Kailash Mansarovar Tour Via Lhasa

Duration: 11 Days   |  
  • Destination: Tibet
  • Trip Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Trip Style: Trekking and Tour
  • Transport: Private Vehicle / Tourist Bus
  • Food: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel + Teahouses + Lodges
  • Group Size: 2-20 PAX
  • Max Elevation: 5620 m

Kailash Mansarovar Tour Via Lhasa thumbnailKailash Mansarovar tour is a popular religious trip done among people following Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon religions. People consider this tour a very sacred activity. Kailash Mansarovar primarily includes encircling the holy mountain of Kailash in Tibet. People also swim in Mansarovar Lake (4590 m), which is considered holy. It is believed a bath in the lake washes away one's sins.

We at Marvel Adventures have an awesome package including these activities. It is the Kailash Mansarovar Tour Via Lhasa. It includes an 11-day long tour around Tibet, including the Kailash Mansarovar, and an excursion to cities like Lhasa.

The tour will kick off from Lhasa as we fly to the city from Kathmandu. Then you will tour around many cities of Tibets. You will tour through Lhasa-Shigaste-Saga and reach one of the major destinations of Lake Manasarovar. After your rituals at Manasarovar, we head to Darchen for the Kailash Parikrama. The route now goes from Darchen- Deraphuk - Dolamala - Zutulphuk. Then we return back to Darchen and head to Kerong via Sanga. We will then end our tour by returning to Kathmandu from Kerong.

The Kailash Mansarovar tour is a unique experience. It is a very precious opportunity for religious people and gives a chance for spiritual awakening and self-reflection. Our package will allow you to do so, along with some fun stops throughout Tibet. It will be a great opportunity to learn Tibetan culture and tradition. You will pass through various monasteries, holy sites, and museums throughout the trip. This will be spiritual, educational, and even recreational. Stick with us to learn more about this amazing package!

Why do the Kailash Mansarovar Tour via Lhasa?

A religious/spiritual experience

People consider the Kailash Mansarovar a very sacred and spiritual experience. Religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon consider this excursion very significant. This site is considered one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the world. Thousands of pilgrims of various religions do the Kailash Mansarovar. They expect spiritual enlightenment by performing rituals and offerings.

We can also understand the religious and spiritual significance by looking at various places we visit during this tour. We visit various ancient monasteries during this tour. These monasteries housed throughout Tibet and in the vicinity of Kailash Mansarovar are revered in both Buddhism and Bon. They have unique architecture with ancient artifacts and intricate murals.

The most obvious places that carry the most cultural and religious significance would be Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake themselves. Mount Kailash is revered due to the ancient tale about it being Lord Shiva’s home in Hinduism. Hindus hence have sacred rituals that they perform while paying a visit here. They believe in the attainment of salvation if they complete a Parikrama or circumambulation around the peak. Mansarovar Lake has a similar significance. Hindus believe taking a dip in the water will provide enlightenment and cleansing of all their sins.

A chance to visit various Tibetan cities

Tibet houses a large range of incredibly beautiful cities. We will visit the capital of Tibet, Lhasa. It houses the beautiful Potala Palace, enlisted by UNESCO world heritage. We also visit Shigatse, famous for the Tashilhunpo Monastery. We also visit the town of Sagar, which lies on the banks of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. It has very beautiful landscapes.

Another place you visit is the village called Darchen which lies on the foothills of Kailash. You also visit Deraphuk, another village in the vicinity of Kaialsh with mesmerizing views. Dolamala will be another stop on the tour which is housed on the shores of Lake Mansarovar. You will also visit the hamlet of Zutulphuk, which lies on the route of the Kailash Parikrama. The place is popular among pilgrims. After Zutulphuk, you will also visit Kerong which is a town bordering Tibet and Nepal. It is popular for its stunning natural beauty. The town lies in the vicinity of Lantang National Park and has visible views of the Lantang Mountain range.

This tour allows you to experience these unique Tibetan cities, and it will be one hell of an experience.

Get closer to Tibetan culture and tradition

The Tibetan culture and tradition are ancient and very rich. Tibet has significant dominance of the Tibetan sect of Buddhism, and people have lifestyles based on its ideals. Their lifestyle and traditions are more focused on practices of mindfulness and meditation. There is a deep-rooted respect for the natural world as well. Their art includes thangka painting, murals, intricate mandalas, poetry, oral folktales, etc. Cultural and identity preservation is a core value among Tibetans. You can study and experience these firsthand during your Kailash Mansarovar Tour Via Lhasa.

