Key Information
Mount Kailash is known as the holy mountain of Tibet and the spiritual universe’s centre to millions of Tibetans. The mountain is one of the world’s most elusive and exotic pilgrimage sites, and because of its remote location on the plateau, it’s only visited by a few thousand pilgrims per year.
At Responsible Adventures, we are experts in the area and are happy to provide a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage for individuals, groups, and families. We start the trip with a few days of touring Lhasa’s capital city and local towns of Gyantse and Shigatse, which is an experience in itself and helps to acclimatize you for the journey ahead.
We then drive out to Mount Kailash, hopefully arriving at Darchen or Lake Manasarovar on a full moon day, which are the best days to visit Mount Kailash because of the auspicious nature of the full moon in many cultures.
As with all our treks, you are accompanied by an expert trek leader during your excursion, as well as trekking chefs who ensure you are fed the healthiest and best food throughout, and your trip is not only safe but also fun.
We are pioneers in culinary trekking in the Himalayas. We provide a varied, exciting menu on treks throughout the Himalayas. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals can be catered for upon request, and other special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.
Trekking is not only fun, but it is beneficial for you. It helps in detoxifying the body while also nourishing the soul. Although to provide a better experience, we also tailor our meals to include superfoods as part of the ingredients to keep you fit and healthy while also assisting in acclimatization to high altitudes. The combination of hiking in the pristine mountain air and healthy food makes trekking with us a complete adventure. Read More on Food and nutrition on our treks.
Our airport representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel—the remainder of the afternoon/evening at leisure.
You have a day of sightseeing, and some last-minute purchases for the trip as our Tibet travel permits get processed today.
This morning we are driven to the airport for the flight to Lhasa. We will book you on the same flight with everyone because you must arrive in Tibet together due to the group permit.
You will be on one of the best mountain flights in the world. The flight path takes us along the eastern Himalayas and traverses into the Tibetan plateau between mount Everest and Makalu. You will be transferred to the city on arrival at Lhasa Airport. It would help if you took it slow and easy when you arrived in Lhasa due to the high altitude. Overnight Hotel Altitude: 3670 meters.
The following two days are scheduled to absorb the rich and ancient cultural history of Lhasa. We visit the Jokhang, Norbulingka (the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama), and the grand Potala Palace. We also see the nearby Drepung and Sera monasteries. Barkhor, The Old City of Lhasa, was built around the most sacred temple in Tibet, the Jokhang.
Overnight Hotel, Altitude: 3670 meters
The following two days are scheduled to absorb the rich and ancient cultural history of Lhasa. We visit the Jokhang, Norbulingka (the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama), and the grand Potala Palace. We also see the nearby Drepung and Sera monasteries. Barkhor, The Old City of Lhasa, was built around the most sacred temple in Tibet, the Jokhang.
Overnight Hotel, Altitude: 3670 meters
Today we commence our drive across the mountainous Tibetan plateau towards Kailash. The journey from Lhasa to Darchen, the base of the Kailash, is approximately 1300kms. The newly imposed lower speed limit on the highways outside of Lhasa gives us plenty of time to take in the remarkable views! We drive down the Kyichu Valley from Lhasa to the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) before ascending to the Khamba La – Pass at 4900m. In the forefront, the views are exceptional of the vast freshwater Yamdrok Tsho or Turquoise Lake; to the south, the snow-capped range merges with the main Himalayan chain. We drive along the lake before crossing the Karo La- pass at 5200 meters to reach Gyantse. Finally, we visit the tremendous octagonal chorten, the Kumbum (or Pango Chorten). It was built in 1444 on a scale of four levels, each holding separate chapels. Note: While we attempt to stick to the printed itinerary, travel in Tibet is unpredictable by nature, and a flexible plan is always required.
Drive: 290km, 8-9hours. Overnight: Gyantse Hotel or similar. Altitude: 3,900m
We visit the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse. It was founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama. The abbot of Tashilhunpo has been called the Panchen Lama (literally meaning ‘The Great Scholar’) since the fifth Dalai Lama’s time in 1642. The Panchen Lama became the chief spiritual and temporal adviser over time. Drive: 90km, 3 hours Altitude: 3800 meters. Overnight Hotel.
We head west across the Tibetan plateau to the trading town of Saga from Shigatse. The drive to Kailash is a spectacular but demanding adventure through the roof of the world. Roads in Tibet have improved tremendously since the new highway was constructed. As a result, you might find the road conditions different from what you are used to back home. They can be very slow-moving, but this is all part of the adventure in this remote part of the Himalayas. However, the journey used to be even slower in bone-wrecking conditions before the year 2010.
Drive: 450km, 9-10 hours Altitude: 4500m Overnight: Saga Hotel or similar
The drive today is demanding. First, we will pass through the settlement of Pharyang before crossing several sandy sections en route to Chiu Gompa on the shores of Lake Mansarovar. This is our stop for the night.
Drive: 240km, 5 hours Altitude: 4,600m Overnight: basic guesthouse/lodge.
