Lhasa Kailash Kathmandu Tour

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Overview

The Lhasa Kailash Kathmandu tour is a comprehensive package with an itinerary of 13 days. It gives you a spiritual experience with views of the breathtaking landscapes across Tibet and Nepal. There are explorations of several iconic places, including Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. 

The Lhasa Kailash Kathmandu Tour itinerary starts in Lhasa, Tibet, and ends in Kathmandu, Nepal. In between, you will get to explore some of the popular towns, like Gyantse and Shigatse. There will be a chance to engage with the local history and culture. 

Some of the key highlights include touring Lhasa City. Lhasa City is a place with a rich cultural and historical heritage. The places in Lhasa city worth exploring are Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, and so on. 

After the tour in Lhasa, the journey goes through Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse, and Shigatse. The lake offers breathtaking mountain views, an impressive fortress, and a city with a rich cultural heritage that is truly heaven for wanderlust and nature enthusiasts. 

A visit to the Mount Everest Base Camp is also part of this 13-day Lhasa Kailash Kathmandu Tour. We will visit the north-facing base camp of Mount Everest. It is easily accessible from Tibet. From there, you can witness the stunning sunrises and sunsets against the backdrop of the majestic Everest. 

Also, one of the main highlights of the tour is the Kora of Mount Kailash. This particular section of the tour can also be called the Kailash Pilgrimage Tour or the Kailash Mountain Tour. It takes three consecutive days and is called a sacred pilgrimage. The locals of the region believe that completing kora can wash away sins and bring good fortune. 

The itinerary then follows the paths to the vibrant Kathmandu city. Before arriving at Kathmandu city, the route goes through Gyirong, the border town. There will be small procedures on the border. The customs and immigration department of the Chinese government. 

The best time to buy the Lhasa Kailash Kathmandu tour packages is between April and October. This time is perfect to go on the tour. The weather conditions are stable and now is the time to take vacations, avoiding the harsh winter months. 

To know about the possible extra expenses of the tour or to plan your budget, you can take the help of the lhasa kailash kathmandu tour cost includes and excludes section. It will give you a general idea of the costs that are covered in the package price and the costs that you need to incur. 

Tour Highlights

  • Visit iconic places like Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple
  • Lhasa city tour and cultural exploration
  • Visit to several monasteries, including Sera Monastery and Tashilhunpo Monastery
  • Scenic journey to the everest base camp
  • Kora (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash
  • Visit to the sacred lake Manasarovar
  • Scenic journey to the Vibrant Kathmandu city

Key Destination of the Tour

  • Lhasa City

Lhasa is the capital city of the Tibet autonomous region in China, located at an elevation of 3650 meters. The city has a rich history and cultural significance. Some of the popular religious sites are Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace and several other monasteries, including Tashi Lhunpo, Sera, Drepung and Pelkor. 

The major economic drivers of Lhasa city are small-scale industries, tourism, and agriculture. Since 1980, the city has seen rapid modernization and development. Due to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, a large number of tourists visit every year.

  • Shigatse City

Shigatse City is the prefecture-level city of the Tibet autonomous region of China. It is the second-largest city in Tibet, with a total population of 798,153 people. The city is known as the residence of the Panchen Lama, a spiritual leader. The city is home to a popular monastery called Tashilhunpo Monastery. 

There are various transportation modes to reach Shigatse city, including Lhasa-Shigatse Railway, Shigatse Peace Airport, and China National Highway. As the population of the city is nearly 1 million, the infrastructure has been well developed in the city, and many ancient and historical things have been preserved using modern technology. 

  • Everest Base Camp

The Everest north base camp is located on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest. It is also a popular destination for trekkers who are trekking from the Tibetan side. It is at an elevation of 5150 meters above mean sea level. This camp is easily accessible by vehicle via a paved road from Tingrii town. 

The base camp is near the Rongbuk glacier. The visitors can see the dramatic ice formations and glacial landscapes. Also, visitors can witness stunning views of the surrounding peaks and unique glacial features like ice pinnacles and crevasses. 

  • Potala Palace

Potala Palace is an ancient pilgrimage site located in Lhasa, Tibet. It is one of the Unesco world heritage sites. This palace is divided in two main parts: the white palace and the red palace. The red palace is dedicated to various religious functions, while the white palace was the residence of the Dalai Lama. There are altogether 13 stories, over 1000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and 200,000 statues. Every year, a large number of tourists come to visit this ancient palace. 

  • Jokhang temple

Jokhang Temple is an ancient and spiritual site located in the heart of Lhasa, Tibet. In the seventh century, the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo constructed it. The temple is considered one of the unique and oldest buildings in Lhasa. 