See also :

Amenities in the tour

Food

We will cover all your meals for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour via Lhasa. The meals will be good enough to fulfill you well enough for your travels and treks. We will have flexibility with your meal options too. You can choose vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals based on your preference. However, if you have a special diet requirement, let us know prior so we can cover it for you.

Accommodation

During your tour, you will be staying in comfortable hotels or lodges. There will be comparatively more luxurious hotels in the cities. During your Kailash Parikrama, however, you have to stay in local lodges or tea houses. Either way, the overnight stay places will be very comfortable and cozy.

Transportation

Your modes of travel during this tour vary based on your itinerary. Flight, by road, and treks are the three modes of traveling you will be using in this tour. For long-distance travel, like from Kathmandu to Lhasa, we will take a flight. During our tours to Tibetan cities, we will use a private vehicle for travel. Then you will be trekking for your rituals of Kailash Parikrama.

Best time for Kailash Mansaravor via Lhasa

People consider spring to early summer and mid-autumn as the best time to do the Kailash Mansarovar. The months of April, May, June, and mid-September to early October. During these times of the year, there is no rainfall and heavy snowfall. Hence, traveling becomes more convenient. Your Kailash Parikrama and Mansarovar rituals can be performed more conveniently as well.

These seasons are also appropriate for your tour aesthetic-wise. Grim, cloudy, or frigid weather makes the environment feel way less pleasant. During spring and early summer, the nature becomes more vibrant. The lakes you visit will seem more voluminous and clear. You can find active grazing of cattle, and the wildlife will be so much more pleasant. The weather also becomes more predictable, and the temperature is moderate. The daytime will receive ample sunlight, and the night will be breezy. Autumn also brings in similar conditions.

This time also brings a very temperature climate and stable weather. The days will be sunny and clear, and the night will be breezy. The same conditions also apply during mid-autumn. During autumn, Kailash presents a magnificent appearance with its majestic form accentuated by the golden color of the leaves. The temperature is cool but not uncomfortably cold, making it an ideal season for extended travel and trekking adventures.

Permits needed for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour Via Lhasa

Permits for Hindu pilgrims

There are special types of permits granted to Hindu pilgrims doing the Mansarovar tour. Pilgrims, specifically Nepali or Indian nationals, need a Chinese visa and a travel permit for Tibet. A Chinese visa is essential to enter the territory of China. On the other hand, a Tibet travel permit is necessary as the remote trails of Kailash are a protected area. As myriad of devotees travel to Tibet for Kailash Mansarovar, the government of Tibet has made it simpler for them to obtain these permits.

The permit and visa are granted to a group rather than a single person. This group visa is applicable strictly for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. You also need to carry your passport during your travel.

Permits to foreigners

The permit requirement for foreigners, however, is a little different. Additional documents are required for non-native tourists. These include a Chinese visa, a Tibet travel permit, an Aline's Travel Permit, Military Area Entry Permit, and Foreign Affairs Permit.

Highlights

  • Visit the popular palace of Potala, Jokhang temple, and Barkhor Street in Lhasa.
  • Get a chance to visit the Tashilhunpo monastery, which is the seat of Panchen Lama in Shigatse.
  • Observe the beautiful freshwater lake of Yamdrok which is surrounded by snow-covered mountains nearby Lhasa.
  • Spend a whole day exploring many Buddhist exploration sites in the historical city of Lhasa.
  • Explore the home of ancient monasteries and Milarepa’s holy cave at Zutulphuk.
  • Have a spiritual experience by bathing in the freshwater of Mansarovar Lake.
  • Tour the Kailash mountain and fulfill your religious rituals and experience immense peace.
  • Travel to Tibet through a flight from Kathmandu and get back through a relaxing road trip via Kerong.

Day to Day Itinerary

  • Day 1 Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa

    Time taken - around one and a half hours

    The first day of your Kailash Mansarovar tour via Lhasa will begin from Kathmandu. You will board a flight from the Kathmandu international airport to go to Tibet. The flight will take you to the Gonggar International Airport of Lhasa. It will be a short flight that will take less than 2 hours. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your overnight stay hotel in Lhasa. You can spend the rest of the day just relaxing and accommodating to the high altitude of Tibet.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Lhasa
    • Altitude: 3,650 m
  • Day 2 In Lhasa: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour In Lhasa/ Acclimatization Day

    Today will be the first day of touring Tibet in your 11-day-long Kailash Mansarovar tour. We will spend the whole day sightseeing around Lhasa. You will explore many significant landmarks like the Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, and the Potala Palace.

