Kailash Tour from Lhasa to Lhasa 2026

Short Kailash Itinerary A

Follow this itinerary if Charan Sparsh opens in 2026
24 July 2026 Day 01: Arrival Gonggar Tibet & drive to Lhasa
25 July 2026 Day 02: Sights in Lhasa including Potala Palace
26 July 2026 Day 03: Drive Lhasa to Shigatse 3782m. Hotel
27 July 2026 Day 04: Drive Shigatse to Saga 4640m. & hotel
28 July 2026 Day 05: Drive Saga to New Dongba & overnight
29 July 2026 Day 06: Drive to Mansarovar Lake and stay here
Full moon night in Manasarovar Lake
30 July 2026 Day 07: Hindu ritual, Pooja and drive to Darchen
31 July 2026 Day 08: Drive to Yam Dwar, start walk to Dirapuk
01 Aug. 2026 Day 09: Climb to Charan Sparsh, back Dirapuk
02 Aug. 2026 Day 10: Walking to Dolma La 5636m., Zuthulpuk
03 Aug. 2026 Day 11: Walk to Chongdo, drive Darchen & Saga
04 Aug. 2026 Day 12: Drive from Saga to Shigatse and staying
05 Aug. 2026 Day 13: Drive Gonggar airport, fly final destination

Itinerary B

Follow this itinerary if Charan Sparsh does not open 2026
24 July 2026 Day 01: Arrival Gonggar airport & drive to Lhasa
25 July 2026 Day 02: Sights in Lhasa including Potala Palace
26 July 2026 Day 03: Drive Lhasa to Shigatse 3782m. - Hotel
27 July 2026 Day 04: Drive Shigatse to Saga 4640m. & hotel
28 July 2026 Day 05: Drive Saga to New Dongba & overnight
29 July 2026 Day 06: Drive to Mansarovar Lake, staying here
Full moon night in Manasarovar Lake
30 July 2026 Day 07: Hindu rituals, Pooja and drive to Darche
31 July 2026 Day 08: Drive to Yam Dwar & start walk Dirapuk
01 Aug. 2026 Day 09: Walk to Dolma La 5636m., & Zuthulpuk
02 Aug. 2026 Day 10: Walking to Chongdo and drive Darchen
Check in Darchen hotel, take lunch & drive to Astapad, explore
south face of Mt. Kailash & Nandi Parvat (Mountain) back hotel
03 Aug. 2026 Day 11: Drive from Darchen to Saga and staying
04 Aug. 2026 Day 12: Drive from Saga to Shigatse and staying
05 Aug. 2026 Day 13: Drive Gonggar airport, fly final destination

01 August 2026 Day 12: We must see Charan Sparsh and touch Kailash as our first priority. It is closed right now, but may be reopened in 2026. If not, then let's explore

02 Aug. 2026 Day 12: Experience the South Face of Mount Kailash and Nandi Parvat (Nandi Mountain) as the face of the bull. Astapada is optional program.

Full Kailash tour Itinerary

24 July 2026 (Friday) Day 01: Arrival Gonggar airport Tibet. 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 and it takes about an hour or so. 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

25 July 2026 (Saturday) 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 and The Entombment Place of Dalai Lama. The current 14th Dalai Lama is living in India since from 1959.

26 July 2026 (Sunday) 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. From Lhasa, 1-hour drive takes us to Brahmaputra River and by passing through its bank, we reach to Shigatse. 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 around271 kilometers and it takes 5 hours’ drive.

27 July 2026 (Monday) 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, meet Nepali staff and enjoy meal cooking by Monterosa staffs. Everyday meal makes our staff from saga and onward. Lhasa and Shigatse or onward food will be providing pure vegetarian in Nepali restaurant and breakfast will be in serve in hotels.

28 July 2026 (Tuesday) Day 05: Saga to New Dongba: In Tibet, Saga and New Dongba are two settlements on the popular pilgrimage route to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. It is 160 km from Dongba Bazar, so it's time to rest and acclimatize in Dongba. From Saga, drive to 160 km is better condition for rest and acclimatization.

29 July 2026 (Wednesday) Day 06: New Donga, we move forward passing Praying and reach to the adjoining point of Brahmaputra River. Brahmaputra is basically formed from the amalgamation of two rivers: One, flowing from Gangdici river of Himalayan Range and other is Tima Yangjong River flowing from Tibetan Himalayan Ranges and flow through Saga, Shigatse and other places at Tibet and ultimately gets mixed into the Gulf of Bengal.

Here we stop our van or bus and have our hot lunch. After lunch, driving continues, we reach at Hor near the holy Lake Manasarovar observing beautiful scenes and naked hills. From here, we can have the fantastic view of Manasarovar Lake, Mount Gurlamnadata and Kailash Parbat. This Manasarovar Lake circumambulation is of total 102 km distance. According to the local people, it takes three days to circumambulate for local residents but it takes 5 days for the tourists or pilgrims by walking. This is the place called Hor (name of place) and from here the circumambulation of Manasarovar Lake begins. We should travel via Blue Bus organized by Nangri Tourism Board from Hor to round Manasarovar Lake and further.

It is strictly compulsory to travel by Blue Bus while circumambulating Manasarovar Lake. Its route starts from Hor and extends up to Chiu Monastery, Darchen. Yam Dwar and come back Hor, However, sometimes there aren't enough buses, so they allow you to use the same bus.

