Kailash Tour from Lhasa via Everest Base Camp

Short Itinerary

08 Aug. 2027 Day 01: Fly to Gonggar airport & drive to Lhasa  
09 Aug. 2027 Day 02: Sights in Lhasa including Potala Palace
10 Aug. 2027 Day 03: Drive Lhasa to Shigatse 3782m. - Hotel 
11 Aug. 2027 Day 04: Drive Shigatse to Basong, way to EBC
12 Aug. 2027 Day 05: Drive Basong to Everest B.C. and Saga
13 Aug. 2027 Day 06: Drive New Dongba / Prayang overnight
14 Aug. 2027 Day 07: Drive to Hor and continue drive Darchen
15 Aug. 2027 Day 08: Drive to Yam Dwar, start walk to Dirapuk
16 Aug. 2027 Day 09: Trek to Dolma La 5636m. and Zuthulpuk
17 Aug. 2027 Day 10: Walk to Chongdo and drive Manasarovar 
Full moon night in Manasarovar Lake
18 Aug. 2027 Day 11: Drive from Manasarovar to Saga & stay
19 Aug. 2027 Day 12: Drive from Saga to Shigatse and staying 
20 Aug. 2027 Day 13: Drive Gonggar airport, fly mainland China 

Kailash Tour from Lhasa via Everest Base Camp Itinerary

08 August 2027 (Sunday) Day 01: All Yatri or tourists who arrival Gonggar Xizang Tibet and complete Tibetan immigration formalities will be greeted by our guide outside the immigration counter. Tibetan Khata (white garland), Welcome for all with Tibetan Khata (white garland). Everyone is transported by minibus or bus from the airport to Lhasa city. The journey is 60km and takes about an hour. We enjoy seeing the naked hills, settlements at the bottom of the hills, and agricultural land full of crops on the way. A vegetarian buffet dinner is served at the hotel in the evening, followed by an overnight halt in Lhasa.

Tibet's capital and largest city, Lhasa, has wide roads and sky kissing buildings that make it as attractive as any developed country, and the Dalai Lama's palace is also a must-see. Other attractions in Lhasa include the Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery at Bharkhor Bazaar, Bharkhor Bazaar itself. The altitude of Lhasa City is 3,600 meters above sea level. Check in to hotel in Lhasa, rest and acclimatize today.

09 August 2027 (Monday) Day 02: Breakfast is taken in the hotel in the morning and after breakfast, a local guide takes you on a local sightseeing tour of Lhasa. At a height of 150 meters, the Potala Palace is located in the central part of Lhasa city. A meditative office building and an administrative office building are adjacent to the palace. A red palace symbolizes meditation, while a white palace represents transparent administration. In Tibetan, 'Lhasa' means 'The Land of Gods and Goddesses'. There are different varieties of magical Buddha idols in the Red Palace, while in The White Palace, there are meditation rooms, living rooms, and meeting rooms for foreign guests of the Dalai Lama. Lhasa city is a valley which is also adjacent to 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 Jokhang Monastery at least once in one's lifetime.

The Potala Palace: The palace was built in the 7th century by Songtsan Gampo, and it was expanded by the 5th Dalai Lama to its present size. At this time, it also succeeds in becoming the residing, the main political and religious palace of the Dalai Lama. In addition to living quarters, temples, tomb stupas and monk dormitories, the main palace was divided into two sections: the white palace and the red palace. It is 115.703 meters high with thirteen stories. This palace contains countless cultural relics, including murals, sutras, and images, all of which are valuable. Besides being classified as national treasures, these Tibetan arts and culture are also listed as one of the most important cultural relics to be protected by the state council. In addition to 13th Dalai Lama's entombment, 6th Dalai Lama's entombment remains mysterious and unknown.

According to experts, the ashes of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Dalai Lama were kept safely at Jokhang Monastery after the funeral rites. In the Potala Palace, there are a thousand rooms, out of which 27 are open to the public, such as the Bed Room, Living Room, Study Room, Meeting Room and the Entombment Place of Dalai Lama, the current 14th Dalai Lama, who lives in India since 1959.

