Lhasa Everest Kailash Mansarovar Kathmandu Tour

To start the Lhasa Everest Kailash Mansarovar Kathmandu tour, first of all, you will have to arrive in Lhasa. Once you are at Lhasa, our friendly tour guide will meet you and greet you with a khada (traditional ceremonial scarf in Tibetan Buddhism).

After that, our guide and the driver will take you to the hotel in Lhasa in a private vehicle. Once you complete the check-in formalities at the hotel, settle in, take a rest for a while, and if you want, you can explore the hotel area or nearby attractions in Lhasa town. Overnight in Lhasa.

We have specifically separated day 2 and day 3 for the Lhasa tour, so you won’t miss out on a chance to take a detour at the Lhasa attraction and learn about its sacred charm and rich history. Taking into account this thing, today you will visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Market.

After breakfast at the hotel, first, you will visit the Potala Palace. Potala Palace is the number 1 attraction for anyone taking a Tibet tour. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Tibet’s most iconic landmarks. It was once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama (an advocate for non-violence and world peace). It stands tall above the city and offers stunning views of old Lhasa. Inside the palace, you will find ancient murals, prayer halls, and the golden stupas of former Dalai Lamas. The palace reflects the deep spiritual heritage of Tibet.

Next up, after exploring the palace, you will visit the Jokhang Temple. The temple is the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism and is located at the heart of Lhasa’s old town. Pilgrims from all over Tibet come here to worship the 12 years old statue of Buddha Sakyamuni (the holiest image in Tibet). You will see devotees prostrating and chanting prayers around the temple premises.

You will end the day with a stroll around the Barkhor Street. It is a lively marketplace that circles Jokhang Temple. As you stroll through Barkhor Street, you’ll see pilgrims walking clockwise around the Jokhang Temple, spinning prayer wheels or prostrating on the ground while softly chanting mantras. There are also shops selling colorful Tibetan clothing, prayer flags, and handmade crafts from Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and India. You can also find some of Lhasa’s best restaurants and tea houses tucked along this sacred route.

Continuing our Lhasa tour, today you will spend the day exploring two of the famous monasteries, Drepung and Sera Monastery. With this, you get a chance to learn about Tibetan Buddhism up close. You will first visit Drepung Monastery after breakfast. Drepung Monastery is one of the largest monasteries in Tibet. It was once home to over 10,000 monks. It also used to be the residence of the Dalai Lamas before they moved to the Potala Palace. As you walk through its grand hall and temples, your guide will explain the rich history, beliefs, and traditions that form the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, so listen closely to him/her.

Next, you will head to Sera Monastery. It is another one of the “Great Three” Geluk monasteries of Tibet. The highlight here is the monks’ debate session, which occurs from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. It is a lively practice where monks challenge each other’s understanding of Buddhist scriptures using expressive gestures and sharp reasoning. It is a key part of monastic education. You will hear rhythmic claps, see bold hand movements, and feel the vibrant energy as they engage in spirited discussions. It will be a truly unique cultural experience for you.

After a meaningful day of exploration, you’ll return to the hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner with the group.

Following the Lhasa Everest Lake Mansarovar Kathmandu Tour itinerary, on day 3, you will take the overland journey from Lhasa to Shigatse. Good to know: Shigatse, also known as Xigatse, is the second-largest city in Tibet. It serves as the gateway to the Everest Base Camp in Tibet and the Chomolungma Nature Park. During the drive, you will pass through beautiful landscapes of Tibet, including turquoise lakes, snow-capped mountains, and ancient monasteries.

First, you will drive over the Kamba La Pass to see the stunning Yamdrok Lake (4,441M). It is one of Tibet’s three holy lakes. Green Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain and high snow-covered peaks like Mount Nojin Kangtsang surround the lake. From here, you can also catch a distant view of Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7,191M), the highest mountain near Lhasa. Its turquoise waters create a magical contrast against the mountains.

Next, the road takes you to the spectacular Karola Glacier. It is one of Tibet’s largest glaciers, with its shimmering ice tongue stretching down close to the roadside. It is a mesmerizing sight that reflects the power of nature. Afterwards, you will stop in Gyantse to explore the Pelkor Chode Monastery and its iconic Kumbum Stupa, known for its exquisite murals and numerous chapels.

