NRI - 2025 Kathmandu - Lhasa - Kyirong

NRI - 2025 Kathmandu - Lhasa - Kyirong

Same itinerary as overland NRI trip for first four days. Day 5 and 6 at Lhasa 7 and 8 are different Day 9 - Day 15 same as overland NRI trip

NRI 2025 - Kathmandu - Lhasa - Kyirong14 Nights 15 Days

In the remote southwestern region of Tibet, China, stands a pyramid-shaped mountain revered as Mount Kailash. Along with Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal, Mount Kailash possesses a unique magnetic force that has drawn billions of religious followers from Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon for centuries. Hindus believe it to be the abode of Lord Shiva, while Tibetan Buddhists call it Kangri Rinpoche, meaning (precious snow mountain.) Bon practitioners believe their master, Tirhankara Rishabhanatha, attained enlightenment at this sacred site.

Stretching approximately two thousand kilometers from India in the west to China in the east and four thousand kilometers from Nepal in the south to China's Turkestan province in the north, the region maintains an average elevation of four thousand meters above sea level. It is said that Lord Shiva imparted profound knowledge and transmitted the science of evolving human consciousness and well-being to the Sapta Rishi (the seven sages) here.

Circumnavigating Mount Kailash on foot is a challenging endeavor, but it is believed to bring good fortune to pilgrims and their loved ones. For those unable to make the journey on foot, riding a horse is an option and is still considered a lifetime achievement.

Lake Manasarovar, a sacred lake, is believed to purify one of all sins committed over a hundred lifetimes with a single dip. Drinking its water is said to guide one's soul to the abode of Lord Shiva after death. It is also believed that Lord Shiva comes to bathe in the lake every morning between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Lake Manasarovar is the source of four great rivers of Asia: the Brahmaputra, Ghaghara, Sindhu, and Sutlej. Every year, thousands of pilgrims journey to Mount Kailash and take a holy dip in Lake Manasarovar, continuing a religious tradition that spans thousands of years. Mount Kailash is often referred to as the center point of the Earth.

Today, the pilgrimage is far more comfortable than in the past. You can choose from one of our popular itineraries below or speak to us to customize your journey and prepare for a life-changing experience.

Kailash trek

Inclusions

What can be Included

  • Accommodation and Meals

    100% Vegetarian Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner as specified in the itinerary (BLD). 4 star hotels at Kathmandu and Lhasa, and best possible at other places.

  • Sightseeing Tours

    Guided tours with knowledgeable local guides at various sites.

  • Transportation

    Kathmandu- Lhasa Airfare. All ground transportation in comfortable vehicles throughout the journey.

  • Permits

    Necessary permits for entering Tibet and other regions.

Inclusions

More Inclusions

  • Parikrama Trekking

    Support and guidance for the parikrama around Mt. Kailash, local guides.

  • Airport Transfers

    Round-trip airport transfers.

  • Bottled Water

    Complimentary bottled water during the journey.

  • Guide

    English speaking guide and Tibetan guide.

  • Staff

    Cooks and supporting staff during Tibet part and Kailash Parikrama.

Exclusions

What's Excluded

  • International Flights and Visa Fees

    Flights from Origin (home) to Kathmandu and Kathmandu to Origin (home). Visa fees for Nepal

  • Entrance Fees and tickets

    Entrance fees to various monuments in Nepal and China not included. (Pashupatinath Rudra Abhisekh Puja ticket not included.)

  • Personal Expenses

    Expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, souvenirs, etc.

  • Horse and Porter

    To be paid on the location, 200 $ for Porter and 400 $ for Horse (Please note that Horse and Porter needs to be hired for full parikrama and once paid, it is non refundable)

Exclusions

More Exclusions

  • Tips and Gratuities

    Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff (typically not included).

  • Travel Insurance and Emergency Evacuation

    Any additional travel insurance coverage beyond basic.

  • Alcoholic Beverages

    Drinks and meals outside the itinerary specifications.

  • Optional Activities

    Activities not mentioned in the itinerary or any upgrades to accommodation or experiences.

