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Lhasa-Manasarovar Kailash Tour - 19 Days

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Lhasa-Manasarovar Kailash Tour - 19 Days

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Trip Overview

This 19-day journey to Lhasa, Lake Manasarovar, and Mount Kailash is one of the most powerful spiritual experiences on earth—a sacred pilgrimage revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers for thousands of years. The tour is designed to offer a perfect balance of cultural discovery, peaceful spiritual moments, scenic Himalayan drives, and a carefully paced acclimatization process to ensure comfort and safety throughout the high-altitude adventure.

Your trip begins in Kathmandu, Nepal’s cultural heart. Here you will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square—each offering deep insight into Nepal’s spiritual roots. These days also allow time for preparing for Tibet permits, gathering supplies, and resting before your Himalayan journey.

You then fly over the world’s highest mountain range into Lhasa, the mystical capital of Tibet. The high plateau welcomes you with its ancient monasteries, sacred palaces, prayer flag-filled markets, and beautifully preserved Tibetan culture. Visits to the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Gyantse Kumbum, Pelkor Monastery, and Tashilhunpo Monastery offer unforgettable glimpses into Tibetan Buddhist traditions and history.

From Lhasa, the overland adventure begins. You’ll drive across the vast Tibetan Plateau—one of the highest, emptiest, and most stunning landscapes on Earth—passing through high passes, turquoise lakes, sweeping plains, ancient villages, and snow-covered mountain ranges. This journey slowly leads you towards the sacred heart of the pilgrimage route: Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash.

At Lake Manasarovar, one of Asia’s holiest lakes, you will perform puja and meditation by the crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering peaks. Sunrise and sunset at Manasarovar are deeply serene, offering rare moments of inward reflection and peace.

The pilgrimage continues with the three-day Kailash Kora, a sacred circumambulation around the base of Mount Kailash. This trek is both physically challenging and spiritually uplifting, taking you past the majestic North Face, the holy Dolma La Pass (5,645m), Gauri Kund, meditation caves, and ancient hermit sites. Completing the Kora is considered a lifetime achievement for many pilgrims.

After the spiritual peak of the trip, the journey gradually returns back across the plateau to Lhasa and finally to Kathmandu, completing a full circle of culture, spirituality, adventure, and self-discovery.

This package is ideal for:

Pilgrims seeking a blessed and meaningful Kailash–Manasarovar experience
Travelers interested in Tibetan Buddhism, culture, and landscapes
Adventure seekers wanting a high-altitude Himalayan journey
Anyone looking for a transformative experience away from the modern world

Every aspect of the tour—from accommodation to guide support—is designed to offer comfort, safety, and spiritual depth throughout the journey.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Cultural & Spiritual Journey in Kathmandu

Explore 4 major UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Perform or observe Rudrabhisekh Puja at the sacred Pashupatinath Temple
Walk the peaceful Kora path around Boudhanath Stupa
Witness the blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultures at Swayambhunath
Visit the ancient royal palace and Kumari Ghar at Kathmandu Durbar Square
Ample time for preparation, shopping, gear adjustments, and rest

Deep Insight into Tibet’s Spiritual Heritage

Explore the world-famous Potala Palace—the spiritual and political center of Tibetan Buddhism
Visit the sacred Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest shrine
Experience the lively walking Kora around Barkhor Market
Drive through stunning Himalayan landscapes with clear views of:
- Yamdrok Lake (turquoise holy lake)
- Karo La Glacier
- Gyantse Fort & Kumbum Chorten
- Pelkor Monastery
- Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse (home of the Panchen Lama)

Lake Manasarovar – A Divine Spiritual Haven

Experience the tranquil beauty of Lake Manasarovar
Participate in holy puja and meditation
Optional holy dip in the sacred waters
Enjoy serene sunrise and sunset moments by the lake
Breathtaking views of Mount Kailash from the lake shore