Today’s drive is short this morning, so there is no rush. Instead, we can take our time to enjoy the truly spectacular views of Lake Manasarovar, also called Mapam Yumtso. This high-altitude freshwater lake is fed by snowmelt from the Kailash and Gurla Mandata Glaciers near Mount Kailash. The lake is revered as a sacred site in four religions, namely Bön, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
We continue on the last section of this unforgettable and epic journey after soaking up the magnificent views of the Himalayas by driving across the widespread Tibetan plateau to Darchen, a small village in Purang County. Darchen is located right in front of the divine mountain, Mount Kailash. It is the starting point for pilgrimages in the region.
Drive: 40km, 1-hour Altitude: 4,575m Overnight Hotel.
We begin our circumambulation – the ‘kora,’ around the base of Mount Kailash. We follow the pilgrims’ steps, leading us past a dome outcrop known as “Gateway”, from where the valley widens below the Dri Puk Monastery. Please note that the accommodation during the trek is basic; after the government’s ban on camping, there are no alternatives.
Drive: 30 minutes. Trek: 6 hours Altitude: 5,000m Overnight: basic local lodge (no single supplement availability)
Today, we trek the second stage and climb to the top of Dolma La – pass 5600 meters. The trail passes an area referred to as Shive Tsho, marked by an extensive collection of discarded clothing. This is where pilgrims are said to undertake a symbolic death by leaving an old clothing item while proceeding to the pass. The final 200m climb to the pass is not extremely difficult. The pilgrims pay homage to the gods of the pass for a safe journey and good weather when they reach the top. It is an extraordinary moment to reach the top at any time of the year. Finally, we head down the valley to the small monastery of Zutul Puk. The place known as the miracle cave signifies the spot where the famous Buddhist teacher Milarepa performed miracles in a contest with the high priest of the Bon Po, the original animistic religion of Tibet predating Buddhism. Milarepa won the competition but permitted the Bon Po devotees to continue their pilgrimage around Mt Kailash.
Trek: 10 hours walking Altitude: 4900 meters. Overnight: basic local lodge (no single supplement availability)
It is 4 hours from Zutul Puk to the open plains and past the lines of mani walls and prayer flags, back to the small town of Darchen. We have the afternoon to savour our final views of Kailash. We are reminded of the holiness of this area for the countless pilgrims that venture here each year. Finally, we have a long drive to Saga.
Drive: 8-10 hours drive Trek: 3 hours Altitude: 4,575m Overnight Hotel
Today we head for the border town of Kyirong. It is a seven-hour drive to the border town from Saga. The Chinese government opened this new route to ensure that trade between Nepal and China could continue smoothly. The border post was opened to tourists in 2017, allowing travel along this legendary overland route to recommence. This road will surely add to the sense of adventure as it crosses new parts of tourism to both Tibet and Nepal.
Drive: 7 hours Altitude: 4,130m Overnight Hotel
We cross the border into Nepal today and complete our journey from Lhasa via the Langtang region. It is a fitting end to an epic overland journey.
Drive: 160 km, 6 hours Altitude: 1330m Overnight Hotel
International departure. You will be driven to the Tribhuvan International airport three hours before your international flight.
Despite the exceptional circumstances in which we find ourselves at the moment, we don’t want you to give up your holiday – and we want you to be able to book your trip without any worries.
To provide additional security for your booking, we have introduced a new rebooking and cancellation policy so that you can easily rebook or cancel your trip free of charge if the worst comes to the worst.
For new bookings made between May 10th 2021, and December 31st 2022, you may cancel your complete package (activities, hotels, tours, excl. flight) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure and get 100% of your money back. However, to stay flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.
Stay flexible with our new rebooking service until shortly before your departure. For new bookings made between May 10th and December 31st, 2022, you may rebook your package (activities, hotels, tours) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure (subject to availability). Rebooking is only allowed once, and you must inform us 30 days before your planned departure. Any additional costs incurred due to changes in your schedule or upgrades, such as additional fees in high season or upgrades to your accommodation, will still apply. To remain flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.
Trek FAQ
Most of our clients have completed their treks from 3 years old to some in their 70s with almost no exercise or training.
Do you offer hotel/airport pick-up?
We offer hotel and airport pick-up. As you continue with your booking, there will be an option to input flight details or hotel names.
Do I need a visa?
Four documents are required if you want to travel to Tibet freely.
What should I bring on a Trek?
Being adequately equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip, please see our Clothing and Equipment Guide.
Also, see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.
If you have more questions, please check this article to reference equipment to pack or contact us.
Is this trip safe for solo/female/LGBT+/minority/POC travelers?
You are safe as long as you respect the culture, do not show affection in public, and dress decently (this won’t pose too much problem as you will be covered up in layers to stay warm).
Here are some helpful articles:
Am I too old to go trekking?
Arriving at Kathmandu airport.
Should I bring cash or ATM cards?
What to pack for a trek?
Do I need to train for a trek?
What is a typical day on a trek like?
What is the food like on the trek?
The Benefits of using trekking poles.
What do I need to know about high altitudes?
High altitude myths.
How to trek safely?
For more articles, you can go to our blogs.