Start
Exploring

Day 1

August 3 | Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. Visa preparation and transfer to the hotel (6 km, approx. 20 minutes). Rest for acclimatization.

Altitude: 1400 meters above sea level
Overnight Stay: Kathmandu, Nepal

August 3 | Arrival in Kathmandu
August 3 | Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 2

August 4 | Chinese Visa Processing & Sightseeing

Chinese visa application formalities. Sightseeing tour of: Pashupatinath Temple (5 km, approx. 20 minutes). Boudhanath Stupa (2 km, approx. 10 minutes from Pashupatinath). Return to the hotel (6 km, approx. 25 minutes).

Altitude: 1400 meters above sea level
Overnight Stay: Kathmandu, Nepal

August 4 | Chinese Visa Processing & Sightseeing
August 4 | Chinese Visa Processing & Sightseeing

Day 3

August 5 | Hiking to Tarkeswor Mahadev

After breakfast hike to Tarkeswor Mahadev (15 km drive, approx. 4-hour hike both ways). Attend Kailash Yatra briefing in the evening.

Altitude: 1700 meters above sea level
Overnight Stay: Kathmandu, Nepal

August 5 | Hiking to Tarkeswor Mahadev
August 5 | Hiking to Tarkeswor Mahadev

Day 4

August 6 | Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square & Doleshwar Mahadev Temple

Drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square (14 km, approx. 45 minutes). Visit Doleshwar Mahadev Temple (4 km, approx. 10 minutes from Bhaktapur). Return to Kathmandu (14 km, approx. 45 minutes). Leisure time in the evening.

Altitude: 1400 meters above sea level
Overnight Stay: Kathmandu, Nepal

August 6 | Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square & Doleshwar Mahadev Temple
August 6 | Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square & Doleshwar Mahadev Temple

Day 5

Fly to Lhasa

Bid farewell to Kathmandu and fly to the breathtaking city of Lhasa. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm Tibetan welcome and settle into your hotel. Rest and acclimatize to the altitude.

Altitude: 3656 meters above sea level
Activity: Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa (approx. 1.5 hours). Transfer from Lhasa Gonggar Airport to your hotel (65 km, approx. 1.5 hours). Rest for acclimatization.
Overnight Stay: Lhasa, Tibet
Climate: 8°C–22°C
Accomodation: Twin-sharing 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly to Lhasa
Fly to Lhasa

Day 6

August 9 | Lhasa Sightseeing (Discover Lhasa’s Treasures)

Explore the spiritual heart of Tibet! Visit the iconic Potala Palace, bustling old markets, and sacred monasteries. The day also allows your body to acclimatize to the altitude.

Altitude: 3656 meters above sea level
Activity: Explore major landmarks in Lhasa: Potala Palace (15 minutes drive). Jokhang Temple (10 minutes walk from Potala Palace). Barkor Street (5 minutes walk from Jokhang Temple)..
Overnight Stay: Lhasa, Tibet
Climate: 8°C–22°C
Accomodation: Twin-sharing 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

August 9 | Lhasa Sightseeing (Discover Lhasa’s Treasures)
August 9 | Lhasa Sightseeing (Discover Lhasa’s Treasures)

Day 7

August 10 | Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake

Drive through picturesque Tibetan villages and plateaus to reach Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. Soak in the stunning landscapes along the way.Yamdrok Lake (approx. 1.5 hours from Lhasa).

Altitude: 3845 meters above sea level
Activity: Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse (360 km, approx. 7 hours). Visit en route: Yamdrok Lake (approx. 1.5 hours from Lhasa). Gyantse Fortress (2 km detour, 20 minutes).
Overnight Stay: Shigatse, Tibet
Climate: 8°C–22°C
Accomodation: Twin-sharing hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

August 10 | Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake
August 10 | Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake

Day 8

August 11 | Shigatse to Saga

Prepare for a long but rewarding journey to Saga via Lhatse and Sang Sang. Witness high passes, wide pastures, and local Tibetan life. 10 kms before reaching saga we will see brahmaputra river.

