Kailash Tour from Lhasa

Short Kailash tour Itinerary A

If Charan Sparsh opens in 2027, follow this itinerary
15 May 2027 Day 01: Arrival Gonggar Tibet & drive to Lhasa
16 May 2027 Day 02: Sights in Lhasa including Potala palace
17 May 2027 Day 03: Drive Lhasa to Shigatse 3782m. –Hotel 
18 May 2027 Day 04: Drive Shigatse to Saga 4640m. & hotel 
19 May 2027 Day 05: Drive Saga to New Dongba & overnight
20 May 2027 Day 06: Drive to Manasarovar and overnight stay
Full moon night in Manasarovar Lake 
21 May 2027 Day 07: Morning Hindu ritual & drive to Darchen
22 May 2027 Day 08: Drive Yam Dwar & start walk to Dirapuk
23 May 2027 Day 09: Climb Charan Sparsh, Darshan and back   
24 May 2027 Day 10: Trekking to Dolma La 5636m. Zuthulpuk  
25 May 2027 Day 11: Drive to Prying, Dongba & Saga Bazaar
26 May 2027 Day 12: Drive to Shigatse city and stay overnight

27 May 2027 Day 13: Drive Gonggar airport, fly China & home

Itinerary B

Follow this itinerary if Charan Sparsh does not open 2027
15 May 2027 Day 01: Arrival Gonggar Tibet and drive to Lhasa
16 May 2027 Day 02: Sights in Lhasa including Potala Palace
17 May 2027 Day 03: Drive Lhasa to Shigatse 3782m. – Hotel 
18 May 2027 Day 04: Drive Shigatse to Saga4640m. and hotel 
19 May 2027 Day 05: Drive Saga to New Dongba & over night 
20 May 2027 Day 06: Drive to Manasarovar and overnight stay
Full moon night in Manasarovar Lake 
21 May 2027 Day 07: Morning Hindu ritual and drive to Darchen
22 May 2027 Day 08: Drive Yam Dwar and start walk to Dirapuk
23 May 2027 Day 09: Trekking to Dolma La 5636m. & Zuthulpuk  
24 May 2027 Day 10: Walking to Chongdo and drive to Darchen
in 4-star hotel, take lunch & drive Astapad (5km a way), explore
south face of Kailash Parvat & Nandi Parvat, back to hotel, stay  
25 May 2027 Day 11: Drive to Prying city, Dongba & Saga town
26 May 2027 Day 12: Drive to Shigatse city & staying overnight
27 May 2027 Day 13: Drive Gonggar airport & fly China & home

23 May 2027 Day 12: Itinerary A; In order to achieve our goal, we need to see Charan Sparsh and touch Kailash first, if it is possible. Right now, it is closed, but it could be reopened in 2026. If not, let's explore other option
24 May 2027 Day 12: Itinerary B; Explore the South Face of Mount Kailash and Nandi Parvat (Nandi Mountain) as the bull's face. It is one of the most famous south faces of Mount Kailash, Astapada is optional program.

Full Kailash MansarovarItinerary

15 May 2027 (Saturday) Day 01: The Tibetan tour guide welcomes all Kailash Yatri with Tibetan Khata (white garland). From the airport, everyone is driven to Lhasa city in a minibus or bus. We travel about 62.5 km away from Gonggar airport and it takes about an hour or bit more. We enjoy the amazing views of the naked hills, the settlements at the bottom of the hills and the agricultural land full of crops along the way. Check in at the hotel. Free day

16 May 2027 (Sunday) Day 02: Morning takes breakfast and start sightseeing in Potala Palace. Lhasa is the capital as well as the biggest city of Tibet. This city with wide road ways, sky kissing buildings is not less attractive than any developed western countries. Besides this, the palace of Dalai Lama: The Bharkhor Bazaar itself and Bharkhor surrounding are other worthy and attractive places to visit at Lhasa. Lhasa City is at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level. The Potala Palace lies at the central part of Lhasa city and it is situated in a place at 150 meters' height. This palace is also the adjoining place of meditative office building and administrative office building. The Red Palace symbolizes meditation whereas the white Palace signifies transparent administration. In Tibetan language, ‘Lhasa’ means ‘The Land of Gods and Goddesses’.

