“The Tibet Mount Kailash trek was the most spiritual experience of my life. The guide shared incredible knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism.”
YT
Yuki Tanaka
Tokyo, Japan · June 2023
TibetChallenging
4.8 (92 reviews)
Tibet Mount Kailash Trek
The Tibet Mount Kailash Trek is a sacred pilgrimage around Mount Kailash (6,638m) — the most revered mountain in four religions. This 15-day journey takes you across the high Tibetan Plateau, through ancient monasteries, and around the 52km Kora circuit that is the heart of the pilgrimage. Walk in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims who have circumambulated this sacred peak for centuries. The stark beauty of the Tibetan highlands, the spiritual atmosphere, and the physical challenge combine to create a truly transformative experience.
📅
Duration
15 Days
🏔️
Max Altitude
5,630m
🥾
Trek Distance
52 km
👥
Group Size
4–10 People
☀️
Best Time
May–October
About This Trek
The Tibet Mount Kailash Trek is a sacred pilgrimage around Mount Kailash (6,638m) — the most revered mountain in four religions. This 15-day journey takes you across the high Tibetan Plateau, through ancient monasteries, and around the 52km Kora circuit that is the heart of the pilgrimage. Walk in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims who have circumambulated this sacred peak for centuries. The stark beauty of the Tibetan highlands, the spiritual atmosphere, and the physical challenge combine to create a truly transformative experience.
Highlights
1Complete the sacred 52km Kora circuit around Mount Kailash
2Cross Dolma La Pass (5,630m) — the highest point of the pilgrimage
3Visit ancient monasteries: Darchen, Chiu, Zutrul Phuk
4Witness Mount Kailash's four faces — each considered a different deity
5See Lake Manasarovar — one of the highest sacred lakes in the world
6Experience authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture and practices
7Walk alongside Tibetan pilgrims on their spiritual journey
8Explore the Guge Kingdom ruins (optional extension)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Arrive Kathmandu — Briefing
Visa processing for China/Tibet. Briefing about the journey ahead.
🍽️ Meals: Dinner🏠 Hotel
2
Drive Kathmandu to Zhangmu/Nyalam (3,750m)
Scenic drive along the Arniko Highway to the Nepal-Tibet border. Cross the Friendship Bridge and complete Chinese visa formalities.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Guesthouse📏 Drive
3
Zhangmu to Nyalam (3,750m)
Acclimatization day in this small border town. Visit the Nyalam Pelbar Ling Monastery.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Guesthouse
4
Nyalam to Darchen (4,675m)
Drive across the vast Tibetan Plateau. First views of Mount Kailash on a clear day. Arrive at Darchen — the starting point of the Kora.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Guesthouse📏 Drive
5
Darchen to Dira Phuk (5,080m) — Kora Day 1
Begin the sacred circumambulation. Walk along the base of Kailash's south face. Visit the Chiu Monastery with its sacred footprint of Padmasambhava.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Guesthouse📏 20 km
6
Dira Phuk to Zutrul Phuk via Dolma La (5,630m) — Kora Day 2
The most challenging day. Ascend to Dolma La Pass at 5,630m — the highest and most sacred point. Descend to Zutrul Phuk on the north side.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Guesthouse📏 18 km
7
Zutrul Phuk to Darchen — Kora Complete
Complete the Kora circuit. Return to Darchen. Celebrate the completion of the sacred pilgrimage.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Guesthouse📏 14 km
8
Lake Manasarovar — Rest Day
Visit the sacred Lake Manasarovar (4,590m) — one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. Optional kora around the lake.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Guesthouse📏 Walk
9
Darchen to Saga (4,640m)
Drive across the high plateau. Visit the Guge Kingdom ruins (optional detour).
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Guesthouse📏 Drive
10
Saga to Darchen
Return drive to Darchen. Second Kora circuit (optional for those who want to do it again).
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Guesthouse📏 Drive
11
Darchen to Nyalam
Drive back to the Nepal border. Farewell to Tibet.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Guesthouse📏 Drive
12
Nyalam to Kathmandu
Cross the border back to Nepal. Scenic drive to Kathmandu.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner🏠 Hotel📏 Drive
13
Kathmandu — Free Day
Explore Kathmandu's UNESCO sites or rest.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner🏠 Hotel
14
Departure from Kathmandu
Transfer to airport.
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast
Altitude Profile
5630m4690m3750m
Nyalam
3750m
Darchen
4675m
Dira Phuk
5080m
Dolma La
5630m
Zutrul Phuk
5210m
Manasarovar
4590m
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- ✓All accommodation
- ✓All meals during trek
- ✓Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)
- ✓Alien's Travel Permit (ATP)
- ✓Military Permit
- ✓Experienced Tibetan guide
- ✓Driver and vehicle for transfers
- ✓Oxygen canister
- ✓First aid kit
Not Included
- ✗Chinese visa fee
- ✗Nepal visa
- ✗International airfare
- ✗Travel insurance (mandatory)
- ✗Personal expenses
- ✗Tips
Packing List
Clothing
- Extreme cold gear
- Down jacket (-30°C)
- Thermal layers
- Windproof shell
- Warm hat, face mask
- Insulated gloves
- Warm socks
- Sturdy boots
Equipment
- Daypack
- Sleeping bag (-25°C)
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
Personal
- Passport
- Chinese visa photos
- Medications
- Camera
- Cash (Yuan)
Read Before You Book
Tibet Permits
We arrange all required permits: Tibet Travel Permit, Alien's Travel Permit, and Military Permit. Processing takes 7-10 days.
Altitude
You sleep above 4,500m for several nights. Excellent fitness and prior high-altitude experience is required.
Political Situation
Tibet occasionally closes to foreign tourists. We monitor the situation and will reschedule if needed.
Trekker Reviews
“Crossing Dolma La was the hardest thing I've ever done. But completing the Kora was deeply moving. Life-changing.”
AP
Anna Petersen
Copenhagen, Denmark · September 2023
“The stark beauty of the Tibetan Plateau is unmatched. Lake Manasarovar was serene. Challenging but deeply rewarding.”
RK
Robert Kim
Vancouver, Canada · May 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tibet safe to visit?
Yes, for tourists who travel with a licensed agency. We handle all permits and logistics.
Can I do the Kora alone?
No, all tourists must travel with a guide and driver. Independent travel is not permitted in Tibet.
What's the best month?
May and June offer the best weather. September and October are also good. Avoid February-March when Tibet often closes.
From$3,190
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