After exploring, you will continue your drive journey from Gyatse to Shigatse. The drive from Gyantse to Shigatse passes through beautiful Tibetan farmlands, lush green in summer and golden in autumn. Upon arrival in Shigatse, you will check into your hotel and rest for the night in preparation for the next day’s journey toward Mount Everest Base Camp.

On day 5, after breakfast, you will start the day with a visit to Tashilunpo Monastery. It is a historic seat of the Panchen Lama and an important cultural site in Shigatse. After exploring, you will drive through the beautiful Tibetan farmlands to reach Tibet side Everest Base Camp.

At first, the drive takes place along the smooth G318 National Highway (Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway) road from Shigatse to Tingri. From Tingri to Everest Base Camp, the road has been upgraded to tarmac roads now, so it makes the journey comfortable. The route also enters Chomolungma Nature Reserve, where the scenery becomes dramatic with towering Himalayan peaks.

Before reaching the Everest Base Camp in Tibet, you will pass through Gyatsola Pass (5,280M) and Gawu La Pass (5,198M).
Gyatsola Pass offers the first glimpse of Mount Everest, hidden behind nearby mountains. Likewise, Gawu La Pass is a spectacular viewpoint decorated with colorful Tibetan prayer flags. From here, you can enjoy views of majestic Everest and four other 8,000-meter peaks: Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma.

As you approach Everest Base Camp, you will see the iconic peaks of Mount Everest up close. During sunset, the northern face glows golden. And at night, the Milky Way lights up the sky above the snow-capped peak. These sights will definitely make your day. Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp in a basic tent house.

Note that the visibility of Everest depends on weather conditions and may vary.

Wake up early at Everest Base Camp to watch the sunrise over Mount Everest. Later on, you will drive a few kilometers to go to Rongbuk Monastery. It is one of the world’s highest monasteries, located at 5,154M. You can explore its ancient meditation caves and soak in the peaceful atmosphere high in the Himalayas.

Then, from Rongbuk, you will hop on a vehicle to Peiku Tso Lake. You will drive across the wide grasslands, scattered villages, and snow-covered peaks. This route also provides stunning views of Mount Shishapangma and its surrounding peaks. Peiku Tso Lake’s turquoise waters glow in the sunlight beneath the towering mountains.

Next, you will continue driving westward towards Saga County. Saga marks the gateway to the sacred Mount Kailash trek. You can stroll around the nearby market to buy any essentials needed for your Mount Kailash Circumambulation (Kora). Overnight stay is in a comfortable 3/4 star hotel in Saga.

On day 7, you will again start the overland drive from Saga to Lake Mansarovar. It’s going to be a full day drive, so prepare yourself. The road is mostly paved along the G219 National Highway. So, it will be a smoother journey.

As you drive west across the Ngari Plateau, you will see a mix of landscapes. Rolling grasslands, high mountain passes, and snowy peaks frame the horizon. You’ll pass through Zhongba and Paryang, and cross the Mayum La Pass. En route, you will also see Gongzhucuo Lake, a small green freshwater lake at 4,686M, before arriving at Lake Manasarovar.

From Mansarovar Lake, you will see majestic Mount Namunani rise nearby to the south, and the distant Mount Kailash adds to the scenery. On the shores, colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind. You will spend the night in a hotel near Lake Manasarovar.

Today, you will spend most of the day at Mansarovar Lake, which lies at the foot of Mount Kailash. You will take part in traditional Puja (prayer rituals) and offer prayers at the holy waters. You will also perform a parikrama (circumambulation) around the lake. It is a spiritual journey that has been followed by pilgrims for centuries. During the parikrama, stay hydrated and take your time, as the altitude is high.

Later, in the late afternoon, around 4:00 PM, you will drive about 40KM to Darchen. Darchen is the base camp for Mount Kailash Kora. Along the short drive, you will enjoy the views of the surrounding peaks and vast Tibetan landscapes. Once in Darchen, you will check into your hotel and rest for the night. From tomorrow, you will begin a sacred trek around Mount Kailash for the next two days.

After breakfast, you will take a short drive (30 minutes) from Darchen to Tarboche Flagpole, which marks the official start of the Kailash Outer Kora. This sacred flagpole is adorned with thousands of prayer flags and is a spiritual highlight for pilgrims, especially during the Saga Dawa festival, when a new flagpole is erected. From Tarboche, you will follow the Lha Chu River valley to Dirapuk Monastery.