The Sacred 3-Day Mount Kailash Kora

Walk the world’s most sacred pilgrimage trail

Day 1: Darchen → Yamadwar → Dirapuk
- Stunning views of Kailash North Face
- Peaceful valley walk with scenic landscapes
Day 2: Dirapuk → Dolma La Pass → Zuthulpuk
- The most powerful day of the kora
- Cross the 5,645m Dolma La Pass
- Visit the sacred Gauri Kund Lake
- Experience ancient spiritual caves
Day 3: Zuthulpuk → Darchen
- Gradual walk out of the valley
- Completion of the full Kora
- A spiritually fulfilling accomplishment

Comfort, Safety & Smooth Acclimatization

High-quality hotels in Kathmandu, Lhasa, Shigatse & Saga
Best available lodges during the Kora
Carefully planned gradual altitude gain
Emergency oxygen cylinder always available
Experienced Tibetan guide and support staff
Daily mineral water
Comfortable transport with professional drivers

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Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel, Aloft Hotel in Thamel. This first day is dedicated to settling in and attending a briefing about the journey ahead. During this time, your documents for the Tibet permit will be checked and verified. Overnight stay will be at the Aloft Hotel in Thamel.

Day 02: Kathmandu – Tibet Visa Submission & Half-Day Tour

After breakfast, visit the Chinese Embassy to submit Tibet visa documents at the fixed timing. After returning to the hotel for rest, the afternoon is reserved for a half-day cultural tour. Visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, exploring the main temple complex, cremation ghats, and performing Rudrabhisekh if desired. Next, visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, walk the holy kora path, and optionally enjoy tea or coffee at a rooftop café. In the evening, enjoy free time in Thamel for shopping for trekking gear, jackets, and snacks. Overnight stay at Aloft Hotel in Thamel.

Day 03: Kathmandu – Cultural Exploration & Relaxation

Start the day with breakfast and leisure time for rest and acclimatization. In the afternoon, explore Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), an ancient Buddhist stupa offering panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley, visiting shrines and monasteries while observing the blend of Buddhism and Hinduism. Continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic royal palace area with temples, palaces, and courtyards. Key highlights include Kumari Ghar, Taleju Temple (viewed from outside), Hanuman Dhoka Palace, and the Kal Bhairav statue. Evening is free for a relaxed walk in Thamel. Overnight stay at Aloft Hotel in Thamel.

Day 04: Kathmandu – Visa Collection & Preparation

This is a light and relaxed day, primarily reserved for collecting your Tibet visa and preparing for the flight to Lhasa. Optional sightseeing can be done at a comfortable pace. Overnight stay at Aloft Hotel in Thamel.

Day 05: Kathmandu → Lhasa (Flight)

After breakfast, board a flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival, meet your Tibetan guide and transfer to Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise Hotel. Spend the rest of the day resting and acclimatizing to the altitude. Overnight stay at Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise Hotel.

Day 06: Lhasa Sightseeing

Explore the spiritual and cultural landmarks of Lhasa. Visit the iconic Potala Palace, the historic winter palace of the Dalai Lamas, followed by Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. In the afternoon, explore Barkhor Market to experience Tibetan culture, crafts, and local life. Overnight stay at Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise Hotel.

Day 07: Lhasa → Gyantse → Shigatse (370 km, 6-7 hours)

Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake and Karo La Pass, enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of the Tibetan plateau. En route, visit Gyantse Kumbum and Pelkor Monastery. Continue the drive to Shigatse for overnight stay at Shiga Yangcha Grand Hotel.

Day 08: Shigatse → Saga (455 km, 7-8 hours)

Begin your day with a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery, if open, before embarking on a long scenic drive to Saga. Enjoy expansive views of Tibetan grasslands, high plateaus, and distant mountains along the way. Overnight stay at Northern Holiday Hotel or similar in Saga.

