Mount Kailash, located in the far west corner of Tibet is one of the most significant peaks linked to Asia’s medieval religions of yore. The sheer beauty of the 6700-meter-high Mount Kailash, which resembles a symmetrical cone-shaped rock capped by pure crystalline ice all the time, is mentioned in various mythological and literary works. This peak towers above the north of the Himalayan Barrier with its awesome views; Mount Kailash (or Mt. Kailas) is equally revered as the holiest pilgrimage site by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and the ancient Bön-Po sect of Tibet. Tibetans regard this mountain as the expression of Mount Meru, or ‘Navel of the Earth” where the founder of Bon religion, Tonpa Shenrab, is believed to have descended from heaven, Hindus call it the ‘abode of Lord Shiva’, Buddhists refer to it as the ‘abode of Samvara’ and Jains as a ‘Sacred site where their prophet Rishaba attained spiritual enlightenment’. With its four vertical walls, unique snow-capped peak, and valleys interspersed with colorfully-clad Tibetan pilgrims, Mount Kailash or Kang Rimpoche (‘precious snow-peaks, as known by the Tibetans) is a breathless sight to behold. The four great rivers of Asia: the Karnali, the Indus, the Sutlej, and the Brahmaputra (Tsangpo) originate from this point. A three-day trek (Parikrama or Kora) around Mount Kailash over a 5630-meter Drolma La (pass), clockwise for Buddhists and Hindus, and anti-clockwise for followers of the ancient Bon religion, is said to wipe out the sins of a lifetime.
Mt. Meru is depicted as a Mandala for most Tibetans and its image occurs throughout both Buddhist and Hindu parts of Asia. There is also an ‘inner Kora’ that passes two lakes to the south of Kailash. Tradition dictates that only those who have made 13 circumambulations of Kailash may follow this core inner route. This tradition is so important to Tibetans that we are sometimes required to assure our hosts that we would not violate the sanctity of this route before our journey to Darchen. Join Tashi Delek Nepal Treks for a meeting with the gods on this sacred mountain & return home with the blessed happiness of a lifetime.
Day 1: Kathmandu – Kerung (3750m)
Day 2: At Kerung Rest day for acclimatization
Day 3: Kerung – Saga: (4600m)
Day 4: Saga - Manasarovar (4560m) – 4-5 hours drive
Day 5: Manasarovar – Darchen: (4560m)
Day 6: Darchen – Dirapuk: (4900m)
Day 7: Dirapuk – Zutulpuk: (4790m) - 8 hrs.
Day 8: Zutulpuk - Darchen - Saga
Day 9: Saga – Lhatse: (4050m)
Day 10: Lhatse – Shigatse (3900m) / 244 km, approx 06-08 hours drive
Day 11: Shigatse –Gyantse (3950m) / 90 km, approx 2 hours drive
Day 12: Gyantse – Lhasa (3650m) / 261 km
Day 13: In Lasha (3660m)
Day 14: Lhasa – Kathmandu
* This tour can be fully customized as per your requirement.
Day 1: Kathmandu – Kerung. (3750m)
We enjoy an early morning drive through typical Nepalese rural landscapes (Approx. 8 hours) from Kathmandu to Kerung (145 km). After completing immigration and customs formalities we drive uphill to Kerung. This is a Tibetan border town. The Tibetan guide will meet the group on arrival at the check post and we drive on further road climbs and climb up to Kerung for an overnight. We spend a night in guest houses.
Day 2: At Kerung Rest day for acclimatization
This is a day for rest & acclimatization to get us used to the higher altitudes to come. Overnight in the guest house.
Day 3: Kerung – Saga: (4600m)
After breakfast, we head away from Nyalam to Saga; the trail follows a route that brushes past the Brahmaputra River. Further ahead, a river valley sprawls over and then traditional chocolate box villages come into a picture frame. This scenically rewarding drive provides plenty of opportunities to get your video cameras into action. From then on, the trail winds towards the northern route. On covering 295km, you reach an elevation of 4600 meters. As soon as you find a suitable campsite in Saga, we set up camp for the approaching night or we stay in the hotel.
Day 4: Saga - Manasarovar (4560m) – 4-5 hours drive
Before your Mount Kailash tour and trek, you have to drive crossways along the 270 km distance from Saga to Mansarovar. This route digs deep into the very essence that is Mansarovar Lake amid superb landscapes. As you near this incredible sacred lake, the historic Chiu Monastery becomes visible on the North West shore of the lake. From this vantage point, you can even catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Kailash. This journey stirs your spiritual emotions. We set up camp & prepare for the night / stay in the guest house.
