Mt. Kailash Pilgrimage Tour
A spiritual journey to Mt. Kailash, the sacred peak revered by multiple religions, and Lake Manasarovar, known for its pure, holy waters. This trip involves a challenging Kora (circumambulation) around Mt. Kailash.
Mt. Kailash – The term Kailash means ‘Treasure or Saint of Snow Mountain’ in Tibetan. The name comes from the mountain’s perpetual snow-covered peak and its deep-rooted spiritual significance. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Mother of Iceberg’, it appears to gaze across the vast expanse at Namcha Barwa, known as the ‘Father of Iceberg’.
Mt. Kailash stands as the tallest peak in the vast Gangdise range, soaring over 6,600 meters (21,654 ft). Its sharply pointed peak resembles a sky-piercing pyramid. From the southern view, its vertical ice trench and horizontal rock patterns form a Swastika symbol, representing Buddha’s eternal power. Often veiled by clouds, clear views of the summit are considered blessings by locals.
Legend tells of Milarepa, a revered lama, who defeated Naro Bonchung, a Bon leader, in a mystical duel, giving Buddhism dominance over the mountain. Still, Mt. Kailash is believed to host gods from many religions, including Hinduism’s supreme
Trip Facts
Fact
Sacred peak revered by multiple religions, source of four major rivers.
Group Size
Typically small groups for a more personalized experience.
Maximum Elevation
5,634m (Dolmala Pass)
Location
Tibetan Plateau, Mt. Kailash, Lake Manasarovar
Route
Kora (circumambulation) around Mt. Kailash
Grade
Challenging due to high altitude and trekking
Best Season
Spring (May-June) and Autumn (September-October) are generally considered the best seasons for this pilgrimage.
Accommodation
Guest Houses throughout the trip
Transportation
Private vehicle for drives, trekking during Kora
Mt. Kailash is a spiritual center for Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon, revered as the abode of deities like Shiva and Demchok, and associated with liberation and enlightenment.
Rising to 6,714 meters, the sharply pointed, pyramid-like peak is perpetually snow-covered and features the Buddhist Swastika symbol, visible from the southern face.
Linked to the legendary contest between Milarepa and Naro Bonchung, the mountain is said to have come under Buddhist influence after Milarepa's victory, yet still retains Bon and Hindu significance.
Pilgrims trek around Mt. Kailash in sacred kora (circuits), with one round believed to cleanse a lifetime of sins. Special merit is earned in the horse year, when each round counts as thirteen.
Located at the heart of the Tibetan plateau, Mt. Kailash gives rise to the Karnali, Indus, Sutlej, and Brahmaputra rivers, which nourish much of the Indian subcontinent.
Just 20 km from Kailash, Lake Manasarovar sits at 4,588 meters, its crystal-clear waters believed to be Amrita, or divine nectar, capable of washing away sins and impure thoughts.
The route around Lake Manasarovar is dotted with ancient temples, including Jiwu and Chugu, offering pilgrims a blend of natural beauty and sacred experience.
Clear glimpses of Mt. Kailash are rare and believed to be a divine blessing, as clouds often shroud the peak, enhancing its mystical aura and spiritual allure.
Guest House accommodation with Bed & Breakfast service as per itinerary.
- All necessary ground transportation as per the itinerary (Kathmandu-Kerong-Saga and return to <Kathmandu).
- One dedicated rest day for acclimatization in Kerong.
- Assistance with obtaining necessary Tibetan travel permits and border formalities.
- Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)
- Kailash Cora permit
- Tibet Visa
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
- Nepalese visa fees.
Lunch and dinner throughout the trip, unless specified.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, internet, souvenirs, and tips for guides/drivers.
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
- Costs for emergency rescue or evacuation.
- Costs for porters or yaks during the Kora, if required.
No Fixed Dates Available
Enquire us for booking
Tibetan Plateau ("Roof of the World"): The world’s highest and largest plateau, averaging over 4,500 m (14,800 ft) above sea level and stretching across ~2.5 million km². Lies north of the Himalayas, south of the Kunlun Mountains, and bounded by the Karakoram and Pamirs to the west. Most of it is within the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, extending into Qinghai, Sichuan, Xinjiang, and into parts of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and beyond.
