Kathmandu Lhasa Kailash Tour
Trip Overview
Overview
The Kathmandu Lhasa Kailash tour is an exhilarating and awe-inspiring journey that takes cyclists through some of the most enchanting landscapes in the world. Covering approximately 1,100 kilometers, this once-in-a-lifetime adventure spans across the majestic terrains of Tibet and Nepal, offering an extraordinary fusion of culture, history, and nature. The trip commences in Lhasa, the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, where cyclists have the opportunity to explore iconic landmarks like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple before embarking on their two-wheeled expedition. As the journey unfolds, participants traverse high-altitude plateaus, meander through quaint Tibetan villages, and pedal alongside emerald lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The route challenges riders with varying terrains, from smooth asphalt roads to rugged mountain trails, demanding both physical endurance and mental fortitude. Along the way, cyclists get treatment with panoramic vistas of the Himalayas, including breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, the world's highest peak. The cultural encounters are equally enriching, as cyclists interact with local Tibetan and Nepalese communities, witnessing their unique way of life, traditions, and warm hospitality. Nights are spent in traditional guesthouses or camping under the star-studded skies, fostering a profound connection with nature and the region's spiritual essence. The highlight of the tour is the crossing of the formidable Friendship Bridge, symbolizing the transition from Tibet into Nepal. The landscape dramatically transforms as riders descend into the lush valleys of Nepal, passing through picturesque hamlets, terraced rice fields, and verdant forests. Throughout the journey, experienced guides provide valuable insights into the history, religion, and ecology of the region, enhancing the overall cultural experience. Safety remains a top priority, and support vehicles accompany cyclists, offering assistance, refreshments, and carrying luggage.Conclusion and Summary
The Kathmandu to Lhasa Kailash tour is an unparalleled adventure that allows cyclists to immerse themselves in the grandeur of the Himalayas, appreciate the spirituality of Tibetan Buddhism, and witness the rich tapestry of local cultures. It is an extraordinary escapade that leaves participants with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the natural and cultural wonders that this part of the world has to offer.Trip Highlight
- Total 53 km Kailash Parikrama / Kora/round, 38 km must be walk/trek from Yam Dwar to Chongdo. There is no any car/bus and jeep service available. So, everybody should walk or ride horse. It is also possible to hire pony and local porter for 3 days.
- Your passport must have at least 6 months or more validation from travel date.
- Though popular as Shiva’s abode, we cannot see any temple of Lord Shiva but at Khojarnath there is the temple of Lord Ram, Sita & Laxman in Khojarnath. You can see Rashes Lake one the way from to going Darchen.
- We provide Pressure checking machine, Oxygen level checking machine, enough oxygen bottle, Mask-regulator & Medicine Diamox (Latitude medicine) for safe journey.
- Visit World’s famous monasteries and Potala palace in Tibet
- Driving Lhasa to Darchen is well and fine black road, same way back to Lhasa
- Crossing highest pass Dolma La /Dorma La 3636m. While Kailash Parikrama/Rounding
- Exploring of Manasarovar lake and surrounding 102km by blue bus
Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu, you are welcomed by the hospitable meeting and then you will be transferred to your hotel.
Stay overnight at hotel.
(Tips: since the processing of China Group Visa takes at least 3-business days, you are advised to arrive earlier in Kathmandu and give your original passport and personal photo and visa fee to our staff in Kathmandu and fill out the application form in-time.)
The day starts with a tour of Kathmandu City, and takes in the famous Kathmandu Durbar Square. The most famous square in the city, the Durbar Square is the Royal Palace square in the city, and is surrounded by ancient buildings from the early 16th century. The magnificent architecture, exquisite decorations, and the intensity of historical items gives a great insight into Nepali culture.
You then continue the tour with a visit to the Swayambhunath Pagoda, which is one of the oldest Buddhist sites in Nepal. Swayambhunath is a huge golden stupa festooned with prayer flags that flutter in the breeze, on a hill that overlooks the entire city. Then it is on to Patan City, the second largest city in the Kathmandu Valley area. Patan City has one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Nepal that dates back to the 12th century, and is a great place to explore the Buddhist culture of Nepal.
Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
You will also get to go further afield in Nepal, to visit the ancient Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in Asia, and a focal point for Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Set on the banks of the Baghmati River, Pashupatinath is one of Nepal’s famous UNESCO sites, and the sunset over the temple roofs is spectacular.
Another great place to see is Boudhanath, located on the ancient trade route. It is a place of meditation and part of the spiritual journey around Kathmandu. With one of the largest stupas in the world, it has been the site of many Tibetan prayers over the centuries. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the last place to visit for the day, with its pagoda and shikhara temples strewn around the royal palace. The square really highlights the ancient building arts of Nepal.
Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Taking direct flight from Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Upon your arrival in Lhasa, our Tibetan guide will be greeting you at airport with auspicious white Hada. Then you will be transferred to hotels in Lhasa. The guide will briefly introduce the itineraries and remind you about other dos and dont’s for newcomers. To quickly get acclimatized to Tibetan plateau, it’s better to have a good rest in the hotel.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
Today’s tour will first bring you to the Potala Palace which is the winter palace of the Dalai lama. It was put to use since the 7th Century by the 33rd great king of Tibet. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.
Then after lunch, tourists head to Jokhang Temple which was founded by the 33rd great king of Tibet in the 7th century. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market. Besides, we can taste Tibetan tea with locals in tea house.
Optional:
With time permitting, you may go with tour guide to visit Tibetan handicraft art or Tibetan Traditional Medicine center. You can upgrade your service to enjoy Tibetan Culture Show in the evening (fr. 60USD).
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
In the morning, you are going to visit Drepung Monastery which was one of the “Great Three” Gelug Monasteries of Tibet and was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choge, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. Ganden palace is used as Dalai Lama’s palace in the Drepung before moving to the Potala Palace.
In the afternoon, you will visit Sera Monastery which is another one of the “Great Three” Gelug Monasteries of Tibet and founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. The highlight is the monks’ debate at around 3 – 5 in the afternoon.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
In the morning, drive from Lhasa to Shigatse. On the way, drive over the Gampala Pass(4790m), and you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso(4400m). The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar(7191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa .
Later, we will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside. At Manak Dam Lake, you can hang pray flag at Simila Mountain Pass. Then, we will arrive in Gyantse, historically Tibet’s third largest city (after Lhasa and Shigatse). In Gyantse, we will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum and enjoy the Far view of Gyangtse Fortress.
After one and a half driving, we arrive in Shigatse, which is the second largest city in Tibet. In Shigatse, we may visit traditional Barley Mill and view the landscape of Barley Field (in summer).
Stay overnight in Shigatse.
In the morning, we will visit the home of Panchan Lama – Tashilunpo Monastery. Then, we’ll leave Shigatse after getting your Alien’s travel permit, and then drive to Lhatse, it is a small town where you can have lunch.
After that, we will pass Tsola Pass(4600m), and Gyatsola Pass(5248m). Shortly after we enter Mt. Everest National Nature Reserve, tourists can enjoy the panorama of Himalaya at Gawula Pass(5198m). Then we drive along the New zigzag road to Everest Base Camp(5200m). You can get closer to gaze at the Mt. Everest peak. The sunset of golden Everest peak if time and weather permits at the lodging area.
Stay overnight at tent or Rongbuk monastery guest house.
In the morning, we can enjoy the sunrise of Everest Peak at lodging area if weather permits. Then as we head to Saga, you can view the worlds’14th highest peak Mt.Shishapangma(8012m), and turquoise Lake Peiku tso(4590m). If you are lucky enough, you are very likely to see wild animals like wild donkey, wild antelope, etc.
Stay overnight in Saga.
On the way to Darchen, you will have a chance to appreciate the stunning view of the Saga valley between Gangdise Range and Himayala Range. Meanwhile, the beautiful grassland and local’s villages can also be seen. As we cross the Mayomla Pass(5112m), you can enjoy the spectacular vista of Mt. Naimonanyi(7694m). Then we are supposed to pass by the holy Lake Manasarover and finally arrive at the southern foot of Mt.Kailash, the most holy mountain in Tibet.
Stay overnight in Darchen.
