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Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa

Good To Know

  • Destination Kailash Tour
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  • Best Season
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The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual pilgrimage for Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bon followers. This sacred journey takes you to the majestic Mount Kailash, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, and the pristine Mansarovar Lake, which holds deep spiritual significance. Located in Tibet, the yatra offers not only religious and spiritual experiences but also a unique adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas. Pilgrims trek around Mount Kailash, completing the sacred “Parikrama” or “Kora” that is believed to cleanse the soul and wash away sins.

Best Season for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Via Lhasa

The best time to embark on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is between May and September, when the weather is relatively pleasant and stable. During these months, the high-altitude routes are more accessible, and pilgrims can complete the trek safely. Temperatures are moderate, and the chances of encountering snowfall or extreme conditions are minimal. It’s essential to avoid winter months due to heavy snowfall and harsh cold.

Short Itinerary for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

  • Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal, and transfer to your hotel.
  • Day 2: Full-day sightseeing of Kathmandu’s famous temples.
  • Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa, Tibet, and transfer to your hotel.
  • Day 4: Explore Lhasa, including the Potala Palace and Barkhor Bazaar.
  • Day 5: Drive to Xigatse (Tibet’s second-largest city).
  • Day 6: Drive to Saga, a beautiful town on the banks of the Brahmaputra.
  • Day 7: Drive to Mansarovar Lake and complete the parikrama around the lake.
  • Day 8: Holy bath and puja at Mansarovar, then drive to Darchen.
  • Day 9-10: Trek around Mount Kailash (Parikrama).
  • Day 11: Complete Parikrama and return to Darchen. Drive to Saga.
  • Day 12-14: Drive back to Lhasa via Xigatse, then fly to Kathmandu.
  • Day 15: Departure from Kathmandu.

 

Itinerary

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Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our team will warmly welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your 5-star deluxe hotel, such as Hotel Malla or Everest Hotel. In the evening, you’ll attend a short briefing about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to prepare for the spiritual journey ahead. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel.

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Today, you’ll visit some of Kathmandu’s most sacred Hindu and Buddhist sites. Begin with a visit to the revered Pashupatinath Temple, followed by Boudhanath Stupa, and Budhanilkantha Temple, which houses a large stone idol of Lord Vishnu reclining on the cosmic ocean. You’ll return to your hotel in the evening.

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After breakfast, you’ll head to the airport for a flight to Lhasa, Tibet. The approximate flight duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes. As you approach Lhasa, you’ll witness breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, our team will transfer you to your hotel in Lhasa. You’ll have the rest of the day to acclimatize to the altitude and relax.

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Today, you will explore the cultural and spiritual highlights of Lhasa. Your first stop is the iconic Potala Palace, the historic winter residence of the Dalai Lama, which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Afterward, visit Barkhor Bazaar, where you can experience local Tibetan culture, shop for souvenirs, and witness pilgrims performing kora around the Jokhang Temple. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

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After breakfast, begin your drive to Xigatse, which is approximately 270 km away. Enjoy a scenic journey through the Tibetan plateau, with mesmerizing views of snow-capped peaks, rivers, and lush valleys. You’ll arrive in Xigatse in the evening and check into your hotel for dinner and rest.

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Today, you will travel from Xigatse to Saga (375 km). The route passes through beautiful landscapes, including high-altitude lakes and Tibetan settlements. Saga is the gateway to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. On arrival, check into your hotel and relax before the journey to Mansarovar.

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After breakfast, embark on a spiritual journey toward Mansarovar Lake, one of the holiest lakes in Tibet. You’ll pass through spectacular terrain and witness the pristine beauty of the Tibetan landscape. Once at Mansarovar, you can perform a parikrama (circumambulation) of the lake by vehicle, a journey of about 2 hours covering 90 km. Later, you’ll spend the night by the lake, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

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Spend the morning at Mansarovar Lake, where you can take a holy bath and perform puja (prayer ritual) on the sacred shores. Pilgrims believe that the waters of Mansarovar cleanse the soul and body. Later in the afternoon, you will drive a short distance to Darchen, the base for your trek to Mount Kailash.

