Journey to Mount Kailash
Journey to Mount Kailash
Journey to Mount Kailash
18 Days Starting in Chengdu, China and ending in Kathmandu, Nepal
Visiting: Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Saga, Lake Manasarovar, Darchen, Mount Kailash, Kyirong
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JTK
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable "Journey to Mount Kailash," a sacred adventure through the heart of Tibet. Join devout pilgrims on a supported trek around Mount Kailash, revered as the mythical Mount Meru, and experience the vibrant Saga Dawa festival. Traverse the sweeping landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau, marvel at the majestic Himalayas, and explore the cultural treasures of Lhasa, including the Potala Palace, the former home of the Dalai Lama. This epic journey culminates with an overland traverse from the Tibetan Plateau to Kathmandu, offering a blend of spiritual enrichment and breathtaking natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Chengdu, China
Accommodation Name: Buddha Zen Hotel or similar
You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the hotel. Remainder of the afternoon/evening at leisure.
Overnight: Buddha Zen Hotel or similar
Day 2 : Fly Chengdu To Lhasa (3,670M)
Location: Lhasa
Accommodation Name: Kyichu Hotel, Dekang Hotel Lhasa or Tarui Pozhang Hotel or similar
This morning we are transferred to the airport for the flight to Lhasa. You will be advised which flight to book as the group are required to arrive into Tibet together due to the group permit. On arrival at Lhasa Airport you will be transferred to the city – a drive that takes around two hours. Due to the high altitude, you need to take it easy when you arrive in Lhasa. (Chengdu to Lhasa flights not included in trip cost.) A briefing will be given around 5pm by your guide, where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket.
Drive: 65km, ~2hrs
Altitude: 3,670m
Overnight: Kyichu Hotel, Dekang Hotel Lhasa or Tarui Pozhang Hotel or similar
Day 3 : In Lhasa (3,670M)
Location: Lhasa
Accommodation Name: Kyichu Hotel, Dekang Hotel Lhasa or Tarui Pozhang Hotel or similar
The following two days are scheduled to appreciate the long and rich cultural history of Lhasa. We include visits to the Jokhang, the Norbulingka (the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama), and the famous Potala Palace. We also include visits to the nearby monasteries of Drepung and Sera. The Jokhang The Old City of Lhasa was built around the Jokhang, the most sacred temple in Tibet.
Drive: N/A
Altitude: 3,670m
Overnight: Kyichu Hotel, Dekang Hotel Lhasa or Tarui Pozhang Hotel or similar
Day 5 : Commence Drive Towards Kailash To Gyantse (3,900M)
Location: Gyantse
Accommodation Name: Gyantse Hotel or similar
Today we commence our drive across the Tibetan plateau, which is perhaps much more mountainous than you might expect, towards Kailash. It is approximately 1300kms from Lhasa to Darchen, at the base of the Kailash. There is a newly imposed lower speed limit of 60km/hr on the highways outside of Lhasa, which means plenty of time to take in the extraordinary Himalayan views!
From Lhasa we drive down the Kyichu Valley to the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) before ascending to the Khamba La (Khamba Pass) at 4900m. The views are outstanding – in the foreground is the vast freshwater Yamdrok Tso or Turquoise Lake, while to the south the snow-capped ranges merge with the main Himalayan range. We drive around the lake before crossing the Karo La (5200m) to reach Gyantse. We visit the remarkable octagonal chorten, the Kumbum (or Pango Chorten) – built in 1444 on a series of four levels, each of which contains separate chapels.
Note: while we endevour to stick to the projected itinerary, travel in Tibet is by nature unpredictable and a flexible approach is always needed.
Drive: 290km, ~8-9hrs
Altitude: 3,900m
Overnight: Gyantse Hotel or similar
Day 6 : Drive To Shigatse (3,800M)
Location: Shigatse
Accommodation Name: Wanrun Gardan Hotel, Gesar Hotel Shigatse, Shiga Yangcha Hotel or similar
In Shigatse we visit the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by the very first Dalai Lama. Since the time of the fifth Dalai Lama in 1642, the abbot of Tashilhunpo has been known as the Panchen Lama (literally the 'Great Scholar'). Over the generations, the Panchen Lama became established as the chief spiritual and temporal adviser of the huge western portion of Tibet known as Tsang, and at times was even considered a rival to the Dalai Lama.