In the morning, we are supposed to take eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung valley. Then we will meet Yaks and porters at Sarshung village. (the cost of hiring yaks, horses, and porters are not included in the package) After that, we can begin the trek (around 13km) from Sarshung to Drirapuk Monastery along the Lachu valley and rivers. You can enjoy the both west and north face of Mountain Kailash today. Finally, we will visit Drirapuk Monastery.
Stay overnight in guest house.
Today, we will trek over Dromala Pass(5630m), the highest pass of the Kora. On the way you can have a rest in a teahouse. All the way, you can see locals Tibetans prostrating in the Kora path and beautiful Kadoe Lake when walk downhill. We may also visit Zutulpuk Monastery.
Stay overnight in guest house.
On the day three of the kora. you will trek 7km to Zongto where you can take bus to Darchen. Along the Kora, you can see piles of Mani Stones. We will end the Trek around noon, rest in the lodging place.
(Optional): Taking bath in Lake Manasarova and enjoy hot spring.
Stay overnight in Tarchen.
Drive from Darchen to Saga via Lake Manasorovar.
Stay overnight in Saga.
Drive from Saga to Sakya.
Stay overnight in Sakya.
In the morning, we will visit ancient Sakya town and you can tour Sakya Monastery with amazing murals and huge collection of scriptures and statues.Then we are about to drive from Sakya to Shigatse.
Stay overnight in Shigatse.
We will follow Yalong Valley back to Lhasa. On the way, you can stand on the viewing platform to view the vast Yalong River bed and visit Water Mill making Tibetan Incense material (in summer, if time permits). Drop off at hotel in Lhasa.
Stay overnight in Lhasa.
The guide will transfer you to the airport or train station and help you get on board.
Departures & Availability
The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.
Check Available Dates
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All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.
Price include
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Tibet travel permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet;
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All entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary;
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Personal knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide;
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Personal comfortable, clean and safe vehicle with reliable Tibetan local driver; vehicle ranging from 4WD land cruiser to minibus depending on your group size;
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All lodging listed in the itinerary; it’s your decision about the accommodation class: luxury 5-star international hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economic 3-star hotel or budget hostel, guesthouse or tent. Please tell us your accommodation preference when submitting the enquiry; we will arrange the best-value hotels for you.
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Domestic flight/train tickets listed in the itinerary;
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All meals listed in the above itinerary;
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Tourist accident/casualty insurance;
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First aid kit;
Price Excludes
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International flight to and out of China;
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Chinese visa (Note: we could help you with the Chinese visa application, like providing the invitation letter, presenting the hotel or domestic flight reservation copies, etc that you may need. )
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Domestic flight/train not listed in the itinerary. (We can provide you the domestic flight/train ticket booking service at the BEST discount price; please contact us our travel experts for the details.)
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Meals not specified in the itinerary; usually it costs about USD3-15 per person for one meal in TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region).
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Tips and gratitude to tour guide and driver;
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Personal expenses, like laundry, phone call, snacks, soft drinks (please do the best to avoid the alcoholic beverages during your Tibet trip), optional tour activities, etc.
Gears And Equipment
Trip Information
An awesome tour of Nepal and Tibet, this 18-day trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa and Mount Kailash by flight is the ultimate in pilgrimage tours of the Himalayas. Taking you from the intense beauty of the Kathmandu Valley to the stunning City of Sunshine and the sacred pilgrimage destination of Mount Kailash, you will be left breathless with wonder.
Starting in the exotic capital of Nepal, you will spend the first days exploring the Hindu and Buddhist temples of Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Pashupatinath, as well as the royal Durban squares in Patan and Bhaktapur. Then you travel to Lhasa on the short 90-minute flight to explore this stunning city’s amazing attractions. Visit the sacred Jokhang Temple and climb to the iconic Potala Palace. Then travel overland through Shigatse to EBC, before heading northwards to Darchen and the sacred Mount Kailash. Here, you can take the trek around the pilgrim’s kora route, the toughest trek in Tibet.
Kathmandu Lhasa Kailash Tour Route Map
Gallery
FAQS
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Traveler Reviews
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