Dive deep into Tibetan culture on this wonderful guided trekking tour
Trekking in Tibet is a magical journey, and this is one of the finest, as you follow the ancient pilgrimage route to Mount Kailash. You will visit both the holiest places and the most spectacular landscapes of Tibet on this incredible 11-day guided tour. On your way back you will stop off at Everest Base Camp, for a view of Mount Everest from the Chinese side.
From hiking the sacred pilgrim route at Mount Kailash to exploring the craggy peaks above the Ganden valley, Tibet is sure to capture your heart.
Start your tour acclimatizing to the altitude with four nights in Lhasa. Here you will explore the town and then hike in the hills near Lhasa. Then transfer across the wild Tibetan landscape for your trek to Mount Kailash. On your way back to Lhasa, stop at Everest Base Camp for a view of Mount Everest from the Chinese side!
Your English-speaking guide will support you throughout the trip, so you can enjoy the breath-taking monasteries, magical landscapes, and traditional villages of Tibet without worrying about any of the details.
This wonderful Mount Kailash tour is a once in a lifetime experience that you will fondly cherish for many years to come.
Highlights Of Journey To Mount Kailash Tour
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Journey to Mount Kailash Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Lhasa
You will be warmly greeted at the Lhasa airport by your guide, and then you will set off on the 100 km drive to Lhasa town. There won’t be a dull moment on the drive, as you peer at stunning landscapes through the windows and pause en-route to admire the beautiful local villages. On arrival, you will enjoy a hearty meal before settling down to rest at your Hotel in Lhasa.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lhasa (3,650m)
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Explore Lhasa
Today you will explore the historical streets of Lhasa. You will admire the magnificent Potala Palace, former home of the Dalai Lama, sitting proudly above the rest of the city. You will have the chance to enter the palace alongside your guide, enjoying one of the most beautiful spiritual structures in the world. After checking out the palace, you will visit the 1300-year-old Jokhang Temple, the most sacred of Tibet, breathing in the earthy smells of incense. You will finish your day with a gentle walk, meeting some of the pilgrims that have travelled to this sacred city of the Buddhist world.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lhasa (3,650m)
Distance: Walking Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 Hike the Ganden Valley
Today you will set out for the Ganden monastery, built on the slopes of the mountain of Wanggo in the early 15th century. This sacred Tibetan site is home to the Gelugpa school of Buddhism and offers gorgeous views of the gardens and craggy landscapes. You will take a hike along the mountain ridges to soak up the valley views. After recharging with a picnic lunch and rest you will continue to hike through the upper kora before returning to Lhasa for a well-earned rest at your hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lhasa (3,650m)
Distance: 3 - 4.5 hours hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 Hike to Sera Monastery
Before heading out for another day of hiking, you will have the change to visit the historical Pawang monastery, the birthplace of the beautiful Tibetan calligraphy. As you set out for your hike, you will pass the Sky Burial site, where the old tradition of leaving passed loved ones to the birds of the mountain prevails today. You will hike between multiple ancient monasteries as you explore a landscape that’s been largely untouched by the passage of time.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lhasa (3,650m)
Distance: Half-day hike
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 Drive to Shigatse
Prepare yourself for an early start as you travel 360 km by car to reach Shigatse. Although the drive is long, you will be rewarded with extraordinary views of the snow-capped Himalayas and glittering blue waters of Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake). Passing through valleys and mountains alike, you will pause to explore the unique Pelkhor monastery and visit the home of a local Tibetan family to learn more about this magical culture. After a long journey, you will be relieved to unwind in your hotel at Shigatse.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Shigatse (3,800m)
Distance: 357 km of driving (9-10 hours)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 Drive to Saga
Expect another long day on the road as you travel to the typical Tibetan town of Saga. You will cross stunning mountain scenery, the magnificent Brahmaputra River and take the highland road that winds through lakes and grasslands. The roads of Tibet will be a bizarre experience for some, as you share the bumpy roads with some surprising characters, like the shaggy local yaks. You will arrive in Saga in the late afternoon, where you can relax and unwind in your hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Saga (4,500m)
Distance: 450 km of driving (9-10 hours)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 Drive Darchen
You will continue to travel through stunning Tibetan landscapes to reach the base for the Kora Trek. Today’s long journey will take you through pretty grasslands and impressive mountains. You will also travel through the nomad plains, famous for its moon-like scenery. You will stop to visit the holy lake of Manasarovar, nestled in beautiful mountains and a popular destination for Russian, Indian and Tibetan pilgrims alike. On arriving in the nomadic village of Darchen you will explore the streets to stretch your legs as your guide arranges porters and yaks to support you on your upcoming hike.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Darchen (4,600m)
Distance: 520 km of driving (7-8 hours)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 Trek to Dirapuk Monastery
Today you will set out on your Mount Kailash trek. After hiking throughout the morning, you will stop for a simple, nutritious meal in the lunch tent. Afterward, you will head on for the final stretch to Dirapuk monastery with fellow pilgrims, many of whom have been saving throughout their lives in order to make this sacred journey. After visiting the riverside monastery, you will spend the night in a local guesthouse.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Sarshung Valley (5,000m)
Distance: 13 km, 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 Trek to Zutrul Phuk Monastery