The temple is one of UNESCO's world heritage sites and features a 12-year-old statue of the Lord Buddha, popularly named Jowo Shakyamuni. The locals believe that the temple has been blessed by Lord Buddha himself. 

  • Yamdrok Lake

Yamdrok Lake is a freshwater lake located in the southern part of the Tibet autonomous region of china. The altitude of the lake is 4441 meters. The lake is also known as Yamdrok Yumtso. The color of the water of the lake changes when sunlight falls on it. Additionally, there are stunning mountains all around the lake.

This lake holds spiritual importance among tibetans. It is believed by the Tibetans that the water of the lake has healing properties. Due to this belief and its beauty, the lake premises have become one of the most important sites for pilgrimage. 

  • Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash is the main attraction of the yatra. It stands at an elevation of 6638 m above sea level. This mountain is the most sacred destination of the pilgrimage and is believed to be the home of the shiva. The circumambulation around Mount Kailash is the main part of the yatra. As of now, there have been no successful summits of this peak. It is due to its pyramid-like structure and harsh weather conditions. The Chinese government forbids climbing Mount Kailash due to religious beliefs and a number of failed attempts.

  • Lake Mansarovar

Lake Mansarovar is a sacred lake located near Mount Kailash in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It is situated at an altitude of 4,590 meters and has a maximum depth of 90 meters. It is believed that if pilgrims take a holy dip in the water of the lake, then their sins are washed away.  According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma built Lake Mansarovar as a location for his sons to perform religious ceremonies. The water of the lake is considered as sacred water. 

  • Tashilhunpo Monastery

The Tashilhunpo monastery is located in Shigatse, Tibet. It is one of the most important and historically rich monasteries in the region. Gedum Drupa (the first dalai lama) founded the monastery in 1447. The monastery complex features Coqen Hall, the Chapel of Jampa, and various sutra halls and colleges. 

The monastery is famous for its vibrant religious life. The visitor often visits the monastery and engages in the scenic kora (circumambulation) around the monastery. This monastery is an important spiritual and cultural landmark in Tibet. 

  • Sera Monastery

Sera Monastery is one of the popular monasteries in Tibet where Buddhist teachings are taught and practiced. The monastery is also known as a place for spiritual practice. A well-known Je Tsongkhapa disciple named Jamchen Chojey Sakya Yeshe founded it in 1419.

The history behind the name of this monastery is unique. The Sera was the wild flower that bloomed on the hill behind it during the construction of the monastery. So, the monks decided to name the monastery Sera Monastery. The monastery can be characterized by the Assembly Hall, prayer halls, chapels, sand mandalas, and intricate rock paintings of deities and Buddhas on the surrounding hills. The monks used to debate daily in the courtyard from 3-5 pm. 

  • Kathmandu city

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, situated at an altitude of 1400 meters. This city is in the Kathmandu valley and has more than 1.4 million. The city is rich in cultural and historical heritages. There are several temples, palaces, stupas, and many more. There are numerous rivers and beautiful landscapes all around Kathmandu.

Some of the popular sites are Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa and so on. The bustling streets and lively market make the city an interesting place to visit and shop. The city is not only the capital of the nation but also an important center of learning, commerce, and cultural heritage. 

WHY CHOOSE MYSTIC ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS FOR THE LHASA KAILASH KATHMANDU TOUR?

3S: Safety, Success, and Satisfaction

Booking a Lhasa Kailash Kathmandu tour package with Mystic Adventure Holidays offers superior service and benefits. Here's why:

Planning your trip with Mystic Adventure Holidays means paying the lowest cost with no commission fees. Additionally, you'll benefit from:

  • Client Safety: Our trips are organized with the utmost safety in mind.
  • Best Price Guarantee: Ensuring you get the best value.
  • Free Transfers: Complimentary airport-to-hotel and return transfers in a private vehicle.
  • Expert Guides: Trained, government-licensed local guides with extensive route knowledge.
  • Support for Locals: Helping local communities earn a living through tourism.
  • Health Monitoring: Oximeters to monitor oxygen levels during high-altitude tours.
  • Medical Preparedness: Guides equipped with medical kits to handle any situations that may arise. 
  • Essential Gear: Arrangements for sleeping bags and down jackets.
  • Free Storage: Secure storage at our office for extra luggage during your tour.
  • Convenience: Duffel bags for transferring items to be carried during the journey.
  • Porter Service: A free porter to help carry your heavy bags.

By choosing Mystic Adventure Holidays, you ensure a safe, successful, and satisfying adventure in the Himalayas.