Day 5: Manasarovar – Darchen: (4560m)
The highest freshwater lake of turquoise color is full of fish and swans. Holy Kailash Parbat, Mt. Gurula-Mandata, & Lake Rishikesh can be found in their surroundings. The region is considered rich in gold and other mines, hot springs, and hundreds of wild living fauna. We explore Lake Mansarovar during the day & then drive down to Darchen which is a one-hour drive. We then spend our night in the guest house.
Day 6: Darchen – Dirapuk: (4900m)
Early in the morning after breakfast, our trek begins; you meet your team of yaks and Tibetan yak drivers who will escort you around for the kora. Further ahead from Darchen, you have to trek past verdant meadows and picturesque streams to Lha Chu Valley. The trail overlooks the Turquoise River cascading over a narrow canyon with high cliffs. En route, the north face of Kailash comes into vision. The trail will approach the 13th-century monastery of Dira-Puk. Visiting this monastery is said to be a kind of blessing experience gifted in your Mount Kailash tour and trek. Finally, you will conclude the trek of the day by camping at Dira-Puk/staying the night in the guest house.
Day 7: Dirapuk – Zutulpuk: (4790m) - 8 hrs.
Lha Chu Valley is a passing vista as you turn towards Drolma Chu Valley. Looking forward to the amazing Mount Kailash tour and trek, you ascend to Drolma La (5630m), the highest point of the trip. But soon after sighting breathtaking views of Thukpe Dzingbu Lake, known as the Lake of Compassion at the summit, you realize that this imposing and challenging ascent has indeed been very worthwhile and profitable. Several prayer flags can be seen at the summit. Further on, the trail descends to the flat fields of Zutul-Puk which houses a monastery and several fascinating caves. The caves at this locale are most popular for meditation; Milarepa’s cave is one of them with Milarepa’s footprints and elbow prints believed to be imprinted all over this cave mani stones. As we continue our Parikrama, we camp at Zutul-Puk for the night & this is pretty exciting, adventurous, and pleasurable. Overnight in camp/guest house
Day 8: Zutulpuk - Darchen - Saga
Our pilgrimage trek concludes at Darchen and we drive to Saga for our overnight camp. We feel spiritually satisfied after going to the religious rites during our parikrama & there is a deep sense of gratification as we wearily go to bed after a hard day.
Day 9: Saga – Lhatse: (4050m)
Today you continue along the Friendship Highway to Lhatse. Your 157 km drive finally hauls up at the small dusty town of Lhatse. Good restaurants, well-stocked shops, and guesthouses are available in Lhatse. This place may appeal a lot to archeologists. You can spot many ruined dzongs and the small Changmoche Monastery at the west end of the town. Overnight at our guest house
Day 10: Lhatse – Shigatse (3900m) / 244 Km, APPROX 06-08 Hours drive
We enjoy a scenic drive through the highest point of Gyatchu La Pass {5220m} en route to Lhasa via Lhatse & the Shakya Muni Monastery. You will take a 90 km drive to Shigatse. Having driven to an altitude of 3900 meters, you find yourself at Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. TASHILHUNPO MONASTERY is said to be one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet & is a major attraction of Shigatse. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 11: Shigatse –Gyantse (3950m) / 90Km, approx 2 hours drive
You drive through Tibet’s vast agricultural fields to Gyantse which prides itself on GYANTSE DZONG and KHUMBUM. Gyantse Dzong is a historical fort built in the 14th century and overlooks a mesmerizing view of the entire Gyantse and surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. Khumbum has a large gold-domed stupa and houses several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. We drive through Tibet’s vast agricultural fields & enjoy sightseeing at Palkor Monastery. Overnight at your hotel
Day 12: Gyantse – Lhasa (3650m) / 261 Km
It’s a full day picturesque drive along the lovely Yamdrok turquoise lake as we cross over the Kampala Pass at {4790m} & the cool flowing Brahmaputra River {called Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibetan}. We finally reach Lhasa & refresh, have some snacks & relax as we get used to the altitude. Overnight at your hotel
Day 13: In Lasha (3660m)
Two full days of sightseeing in Lhasa including JOKHANG TEMPLE, BARKHOR BAZAAR, POTATLA PALACE, DREYPUNG, AND SERA MONASTERIES.