10 August 2027 (Tuesday) Day 03: Having spent two nights in Tibet's capital city, Lhasa, our journey to Kailash Manasarovar begins by traveling in our tourist coach. One hour drive from Lhasa takes us to the Brahmaputra River and through its banks, we reach Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. It has fine luxury hotels for lodging and we have arranged a Nepali restaurant for our pilgrims to eat in. This is a huge monastery known as Tashilimphu Monastery. The distance from Lhasa to Shigatse is 271 kilometers and it takes 5 hours to drive there.

11 May 2027 (Wednesday) Day 04: The day will begin with a buffet breakfast, then we'll travel by Lhatse to Basong (also known as Pasum). Today, we cross a high pass that provides spectacular views of the surrounding area as we journey through Tibet. he distances between Shigatse to Lhatse is 160 kilometers. the course of our journey from Lhatse to Basong (also known as Pasum), which is 240km away from Lhatse, we stop for lunch along the way. We drive through high-altitude valleys and mountain passes along the way. As you move toward Basong (Pasum) from Lhatse, you pass through Everest Base Camp North Face. A panorama of the surrounding mountains can be seen from the Gawu La Pass (5,198 m), near Basong and Mount Everest's entrance.

There are five peaks over 8,000 meters in the world, including Mount Everest 8848 meters, Lhotse 8516 meters, Makalu8485 meters, Cho Oyu8201 meters, and Shishapangma 8027 meters. A traditional Tibetan village on Mount Everest's Tibetan side, Basong is home to a number of Tibetans. North Everest Base Camp (EBC), located about 30 kilometers (a 40-minute drive) from this location, offers a great view of Everest's north face. The Tibetan Autonomous Region of China has a few notable rural areas and alpine lakes called Basong and Pasum. The term is commonly used in reference to the beautiful Basum Lake region as well as a remote Tibetan settlement on the Tibet side of Everest.

Everest Base Camp: The north face of Everest Base Camp offers direct, unobstructed views of the mountain's north face and a more remote feel than its south side, providing cultural and high-altitude experiences in Tibet, China. The journey along the Friendship Highway often begins in Lhasa, passes through historic towns and monasteries like the Rongbuk monastery (the world's highest monastery), and culminates at the Base Camp, about 5,150 meters (16,900 feet) above sea level. We cannot sleep around Everest Base Camp due to the high altitude and poorly maintained hotels and lodges.

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12 May 2027 (Thursday) Day 05: We will begin our journey today by driving to the base camp of the North Face of Everest. Mount Kailash is Tibet's culmination of a journey that starts at Everest base camp and continues to Mount Kailash. In the Rongbuk Valley, we will find Everest Base Camp, which is located on the other side of the highway. The Tibetan North Everest Base Camp, framed by a massive glacial valley, lies at the base of Mount Everest's towering North Face. t is possible to see Mount Everest and the snowcapped Himalayas from the 5,120m high Pang La pass. We continue our journey towards Rongbuk, where the Rongbuk Monastery is situated at an altitude of 5100 meters.

The drive to Everest Base Camp (5200 meters) provides a great view of Mount Everest's north face. The Everest Base Camp Tibet (North Face) has spectacular views of Everest's north face, making it one of the world's most popular mountaineering destinations. Following Everest base camp exploration, you can visit old Tingri and Saga by driving through Khu Tso. We can see and cross the Brahmaputra River before reaching Saga bazaar. You will be greeted by Nepali staff members at the hotel once you arrive in Saga, and dinner will be served to you as soon as you check in.

Team Leader, guides staff and food: From Kathmandu, the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra or tour begins Kathmandu -Chengdu - Lhasa or direct flight to Lhasa. The tour is led by Nepali team leader and guide, Kailash Yatri who will only take Lhasa - Kailash - Lhasa directly from mainland China from your home country. The Monterosa staff will be picked up from Lhasa airport for the Kailash Yatri. The city of Lhasa and Shigatse offer delicious vegetarian meals every day at Nepali restaurants and the hotel will provide breakfast as well. Monterosa's staff travels from Kathmandu to Saga, where they meet all Nepalese staff members, including the chef and doctor. A delicious pure vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided from Saga onwards for Kailash Manasarovar Yatri by Monterosa cooking team.

