Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa – Ali

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

Experience the divine Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Lhasa – Ali. Join Marvelous Holiday for an unforgettable pilgrimage filled with stunning views and spiritual insights.

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

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Highest elevation: 1,460m

Overnight stay: Kathmandu

Primary travel mode: Bus

There are 4 prep days in Kathmandu as you are required to arrive here 4 days prior to the start of the journey. On the very first day of the journey, we will welcome you in Kathmandu–the capital city of Nepal. You are required to submit your passport to our agents so that we can apply for your Tibet visa.

After some rest, we gather all of our travelers for an orientation about the details of the journey.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley

Highest elevation: 1,460m

Overnight stay: Kathmandu

Primary travel mode: Bus

Today we will be seeing some beauties of Nepal. We will visit popular tourist attractions of Nepal such as: Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath(Monkey temple), Bouddhanath stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

We organize a puja in Pashupatinath before starting the yatra to pray for a safe, comfortable and a successful yatra.

Day 3: Sightseeing near Kathmandu valley

Highest elevation: 1,460m

Overnight stay: Kathmandu

Primary travel mode: Bus

We have more sightseeing today and we will be going out of the valley. We will visit some more tourist attractions near Kathmandu valley which are located in Patan and Bhaktapur.

Day 4: Final preparation for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Highest elevation: 1,460m

Overnight stay: Kathmandu

Primary travel mode: Bus

This is the final preparation day in the Kathmandu valley before we start our journey. If all travellers’ visas arrive on Day 3, we will begin our journey on this day with a drive to Syabrubesi. However, if someone’s visa has not yet arrived, we will start the next day.

Additionally, our professionals at Marvel Travel and Tours thoroughly check all the logistics and the required equipment and help you buy them if not done so already.

(*This itinerary is prepared by supposing we begin our drive to Syabrubesi on Day 5.)

Day 5: Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

Highest elevation: 3,656m(excluding flight)

Overnight stay: Lhasa

Primary travel mode: Plane

Approximate travel distance: 600km

This is the first day of our journey outside of the Kathmandu valley. Today, we will travel by air early in the morning from Kathmandu to Lhasa. This flight passes over Mt. Everest, so we will get a magnificent view of the world’s tallest mountain and also the Trans Himalayan Range, especially if we get a window seat.

As the flight schedule may be affected due to the weather conditions, we may need to stay 1-2 days more in the valley as long as a flight is not available.

Finally, after reaching Lhasa, we will visit popular places like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Drepung Monasteries.

Day 6: Lhasa to Ali Gunsa by flight

Highest elevation: 4,275m

Overnight stay: Ali Gunsa

Primary travel mode: Plane

Approximate travel distance: 1,097km

Today too, we will travel by plane. We will take a morning flight to Ali Gunsa from Lhasa. Then, we will explore the region for the rest of the day. We will also go on short hikes to adjust to the weather and altitude.

Day 7: Drive from Ali Gunsa to Lake Mansarovar

Highest elevation: 4,620m

Overnight stay: Lake Mansarovar

Primary travel mode: Bus

Approximate travel distance: 255km

Today, we have a long drive ahead. So, we will leave early in the morning. After reaching Lake Mansarovar, we will take part in rituals and holy baths by the lake and also enjoy the scenic view with a drive around the lake.

Day 8: Drive from Mansarovar to Darchen

Highest elevation: 4,574m

Overnight stay: Darchen

Primary travel mode: Bus

Approximate travel distance: 90km

Today, we will take part in various rituals at the Mansarovar lake early in the morning.

After the rituals, we will drive towards the base of Mount Kailash–Darchen. On the way, we will visit attractions like the Chiu Gompa Monastery. Finally, after reaching Darchen, we will begin our preparations for the Kailash Parikrama.

Day 9: Darchen → Dira puk

Highest elevation: 4,860m

Overnight stay: Dira Puk

Primary mode of travel: Bus and Trek

Approximate travel distance: 8km (Bus), 7km (Trek)

We finally start the Kailash Parikrama on this day. We will travel clockwise through the following places to complete the parikrama.

This is the first day of the Kailash Parikrama, also known as Kora. We begin this day with a drive from DARCHEN to YAMADWAR. The Parikrama starts from here. Pilgrims can opt out of this step. If they opt out from the kora, they are taken back to Darchen. The others carry on with the kora with a trek from YAMADWAR to DIRA PUK.

Day 10: Dira Puk → Zutul Puk

Highest elevation: 5,630m

Overnight stay: Darchen or Zutul Puk

Primary travel mode: Trek

Approximate travel distance: 22km

This is the second and the most challenging day of the Kailash Parikrama. On this day, we will continue on with the kora with a trek starting at 4am. During this trek we will 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 will continue our journey to DARCHEN without halt. Else, if we reach ZUTUL PUK later than 3-4 pm, we will stay the night at ZUTUL PUK.

Day 11: Zutul Puk → Darchen

Highest elevation: 4,580km

Overnight stay: Darchen

Primary travel mode: Trek

Approximate travel distance: 8km (Trek)

This is the final day of the Kailash Parikrama. This day’s trek is an easy one through red and gold cliffs. If we stay in ZUTUL PUK the previous day, we will continue our journey at 7am with a trek back to DARCHEN. This marks the end of the Kailash Parikrama.

After reaching DARCHEN, we will indulge in local cuisine for lunch.

Day 12: Darchen to Ali Gunsa

Highest elevation: 4,620m

Overnight stay: Ali Gunsa

Primary travel mode: Drive

Approximate travel distance: 345km

Today, we will begin our return journey with a drive from Darchen to Ali Gunsa. This is a very long drive. So, we will start early in the morning.

Day 13: Ali Gunsa to Lhasa by flight

Highest elevation: 4,580km

Overnight stay: Lhasa

Primary travel mode: Plane

Approximate travel distance: 1,097km

On this day, we return back to Lhasa with a morning flight from Ali Gunsa.

Day 14: Departure from Lhasa

This is the final day of the journey. We will transfer you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your departure, carrying the blessings of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar in your heart.

Required Permits

Chinese Group Visa

Tibet Travel Permit

Restricted Area Permits

Military Permit

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 using 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 may also proceed with long breaks or stops at rituals, in which case, the Kora may take up to 3 days.