Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa

(*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.)

Want to start a little closer to your destination, explore Tibetan culture and sacred landmarks in Lhasa all before reaching your destination? Then this route will be perfect for you.

Route Overview:

• Starting point: Lhasa, Tibet.
• Major Stops: Lhasa → Gyantse → Shigatse → Saga → Lake Mansarovar → Darchen.
• Total Duration: 14-15 days.
• Mode of transport: By road.

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.
• Visit to Swayambhunath Stupa.
• Our company organizes a puja in Pashupatinath before starting the yatra
• 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.

1. Morning flight from Kathmandu to  Lhasa which passes over Mt. Everest.
2. Great view of Mount Everest and Trans Himalayan Range Drive.
3. Adjust to the weather and altitude. 
4. 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 Shigatse:

1. Stops at Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier.
2. Visits to Pelkor Chode Monastery in Gyantse before arriving at Shigatse.
3. Explore the large Shigatse city.
4. Visit to Tashilumpo Monastery in Shigatse

Highest elevation: 3860m
Overnight stay: Shigatse
Primary travel mode: Bus
Approximate travel distance: 250km

Day 7: Drive from Shigatse to Saga:

1. Drive through the scenic high passes and valleys.
2. A short stop by the holy Brahmaputra river for a meal.
3. Great view of Mt. Everest, Sishspangma and other Himalayan ranges.

Highest elevation: 4,650m
Overnight stay: Saga
Primary travel mode: Bus
Approximate travel distance: 470km

Day 8: Drive to Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m).

1. This is a long journey. So, we start early– sharp 5am.
2. Travel of about 8 hours.
3. Savor a riverside lunch with magnificent panoramic views.
4. If we rest in between (for example, 1 hour rest after a 4 hour drive), then we start Kora the next day. Else, we transfer to an eco-bus and travel to the starting point of Kora–Darchen.
5. Enjoy the highest freshwater lake.

Highest elevation: 4,574m
Overnight stay: Darchen or Lake Mansarovar
Primary travel mode: Bus
Approximate travel distance: 450km

Day 9: Drive from Darchen to Mansarovar for rituals and back(4,575 m).

• Rituals at the Mansarovar lake early in the morning.
• Drive back to the base of Kailash Parikrama, Darchen.
• Visit to Chui Gompa.
• 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 → Saga

• 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.
• Drive from DARCHEN to SAGA.

Highest elevation: 4,580km
Overnight stay: Saga
Primary travel mode: Trek and Bus
Approximate travel distance: 8km (Trek), 520km(Bus)

Day 12: Drive back to Kerung city.

Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu:

1. Pass through the Rasuwagadhi border.
2. Immigration check for exit from the China side.
3. Immigration check for entry to the Nepal side.
4. Reach Kathmandu by evening.

Day 14: Departure to home:

We drop you to the airport or your required destination inside the valley.

Permits Required:

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

Why Choose This Route?

• Gradual altitude gain.
• Offers great exposure to Tibetan culture.
• Demands moderate tolerance. So, it is great for travellers with somewhat-okay physical abilities.

Promotional Note:

Our Lhasa – Kailash package is the perfect choice for pilgrims seeking a comfortable, culturally rich and spiritually fulfilling yatra. 

We handle all the logistics (including permits, transportation, comfortable accommodations and experienced guides) so you can focus entirely on your inner journey.