Predominantly cold and dry: most of the region has less than 46 cm of annual snowfall. The Indian monsoon influences southeast Tibet, bringing summer rains; northern areas experience sharp daily temperature swings and intense winter chill.
Ecosystems & Wildlife: High-altitude grasslands, wetlands, and evergreen forests in valleys. Wildlife includes yaks, Tibetan antelopes, snow leopards, musk deer, black-necked cranes, red pandas, and diverse bird species.
Inhabitants: Predominantly ethnic Tibetans, speaking Tibetan and practicing Tibetan Buddhism (Gelug, Kagyu, Nyingma, Sakya schools). A minority follow Bon, Islam, and Christianity.
Religious centers: Lhasa sits at the heart of Tibetan culture, housing the iconic Potala Palace (former Dalai Lama residence), Jokhang Temple, and major monasteries like Sera, Drepung, and Ganden.
Sacred peaks: Mount Everest (Qomolangma; 8,848 m), Mount Kailash (6,638 m)—a pilgrimage hub for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon. Kailash is considered the cosmic center of the universe.
Ancient heritage: Inhabited since the Neolithic Karuo culture (~3300–2000 BC), developing distinct language, agriculture, and spiritual traditions.
Political history: Traditionally ruled by Tibetan theocracies; in 1950 China incorporated Tibet, leading to the Dalai Lama’s 1959 exile. Today, Tibet is within the PRC as an Autonomous Region amid cultural and political tensions.
Cultural pressures: Recent policies have sparked concern over Tibetan language and cultural preservation, especially regarding education in state boarding schools.
Tibet follows China Standard Time (CST). UTC +8 hours. Tibet has no time difference from Beijing, Shanghai, or Chengdu. Kathmandu -2 hr 15 min behind, Delhi -2 hr 30 min behind, London -7 hours behind, New York -12 hours behind.
Chinese Tourist Visa:
If you’re entering Tibet from Kathmandu, DO NOT apply for a Chinese visa in your home country.
- Get a Group Visa (single-entry) from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu
- Processed in 3–5 working days
- Requires your original passport
- Issued as a paper document, not a sticker on your passport
Tibet Travel Permit (TTP): This is mandatory for all foreign travelers to enter Tibet. Issued By: Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) in Lhasa Note: Can only be applied by a registered travel agency on your behalf
Required Documents:
- Copy of your passport
- Copy of your Chinese visa
- Your confirmed Tibet tour itinerary
- Booking with a Tibet-licensed travel agency (you must travel in an organized tour)
- Processing Time:
- Around 8–10 business days
Additional Permits (if visiting remote regions):
Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP) - Shigatse, Mount Everest, Sakya, etc.
Military Permit - Mount Kailash, Nyingchi, border areas.
Foreign Affairs Permit - Sensitive border areas like Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon.
Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Symbol: ¥
Common denominations: Banknotes: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100 and Coins: ¥1, 1 jiao (0.1), 5 jiao (0.5) Cash: In many parts of Tibet, especially remote areas (e.g., Everest Base Camp, Kailash), cash is essential, as ATMs and card machines are limited.
ATMs Availability: Available in major cities like Lhasa and Shigatse. Most reliable ATMs: Bank of China, ICBC, and Agricultural Bank of China. Not all machines accept international cards — Visa and MasterCard work best. Currency Exchange: You can exchange USD, EUR, GBP, or NPR at: Banks of China boarder or in Lhasa and some hotels, Major airports (Chengdu, Beijing).
Digital Payments: WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used in China, but you need a Chinese bank account or special setup. Foreigners can now link Visa/Mastercard to WeChat/Alipay in major cities, but acceptance is limited in Tibet.
Note: Carry Small Notes, smaller denominations (¥1–¥10) are handy for...
