13-Day Mount Kailash Kora Pilgrimage

A 13-day pilgrimage around holy Mount Kailash and the sacred waters of Lake Manasarovar.

⏱ 13 Days 👥 Small group · 2–8 guests 📅 2026 Fixed Departures 💵 From $3390

At a Glance

Day Simple Itinerary Meals Hotel
D1 ARRIVAL IN LHASA-LHASA RAILWAY STATION-AIRPORT PICK-UP EXCLUDED Lhasa
D2 LHASA - POTALA PALACE - JOKHANG TEMPLE - BARKHOR STREET - LHASA B.D Lhasa
D3 LHASA-ZHAJI TEMPLE-TASHILHUNPO MONASTERY-SHIGATSE B Shigatse
D4 SHIGATSE -LHATSE -JIACUOLA PASS-JIAWULA PASS-EVEREST BASE CAMP B Tent/Homestay
D5 EVEREST BASE CAMP-MOUNT SHISHAPANGMA-PEIGU TSO-SAGA B Saga
D6 SAGA-MAQUAN RIVER WETLAND PARK-KAILASH-LAKE MANASAROVAR-GHOST LAKE-DARCHEN B Darchen
D7 DARCHEN - CHUGU TEMPLE - ZHIRE TEMPLE (Kora) B Zhire Temple
D8 ZHIRE TEMPLE - DROLMA LA PASS - ZUCHU TEMPLE (Kora) N/A Zuchu Temple
D9 ZUCHU TEMPLE - DARCHEN (Kora) N/A Darchen
D10 DARCHEN-PA YANG (COLORFUL BEACH) -GONGZHU TSO-SAGA B Saga
D11 SAGA-LANG TSO-SHIGATSE B Shigatse
D12 SHIGATSE-GYANGZE-KARULA GLACIER-YAMDOK LAKE- "PRINCESS WENCHENG" SHOW-LHASA B.D Lhasa
D13 DEPART FROM LHASA,DROP OFF TO TRAIN/AIRPORT B Excluded

Detailed Itinerary

D1

ARRIVAL IN LHASA-LHASA RAILWAY STATION-AIRPORT PICK-UP

Arrive at the Sunshine City in Lhasa, Lhasa Railway Station/Lhasa Gongga Airport, tour guide or working personnel raises signs/Xianhada to welcome the group, and drive to the city hotel to stay and rest to adapt to altitude sickness.

D2

LHASA - POTALA PALACE - JOKHANG TEMPLE - BARKHOR STREET - LHASA

After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to the Potala Palace, a palace style building built in the early 7th century, a world cultural heritage site. Go to the Yaowang Mountain Observation Deck and take a group photo with the RMB 50 scenic spot . Then, you will drive to the Jokhang Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist temple built in 647 AD, which houses golden statues of Buddha Shakyamuni at the age of 12. City Walk shuttles through the ancient path of turning scriptures on Barkhor Street, walking side by side with believers and appreciating the sentient beings and man's world.

D3

LHASA-ZHAJI TEMPLE-TASHILHUNPO MONASTERY-SHIGATSE

After breakfast in the hotel, you will go to Zhaji Temple, the only temple of God of Wealth in Tibet, to pray. Then, you will travel along the Yaye Expressway to Tashilhunpo Monastery was built in 1447 and is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It has been the residence of Panchen Lama throughout history, and the temple is amazed by its magnificent architecture, exquisite art, and long history.

D4

SHIGATSE -LHATSE -JIACUOLA PASS-JIAWULA PASS-EVEREST BASE CAMP

After breakfast at the hotel, you will pass through the Jiacuola Pass in Dingri to reach the Everest National Park. Transfer to a sightseeing bus and arrive at the Everest Base Camp and look up at the world's highest peak. Then, you will visit the Rongbuk Monastery the highest temple in the world, which was founded in 1899.

D5

EVEREST BASE CAMP-MOUNT SHISHAPANGMA-PEIGU TSO-SAGA

After breakfast at the hotel, you will bid farewell to Qomolangma and traverse the Jiawula Pass with its 108 hairpin turns. It is the only observation deck in the world that allows you to admire five 8000 meter snow capped peaks. From here, you can enjoy views of Makaru Peak, Lhotse, Qomolangma, Cho Oyu, and Mount Shishapangma (arranged from left to right). From a distance, you can see the Mount Shishapangma passing through Peigu Cuo and arriving at Sagar.