Prepare to challenge yourself as you head out on the most difficult day of the trek. The terrain itself won’t be too demanding but reaching the high altitude of 5,000 m takes some adjusting to. You will summit Dikpala Pass (5,000m) and then Dormala Pass (5,600m), where the pilgrims undergo a spiritual ‘death’ before being ‘reborn’ at Dormala Pass. You will enjoy your simple food in the lunch tent once again, before descending a little to reach Zutrul Phuk monastery where you will stay at a nearby guesthouse.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Zutrul Phuk (5,000m)
Distance: 18 km, 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 Completing the Mount Kailash Trek
Today’s shorter trek will be much less challenging than the day before. You will trek across the open plains, stopping to admire the colorful, fraying prayer flags being battered around by the wind. After returning to the small town of Darchen, you will be transferred to Lake Manasarovar and enjoy a well-earned rest at your guesthouse by the water.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse near Lake Manasarovar (4,600m)
Distance: 12 km, 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 Travelling to Saga
After an incredible 3-day trek through the mountains, you will head back to Saga. Rest your tired body on the long drive back to the town, enjoying the lovely landscape and having a much-deserved snooze. You will spend the night at your hotel in Saga.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Saga (4,500m)
Distance: 540 km of driving (10-11 hours)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 Everest Base Camp
Today you will take the journey to Rongbuk, spending around 8 hours on the road. When you arrive, you will visit Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. The numbers of monks and nuns have been dwindling over the years, but the 50 remaining brothers and sisters will give you a warm welcome and, if you wish, include you in their evening prayer ceremony. You will head on to your destination of Rongbuk valley, to the south of Everest Base camp. You will spend the night in the guesthouse run by the local monastery.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Rongbuk (5,010m)
Distance: 380 km of driving (8 hours)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13 Drive to Shigatse
You will make the journey to Shigatse today, where you can visit the impressive Tashilump monastery. This enormous monastery was built in the early 15th century and has 8 stories crammed with shrines, chapels and statues. After exploring the hidden corners of this wonderful building, you will head to your hotel in Lhasa.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Shigatse (3,800m)
Distance: 350 km of driving (7 hours)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14 Farewell
Your incredible journey through Tibet has sadly come to end. After enjoying one last breakfast with your group and guide you will be driven up the Yalong Valley to reach the airport. You can stop along the way to enjoy stunning views of the riverbed, before arriving at the airport to make your onward journey.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Journey to Mount Kailash Tour Price and Dates
This guided hiking tour to Mount Kailash is always run as a custom tour for your group only. The price always depends on the number of people in your group and your travelling dates.
The prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:
- Guided Groups of 4+: from $3,975 USD per person
Please note that the prices depend on the size of your group, as well as your travelling dates.
Book NowAccommodation on Trekking to Mount Kailash Tour
You will stay in a range of different accommodation as you travel through the landscapes of Tibet. These will include hotels, local guesthouses and accommodation run by a monastery. You can expect the services of a 2 to 3-star hotel throughout your stay while in cities, but local guesthouses tend to be more basic, especially around Mount Kailash.
Prices are based on double occupancy, but private rooms can be arranged in exchange for a supplement.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Shang Bala Hotel in Lhasa ★★★
This hotel is preferred by many due to its great proximity to the highlights of Lhasa and comfortable rooms.
Guesthouses and hotels along the Tibet’s countryside
There’s no better way to learn about the Tibet’s countryside, than staying in authentic guesthouses. Some are quite basic but full of atmosphere!
Shang Bala Hotel in Lhasa ★★★
This hotel is preferred by many due to its great proximity to the highlights of Lhasa and comfortable rooms.
What’s included in the Journey to Mount Kailash Tour?
Meals
13 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 1 dinner are included.
Accommodations
The accommodation for 13 days along the tour is included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation by a private bus in each city. One arrival and departure transfer on a group basis.
Also Included
- Entrance fees in each city as listed below
- Tibet permit and Kailash Permit
- Bottled water daily
- Local guide
Not included
- International airfares and China entry visa
- Expenses of personal nature, such as laundry or alcoholic drinks
- Gratuity for guide and porters
- Personal insurance
Optional Extras
- Extra night in Lhasa before or after the tour
- Getting to Lhasa via flight from any of the major China cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Trekking to Mount Kailash
China Adventure Travel has over 30 years of experience in tour operation. They specialize in adventure travel, including cycling, hiking, and tailor-made adventure tours. Their philosophy is to develop a trip in China that you won’t ever forget.
Besides adventure tours, China Adventure Travel also offers cultural tours and cultural exchange programs. They consider excellent leadership to be the soul of a trip, so their guides are chosen carefully for their expertise.
They pay great attention to every detail of your trip, and recognize that great service is a culmination of many smaller efforts.
Learn MoreTrekking to Mount Kailash Map
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Charles has been working with China Adventure Travel since graduating from university. He’s patient, personable, and willing to take on any challenge. Guests love his warm smiles and pleasant personality. He’s also an exceptional violinist!
- Q: What’s the best part about leading tours in China?
- A: China is such a big, developing country. Guiding in China allows you to witness the development of our motherland. We bring different tourists to the same place but we can always find something new to share. It’s such an amazing thing.
- Q: What are guests most surprised about when visiting China?
- A: China has well-developed cities like Beijing and Shanghai, but also quite under-developed areas and remote villages far from the cities. It’s all about contrast.
- Q: What is one local dish or drink that anyone visiting China should try?
- A: Too many! China is a country famous for its food. Try Beijing duck, dumplings of all kinds, hot pot, spicy food in Sichuan, noodles in Xian, Cantonese dim sum, and more. We’ve got a long list.