At a Glance
  • Duration15 Days
  • DestinationTibet
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max. AltitudeDromala Pass (5,630 m)
  • Group Size2-20
  • Trip StyleTour, Trek
  • StartsKathmandu
  • EndsKathmandu
Highlights

15 Days Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Lasha Small Group Tour is a profound journey into the heart of Tibetan spirituality and natural wonder. Here are the highlights of this life-changing experience:

  • Fulfill the dream of a lifetime by completing the sacred kora around Mount Kailash, a spiritual walk revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of Bon.
  • Immerse yourself in history at the Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the spiritual Jokhang Temple, where you can witness the deep devotion of local pilgrims.
  • Journey to the Everest Base Camp (5200m) to witness the north face of the world's highest peak, offering a perspective of the Himalayas that few ever see.
  • Refresh your spirit at the holy Lake Manasarovar, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, known for its stunning turquoise waters and deep religious significance.
  • Traverse the wild landscapes of the Ngari Plateau, where you will see the majestic Mt. Shishabangma and the breathtaking Pelku Tso Lake tucked beneath snow-capped peaks.
  • Explore remote, ancient monasteries and temples along the trekking route, such as the Dirapuk and Zutulpuk monasteries, perched in the high-altitude wilderness.
  • Get a taste of local life by visiting traditional Tibetan teahouses, sharing stories over sweet tea, and exploring the vibrant markets of Barkhor Street.
  • Experience the thrill of crossing dramatic mountain passes like Dolma La (5630m) and Gawula Pass, which offer panoramic views of the five highest peaks in the Himalayas.

Start on a journey that many call "a pilgrim’s final fantasy" and what is widely considered the greatest overland trip in Tibet. Our 15 Days Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Lasha Small Group Tour is far more than just a sightseeing trip. It is a soul-stirring adventure designed to fulfill the ultimate pilgrimage dream for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and spiritual seekers from across the globe.

Your adventure begins in the holy city of Lhasa, where you will have three days to immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple while your body acclimates to the high-altitude air. As we move westward, the itinerary offers a rare "best of both worlds" experience: you will stand at the foot of the world’s highest peak at Everest Base Camp (5200m) before continuing to the remote Ngari Plateau for the profound spiritual challenge of the Mount Kailash Kora.

This journey is crafted for those who crave both physical challenge and inner peace. You will witness the turquoise serenity of Lake Manasarovar, traverse the wild landscapes of the Himalayas, and complete the sacred three-day trek around Mount Kailash alongside devout pilgrims. Because we travel in small groups of 4 to 12 people, you are guaranteed an intimate and authentic experience, free from tourist-trap shopping and led by our professional Tibetan guides who share the deep history and culture of their homeland. Whether you are seeking a once-in-a-lifetime trekking challenge or a deep spiritual purification, this journey through the roof of the world is waiting to change you forever.

Outline itinerary of 15 Days Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Lasha

Day

Route

Key Activities / Highlights

Altitude

Duration

Accommodation

01

Arrive in Lhasa

Airport/Railway station transfer. Rest for acclimatization.

3,650 m

1 hr drive

Gang-Gyan Hotel Lhasa or similar

02

Lhasa City Sightseeing

Visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (monks' debate).

3,650 m

-

Gang-Gyan Hotel Lhasa or similar

03

Lhasa City Sightseeing

Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkor Street. Tibetan tea house experience.

3,650 m

-

Gang-Gyan Hotel Lhasa or similar

04

Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake to Gyantse to Shigatse

Yamdrok Lake, farmhouse lunch, Karola Glacier, Gyantse farmland.

3,650 m - 5,030 m - 3,600 m

8 hrs / 360 km

Shiga-Yangcha Hotel, Shigatse or similar

05

Shigatse to Tingri to Everest Base Camp (EBC)

Tashilunpo Monastery, Dingri & Gawula Viewpoints, sunset at Mt. Everest.

3,600 m - 5,200 m

8 hrs / 340 km

Rongbuk Guest House (Dorm)

06

EBC to Pekutso Lake to Saga

Himalayan views, Pekutso Lake, the sight of Shishapangma Peak.

5,200 m - 4,510 m

7 hrs / 380 km

Yalong Zangpo Hotel or similar

07

Saga to Tarchen (Mt. Kailash Area)

Cross Ali Plateau, first views of Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar.