D6

SAGA-MAQUAN RIVER WETLAND PARK-KAILASH-LAKE MANASAROVAR-GHOST LAKE-DARCHIN

After breakfast at the hotel, you will arrive at Lake Manasarovar at an altitude of 4587 meters via Maquan River Wetland Park, also known as Mafa Mucuo. It means "Incompetent Victory Lake". It is the most transparent freshwater lake in China and is called one of the three "holy lakes" in Tibet. Later, visit the Ghost Lake in Laongcuo, which is separated from it. Enjoy a distant view of the sacred Mount Kailash. Its name means the treasure of snowcapped mountains, and it is the hometown of the Tubo Dynasty and the Xiangxiong Dynasty who believed in the Yongzhong Benbo religion. Yongzhong Benbo religion is the primitive religion of the Tibetan people. It is a precious treasure for all sentient beings to escape suffering and find happiness, to achieve peace in the world, and to save suffering, difficulties, and universal salvation..

D7

DARCHIN-CHUGU TEMPLE-ZHIRE TEMPLE (KORA)

Kora Route: Tachien → Prayer Flag Square → Chugu Temple → Zhire Temple Prayer Flag Square: One of the important landmark starting points of the Kora. A large number of prayer flags can be seen fluttering here. (Note: "Prayer flags" refer to the colorful flags inscribed with Buddhist scriptures in Tibetan culture, which are believed to spread blessings with the wind.) Chugu Temple: Perched on the edge of a cliff, the temple offers a spectacular view. From here, you can overlook Lake Manasarovar, a sacred lake in Tibetan Buddhism Zhire Temple: Today’s accommodation spot. The facilities here are relatively basic, but you can enjoy a brilliant, star-studded sky at night.

D8

ZHIRE TEMPLE-DROLMA LA PASS- ZUCHU TEMPLE (KORA)

Kora Route: Zhire Temple → Sky Burial Ground → Drolma La Pass (5,630m) → Zuchu Temple → Tachien Sky Burial Ground: Located at an altitude of 5,300 meters, this spot offers an unobstructed view of the main peak of Mount Kailash. (Note: Sky burial is a traditional Tibetan funeral practice, and visitors are expected to show respect by maintaining silence and refraining from taking photos.) Drolma La Pass: The highest point of the entire Kora route, sitting at an altitude of 5,630 meters. Here, you can hang prayer flags to pray for blessings. Below the pass lies the Lake of Compassion (Tibetan: Tso Kar), a lake believed in local tradition to cleanse one of sins. Zuchu Temple: After crossing Drolma La Pass, you will reach Zuchu Temple after a certain distance, and beyond the temple begins a long section of the route that runs along the river valley.

D9

ZUCHU TEMPLE-DARCHEN (Kora)

Route: Zuchu Temple → Darchen (Final segment of the Kora) Description: Today's trek covers about 12 km and takes approximately 4-5 hours. The trail follows an open river valley with good, gentle terrain. It's a time to relax, walk at ease, and reflect on the insights and awe gained from the past days of kora. You will arrive in Darchen in the afternoon, successfully concluding your unforgettable Mount Kailash Kora pilgrimage.

D10

DARCHIN-PA YANG (COLORFUL BEACH) -GONGZHU TSO-SAGA

After breakfast at the hotel, you will pass by Gongzhucuo, which means Zhongliu Lake, with an altitude of 4768 meters. It belongs to a saltwater lake and the lakeside is a natural pasture. In the evening, you will check into Saga County.

D11

SAGA-LANG TSO-SHIGATSE

After breakfast at the hotel, you will pass by the National Highway 219, the lake in Langcuo has an elevation of 4300m and an area of 12.1km ². Surrounded by mountains, the lake shore is steep. There is a small island in the lake with a unique scenery. In the evening, you will check in Shigatse.