Itinerary

At Mystic Adventure Holidays, our intention is always to follow the Lhasa Kailash Kathmandu Tour itinerary. However, due to the nature of travel, we may need to make slight changes because of unforeseen circumstances such as weather-related cancellations or delays of domestic flights, natural disasters like landslides, newly enacted laws, political unrest, or trekkers' health issues, including altitude sickness. While the itinerary is brief and fixed, it also includes flexible areas. Therefore, we advise travelers to allow a few extra days in Nepal.

We highly recommend that you arrive one day before the trip starts to rest and purchase any necessary clothing, gear, and equipment for the hike. You can also use this extra day for a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, acclimatizing, or rescheduling international flights in case of potential weather delays or domestic flight cancellations.

We appreciate your flexibility and look forward to providing you with an unforgettable adventure!

It is our regular day-to-day itinerary if you are looking for a customized itinerary. Don't hesitate to contact us.

Trip PlanExpand all

After your arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, you will be greeted by the Tibetan local guide and our company’s representative. Thereafter, you will be transferred to the hotel where you are staying in Lhasa. The journey from the airport to the hotel is a smooth one in which you will get to see the stunning views of the Tibetan landscape and cityscape. Upon reaching the hotel, you will check into the hotel, rest in the hotel room and acclimate to the altitude. You will have dinner at the same hotel and rest overnight. 
 

Max Altitude: 3650 m Meals: Welcome DinnerAccommodation: Standard HotelDuration: 1-1.5 hrsDistance: 60 km

Following breakfast, we will go visit Potala Palace. It is the UNESCO world’s heritage site. There, we will explore the grand halls, chapels, and rooms filled with Tibetan history, art, and religious artifacts. In addition, the panoramic views of Lhasa city can also be seen from the place. 

Thereafter, we will head towards the Jokhang Temple. The temple is the most sacred temple in Tibetan Buddhism. We will explore some of the intricate architecture of the temple and the revered statue of Jowo Shakyamuni. You can also see the crowds of pilgrims in the temple. 

After visiting the temple, we will go for a leisurely walk around Barkhor Street. This street encircles the temple. There are various items, including traditional Tibetan crafts, souvenirs, and local snacks, available on the street. You can also shop here and experience the local culture. 

After the full-day tour, we will return to the hotel and have dinner in the evening. We will rest at the hotel overnight. 
 

Max Altitude: 3650 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Standard HotelDuration: Full Day

Following breakfast, we will head towards Sera Monastery. The route will take us through Lhasa’s bustling streets and more residential areas. We will head north from the city center on Beijing East Road, following the signs for Sera Monastery. 

The residential areas near the monastery are a little quieter, and the roads become more rural as we approach the monastery. Upon reaching the monastery, we will park our vehicle and go through a security check. We will explore the monastery’s area. 

Then, we will head towards the Norbulingka Palace through the main roads of Lhasa. The path will take us to the various streets and neighborhoods. We will park the vehicle and go through security before entering the palace. After that, we will explore the gardens, buildings, and interior parts of the palace. 

We will go to the local restaurant for lunch. After lunch, we will start our journey to the Drepung Monastery. The drive will take us to the western outskirts of Lhasa. We can see the transition of the terrain becoming more hilly and open. We will explore the monastery area upon reaching and returning to our hotel.
 

Max Altitude: 3650 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Standard HotelDuration: Full Day

After having breakfast, we will drive through National Highway 318 to Gyantse. You can see the transition from the cityscape to open, highland terrain. En route, you will see panoramic views of the rolling hills, small villages, and distant mountains. 

On arrival in Gyantse, you will be blessed with vistas of the historic town of Gyantse. Then, we will visit the Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Kumbum Stupa. You can see the unique architectural style and detailed murals. 

Following the exploration of the Gyantse, we will continue our journey to the Shigatse. It is a 2-3-hour scenic drive and takes you through the spectacular views of the Tibetan countryside with mountains, rivers, and traditional Tibetan villages.

On reaching Shigatse City, we will take some time to explore the city. Shigatse is the second-largest city in the Tibet autonomous region of China, where there are several places to explore. You can explore the agricultural land, Tashilhunpo Monastery, and the scenic Tsola Pass. Later, we will go to the hotel and check in. 
 

Max Altitude: 4000 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Standard HotelDuration: 8-9 hrsDistance: 360 km

Following breakfast, we will drive to Everest Base Camp. It is an 8-hour scenic drive that takes you through mountain passes, gigantic plateaus, and picturesque Tibetan villages. We will also pass through some of the picturesque areas, including Gyatso La Pass.