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Today marks the beginning of the Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation). After a short drive to Tarboche, the starting point of the trek, you’ll visit Yama Dwar, the gateway to heaven in Tibetan belief. The trek to Dirapuk (4860m) is 12 km long and takes about 5-6 hours. Along the way, you’ll get your first close-up view of the North Face of Mount Kailash. You’ll also have the opportunity to touch the feet of the sacred mountain, known as Charan Sparsh. For those unable to trek, they can return to Darchen and wait for the rest of the group.

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This is the most challenging day of the Yatra, with a 22 km trek that takes 7-8 hours. You’ll ascend to the highest point of the journey, Dolma La Pass (18,600 ft), which is considered the hardest part of the trek. After crossing the pass, you’ll descend to Gaurikund and continue your trek to Zuthulphuk. The scenery along the way is awe-inspiring, with glacial rivers, valleys, and mountain views.

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After a short trek to the point where your vehicle awaits, you will drive back to Darchen and reunite with the rest of the group. From there, you will continue the journey back to Saga.

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After breakfast, continue your drive back to Xigatse. The long journey allows you to reflect on the spiritual experiences of the trek while enjoying the scenic Tibetan landscape.

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The drive back to Lhasa (270 km) brings you closer to the completion of your journey. Enjoy the comfort of your hotel in Lhasa after the adventurous trek, with time to rest and relax.

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After breakfast, you will be transferred to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel for a relaxing evening. This is a great time to explore any remaining spots in Kathmandu or simply unwind.

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On the final day, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home. A certificate of completion will be provided as a special gift to commemorate your spiritual journey to Kailash Mansarovar. For those interested, an optional Everest Mountain Flight or a tour to Pokhara can be arranged.

Inclusions

What’s Included

  • Airport transfers and hotel accommodations.
  • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) as per itinerary.
  • Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu and Lhasa.
  • Tibet travel permits and visa fees.
  • Kailash Mansarovar Yatra permits.
  • Transportation (by vehicle) for the Yatra.
  • Experienced tour guides and support staff.
  • Accommodation in deluxe hotels and guesthouses.
  • Yatra certificate of completion.

What’s Excluded

  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, etc.
  • International airfare to/from Kathmandu.
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and support staff.
  • Optional excursions (Everest Mountain Flight, Pokhara Tour).
  • Emergency evacuation expenses.

Fixed Departure

Suggested Equipment List

Trip Map

Gallery

FAQs For Everest Base Camp Treks

The best time to go on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is between May and September. The weather is mild, and the high-altitude passes are easier to access during these months.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is moderately difficult due to high altitudes and long treks. Pilgrims should be physically fit and prepared for high-altitude conditions.

Mount Kailash has an elevation of 6,638 meters (21,778 feet), while Mansarovar Lake is situated at an altitude of about 4,590 meters (15,060 feet).

Yes, a Chinese visa is required to enter Tibet for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Additionally, special permits for Tibet and the Yatra are needed, which will be arranged by the tour operator.

The yatra can be challenging for elderly travelers due to high altitude and trekking demands. It's essential to consult a doctor and ensure proper physical preparation before the journey.

Yes, for those unable to trek, there is an option to complete the Kailash Parikrama by vehicle up to a certain point. You can wait at Darchen for the rest of the group.

Essential items include warm clothing, trekking shoes, a waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, and altitude sickness medication. It's also recommended to carry snacks and water bottles.

The complete yatra, including travel from Kathmandu and back, typically takes around 15 days. The Kailash Parikrama itself is a 3-day trek.

Accommodations range from 5-star hotels in Kathmandu and Lhasa to basic guesthouses and mudhouses during the trek around Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake.

Yes, altitude sickness can be a concern, especially during the trek around Mount Kailash. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and rest are crucial to minimize the risk.

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