D12

SHIGATSE-GYANGZE-KARULA GLACIER-YAMDOK LAKE-"PRINCESS WENCHENG" LIVE ACTION OPERA SHOW-LHASA

After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on our journey in the morning twilight, chasing the first rays of sunlight over the plateau as we drive toward the Karola Glacier. Across the vast plains, one can almost hear the echoes of history and feel the legendary tales of the Red River Valley. Standing at the foot of the glacier's tongue, 5,020 meters above sea level, you can trace the veins of millennia-old blue ice and witness the breathtaking spectacle of ice peaks embracing clouds amidst fluttering prayer flags. Following the winding mountain road, we arrive at the sacred Yamdrok Lake, its surface like an inlaid turquoise gem among the mountains, where shifting light and shadow create the perfect scene to capture "the turquoise earring dropped by a fairy." After dinner, we proceed to the Princess Wencheng outdoor theater. Under a canopy of stars, with mountains and rivers as our stage, we immerse ourselves in the epic story of the marriage alliance between the Tang Dynasty and Tibet, experiencing a cultural convergence that transcends millennia.

D13

DEPART FROM LHASA,DROP OFF TO TRAIN/AIRPORT

Today our guide and driver will send you to the airport or train station and it is time to say your good bye and depart to your next destination. End the trip officially.

2026 Group Departures & Prices

Prices are per person in USD, based on two guests sharing a twin room. The single-room supplement applies to solo travellers; the children's price applies to children sharing a bed with two adults.

Departure date (2026) Price Single room Children
Sep 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 $3390 $830 N/A
Oct 1, 2, 3 $3390 $830 N/A

Registration and payment deadline: 25 working days prior to departure. The minimum group size is 2 guests — if the group cannot be formed, all fees collected are fully refunded.

What's Included

  • HOTELStay for 5 nights in a four-star foreign-related hotel standard room+5 nights in a three-star foreign-related hotel standard room+1 night in a scenic tent booth. (Each person has one bed every night. In case of single men and single women, the room difference needs to be made up.) Tibet's hotels are limited in terms of facilities and there is a big gap between them and cities in Chinese Mainland, so please do not measure them by the standard of city people's mentality.
  • DINING10 breakfasts and 2 main meals are included throughout the trip. (Breakfast is included at the hotels. Main meals do not include alcoholic beverages. The average cost per person per main meal is 100 CNY).
  • CAR7-15 seats, travel for 2-8 people
  • ADMISSION FEEThe first entrance ticket to the scenic spots listed in the itinerary.
  • TOUR GUIDEBilingual tour guide service in both Chinese and English
  • CERTIFICATESTibet Entry Permit, Travel Permit, and Border Permit (if applicable).
  • OTHERNo mandatory self-paid activities or shopping stops throughout the tour. Your supervision is welcome.

Not Included

  • Single room difference.
  • Children do not occupy the bed. If you need to occupy the bed, please pay the additional fee. Children do not include tickets. Please purchase them at the entrance of the scenic area based on your height. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
  • Costs incurred due to traffic delays, strikes, weather, aircraft malfunctions, flight cancellations or changes in time, and other force majeure reasons.
  • Personal expenses: expenses incurred for personal expenses such as laundry, haircuts, telephone, fax, pay TV, beverages, tobacco, alcohol, etc. within the hotel.
  • The self-funded projects participated in locally during the trip, as well as other projects not included in the "cost inclusive" section.
  • The final interpretation right belongs to our company.

