This 15-day adventure takes you deep into the mystical heart of Tibet, where breathtaking landscapes and sacred traditions come together in an unforgettable experience. The journey offers a rare opportunity to witness the spiritual magnetism of Mount Kailash, a peak revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon practitioners alike.
Climbing Mount Kailash is forbidden—out of deep respect for its sacred status—but pilgrims and visitors can walk the 52-kilometer Kora (circumambulation) around the mountain. This holy trek is believed to cleanse the soul and bring spiritual liberation. According to ancient Hindu legend, Mount Kailash is the celestial home of Lord Shiva, where he is said to have meditated, shared divine moments with his consort Parvati, and embraced the serenity of Himalayan solitude.
Each year, thousands of pilgrims from across the globe make the journey to Kailash, seeking peace, enlightenment, and a deeper connection with the divine.
Your journey also includes time in Lhasa, Tibet’s spiritual and cultural capital. Explore its iconic landmarks:
- Potala Palace, the towering former residence of the Dalai Lama.
- Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most sacred shrine.
- The bustling Barkhor Market, full of traditional crafts and local life.
- The serene Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world, founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choge Tashi Palden.
- Sera Monastery, famous for its monastic debates and vibrant atmosphere.
- A visit to a local nunnery, offering insight into the daily lives of Tibetan Buddhist nuns.
This tour is more than just a trip—it’s a transformative journey through sacred lands and timeless traditions. Whether you’re drawn by faith, culture, or the call of the Himalayas, this experience will leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul.
15 days / 14 nights Lhasa Mt. Kailash trip
From Lhasa to Kailash: The Tibet Region
Highlights
- Start and end in Lhasa, Tibet’s spiritual and cultural center.
- Visit iconic sites like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street.
- Explore Sera and Drepung Monasteries to learn about Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
- Journey overland to Mount Kailash, one of the world’s most sacred peaks.
- Complete the 52 km Kailash Kora, a spiritually meaningful high-altitude trek.
- Experience the serenity and sacredness of Lake Manasarovar.
- Tour blends spiritual depth, cultural insight, and natural beauty.
- Ideal for pilgrims, adventurers, and cultural explorers seeking a profound experience.
Itinerary
Arrive at Gonggar Airport, where your Tibetan guide will meet you. After immigration, transfer to Lhasa’s old city (45 minutes). Check into your hotel and rest to acclimate to the altitude. Stay hydrated and relax. Overnight in Lhasa.
Visit Lhasa’s key sites: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Market, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery. Overnight at your hotel.
Drive along the Friendship Highway, stopping at Khamba La Pass (4,794 m) for views of turquoise Yamdrok Lake and Nazin Kang Sa Peak (7,252 m). Cross Karo La Pass (5,045 m) with glacier views. Arrive in colorful Gyantse. Overnight at your hotel.
Visit Kumbum Stupa and Palkhor Monastery in Gyantse. Drive through Tibet’s largest agricultural fields to Shigatse. Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, home of the Panchen Lama. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Drive through Gyatchu La Pass (5,220 m), enjoying scenic views including Mount Everest. Continue to Saga. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Travel through wide valleys with rivers and grazing yaks. Cross Mayumla Pass and observe Tibet’s arid landscape. Meet nomads and traders along the way. Arrive at sacred Mansarovar Lake, with views of Chiu Monastery and Mount Kailash. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Explore the turquoise Mansarovar Lake, home to fish and swans, surrounded by Mount Kailash and other peaks. Drive to Darchen (1 hour). Overnight at Chu Gumba.
Start your trek after breakfast, guided by yak drivers. Trek through meadows and streams to Lha Chu Valley, overlooking a turquoise river. See the north face of Mount Kailash and visit the 13th-century Dirapuk Monastery. Camp or stay in a guesthouse overnight.
Cross Drolma La Pass (5,630 m), the trek’s highest point, with panoramic views including Thukpe Dzingbu (Lake of Compassion). Descend to Zutulpuk, known for its monastery and meditation caves, including Milarepa’s cave with his footprints. Camp overnight.
Complete your pilgrimage trek back to Darchen, then drive to Saga. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Continue on the Friendship Highway to Lhatse, a dusty town with restaurants and shops. See ruined dzongs and Changmoche Monastery. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Drive through Gyatchu La Pass (5,220 m) to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of Tibet’s largest. Overnight at your hotel.
