Kailash Mansarovar Overland tour (16D, 15N) from Kathmandu via Lhasa (Nepal-Tibet)
16 Days / 15 Nights
Package Description
The Kailash Mansarovar Tour from Kathmandu via Lhasa is a soul-stirring journey to one of the most sacred destinations for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. This spiritually enriching pilgrimage offers an opportunity to witness the majestic Mount Kailash, known as the abode of Lord Shiva, and take a holy dip in the pristine waters of Lake Mansarovar. The tour also provides an immersive cultural experience as you travel through the mystical land of Tibet, visiting ancient monasteries and awe-inspiring landmarks.
Starting in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, you will explore some of its renowned temples like Pashupatinath, Jal Narayan (Sleeping Vishnu), and Kailashnath Mahadev, a majestic Shiva statue. From Kathmandu, you embark on a scenic flight to Lhasa, Tibet’s capital, known for its rich history, spirituality, and vibrant Tibetan culture. The journey through Lhasa will take you to iconic landmarks such as the Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, and the majestic Potala Palace, once home to the Dalai Lama.
From Lhasa, you venture through the stunning Tibetan plateau, passing through Shigatse and Saga, to reach the sacred Lake Mansarovar and the towering Mount Kailash. A parikrama (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash is the spiritual highlight of the tour, as pilgrims from various faiths come to complete this challenging yet spiritually fulfilling trek. Along the way, you'll encounter breathtaking views of the Himalayas, serene high-altitude lakes, and significant spiritual landmarks like Gauri Kund and the Dolma La Pass.
This tour combines breathtaking natural beauty with profound spiritual significance. The journey takes you through high-altitude passes, serene landscapes, and ancient monasteries, making it a truly transformative experience. Whether you seek spiritual fulfillment, adventure, or the serene beauty of Tibet’s landscapes, the Kailash Mansarovar Tour from Kathmandu via Lhasa offers an unforgettable pilgrimage to the heart of the Himalayas.
Day wise Itinerary
-
Day 1Arrival in KathmanduUpon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our local tour manager will greet you and arrange a transfer to your pre-booked hotel. After check-in, relax for the rest of the day. In the evening, enjoy a delicious vegetarian buffet dinner before resting for the night at a 3-star hotel on a sharing basis. Kathmandu, located at an elevation of 1,400 meters, is the starting point of your sacred journey.
-
Day 2Temple visits in KathmanduAfter an early breakfast, embark on a temple tour that includes visiting the Pashupatinath Temple for the morning aarti, followed by Jal Narayan Temple (Sleeping Vishnu) and Guhyeshwari Mata Temple (a Shakti Peetha). Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. You can spend the afternoon exploring Thamel market or preparing for your upcoming flight to Lhasa. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight stay at a 3-star hotel on a sharing basis. Elevation in Kathmandu remains at 1,400 meters.
-
Day 3Sightseeing in KathmanduAfter breakfast, visit the impressive Kailashnath Mahadev, which boasts the world’s tallest Shiva statue, and then proceed to Doleshwar Mahadev Temple, believed to be the head portion of the Kedarnath temple. Return for lunch, and later relax at your hotel. Dinner will be served in the evening. Overnight stay at a 3-star hotel. Kathmandu’s elevation remains 1,400 meters. (Optional: Enjoy a morning mountain flight over the Himalayas at an additional cost).
-
Day 4Kathmandu to Lhasa by FlightAfter breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu airport for your flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival at Gonggar International Airport, Tibet, at an elevation of 3,656 meters, you will be escorted to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day acclimatizing. Dinner and overnight stay will be at a 3-star hotel in Lhasa, where you’ll share rooms with other group members.
-
Day 5Lhasa SightseeingStart your day with breakfast and explore some of Lhasa's most revered sites, including Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. Drive by the stunning Potala Palace before returning to your hotel for dinner. Overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Lhasa (3,656 meters).
-
Day 6Lhasa to Shigatse DriveAfter breakfast, set off for a scenic drive to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. Upon arrival, visit the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, a revered site built by the first Dalai Lama. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Shigatse (3,782 meters).
-
Day 7Shigatse to Saga DriveToday’s journey takes you through the Tibetan plateau to Saga, located at an elevation of 4,640 meters. Saga, known as "The Happy Land," is a key stop en route to Mount Kailash. Check-in at your hotel or guesthouse for dinner and overnight stay.
-
Day 8Saga to Lake Mansarovar DriveAfter breakfast, continue your scenic drive, crossing the Mayumla Pass (4,900 meters) to reach the sacred Lake Mansarovar (4,590 meters). Enjoy part of the lake parikrama and immerse in the serene views of Mount Kailash. Dinner and overnight stay will be at a guesthouse near the lake.
-
Day 9Lake Mansarovar to Darchen DriveBegin your day with a holy dip in Lake Mansarovar, followed by a puja or meditation. Afterward, drive to Darchen, the base camp for Mount Kailash, stopping at Rakshas Tal on the way. At an elevation of 4,575 meters, Darchen offers a perfect place to rest. Dinner and overnight stay will be at a guesthouse.
-
Day 101st Day of Mount Kailash ParikramaStart early for the trek from Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery, partially by bus and partially on foot. At 5,210 meters, Dirapuk offers mesmerizing views of the North Face of Mount Kailash. Overnight stay will be at a lodge in Dirapuk. Meals will include breakfast, a packed lunch, and a light dinner. (Optional: Trek an additional 3 km to Charan Sparsh or visit Ashtapad from Darchen.)
-
Day 112nd Day of Mount Kailash ParikramaPrepare for the most challenging day of the trek as you ascend to the Dolma La Pass (5,630 meters), passing by Gauri Kund. After crossing the pass, descend to Zuthulpukh Monastery (4,790 meters). Overnight stay will be at a lodge in Zuthulpukh, with all meals provided throughout the day.
-
Day 123rd Day of Mount Kailash Parikrama & Drive to SagaComplete the final leg of the parikrama, trekking the last 6 km back to Darchen. After lunch, drive to Saga (4,640 meters) and complete the remainder of Lake Mansarovar parikrama. Dinner and overnight stay will be at a guesthouse in Saga.
-
Day 13Saga to Shigatse DriveDepart from Saga and retrace your route back to Shigatse. At an elevation of 3,782 meters, you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at a 3-star hotel.
-
Day 14Shigatse to Lhasa DriveAfter breakfast, head back to Lhasa (3,656 meters). Relax for the rest of the evening, enjoying dinner and an overnight stay at a 3-star hotel.
-
Day 15Lhasa to Kathmandu FlightTransfer to Lhasa airport after breakfast for your flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 meters). You can spend the rest of the day exploring or relaxing. Dinner and overnight stay will be at a 3-star hotel.
-
Day 16Departure from KathmanduAfter breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your Mount Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.
