SnowLion Tours

Mt. Kailash, which is known as the Precious Jewel of Snows in Tibetan, is considered by Buddhists to be the abode of the deity Chakrasamvara. It is said that if one does 108 circumambulations, one will reach enlightenment. The great Tibetan poet-saint Milarepa once declared, “There is no place more powerful for practice, more blessed, or more marvelous than this. May all pilgrims and practitioners be welcome!”

On this journey, begin in Lhasa. Visit the great Potala Palace, the holy Jokhang Temple, and the colorful marketplace known as the Barkhor. Watch monks debate at Sera Monastery, visit the summer palace of H.H. the Dalai Lama, and then explore Drepung Monastery and Ramoche Temple. On the way out of the city, drive to Yamdrok Lake and then on to see the giant Buddha in Shigatse. Following a pilgrim’s path, drive through the Tibetan countryside and over high mountain passes on the way to Ngari. Once in Western Tibet, visit holy Lake Manasarovar and the local town of Darchen. Trekking around sacred Mt. Kailash, walk along beautiful rocky cliffs and stand before breathtaking waterfalls.

Overview Itinerary Map Photo

Route: Lhasa ⇒ Potala Palace ⇒ Jokhang Temple ⇒ Norbulingka ⇒ Sera Monastery ⇒ Drepung ⇒ Necheng Temple ⇒ Yamdrok Lake ⇒ Karo-La Glacier ⇒ Gyantse ⇒ Gyantse Stupa & Monastery ⇒ Shigatse ⇒ Tashilunpo Monastery ⇒ Lhatse ⇒ Saga ⇒ Paryang ⇒ Lake Manasarovar ⇒ Puja ⇒ Darchen ⇒ Trek ⇒ Dahara Puk ⇒ Yatra & Dolma La pass ⇒ Lake Manasarovar ⇒ Paryang ⇒ Saga ⇒ Shigatse ⇒ Lhasa

Highlights

Lhasa, the cradle of Tibetan civilization
Lake Manasarovar
Yamdrok Lake and Lake Manasarovar
Trekking Mt. Kailash

Details

15-day trip begins and ends in Lhasa, Tibet
14 nights in hotels and guesthouses
Altitude from 3000-5600m

Tour Costs

E-mail us for an exact quote
See Prices & Booking for more information

Departures

May-October

Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa (3658 m)

Welcome to Lhasa! Transfer to your hotel and get settled.

Day 2: Lhasa

In the morning, visit the Potala Palace, the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. Also visit the Jokhang Temple, which is located in Barkhor square in Lhasa. The Barkhor is a famous shopping street filled with goods and souvenirs from Tibet, Nepal, and India. Pilgrims from all over Tibet visit the Barkhor to pray in front of the Jokhang. Afterwards, visit Ramoche, a small monastery located in the city center.

Day 3: Lhasa

Visit Drepung, one of the three most famous monasteries in Lhasa. Drepung is located just outside Lhasa on Gambo Utse Mountain. After lunch explore Sera monastery, where you can watch monks debate in the courtyard. If time allows hike to Pabonka hermitage. Founded by 33rd king Songtsan Gampo in the 7th century, it is currently the largest and most important of the Sera hermitages.

Day 4: Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake (4442 m) – Gyantse (3900 m)

Beginning your adventure in the Himalayas, drive to Gyantse. Along the way cross over the Kamba la (4794m) and the Karo la passes (5010m), which boast spectacular views. After Kamba la, arrive at Yamdrok Lake, a holy turquoise-colored lake with stunning scenery. Stay the night in Gyantse.

Day 5: Gyantse – Shigatse (3836 m) – Sakya monastery (4300 m)

In the morning, visit Gyantse stupa and monastery followed by a two hour drive to Shigatse. Here, see the giant Buddha in the famous Tashilunpo monastery. Continue to Sakya monastery – the main monastery of Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Day 6: Sakya monastery – Saga (4640 m)

Drive up to two high mountain passes with a great view of the Himalayas. In the late afternoon, cross over the Bramha Putra River on the way to typical Chinese and Tibetan town. Spend the night in Saga.

Day 7: Saga – Paryang (4700 m) – Lake Manasarovar (4558 m)

Drive through a wide valley along a scenic river and look out on the grazing lands of yaks and sheep. Towards the south, you can see sand dunes, rocky mountains, and snow-capped peaks. Depending on the season, nomads and other mobile shopkeepers will be attired in beautiful traditional costume. Join them for a cup of hot tea in their home. Continue drive West. In late afternoon you will catch your first sight of Holy Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Spend the night at the bank of Manasarovar.

Day 8: Holy Lake Manasarovar – Darchen (4575 m)

Visit Manasarovar, the highest freshwater lake in the world. This turquoise-colored lake is full of fish and swans. Holy Mt. Kailash, Mt. Gurula-Mandala, and Lake Rashekshi surround Manasarovar. The region is considered rich in gold and other minerals, hot springs and hundreds of wild living creatures. Then visit Rakshas Tal lake and Chiu Monastery, a small monastery located upper on a hillside. You can dip into a hotspring there. Drive to Darchen. Prepare for the Mt. Kailash circumambulation. Overnight in Darchen.

Optional: hike up 2 hours to Serlung Monastery where you can catch a better view of Mt. Kailash South Face.

Day 9: 1st Day of the Mt. Kailash kora

Walk along beautiful rocky cliffs and take pictures of breathtaking waterfalls. Take deep breaths of fresh air. From time to time, the face of Mt. Kailash will appear. Be prepared for some difficult hiking.

Day 10: 2nd day of the Mt. Kailash kora

Hike across a valley up to the Dolma-La Pass. At the top, make an offering, take a break (or meditate), and forget all your cares and worries. Afterwards, begin descending. By the late afternoon arrive at Zuthal Puk, the cave of miracles where Milerepa once stayed.

Day 11: 3rd day of the Mt. Kailash kora and return to lake Manasarovar

After finishing your circuit (kora) of Mt. Kailash, a car will pick you up and take you to Darchen. Stay overnight at the Lake Manasarovar.

Day 12: Lake Manasarovar – Paryang – Saga

Begin the journey back to Lhasa. Enjoy a beautiful view of Himalaya ranges.

Day 13: Saga – Shigatse (with the option of going to the Nepal border)

Day 14: Shigatse – Yungdrunling monastery – Lhasa

Visit Yungdrunling, a Bonpo monastery that was once the second most influential monastery in Tibet.

Day 15: Depart Lhasa

Say goodbye to Tibet!

Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.