Enjoy a scenic drive along Yamdrok Lake, crossing Kampala Pass (4,790 m) and the Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Tsangpo). Arrive in Lhasa, refresh, and relax. Overnight at your hotel.
Transfer to Gonggar Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu or onward destination.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Transportation by van or minibus
- Hotel/guesthouse accommodation with breakfast (BB basis)
- TTB and Kailash permits
- Monastery entrance fees
- All sightseeing with an English-speaking Tibetan guide
- Yaks with yak men or porters for the trek
Cost Excludes
- Nepal re-entry visa fees
- Lunch and dinner
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Emergency evacuation costs
FAQs
Tibet lies in the southwest of China, bordering India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Traditionally, Tibet was divided into three provinces: U-Tsang, Kham, and Amdo. Despite regional differences in dialect and identity, the people of all regions consider themselves Tibetan.
Under Chinese administration, Tibet’s original borders have been redrawn. Today, “Tibet” usually refers to the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), which includes U-Tsang and part of Kham. The rest of Kham was incorporated into Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, while Amdo was split among Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan. The region covers around 1.22 million km², or 12.8% of China’s total area. Tibet is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, deep-rooted Buddhist culture, and easy access from Nepal, making it a top destination for travelers and trekkers alike.
Tibet follows China Standard Time (GMT+8), which is 6 hours ahead of GMT.
Traveling to Tibet requires a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. These can be arranged through a travel agency, especially if entering from Nepal. A standard Chinese tourist visa is not sufficient; you must also obtain the Tibet Travel Permit for entry. Travel outside Lhasa requires additional permits, which your travel agency will handle. You must also hire a guide for the entire trip and arrange private transport for areas beyond Lhasa.
Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months.
Chinese Visa: Required for entering Tibet from mainland China. Most embassies issue a 30-day tourist visa (“L” visa). Longer stays or multiple entries may be possible. If entering from Hong Kong, you can often get a 90-day visa quickly through agencies.
Group Visa (Nepal Entry): Travelers entering Tibet from Nepal need a group visa issued in Kathmandu. Any existing individual Chinese visa will be canceled when applying for a group visa.
- By Road: Major highways include:
- Sichuan-Tibet Highway (Chengdu to Lhasa)
- Qinghai-Tibet Highway (Xining to Lhasa)
- Yunnan-Tibet Highway
- Xinjiang-Tibet Highway
- China-Nepal Friendship Highway (the only international route)
- By Air: Flights to Lhasa are available from cities in China and Kathmandu, Nepal. Lhasa Gonggar Airport is about 98 km from Lhasa.
- By Train: The Qinghai-Tibet Railway (Golmud to Lhasa) spans 1,142 km and offers stunning views.
Tibet’s climate is unpredictable and mostly cold due to high altitude. Lhasa enjoys sunny days but colder mornings and nights. Bring warm clothing year-round.
The best time to visit is from April to early November. The peak months are May, June, and September. Lhasa has milder weather and is accessible year-round. Sun exposure is intense due to the altitude, earning Lhasa the nickname “City of Sunlight.”
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months)
- Chinese visa or group visa (depending on your entry point)
- Tibet Entry Permit (mandatory)
- Additional permits for certain areas:
- Travel Permit: For visiting restricted regions
- Military Permit: For sensitive border areas
No. Due to strict regulations, you cannot apply for Tibet permits on your own or travel independently. A licensed travel agency must arrange your permits, guide, and transport.
Yes. Tibet’s high elevation can cause altitude sickness, especially for travelers coming from lower altitudes. Common symptoms include headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Acclimatization usually occurs within a few days. Consult your doctor about medication for altitude sickness before traveling. Your guide will assist you if symptoms arise.
Yes. ATMs are available in major cities like Lhasa and Shigatse. Smaller towns may not have ATM access.
The currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). You can exchange foreign currency at the Bank of China. Note that banks are closed on weekends and that credit cards and traveler’s cheques are rarely accepted outside of Lhasa.
Not generally. As long as you stay with your tour group and avoid political discussions or protests, you should not encounter issues.
Recommended vaccinations include:
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria & Tetanus
- Hepatitis A & B
- Influenza
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
- Pneumonia
- Polio
- Rabies
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever (if coming from an infected area)
Not usually. Your tour guide will speak English, and hotel staff in larger cities generally have basic English skills. Tibetan, Chinese, English, and Nepali are the main languages spoken.