We can see different varieties of magical Buddha idols of Buddhist religion in the red Palace whereas; there are meditation room, living room and meeting room for foreign guests of Dalai Lama in the white Palace. Lhasa city is a valley which is also the adjoining place of two sacred rivers namely, Lhasa and Brahmaputra. According to Buddhists, it is believed that one can obtain ‘Nirvana’ meaning ultimate salvation, by having divine view (Darshan) of Potala Palace and visit at least once in the lifetime.

The Potala Palace was built at the time of Songchang Gampo in the 7th century; the 5th Dalai Lama extended the palace to its present size. At this time, it also succeeds in becoming the residing, the main political and religious palace of the Dalai Lama. The main palace was divided into two sections: the white palace and the red palace. It is 115.703 meters high with thirteen stories, including living quarters, temples, tomb stupas and monk dormitories. The countless cultural relics in the palace are images, murals, sutras, etc, which are of incredible value. These magnificent Tibetan arts and culture are not only classified as national treasure but are also listed by the state council as one unit of the important cultural relics to be specially protected.

There is gold plated entombment place of 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th Dalai Lama at Potala Palace. All these can be seen besides 13th Dalai Lama’s. Entombment of 6th Dalai Lama is yet unknown and mysterious. Likewise, experts say that the funeral rites of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Dalai Lama was done at Jokhang Monastery and then the ashes were kept safely there. There are one thousand rooms at The Potala Palace among which 27 rooms are been exposed for general public such as bed room, living room, study room, meeting room & the entombment Place of Dalai Lama. The current 14th Dalai Lama is living in India since from 1959.

17 May 2027 (Monday) Day 03: After spending two nights at the Lhasa capital city of Tibet, our journey to Kailash Manasarovar begins by traveling in our tourist coach. Overland tours from Lhasa to Shigatse are highly popular, offering spectacular Tibetan landscapes, the historic Tashilhunpo monastery (the seat of the Panchen Lama), and a comfortable experience. In order to participate in these tours, non-Indian passport holders usually need to be members of an organized group of Kailash Manasarovar Yatri. It is best to visit during the pleasant months of May to September. The Panchen Lama's seat at Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse is a must-see, especially because of the monastery's historical and cultural significance. It is the 2nd biggest city after Lhasa. There are fine Luxury hotels for lodging and we have arranged meal for our pilgrims in a Nepali Restaurant. Here is a huge monastery which is popularly known as Tashilimphu Monastery. The section from Lhasa to Shigatse is around 271 kilometers and it takes 4 to 5 hours’ drive.

18 May 2027 (Tuesday) Day 04: Morning take breakfast and drive to Saga via Lhatse, the journey today passing 2 high passes with fine view of country side in Tibet. Shigatse to Lhatse is 160KM road able distance and takes 3 hours. We do stop for Lunch. After lunch towards Saga, here divide 2 roads and one go to New Tingri way to Everest Base camp and another road goes to Saga directly which is we are fallowing the sandy and rocky land Tibet. Other thinks like Lake, nomad chasing thousands of Yaks and Sheep grazing grass on the way Saga Bazaar. Lhatse to Saga is 300KM and takes 5 hours driving. Reach Saga, check hotel and Overnight Saga.

Team Leader, guides staff and food: A Kailash Manasarovar Yatra or tour is taken from Kathmandu via Lhasa route with Nepali team leaders or guides, or if the tour starts from Lhasa - Kailash - Lhasa directly from mainland China. The Nepali guide and team leader will arrive in Lhasa before Kailash Yatri lands at Gonggar airport if he or she is coming as a bigger or smaller group from mainland China. Throughout Lhasa and Shigatse city, delicious vegetarian meals will be served at Nepali restaurants every day. In Saga, we meet the Nepali staff including the chef and other team members who will travel by road from Kathmandu. The Monterosa Treks and Expedition staff prepares delicious pure vegetarian food for all Kailash Manasarovar Yatri starting from Saga onward.

