Unique Nepal Treks & Expedition
Book a trek Plan My Trip

Talk to a local expert

+977 980-8114909 info@uniquenepal.com WhatsApp
English Español
Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Tour via Lhasa – 14 Days

Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Tour via Lhasa – 14 Days

Lhasa, the sacred lake and the three-day kora around Kailash

5.0/5 · 6 reviews From $4,200 per person
Book now View itinerary
Duration
14 Days / 13 Nights
Region
Tibet
Max altitude
5,630 m (Dolma La)
Difficulty
Challenging
Best season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Group size
Up to 12

Overview

A journey through the Himalayas

A pilgrimage to Mount Kailash (6,638 m), sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bön followers, and to Lake Manasarovar beside it. The highlight is the 52 km kora around the mountain over the Dolma La.

Fly to Lhasa for two days of sightseeing, then drive west via Gyantse, Shigatse and Saga to Lake Manasarovar. From Darchen, walk the three-day kora via Dirapuk and the Dolma La (5,630 m). Drive back to Lhasa and fly out.

Fit travellers ready for long road days and one hard walking day at 5,630 m. Previous experience above 4,500 m is strongly recommended.

Why book with us: We secure the extra military permit for Western Tibet, with a licensed Tibetan guide and a Spanish-speaking tour leader on request.

Highlights

What you will see and experience along the way

  • Lhasa’s great monasteries and Potala Palace
  • Sacred Lake Manasarovar
  • Three-day kora (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash
  • Crossing Dolma La on the Kailash pilgrimage circuit
  • High-plateau landscapes of western Tibet
  • Deep spiritual atmosphere shared by several faiths
  • Overland journey from Lhasa to the Kailash region
Difficulty & fitness Challenging

Long days and high passes. Some previous hiking experience recommended.

Day By Day

Your itinerary

Trek route Tap a pin for the day stop
Altitude profile Highest point: 5,630 m
3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 Day 1: 3,650 m 1 Day 2: 3,650 m 2 Day 3: 3,650 m 3 Day 4: 4,794 m 4 Day 5: 3,840 m 5 Day 6: 4,600 m 6 Day 7: 4,590 m 7 Day 8: 4,670 m 8 Day 9: 4,900 m 9 Day 10: 5,630 m 10 Day 11: 4,600 m 11 Day 12: 3,840 m 12 Day 13: 3,650 m 13 Day 14: 3,650 m 14 5,630 m

Highest point reached each day, taken from the itinerary. Gradual gains give your body time to acclimatize.

Flight over the Himalaya to Lhasa and transfer to your hotel. Rest to acclimatise.

  • 3,650 m
  • Hotel in Lhasa

Visit the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor pilgrim circuit.

  • 3,650 m
  • Hotel in Lhasa
  • B

Drepung in the morning and the monk debates at Sera in the afternoon.

  • 3,650 m
  • Hotel in Lhasa
  • B

Cross the Kamba La above Yamdrok Lake and pass the Karo La glacier. 6–7 hours.

  • 4,794 m
  • Hotel in Gyantse
  • B

Visit the Gyantse Kumbum, then Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse. 2 hours by road.

  • 3,840 m
  • Hotel in Shigatse
  • B

A long drive west along the Friendship Highway and across the plateau to Saga. 7–8 hours.

  • 4,600 m
  • Hotel in Saga
  • B

Cross the Mayum La and reach the shore of Manasarovar with the first view of Kailash. 6–7 hours.

  • 4,590 m
  • Guesthouse at Manasarovar
  • B, D

Sunrise by the lake and a visit to Chiu Gompa, then a short drive to Darchen to prepare for the kora. 1 hour.

  • 4,670 m
  • Guesthouse in Darchen
  • B, D

Start at Tarboche and walk up the Lha Chu valley to Dirapuk, facing Kailash’s north face. 6–7 hours.