Day 09: Saga → Dongba (110 km, 2-3 hours)

Drive from Saga to Dongba, crossing sections of the Brahmaputra River and vast grasslands. Observe the nomadic Tibetan lifestyle along the way. Overnight stay at the best available hotel in Dongba.

Day 10: Dongba → Manasarovar (270 km, 5-6 hours)

Drive across the high plateau, crossing Mayum La Pass, to reach the sacred Lake Manasarovar. Engage in puja, meditation, or a holy bath in the lake if desired. Overnight stay at the best available lodge in Manasarovar.

Day 11: Manasarovar → Darchen (50 km, 1 hour)

Start the day with morning rituals at Lake Manasarovar before driving to Darchen, the base for Kailash Kora. Spend the rest of the day preparing for the circumambulation, ensuring all trekking gear and supplies are ready. Overnight stay at Northern Holiday Hotel or Castel Hotel in Darchen.

Day 12: Darchen → Yamadwar → Dirapuk (7 km drive + 13 km trek, 6-7 hours)

Begin the Kailash Kora from Yamadwar, trekking towards Dirapuk while enjoying stunning views of the North Face of Mount Kailash. The trek is moderately challenging and spiritually enriching. Overnight stay at the best available lodge in Dirapuk.

Day 13: Dirapuk → Dolma La Pass → Zuthulpuk (20 km trek, 8-10 hours)

Cross Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the pilgrimage, then descend via Gauri Kund to Zuthulpuk. Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and spiritual energy along the way. Overnight stay at the best available lodge in Zuthulpuk.

Day 14: Zuthulpuk → Zhong → Darchen → Manasarovar (7 km trek + 50 km drive, 4 hours)

Complete the final stretch of the Kora, trekking to Zhong, then driving back to Darchen and onward to Manasarovar. Celebrate Full Moon/Purnima night at the sacred Lake Manasarovar. Overnight stay at the best available lodge in Manasarovar.

Day 15: Manasarovar → Saga (270 km, 5-6 hours)

Begin the return journey across the Tibetan plateau, enjoying the vast landscapes and serene environment. Overnight stay at Northern Holiday Hotel or similar in Saga.

Day 16: Saga → Shigatse (300 km, 6-7 hours)

Drive back to Shigatse through scenic routes, retracing the journey while admiring the Tibetan plateau and mountain vistas. Overnight stay at Northern Holiday Hotel or similar in Shigatse.

Day 17: Shigatse → Lhasa (270 km, 5-6 hours)

Continue the journey to Lhasa, enjoying the last scenic drive through the Tibetan plateau. Check in to Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise Hotel and rest. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 18: Lhasa → Kathmandu (Flight)

Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to Aloft Hotel in Thamel. Spend the evening relaxing or enjoying last-minute shopping. Overnight stay at Aloft Hotel.

Day 19: Final Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu airport for your flight home, concluding the spiritual and scenic pilgrimage of Kailash Mansarovar.

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Cost Includes

✔ All airport transfers

✔ 2 days guided sightseeing in Kathmandu as mentioned in the itinerary
✔ Round-trip flights: Kathmandu → Lhasa → Kathmandu
✔ Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis as per the itinerary
✔ Daily breakfast throughout the trip
✔ Full Board Vegetarian Meals in Tibet (if the traveler chooses the full board option)
✔ English-speaking Tibetan guide
✔ All ground transportation as per the itinerary by necessary private vehicles
✔ Tibet Travel Permit & Visa fee
✔ All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
✔ All necessary permits required for the trip
✔ Two bottles of mineral water per day
✔ Emergency oxygen cylinder available inside the vehicle
✔ Lhasa airport/train station pick-up and drop-off

Services Excluded

✘ Nepal visa fee
✘ Travel insurance
✘ Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
✘ Lunch and dinner in Tibet (if the Full Board plan is not purchased)
✘ Personal expenses (drinks, snacks, tips, etc.)
✘ Yak and Yakman services during the Kora
✘ Horse hire (optional, if required during the Kora)