Drive: 90km, ~3hrs
Altitude: 3,800m
Overnight: Wanrun Gardan Hotel, Gesar Hotel Shigatse, Shiga Yangcha Hotel or similar
Day 7 : Drive Across The Tibetan Plateau To Saga (4,640M)
Location: Saga
Accommodation Name: Luofuling Hotel or similar
The drive to Kailash is a spectacular but demanding adventure across the roof of the world. From Shigatse, we head west across the Tibetan plataeu to the trading town of Saga. Roads in Tibet are under continuous development and are very different from what you might be used to at home. At times they can be very slow moving but this is all part of the adventure in this remote part of the Himalayas.
Drive: 450km, ~9-10hrs
Altitude: 4,500m
Overnight: Luofuling Hotel or similar
Day 8 : Drive Across The Tibetan Plateau To Lake Manasarovar (4,600M)
Location: Lake Manasarovar
Accommodation Name: Tibetan Guest House or similar
Today will be a demanding drive. We will pass through the settlement of Pharang then traverse a number of sandy sections en route to the to Chui Gompa on the shores of Lake Mansarovar, our overnight stop.
Drive: 240km, ~5hrs
Altitude: 4,600m
Overnight: Tibetan Guest House or similar
Day 9 : Drive Across The Tibetan Plateau To Darchen (4,575M)
Location: Darchen
Accommodation Name: Himalaya Kailash Hotel or similar
Today's drive is a short one so this morning we can take our time to enjoy the truly spectacular views of Lake Manasarovar, also called Mapam Yumtso. This high altitude freshwater lake is fed by melt water from the Kailash Glaciers near Mount Kailash. The lake is revered a sacred place in four religions, Bön, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. After soaking up the magnificent views of the Himalaya, we continue on the final section of this epic and memorable drive across the expansive Tibetan plateau to Darchen, a small village in Purang County. Darchen is situated right in front of the sacred mountain, Mount Kailash, and is the starting point for pilgrimages in the region
Drive: 40km, ~1hr
Altitude: 4,575m
Overnight: Himalaya Kailash Hotel or similar
Day 10 : In Darchen, Prelude Of Saga Dawa Festival (4,575M)
Location: Darchen
Accommodation Name: Himalaya Kailash Hotel or similar
We witness the arrival of many Tibetan pilgrims for the Saga Dawa Festival who may have spent up to a month travelling across Tibet to attend the festival. An ideal day to explore the trails in the vicinity of Mt Kailash that afford fine views of the South Face of this sacred mountain.
Drive: N/A
Altitude: 4,575m
Overnight: Himalaya Kailash Hotel or similar
Day 11 : Saga Dawa Festival, Commence Mount Kailash Trek To Dera Phuk (5,000M)
Location: Mount Kailash
Accommodation Name: Derapuk Xixiabangma Guest House or similar
After the full moon the monks offer their prayers and blessings to the huge gathering before the ceremonial pole is slowly lifted by means of support poles. The event takes several hours creating a feeling of awe and expectation before the pole is finally put into place. It is then time for the more devout pilgrims to commence the 'kora' or pilgrimage around Mt Kailash, a 49km trek that we will undertake together with many of the pilgrims. In the afternoon we commence our trek – the 'kora', around the base of Mt Kailash. We follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims, guiding us past a dome outcrop known as “Padasambhavas Tomb" before the valley widens out below the Dri Puk Monastery. Please note that the accommodation during the trek is very basic but following the ban on camping by the authorities, there are no alternatives.
