15 Days Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Trip, Tibet trekking tour

Highlights

- A guided trekking tour of Tibet, filled with many local highlights.
- Stunning mountain views, the sacred Yamdrok Lake and the beautiful Manasarovar Lake.
- An overnight stay at the Rongbuk Monastery (the highest monastery in the world.
- Magnificent views of Everest’s north face and a three-day trek around Mount Kailash, on the Kora Pilgrimage Trail.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1
Lhasa
Arrival in Lhasa

Day 2
Lhasa
Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street

Day 3
Lhasa
Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery

Day 4
Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse
Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glaicier, Palkhor Monastery

Day 5
Shigatse - Rongbuk
Tashilhunpo Monastery, Viewpoint Everest Base Camp

Day 6
Rongbuk - Saga
Rongbuk Monastery

Day 7
Saga - Darchen
From Saga to Darchen

Day 8
Darchen - Drirapuk
The 1. stage of Mt. Kailash trekking

Day 9
Drirapuk - Dzultripuk
The 2. stage of Mt. Kailash trekking

Day 10
Dzultripuk - Darchen
The 3. stage of Mt. Kailash trekking

Day 11
Darchen - Saga
Manasarovar Lake

Day 12
Saga - Sakya
From Saga to Sakya

Day 13
Sakya - Shigatse
From Sakya to Shigatse

Day 14
Shigatse - Lhasa
From Shigatse to Lhasa

Day 15
Lhasa
Departure from Lhasa

Service

Include
- Comfortable vehicles according to Group Size, with air conditioning and oxygen tanks.
- Accommodations in Lhasa and Shigatse in comfortable hotels with shower/toilet, accommodation in Rongbuk in simple multi-bed rooms.
- Meals listed in the itinerary: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.
- Entrance fees for the sightseeing grograms listed in the itinerary.
- Kompetent English-speaking Tibetan local guide.
- Tibet Entry Permit and all other necessary permits for this trip.
- Drinking water during the trip.
- Travel insurance.

Excluded
- Arrival to Lhasa and back (Flights or railway).
- Visa for China.
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary. You can easily order and pay your meail on site by yourself, usually it costs about 3-8 USD per person for one meal in Tibet.
- Tips for our guide and driver. If you are satisfied with our service, you may tip them at an amount you find it suitable.
- Personal expenses, like laundry, phone call, snacks, souvenirs, drinks, night life, etc.

Detailed Itinerary

Lhasa

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa

When you arrive at Lhasa, by plane or by train, a guide will meet you and show you to a shuttle that will take you to your hotel. (Shuttles leave the airport every day at 9:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.)
Lhasa is 12,000 feet above sea level, and for the rest of the day you can acclimatize to the high altitude by having a good rest at your hotel. Or, if you feel up to it, you can explore the local area.

F.A.Q.
1. What is the best time of year to take this tour?
The best times to visit Mount Everest are from April to June, and from September to mid-November. But you can of course go at other times of the year, if you wish.

Meals:

Hotels: Yak Hotel

Lhasa

Day 2: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street

Your tour of Tibet officially begins today. In the morning, you will visit the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lamas and the most famous landmark of Tibet.
In the afternoon, your tour will move on to the Jokhang Temple. You’ll be able to see pilgrims praying in front the Temple.
Finally, you’ll end the day by strolling along the lively Barkhor Street and joining in the hustle and bustle of the locals. There will also be plenty of time to buy souvenirs, of course.
In the evening, our guide will take you to a typical Tibetan tea house where you can soak up the famous Tibetan tea culture. The day ends with a Welcome Dinner that we will host for you!

F.A.Q.
2. How can I avoid altitude sickness?
Our tour begins in Lhasa, a relatively low region of Tibet, which is nonetheless much higher than most people are used to. The air is much thinner there and your lungs will likely have some trouble getting enough oxygen for you to breathe easily, so you should move slowly and drink lots of fluids. Your body will gradually adjust to the altitude before we journey to Mount Everest. Rest assured that our vehicles are well-equipped with plenty of oxygen bottles, and our Tibetan guides are very competent, experienced, and know how to deal with the common problems of traveling in Tibet.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels: 1

Lhasa

Day 3: Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery

On the third day of your tour, you will visit two of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Lhasa: the Drepung monastery and the Sera monastery. The Drepung Monastery was once one of the largest monasteries in the world, around 10,000 monks lived there. You will have the chance to visit the giant kitchen inside the monastery, which is very impressive. The Sera Monastery is the most important teaching facility of Tibetan Buddhism today. In the afternoon you will be able to watch the monks debating in the courtyard of the monastery. (Monks debate with each other every day between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m.)
Upon returning to the city, our guide will show you a local market where the locals can get everything they need for their daily life.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels: 1

Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse

Day 4: Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glaicier, Palkhor Monastery

On the fourth day your tour group will travel to the second largest city in Tibet: Shigatse. You’ll drive through the Gampala Pass, and on the way you can catch a glimpse of the turquoise blue Yamdrok Lake, embedded within a picturesque landscape. You’ll also be able to see the Karola Glacier, and during the day we’ll stop to visit the Palkhor Monastery (also called the Kumbum Monastery). You can also admire the ancient Dzong Fortress from a distance before you finally reach Shigatse. Along the way we might drop by a local Tibetan family for a rare look at traditional Tibetan life.
(Approx. 6 to 7 hour bus drive.)

Meals:

Hotels: 1

Shigatse - Rongbuk

Day 5: Tashilhunpo Monastery, Viewpoint Everest Base Camp

In the morning you’ll pay a visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery, which has been the home of the Panchen Lamas since the 17th century. This gigantic monastery complex was founded in 1447 and has since developed into one of the largest monastic universities of the Gelug School.
After that your journey into the west of Tibet will continue through breathtaking mountain landscapes. On the way you can hang some prayer flags ― a free gift from us ― to spread goodwill, just like the local people do. After entering the Mt. Everest National Park we’ll drive along a switchback road up to the Gawula Pass, the only place in the world where you can see five snow-covered mountain peaks that are each more than 26,000 feet above sea level at the same time: Mount Makalu (27,765 ft.), Mount Lotse (27,939 ft.), Mount Cho Oyu (26,906 ft.), Mount Everest (29,015 ft.), and Mount Shishapama (26,335 ft.)
Finally you’ll reach the Rongbuk Monastery (five miles from the Everest Base Camp). The Rongbuk Monastery ― over 16,700 feet above sea level ― is the highest monastery in the world and offers a perfect, picturesque view of Mount Everest.
Don’t forget to send out some postcards to your friends and family from the highest post office in the world. (A set of postcards will be provided as a free gift with your tour.)
That night you’ll stay in Rongbuk Monastery’s guesthouse, where you will sleep in a communal bedroom. (It’s also possible to sleep in a large tent during warmer or busier seasons.)
(Approx. 6 to 7 hour bus drive.)

Meals:

Hotels: 1

Rongbuk - Saga

Day 6: Rongbuk Monastery

Early in the morning on the sixth day of your tour, you’ll be able to admire the beautiful Mount Everest sunrise. Then your journey will continue to Saga. Along the way you’ll see Mount Shishapama and the crystal clear Peiku Tso Lake. You even have a chance to see some of the local wildlife, like Tibetan antelope.
(Approx. 7 to 8 hour bus drive.)

F.A.Q.
3. What are the physical requirements for hiking around Mount Kailash?
This hiking tour is only of medium difficulty, but it’s more challenging than you might expect because of the high altitude. Consequently, we recommend this tour only to active travelers who are in very good health condition with prior hiking experience.

4. What should I take with me?
For the Mount Kailash trekking tour, we recommend that you bring the following things with you:
1. Sturdy hiking shoes. (Crampons will be provided by us for free.)
2. Warm winter clothes, no matter what the time of year. Tibet is a mountainous region that is cold all-year round.
3. A warm sleeping bag.
4. Hiking sticks are recommended, but it’s up to you.

Meals:

Hotels: Rongbuk Guesthouse

Saga - Darchen

Day 7: From Saga to Darchen

You’ll leave Saga early in the morning and head over to the sacred Manasarovar Lake near Darchen, the starting point of your Kailash trek. As we cross the Mayomla Pass you can enjoy the spectacular vista of Mount Naimonanyi.
When you arrive in Darchen, you will meet other pilgrims who come for a yatra (a pilgrimage to a holy site) and to do a kora (a sacred walk) around Mount Kailash. Mount Kailash is regarded as a holy site in four religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Bon, and Jainism, and has never been climbed before. You can have a good rest in Darchen before preparing for your trek to Kailash. Over the next three days you’ll follow the pilgrimage path and hike around Mount Kailash, the most sacred mountain in Tibet.
(Approx. 7 to 8 hour bus drive.)

F.A.Q.
5. Do I have to carry my luggage by myself during the entire trek around Kailash?
We recommend that you leave your main luggage in Darchen and take only a small rucksack with you on the hike.
If you really want to have your main luggage with you on the tour, then you should book a Tibetan porter or pack animals (like horses or a yak) to help you carry the luggage. (This will cost extra.)

