Luxury Lhasa to Mt. Kailash Manasarovar with EBC and Kathmandu  - 14 days

We arrive in Lhasa, the ancient capital of Tibet and former residence of the Dalai Lama. We can reach here either by a trans-Himalayan flight from Kathmandu or by air or train from mainland China. The flight from Nepal offers stunning views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other Himalayas. The overland journey from China reveals the vast terrain of the Tibetan Plateau. Upon arrival, our Himalayan Glacier representative will receive us and escort us to the hotel—about an hour’s drive into the city. The rest of the day is free for acclimatization and rest. 

Our tour of Lhasa begins with a guided visit to the majestic Potala Palace, an architectural masterpiece rising 13 stories above the city and once the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon, we visit the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism, regarded by pilgrims as the most sacred temple in Tibet. The day concludes with a walk along Barkhor Street, where pilgrims circle the temple while spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras.

Today, after breakfast we explore Lhasa with visits to two of its most influential monasteries. We begin at Drepung Monastery, once the world’s largest monastic university and the former residence of the Dalai Lamas before the Potala Palace. In the afternoon, we explore Sera Monastery, famous for its debating courtyard where monks engage in animated philosophical arguments—a dynamic form of learning and spiritual exchange unique to Tibetan Buddhism.

Today we drive from Lhasa to Shigatse. Along the way, we enjoy stunning views of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s holy lakes, and cross the Karo La Pass with its impressive glaciers close to the road. We stop at Gyantse to visit the Pelkor Chode Monastery and the famous Kumbum Stupa, known for its many chapels and beautiful paintings. After exploring Gyantse, we continue our drive through valleys and highlands before reaching Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, where we spend the night.

In the morning, we visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the historic residence of the Panchen Lama. Then we continue our drive through Tingri towards Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. From here we continue to the Tibetan side of Everest Base Camp (5,100m) to witness the breathtaking sunset over Mt. Everest.

We wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over Mt. Everest as the first light touches the world’s highest peak. After this experience, we set out on a long drive across the vast Tibetan plateau, passing high passes, scattered villages, and sweeping grasslands on our way to Saga.

We begin our day with a long but scenic drive from Saga towards Lake Manasarovar (4,590m/15,060ft), passing through the small town of Paryang and the vast landscapes of the Tibetan plateau. Along the way, we are treated to sweeping views of mountains, high-altitude plains, and nomadic settlements. By late afternoon, we catch our first glimpse of the majestic Mount Kailash.

We start the day with a Havan Puja at Lake Manasarovar, a sacred ritual believed to purify the soul and bring blessings for the journey ahead. After the puja, we drive to Darchen (4,575m/15,010ft), the gateway to Mount Kailash. On the way, we stop briefly at Lake Rakshastal, a beautiful but mysterious lake said to represent negative energy in Hindu mythology.

On arrival in Darchen, we check into our hotel and get ready for the Kailash Parikrama. For easier transport during the trek, 3 to 4 travelers will share one duffle bag. We stay overnight here, ready to start the Parikrama the next day.

Our spiritual yatra around Mount Kailash begins today. After breakfast, we drive to Yam Dwar, the “Gateway of the God of Death,” where our trek officially starts. As we walk alongside Tibetan and Indian pilgrims, we move beneath towering rock cliffs and follow the Lha Chu River. Soon, the North Face of Mount Kailash comes into view — its pyramid-like summit revered by Buddhists as the home of Buddha Demchok and by Hindus as the sacred residence of Lord Shiva.

By late afternoon, we reach Dherapuk Monastery (4,900m / 16,076ft). From here, we take a short 45-minute walk to Charan Sparsh, which means “Touch of the Feet” in Sanskrit. This holy site, located at the base of Mount Kailash’s north face, is revered by pilgrims as a deeply spiritual place for offering prayers, meditation, and seeking blessings.

We spend the night at Dherapuk, surrounded by the divine energy and serene beauty of the Himalayas.

Today marks the most challenging and spiritually significant day of the Kailash Kora (Parikrama). We begin our trek early in the morning for the steep ascent to Dolma-La Pass (5,636m) — the highest point of the entire Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. It is believed that crossing this sacred pass symbolizes the death of one’s ego and the beginning of spiritual rebirth.

Just below the pass lies Gauri Kund, also known as the Lake of Compassion, revered in Hindu tradition as the site where Goddess Parvati, the divine consort of Lord Shiva, is said to have bathed.

After crossing Dolma-La, we descend carefully into the Zutulphuk Valley, surrounded by breathtaking, tranquil landscapes. The downhill trail requires patience and balance, and by evening, we arrive at Zutulphuk Monastery (4,835m / 15,860ft). This sacred site is associated with the tantric yogi Milarepa, who is believed to have meditated here in a cave.

We spend the night at a guesthouse, reflecting on the day’s profound experiences. This day is not only a test of physical endurance but also a deeply spiritual journey, bringing us closer to the divine presence of Mount Kailash.

On the final day of the Kailash Parikrama (Kora), we begin with a 3-hour walk from Zutulphuk to the designated pick-up point, where our driving team will be waiting to continue the journey. After completing the walk, we drive to Saga, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way.

By evening, we arrive in Saga and check into our hotel to rest and relax after the pilgrimage. This marks the end of the Parikrama, giving us time to relax and remember the special journey.

After breakfast, we begin our journey back from Saga to Rasuwa Gadhi border, covering approximately 270-300 km over 5-6 hours by bus. We may stop briefly for refreshments and photos. Upon reaching the Rasuwa Gadhi border, we will complete all immigration and customs formalities to exit Tibet and enter Nepal.

 We continue our journey to  Kathmandu, covering another 150-160 km over 6-7 hours by jeep. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel, and rest after the long journey.

This day is reserved as a contingency day to accommodate any unexpected delays during the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, such as weather issues, road conditions, or border formalities.

If not required, we can use this day to explore some of Kathmandu’s most significant spiritual sites. We can visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Shiva shrines in the world; Guhyeshwari Temple, an important Shaktipeeth revered for its deep tantric and goddess traditions; and Budhanilkantha, known for its iconic reclining Vishnu statue.

In the evening, we celebrate the successful completion of our sacred journey with a delightful farewell dinner at an authentic Nepalese restaurant in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, a representative from Himalayan Glacier will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. As our sacred journey to Mount Kailash and the Himalayas comes to an end, you return home carrying the divine blessings of Lord Shiva, cherished memories of your pilgrimage, and a deep sense of peace and spiritual fulfillment that will stay with you forever.