1. Losar – Tibetan New Year
When: February or March (1st day of Tibetan lunar calendar) Duration: 3 to 15 days
2. Monlam – Great Prayer Festival
When: 4th–11th day of the 1st Tibetan lunar month (after Losar) Where: Lhasa, especially at Jokhang Temple and Sera/Drepung Monasteries
3. Shoton Festival – Yogurt Festival
When: August (5th day of the 7th lunar month) Where: Lhasa – mainly Drepung and Sera Monasteries, and Norbulingka Palace
4. Nagqu Horse Racing Festival
When: Early August Where: Nagqu Prefecture, northern Tibet
5. Saga Dawa Festival
When: May or June (15th day of 4th lunar month) Where: Mount Kailash and Lhasa
6. Ganden Ngamchoe Festival
When: December (25th day of the 10th lunar month) Where: Ganden Monastery and all major monasteries Government of Tibet
Tibet is officially governed as an Autonomous Region within the People’s Republic of China (PRC), but its governance is highly centralized under Chinese control.
Tourist Transportation (Private Vehicle):
- 4WD Jeep / SUV – Ideal for remote areas like Mount Kailash, Everest Base Camp
- Minivan – For small groups (2–6 people), suitable for city sightseeing
- Tourist Bus / Mini-bus – For larger groups (10+ people), especially around Lhasa
- Luxury coach – For high-end tours in good road conditions
Flights to/from Tibet:
- Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) – Main entry point to Tibet
- Shigatse Airport – For Everest Base Camp
- Nyingchi Airport – For eastern Tibet
Tibet Train (Qinghai–Tibet Railway):
Routes: Beijing → Lhasa (~40 hrs) Chengdu / Xining / Xi’an / Shanghai → Lhasa / Popular scenic route: Xining →
Lhasa (22 hrs, highest point: 5,072 m at Tanggula Pass)
Local Transportation (in Lhasa and cities):
Taxis: Available in Lhasa, Pedicels / Rickshaws: Occasionally seen for short distances
Local buses: Limited use for tourists due to the language barrier and routes.
Base Layers : Base Layers
Moisture-wicking shirts (long & short sleeve) : Moisture-wicking shirts (long & short sleeve)
Thermal underwear (top & bottom) : Thermal underwear (top & bottom)
Fleece or down jacket (essential for cold mornings/nights) : Fleece or down jacket (essential for cold mornings/nights)
Light insulated vest (optional) : Light insulated vest (optional)
Waterproof & windproof jacket (Gore-Tex recommended) : Waterproof & windproof jacket (Gore-Tex recommended) • Waterproof pants
T-shirts (quick-dry) : T-shirts (quick-dry) Trekking pants
Warm hoodie or sweatshirt : Warm hoodie or sweatshirt
Comfortable travel pants for cities : Comfortable travel pants for cities
Sleeping bag (rated to at least -10°C or lower- (for treks or remote stays)) : Sleeping bag (rated to at least -10°C or lower- (for treks or remote stays))
Sleeping bag liner : Sleeping bag liner (optional)
Sunglasses (UV-protection, high-altitude grade) : Sunglasses (UV-protection, high-altitude grade)
Others Goods : Sunscreen (SPF 50+) Lip balm with SPF Quick-dry towel Toilet paper, tissues, wet wipes Hand sanitizer Feminine hygiene supplies (if applicable) Small mirror, nail clipper, etc. Headlamp with extra batteries Snacks (energy bars, dried fruit, etc.) Camera or smartphone + power bank Altitude medicine (e.g., Diamox, consult your doctor) Personal medication (painkillers, antibiotics, etc.) First aid kit (band-aids, blister pads, antiseptic, etc.)• Rehydration salts / electrolytes Water purification tablets or filter Face mask (for dust in dry season or health use) Power bank (10,000 mAh+) Charging cables and adapters (China uses Type A, C, or I plugs) Camera gear + memory cards Flashlight / extra batteries Travel adapter (multi-plug if needed) Journal & pen Guidebook or phrasebook Passport, Visa/Master card/Insurance/Passport photos (for permits/emergency) Gifts or offerings (if visiting remote monasteries) Small towel or napkins Lightweight book/e-reader
Trekking poles (collapsible if trekking) : Trekking poles (collapsible if trekking)
Daypack with rain cover : Daypack (25–35L) with rain cover Backpack/duffel bag (60–80L, if trekking) Hydration system (Camel Bag or water bottles – 2–3L total)