4,600 m

~8 hrs / 490 km

Himalaya Hotel or similar

08

Kailash Kora Day 1: Tarchen - Driapuk

Saga Dawa Festival blessings at Sershong. Trek along western face of Mt. Kailash.

4,675 m - 5,210 m

~5 hrs / 13 km trek

Driapuk Monastery Guesthouse (Dorm)

09

Kailash Kora Day 2: Driapuk - Dzultripuk

Cross Dromala Pass (5,630 m), pass Gauri Kund, descend to Dzultripuk Monastery.

5,210 m - 5,630 m - 4,810 m

~10 hrs / 24 km trek

Dzultripuk Monastery Guesthouse (Dorm)

10

Kailash Kora Day 3 & Lake Manasarovar

Complete Kora to Tarchen. Drive to Lake Manasarovar for meditation, bathing, prayers.

4,810 m - 4,600 m

~4 hrs / 12 km trek

Himalaya Hotel or similar

11

Tarchen to Saga

Return drive eastwards after the pilgrimage.

4,600 m - 4,510 m

~8 hrs / 490 km

Yalong Zangpo Hotel or similar

12

Saga to Kyirong Valley

Descend to lush, low-altitude Kyirong Valley for rest and recovery.

4,510 m - 2,800 m

~3 hrs / 200 km

Pencuo Kangsang Hotel or similar

13

OPTION DAY: Kyirong

Option A: Cross border to Kathmandu, Nepal.

Option B: Begin return journey towards Lhasa.

2,800 m (Kyirong)

Varies by option

End of tour (Option A) / Hotel en route (Option B)

14

Tingri to Lhasa (For guests on Option B)

Scenic drive through farmlands and the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley back to Lhasa.

4,300 m - 3,650 m

500 km drive

Gang-Gyan Hotel Lhasa or similar

15

Departure from Lhasa

Transfer to Lhasa Airport / Train Station.

3,650 m

-

-

Why Kailash Manasarovar Yatra?

Choosing the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is not just about picking a travel destination; it is about answering a spiritual calling that has resonated for centuries. Often described as a "pilgrim’s final fantasy," this 15-day journey is widely considered the greatest overland adventure in Tibet, offering a profound blend of spiritual purification and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Here are the trip highlights for the 15-Day Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Lashar:

  • Complete the holy walk that many call a "pilgrim’s final fantasy".
  • Explore the golden Potala Palace and the deeply spiritual Jokhang Temple.
  • Stand at the world's highest base camp to see the North Face clearly.
  • Refresh your spirit by the turquoise waters of this sacred high-altitude lake.
  • Discover untamed landscapes, sapphire lakes, and the massive Mt. Shishabangma.
  • Reach your journey’s highest point at the dramatic Dolma La Pass.
  • Sip traditional sweet tea and share a meal with a local village family.
  • Watch lively monk debates and visit the world’s highest-altitude monastery.
  • Enjoy a high-quality, non-shopping adventure with a small group of fellow travelers.
  • Connect deeply with the culture through the stories of professional Tibetan guides.

Your adventure begins the moment you land. The thin, cool air of Lhasa is your first greeting. Met by your Tibetan guide—a familiar face in this high-altitude wonder—you'll transfer to your hotel. Listen to your body today. The key is to slow down, drink plenty of water, and let your system adjust to having 35% less oxygen. No rushing. Take a gentle stroll if you feel up to it, but consider this a mandatory day of rest. Your sanctuary is the Gang-Gyan Hotel, your base for acclimatization.
Human Moment: That first conscious, deep breath on Lhasa's soil. It feels different. You're here.

    Awaken in Lhasa! Today immerses you in Tibetan Buddhism. You'll visit Drepung Monastery, once the world's largest monastery, clinging to the hillside like a whitewashed city. In the afternoon, the highlight: Sera Monastery to witness the monks' debating session. It's not a quiet affair—it's a dynamic, theatrical clap of hands and logic, a centuries-old educational tradition. The day culminates with a Welcome Dinner, a chance to bond with your fellow travelers over Tibetan cuisine.
    Human Moment: The lively, intellectual energy of the monks debating under the trees at Sera, a captivating spectacle of faith and philosophy.