Watch Kailash Tour Video

19 May 2027 (Wednesday) Day 05: A tourist coach takes around 3 hours to get from Saga to New Dongba, a journey of approximately 160 kilometers. The trip may involve driving atop the Tibetan Plateau, a mountainous and desert-like landscape, and viewing the Himalayan range depending on the route and company taken. There is Mount Shishapangma 8027 m and the holy river Brahmaputra which runs from the Manasarovar under the land some part and gets out of the land level which can be seen and Darshan. A "New Dongba" is not a widely known term, but it refers to the priests of the Naxi ethnic group in China who developed a rich religious and cultural tradition centered around written texts. Dongba is a pictographic writing system, and the term "Dongba" is also used to refer to their religion and culture. The new Dongba will serve as a half day acclimatization.

20 May 2027 (Thursday) Day 06: Dongba to Manasarovar Lake and staying bottom of Chiu Monastery. Riving New Dongba to Manasarovar, reach to the adjoining point of Brahmaputra River. Brahmaputra is basically flowing from Tibetan Himalayan Ranges and flow through Saga, Shigatse and other places at Tibet and ultimately gets mixed into the Gulf of Bengal. Kailash Manasarovar tour / Yatra covers 340 km and takes approximately 6 hours from New Dongba to Holy Lake Manasarovar.

The drive passes through small towns and the stunning Tibetan plateau, offering glimpses of the majestic Mount Kailash and the sacred Lake Mansarovar, one of the world's highest freshwater Lake. For pilgrims from Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Shikha, the sacred circumambulation or Pradakshina around the holy Lake Manasarovar is a spiritually significant ritual. Taking a circular journey around the expansive, high-altitude freshwater Lake is believed to bring blessings, good fortune and purification. As part of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra pilgrimage, pilgrims make a circle around Lake Manasarovar, which has a circumference of 102 kilometers. We carry hot lunch boxes and, on the way, stop somewhere and take Lunch. We will make a half complete rotation of Manasarovar Lake in about 2 hours from Hor. You can see 8 of Buddhist monasteries during the circumambulation and finally reach top hills and same time you can see Rakshas & Manasarovar Lake.
Full Moon night in Manasarovar Lake

The Khojarnath temple: It is known that Lord Rama, Sita Mata and Lakshmana slept at Khojarnath Tibetan village during the Treta Yuga while they went on pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar. The lake is located 85 kilometers south of Khojarnath. In Khojarnath village of Tibet, it was built in the 7th century as a temple dedicated to Lord Rama, Sita Mata and Lakshmana. There is a 170-kilometer round trip by jeep that takes about four hours from Manasarovar Lake. The temple is located in the Tibet, Autonomous Region.

The Manasarovar Lake: Manasarovar Lake, also known as Brahma’s Lake or Mapam Yum Tso Lake is situated at an elevation of 4850 meter above sea level. The word “Manas” means mind or consciousness and Sarovar means Lake. It has held deep spiritual influence and wide religious values among Hindus & Buddhists. Making round of the Lake and taking a holy bath in it is believed to purge one’s soul from sins and the body from sickness. Ancient Hindu scriptures indicate this Lake as a must visit place for someone who wants to attain salvation, the highest level of achievement in Hindu religion. The cascading waves of the Lake in the wind look very charming.

As described in Ramayana, it is said that the person who moves around the Manasarovar Lake and baths with its pure water, reaches the heaven directly after death. Similarly, it is written that the person, who drinks the water of this lake, recognizes the “Shivalok” the palace of Lord Shiva. Kailash Parbat is situated about 58km. far in the north from Manasarovar Lake. Brahmaputra River flows from eastward of the Manasarovar Lake. So, many people who want to visit Kailash Parbat and Manasarovar Lake at least once in their life.

According to Hindu traditional hearsay, it is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati take bath each day at 2:00AM to 4:00 AM in this Lake as well as stars also come for bath in Manasarovar Lake. It is said that pilgrims who stay at this place at night; they can lively watch the God there. Mainly it is believed that people can see or visit the God Shiva and Goddess Parvati at the night of full moon. This Manasarovar Lake covers a very large area that is pure place, it is mentioned in Hindu religious books that all the Hindus must reach there at least once in their life time.

