Kailash Tour from Lhasa to Lhasa

Short Kailash tour Itinerary 

09 August 2027 Day 01: Arrival Gonggar airport & drive to Lhasa  
10 August 2027 Day 02: Sights in Lhasa including Potala Palace
11 August 2027 Day 03: Drive Lhasa to Shigatse 3782m. - Hotel  
12 August 2027 Day 04: Drive Shigatse to Saga 4640m. & hotel
13 August 2027 Day 05: Drive New Dongba / Prayang overnight
14 August 2027 Day 06: Drive to Hor and continue drive Darchen
15 August 2027 Day 07: Drive to Yam Dwar, start walk to Dirapuk
16 August 2027 Day 08: Trek to Dolma La 5636m. and Zuthulpuk
17 August 2027 Day 09: Walk to Chongdo and drive Manasarovar 
Full moon night in Manasarovar Lake
18 August 2027 Day 10: Drive from Manasarovar to Saga and stay
19 August 2027 Day 11: Drive from Saga to Shigatse city & staying 
20 August 2027 Day 12: Drive Gonggar airport, fly to China / Home  

Full Kailash tour itinerary

09 August 2027 (Monday) Day 01: Arrival Gonggar airport in Xizang Tibet. Arrival Gonggar airport Tibet, the Tibetan tour guide welcomes all Kailash Yatri with Tibetan Khata (white garland). From the airport, everyone is driven to Lhasa city in a minibus or bus. We travel about 62.5 km away from Gonggar airport and it takes about an hour or bit more. We enjoy the amazing views of the naked hills, the settlements at the bottom of the hills and the agricultural land full of crops along the way. Check in at the hotel.

10 August 2027 (Tuesday) Day 02: Morning takes breakfast and start sightseeing in Potala Palace. Lhasa is the capital as well as the biggest city of Tibet. This city with wide road ways, sky kissing buildings is not less attractive than any developed western countries. Besides this, the palace of Dalai Lama: The Bharkhor Bazaar itself and Bharkhor surrounding are other worthy and attractive places to visit at Lhasa. Lhasa City is at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level. The Potala Palace lies at the central part of Lhasa city and it is situated in a place at 150 meters' height. This palace is also the adjoining place of meditative office building and administrative office building. The Red Palace symbolizes meditation whereas the white Palace signifies transparent administration. In Tibetan language, ‘Lhasa’ means ‘The Land of Gods and Goddesses’.

We can see different varieties of magical Buddha idols of Buddhist religion in the red Palace whereas; there are meditation room, living room and meeting room for foreign guests of Dalai Lama in the white Palace. Lhasa city is a valley which is also the adjoining place of two sacred rivers namely, Lhasa and Brahmaputra. According to Buddhists, it is believed that one can obtain ‘Nirvana’ meaning ultimate salvation, by having divine view (Darshan) of Potala Palace and visit at least once in the lifetime.

The Potala Palace was built at the time of Songchang Gampo in the 7th century; the 5th Dalai Lama extended the palace to its present size. At this time, it also succeeds in becoming the residing, the main political and religious palace of the Dalai Lama. The main palace was divided into two sections: the white palace and the red palace. It is 115.703 meters high with thirteen stories, including living quarters, temples, tomb stupas and monk dormitories. The countless cultural relics in the palace are images, murals, sutras, etc, which are of incredible value. These magnificent Tibetan arts and culture are not only classified as national treasure but are also listed by the state council as one unit of the important cultural relics to be specially protected.

There is gold plated entombment place of 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th Dalai Lama at Potala Palace. All these can be seen besides 13th Dalai Lama’s. Entombment of 6th Dalai Lama is yet unknown and mysterious. Likewise, experts say that the funeral rites of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Dalai Lama was done at Jokhang Monastery and then the ashes were kept safely there. There are one thousand rooms at The Potala Palace among which 27 rooms are been exposed for general public such as bed room, living room, study room, meeting room and the entombment Place of Dalai Lama. The current 14th Dalai Lama is living in India since from 1959.

11 August 2027 (Wednesday) Day 03: After spending two nights at the Lhasa capital city of Tibet, our journey to Kailash Manasarovar begins by traveling in our tourist coach. Overland tours from Lhasa to Shigatse are highly popular, offering spectacular Tibetan landscapes, the historic Tashilhunpo monastery (the seat of the Panchen Lama), and a comfortable experience. In order to participate in these tours, non-Indian passport holders usually need to be members of an organized group of Kailash Manasarovar Yatri. It is best to visit during the pleasant months of May to September. The Panchen Lama's seat at Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse is a must-see, especially because of the monastery's historical and cultural significance. It is the 2nd biggest city after Lhasa. There are fine Luxury hotels for lodging and we have arranged meal for our pilgrims in a Nepali Restaurant. Here is a huge monastery which is popularly known as Tashilimphu Monastery. The section from Lhasa to Shigatse is around 271KM and it takes 4 to 5 hours’ drive.