Good to Know

  1. On the premise of ensuring service standards and not reducing the number of tourist attractions, our company reserves the right to adjust the order of visits;
  2. In case of travel delays or changes caused by uncontrollable factors such as traffic delays, strikes, natural disasters, policy price adjustments, flight or train cancellations or changes in time, the expenses incurred shall be negotiated and handled by both parties. As Lhasa tourist buses belong to chartered buses and hotels belong to long-term private rooms, scenic area tickets belong to discounted tickets or enjoy government free-ticket policies. If guests voluntarily give up on sightseeing, transportation, accommodation, etc., the fees will not be refunded.
  3. The minimum number of people in a tourist group is 2. Our company has the right to cancel the group and notify guests 10 days before departure if the minimum number of people is not reached. If we cannot form a group, our company will refund all the fees already collected and will not bear any other responsibilities or losses.
  4. Individual and group guests are required to pay the hotel room card deposit at the hotel and keep the deposit receipt properly. When checking out, they should check out at the front desk with the receipt and room card to collect the deposit. If there are food and daily necessities in the hotel room, they are all items that tourists can freely consume and are not included in the group fee. If tourists enjoy them freely, please pay at the front desk when leaving the hotel. The phone in the hotel room is for free consumption, please pay at the front desk after use.
  5. Valuable items should be carried with you and kept properly. They should not be placed in the luggage to prevent loss. Please be cautious of thieves when going out. If there is any loss, our company will not be liable for compensation, and we will assist the customer in reporting and handling the case.
  6. This group is a group of individual guests, with tourists from various places. Prices may vary due to transportation, registration time, or other reasons. Please do not compare prices. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
  7. There may be souvenirs, local specialties, and other items sold by local residents in some scenic spots and near stops along the way, which are not provided by our company. Tourists are advised to purchase with caution to avoid being deceived. Rest stations along the way (such as water-added points, toilets, gas stations, roadside stalls, car washes, and some scenic areas) are not within the shopping scope. When taking a rest stop along the way, please pay attention to safety when getting on and off. Most local people charge for toilets along the way, so please take the initiative to pay. (Please be sure to remember for participating guests)
  8. Please inform customers in advance that the distance between Lhasa Scenic Area and the scenic area is long, and the travel time exceeds 2.5 hours. Please be mentally prepared and get ready necessary food and water.
  9. When using the restroom or taking a bath in a hotel or other public place, please pay attention to slip resistance to avoid falling.
  10. Guests who suffer from hypertension, heart disease, asthma, obvious lung, brain, and kidney lesions, as well as severe anemia, severe colds, and other coronary heart diseases that are not suitable for high-altitude tourism are not allowed to enter Tibet. Please follow medical advice.
  11. If tourists are dissatisfied or complain during the tour, please inform us as soon as possible, and we will coordinate and handle it. If no objections are raised, our company will consider the tourists satisfied; If any objections are raised after returning, our company will not recognize or handle them. Our reception quality is based on the opinions of the majority of tourists in the group;
  12. During the journey, tourists are advised not to leave the team or change their itinerary without permission; Valuable items should be left at the front desk of the hotel and not in the room.
  13. 13.5 Tourists under 5 years old and over 69 years old who book this product should be informed in advance.

Entering Tibet

  1. Correct treatment of altitude sickness: The oxygen content in Lhasa is only about 70% of that in the plain, and the atmospheric pressure is also relatively low. Upon arriving at the plateau, most people will experience varying degrees of chest tightness, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms of hypoxia. In severe cases, there may be symptoms such as headaches, muscle pain throughout the body, and insomnia. But this does not mean that you cannot adapt to high altitude. This reaction is very normal. The so-called high altitude reaction is the counteractive reaction our body makes due to the discomfort caused by such a pressure difference and lack of oxygen.
  2. When entering the plateau, one should not overeat or drink excessively to avoid increasing the burden on the digestive organs and enabling them to adapt well to this environment. It is best not to drink alcohol or smoke. Eat more vegetables, fruits and other substances rich in vitamins, drink more water to prevent dryness, especially lipstick and sunscreen used for sun-proof, which can effectively prevent water loss and increase the body's resistance.
  3. When arriving at the plateau for the first time, do not walk quickly, let alone run, and do not engage in physical labor. It is best to fully rest and rest for half a day, and to prevent colds caused by catching a cold. Commonly used drugs for preventing altitude sickness include Rhodiola, American ginseng, glucose, quick results heart-save pills.
  4. If you are not sure whether you can participate in travel activities in Tibet, it is recommended that you consult an experienced doctor and try to follow the principle of stability.
  5. According to the relevant regulations of the China National Tourism Administration, if a tourist fails to complete all tourism projects or leaves Tibet early due to their own reasons, it will be considered as automatically giving up the trip, and the group fee paid by the tourist will not be refunded. Any subsequent consequences shall be borne by the tourists themselves, and the travel agency shall not be held responsible.