Holy Hot Springs Place of Traditions: There are natural hot springs at the bottom of Chiu Monastery, a hilltop monastery near Manasarovar Lake. The thermal springs at Manasarovar are where ritual bathing and spiritual renewal take place, but the lake itself is the site of many rituals and ceremonies. There are now a small bathhouse and a payment system at Manasarovar's natural hot water baths, which are now protected by Tibetans.

Rakshas Tal (Demon King Ravana Lake) Sarovar: This lake is named on the basis of Hindu traditional story. Hindu people believe that carnivorous monsters are hiding into the dark water. On the basis of this belief, people called it Rakshas Tal and stay away from this lake believing it as the symbol of dark and destructive power. According to the traditional religious story, the water of this lake is poisonous and fatal. So, to replace the poisonous water of this lake a tunnel was made from Manasarovar Lake. Pure water of this Lake & a golden fish was sent in this Lake. Late, this fish was found alive.

From it, people’s negative attitude towards the lake changed and they started to go nearer to it but they still don’t drink the water. According to Hindu mythology, in Treta Yug the monster Ravana has made Lord Shiva happy meditating in this Lake. Rakshas Lake lies in the west to Manasarovar Lake. It is situated at an altitude of 4,540meter above the sea level. In Manasarovar Lake, there are many birds including ducks but in Rakshas Lake (Demon King Ravana) there are no any birds at all.

Rudrabhishek in Manasarovar: There are three or four Nepali Braman performing Rudrabhishek rituals and performing Hawan on the auspicious day in Manasarovar on the evening before the full moon or the next day morning after the full moon.

21 May 2027 (Friday) Day 07: Today Morning, we do Rudrabhishek, Hawan and Arati after holy Bath. You can do these rituals with fasting or without fasting. Nepali Pandits perform Rudrabhishek, Hawan, and Aarti pooja at Manasarovar Lake. In order to purify oneself and gain Lord Shiva's blessings, one prays, chants Shiva mantras, and performs rituals like Tarpan (offering holy water). Rudrabhishek, Hawan. These ancient rituals, involving prayers, chants, and offerings to the sacred fire, are typically performed during the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. It is considered highly auspicious and spiritually potent to visit Lake Manasarovar during a full moon night. In addition to enhancing the lake's spiritual energy, the reflection of the full moon on its surface is believed to offer pilgrims and visitors a powerful and sacred experience. In 2018 AD, pilgrims will no longer be able to take holy dips in Lake Manasarovar.

Mount Kailash: The Scared religious place, Kailash Parbat is located on the height of 6714meters above sea level. This region is supposed to be the purest religious place. It is supposed to be the central part of the world and origin of the world before the origin of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. Kailash Parbat is glorified in the holy books like Ramayana and Mahabharata. According to the ancient Asian stories, the civilization is incomplete without the description of Kailash Parbat. Kailash Parbat is located in Tibet. Scientific research of this region is not satisfactory. This religious Parbat is extended from Brahmaputra in the east to Karakoram in the west.

Different religious groups like Shaiba, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Bon-Po are respecting Kailash equally, though they explained it differently. In the Shaiba and Buddhist traditional literature, Kailash is described as the part of Sumeru which is supposed to be the center of the world. It is believed to be the residence of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati as per Hindus. Buddhist respects it in the name of Kang Rimpoche. Buddhists have accepted Kailash and Manasarovar as great natural Mandala. Mandala for them is the means of respect and salvation, Jain worship as Astpada for this isolated peak.

The founding father of this religion Rishavadev had got spiritual salvation in the same place. There are various logics to claim this Parbat as sacred. This isolated Parbat is also source to big rivers like Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Indus and Karnali. The total periphery of Mount Kailash is 53 km and pilgrims should walk 38 km within 3 days and if add Charan Sparsh (Touch Kailash) tour than it will be 4 days Kora. As described in Hindu myth, a person who moves around the Kailash Parvat will be free from all the sins made in life time. If they move round the Parbat for 108 times, they directly get Nirvana. It is also said that a person who moves Nandi once, he/she gets return as equal of moving round the Kailash for 13 times.