  • 4,900 m
  • Guesthouse at Dirapuk
  • B, L, D

The hardest day: a steep climb to the Dolma La (5,630 m), past Gauri Kund lake, then a long descent to Zutulpuk. 8–10 hours.

  • 5,630 m
  • Guesthouse at Zutulpuk
  • B, L, D

An easy 3-hour walk out of the valley to finish the kora, then drive back to Saga. 6–7 hours by road.

  • 4,600 m
  • Hotel in Saga
  • B

Long drive east back to Shigatse. 7–8 hours.

  • 3,840 m
  • Hotel in Shigatse
  • B

Drive back to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo river. Free evening. 5–6 hours.

  • 3,650 m
  • Hotel in Lhasa
  • B

Transfer to Lhasa airport and fly to Kathmandu or onward.

  • 3,650 m
  • B

Good To Know

What's included

Included

  • Airport and border transfers
  • Hotels with breakfast as listed in the itinerary, twin sharing
  • Private vehicle with driver for all road travel in Tibet
  • Licensed Tibetan guide (English); Spanish-speaking tour leader on request
  • Chinese group visa when entering Tibet from Nepal
  • Entrance fees to monasteries and sites in the itinerary
  • Oxygen cylinder in the vehicle and first-aid kit
  • Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, military permit for Ngari and Kailash–Manasarovar entrance fees
  • Flights Kathmandu – Lhasa – Kathmandu
  • Yak or porter for your bag on the kora

Not included

  • International flights
  • Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance with evacuation cover (required)
  • Lunch and dinner unless listed in the itinerary
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Single room supplement
  • Extra costs from permit delays, road closures or border changes

Best Time To Go

When to trek

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec
  • Best
  • Possible
  • Monsoon, not ideal

Recommended: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. We run this trek on the dates you choose. Tell us when you would like to go and we will check conditions for you.

Make It Yours

Tailor this trek to you

This itinerary is a starting point. Tell us what matters to you and we will shape the trip around it.

  • Private departure on the dates you choose
  • Extra rest or acclimatization days
  • Your choice of hotel level in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • A guide who speaks Spanish or English
Customize this trek

On The Map

Full route map

Day stops and the trail overview for this package. Exact paths on high trails can vary with conditions.

Open in Google Maps →

Questions

Before you go

Yes. Many travellers wait in Darchen or at Manasarovar while the group walks, and the price stays the same.
Yes, horses can be hired in Darchen for the first two days, at extra cost paid locally. The steepest part of the Dolma La is usually walked.
Western Tibet is snowbound and permits are rarely issued outside these months. The Saga Dawa festival in May or June is the busiest time.
Basic dormitory or twin rooms with shared outdoor toilets and no showers. Bring a warm sleeping bag; we can lend one.

Reviews

What our travellers say

Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 6 travellers

My trekking experience in Nepal was absolutely incredible. From arriving in Kathmandu to the mountains of the Himalaya, everything was perfectly organised. The guides were professional, attentive and very knowledgeable about the region. I felt safe at all times, even travelling alone. Without a doubt, I recommend this...
C Carlos Martínez Spain
I went on a solo trekking adventure to the Everest region with Unique Nepal Treks and Expedition, and it was life-changing! The itinerary was perfectly planned, and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. From arranging flights and hotels to transportation and trekking support, everything was seamless. I felt safe...
R Rohan Sharma Delhi, India · Everest Region
From the moment I landed in Nepal, everything was taken care of with professionalism and warmth. As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe and supported throughout the trek. The landscapes were breathtaking, and the experience was life-changing. I highly recommend this agency — they are truly the best in Nepal...
Sophie Laurent Sophie Laurent France
Read all reviews →

Questions & Comments

Ask a question or leave a note

0 comments

Be the first to share your thoughts about this trip.

Share this trek

Keep Exploring

Similar treks

Every Journey Is Different

Talk to a travel specialist

Tell us what you have in mind and our local team will help you create the right trip.

Book now WhatsApp
From $4,200 Book now