Altitude: 4640 meters above sea level
Activity: Long drive through the Tibetan plateaus from Shigatse to Saga (450 km, approx. 8-9 hours). En route, enjoy stunning high-altitude landscapes.
Overnight Stay: Saga, Tibet
Climate: 5°C–20°C
Accomodation: Sharing basis with common bathroom at the best available hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

August 11 | Shigatse to Saga
August 11 | Shigatse to Saga

Day 9

August 12 | Saga to Lake Manasarovar

Drive to the sacred Lake Manasarovar (370 km, approx. 6-7 hours). Spend time by the tranquil lake for prayers and meditation.

Altitude: 4600 meters above sea level
Overnight Stay: Manasarovar, Tibet

August 12 | Saga to Lake Manasarovar
August 12 | Saga to Lake Manasarovar

Day 10

Lake Manasarovar to Darchen

Morning puja at Lake Manasarovar. Spend time at the Lake and explore the surroundings. Drive to Darchen, the base for Kailash Parikrama (40 km, approx. 1 hour).

Altitude: 4575 meters above sea level
Overnight Stay: Darchen, Tibet

Lake Manasarovar to Darchen
Lake Manasarovar to Darchen

Day 11

August 13 | Lake Manasarovar to Darchen

Morning puja at Lake Manasarovar. Optional visit to Ashtapad. (extra charge) Drive to Darchen, the base for Kailash Parikrama (40 km, approx. 1 hour)

Altitude: 4575 meters above sea level
Overnight Stay: Darchen, Tibet

August 13 | Lake Manasarovar to Darchen
August 13 | Lake Manasarovar to Darchen

Day 12

August 14 | Begin Kailash Parikrama Trek

Start the Parikrama trek (11 km, approx. 4-5 hours).

Altitude: 4900 meters above sea level
Overnight Stay: Dirapuk, Tibet

August 14 | Begin Kailash Parikrama Trek
August 14 | Begin Kailash Parikrama Trek

Day 13

August 15 | Trek to Zuthulphuk via Dolma La Pass

Challenging trek (22 km, approx. 8-10 hours) over the Dolma La Pass. Descend to Zuthulphuk Monastery.

Altitude: 4670 meters (highest point at 5630 meters)
Overnight Stay: Zuthulphuk, Tibet

August 15 | Trek to Zuthulphuk via Dolma La Pass
August 15 | Trek to Zuthulphuk via Dolma La Pass

Day 14

August 16 | Complete Parikrama & Drive to Saga

Complete the final stretch of the trek (8 km, approx. 3-4 hours). Drive from Zuthulphuk to Darchen (40 km, approx. 1 hour) and continue to Saga (450 km, approx. 8-9 hours).

Altitude: 4640 meters above sea level
Overnight Stay: Saga, Tibet

August 16 | Complete Parikrama & Drive to Saga
August 16 | Complete Parikrama & Drive to Saga

Day 15

August 17 | Saga to Kathmandu via Kyirong

Drive from Saga to Kyirong (170 km, approx. 5 hours). Cross the Nepal-China border and continue to Timure (30 km, approx. 1 hour). Drive back to Kathmandu (125 km, approx. 7-8 hours) or take a helicopter flight.

Altitude: 1400 meters above sea level
Overnight Stay: Kathmandu, Nepal

August 17 | Saga to Kathmandu via Kyirong
August 17 | Saga to Kathmandu via Kyirong

Day 16

August 18 | Departure from Kathmandu

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for departure (6 km, approx. 20 minutes).

Altitude: 1400 meters above sea level
Overnight Stay: Home

August 18 | Departure from Kathmandu
August 18 | Departure from Kathmandu

When is the next departure?

This 18-day journey offers a unique blend of cultural exploration, spiritual experiences, and adventure, starting from the bustling cityof Kathmandu. The trip kicks off with sightseeing and preparations forTibet permits.

Jan-Feb

Jan-Feb

Jan-Feb

Jan-Feb