Drepung Monastery was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choge Tashi Palden (1397-1449), one of Tsongkhapa’s main disciples, and it was named after the sacred abode in South India of Shridhanyakataka. Dreypung was the principal seat of the Gelugpa School until the Great Fifth Dalai Lama constructed the Potala and it retained the premier place amongst the four great Gelugpa monasteries. Dreypung was known for the high standards of its academic study and was called the Nalanda of Tibet, a reference to the great Buddhist monastic university of India. We next stroll down Barkhor Street, which has a history of over 1,000 years, & surrounds the Jokhang Temple. It was originally an important route for Tibetan Buddhists to walk clockwise around to show their devotion. This religious deed is called ‘Barkhor’ in the Tibetan Language. As one of the most bustling sections in Lhasa nowadays, Barkhor Street features the sale of various kinds of handicrafts and living necessities from local areas, & also includes wares from neighboring India and Nepal. Overnight at your hotel
Note: Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed to visit the Potala Palace every day, the order of sightseeing places will be decided upon by your guide.
Day 14: Lhasa – Kathmandu
Early in the morning after b/fast, we drive to Gonggar airport for our departure flight to Kathmandu or your onward destination of choice. We are sure you will have enjoyed this trip to the hilt & will go home with blessed memories of god & the trip of a lifetime.
This was an amazing trek. Everything was very well organised from the moment we arrived to Kathmandu to the end of the trip. Tarke our guide was great. Showed some spectacular sights and gave us good descriptions. As I am very much cautious person and slower too, I was always given that little bit extra, be it help down the rocky bits or making sure he was always there for me. Definitely his assistance helped me achieve my goal of making it to Mt Kailash. Accommodation and food all arranged efficiently and great to not have to worry about the details. Great trip and I highly recommend them.
This tour was very exciting and a memorable experience for me. The views are really beautiful as the tour went on. I was looking for a package that allowed me to visit Lhasa and Kailash at the same time and found them, I came across few other companies too but I found the price they offered is more convenient for me. I recommend them if you are looking for a good service in good price. And also would like to mention they give you an option to customize your own itinerary which I really liked.
Note : The given cost are per person and exclude international flights. Given below are the departure dates available for online booking. If the given date is not favorable then please contact us and we will happily customize your trip on dates more appropriate for you.
Visa Information
Flying out to Tibet requires a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit which can both be acquired in Kathmandu with the help of a travel company (Tibet via Nepal). A valid visa for China isn't the same as a Tibet Travel Permit. Those with a Chinese traveler visa will at present need to apply for a Tibet travel permit. The permit is still required for remote foreign travelers traveling to Tibet from the territory of China. To obtain the permit you have to book a guide for your whole trip and pre-organize private transport for trips outside Lhasa. The trip outside Lhasa likewise requires extra permits which are arranged by the travel agent you are going with.
Passport
All who intend to enter Tibet must hold at least 6 months' valid passport.
Passport - valid for 6 months
Chinese Visa — you can apply for one from a Chinese Embassy or through China Highlights (who entry from China)
Group Visa — entry from Nepal to Tibet after the Tibet tour traveler can visit China mainland with a valid group visa.
Individual Visa will be canceled when we apply for group visa (if a visa is in the passport)
Tibet Entry Permit — it is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and is an absolute necessity for outsiders entering Tibet.
A few people who wish to travel to specific areas in Tibet must also obtain:
Travel Permit — it is required when you are planning to move to closed areas in Tibet. These are issued after you land in Tibet.
Military Permit — it is acquired to travel to some militarily sensitive regions.
Weather Information
The weather in Tibet is similar to that of Mainland China, though with lower temperatures due to higher altitudes. Summers have warm days with strong sunshine and cool nights, but summer days can even be chilly at higher elevations. Winters are cold but there isn't all that much snow. Lhasa enjoys a lot of sunshine even in winter. Most Tibet experiences frost at least 6 months of the year. Some high lakes are frozen from October to March. The weather varies a lot from region to region. Lhasa is an ideal destination because it is in a valley area of lower elevation.
Safety Guidelines
We recommend you go through our following safety guidelines and stay tuned with the latest happening.
Have at least 2 copies of the Tibet Permit.
Keep your belongings properly.
When you feel uncomfortable due to altitude change or have any troubles, report to the guide promptly.