Kailash Parvat is regarded as the form of Lord Shiva and the water flowing from its snowy tip is worshipped as holy river Ganges. Mount Kailash can be observed more beautifully from the side of this Monastery. Observing from Dirapuk, Mount Kailash is seen in between Mount Manjushree at right side and Mount Bajrapani at left side. River Ganges, originated from Mount Kailash meets Lachhu River and gets mixed into Rakshas Lake. Every river formed from Kailash Himalayan Ranges gets mixed into Rakshas Lake. The river formed from the junction of Rakshas Lake is called Karnali. Water from Rakshas Lake escapes via Karnali River but water of Manasarovar is stored in the form of Lake.

22 May 2027 (Saturday) Day 08: Darchen to Yam Dwar & Dirapuk: This is the first day of Kailash Parikrama / Kora. Morning drive to Yam Dwar and start walking to Dirapuk (4890 meters 12 kilometers). We do start for Kailash circumambulation [Kora] Circuit t/ Round / Parikrama from Yam Dwar. It takes 20 minutes for blue bus to reach there as it is at the distance of only 6km. This place is also known as Yam Dwar. Getting off from the bus at Yam Dwar, all the pilgrims are offering to Lord Shiva. Then, we moved round the Yam Dwar for three times. According to Hindu religion, this place is known as the Gate of the God of Death (Yam Dwar).

Yam Dwar builds shape of temple. Inside 3 bells hanging and its call Varma, Vishnu and Maheshwar. This temple makes 3-time circuit enter inside of door. Belling and get out and continue walking or riding pony to Dirapuk first day of Parikrama. (Journey on foot begins from Yam Dwar) Physically disable pilgrims distantly pay homage to Kailash Parbat and return to Darchen because the visit of Yam Dwar is believed to get equally religious gain as they do for Kailash Parbat itself. This path / trail is somehow busy with pilgrims, horses, local porters, yaks and Nepali workers.

Yam Dwar in Kailash: The holy mountain is one of the world's most significant spiritual sites. The Yam Dwar is believed to represent a spiritual portal where worldly concerns are replaced by spiritual concerns. Yam Dwar, which means "Gateway of the God of Death," marks the beginning of Mount Kailash's sacred circumambulation (parikrama).

After 3 hours long walking along the riverside path, we stopped for our lunch sport. Kailash Parbat is can be seeing clearly from here. Below the Parbat we can see a big stone in the shape of elephant. It is believed that God Indra rides on it. After 2 hours long walk, we can reach to Dirapuk. There is a Dirapuk Monastery situated on the edge of Lha Chhu River. The name of this place is given from the name of Monastery itself. This Monastery is located on the height of 4900m. Above sea level.

The scene of Kailash from here is like the heaven. Hundreds of pilgrims arrive at Dirapuk from Yam Dwar riding on the horse or on their foot every day. Here some Yatri prefer to take pony & local porter for the 3 days. (If you would like to take pony and porter, you should tell the Tibetan guide in advance for arrangement. This day, today have to walk continuously for about 5 to 6 hours. Yak will carry all our goods and equipment and your bags. From Dirapuk, you can see north face of Mount Kailash very closed, overnight stay at Dirapuk mud house/ guesthouse.

If Open Charan Sparsh and Touch Kailash: Mount Kailash also called Charan Sparsh, can be reached by walking for 4 hours (5 kilometers) from Dirapuk. After touching the base of Kailash Mountain, pilgrims pray for Lord Shiva's blessing and seek his blessings. It takes around one and a half to two hours to return from Dirapuk. The touching of Kailash and Charan Sparsh is prohibited since August 2024. The program will be kept for 2026 since the accident and Yatri visit will take place under the Charan Sparsh.,

The word "Charan" means "feet" and "Sparsh" means "to touch". These two words together mean "meeting the feet". There has been a tradition of touching Kailash Parbat's feet for thousands of years. In "Charan Sparsh," vibrations are released from the body and touch the feet, promoting blessings, happiness, and success. A feeling of contentment, vigor and self-confidence come from an exchange of energy. One feels as if they are glowing from within. The blessings received after "Charan Sparsh" are like invisible amour. They give the soul strength and motivate it.