      Today, you meet the icons. You'll ascend to the majestic Potala Palace, the defining image of Tibet. Walking its ancient corridors and chapels is like stepping into living history. Descending, you'll experience local life in the park below. Then, dive into the spiritual core at Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibet, surrounded by the pilgrim circuit of Barkor Street. Join the flow of devotees, spin prayer wheels, and later, pause at a traditional sweet tea house to soak in the everyday social rhythm of Lhasa.
      Human Moment: The palpable devotion at the Jokhang, the mix of incense, murmured prayers, and the glint of butter lamps, surrounded by pilgrims who have traveled vast distances.

        Bid farewell to Lhasa as you drive west. The landscapes become epic. You'll crest a pass and be stunned by the turquoise jewel of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's most sacred lakes. Sharing a farmhouse lunch with a local family offers a warm, authentic connection. The day's drama continues with a close-up view of the Karola Glacier tumbling down almost to the roadside, before passing through the golden fields of Gyantse and arriving in Shigatse, Tibet's second city.
        Human Moment: The shocking, almost unreal blue of Yamdrok Lake from the high pass, a vision that will stay with you forever.

          A monumental day. In Shigatse, you'll visit the magnificent Tashilunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama. Then, the long, awe-inspiring drive to Everest Base Camp (EBC) begins. You'll stop at the panoramic Gawula Pass for a staggering Himalayan vista. The slow approach to EBC builds anticipation until the north face of Mount Everest reveals itself. Tonight, you bunk in the simple Rongbuk Guest House—basic, but you're sleeping in the shadow of the world's highest peak. Witness the sunset (weather permitting) turning its peak to gold.
          Human Moment: That first, silent, humbling glimpse of Everest's majestic pyramid. The cold, thin air at 5,200m, and the profound sense of being at the foot of the earth's greatest mountain.

            After a sunrise (hopefully) over Everest, you begin the journey deeper into western Tibet. The road traverses a raw, majestic landscape of towering peaks and vast plains. You'll pass the serene Pekutso Lake and get views of Shishapangma Peak. This is a day of transition, leaving the Everest region for the even more remote and sacred lands ahead.
            Human Moment: The feeling of true remoteness as you drive across the Tibetan plateau, with only yaks, nomadic tents, and snow-capped giants for company.

              A long but spiritually charged drive across the Ali Plateau. The terrain is starkly beautiful—endless grasslands, shimmering salt lakes, and the Gangdise mountain range. Then, on the horizon, two sacred forms emerge: the perfect dome of Mount Kailash and the sapphire expanse of Lake Manasarovar. This first sight is a powerful milestone for every pilgrim.
              Human Moment: The collective gasp in the vehicle as your guide points out Kailash for the first time. A quiet reverence fills the space.

                The pilgrimage proper starts. You'll drive to Sershong to participate in the Saga Dawa Festival blessing—a fortunate convergence with this most holy day celebrating Buddha's enlightenment. Then, you begin the Kora (circumambulation). The first day is a gentle(ish) walk along the western face of Kailash, ending at Driapuk Monastery, where the north face looms directly above you. You'll stay in a simple monastery guesthouse dormitory.
                Human Moment: Taking your first steps on the Kora path, joining a river of pilgrims from all across Asia, united in a single, sacred purpose.

                  The most challenging and sacred day. You ascend steadily to the Dromala Pass (5,630m), the highest point of your journey. The climb is tough, but the views and the sense of accomplishment are transcendent. You'll pass by Gauri Kund (Lake of Compassion) before the long descent to Dzultripuk Monastery. This day strips you down to your essence—breath, will, and spirit.
                  Human Moment: The exhausting, euphoric final steps to the Dromala Pass, draped in prayer flags, where tears, laughter, and prayers mix in the thin air. A true peak experience.

                    The final leg of the Kora is a gentle walk back to Tarchen, completing the circuit—a profound achievement. In the afternoon, you drive to the shores of Lake Manasarovar. Here, you have time for meditation, ritual bathing (if you choose), prayers, and quiet reflection. This sacred lake is believed to cleanse the soul.
                    Human Moment: Dipping your hands or feet into the icy, crystal-clear waters of Manasarovar, surrounded by utter peace and the magnificent view of Kailash.

                      You begin the long journey back east, retracing your steps across the plateau. The perspective is different now, filled with the inner satisfaction of a pilgrim who has completed the yatra. This is a day for contemplation, rest in the vehicle, and absorbing the vast landscapes one more time.
                      Human Moment: Looking back from the vehicle for a final, distant glimpse of Kailash, now holding personal significance.

