Mount Kailash & Lake Mansarovar Luxury Pilgrimage
Overview
Embark on the ultimate spiritual journey to Mount Kailash (6,638m), sacred to four religions, and the pristine Lake Mansarovar. This luxury expedition from Lhasa crosses the vast Tibetan Plateau, completes the sacred three-day Kailash kora (circumambulation), and includes time at the turquoise shores of Mansarovar — with the finest available accommodation and a dedicated support team throughout.
Route
Lhasa → Shigatse → Saga → Mansarovar → Darchen → Kailash Kora → Saga → Lhasa
Highlights
- Complete the sacred Kailash kora (circumambulation) over 3 days
- Cross Dolma La pass (5,636m) — the spiritual high point of the pilgrimage
- Bathe in the sacred waters of Lake Mansarovar
- Drive across the vast Tibetan Plateau from Lhasa
- Visit Shigatse and the Tashilhunpo Monastery
- Sunrise and sunset views of Kailash from Lake Mansarovar
Quick Facts
- Duration
- 15 Days / 14 Nights
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Group Size
- 2-8 guests
- Max Altitude
- 5,636m
- Best Months
- May-June, September-October
- Starting From
- $8,250 pp
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Lhasa
Arrive Lhasa. Transfer to hotel. Rest and acclimatize. Welcome dinner.
Lhasa Sightseeing
Visit Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Acclimatization day before the long drive west.
Lhasa to Shigatse
Drive along the Friendship Highway past Yamdrok Lake (4,441m) and Karo La glacier. Visit Gyantse Kumbum stupa. Continue to Shigatse.
Shigatse to Saga
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama. Long drive west through the Tibetan Plateau to Saga, crossing Tsuo La pass (4,500m).
Saga to Mansarovar
Continue west through the barren plateau. Cross multiple high passes. First glimpse of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar — a breathtaking moment.
Lake Mansarovar
Full day at the sacred lake. Morning ritual bath in the holy waters. Kora (walk) along the lake shore. Meditation and puja ceremony. Sunset views of Kailash reflected in the lake.
Drive to Darchen
Drive to Darchen, the base town for the Kailash kora. Afternoon rest and preparation. View of the south face of Kailash.
Kailash Kora Day 1
Begin the sacred kora from Darchen. Trek west then north through the Lha Chhu valley. Pass the west face of Kailash. Reach Driraphuk Monastery with views of Kailash's dramatic north face.
Kailash Kora Day 2 — Dolma La
The most challenging day. Climb to Dolma La pass (5,636m), the spiritual and physical high point. Descend past Gauri Kund lake to Zutulphuk monastery.
Complete Kora, Return to Darchen
Complete the kora returning to Darchen. Celebration lunch. Afternoon rest.
Darchen to Saga
Begin the return journey east. Drive to Saga with a final view of Kailash.
Saga to Shigatse
Long drive east across the plateau back to Shigatse.
Shigatse to Lhasa
Return drive to Lhasa via the Friendship Highway. Arrive evening.
Lhasa Free Day
Day at leisure in Lhasa. Optional shopping, spa, or revisit favorite sites. Farewell dinner.
Departure
Private transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport.
What's Included
- 4 nights St. Regis Lhasa Resort
- 10 nights best available guesthouses/hotels en route
- Tibet Travel Permit and Alien Travel Permit (Western Tibet)
- Military permit for Kailash area
- Licensed Tibetan guide throughout
- Private Land Cruiser and experienced driver
- All meals throughout
- All entrance fees
- Oxygen supply and first aid kit
- Porter support on Kailash kora
Not Included
- Flights to/from Lhasa
- Chinese visa
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal trekking gear
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
Find Your Flights
At 3,570m elevation — allow time for acclimatization. Flights from Chengdu, Beijing, and Kathmandu. Tibet Travel Permit required.
Typical airlines: Air China, Tibet Airlines, Sichuan Airlines
International flights are not included in CuratedAscents packages.
Customize This Journey
This itinerary is a starting point. Our AI Expedition Architect will tailor every detail — dates, accommodations, activities — to create your perfect trip.