Never rush to visit attractions shortly after you arrive in Lhasa.
Shop around but avoid undue bargaining with street vendors and never buy wildlife and unknown Tibetan herbal medicine and fake products.
Take your money and important belongings with you all the time.
Spend a few days in Lhasa for acclimation and always follow a gradual ascent when traveling to higher places to avoid altitude sickness.
Refrain from heavy drinking and smoking.
Respect the religion, and customs and avoid taboos in Tibet.
Pay special attention to the unique alpine climates (such as sunburn, dramatic temperature change, etc.)
Keep necessary medicines at the consult of your doctor.
Never travel alone at night or venture into unknown places without informing your guide.
In most places, cash is only accepted. Do prepare enough and small changes.
If an emergency arises, report it to your guide promptly.
Don’t carry any documents or papers related to Dalai Lama or free Tibet.
We also recommend not carrying any guidebook to Tibet.
1. Where is Tibet?
Tibet is situated toward the southwest of China, likewise bordering India, Nepal, Burma, and Bhutan. Tibet's three original provinces are U-Tsang, Kham, and Amdo. The general population in these locales all thinks about themselves as Tibetan, although everyone has a solid identity and diverse tongues Tibetan is used.
Under China's occupation, Tibet has been partitioned up, renamed, and joined into Chinese territories, with little reference to the original borders between Tibet's areas. At the point when China refers to Tibet, it implies the Tibet Autonomous Region or TAR, which incorporates just U-Tsang and part of Kham. The rest of Kham was isolated amongst Sichuan and Yunnan Chinese areas. Amdo was partitioned between Gansu, Sichuan, and Qinghai territories. The region covers a region of around 1.22 million km2, which represents 12.8% of the aggregate of China. The pristine snow-capped view and inescapable Tibetan Buddhism environment and simple access to its neighboring nation Nepal make Tibet rank high on the movement travel bucket list. Its unmistakable geography and land area enable it to share the world's most amazing mountaineering and trekking asset with its neighbor nation Nepal.
2. What is the time difference in Tibet?
Tibet Standard Time ( IST ) is 0800 hours (6 hours) ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+8).
3. How can I obtain a Visa?
Flying out to Tibet requires a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit which can both be acquired in Kathmandu with the help of a travel company (Tibet via Nepal). A valid visa for China isn't the same as a Tibet Travel Permit. Those with a Chinese traveler visa will at present need to apply for a Tibet travel permit. The permit is still required for remote foreign travelers traveling to Tibet from the territory of China. To obtain the permit you have to book a guide for your whole trip and pre-organize private transport for trips outside Lhasa. The trip outside Lhasa likewise requires extra permits which are arranged by the travel agent you are going with.
Passport
All who intend to enter Tibet must hold at least 6 months' valid passport.
China Visa or Tibet Group Visa
To enter Tibet using Mainland China, right off the bat, you have to apply China visa for entry to China. Tibet is a part of China, under the Chinese Central Government's Sovereignty. Therefore to travel from China to Tibet, you need to acquire a China Visa at the first stage before all are followed up. Visas for individual travel in China are very easy to get from most Chinese embassies. Most Chinese embassies and consulates will issue a standard 30-day, single-passage visitor visa in three to five working days (an 'L' Visa means to travel). If you are lucky, some embassies abroad may give you 60 or even 90 days. However, in Hong Kong it is very easy to get a 90-day visa; most agencies can organize it in one day. If you need greater adaptability to enter and leave China a few times, most Chinese embassies will issue a double-entry visa. Indeed, for individuals who are to work, study or live temporarily in China, you may require other related China Visa, for example, an "F" Visa, "X" Visa, or "Z" Visa, and so on. All these sorts of visa holders can go to Tibet with Tibet entry permits and other travel permits which can be obtained by neighborhood travel agencies in Tibet with strict and serious procedures.
4. How to enter Tibet?
By Road: There are five main highways in Tibet, to be specific:
Sichuan-Tibet Highway – it runs between Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province, and Lhasa.
Qinghai-Tibet Highway – it runs between Xining, the capital city of Qinghai, to Lhasa.
Yunnan-Tibet Highway – it runs between Yunnan territory and Tibet.
Xinjiang-Tibet Highway – it runs crosswise over boundless deserts and lofty and steep peaks.