13 August 2027 (Friday) Day 06: A Tibetan / Chinese tourist bus will take you 160 km from Saga to New Dongba in approximately three hours. The drive from New Dongba to Prayang along the G219 National Highway is 95 kilometers, and the bus ride takes two hours. A journey from New Dong to Prayang City usually takes two hours because of the high altitude of the road and the Mayumla Pass. Depending on the availability of hotels, we'll stay in New Dongba or Prayang. Driving between Saga to New Dongba and Prayang will take you across a stark Tibetan plateau. Trans-Himalayans are known for their deep spirituality, nomadic lifestyles, ancient chortens, and colorful prayer flags. Tibet and the Himalayas consider the Brahmaputra River to be sacred geographical and spiritual landmarks. The journey from Saga to New Dongba and Prayang is approximately 255 kilometers and takes about five hours. It is a well-paved, high-altitude highway that traverses the high, arid, and scenic Tibetan plains, but there are some bumps and unpaved sections near towns and during the melting season.

14 August 2027 (Saturday) Day 07: There are 415 kilometers between New Dongba to Darchen, and 255 kilometers between Prayang to Darchen. The drive from Dongba to Darchen takes eight hours, and the drive from Prayang to Darchen takes six hours. The scenic National Highway G219 takes you through small towns, past dramatic landscapes, and past spiritual landmarks. This is an excellent vantage point from which to see the Tibetan plateau, high altitude plains, and distant Himalayan peaks. There is a breathtaking view of the nearby mountains from Mayum La Pass, a mountain pass that is approximately 5,200 meters above sea level. Manasarovar is a turquoise-colored lake high in the Himalayas that attracts pilgrims from all over the world. The Mount Kailash Kora (circumambulation of Mount Kailash) requires acclimatization before beginning. Overnight stay in Darchen.

Mount Kailash: Kailash Parbat is located at 6714 meters above sea level, the height of the sacred religious place. Religious purity is supposed to be at its highest in this region. Prior to the origin of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, it was supposed to be the center of the world. Ramayana and Mahabharata glorify Kailash Parbat. There is no civilization without a description of Kailash Parbat in ancient Asian stories. The Kailash Parbat is situated in Tibet. There is a lack of satisfactory scientific research in this region. It extends from Brahmaputra in the east to Karakoram in the west.

Although they explained Kailash differently, different religious groups like Shaiba, Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon-Po respect it equally. According to traditional Buddhist and Shaiba literature, Kailash lies at the center of Sumeru, the world's center. Hindus believe it is the residence of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati. In the name of Kang Rimpoche, Buddhists revere it. Kailash and Manasarovar are considered great natural Mandalas by Buddhists. For them the Mandala is a symbol of respect and salvation. For this isolated peak the Jains worship it as Astpada. In the same place Rishavadev, the founder of this religion, received spiritual salvation.

Various logics can be used to claim that this Parbat is sacred. From this isolated Parbat, big rivers like the Brahmaputra, the Satlaj, the Indus and the Karnali originate. There are 53 km around Mount Kailash, and pilgrims should walk 38 km within three days, or four days if they combine the Charan Sparsh (Touch Kailash) tour. In Hindu mythology, a person who moves around Kailash Parbat will be free of all sins committed during his or her lifetime. They get Nirvana if they move around the Parbat 108 times. The legend also says that moving Nandi once is equivalent to moving around Kailash 13 times.

The water flowing from Kailash Parvat's snowy tip is worshiped as Ganges, the holy river flowing from Lord Shiva's form. From the side of this monastery, one can see Mount Kailash more clearly. Mount Kailash can be seen between Mount Manjushree at right and Mount Bajrapani at left when viewed from Dirapuk. The Ganges River, which originates from Mount Kailash, meets the Lachhu River and mixes with Rakshas Lake. Rakshas Lake receives water from every river that flows from the Kailash Himalayan Ranges. It is called Karnali because it forms at the junction of Rakshas Lake and Rakshas Lake Junction. Rakshas Lake water escapes through the Karnali River, but Manasarovar water is stored in Lake Manasarovar.