Drive: ~30mins
Trek: ~6hrs
Altitude: 5,000m
Overnight: Derapuk Xixiabangma Guest House or similar
Day 12 : Trek Around Mount Kailash To Zutrul Phuk Via Dolma La (5,600M)
Location: Mount Kailash
Accommodation Name: Zuthul Puk Monastery Guesthouse or similar
Today, we trek the the second stage and climb to the Dolma La (5,600m). En route the trail passes an area referred to as Shive Tso which is marked by a large collection of discarded clothing – where pilgrims are said to undertake a symbolic death, leaving an item of clothing behind before proceeding to the pass. The final 200m climb to the pass is not unduly strenuous while on the pass the pilgrims pay homage to the gods of the pass. It is a very special occasion particularly at this time of the year. From the top of the pass we head down the valley to the small monastery of Zutrul Puk. The site known as the miracle cave marks the place where the celebrated Buddhist teacher Milarepa performed miracles in a contest with the high priest of the Bon Po's, the original animistic religion of Tibet before Buddhism. Milarepa won the contest but consented for the followers of Bon Po to continue their own pilgrimage around Mt Kailash in an anti clockwise fashion, a tradition that still holds today.
Drive: N/A
Trek: ~10hrs walking
Altitude: 4,900m
Overnight: Zuthul Puk Monastery Guesthouse or similar
Day 13 : Complete Mount Kailash Trek (4,575M)
Location: Darchen
Accommodation Name: Himalaya Kailash Hotel or similar
From Zutrul Puk it is a further 4 hours trek across the open plains and past lines of mani walls and prayer flags which brings up back to the small town of Darchen. We have the afternoon to savour our final views towards Kailash we are reminded of the sacredness of this region for the many pilgrims that venture here each year.
Drive: N/A
Trek: 4hrs
Altitude: 4,575m
Overnight: Himalaya Kailash Hotel or similar
Day 14 : Drive To Kathmandu Across The Tibetan Plateau (4,640M)
Location: Saga
Accommodation Name: Luofuling Hotel or similar
In total, it is a four day drive to Kathmandu from Hor Chu. Following the 2015 earthquake the former friendship highway was badly damaged resulting in its continued closure. This new route was opened initially to ensure that trade between Nepal and China could continue. In 2017 the border post was opened to tourists allowing for travel along this legendary overland route to recommence. This road is sure to add to the sense of adventure as it traverses parts of both Tibet and Nepal new to tourism. Road conditions along this route are changeable as improvements to the road continue to ensure that it can accommodate the traffic using it. Tonight's overnight stop will be in Saga.
Drive: ~9hrs
Altitude: 4,640m
Overnight: Luofuling Hotel or similar
Day 15 : Drive To Kathmandu Across The Tibetan Plateau (4,130M)
Location: Kyirong
Accommodation Name: Kouan Hotel or similar
Continue our drive to Kathmandu. Today we are heading for the border town of Kyirong. Following the 2015 earthquake the former friendship highway was badly damaged resulting in its continued closure. This new route was opened initially to ensure that trade between Nepal and China could continue. In 2017 the border post was opened to tourists allowing for travel along this legendary overland route to recommence. This road is sure to add to the sense of adventure as it traverses parts of both Tibet and Nepal new to tourism. Road conditions along this route are changeable as improvements to the road continue to ensure that it can accommodate the traffic using it.
Drive: ~9-10hrs
Altitude: 4,130m
Overnight: Kouan Hotel or similar
Day 16 : Drive From Kyirong To Kathmandu (1,400M)
Location: Kyirong
Accommodation Name: Radisson Hotel
Today we cross the border into Nepal and complete the final stage of our journey from Lhasa via the Langtang region. It is a fitting conclusion to an epic overland journey and the comfort of the Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu will no doubt be welcomed with open arms.
Drive: 160km, ~6hrs
Altitude: 1,400m
Overnight: Radisson Hotel
Day 17 : In Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: Radisson Hotel
Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore some more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square.
Drive: N/A
Altitude: 1,400m
Overnight: Radisson Hotel
Day 18 : In Kathmandu, Trip Concludes
After breakfast, your trip concludes.
What's Included
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Meals
17 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 11 dinners are included.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are provided if arriving on day 1, 2, and 18.
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Accommodation
Good quality accommodation in Chengdu, Lhasa, Shigatse, and Gyantse.