    The Jokhang Temple is a significant attraction point famous for its architecture. It is a three-storied temple with an open roof and beautiful chambers and chapels. Barkhor Street is another attraction point that lies near the Jokhang temple and is an important part while doing the Lhasa tour. You will also be able to visit the Potala palace from the outside. The palace was used as the Dalai Lama’s winter palace. It is a 400 meters tall building with slopy stone walls.

    After you visit these significant points in Lhasa, you will return back to your overnight stay location. Have a good meal and get a good night’s rest. This will mark the end of day two.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Lhasa
    • Altitude: 3650 m
  • Day 3 Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse

    Distance traveled -350 km

    Time taken - 8 hours to 9 hours

    Overnight stop - Shigatse

    We will now commence our journey towards Lake Manasarovar and to the Kailash Parikrama. The next stop on our journey will be the town of Shigatse or Xigaze. It is the capital of the Tsang province and the largest city after Lhasa in the Tibet Autonomous Region. After about 8 to 9 hours of road driving, you will reach Shigatse. You will find interesting locations like the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery which was built by the first Dalai Lama in 1447.

    You will check into your hotel in Shigatse for your evening meals and sleep. This will be end of day three.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Shigatse
    • Altitude: 3783 m
  • Day 4 Drive from Shigatse to Saga

    Distance traveled - 450 km

    Time taken - 9 hours

    Overnight stop - Saga

    Today we will leave Shigatse, further aiming to reach our major destinations of the tour. We will leave Shigatse today to head to Saga. Saga in Tibetan means “lovely place” or “happy land”. Naturally, you can expect something awesome while touring this city. Saga is a significant stop of this tour as it joins the Dargye Tsanpo river pass and joins the Brahmaputra at Saga Chakzam.

    You will head for the destination by road. The drive will be quite picturesque as the roads take you to the beautiful Tibetan plains. It will take around 9 hours to reach Saga. The town welcomes you at the intersection of three major roads. It lies in the midst of Lhatse in the East, Kerong in the South, and Kailash in the West.

    Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation spot in Saga. This will mark the end of day four.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel/ Lodge
    • Place: Saga
    • Altitude: 4640 m
  • Day 5 Drive from Saga to Lake Manasarovar

    Distance traveled - 410 km

    Time taken - 8 Hours

    Overnight stop - Lake Manasarovar

    On the fifth day of our tour, we will head to our major destination of Lake Mansarovar. We will cross the Mayumla Pass and Prayang country and drive through a scenic route. There will be certain checkpoints to examine your permits during today’s journey. After the necessary examination is complete, we will have to change our vehicle and take a local bus under Tibetan authority. It will be quite comfortable and quaint. The journey today will be great as you will be getting amazing views of the Kailash mountain during your trip today.

    After around 8 hours of travel, you will finally reach the holy Mansarovar Lake. The lake will bless you with breathtaking views with a body of freshwater surrounded by the ethereal Mount Kailash. You can find a separate place to isolate and meditate on your own. Then you are free to perform your religious rituals and dip in the lake. However, those rituals are preferred in the morning.

    Later at night, you will be checking into a dormitory-styled living space. This will be the overnight stay spot for the day.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Dormitory
    • Place: Lake Manasarovar
    • Altitude: 4,590 m
  • Day 6 Drive from Lake Manasarover to Darchen

    Distance traveled - 53 km

    Time Taken: One-hour drive

    Overnight stop - Darchen

    Today, you can experience the holy lake in a full-fledged way. You will see the lake under the beautiful bright sky, and the landscape will be beautiful. The lake lies between Mount Kailash and Gurla Mandhata and looks like a dream. People mostly perform their religious rituals and take a trip around the lake early in the morning. Perform your religious rituals and take a dip into the holy water. People believe you ought to dip thrice to wash off your sins in the water.

    After your rituals, we will leave Lake Mansarovar to finish the latter half of the Kailash Parikrama. Kailash Parikrama is basically the trek around various significant places around Kailash. Our next step to complete this trek will be to head to Darchen. We will head to Darchen by road. It will be a short one-hour drive from Lake Mansarovar. Upon arrival, check into your overnight stay’s lodges and call it a day.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Lodges
    • Place: Darchen
    • Altitude: 4600 m
  • Day 7 Travel from Darchen to Derapuk

    Distance traveled - 19 km

    Time taken driving - 1 hour

    Time taken trekking - 4 to 5 hours

    Today, we will officially begin our Kailash Parikrama journey. Firstly we will begin by taking a short drive from Darchen to Yam Dwar, which will be the initial point of our trek. Yam Dwar is popularly known to be the entrance to Lord Shiva’s home in Kailash. Yam Dwar literally translates to the “gate of the god of death.” Myths believe that the god of death, Yam Raj is the guard or protector of Kailash Parbat and Lord Shiva’s home at Yam Dwar. Hence, it s a major part of the Kailash Parikrama.