15 August 2027 (Sunday) Day 08: This is the first day of the Kailash Parikrama/Kora from Darchen to Yam Dwar & Dirapuk. Drive to Yam Dwar in the morning and walk to Dirapuk (12 kilometers/4890 meters). From Yam Dwar, we start our Kailash circumambulation [kora] circuit/round/parikrama. Due to the distance of only 6km, the blue bus takes 20 minutes to reach there. The place is also called Yam Dwar. At Yam Dwar, all the pilgrims are offering to Shiva after getting off the bus. After that, we walked around the Yam Dwar three times. The Gate of the God of Death (Yam Dwar) is known as this place in Hinduism. In the shape of a temple, Yam Dwar built it.

There are three bells inside, called Barma, Vishnu and Maheshwar. There are three circuits inside the door of this temple. The first day of Parikrama begins with belling and continuing to walk or ride a pony to Dirapuk. During the pilgrimage on foot, physically handicapped pilgrims pay homage to Kailash Parbat at a distance and return to Darchen because the visit to Yam Dwar is believed to provide equal religious gain as the visit to Kailash Parbat itself. Nepali workers, pilgrims, horses, porters, yaks, and porters are all on this path or trail.

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Yam Dwar in Kailash: As a spiritual gateway, Yam Dwar represents worldly concerns becoming spiritual concerns in some cultures. Yam Dwar, also known as the "Gateway of Death," is where pilgrims begin the sacred circumambulation of Mount Kailash. There is a spiritual significance to this mountain, which is considered a holy site. The Parikrama is the beginning point for pilgrims to circumambulate Mount Kailash, serving as a gateway to spiritual purification and enlightenment on Mount Kailash.

We stopped for lunch after walking along the Lachhu riverside path for three hours. From here, Kailash Parbat can be clearly seen. We can see an elephant-shaped stone below the Parbat. It is believed that God Indra rides on it. We can reach Dirapuk after walking for two hours. Lha Chhu River has a Dirapuk Monastery situated on its banks. Its name is derived from the name of the monastery. It is located at a height of 4900m. above sea level. Seeing Kailash from here is like seeing heaven.

It is estimated that more than 500 pilgrims arrive at Dirapuk every day riding on horseback or walking from Yam Dwar. Some Yatri prefers to take a pony and a porter for the 4 days, (If you wish to take a pony and porter, please inform the Tibetan guide in advance). Today, I have to walk continuously for about five to six hours. All our goods and equipment, as well as your bags, will be carried by Yak. You can see the north face of Mt Kailash from Dirapuk mud house/guesthouse, where you can spend an overnight stay.

Charan Sparsh / Touch Kailash are closed from August 2024: A pilgrim walks for 4 kilometers from Dirapuk to Mount Kailash, also known as Charan Sparsh, after breakfast. It feels as if a blessing has been bestowed upon you from Lord Shiva when you touch the base of Kailash Mountain. During the pilgrimage, the pilgrims offer Pooja to Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. As a day trip from Dirapuk, the return trip takes approximately one hour and a half to two hours.

"Charan" means "feet" and "Sparsh" means "touch". "To touch one's feet" is the meaning behind the two words together. Touching Kailash Parbat's feet has been a tradition since ancient times. The feet receive vibrations from the body, which promotes the flow of energy and blessings, happiness, and success. One feels vigor, self-confidence, and contentment as a result of this exchange of energy. There is a glow emanating from within. Getting a blessing after "Charan Sparsh" is like receiving an invisible amour. Their strength and motivation are provided by them. Dirapuk will be our destination for the second night

16 August 2027 (Monday) Day 09: Walking or horseback riding from Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk. We have to pass Dolma La Pass, which is 5636 meters above sea level today. The weather at Dolma La Pass can be unpredictable, and sometimes snowstorms may occur. Therefore, we should start our journey as early as possible in the morning. Our route passes Ganesh Kund and Gauri Kund lakes. After climbing down the pass, you will reach Shapje Datok and Zuthulpuk monastery. Approximately nine to ten hours are needed to complete the 22KM distance. A mud house in Zuthulpuk will be your home for the night.