12 August 2027 (Thursday) Day 04: Morning take breakfast and drive to Saga via Lhatse, the journey today passing 2 high passes with fine view of country side in Tibet. Shigatse to Lhatse is 160KM road able distance and takes 3 hours. We do stop for Lunch. After lunch towards Saga, here divide 2 roads and one go to New Tingri way to Everest Base camp and another road goes to Saga directly which is we are fallowing the sandy and rocky land Tibet. Other thinks like Lake, nomad chasing thousands of Yaks and Sheep grazing grass on the way Saga Bazaar. Lhatse to Saga is 300KM and takes 5 hours driving.

Team Leader, guides staff and food: Taking the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra/tour from Kathmandu along the Lhasa route is done with Nepali leaders, guides, or if it starts from Kailash - Lhasa and they come from mainland China directly. Kailash Yatri will be received at Gonggar Airport by the Nepali team leader and tour guide before he lands in Lhasa. There are delicious vegetarian meals available every day at Nepali restaurants in Lhasa and Shigatse. Saga is where we meet all Nepali staff, including the Doctor, Massage Therapist, chef and team members traveling from Kathmandu by road. For all Kailash Manasarovar Yatris, Monterosa Treks and Expedition staff prepares delicious vegetarian meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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13 August 2027 (Friday) Day 05: The trip from Saga to New Dongba, 160 km away, will take approximately three hours by Tibetan / Chinese tourist bus drive. Drive from New Dongba to Prayang along G219 National Highway for 95 kilometers, and take the bus for another two hours. It usually takes two hours to travel from New Dong to Prayang City due to the altitude of the road and the Mayumla Pass. The drive between Saga and New Dongba and Prayang will take you across the stark Tibetan plateau. We will stay in New Dongba or Prayang depending on available hotels. Ancient chortens, vibrant prayer flags, and a deeply spiritual way of life distinguish the Trans-Himalayans from other cultures. Tibetan and Himalayan pilgrimage routes converge at the Brahmaputra River, which is a sacred geographic and spiritual landmark. Saga to Prayang is approximately 255 kilometers away, and the journey takes about five to six hours. The high, arid, and scenic Tibetan plains are connected by a well-paved highway, but there are some sections that are bumpy or unpaved, especially near towns.

14 August 2027 (Saturday) Day 06: There are approximately 390 km between New Dongba and Darchen, and about 255 km between Prayang and Darchen. Taking the route between Dongba to Darchen takes 8, 9 hours, and the route between Prayang to Darchen takes 6, 7 hours. During this scenic journey, you will see a variety of dramatic landscapes and spiritual landmarks along National Highway G219. There are stunning views of the arid Tibetan landscape from the high-altitude plains and the distant peaks of the Himalayas.

There is a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys from Mayum La Pass (5,200 meters), which also provides glimpses of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. In Tibetan, the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River) can be seen as the route winds across the plateau. You will see Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake for the first time as you approach the Darchen region from Hor. A revered lake of spiritual significance and the world's highest freshwater lake, Lake Mansarovar, is a popular pilgrimage stop. By evening, we reach Darchen, which is the base camp for the Mount Kailash Kora (circumambulation). Darchen provides us with the opportunity to acclimate during our stay.

Mount Kailash: The Scared religious place, Kailash Parbat is located on the height of 6714meters above sea level. This region is supposed to be the purest religious place. It is supposed to be the central part of the world and origin of the world before the origin of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. Kailash Parbat is glorified in the holy books like Ramayana and Mahabharata. According to the ancient Asian stories, the civilization is incomplete without the description of Kailash Parbat. Kailash Parbat is located in Tibet. Scientific research of this region is not satisfactory. This religious Parbat is extended from Brahmaputra in the east to Karakoram in west.

Different religious groups like Shaiba, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Bon-Po are respecting Kailash equally, though they explained it differently. In the Shaiba and Buddhist traditional literature, Kailash is described as the part of Sumeru which is supposed to be the center of the world. It is believed to be the residence of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati as per Hindus. Buddhist respects it in the name of Kang Rimpoche. Buddhists have accepted Kailash and Manasarovar as great natural Mandala. Mandala for them is the means of respect and salvation, Jain worship as Astpada for this isolated peak.

