This 15-day expedition takes the scenic overland route via Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse before reaching Mount Kailash. You'll experience the best of Tibet β from the magnificent Potala Palace to the sacred lakes and the ultimate Kailash parikrama.
Airport pickup, hotel check-in, trip briefing, document verification, and welcome dinner.
Spectacular flight over the Himalayas with views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. Arrive in Lhasa β the "Place of the Gods." Rest and acclimatize. Light afternoon walk around Barkhor Square.
Visit the iconic Potala Palace β the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Jokhang Temple (Tibet's holiest temple) and walk the sacred Barkhor kora with pilgrims.
Visit Drepung Monastery (once the world's largest) and Sera Monastery β famous for its dramatic afternoon monk debates. Explore Norbulingka (Dalai Lama's summer palace).
Drive along the Friendship Highway past turquoise Yamdrok Lake (4,441m). Visit Gyantse Kumbum β the largest chorten in Tibet. Continue to Shigatse β Tibet's second-largest city.
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery β seat of the Panchen Lama. Drive west across the Tibetan Plateau to Saga (4,500m). Overnight acclimatization.
Drive across dramatic scenery to the sacred Lake Mansarovar. Perform ritual bathing and puja at the lake. Witness the reflection of Mount Kailash in the pristine waters.
Circumambulate Lake Mansarovar (partial) by vehicle, visiting Chiu Monastery. Drive to Darchen β base camp for the Kailash kora. Prepare for the trek.
Begin the sacred 52km kora. Trek along the Lha Chu valley with views of Kailash's dramatic face. Overnight at Dirapuk Monastery.
The most challenging day β cross the Drolma La Pass decorated with prayer flags. Pass sacred Gauri Kund. Descend to Zutulpuk Monastery (4,790m).
Complete the circumambulation and return to Darchen. Celebrate the spiritual accomplishment. Rest and recovery.
Drive back to Saga. Reflect on the Kailash experience. Overnight in Saga.
Long drive across the Tibetan Plateau to the border town of Kerung. Last night in Tibet.
Cross back into Nepal. Scenic drive to Kathmandu through the Trishuli valley. Farewell dinner.
Airport transfer for your international flight. Or extend your trip with a Nepal tour package.
Limited departures each season. Contact us to book your Kailash expedition.
Book Full Expedition βThe Short Trip (10 days) goes directly to Kailash via Kerung. The Full Expedition (15 days) includes Lhasa sightseeing, Potala Palace visit, and a more gradual acclimatization route with extra cultural experiences.
Yes! The Full Expedition includes 2 days in Lhasa to visit the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, and Sera Monastery giving you a deeper experience of Tibetan culture.
Our itinerary includes gradual altitude gain with multiple acclimatization days. We carry oxygen cylinders, a first-aid kit, and a pulse oximeter. Our guides are trained in altitude sickness recognition and can arrange emergency evacuation.
Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure. 50% refund for 30-60 days. No refund within 30 days. We recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.