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Expert Guide
An expert bilingual guide will accompany the group.
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Trek Pack
The use of a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket, and insulated mat (valued at over US$500).
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Souvenir Kit Bag
A souvenir World Expeditions kit bag is provided.
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Yaks
Yaks are provided to carry all group equipment.
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Private Transportation
Private transportation is included.
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Group Medical Kit
A group medical kit is available.
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Portable Altitude Chamber
A portable altitude chamber is available for group use.
What's Not Included
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Meals Not Included
Meals not included in the daily itinerary are excluded.
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Alcoholic and Bottled Drinks
Alcoholic and bottled drinks are not included.
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
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Airport and Departure Taxes
Airport and departure taxes are not included.
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Visas
Visas are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
Mode of Transport
Private transportation is provided throughout the tour. The journey includes a flight from Chengdu to Lhasa, and extensive overland travel across the Tibetan Plateau to Kathmandu. The roads can be slow-moving and are under continuous development, adding to the adventure.
Accommodation
1 night hotel in Chengdu. As a general rule the further west you travel through Tibet the more basic the accommodation becomes. While we source the best available accommodation for you, there may be times where it will be necessary to stay in very basic lodges utilising multi-share rooms with shared bathroom facilities. Accommodation during the trek is very basic but following the ban on camping by the authorities, there are no alternatives. Single supplements are available for this trip. However, it does not apply to the accommodation at Lake Mansarover (day 8) or to the two nights during the trek during which there is no availability for single accommodation.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc. Porters and/or yaks carry all group gear.
Grading
To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the walking terrain, the altitude, the number of passes crossings and the length of the trek.The three day trek around Kailash is optional. Alternative arrangements can be made if you elect not to undertake the trek. For those that do the trek it is graded moderate due to the high altitude as we ascend to the Dolma La (5630 metres), but short duration of only 3 days. The trail is well defined and given the time spent acclimatising en route to Kailash should not prove to be too challenging.
In order to complete this trek we advise that you undertake regular exercise – 1 hour of swimming, cycling, jogging, three or four times a week and extended periods of exercise during the weekend will accustom you to regular exercise, for at least three months prior to your departure. Hill walking with a daypack is also recommended.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the trek around Mount Kailash?
Accommodation during the trek around Mount Kailash is very basic. Following the ban on camping by the authorities, there are no alternatives, and you will stay in basic lodges with multi-share rooms and shared bathroom facilities.
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What should I carry in my daypack during the trek?
In your daypack, you should carry extra warm clothing depending on the altitude, location, and weather, a rain jacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables, and personal items such as sunscreen and lip balm. Porters and/or yaks will carry all group gear.
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What is the grading of the trek around Mount Kailash?
The three-day trek around Mount Kailash is graded as moderate due to the high altitude, as you will ascend to the Dolma La at 5,630 meters. However, the trek is of short duration and the trail is well-defined. The time spent acclimatizing en route to Kailash should help in managing the altitude.
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What kind of physical preparation is recommended for this trek?
To prepare for this trek, it is advised to undertake regular exercise such as swimming, cycling, or jogging for at least one hour, three or four times a week, along with extended periods of exercise during the weekend. Hill walking with a daypack is also recommended for at least three months prior to your departure.
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What happens if I choose not to undertake the trek around Mount Kailash?
The three-day trek around Mount Kailash is optional. If you choose not to undertake the trek, alternative arrangements can be made for you.
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What is included in the World Expeditions trek pack?
The World Expeditions trek pack includes a quality sleeping bag, a down or fiber fill jacket, and an insulated mat, valued at over US$500.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
Private transportation is provided throughout the tour, including airport transfers if arriving on day 1, 2, and 18.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 17 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 11 dinners.
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What kind of support is available in case of altitude sickness?
A portable altitude chamber and bottled oxygen for emergency use are available for the group.
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What kind of cultural experiences can I expect in Lhasa?
In Lhasa, you will visit significant cultural sites including the Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka (the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama), the Potala Palace, and the nearby monasteries of Drepung and Sera.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.