Dzong at Gyantse | Richard I'Anson

Trekkers on the Kailash trek, Tibet

Locals celebrating the life of Buddha at the Saga Dawa festival | Hugh Jenkinson

Trek around Mt Kailash, the holiest mountain in the Himalaya

Elderly Tibetan women | Richard I'Anson

Journey to Mount Kailash

Name: Journey to Mount Kailash
Brand: World Expeditions
SKU: JTK
Rating: 3.67 (3 reviews)

Undertake a pilgrimage to the heart of the world

China, Nepal

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3 reviews

18 Days from

$5490 USD

Trip Code: JTK

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement - Nepal, Lhasa, Gyantse & Shigatse Only

$480 USD

Duration

18 Days

Activities

3 day trek

Style

Classic Adventures

Accommodation

1 night hotel in Chengdu
2 nights hotel Lhasa
12 nights basic hotel / lodge
2 nights hotel in Kathmandu

Meals

Valued at USD$545

11 Dinners
11 Lunches
17 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

5 / 10

Moderate

Carbon Footprint

87kg of CO₂-e PP per day

Journey to Mount Kailash Trip 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

Overview

Mount Kailash has drawn pilgrims for centuries, believed to be the mythical Mount Meru, the spiritual centre of the universe. Sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and Bonpo alike, it’s a mountain revered more for its meaning than its summit. Set on the remote western reaches of the Tibetan Plateau, it’s one of the world’s most profound pilgrimage destinations, and also one of the hardest to reach.

This unique journey blends light trekking with immersive cultural touring. Starting in Chengdu, we travel overland from Lhasa through Gyantse and Shigatse, crossing stark plains and high mountain passes as we head deep into the spiritual heart of Tibet. Along the way we visit vibrant towns, ancient monasteries and sacred sites rarely seen by outsiders.

We join the sacred kora - a three-day walk around the base of Mount Kailash - alongside Tibetan pilgrims. Though not technically demanding, the high altitude and spiritual weight of the journey make it one of the world’s most unforgettable circuits. Following the kora, we conclude the journey in Kathmandu, completing a high-altitude arc through the sacred lands of Tibet and Nepal.

Timed to coincide with the Saga Dawa Festival - Tibet’s most important annual celebration, our journey reaches Mount Kailash at its most atmospheric. Pilgrims gather from across the region to honour the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha, creating a rare spectacle of prayer, ritual and celebration.

Itinerary

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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

Meals: Nil

This morning you are transferred to Chengdu International Airport for your flight to Lhasa, which typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. You will be advised which flight to book, as all group members must arrive together due to Tibet travel permit requirements. On arrival in Lhasa, you are met and transferred to the city, a journey of approximately two hours. Due to the altitude, it is important to rest and take things slowly for the remainder of the day, with a briefing held in the late afternoon to outline the journey ahead and distribute equipment. Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa

Meals: B

Over the next two days you explore Lhasa’s most significant cultural and spiritual sites. A highlight is a visit to Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet, along with time to walk Barkhor Square where pilgrims gather in continuous devotion. You also visit the impressive Potala Palace, former residence of the Dalai Lama, and explore Norbulingka, the traditional summer palace set among landscaped gardens. Visits to Drepung and Sera Monasteries provide insight into Tibetan Buddhism, with the opportunity to observe monks engaged in their traditional debating practices. Accommodation: Hotel in Lhasa (2 nights)

Meals: B

Today you begin your journey across the Tibetan Plateau, travelling from Lhasa through the Kyichu Valley and alongside the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River). The route climbs to Khamba La Pass (4,900m / 16,076ft), where you gain expansive views over Yamdrok Tso, a striking turquoise lake set among snow-capped peaks. Continuing around the lake, you cross Karo La Pass (5,200m / 17,060ft), where glaciers descend close to the roadside. On arrival in Gyantse, you visit the Kumbum Chorten, a multi-level Buddhist structure known for its chapels and detailed murals. Accommodation: Hotel in Gyantse

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you travel by road from Gyantse to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. On arrival, you visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. The monastery’s golden rooftops and expansive prayer halls offer insight into Tibetan Buddhist traditions and daily monastic life. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the city or rest. Accommodation: Hotel in Shigatse

Meals: B,L,D

Today you travel west across the Tibetan Plateau towards Saga, covering a long but rewarding section of the journey. The route passes through expansive high-altitude plains with distant snow-capped peaks and scattered remote settlements. The scale and remoteness of the landscape become increasingly apparent as you continue deeper into western Tibet. Road conditions can vary, and travel times may be affected, reflecting the rugged nature of this region. Accommodation: Guesthouse in Saga

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you continue your journey across the Tibetan Plateau towards Darchen. En route, you visit Lake Manasarovar, a sacred freshwater lake set beneath Mount Kailash and revered across multiple spiritual traditions. Surrounded by expansive Himalayan views, the lake offers a powerful sense of place and significance. After time at the lake, you complete the short drive to Darchen, the starting point for the Mount Kailash kora. Accommodation: Guesthouse in Darchen