Meals:

Hotels: Hotel

Darchen - Drirapuk

Day 8: The 1. stage of Mt. Kailash trekking

On this day you’ll begin the first stage of the hike around Kailash. (The entire pilgrimage around Kailash is 32 miles long and will take about three days.) First you’ll take a thirty minute ride on the eco-bus to the Sarshung Valley. From there you’ll walk along the pilgrim path (the Kora) to the ruins of Nyenri Monastery before heading to Drirapuk Monastery, where you will spend a restful night in a guesthouse or tent. On the way you’ll get to see Mount Kailash from its north and west sides ― an impressive sight to behold!
(Approx. 30 min. Eco-Bus ride and a 6-hour hike.)

Meals:

Hotels: Guesthouse or Tent

Drirapuk - Dzultripuk

Day 9: The 2. stage of Mt. Kailash trekking

The second stage of the Kailash trek takes you on wild mountain trails from Drirapuk via the Dromala Pass to Dzultripuk. You’ll get up early and walk slowly up to the Shiwa Tsal cemetery; along the way you’ll see local Tibetans prostrating on the Kora path. After four to five hours of slow ascent you’ll reach the Dromala Pass, which is the highest and most sacred place on the entire pilgrimage route. (18,400 feet up.)
The descent takes you along a switchback path that to the frozen lake of Dzultripuk, where we will set up our tents for the night.
(Approx. 7 to 8 hour hike ― 2,300 feet uphill, 3,300 feet downhill.)

Meals:

Hotels: Guesthouse or Tent

Dzultripuk - Darchen

Day 10: The 3. stage of Mt. Kailash trekking

The last stage of the Kailash trek will take you from Dzutrulphuk back to Darchen. With a few slopes and some river crossings, we complete the trek around Mount Kailash. After two hard days, the third day is a more relaxing half-day tour.
(Approx. 3 to 4 hour hike (all downhill), and a 25 min. Eco-Bus ride.)

Meals:

Hotels: Guesthouse or Tent

Darchen - Saga

Day 11: Manasarovar Lake

In the morning you’ll start the journey back to Lhasa. Along the way you can enjoy the unique view of Manasarovar Lake. This incredible lake is a truly spiritual place for the thousands of pilgrims who undertake the Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra. We’ll take a break near the lake before continuing with our ride to Saga. In Saga you can totally relax for the rest of the day.
(Approx. 7 to 8 hour drive.)

Meals:

Hotels: Hotel

Saga - Sakya

Day 12: From Saga to Sakya

Your return journey continues, arriving in Sakya in the evening. You can have another good rest in Sakya.
(Approx. 6 to 7 hour drive.)

Meals:

Hotels: Hotel

Sakya - Shigatse

Day 13: From Sakya to Shigatse

Today you’ll visit the ancient town of Sakya before finishing the drive back to Shigatse, where you’ll stay overnight.
(Approx. 3 hour drive.)

Meals:

Hotels: Manasarovar Hotel

Shigatse - Lhasa

Day 14: From Shigatse to Lhasa

Today you’ll travel along the Yarlung Tsangpo river from Shigatse to Lhasa. In Lhasa you can enjoy the comfortable city life again.
(Approx. 4 to 5 hour drive.)

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels: Yak Hotel

Lhasa

Day 15: Departure from Lhasa

In the morning we will escort you back to the airport or train station, where your tour ends. (We provide three free airport shuttles per day, at 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.)

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels:

Tibet & Mt. Kailash Pilgrimage Small Group Tour

Tibet & Mt. Kailash Pilgrimage Small Group Tour

You might also like...

Lhasa City Small Group Tour

Tibet & Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour

Highlights of Tibet Small Group Tour

About this tour

春

夏

秋

冬

Duration: 15 days

Group size: min. 4, max 14

Transportations:

Live tour guide

Select participants, date and language:

Adult

Youth

Children

Highlights

Itinerary at a Glance

Service

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa

Day 2: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street

Day 3: Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery

Day 4: Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glaicier, Palkhor Monastery

Day 5: Tashilhunpo Monastery, Viewpoint Everest Base Camp

Day 6: Rongbuk Monastery

Day 7: From Saga to Darchen

Day 8: The 1. stage of Mt. Kailash trekking

Day 9: The 2. stage of Mt. Kailash trekking

Day 10: The 3. stage of Mt. Kailash trekking

Day 11: Manasarovar Lake

Day 12: From Saga to Sakya

Day 13: From Sakya to Shigatse

Day 14: From Shigatse to Lhasa

Day 15: Departure from Lhasa

Prepare for the activity

Customer reviews

Overall rating

Review summary

Dragon Tours 2020