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 Lake & Manasarovar Lake. Visit the Chiu monastery nearby Manasarovar Lake and spend the night there.
Full moon night in Manasarovar Lake (Guru Purnima)

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.

Holy Hot Springs Place of Traditions: Chiu Monastery a monastery near Lake Manasarovar, has a natural hot spring at its base. Chiu Gompa's sacred lake offers cleansing, but its thermal springs also offer ritualistic bathing and spiritual renewal, with the water believed to be healing. Tibetans now protect Manasarovar, which has a small bath house and a payment system for those who want to take natural hot water baths.

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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 AM to 4 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 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.

Khojarnath, a small Tibetan village 85 kilometers south of Lake Mansarovar, houses the Khojarnath temple. A daily puja is conducted here in honor of Lord Rama, Sita Mata, and Lakshmana according to legend. In this temple, one can see images of Rama, Sita and Lakshman after traveling 170 kilometers from Mansarovar Lake. For the 170-kilometer round trip, it takes about 4 hours by jeep. China's Tibet Autonomous Region is home to the temple.

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.

The 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 4,540meters 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.

30 July 2026 (Thursday) Day 07: Take holy bath today outside of the Lake, prepare bath tents for men and women, and take bath tern by tern. Pilgrims are not allowed taking holy dip into the Lake Manasarovar from 2018. Our staff put big tent for bath inside of tent by Manasarovar holy water. Staff will put drum inside water. After bath, pilgrimage offer Tarpon / holy water offering, flowers, money to the God and splashing water among each other with much joy and enthusiasm. Will be preparing for worship and Rudra Abhishek, Hawan, Aarati, chanting Shiva mantra by Nepal Braman Pandit which is providing our company Monterosa Treks and Expedition. All the pilgrims can do prey for Lord Shiva and reciting the names of their ancestral gods, performing Hawan (offering grains mixed with butter to the fire) in the name of gods, in order to relieve themselves from any kind of sins which they might have committed knowingly or unknowingly.

Afterwards, take a lunch break and drive to Darchen. The journey from Lake Manasarovar to Darchen takes approximately one hour, covering a distance of about 40 kilometers (25 miles). As the starting point for the Kailash Kora, Darchen is the starting point for the circumambulation of Mount Kailash. As the starting point for the Kailash Kora, Darchen is the starting point for the circumambulation of Mount Kailash. The small city of Darchen is known as the gateway to Mount Kailash, the holiest mountain in Tibet. As the starting point for the Kailash Kora, a pilgrimage route around the mountain, it's situated at an altitude of 4,575 meters (15,010 feet)

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.

31 July 2026 (Friday) 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).

Information Yam Dwar: Spiritual concerns replace worldly concerns in Yam Dwar, which is considered a gateway to the spiritual realm. In Hinduism, Yam Dwar means "Gateway of the God of Death" and marks the beginning of the sacred circumambulation of Mount Kailash. The holy mountain holds a great deal of spiritual significance. A pilgrim's journey of purification and enlightenment begins at this spiritual threshold, when he leaves the mundane world behind for a spiritual journey of purification and enlightenment on Kailash.

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.

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.

Information first Day of Kailash Kora: Yam Dwar must travel approximately 12 km (8 miles) away from Yam Dwar on the first day of Parikrama in order to reach Dirapuk. On the way to Dirapuk, pilgrims are often accompanied by horses, symbolizing the spiritual journey from earth to heaven to Mount Kailash. A pilgrim's overnight stop during the first day of the Kailash circle is Dirapuk, a sacred holy place on Mount Kailash's north face. With a height of 4900 meters (16665 feet), it offers breathtaking views of the north side of the mountain, and it is also a spiritual center for Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Bonpo from all over the world. Kailash is a sacred peak in the Kailash range of Tibet Autonomous Region, China, considered the abode of Hindu deity Mahadeva and the world's holy center. Among pilgrims, there is Pradkshina (circumambulation) around the mountain, which is believed to lead to spiritual liberation.

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: Pilgrims walk for four hours (5kms) from Dirapuk to Mount Kailash which is known as Charan Sparsh after breakfast. As pilgrims touch the base of Kailash Mountain, they feel blessed by Lord Shiva. They offer Pooja and seek Lord Shiva's blessing. This is a day tour / Yatra from Dirapuk, which takes around 1 and a half hours to 2 hours. As touching Kailash and Charan Sparsh are prohibited in August of 2024, the accident occurred below the Charan Sparsh. We will keep the program for 2026 and see what happens.

The word "Charan" means "feet" and the word "Sparsh" means "to touch". The two words together mean "to touch one's feet". One gains vigor, self-confidence and contentment through this exchange of energy. A glow emanates from within. The blessings received after “Charan Sparsh” are like invisible amour. Motivating & energizing, they give strength.

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01 August 2026 (Saturday) 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 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.

02 August 2026 (Sunday) 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.

03 August 2026 (Monday) Day 11: Drive Darchen to Saga a via Prayang, new Dongba, finally Reach Saga Bazaar and overnight stay in Saga.

04 August 2026 (Tuesday) Day 12: From Saga to Shigatse, the most common way to get there is by road, usually as part of a longer journey through Tibet. As part of various tour itineraries, the road trip usually lasts one full day. Reach Shigatse, check in to the hotel.

05 August 2026 (Wednesday) Day 13: Early morning, Drive to Gyantse and Gonggar airport, flight to your final destination. (Keep your flight after 1 PM local time in Tibet.