The trek covers approximately 12KM along a relatively easy trail at the base of Mount Kailash. The trail has a moderate incline and offers stunning views of the southern, southwestern, and western slopes of the holy mountain. Along the way, you’ll notice piles of mani stones and other small spiritual shrines that enrich the pilgrimage experience.

By late afternoon, you will arrive at Dirapuk Monastery (also known as Zhire Temple). Upon arrival, you will check in at the monastery guesthouse. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the ancient monastery, taking photos of sacred stupas, and enjoying the dramatic sunset over Mount Kailash.

Extra note: If the accommodation is full during the high season, the Himalayan 360 team will arrange a tented camp on the monastery grounds.

Today is the most challenging day of the Kailash Outer Kora. It will test you both physically and spiritually. After an early breakfast, you will start trekking from Dirapuk Monastery, ascending rapidly for 4KM to reach 5,430M. This initial climb offers beautiful views of the northwest slope of Mount Kailash.

From here, you will continue the 2KM ascent to Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the Kora at 5,630M. The pass is named after the goddess Dolma (Tara in Buddhism, the goddess of compassion). The trail at this altitude is icy and rocky year-round, so walk carefully during the steep sections. Along the pass, thousands of prayer flags flutter in the wind. It adds a spiritual and colorful backdrop to this sacred site. Pilgrims believe that crossing the Dolma La Pass cleanses one’s sins and brings blessings.

Likewise, when descending from the pass, you will see Gauri Kunda (Lake of Compassion). Here, pilgrims often take a ritual dip or perform prayers to wash away their sins. Continuing down, the trail leads into a serene valley at the southeast foot of Mount Kailash, where Zutulpuk Monastery (also known as Dzutripuk Monastery) awaits. This monastery is historically associated with the tantric yogi Milarepa, who meditated in a nearby cave. Overnight at Zutulpuk.

This day you will complete the Kailash kora. You will trek the final 8KM from Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen while retracing some of the paths from the earlier days. The trekking trail of Kailash Kora on the third day is moderate with ascents and descents. But the good thing is it is not as long as the last two days.

When you arrive in Darchen, you will begin your return journey to Saga. The drive of approximately 470KM takes you through the Ngari Plateau, with opportunities to stop at grassy pastures, lakes, and scenic viewpoints. Along the way, enjoy views of the Himalayas and the Gangdise Mountains as well. Overnight at the 3/4 star hotel in Saga.

As you have completed your Lhasa Everest Kailash Mansarovar tour, you will now drive towards Gyirung, located near the Nepal border, to begin your Kathmandu tour. This day’s drive transitions from the vast, arid landscapes of the Tibetan plateau to the lush greenery of the Gyirung valley. You will descend in altitude, too.

Upon reaching Gyirung Town in the afternoon, you can explore the Gyirung Valley. This region holds deep spiritual significance. It was once visited by revered masters such as Padmasambhava and Milarepa. In the evening, enjoy a dinner with your group. Celebrate the completion of your incredible journey across the sacred landscapes of Tibet and Mount Kailash. You will stay overnight in a comfortable 3/4-star hotel in Gyirung.

This is the second last day of the Lhasa Everest Kailash Mansarovar Kathmandu tour. On this day, you will drive to Kathmandu via Rasuwa Gadhi border from Gyirung. You will stop at the Rasuwa Gadhi border to complete the immigration formalities before crossing back into Nepal.

Once across, the scenic drive continues through the lush landscapes of Langtang National Park. The road winds along steep cliffs and follows the rushing Trishuli River. You will also pass by charming hill villages like Timmure and Syabrubesi. By evening, you will reach Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will check in at a comfortable hotel in Thamel. Later, you can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel.

This is the last day of your Lhasa Everest Kailash Mansarovar Kathmandu Tour. On this day, you will spend the whole day touring around Kathmandu’s major attractions. You will visit the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, once the royal palace of the Malla kings; the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), offering panoramic city views; and the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most revered Hindu shrine on the banks of the Bagmati River.

After a fulfilling day of sightseeing, you’ll return to your hotel in Thamel, where you can relax, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a final evening in Nepal’s vibrant capital.