The founding father of this religion Rishavadev had got spiritual salvation in the same place.
There are various logics to claim this Parbat as sacred. This isolated Parbat is also source to big rivers like Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Indus and Karnali. The total periphery of Mount Kailash is 53 km and pilgrims should walk 38 km within 3 days and if add Charan Sparsh (Touch Kailash) tour than it will be 4 days Kora. As described in Hindu myth, a person who moves around the Kailash Parvat will be free from all the sins made in life time. If they move round the Parbat for 108 times, they directly get Nirvana. It is also said that a person who moves Nandi once, he/she gets return as equal of moving round the Kailash for 13 times.

Kailash Parvat is regarded as the form of Lord Shiva and the water flowing from its snowy tip is worshipped as holy river Ganges. Mount Kailash can be observed more beautifully from the side of this Monastery. Observing from Dirapuk, Mount Kailash is seen in between Mount Manjushree at right side and Mount Bajrapani at left side. River Ganges, originated from Mount Kailash meets Lachhu River and gets mixed into Rakshas Lake. Every river formed from Kailash Himalayan Ranges gets mixed into Rakshas Lake. The river formed from the junction of Rakshas Lake is called Karnali. Water from Rakshas Lake escapes via Karnali River but water of Manasarovar is stored in the form of Lake.

15 August 2027 (Sunday) Day 07: Darchen to Yam Dwar & Dirapuk: This is the first day of Kailash Parikrama / Kora. Morning drive to Yam Dwar and start walking to Dirapuk (4890 meters 12 kilometers). We do start for Kailash circumambulation [Kora] Circuit t/ Round / Parikrama from Yam Dwar. It takes 20 minutes for blue bus to reach there as it is at the distance of only 6km. This place is also known as Yam Dwar. Getting off from the bus at Yam Dwar, all the pilgrims are offering to Lord Shiva. Then, we moved round the Yam Dwar for three times. According to Hindu religion, this place is known as the Gate of the God of Death (Yam Dwar).

Yam Dwar builds shape of temple. Inside 3 bells hanging and its call Varma, Vishnu and Maheshwar. This temple makes 3-time circuit enter inside of door. Belling and get out and continue walking or riding pony to Dirapuk first day of Parikrama. (Journey on foot begins from Yam Dwar) Physically disable pilgrims distantly pay homage to Kailash Parbat and return to Darchen because the visit of Yam Dwar is believed to get equally religious gain as they do for Kailash Parbat itself. This path / trail is somehow busy with pilgrims, horses, local porters, yaks and Nepali workers.

Information Yam Dwar: The Yam Dwar is believed to be a spiritual portal through which worldly concerns are replaced with spiritual concerns. Yam Dwar, which means "Gateway of the God of Death," marks the beginning of the sacred circumambulation around Mount Kailash. Spiritual significance is attached to the holy mountain. Parikrama (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash begins at this spiritual threshold where pilgrims leave the mundane world for a spiritual journey of purification and enlightenment.

After 3 hours long walking along the riverside path, we stopped for our lunch sport. Kailash Parbat is can be seeing clearly from here. Below the Parbat we can see a big stone in the shape of elephant. It is believed that God Indra rides on it. After 2 hours long walk, we can reach to Dirapuk. There is a Dirapuk Monastery situated on the edge of Lha Chhu River. The name of this place is given from the name of Monastery itself. This Monastery is located on the height of 4900m. Above sea level. The scene of Kailash from here is like the heaven. Hundreds of pilgrims arrive at Dirapuk from Yam Dwar riding on the horse or on their foot every day. Here some Yatri prefer to take pony & local porter for the 3 days. (If you would like to take pony and porter, you should tell the Tibetan guide in advance for arrangement. This day, today have to walk continuously for about 5 to 6 hours. Yak will carry all our goods and equipment and your bags. From Dirapuk, you can see north face of Mount Kailash very closed, overnight stay at Dirapuk mud house/ guesthouse.

Charan Sparsh and Touch Kailash are closed from August 2024: The pilgrims walk for four hours (5 kilometers) from Dirapuk to Mount Kailash, known as Charan Sparsh, after breakfast. By touching the Kailash Mountain's base, they feel blessed by Lord Shiva. On the way back, it takes around one hour and a half to two hours, since it is a day tour / yatra from Dirapuk. The touching of Kailash and Charan Sparsh are prohibited in August 2024. In light of the accident and Yatri visit beneath the Charan Sparsh.