The China-Nepal Highway – it is the main international highway in Tibet
By Air: Flying to Lhasa dependably requires a stopover in either China or Nepal. Lhasa Gonggar Airport is situated around 98 kilometers (around 61 miles) toward the south of Lhasa City. The main international trip to and from Tibet is between Lhasa and Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.
By Rail: The Gormo to Lhasa railway extends for 1,142 kilometers (710 miles) and serves as a connection between the territory of China and Tibet.
5. How is the weather in Tibet?
Since the country expands at high elevations, usually difficult to predict the climate. It is cold for the most part. Lhasa and around it is a cool, and bright day during the day time however evening, night, and morning will be cold. Need to bring sufficiently warm clothes.
6. When is the best time to visit Tibet?
The Tibetan atmosphere isn't as harsh as we imagine it to be. Tibet's climate is ideal to travel from April to the start of November, and most perfect in August and September. In any case, Lhasa's climate is more clement than the rest of Tibet and is suitable to travel year-round. The sun radiation in Tibet is extremely strong. It's not for nothing that Lhasa is known as the Sunlight City. The months of May, June, and September are the primary tourist season in eastern Tibet.
7. What are the documents necessary for visiting Tibet?
Passport - valid for 6 months
Chinese Visa — you can apply for one from a Chinese Embassy or through China Highlights (who entry from China)
Group Visa —entry from Nepal to Tibet after the Tibet tour traveler can visit China mainland with a valid group visa.
Individual Visa will be canceled when we apply for group visa (if a visa is in the passport)
Tibet Entry Permit — it is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and is an absolute necessity for outsiders entering Tibet.
A few people who wish to travel to specific areas in Tibet must also obtain:
Travel Permit — it is required when you are planning to move to closed areas in Tibet. These are issued after you land in Tibet.
Military Permit — it is acquired to travel to some militarily sensitive regions.
8. Can I organize a Tibet visa myself? Can I travel alone in Tibet?
Sadly, because of China's extremely strict tourism policy for Tibet, you can't get a visa independent from anyone else and it isn't conceivable to not possible to travel Tibet on your own. As an authorized travel company we can organize everything; visa, allow to permit, and all other paperwork.
9. Is altitude sickness a problem?
As Tibet is known as the Roof of the World it is one of the highest places on the earth. Due to this many visitors from lower altitude areas may suffer from altitude sickness. Most people endure minor effects of altitude sickness only including loss of appetite, headache, and a propensity to have no vitality until the point when their bodies conform to the high landscape. This adjustment can take place for a few hours and in rare cases for a few days. If visitors do some simple preparations before going to Tibet, most of the symptoms of altitude sickness can be avoided. We recommend you talk to your local physician about AMS pills to help combat altitude sickness. Your guide will be there to assist you and help you throughout the trip.
10. Are there ATM counters in Tibet?
There are ATM facilities easily available in Lhasa and Shigatse; however, it might be difficult to find one in other small towns.
11. What currency do I have to use in Tibet?
The unit of currency is the Chinese Yuan. The Bank of China can exchange all foreign currencies. The bank in Tibet /China is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Traveler’s cheques and credit cards are very difficult to be cashed outside the banks, especially outside Lhasa.
12. Is politics a problem?
Most tourists, who stay with their tour and avoid getting engaged in the politics of the country, will not encounter issues.
13. What vaccination is recommended for Tibet travelers?
The suggested vaccination you should consider for this trip includes the following:
14. Will the language barrier be there are problems?
Visitors to Tibet don't have to worry about the language barrier at all. Every visitor will have an English-talking visit guide, and most of the front work area staff in the big hotels can communicate in English. The main languages used in a part of Tibet are Chinese, Tibetan, English, and Nepali.
15. Is there internet access in Tibet for foreign travelers?
Certainly, there is web access for the foreign traveler in Tibet yet just limited areas like Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse, and Tsedang where some bistro gives web offices. Moreover, hotels in some cities like Lhasa and Shigatse also provide internet facilities to their customers.
| Price : | USD Contact Us |
| Country : | Tibet |
| Trip Start From : | Kathmandu |
| Trip End In : | Kathmandu |
| Max. Altitude : | 4,590 m |
| Group Size : | + 2 |
| Best Seasons : | Spring (April and May), Summer (June, July and August) and Autumn (September, October and November) |
| Transportation : | Private Van or Tourist Bus |
| Accomodation : | Budget Hotels |
| Meals : | Only Breakfast |
| Duration : | 14 Days |
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