Yes, but limited. Internet is available in Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse, and Tsedang—primarily in hotels and some cafes.
The Fly In/Out Lhasa Mount Kailash Lhasa Tour – 15 Days is a remarkable journey through Tibet’s mystical landscapes, blending cultural exploration with spiritual discovery. Starting and ending in Lhasa, this thoughtfully designed itinerary takes you to the sacred Mount Kailash—one of the world’s most venerated pilgrimage sites. Ideal for spiritual seekers, adventurers, and cultural enthusiasts, the tour offers a rich mix of overland travel, breathtaking scenery, and visits to iconic Tibetan landmarks.
The adventure begins in Lhasa, Tibet’s spiritual heart, where you’ll explore historic sites such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. Visits to Sera and Drepung Monasteries offer a deeper understanding of Tibetan Buddhism and its vibrant monastic traditions, providing a meaningful introduction before heading toward Mount Kailash.
Mount Kailash, sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers, is the centerpiece of the tour. While climbing the peak is prohibited due to its religious significance, you’ll join pilgrims on the 52 km Kailash Kora (circumambulation)—a physically demanding yet spiritually rewarding trek through stunning high-altitude terrain.
The tour also includes a visit to Lake Manasarovar, one of the highest freshwater lakes on earth, revered for its spiritual purity. Combined with the Kailash Kora, this experience weaves together powerful landscapes, ancient beliefs, and timeless rituals, creating a deeply transformative journey.
Whether you’re in search of spiritual insight, awe-inspiring Himalayan vistas, or a closer connection to Tibetan culture, the Fly In/Out Lhasa Mount Kailash Lhasa Tour – 15 Days offers an unforgettable experience. Embark on this sacred adventure and discover the heart of Tibet.
Visa Information
Traveling to Tibet requires both a Chinese Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit, which can be arranged in Kathmandu with the help of a travel agency (for those entering Tibet via Nepal). A valid Chinese visa alone is not sufficient—you must still obtain the Tibet Travel Permit.
Travelers entering Tibet from within China also need this permit. To receive it, you must book a licensed guide for the entire trip and arrange private transport for travel outside of Lhasa. Additional permits are required for regions beyond Lhasa, which your travel agency will handle.
Required Documents:
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months.
- Chinese Visa: Obtainable from a Chinese Embassy or through approved agencies (required for entry from mainland China).
- Group Visa: Needed for travelers entering Tibet from Nepal; valid for continuing into mainland China after the Tibet tour.
- Note: Individual Chinese visas will be canceled once a group visa is issued (if already stamped in your passport).
- Tibet Entry Permit: Issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, mandatory for all foreigners entering Tibet.
- Additional Permits (as required):
- Travel Permit: Required for visiting restricted areas; usually issued upon arrival in Tibet.
- Military Permit: Required for travel to sensitive military regions.
Weather Information
Tibet’s weather resembles mainland China’s but is generally colder due to high elevation. Summers offer warm days with strong sun and cool—even chilly—nights at high altitudes. Winters are cold but relatively dry, with Lhasa experiencing abundant sunshine even during winter months.
Expect frost for about 6 months annually, and high-altitude lakes may remain frozen from October to March. Weather conditions vary significantly by region, but Lhasa—situated in a valley at a lower elevation—enjoys a relatively mild climate.
Safety Guidelines
To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, please follow these recommendations:
- Carry at least two copies of your Tibet Permit.
- Keep your valuables secure and carry essential items with you at all times.
- Inform your guide immediately if you experience discomfort from altitude or encounter any issues.
- Rest upon arrival in Lhasa and avoid visiting attractions too quickly.
- Avoid bargaining aggressively with street vendors and do not purchase wildlife products or unverified Tibetan herbal medicines.
- Allow time to acclimatize in Lhasa before ascending to higher altitudes to prevent altitude sickness.
- Avoid heavy alcohol consumption and smoking.
- Respect local religion, customs, and cultural sensitivities.
- Be cautious of sunburn and sudden temperature changes; pack accordingly.
- Carry personal medications as recommended by your doctor.
- Never travel alone at night or to unfamiliar places without informing your guide.
- Cash is commonly used—carry enough local currency and small denominations.
- In case of emergencies, contact your guide immediately.
- Do not carry materials related to the Dalai Lama or Tibetan independence.
- Avoid carrying guidebooks specifically focused on Tibet.
