Journey to Mount Kailash

BM-16327

4.0Based on

18 days

“

Amazing trip - tough at times but incredibly enjoyable. Great crew expertly guided by tour leader Bir Singh. Highly recommend.

Anonymous | Traveled in June

5 - Excellent

Carbon neutral

18 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants

12 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

Ends

Chengdu, China

Kathmandu, Nepal

Select Date

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Highlights

Join Tibetan pilgrims on the sacred three-day kora around Mount Kailash, a powerful spiritual journey steeped in centuries of tradition

Witness the vibrant Saga Dawa Festival at Tarboche, where thousands gather to honour the life of the Buddha in one of Tibet’s most sacred annual events

Traverse stark Himalayan landscapes on an epic overland route from Lhasa to Kathmandu via the wild reaches of the Tibetan Plateau

Explore the cultural icons of Lhasa, including the towering Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple - heart of Tibetan Buddhism

Itinerary

For those in search of a truly spiritual and challenging Himalayan journey, the "Journey to Mount Kailash" is an 18-day trekking and hiking tour that begins in Chengdu and concludes in Kathmandu. Crafted for experienced travelers, this adventure combines the Saga Dawa Festival at sacred Mount Kailash with an immersive exploration of Tibet’s ancient culture.

Travel across the vast Tibetan Plateau, passing through Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse, and marvel at centuries-old monasteries and vibrant towns. Arriving at Mount Kailash during the Saga Dawa Festival, you’ll witness a rare gathering of pilgrims, experiencing electrifying rituals and celebrations. The highlight is the three-day kora (pilgrimage circuit) around Kailash—a physically demanding trek revered in Hindu and Buddhist traditions for its spiritual significance. The tour includes a seamless return to Lhasa and concludes in Kathmandu, ensuring a comprehensive traverse of Tibet’s heartlands.

A key selling point of this tour package is its extensive support and inclusions: expert local guides, high-quality accommodation, and robust safety measures, allowing you to fully absorb the profound atmosphere of one of the world’s most remote and sacred regions.

day 1Arrive Chengdu, China (500m / 1,640ft)

On arrival at Chengdu International Airport, you are met by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel. As the capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is known for its teahouse culture, distinctive cuisine and relaxed pace of life. The remainder of the day is free for you to rest after your journey or begin exploring the local streets and neighbourhoods at your own pace. This is a gentle introduction before your journey towards Tibet begins.
Accommodation: Hotel in Chengdu

day 2Fly Chengdu to Lhasa (3,670m / 12,041ft

day 3-4Explore Lhasa (3,670m / 12,041ft)

day 5Drive Lhasa to Gyantse (3,900m / 12,795ft), 290km / 180mi, 8–9hrs

day 6Drive Gyantse to Shigatse (3,800m / 12,467ft), 90km / 56mi, 3hrs

day 7Drive Shigatse to Saga (4,640m / 15,223ft), 450km / 280mi, 9–10hrs

day 8Drive Saga to Darchen (4,575m / 15,010ft), 490 km, approx. 10 hours)

day 9Excursion to Rakshas Tal, Chiu Gompa and Lake Manasarovar. (4,575m / 15,010ft)

day 10Trek Shorsiun to Dera Puk (5,000m / 16,404ft), walk 6–7hrs, drive 5km / 3mi

day 11Trek Dera Puk to Zutrul Phuk via Dolma La Pass (5,630m / 18,471ft), walk 8–9hrs

day 12Trek Zutrul Phuk to Darchen (4,575m / 15,010ft), walk 3–4hrs

day 13Saga Dawa Festival at Shorsiun (4,575m / 15,010ft)

day 14Drive Darchen to Saga (4,640m / 15,223ft), 450km / 280mi, 9–10hrs

day 15Drive Saga to Kyirong (2,800m / 9,186ft), 270km / 168mi, 9–10hrs

day 16Cross border to Nepal, drive to Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,429ft), 160km / 99mi, 6hrs

day 17Explore Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,429ft)

What's Included

Accommodation

Good quality accommodation in Chengdu, Lhasa, Shigatse and GyantseAccommodation in fully serviced wilderness campsites during the trek

Meals

17 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 11 dinners

Transport

Private transportation

Guide

Expert bilingual guide

Others

All park entrance fees and trekking permitsSightseeing and site entry fees as listedAirport transfers if arriving on Day 1 and Day 18Use of comprehensive group medical kitPortable Altitude Chamber and bottled oxygen for emergency useYaks to carry group equipment during the trekDaily supply of safe treated drinking water on trek to reduce single-use plastic waste

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

4.3

based on 3 reviews

Availability

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Good to Know

Travel Insurance

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Other Practical Information

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Highlights

Itinerary

day 1Arrive Chengdu, China (500m / 1,640ft)

day 2Fly Chengdu to Lhasa (3,670m / 12,041ft

day 3-4Explore Lhasa (3,670m / 12,041ft)

day 5Drive Lhasa to Gyantse (3,900m / 12,795ft), 290km / 180mi, 8–9hrs

day 6Drive Gyantse to Shigatse (3,800m / 12,467ft), 90km / 56mi, 3hrs

day 7Drive Shigatse to Saga (4,640m / 15,223ft), 450km / 280mi, 9–10hrs

day 8Drive Saga to Darchen (4,575m / 15,010ft), 490 km, approx. 10 hours)

day 9Excursion to Rakshas Tal, Chiu Gompa and Lake Manasarovar. (4,575m / 15,010ft)

day 10Trek Shorsiun to Dera Puk (5,000m / 16,404ft), walk 6–7hrs, drive 5km / 3mi

day 11Trek Dera Puk to Zutrul Phuk via Dolma La Pass (5,630m / 18,471ft), walk 8–9hrs

day 12Trek Zutrul Phuk to Darchen (4,575m / 15,010ft), walk 3–4hrs

day 13Saga Dawa Festival at Shorsiun (4,575m / 15,010ft)

day 14Drive Darchen to Saga (4,640m / 15,223ft), 450km / 280mi, 9–10hrs

day 15Drive Saga to Kyirong (2,800m / 9,186ft), 270km / 168mi, 9–10hrs

day 16Cross border to Nepal, drive to Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,429ft), 160km / 99mi, 6hrs

day 16Cross border to Nepal, drive to Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,429ft), 160km / 99mi, 6hrs

day 17Explore Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,429ft)

day 17Explore Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,429ft)