Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Road from Lhasa

Trip Schedule

• Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu

  On arrival at Tribhuvan international airport, Kathmandu you will be welcomed by our local tour representative and transfer to hotel. At the hotel check into your room and relax for the rest of the time. Overnight stay on sharing basis and veg buffet dinner will be organized at the hotel.

  Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Max. Elevation: 1400m Distance Covered: 10kms Accommodation Style: 3* hotel sharing basis

• Day 02 : Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu

  Wake up early in the morning as today we are visiting few very popular temples of Kathmandu. After breakfast we will our sightseeing early with a visit to Pashupatinath Temple where you can participate in morning aarti is at around 09.00AM. After this we will visit Jal Narayan Temple (Also known as Sleeping Vishnu Temple or Neelkanth Buddha Temple) and Guhyeshwari Mata Temple (one of the Shaktipeetha). Later return to your hotel. You may spend rest of the time at leisure preparing for the next day flight to Lhasa or explore the Thamel market of Kathmandu which is very popular place among travelers for buying useful trekking and adventure gears etc. In the evening, we will have short trip briefing session followed by introduction of all group members. Overnight stay and dinner will be at the hotel.

  Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Max. Elevation: 1400m, Distance Covered: 40kms, Accommodation Style: 3* equivalent hotel sharing basis

  Mountain Flight (Optional Tour): One can even book ‘Mountain Flight’ as an optional tour in Kathmandu for this morning. This is an hour flight over world’s highest mountain peaks. The flight departure time is at around 06.30 am

• Day 03 : Sightseeing around in Kathmandu

  After breakfast visit Kailashnath Mahadev and Doleshwar Mahadev Temple. The famous Kailashnth Mahadev temple has world's tallest Shiva statue which is situated atop the mountain about 20 kms away from the city of Kathmandu. Located in Bhaktapur city the other famous Shiva temple Doleshwar M ahadev Temple is considered to be the head part of Shri Kedarnath temple.

  Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Max. Elevation: 1400m, Distance Covered: 60kms, Accommodation Style: 3* equivalent hotel sharing basis

  Mountain Flight (Optional Tour): One can even book ‘Mountain Flight’ as an optional tour in Kathmandu for this morning. This is an hour flight over world’s highest mountain peaks. The flight departure time is at around 06.30 am

• Day 04 : Kathmandu to Lhasa by Flight

  Have leisurely breakfast in the hotel and then in time you will be transferred to Kathmandu airport to board flight to Lhasa, Tibet. On reaching Gonggar International airport, Lhasa, our local representative will meet you and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel. The drive from Lhasa airport to hotel will take around 1½ hours or more. Spend this day at leisure while acclimatizing your body to the high altitude of Tibet.

  Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Max. Elevation: 3656m, Distance Covered: 600 kms flight distance + 60 kms drive airport to hotel Accommodation Style: 3* hotel sharing basis

• Day 05 : Lhasa sightseeing

  After breakfast enjoy city sightseeing tour of Lhasa. Today, you will explore the popular Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street and drive through the beautiful Potala Palace. Jokhang Temple comprises of three floors accompanied with an open roof and some beautiful chambers as well as chapels. The Barkhor Street is situated in the old side of Lhasa near Jokhang Temple and is a must see place while you are in Lhasa. Later visit the beautiful Potala Palace from outside. Witnessed as Dalai Lama’s winter palace Potala Palace is 400 metres building having some sloping stone walls. After sightseeing return back to your hotel for night stay.

  Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Max. Elevation: 3656m, Distance Covered: 40 kms sightseeing Accommodation Style: 3* hotel sharing basis

• Day 06 : Lhasa to Shigatse drive

  After breakfast assemble in the lobby of the hotel and get ready for the scenic drive to Shigatse. The traditional capital of Tsang province, Shigatse (officially known as Xigaze) is the second largest city of Tibet after Lhasa in TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region). On reaching Shigatse, check into the hotel and visit the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery built eminently by the first Dalai Lama in 1447. Relax and stay overnight at your hotel

  Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Max. Elevation: 3782m Distance Covered: 273 kms / 5 hrs Accommodation Style: 3* equivalent hotel sharing basis

• Day 07 : Shigatse to Saga drive

  Wake up early today and then have your breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Later we will leave Shigatse for a scenic drive through gorgeous Tibetan plains to reach Saga County. The meaning of Saga is ’The Lovely Place’ or ‘Happy Land’ Arrive at Saga and stay overnight to in Hotel Saga or equivalent. The Dargye Tsanpo River pass through here and join Brahmaputra at Saga Chakzam. Saga is a very important and must stop place on this route. It is located in the intersection of three important roads of which are Lhatse from the East, Gyirong (Kyirong) from the South and Mount Kailash from the West.

  Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Max. Elevation: 4640m Distance Covered: 447kms Accommodation Style: 3* equivalent hotel / guesthouse sharing basis

• Day 08 : Saga to Lake Mansarovar drive

  We have very important day today as we are heading to the holiest and one of the highest spiritual lakes, Lake Manasarovar. As per time schedule, our day begins with breakfast at 07.30 am. On the way before Mayumla Pass (4900 m), we take break for permit formalities and for lunch then continue the journey crossing Mayumla pass and Prayang county. Mostly the road drive is comfortable and scenic today. There will be short halts for permit formalities, before heading to our guesthouse near Lake Manasarovar. Here one can use time in praying and exploring the beauty of Mt. Kailash which is seen easily from here if weather is clear. After completing the immigration formalities, we will drive further to our guesthouse near Hor Que (We have to change our vehicle here and travel in local buses operated by the Tibetan authority near Mansarovar and Kailash region). During your drive to Mount Kailash through Lake Manasarovar, we will complete Lake Manasarovar parikrama approx. 70% and rest will be complete when we return from Kailash Trek. You will have very significant moment in Lake Manasarovar with almighty bless and even graceful evening with the breathtaking view of holiest Lake Manasarovar and Mt. Kailash. Besides this all, you can find some isolated place near the holy lake to do meditation. Night stay and food will be organized in the guesthouse in dormitory style.

  Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Max. Elevation: 4590m Distance Covered: 461kms Accommodation Style: Dormitory accommodation

  Night view of Lake Mansarovar is liked by a large no. of travelers. If you wish to visit the lake in the night, please inform your guide prior and it is recommended that you go there in a small group with a local guide or Sherpa for any help. Cover yourself properly with warm clothes as the weather is going to be very cold in the night. Also since this area has very less availability of electricity, it is required to carry a whistle and a torch while going out in the night.

• Day 09 : Lake Mansarovar to Darchen drive

  Today morning, we wake up comfortably and we will find a good place for holy bath in Lake Manasarovar for all our pilgrims. We will also arrange shower tent for ladies nearby the bank of lake for changing the clothes. Also you can offer puja / havan / rituals at feasible place near the lake according to your choice, on your own. Our crew member will assist you if any help require. After finishing holy bath, meditation, puja and taking our meal, we make short drive to Darchen (the base of Mt. Kailash). On the way to Darchen, we can also see panoramic scenery of Rakshas Tal (Demon’s Lake) in the other side of Lake Mansarovar. Make a short stop at Rakshas Taal to click some beautiful pictures. Continue drive to Darchen where check into the hotel. Spend rest of the time relaxing and preparing for the next day schedule.

  Darchen is the major administrative hub of Kailash region with basic development in infrastructure and facility. It is also considered as the base camp of Mt. Kailash from where the circumambulation around Kailash begins. If time permits you can stroll around small market of Darchen. Time free to relax and prepare for the trek on following day.

  Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Max. Elevation: 4575m Distance Covered: 114kms Accommodation Style: Hotel or Guesthouse on sharing basis

• Day 10 : 1st Day parikrama/circumambulation of Mt. Kailash

  Today, we wake up early and after taking light breakfast, we head to Tarboche to start our trek to Dirapuk Monastery. All pilgrims have the opportunity to pass through Yam Dwar before the trek (kora) commences.

  Trekking on foot - The distance from Darchen to Dirapuk is about 18 kms out of which 06 kms is covered by bus while travelling from Darchen to Tarboche. From here to Dirapuk the trek is about 12 kms and is mostly flat with some slight ups and down. High altitude still makes it difficult to walk and usually pilgrim cover this trek in 04 to 06 hours duration. It is advisable to walk slowly. From Chuku Monastery there are two alternative way of trek. The east route is the common pilgrimage trail and has a bridge to pass over the Lha-Chu River whereas if you take west route you will have to take your shoes off to cross the river.

  Hiring a horse/pony - Those who wish to hire horse/pony and porter may do so at Tarboche directly with the help of the Tibetan guide, on direct payments. They will be given name coupon to choose the horse & porter and the same horse and porter will accompany you during the trek. We do not have any control over horse and porter charges and availability, therefore we do not take any liability for the same

  We will manage yak & yak man to carry our kitchen equipment and other logistics for kora. Travelers should not forget to carry their snacks packet (fruit, juice, energy bar, biscuit etc.) for lunch and hot drinkable water from kitchen before starting the trek. At Dirapuk, the weather will be cold so our Tibetan guide will book our guesthouse in advance so that we can check into room immediately upon reaching. Dirapuk is one of the best and closest points from where we can see North Face of Mt. Kailash standing high in front of us. You will have great opportunity to take several memorable pictures and selfies from here. The night will be too cold so we will have quick and light dinner (khichdi, soup etc) and rest in our bed.

  Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Packed Lunch/snacks, Light Dinner, Max. Elevation: 5210m Distance Covered: 06 kms drive + 12 kms hiking Accommodation Style: Lodge on sharing basis

  Important Information : Pilgrims who wish to change their plan here due to any reason and don’t want to go for 1st or 2nd day trek, must pay for their accommodation and other services at Darchen. If they are not going to Dirapuk they will return from Yama Dwar after close darshan of Mt. Kailash (South Face). They will stay for two nights in Darchen only waiting for others who went for trekking of Mt. Kailash.

  Optional visit to Charan Sparsh from Dirapuk : Charan Sparsh (5475 m is 3 kms trek from Dirapuk. One can consult with tour guide to take this short trek to touch feet of Mt. Kailash. This is not a part of the package and depends on guide’s decision. (Distance 3 kms / 1 hour / tough trek)

  Optional visit to Ashtapad from Darchen : Visit to Ashtapad (the place close to south face of Mt. Kailash where Bhagwan Rishabhdev, the first Teerthankara mediated and started the Jain religion) from Darchen can be organized (subject to additional cost, availability of trip and permissions of local authorities). One has to trek from Darchen to Ashtapad and back, as there is no transport facility available.

• Day 11 : 2nd Day parikrama/circumambulation of Mt. Kailash

  Wake up very early morning before dawn and reward yourself a visual feast of morning as you witness the first sunlight on Mt. Kailash offering amazing view of the ‘Golden Kailash’. Capture the stunning view of the mount, take a quick light breakfast and get ready to begin the trek towards Zuthulphuk. Travelers should not forget to carry their packed lunch and hot drinkable water from kitchen before starting to trek.

  This day is considered to be the toughest day of the entire trip. After crossing the trek in grassland of Jarok Donkhang and sky burial site Shiva Tsal (5330m) you will start ascending to the highest point of the trek ‘Dolma La Pass’ (5630m). Here about 3 kms trek is steep up and steep down which in the end leads to the beautiful sight of Gauri Kund (Parvati Kund). The trek up and down is covered with rocks and loose stones and can be even slippery, making it even more difficult for the trekkers. We should cross the high pass as early as possible in pleasant weather in day time before strong wind starts in evening time. After crossing Gauri Kund the trek is gradual.

  Stay will be at Zuthulpukh Gompa in dormitory style. We will take dinner and go to our warm bed to rest.

  Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Max. Elevation: 5630m Distance Covered: 22 kms challenging trekking Accommodation Style: Lodge on sharing basis

  Shiva Tsal (Shiva Sthal) : Here pilgrims usually leave there belongings such as clothing, ornaments or a drop of blood or a lock of hair to represent the act of leaving this life behind and wishing for the end of a miserable life.

  Riding on horse / pony : Please note, to avoid risk, it is advisable that the travelers riding on horse / pony should not sleep while riding on horse/pony as it may be risky. If possible, they should preferably consider to walk in such risky surface especially while coming down from Dolma La Pass.

  Important remark : If at Dirapuk you do not feel for continuing trek further to Zuthulpuk and wish to change your schedule and go back to Darchen for night stay, you must inform the guide for additional arrangement for you. All additional expense for the change including accommodation and meals at Darchen are to be taken care by the traveler(s) changing their schedule.

• Day 12 : 3rd Day trekking 06kms to Darchen, drive to Saga

  This is our last day on trek and we have to make 06 kms trek (about 2-3 hours) down towards Darchen. We wake up in normal time and after breakfast start trekking to Darchen town. After trekking for about 6 kms the bus will pick you up and drive to guesthouse / hotel at Darchen where our other group members are waiting. Take lunch and then we straight continue our drive to Saga which is about 450 kms away. We drive to Saga by completing the remaining course (approx. 30%) of Lake Manasarovar parikrama by vehicle. On reaching Saga have relaxed time and stay in the guesthouse.

  Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Max. Elevation: 4640m Distance Covered: 06 kms trek + 492 kms drive Accommodation Style: 3* equivalent hotel sharing basis

• Day 13 : Saga to Shigatse (Xigatse) drive

  After breakfast it is time for you to say goodbye to Saga and drive towards Shigatse for night stay

  Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Max. Elevation: 3782m Distance Covered: 447 kms Accommodation Style: 3* equivalent hotel sharing basis

• Day 14 : Shigatse to Lhasa drive

  Today morning, after breakfast take a scenic drive towards Lhasa and enjoy leisurely stay in your pre-booked hotel there.

  Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Max. Elevation: 3656m Distance Covered: 273 kms Accommodation Style: 3* equivalent hotel sharing basis

• Day 15 : Lhasa to Kathmandu flight

  Breakfast in the hotel. In time you will be transferred to Lhasa airport to board your flight back to Kathmandu. Airport transfer and night hotel stay at Kathmandu.

  Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Max. Elevation: 1400m Distance Covered: 60 kms drive + 600 kms Air Distance Accommodation Style: 3* equivalent hotel sharing basis

• Day 16 : Leave from Kathmandu to home

  Intime you will be transferred to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International airport to board your flight back to your hotel/next destination.

  Meals included: Veg Breakfast