                        A dramatic and welcome change! You leave the high plateau and descend into the lush, green Kyirong Valley. At 2,800m, the air is rich with oxygen, filled with the scent of pine and the sound of rushing streams. It's a paradise for recovery, allowing your body and mind to rejuvenate after the rigors of the Kora.
                        Human Moment: That first deep, full, easy breath in Kyirong. The overwhelming sensation of greenness and life after the stark, beautiful austerity of the plateau.

                          The group diverges based on your chosen journey's end.

                          • Option A (To Nepal): A short drive to the border. After formalities, you'll switch vehicles and descend through the stunning Himalayan gorges to Kathmandu, marking the end of your yatra in Nepal's vibrant capital.
                             
                          • Option B (Return to Tibet): You begin the multi-day scenic drive back towards Lhasa, continuing the Tibetan journey.

                            A full day of driving through the heart of Tibet, past barley fields, nomadic settlements, and following the mighty Yarlung Tsangpo River. Returning to Lhasa feels like coming full circle, but you are not the same person who left.
                            Human Moment: The familiar sight of the Potala Palace as you re-enter Lhasa, now viewed through the eyes of a returned pilgrim.

                              Your transformative journey concludes. After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the airport or train station. You carry with you more than photos—you carry the memories of mountains, lakes, and an inner strength you discovered at the top of the world.
                              Human Moment: The final "Tashi Delek" (blessings and good luck) from your guide, a farewell filled with the spirit of Tibet.

                                Service Details

                                Includes
                                • Permits & Entry: Tibet Travel Permit application and mailing within China. Entrance tickets to all listed attractions, plus Mt. Everest & Mt. Kailash Environmental Vehicle costs.
                                • Accommodation: Stays in star hotels and local guesthouses as per the itinerary. Some breakfasts are included.
                                • Transportation:
                                • All land transportation is in a comfortable tourist vehicle with a reliable driver.
                                • Shuttle service between the Airport and Lhasa hotels.
                                • Nepal border (Kyirong) to Kathmandu transfer by Jeep (for Option A).
                                • Guide Services: An excellent Tibetan, English-speaking guide throughout the journey.
                                • Meals: All meals during the tour. Specially noted: a welcome dinner and a farmhouse lunch.
                                • Insurance: Comprehensive travel accident insurance and high-altitude sickness insurance.
                                • Safety & Support: On-board medical oxygen supply for high-altitude travel.
                                • Extras: Exquisite Tibetan gifts and a travel map.
                                Excludes
                                • Transportation to/from Tibet: International and domestic flights/trains to Lhasa and from your departure point (or from Kathmandu if ending there).
                                • Accommodation Supplement: Single room supplement for solo travelers requiring a private room.
                                • Porter/Yak at Kailash: Cost for hiring a porter or yak during the Mount Kailash Kora trek, payable separately according to the official price published by the Kailash administration.
                                • Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature (e.g., laundry, phone calls, beverages not included with meals), tips for guide and driver (optional but customary).

                                Kailash Manasarovar Yatra: 15 Days Small Group Tour Via Lhasa FAQs

                                • Timing is everything; Mount Kailash is only accessible from April to late October, as winter snow blocks the roads and makes the area too cold. Routes are carefully planned to start at lower altitudes, like Lhasa (3658m), before moving to Everest Base Camp (5200m) and the Ngari Plateau, ensuring a safer experience for travelers as they move into more remote, high-altitude terrain.

                                • The trek is considered a moderate challenge suitable for those with an average level of fitness. While there is no strict age limit—an 82-year-old has successfully completed it—you must be free of cardiovascular or respiratory issues. If you find the trek too difficult, you can always choose to stay in Darchen to rest while the group completes the circuit.

                                • For the clearest mountain views and the most pleasant weather, plan your visit in May, June, September, or October. If you are looking for a deep cultural experience, visiting during the Saga Dawa Festival in May or June is highly recommended.

                                • The Dolma La Pass is the most strenuous part of the journey, reaching an altitude of 5630 meters. The path involves a rapid climb and can be icy and rocky even during the summer months, requiring a slow, steady pace and caution to avoid slipping.

                                • It is the most significant religious event in the region, celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Buddha Sakyamuni. Visiting during this time allows you to immerse yourself in an incredible atmosphere of devotion, joining thousands of pilgrims in their sacred rituals and kora.

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