Thereafter, you will be blessed with stunning views of Mount Everest and its surrounding peaks upon reaching the base camp of Mount Everest. The stunning views of the Himalayas can also be seen from the Gyatso La Pass. 

After reaching the base camp, we will go to our accommodation. You will then rest in the room and acclimate to the high altitude. If the time permits, we will take a brief walk around the base camp to see the sunset views of Everest and its surrounding peaks. 

Max Altitude: 5,200m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guest House or CampDuration: 8-9 hrsDistance: 350 km

Early in the morning, we will have breakfast and start our journey to Peiku Tso Lake. The initial part of the drive involves traveling through rugged terrain. On the way, we will be blessed with stunning views of the Tibetan plateau and surrounding mountains. 

Upon reaching the lake, we will stop for a while to appreciate the stunning turquoise color of the lake with the vistas of the snow-capped peaks in the background. There, we will click some photos for the memory of the tour. 

Thereafter, we will continue our drive towards saga. The drive will take us through high-altitude passes and valleys. Some sections may include rough patches. After reaching the saga, we will check into the guesthouse and rest. We will have dinner and sleep in our rooms.
 

Max Altitude: 4,600m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse or CampDuration: 7-8 hrsDistance: 300 km

Following breakfast, we will drive towards Darchen through the rugged terrain and remote areas. The 8-hour scenic drive takes us from the high-altitude plains to the more varied landscapes. The route will follow National Highway 219. During the drive, you will get to see the distant mountain ranges and open valleys. 

We will stop at Lake Manasarovar for sightseeing and exploration of the area. We will capture some pictures of the crystal-clear blue waters with a dramatic and serene backdrop of the Himalayas. We will stay there sometime, appreciating the peaceful environment of the sacred lake. 

Then, we will resume our journey to Darchen. The 2-hour scenic drive offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the beginning of the Kailash region’s rugged terrain. Upon reaching Darchen, you will check into the guesthouse and rest in the evening. 

Max Altitude: 4,600m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse or CampDuration: 8-9 hrsDistance: 450 km

We will wake up early, have breakfast, and get ready for the drive to our next destination. We will drive towards Darchen.  Darchen is the starting point of the circumambulation of Mount Kailash. From this point, we will start the trek of the journey. 

The route takes you to the rugged terrain of the Tibetan plateau. On the way, you will get to see the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. Some of the sections have steep sections, which is difficult but as it is driven, it can be manageable. 

Upon reaching Dirapuk, we will go to the guesthouse where we are staying and rest in the room of the guest house. We will have dinner in the guest house, prepared by the local chef. 
 

Max Altitude: 4,900m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse or CampDuration: 6-7 hrsDistance: 20 km

After having breakfast, we will resume Mt. Kailash Kora (circumambulation). Initially, we will descend through the valley. The paths are rocky. Then we will do a challenging ascent to the Dolma La pass and then descend towards Zuthulphuk. 

The descent towards Zuthulphuk is steep and challenging, with loose rocks and rubble. The trails near Zuthulphuk are less rugged. After our arrival in Zuthulphuk, we will check in at the guesthouse and take a rest. In the evening, we will have a tasty dinner and rest in the room overnight.
 

Max Altitude: 4,760m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse or CampDuration: 8-9 hrsDistance: 22 km

Following breakfast, we will start our trek to the Darchen. The initial trek starts by descending gradually through the valley to the Tibetan plateau. Along the way, you will get to see the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Small river crossings and streams also come along the route. 

As we approach near the Darchen, you can see the transition from the high-altitude desert to a more hospitable environment. We have to ascend slightly as we arrive near Darchen. Upon arrival in Darchen, we will check into the guesthouse and relax after the trek. 

In the evening, we will enjoy the warm meal and prepare for the next day’s activity. We will then rest overnight in the rooms of the guesthouse. 
 

Max Altitude: 4,600m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse or CampDuration: 4-5 hrsDistance: 14 km

After waking up early in the morning, we will have a tasty breakfast. After making sure that we have packed all the belongings, we will drive to the saga through the Tibetan Plateau. Along the way, we will cross several mountain passes through potentially challenging driving conditions. 

Despite the challenges, we will be blessed with the stunning vistas of the Tibetan highlands and plateaus. This journey also provides glimpses of the local wildlife. As we approach near saga, the landscape transitions from the barren high-altitude desert to more varied terrains. 

After arriving at the guesthouse in Saga, we will check in. Then, we will rest in the rooms. We will also have a delicious meal in the same guesthouse. Then, you will go to sleep in your room.