Ganesh Kund (Sarovar): It takes about 45 minutes to reach the 5636m Dolma La pass. The holy Ganesh Kund is located on the right-hand side of the walking trail (Kailash circuit). The walking trail is 15 minutes away. There is a Kund in the shape of Lord Ganesh where he bathes.

The Legend of Gauri Kund: he legend of Shiva Purana mentions a story about Gauri Kund or Parvati Kund, which is part of Hindu mythology. In the Puran, Gauri Sarovara is for purifying the mind, body, and speech of Kailash Yatri. Almost all Yatri of Kailash Manasarovar tours include their tour program. Gauri Kund is for holy bath to Goddess Parvati Mata. Gauri Mata had resuscitated her beloved son Ganesh from frothing cleaning agent on her body. During her sacred deep, Ganesh was placed at the path to prevent the unknown from entering. Lord Shiva came to his residence at Mt Kailash at the same time, but Ganesh ji did not recognize it. As a result, Lord Shiva became furious and cut off the kid's head. Mata Parvati became distressed by seeing it and asked Lord Shiva to bring the child back to life so she could regain her son. Kailash tour Yatri is fascinated by this true story.

The Meaning or Significance to visit Gauri Kund: By splashing the Jala on their heads, Kailash Yatri purifies their minds, bodies, and speech during their Parikrama or Kora. For their ancestors to have peace in heaven, they offer TARPANA and Jala (holy water). Their homes are filled with holy water brought from the Kund.

Where is the Gauri Kund Located? on the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra tour, after crossing steep descents of the Dolma La pass, the highest pass, GAURI KUND is located at 5608 meters above sea level, but there is no walking trail, so one has to walk on massif rock.

Holy Hot Springs Place of Traditions: A natural hot spring is located in Chiu Monastery, a monastery located near Lake Manasarovar. There is no doubt that the holy lake itself is a place of cleansing, but the thermal springs at Chiu Gompa are a place for spiritual regeneration and ritualistic bathing. Tibetans protect Manasarovar, which has a small bathhouse and a payment system for bathers.

The Lake of Manasarovar: The Manasarovar Lake, also known as Brahma's Lake or Mapam Yum Tso Lake, is located at an altitude of 4850 meters above sea level. Manas means mind or consciousness and Sarovar means lake. There is a deep spiritual influence and a wide range of religious values among Hindus and Buddhists. It is believed that taking a holy bath in the Lake will purify one's soul and body from sin. This lake is mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures as a must-see place for anyone seeking salvation - the highest level of achievement in Hinduism. There is something very charming about the cascading waves of the Lake in the wind.

Ramayana says that a person who bathes in the pure water of Manasarovar Lake directly reaches heaven after death. The person who drinks the water of this lake recognizes "Shivalok", the palace of Lord Shiva, according to scripture. From Manasarovar Lake, Kailash Parbat is 58 kilometers away. As it flows eastward from Manasarovar Lake, the Brahmaputra River is called the Brahmaputra. There are many people who want to visit Kailash Parbat and Manasarovar Lake at least once in their lives.

During full moon nights, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati bathe in Manasarovar Lake from 2 AM to 4 AM. We can see also stars bathing in this lake every night as well, while Parvati mata is the only one to bathe the other every night. At night, pilgrims are said to be able to live and watch God there if they stay at this place Manasarovar Lake. A Hindu religious book mentions that all Hindus should visit Manasarovar Lake at least once in their lifetime, since it covers a very large area that is pure.