The word "Charan" means "feet" and "Sparsh" means "to touch". Together they mean "to touch one's feet". Touching Kailash Parbat's feet has been a tradition since ancient times. As far as "Charan Sparsh" is concerned, it has a scientific basis. Whenever the human body releases vibrations, it encourages the flow of energy and blessings, happiness and success. One experiences an inner glow as a result of this exchange of energy that gives one vigor, self-confidence and contentment. After "Charan Sparsh," blessings are like invisible amour. They motivate and strengthen.

16 August 2027 (Monday) Day 08: Trek from Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk. Today is very crucial day as we have to pass Dolma La or Dorma La Pass, which is 5636 meters above the sea level, the weather in unpredictable in Dolma La Pass with the risk of snowstorms some times. So, we need to try to start our journey morning as early as possible. On route we pass Lakes Ganesh Kund, Gauri Kund. Climb down the pass to Shapje Datok and onwards to Zuthulpuk monastery. In Zuthulpuk, stay overnight in a mud house.

Ganesh Kund (Sarovar) About 45 minutes before to reach to Dolma La Pass 5636m. (Kailash circuit) on right hand side of the walking trail, there is holy Ganesh Kund. It is 15 minutes away from walking trail. The shape of the Kund looks like lord Ganesh where he bathes.

The Legend of Gauri Kund: Hinduism is Sanatana Dharma, according to its mythology there is story about Gauri Kund which has been mentioned in the legend of Shiva Puran. The Puran says that Gauri Sarovar is for purify and compassion, it purifies the mind, body and speech of Kailash Yatri. So almost all the Yatri of Kailash Manasarovar tour includes their tour program.

This Gauri Kund is for holy bath to Goddess Parvati Mata where Gauri Mata had acquired her beloved son Ganesh, she had molded a picture of her son Ganesh from cleaning agent frothing on her body and resuscitates it. She placed Ganesh at the path to stop unknown to enter during her holy deep, at the same time Lord Shiva came to his residence Mount Kailash but Ganesh ji didn't recognize then Lord Shiva became furious and cuts off the kids head then Mata Parvati despairing stricken by seeing it and requested to Lord Shiva that child need to be brought again to the life restored so Parvati had her son back. This real story not only fascinates Kailash tour Yatri.

The Meaning Significance to visit Gauri Kund: The large number of Kailash Yatri visits this holy Kund during their Parikrama or Kora to purify their minds, body and speech by splashing the Jaal on their heads. They offer TARPANA and Jaal (holy water) to their ancestors to have peace in the heaven. Many of them bring holy water from the Kund to their home.

Where is the Gauri Kund Located?
After crossing steep descends of Dolma La pass, the highest pass during Kailash Manasarovar Yatra tour, the round turquoise colored round shaped GAURI KUND is located at 5608m. above the sea level but walking trail has not yet made, have to walk on massif Rock.

Holy Lake Manasarovar: There is a guest house or mud house available at the Chiu monastery below for Yatri staying overnight. In western Tibet, there is a sacred Buddhist monastery known as Chiu Gompa situated on a steep, rocky outcrop overlooking Lake Manasarovar. The monastery is a popular stop on the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, and is close to the Kailash and Manasarovar Lakes. A meditation cave dedicated to Guru Rinpoche is located here, as well as spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

The Manasarovar Lake: Manasarovar Lake, also known as Brahma’s Lake or Mapam Yum Tso Lake is situated at an elevation of 4850 meter above sea level. The word “Manas” means mind or consciousness and Sarovar means Lake. It has held deep spiritual influence and wide religious values among Hindus & Buddhists. Making round of the Lake and taking a holy bath in it is believed to purge one’s soul from sins and the body from sickness. Ancient Hindu scriptures indicate this Lake as a must visit place for someone who wants to attain salvation, the highest level of achievement in Hindu religion. The cascading waves of the Lake in the wind look very charming.

As described in Ramayana, it is said that the person who moves around the Manasarovar Lake and baths with its pure water, reaches the heaven directly after death. Similarly, it is written that the person, who drinks the water of this lake, recognizes the “Shivalok” the palace of Lord Shiva. Kailash Parbat is situated about 58km. far in the north from Manasarovar Lake. Brahmaputra River flows from eastward of the Manasarovar Lake. So, many people who want to visit Kailash Parbat and Manasarovar Lake at least once in their life. As part of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra pilgrimage, pilgrims make a circle around Lake Manasarovar, which has a circumference of 102 kilometers.

According to Hindu traditional hearsay, it is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati take bath each day at 2:00 AM to 4:00 AM in this Lake as well as stars also come for bath in Manasarovar Lake. It is said that pilgrims who stay at this place at night; they can lively watch the God there. Mainly it is believed that people can see or visit the God Shiva and Goddess Parvati at the night of full moon. This Manasarovar Lake covers a very large area that is pure place, it is mentioned in Hindu religious books that all Hindus must reach there at least once in their life time.