    We will continue walking from Yam dwar on foot. Our trip will be a steady ascent passing the bank of a glacier river, lasting 4 to 5 hours. Deraphuk is a lovely spot, closer to Kailash and significantly colder than Darchen. The view of Kailash from here is incredibly exquisite, particularly at night. When the stars shine brightly beside the mountain, creating a mystical ambiance. After a long day of hiking, we will check into a local guest house with spectacular views to eat and recover.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Local guest house
    • Place: Deraphuk
    • Altitude: 4750 m
  • Day 8 Hike from Deraphuk to Dolma La Pass to Zutulpuk

    Distance traveled - 20km

    Dolma La Pass’s altitude - 5620 m

    We will cross one of the most significant parts of the trip today. Our hike will take us to the highest point of our tour. We will cross the Dolma La Pass at the height of 5620 m today. After hours of hiking, you will reach the tip marked with a boulder. This boulder is a representation of the Goddess called Dolma or Tara and is commemorated with a prayer flag. It is physically the trek's highest point, but people also consider it spiritually the highest point of this tour.

    From this height, we just have to go downhill. We will then head towards the bottom of the hill towards the Gauri Kunda. The journey will take us further to the Zutul Puk Gompa. The literal meaning of Zutul is a cave. The monastery or Gompa in the place is named after the cave of the revered saint Milarepa. Milarepa is believed to be an ancient saint who meditated in this cave. The roof of the gompa is believed to house his footprints still.

    Zutulphuk will be the last point of today, and we will check into our accommodation here for our overnight stop.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Local guest house
    • Place: Zutulphuk
    • Altitude: 4,790 m
  • Day 9 Trek from Zutulphuk to Darchen and drive to Saga

    Darchen’s altitude - 4600 m

    Distance traveled - 497 km

    Trekking hours - 3 hours

    We will finish the trekking part of our Kailash Mansarovar Tour via Lhasa. We will leave Zutulphuk early in the morning. Today’s walk will also include descends. We will pass through plain lands that are surrounded by mani walls. Our route takes us through a gorge along a narrow valley heading to the west in Darchen. Toward the end of our trek, Darchen will surprise us with some exciting, dramatic vistas. We will exit from the valley into plain land that houses mani walls made up of actual yak skulls. A total of 3 hours trek will finally lead us to Darchen.

    From Darchen, we will continue with our regular by-road travels. You will get back to Saga through a long road drive. Approximately 402 km worth of distance road drive will take us from Darchen to Sanga. We will transfer into our overnight accommodations at Saga and call it a day.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Saga
    • Altitude: 4,640 metres
  • Day 10 Drive from Saga to Kerong

    Distance traveled - 240 km

    Driving hours - 6 hours to 7 hours

    We will now aim to head back to Nepal from Tibet. For this, we will leave Saga today and head to Kerong to return to Kathmandu. It will be a memorable road trip. We will travel to spectacular passes along the Himalayas and get amazing mountain views. We will also cross the Brahmaputra River. It is a sacred river and a major water body flowing from Tibetan Himalayas to India.

    Upon arrival at Kerong, we will check into our hotel and call it a day.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Kerong
    • Altitude: 3950 m
  • Day 11 Drive from Kerong to Kathmandu

    Distance traveled - 250 km

    Driving hours - 7 hours to 8 hours

    Today will be the last day of our tour as we will leave Tibet and travel to Nepal. After a few hours of traveling, we will arrive at the Nepal-Tibet border in Rasuwagadhi. We will go through the requisite checks, customs, and documentation procedures. Following that, we will drive for an hour to Syabrubenshi. It offers a pleasant hilly temperate atmosphere and access to the Langtang trails.

    We will then drive uphill to Dhunche, an important town in Rasuwa, Langtang. As we go, we will pass through numerous Himalayas, including the stunning Langtang Himal. We will drop towards the hills and pass through farmland settlements. Finally, after a few more hours of driving, we will arrive in Kathmandu, where we will check into our hotels and mark the end of this tour.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Kathmandu
    • Altitude: 1400 m

Send an Enquiry - Kailash Mansarovar Tour Via Lhasa