Tibet

The 13 Days Lhasa Kailash Tour is a special journey, a mix of spiritual travel and a high-Himalayan overland adventure. The trip starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tibet and ends back in Kathmandu after a full circuit to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. During these thirteen days, you slowly gain altitude, visit the old Tibetan cities of Lhasa and Shigatse, and then travel west toward the sacred areas of Mansarovar and Kailash for a 3-day sacred Kailash Kora. This itinerary is designed for both pilgrims and adventure travelers who want enough time to acclimatize, pray, walk, and also relax near the lake or under the shadow of Kailash.

Many travelers who have trekked in the Nepal Himalaya say this Lhasa Kailash Mansarovar route feels very different from normal trekking trips. Instead of long uphill climbs every day, this journey includes long but beautiful driving days across the open Tibetan plateau. Along the way, there are short walks, monastery visits, and gradual preparation for the Kailash Kora. In Lhasa, you visit famous places like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, where you immediately feel the living Buddhist culture that gives context and meaning to the later days at Kailash and Mansarovar. After that, as you travel through Shigatse and Saga toward western Tibet, the road passes wide valleys and high mountain passes.

The core of this Lhasa to Mount Kailash tour is the 3 days Kailash Kora. The Kora starts from Yamadwar and goes around the mountain through Dirapuk, Dolma La Pass, and Zuthulphuk, giving close views of Mount Kailash that most people have only seen in pictures. These days are long and at high altitude, especially when crossing Dolma La Pass, but the trail is clear and commonly used by pilgrims. There are simple lodges and tea houses along the route, so the journey stays basic and focused on the spiritual experience. Before and after the Kora, you also spend time at Lake Mansarovar, where you can do puja, take a holy bath if you wish, or walk along the shore and enjoy the peaceful view of Kailash.

As a local operator based in Kathmandu, we design this 13-day Lhasa Kailash Tour with practical details already planned. The driving hours are realistic, the itinerary allows proper acclimatization, and the travel between Kathmandu and Lhasa is arranged smoothly. We also give clear information about altitude, road conditions, and lodge facilities, so you know what to expect. You will travel with both Nepali and Tibetan support staff who understand the route and the pilgrimage, so you do not need to worry about permits, checkpoints, or logistics during the journey. You can also join our Namsto Lake Tour if you only have a short amount of time to spend in Tibet.

The Namtso Lake Tour is an exceptional journey that combines the cultural charm of Lhasa with the natural beauty of Namtso Lake, known as the “Heavenly Lake.” Known as the second-largest saltwater lake in Tibet, Namtso holds deep spiritual significance and is the holiest lake in the region. The lake is surrounded by the stunning peaks of the Nyenchen Tanglha range. It is a destination of both natural beauty and spiritual importance.

Located at an altitude of 4,718 M, Namtso is among the highest saltwater lakes in the world. Likewise, it lies 250 KM north of Lhasa and is a prominent destination of the region. On the trip, you can soak yourself in local culture by exploring Tibetan nomad settlements. Also, riding yaks or horses along the lakeshore and admiring the grasslands and mountains that surround the lake is the highlight of the Namtso Trip.

Besides Namtso Lake, the tour includes an exploration of Lhasa, Tibet’s historic and spiritual location. The iconic Potala Palace, the sacred Jokhang Temple, the busy Barkhor Street, as well as the well-known Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery are the key destinations of Lhasa, which you’ll explore on this adventure. 

The best time to visit Namtso Lake is from May to October, when the weather is stable, and the landscapes are stunning. However, you should be prepared for sudden weather changes, as the region around the Nyenchen Tanglha mountain range is known for its unpredictable climate and occasional snowstorms.

Starting in Kathmandu, Nepal, the trip to Namtso Lake takes 6 days, making it one of the shortest yet unforgettable Tibet tours. Travel to Lhasa is accessible via flights from major cities in China or through Nepal. The city is also connected by the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, so it is reachable by train from several major Chinese destinations. Moreover, if you want an extended adventure, this tour can be combined with the Lhasa Kailash Tour or customized itineraries across Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.