Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa – Ali

(*This is only an estimate and can be based on you, your group and your interests. Our team will help you plan the perfect itinerary based on your requirements.)

This is the fastest route from Lhasa, ideal for pilgrims who want to save time by flying close to Kailash.

Route Overview:

• Starting Point: Lhasa, Tibet
• Major Stops: Lhasa → Ali (Ngari) → Taklakot → Lake Mansarovar → Darchen
• Duration: 13-14 days

Day-by-Day Itinerary:

Day 1-4: Arrival and Preparation at Kathmandu:

• You are required to arrive at least 4 days before the start of the journey.
• During this time, final check for documentations, permits is done.
• Logistics and required equipment are checked and bought if not done so already.
• Visits to popular tourist spots such as Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhunath Stupa.
• Orientation of the travellers for the details of the journey.

Highest elevation: 1,460m
Overnight stay: Kathmandu
Primary travel mode: Bus

Day 5: Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

• Morning flight from Kathmandu to  Lhasa which passes over Mt. Everest.
• Great view of Mount Everest and Trans Himalayan Range Drive.
• Adjust to the weather and altitude. 
• Visits to popular places like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Drepung Monasteries.

Highest elevation: 3,656m(excluding flight)
Overnight stay: Lhasa
Primary travel mode: Plane
Approximate travel distance: 600km

Day 6: Lhasa to Ali Gunsa by flight:

1. Morning flight to Ali Gunsa from Lhasa.
2. Explore the region the rest of the day.
3. Short hikes to adjust to the weather and altitude.

Highest elevation: 4,275m
Overnight stay: Ali Gunsa
Primary travel mode: Plane
Approximate travel distance: 1,097km

Day 7: Drive from Ali Gunsa to Lake Mansarovar:

1. There is a long drive ahead. So, we leave early in the morning.
2. Rituals and holy baths by the lake.
3. Drive around the lake.

Highest elevation: 4,620m
Overnight stay: Lake Mansarovar
Primary travel mode: Bus
Approximate travel distance: 255km

Day 8: Drive from Mansarovar to Darchen.

1. Rituals at the Mansarovar lake early in the morning.
2. Drive to the base of Kailash Parikrama, Darchen.
3. Visit to Chui Gompa.
4. Mount Kailash Parikrama preparation.

Highest elevation: 4,574m
Overnight stay: Darchen
Primary travel mode: Bus
Approximate travel distance: 90km

Day 9-11: Kailash Parikrama(52 km).

Travel clockwise through the following places:

Day 9: Darchen → Dira puk

• Drive from DARCHEN to Yamadwar.
• The Kailash Parikrama starts from here.
• If pilgrims opt out of the Kailash Parikrama, they return to Darchen. Else, others carry on with the Kailash Parikrama(Kora).
• Trek from Yamadwar to DIRA PUK.

Highest elevation: 4,860m
Overnight stay: Dira Puk
Primary mode of travel: Bus and Trek
Approximate travel distance: 8km (Bus), 7km (Trek)

 Day 10: Dira Puk → Zutul Puk

• We start our trek at 4am.
• Cross the DOLMA LA (5,630 m) border and descend to ZUTUL PUK(4,700 m).
• If we reach ZUTUL PUK by 2-3pm, we continue our journey to DARCHEN without halt. Else, If we reach ZUTUL PUK later than 3-4 pm, we stay the night at ZUTUL PUK.
• This is the most challenging day of the trek.

Highest elevation: 5,630m
Overnight stay: Darchen or Zutul Puk
Primary travel mode: Trek
Approximate travel distance: 22km

Day 11: Zutul Puk → Darchen

• If we stay in ZUTUL PUK the previous day, we continue our journey at 7am.
• Trek back to DARCHEN.
• Lunch at DARCHEN.
• This marks the end of the Kailash Parikrama.
• This day is an easy trek through red and gold cliffs.

Highest elevation: 4,580km
Overnight stay: Darchen
Primary travel mode: Trek
Approximate travel distance: 8km

Day 12: Darchen to Ali Gunsa:

1. Drive from Darchen to Ali Gunsa.
2. This is a very long drive. So, we start early in the morning.

Highest elevation: 4,620m
Overnight stay: Ali Gunsa
Primary travel mode: Drive
Approximate travel distance: 345km

Day 13: Ali Gunsa to Lhasa by flight:

Morning flight from Ali Gunsa to Lhasa.

Highest elevation: 4,580km
Overnight stay: Lhasa
Primary travel mode: Plane
Approximate travel distance: 1,097km

Day 14: Departure from Lhasa

Transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your departure, carrying the blessings of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar in your heart.

Technical Details:

Permits and Chinese Visa are required, and we handle everything from the start to the end of the journey

Required Permits:

1. Chinese Group Visa
2. Tibet Travel Permit
3. Restricted Area Permits
4. Military Permit

Promotional Note:

Our Lhasa–Ali–Kailash package is ideal for those with limited time but a desire for a short but meaningful yatra. With top-class arrangements by our experienced professionals, we make your trip trouble-free, from the first flight to the Kailash Parikrama and till your departure.

Although most part of the journey up until Darchen can be completed on a vehicle, the Kora begins from Darchen  and it requires you to trek the whole 52km around Mount Kailash. During Kora, regular trekkers or hikers may even complete the trek within just one day. Even if we proceed with a few small breaks, normal pilgrims may take 2 days to complete the sacred journey. But, we