Meals: B,L,D

Today you explore the region surrounding Lake Manasarovar, visiting sites of deep cultural and spiritual significance. You begin at Rakshas Tal, a stark saltwater lake contrasting with nearby Manasarovar and associated with Hindu mythology. The journey continues to Chiu Gompa, a monastery set on a rocky outcrop overlooking the lake, offering expansive views across the plateau. After time to explore the monastery and its surroundings, you return to Darchen for the night. Accommodation: Guesthouse in Darchen

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you take a short drive to Shorsiun, the starting point of the Mount Kailash kora, where you meet your yak porters who will carry your main luggage during the trek. The walk begins with a gradual ascent through the Lha Chu Valley, following a glacial river beneath towering cliffs and snow-capped peaks. As you progress, views of Mount Kailash’s north face gradually come into view, becoming more prominent along the trail. You continue to Dera Puk, where your accommodation is set opposite the mountain, offering one of the most striking perspectives of the journey. Accommodation: Guesthouse near Dera Puk (basic)

Meals: B,L,D

Today is the most physically demanding day of the Mount Kailash kora as you cross Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the journey. The day begins with a steady ascent on a challenging trail, where the effects of altitude are noticeable and a slow, consistent pace is essential. At the pass, prayer flags mark this significant spiritual point before you begin a steep descent into the valley below over rocky terrain. The trail then eases as you continue to Zutrul Phuk, where a monastery associated with Milarepa marks your overnight stop. Accommodation: Guesthouse in Zutrul Phuk (shared dormitory style)

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you complete the final stage of the Mount Kailash kora, following a relatively gentle trail back to Darchen. The route is mostly flat with a gradual descent through open valleys, offering time to reflect on the journey. Along the way, you pass mani walls, prayer flags and pilgrims continuing their own pilgrimage. On arrival in Darchen around midday, the remainder of the day is free to rest and recover after completing the kora. Accommodation: Guesthouse in Darchen

Meals: B,L,D

Today you experience the Saga Dawa Festival, one of the most important events in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar. After breakfast, you travel to Shorsiun, where pilgrims gather to witness the ceremonial raising of the Tarboche flagpole. The valley comes alive with prayer ceremonies, chanting and traditional offerings, creating a powerful cultural and spiritual atmosphere. After time to observe and participate in the celebrations, you return to Darchen by vehicle or on foot alongside local pilgrims. Accommodation: Guesthouse in Darchen

Meals: B,L,D

Today you begin the return journey across the Tibetan Plateau, travelling from Darchen to Saga. The route crosses vast high-altitude terrain with views of distant snow-capped peaks, grazing yak and scattered settlements. This remote section of western Tibet highlights the scale and isolation of the region as you retrace your path eastward. On arrival in Saga, you settle into your accommodation and rest after a long day on the road. Accommodation: Guesthouse in Saga

Meals: B,L,D

Today you continue south from Saga towards the border town of Kyirong. As you descend from the Tibetan Plateau, the landscape changes from open high-altitude plains to steep valleys, river gorges and increasingly green hillsides. The route passes through remote settlements with views of forested slopes, waterfalls and rugged terrain. On arrival in Kyirong, you settle into your accommodation and prepare for the following day’s border crossing into Nepal. Accommodation: Guesthouse in Kyirong

Meals: B,L,D

This morning you cross the border from Tibet into Nepal via the Kyirong–Rasuwa crossing. After completing immigration formalities, you begin the drive through Nepal’s foothills towards Kathmandu. The landscape changes noticeably, with terraced fields, forested hills and river valleys replacing the high-altitude plateau. On arrival in Kathmandu, the remainder of the day is free to rest or explore the city. Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

Meals: B

Today you have the opportunity to explore Kathmandu at your own pace. You may choose to wander through the lively streets of Thamel or visit key cultural sites such as Swayambhunath, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple or Durbar Square. The city offers a strong contrast to the remote landscapes of Tibet, with vibrant markets, temples and everyday local life. Optional guided sightseeing can be arranged, or you may simply take time to relax and reflect on your journey. Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

Meals: B

Your journey concludes in Kathmandu after breakfast. Airport transfers are provided according to your flight arrangements. There are no further activities planned today. This marks the end of your journey through Tibet and Nepal.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What's included?

Included

17 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 11 dinners
World Expeditions trek pack including quality sleeping bag, down or fibre-fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at US$500)
All park entrance fees and trekking permits
Sightseeing and site entry fees as listed
Good quality accommodation in Chengdu, Lhasa, Shigatse and Gyantse
Accommodation in fully serviced wilderness campsites during the trek
Private transportation
Airport transfers if arriving on Day 1 and Day 18
Expert bilingual guide
Use of comprehensive group medical kit
Portable Altitude Chamber and bottled oxygen for emergency use
Yaks to carry group equipment during the trek
Daily supply of safe treated drinking water on trek to reduce single-use plastic waste
Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag

Not included

International flights
Chengdu-Lhasa flight. Please contact your local World Expeditions office to arrange your flights.
Travel insurance
Visas
Meals not included in the daily itinerary
Alcoholic and bottled drinks
Items of a personal nature such as laundry etc
Tips