Khojarnath Ram Sita Temple: In a small Tibetan village known as Khojarnath, 85 kilometers south of Lake Mansarovar, is the Khojarnath temple. In the Treta Yuga, Rama, Sita Mata and Lakshmana spent one night here during their pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar. A temple in Khojarnath, built in the seventh century, temple the idols of Rama, Sita Mata and Lakshmana. There is a daily puja here. One can see images of Rama, Sita, and Lakshman in this temple by traveling 170 kilometers from Mansarovar Lake go and back. It takes about 4 hours to make the round trip by car or Jeep. There is a temple in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

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Rakshas Tata (Demon King Ravana Lake) Sarovar: Hindu tradition has given this lake its name Rakshas. Carnivorous monsters are believed to hide in the dark waters by Hindus. This belief led people to call it Rakshas Tal and stay away from this lake, considering it a symbol of dark and destructive forces. Tradition has it that the water of this lake is poisonous and fatal. In order to replace the poisonous water of this lake, a tunnel was built from Manasarovar Lake. In this lake, there is pure water and a golden fish. The lake's negative reputation changed and people began to go nearer to it, but they still don't drink the water.

This lake was meditated in by Ravana during the Treta Yug, according to Hindu mythology. To the west of Manasarovar Lake is Rakshas Lake. The altitude is 4,540 meters above sea level. There are many birds in Manasarovar, including ducks, but none in Rakshas Lake.

Guest house in Manasarovar: Yatri staying overnight at the Chiu monastery below can stay in the guesthouse or in mud houses. The Chiu Gompa (or Chiu Monastery) is a sacred Tibetan Buddhist monastery on a steep rocky outcrop overlooking Lake Manasarovar in western Tibet. Located just 500 meters from Kailash and Manasarovar Lakes, this ancient meditation cave of Guru Rinpoche is a popular stop on the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.

17 August 2027 (Tuesday) Day 10. A cup of tea or coffee and a light breakfast are served in Zuthulpuk, followed by three hours of walking to Chongdo and a drive to Darchen. The village of Barga (also known as Barkha) is a major crossroad in the western Tibetan region of Ngari Prefecture. There is a junction about 22 kilometers south of Darchen where Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Purang, Chiu Monastery, and Hor come together. A Manasarovar Kora journey starts at Barga village followed by Hor, Top Hills where Rakshas Lake and Manasarovar Lake can be seen, and Chiu Gompas can also be seen. On the way up the top hills to Chiu Monastery, you'll be able to see eight Buddhist monasteries as well as Rakshas Lake and Manasarovar Lake. The holy dips in Lake Manasarovar will cease to be available to pilgrims after 2018 AD.

Rudrabhishek: The evening or morning before the full moon is an auspicious time in Manasarovar as Nepali Braman Pandits perform Rudrabhishek rituals and offer Hawan.

As pilgrims make their way to the lake, they will receive holy water and have the opportunity to take holy baths. There are three rituals performed at the shrine: Rudrabhishek, Rudra Hawan, and Aarti Pooja, all performed by Nepalese pandits. A Shiva Lingam is ritually bathed in sacred liquids while powerful mantras are chanted during Rudrabhishek, a sacred Vedic ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva. The recitation of the Sri Rudram alongside the recitation of panchamrit and Manasarovar Jaal are key elements in this ritual. A full moon night is considered auspicious and spiritually powerful for visiting Lake Manasarovar by Hindus. The full moon's reflection on the lake's surface is said to give pilgrims and visitors deep spiritual experiences. Manasarovar Lake will reflect the lights reflected in the moonlight during the evening when the full moon shines. Full Moon Night in Manasarovar Lake.

18 August 2027 (Wednesday) Day 11: The Manasarovar Kora can be completed by driving Chiu Gompa to Barga Village, which is 10 km away from Manasarovar Lake. Seeing Mount Kailash and Holy Lake Manasarovar is the last stop on the way back to Kathmandu from Hor Place. The route from Hor Place to Saga Bazaar goes through Prayan, New Dongba, and then Saga Bazaar.

19 August 2027 (Thursday) Day 12: Drive from Saga to Shigatse This is a great place to stay overnight.

20 August 2027 (Friday) Day 13: Drive to Gonggar airport via Gyantse and fly back to mainland China and continue final destination.