Watch Kailash Tour Video

23 May 2027 (Sunday) Day 09: Trek from Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk. Today is very crucial day as we have to pass Dolma La or Dorma La Pass, which is 5636 meters above the sea level, the weather in unpredictable in Dolma La Pass with the risk of snowstorms some times. So, we need to try to start our journey morning as early as possible. On route we pass Lakes Ganesh Kund, Gauri Kund. Climb down the pass to Shapje Datok and onwards to Zuthulpuk monastery. In Zuthulpuk, stay overnight in a mud house. GANESH KUND (SAROVAR): About 45 minutes before to reach to Dolma La Pass 5636m. (Kailash circuit) on right hand side of the walking trail, there is holy Ganesh Kund. It is 15 minutes away from walking trail. The shape of the Kund looks like lord Ganesh where he bathes.

THE LEGEND OF GAURI KUND: Hinduism is Sanatana Dharma, according to its mythology there is story about Gauri Kund which has been mentioned in the legend of Shiva Puran. The Puran says that Gauri Sarovar is for purify and compassion, it purifies the mind, body and speech of Kailash Yatri. So almost all the Yatri of Kailash Manasarovar tour include their tour program.

This Gauri Kund is for holy bath to Goddess Parvati Mata where Gauri Mata had acquired her beloved son Ganesh, she had molded a picture of her son Ganesh from cleaning agent frothing on her body and resuscitates it. She placed Ganesh at the path to stop unknown to enter during her holy deep, at the same time Lord Shiva came to his residence Mount Kailash but Ganesh ji didn't recognize then Lord Shiva became furious and cuts off the kids head then Mata Parvati despairing stricken by seeing it and requested to Lord Shiva that child need to be brought again to the life restored so Parvati had her son back. This real story not only fascinates Kailash tour Yatri.

The Meaning Significance to visit Gauri Kund: The large number of Kailash Yatri visits this holy Kund during their Parikrama or Kora to purify their minds, body and speech by splashing the Jaal on their heads. They offer TARPANA and Jaal (holy water) to their ancestors to have peace in the heaven. Many of them bring holy water from the Kund to their home.

Where is the Gauri Kund Located?: After crossing steep descends of Dolma La pass, the highest pass during Kailash Manasarovar Yatra tour, the round turquoise colored round shaped GAURI KUND is located at 5608m. above the sea level but walking trail has not yet made, have to walk on massif Rock.

24 May 2027 (Monday) Day 10: On the last day of Kailash Kora, we walk about three hours to Chongdo, then drive to Darchen. Check in 4-star hotel for overnight. Addition tour, after lunch and drive to Serlung Gompa walk for about 10 minutes to ASTAPADA and holy explore, have a Darshan of lord Kailashnath of South Face and Nandi Parvat. There is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery called Serlung Gompa, which is located on the hill and this hill is called ASTAPAD it is revered by both Jains and Buddhists as a sacred site.

"The mountain hill of the eight steps" is also known as Astapad. The nearby sacred site of Ashtapad is located at the foot of South face of Mount Kailash, in a mountain amphitheater. According to Jain mythology, Astapada is the place where the first Jain Tirthankara attained nirvana. You can see the Mount Kailash's south face as well as Nandi Parvat from Astapada, a mountain amphitheater at the base of Mount Kailash. Additionally, Nandi Parvat, which lies near Mount Kailash, is visible from Astapada. Ashtapad is located about 5 kilometers away from Darchen.

25 May 2027 (Tuesday) Day 11: We will take a road journey, typically by deluxe bus, through the high plateau of western Tibet to get to Saga bazaar. In reverse to the usual pilgrimage route, this is usually a long drive of approximately 490 kilometers and takes around 7–8 hours. Through towns like Praying and New Dongba, the journey follows the G219 National Highway, and offers views of the arid Tibetan landscape, rivers, and high-altitude plains.

26 May 2027 (Wednesday) Day 12: The journey from Saga to Shigatse in Tibet typically involves a scenic drive along the Friendship Highway, taking about 10 hours. It is 495 KM far from Saga to Shigatse. Stay overnight in Shigatse.

27 May 2027 (Thursday) Day 13: Morning around 5:00AM, It takes 4 hours to drive Shigatse to Gonggar airport Tibet via Gyantse, it is 310KM away from Shigatse. Arrive at Gonggar airport, fly your final destination. You have to make flight is after 3:30 PM in local time Tibet.