Max Altitude: 4,600m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: GuesthouseDuration: 8-9 hrsDistance: 450 km

After having breakfast, we will leave for Gyirong. The route begins with a descent from the Tibetan plateau and passes through the several small Tibetan towns and villages. Before reaching the Gyirong, we will cross the Brahmaputra River via bridge. We will further descend into the lower altitudes. 

You can see the transition of the landscape from the stark high-altitude plateau to greener. The roads to Gyirong are generally maintained. You can see the change in vegetation as you approach Gyirong town. Upon reaching the town, we will go to the guesthouse and rest there. We will have dinner in the guest house and rest overnight.
 

Max Altitude: 2,800m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse or CampDuration: 7-8 hrsDistance: 300 km

This is the final journey of the tour. We will begin our journey early in the morning after having breakfast. We will then drive to the border crossing at the Gyirong port and complete all the necessary formalities, including customs and immigration checks. You will then say goodbye to the Tibetan guide and our company’s representative will pick you up from the border. 

After the completion of the formalities, we will then drive back to the kathmandu. The route from the Sino-Nepal border to Kathmandu goes through mountainous terrain with both ascents and descents.  Along the way, you will get to see the terraced fields, small villages, and rivers. Upon reaching Kathmandu, we will drop you off at the hotel.

Max Altitude: 1400 m Meals: Breakfast and LunchDuration: 7-8 hrsDistance: 160 km
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Essential Info

Accommodation and Food

The accommodations in the cities, including Kathmandu, Lhasa, and other Tibetan cities, offer 4-star hotels with comfortable amenities. During the Kora of the Kailash Mountain, the common accommodation is a standard teahouse with basic amenities. 

In contrast, there are various food options available in the 4-star hotels in the above-mentioned cities, including Italian. Tibetan, and Indian. Breakfast is provided in the hotel in Tibet, while lunch and dinner are provided during the journey. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the Lhasa Kailash Kathmandu tour price. 

Difficulty of the tour

The difficulty level of the tour is moderate. The most challenging part of the journey is Kailash Kora, which takes 3 consecutive days to complete. The highest point that you will reach is Dolma la Pass at 5630 m during the circumambulation of Mount Kailash.

To complete the kora of the kailash peak, one needs to be physically fit. The travelers shouldn’t have respiratory or heart problems. The basic room facilities with shared bedrooms may not fit in everyone’s preferences. 

Permits and passes

There are several permits and passes required for the tour. The permits and passes are given below. 

  • Foreign Affairs Permit

Foreign affairs permits are necessary when traveling to extremely sensitive locations, including eastern Tibet. You can obtain this Lhasa foreign affairs office. It takes 10–15 office days to process. 

  • Chinese Visa

The majority of the yatra involves traveling through Tibet (China), so you will need a Chinese visa. You can obtain the visa from the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country or in Nepal. 

  • Tibet Travel Permit

This permit is required to enter tibet autonomous region. Without this permit, traveling to tibet is considered as illegal. It is also known as the Tibet Entry Permit. You can get this permit from the Tibet tourism Bureau office. 

  • Alien’s Travel Permit

As the Lhasa Kailash Kathmandu Tour package includes traveling to areas outside Lhasa, you will need Alien’s travel permit. The permit is necessary to travel to certain restricted areas in Tibet, like Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. You can get this permit with the help of a government-registered travel agency. 

  • Military permit

If the route passes through certain areas in Tibet, you may require a military permit. It becomes necessary while traveling near the border with India and Nepal. You will need a government-registered travel agency to get this permit. 

  • Entry Permit for Nepal

If you are starting the Mansarovar kailash yatra from Nepal, you will need a permit to enter Nepal. You can obtain this permit at Kathmandu airport and at other entry points in Nepal. 

Altitude sickness and acclimatization

Altitude sickness is the major concern during the 13-day tour. It is due to the high elevation and travel throughout the journey. The highest altitude that you will trek during the kora of Mt. Kailash is 5630 meters.  So, to minimize the risk, acclimatization is necessary. 

Even Though the  Lhasa Kailash Kathmandu Tour itinerary is designed to prevent altitude-related issues, there can still be an occurrence of the problem. Acclimatization strategies include gradual ascent, travel high and stay low technique, staying hydrated, and so on. If the symptoms of altitude sickness appear, inform  your tour guide immediately and have the required medications. 

Tips to make the journey successful

  • Follow acclimatization strategy
  • Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and caffeine drinks
  • Maintain a good level of physical and mental fitness
  • Travel during the best season, spring and autumn
  • Carry all the documentation required for the tour
  • Carry extra cash with you in chinese currency
  • Choose a reliable tour operator and licensed tour guide
  • Carry extra batteries and power bank for torchlight and charging mobile phones
  • Respect local customs and traditions
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