Mount Kailash reflected in Lake Mansarovar with prayer flags
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Tibet · via Lhasa · SW-KMY-260831

Kailash Mansarovar

The Supreme Pilgrimage

Dates

31 Aug – 10 Sep 2026

Duration

11 · 10 Nights

Route

Kathmandu → Kathmandu

Availability

12 seats · limited availability

From

On request

The Journey

The 48 km Kailash Kora over two days, with acclimatisation in Lhasa and a scenic overland approach to Lake Mansarovar.

The supreme pilgrimage of the subcontinent. We enter Tibet via Lhasa for two nights of proper acclimatisation, drive westward across the Tibetan plateau over three days — through Shigatse and Saga — to Lake Mansarovar for snan at first light, and complete the 48 km Kailash Kora over two days including the Dolma La crossing. We exit smoothly by flying Ali/Purang → Lhasa → Kathmandu. Medical support and full ground crew travel with the group.

Postcards

A glimpse from the road

Moments captured along the Kailash Mansarovar yatra — shrines, faces, first light, the long way home.

Mount Kailash — the sacred peak in western Tibet
Mount Kailash — the sacred peak in western Tibet
Lake Manasarovar shimmering below the plateau
Lake Manasarovar shimmering below the plateau
Potala Palace rising above Lhasa
Potala Palace rising above Lhasa

Day by Day

The Itinerary

A detailed breakdown of each day's yatra — where you sleep, what's on the table, and how far you travel.

  1. Day 1

    Arrival & Orientation

    Kathmandu (1,400m)

    Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to Hyatt Centric or similar. Optional evening visit to Pashupatinath and Thamel.

  2. Day 2

    Fly to Lhasa & Acclimatise

    Kathmandu → Lhasa (3,650m)

    Scenic Himalayan flight into Lhasa. Gentle introduction to the city to aid acclimatisation.

  3. Day 3

    Lhasa Sightseeing

    Lhasa

    Norbulingka gardens, the Potala Palace, and Sera Monastery — temples, debates, and timeless traditions.

  4. Day 4

    Drive to Shigatse

    Lhasa → Shigatse (3,900m)

    5–6 hours (275 km) westward across the plateau to Tibet's second city.

  5. Day 5

    Drive to Saga

    Shigatse → Saga (4,400m)

    7–8 hours (450 km) deeper into western Tibet's vast plains and distant snow peaks.

  6. Day 6

    First Glimpse of the Sacred Lake

    Saga → Lake Mansarovar

    8–9 hours (470 km) to Chiu Gompa on the shore of Mansarovar. Overnight Spring Hotel Chui or similar.

  7. Day 7

    Rituals at Mansarovar & Drive to Darchen

    Mansarovar → Darchen (4,700m)

    Sacred ceremonies by the holy lake at sunrise, then 1 hour (40 km) drive to Darchen.

  8. Day 8

    Kailash Kora — Trek to Dirapuk

    Darchen → Dirapuk

    14 km trek (5–6 hrs) in the shadow of the sacred mountain to Dirapuk guesthouse.

  9. Day 9

    Dolma La Crossing to Zuthulpuk

    Dirapuk → Zuthulpuk → Darchen

    22 km (9–10 hrs) over the Dolma La — the sacred threshold — continuing to Zuthulpuk and driving back to Darchen for the night.

  10. Day 10

    Return Across Tibet

    Drive to Ali/Purang → Fly to Lhasa

    Transfer to Ali Kunsha / Purang airport and fly back to Lhasa. Overnight Hampton by Hilton Lhasa or similar.

  11. Day 11

    Fly Back Home

    Lhasa → Kathmandu

    Fly to Kathmandu and onward home, carrying Kailash within.

Included

  • 10 nights accommodation at double occupancy
  • All Tibet permits, visas & documentation
  • Kathmandu–Lhasa & Ali/Purang–Lhasa–Kathmandu flights
  • All ground transport in Tibet
  • All meals through the pilgrimage
  • Experienced Tibetan guide & Juniper trip leader
  • Support and cooking crew in separate vehicle
  • GST (5%)

Not Included

  • Flights to and from Kathmandu
  • Personal trekking gear
  • Emergency evacuation insurance (mandatory)
  • Optional yak / porter support on the Kora
  • Tips and personal expenses

Good to Know

Physical demand

Difficulty 4/5 — two trekking days at altitude

Group size

12 pilgrims maximum

Best for

Fit yatris, ages 18–65 with Indian passport

Altitude

Peak crossing of the Dolma La pass

Right for You?

Who this yatra is for

A carefully paced journey for pilgrims who want depth without discomfort — scholar-led, small-group, and quietly looked after from arrival to farewell.

Who Can Join

Suited to devotees, seniors, families, and thoughtful travellers who value ritual, scholarship, and the company of a small group.

Challenges to Expect

Mountain roads, temple queues, and occasional altitude. We plan for weather, medical support, and rest days so the pace stays humane.

Fitness Expectations

For treks at altitude, three to four weeks of light cardio and daily walks are ideal. We share a preparation guide once you reserve.

Questions

Frequently Asked

Reserve a Seat

Kailash Mansarovar

31 Aug – 10 Sep 2026

12 seats · limited availability · On request

Private departures · Family groups · Custom pacing all welcome