Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Trek

Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa

Your guide will greet you at Gonggar Airport and escort you to Lhasa city, a 100-km drive of about 90 minutes. Along the way, keep an eye out for the Nie Tang Buddha—an immense Buddha figure serenely carved into the cliff face. On arrival in Lhasa, the rest of the day is free to rest and begin acclimating. Overnight in Lhasa (3650m).

Day 2: Lhasa Highlights

The first day of sightseeing begins with Lhasa's cardinal landmark, the Potala Palace. Although its majestic silhouette frequently appears in various contexts, witnessing it for the first time still inspires profound awe. Visits to the palace's halls, chambers, and chapels are strictly limited to one hour. Around 2km east of the Potala Palace stands the Tibet's most sacred religious edifice—the Jokhang Temple. Bustling with worshippers and shrouded in mystery, the temple offers an incomparable experience. The quadrangle of streets surrounding the Jokhang Temple is known as the Barkhor - Lhasa's most evocative pilgrimage circuit. This ancient quarter serves as both the spiritual heart of Lhasa and the main commercial hub for Tibetan communities. Overnight in Lhasa (3650m).

Day 3: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse - Shigatse

Yamdrok Tso (4441m), one of Tibet's three holy lakes, is located 110km outside of Lhasa. In the fresh morning air, you set off on your journey to the lake. The road is mostly mountainous, winding and bumpy, and somewhat thrilling. After about 3 1/2 hours' driving, climbing over the snow pass of Kambala (5030m), the dazzling turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake appear hundreds of meters below the mountain pass. After descending from the mountain, there's about 30km road alongside the lake, with barley fields on the other side. Leaving Yamdrok Tso is as spectacular as arriving, since you'll cross the 5045m Karola, with its awesome roadside views of the Nojin Kangtsang Glacier. Still invigorated by the glaciers, you will reach Gyantse in about 90km, where the 35-meter-high stupa within Pelkor Monastery houses over 100,000 exquisite murals and sculptures. Famously known as the 'Kumbum', this architectural wonder is one of Tibet's most remarkable treasures. Continue your journey to Shigatse. Overnight in Shigatse (3850m).

Day 4: Shigatse - Sakya - Lhatse

Depart from Shigatse and drive towards the Sakya Valley. Visit the Sakya Monastery, a historic fortress-like monastery that was the seat of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism for centuries. The monastery is famous for its distinctive grey walls painted with vertical red, white, and grey stripes, symbolizing the three deities of the Sakya tradition. After the visit, continue your drive to Lhatse. Overnight in Lhatse (4000m).

Day 5: Lhatse - Saga - Payang

Today is a long driving day across the vast western plateau. You will pass through the Saga County, crossing numerous rivers and grasslands where you may see wild donkeys, Tibetan antelopes, and other wildlife roaming free. The landscape gradually transitions from arid mountains to the wide-open plains of the Tibetan plateau. Overnight in Payang (4500m).

Day 6: Payang - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen

Drive towards the sacred Mount Kailash region. Along the way, you will see the beautiful Lake Manasarovar, considered by Hindus to be the physical manifestation of the mind of Brahma, and by Tibetan Buddhists as the abode of the goddess Dorje Phagmo. The turquoise lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offers a serene and spiritual atmosphere. After reaching Darchen, the starting point of the Kailash Kora, you can take a short rest and prepare for your pilgrimage. Overnight in Darchen (4675m).

Day 7: Kailash Kora - Darchen to Dirapuk

Today marks the beginning of your Kailash Kora, the sacred circumambulation of Mount Kailash, a journey of immense spiritual significance. You will trek along the western face of the mountain, following the path through ancient Tibetan settlements and prayer-flag-strewn passes. The closer you get to the mountain, the more spectacular the scenery becomes. After a challenging day of trekking, you will arrive at the Dirapuk Monastery, where you can rest overnight in front of the magnificent north face of Mount Kailash. Overnight at Dirapuk Monastery (5210m).

Day 8: Kailash Kora - Dirapuk to Darchen

This is the most challenging day of the Kora. You will cross the Dolma La Pass (5,630m), the highest point of the Kailash Kora. As you traverse the pass, you will pass by the sacred Gauri Kund Lake, a small, emerald lake that is deeply revered by Hindu pilgrims. After crossing the pass, you will descend into the Lha Chu Valley and eventually complete your circuit, returning to Darchen for a well-earned rest. Overnight in Darchen (4675m).

Day 9: Darchen - Tsada (Zanda)

After breakfast, drive west towards Tsada. The journey takes you through the rugged and remote landscapes of Western Tibet. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the Zanda Clay Forest, a spectacular geological wonder that resembles a vast, moon-like landscape. The towering clay pillars and canyons are carved by centuries of wind and water erosion, creating a surreal and unforgettable sight. Overnight in Tsada (3700m).

Day 10: Tsada - Guge Kingdom - Hor

In the morning, explore the ruins of the Guge Kingdom, one of Tibet's most fascinating historical mysteries. The ruins are perched on a hilltop and offer a glimpse into the once-powerful kingdom that thrived in the 10th century. The remaining red and white temples and the extensive rock carvings reveal the sophistication and artistic brilliance of the ancient civilization. After visiting the ruins, you will drive back towards Hor. Overnight in Hor (4500m).

Day 11: Hor - Saga

Hor - SagaEnjoy a final morning view of the magnificent Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash before you leave the sacred region. The drive back towards Saga takes you through the vast Tibetan wilderness. Overnight in Saga (4500m).

Day 12: Saga - Shigatse

Continue your journey back towards Shigatse. The landscape gradually transitions from the desert-like terrain of Western Tibet to the more fertile valleys of the Tsangpo River. Along the way, you will pass through numerous nomadic settlements and witness the traditional way of life of Tibetan herders. Overnight in Shigatse (3850m).

Day 13: Shigatse - Tashilhunpo Monastery

This morning, you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. It is one of the most important and largest functioning monasteries in Tibet, housing the world's largest gilded bronze statue of the Maitreya Buddha. The monastery’s golden roofs shine brilliantly in the sunlight, and the beautiful architecture and rich collections of Buddhist art are truly impressive. Overnight in Shigatse (3850m).

Day 14: Shigatse to Lhasa Airport & Departure

After breakfast, you will take the direct airport shuttle service from Shigatse to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, a journey of approximately 2.5-3 hours. This convenient service allows you to connect directly to your onward flight without returning to Lhasa city. Your Tibet tour ends here. Potala Palace Jokhang Yamdrok Lake Kumpa Stupa Tashilumpo Monastery Tashilumpo Monastery