Holy Hot Springs Place of Traditions: At the bottom of Chiu Monastery, a monastery near Lake Manasarovar, there is a natural hot spring. As well as the sacred lake itself, Chiu Gompa's thermal springs offer ritualistic bathing and spiritual renewal, with the water believed to be healing. The hot springs of Manasarovar are now protected by Tibetans and there is a small bath house and payment system.

Rakshas Tal (Demon King Ravana Lake) Sarovar: This lake is named on the basis of Hindu traditional story. Hindu people believe that carnivorous monsters are hiding into the dark water. On the basis of this belief, people called it Rakshas Tal and stay away from this lake believing it as the symbol of dark and destructive power. According to the traditional religious story, the water of this lake is poisonous and fatal. So, to replace the poisonous water of this lake a tunnel was made from Manasarovar Lake. Pure water of this Lake & a golden fish was sent in this Lake. Late, this fish was found alive.

From it, people’s negative attitude towards the lake changed and they started to go nearer to it but they still don’t drink the water. According to Hindu mythology, in Treta Yug the monster Ravana has made Lord Shiva happy meditating in this Lake. Rakshas Lake lies in the west to Manasarovar Lake. It is situated at an altitude of 4,540meter above the sea level. In Manasarovar Lake, there are many birds including ducks but in Rakshas (Demon King Ravana) there are no any birds at all.

The Khojarnath temple: A small Tibetan village called Khojarnath is located near Lake Mansarovar, 85 kilometers south of the holy lake. As part of their pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar during the Treta Yuga, Rama, Sita Mata, and Lakshmana spent a night at this location. There are idols of Lord Rama, Sita Mata, and Lakshmana there that have been standing since the seventh century, all of whom took part in such a journey. A round-trip jeep drive of 170-kilometers takes about four hours. The temple is located in Tibet Autonomous Region.

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17 August 2027 (Tuesday) Day 09: The day begins with a cup of tea or coffee and a light breakfast in Zuthulpuk, after which three hours are spent walking to Chongdo and a drive to Darchen as follow itinerary. A major crossroads operates through the village of Barga (also known as Barkha) in Ngari Prefecture in western Tibet. The junction of Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Purang, Chiu Monastery, and Hor is about 22 kilometers south of Darchen. The Manasarovar Kora journey begins at Barga village, then passes through Hor, Top Hills, where Rakshas Lake and Manasarovar Lake can be seen, along with Chiu Gompas. Chiu Monastery is situated on the top of the hills near Rakshas Lake and Manasarovar Lake, and you can see eight Buddhist monasteries on the way up.

The holy dips in Lake Manasarovar will cease to be available to pilgrims after 2018 AD. Pilgrims will receive holy water and have the opportunity to take holy baths as they make their way to the lake. Rudrabhishek, Rudra Hawan, and Aarti Pooja are three rituals performed at the shrine by Nepalese pandits. The Shiva Lingam is ceremonially bathed in sacred liquids while powerful mantras are chanted during Rudrabhishek, a sacred Hindu ritual. As part of this ritual, the Sri Rudram is recited alongside panchamrit and Manasarovar Jaal. Hindus consider a full moon night auspicious and spiritually powerful for visiting Lake Manasarovar. There is a belief that visitors and pilgrims have deep spiritual experiences when they see the full moon's reflection on the lake's surface. The moonlight reflected in Manasarovar Lake during the evening of a full moon will reflect the lights reflected in it. Full Moon Night in Manasarovar Lake.

18 August 2026 (Wednesday) Day 10: The Manasarovar Kora can be completed by driving Chiu Gompa to Barga Village, which is 10 km away from Manasarovar Lake. Seeing Mount Kailash and Holy Lake Manasarovar is the last stop on the way back to Kathmandu from Hor Place. The route from Hor Place to Saga Bazaar goes through Prayan, New Dongba, and then Saga Bazaar.

19 August 2027 (Sunday) Day 11: The journey from Saga to Shigatse in Tibet typically involves a scenic drive along the Friendship Highway, taking about 8-10 hours. It is 495 KM far from Saga to Shigatse. Stay overnight in Shigatse.

20 August 2027 (Monday) Day 12: Morning around 5: 00AM, It takes 4 hours to drive Shigatse to Gonggar airport Tibet via Gyantse, it is 310KM away from Shigatse. Arrive at Gonggar airport, fly to mainland China and final destination.