Kailash Mansarovar Lake Overland Tour from Lhasa is a 13-day pilgrimage journey combining the cultural heritage of Lhasa with an overland journey to sacred Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash. This itinerary is designed for travellers who prefer to travel from Lhasa to the Kailash region overland and return to Lhasa by road before flying back to Kathmandu.
The journey begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, followed by two days of sightseeing and acclimatization in Lhasa. You will visit important Tibetan cultural and spiritual landmarks including Potala Palace, Norbulingka, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar.
From Lhasa, the journey continues overland through the spectacular Tibetan Plateau, with stops at Gyantse, Shigatse and Saga before reaching Lake Mansarovar. After spending time beside the sacred lake, the route continues to Darchen, the starting point of the Mount Kailash Kora.
The three-day Mount Kailash Kora covers approximately 52 km and includes the challenging crossing of Dolma La Pass at around 5,630 metres. The pilgrimage continues through Zuthulphuk before returning to Darchen.
Unlike itineraries that return from the Kailash region toward Lhasa by air, this is a complete Lhasa–Kailash–Lhasa overland journey. After completing the pilgrimage, the route returns by road from Saga to Shigatse and then Shigatse to Lhasa, before flying from Lhasa to Kathmandu on Day 13.
How This Kailash Route Is Different
Nepal Tours Packages offers different ways to experience Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
Our Kailash Manasarovar Tour for Non-Resident Indians and Foreign Travellers is a separate 15-day pilgrimage that follows the traditional Nepal–Tibet overland route through Kathmandu, Kerung, Saga, Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash. It is particularly useful for travellers looking for a conventional overland Kailash journey beginning and ending in Kathmandu.
We also offer the Nepal, Lhasa & Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra – 18 Days, which provides an alternative Lhasa-based route combining Nepal, Lhasa and the Kailash region.
This 13-day Kailash Mansarovar Lake Overland Tour from Lhasa is different because the journey begins in Lhasa and travels overland from Lhasa to Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash, returning to Lhasa by road.
The return route is:
Darchen → Saga → Shigatse → Lhasa → Kathmandu
This makes the itinerary particularly suitable for travellers who want to experience a longer section of the Tibetan Plateau by road.
Detailed 13-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Fly Kathmandu to Lhasa
Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and enjoy spectacular Himalayan views during the journey.
Upon arrival at Lhasa Airport, meet your local Tibetan guide and transfer to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is intentionally relaxed to allow your body to begin acclimatizing to the high altitude of Lhasa, approximately 3,650 metres above sea level.
Overnight: Hotel in Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 2: Lhasa Sightseeing – Potala Palace, Norbulingka & Barkhor
After breakfast, begin exploring Lhasa.
Visit the magnificent Potala Palace, followed by Norbulingka, the former summer palace complex.
Continue to the Barkhor area surrounding Jokhang Temple.
The day combines cultural sightseeing with gradual acclimatization before travelling deeper into the Tibetan Plateau.
Overnight: Hotel in Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Lhasa Sightseeing – Sera, Drepung & Jokhang Temple
Today visit Sera Monastery, followed by Drepung Monastery, historically one of the largest monasteries in Tibet.
Continue to Jokhang Temple, one of Tibet’s most sacred Buddhist temples.
The sightseeing schedule is arranged at a comfortable pace to support acclimatization before the long overland journey.
Travellers interested in exploring more of the Tibetan capital and surrounding region can also consider our separate Tibet Overland Tour with Lhasa and Everest Base Camp, which follows a different itinerary through Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and the Tibetan Plateau.
Overnight: Hotel in Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Lhasa to Gyantse to Shigatse
Leave Lhasa and begin the overland journey toward western Tibet.
Travel through dramatic Tibetan Plateau landscapes and continue to Gyantse, an important historic town. Depending on local conditions and available time, sightseeing may include Pelkor Chode Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum.
Continue to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city and home to Tashilhunpo Monastery.
Overnight: Hotel in Shigatse
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Shigatse to Saga
After breakfast, continue the long overland drive toward Saga.
The landscape becomes increasingly remote as you travel deeper into western Tibet, crossing high-altitude plains, mountain landscapes and traditional Tibetan settlements.
Saga is an important staging point for travellers continuing toward Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
Overnight: Hotel in Saga
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Saga to Lake Mansarovar
Continue the overland journey toward Lake Mansarovar, one of the holiest lakes in the Himalayas.
As you approach the Kailash region, the landscape becomes increasingly spectacular, with vast open plains and views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains.
Upon reaching the Lake Mansarovar area, take time to experience the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere of the sacred lake.
Overnight: Hotel/lodge near Lake Mansarovar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Lake Mansarovar to Darchen
Spend time around sacred Lake Mansarovar before continuing to Darchen, the principal gateway for the Mount Kailash Kora.
Darchen is located at high altitude, so this day also provides time to rest and prepare for the three-day pilgrimage around Mount Kailash.
Overnight: Hotel in Darchen
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Darchen to Dirapuk – Begin Mount Kailash Kora
Today begins the Mount Kailash Kora.
Travel from Darchen to the Kora starting point and begin walking toward Dirapuk. The trail gradually enters the dramatic Kailash valley, with increasingly impressive views of sacred Mount Kailash.
The first day of the Kora is approximately 12 km, depending on the final operating route and local conditions.
Overnight: Basic local lodge in Dirapuk
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Dirapuk to Dolma La Pass to Zuthulphuk
This is the most challenging day of the Mount Kailash Kora.
Continue from Dirapuk toward Dolma La Pass, reaching approximately 5,630 metres.
After crossing the pass, descend toward the Gauri Kund area and continue toward Zuthulphuk.
The day’s walking distance is approximately 20–22 km, depending on the final route and local conditions.
Overnight: Basic local lodge in Zuthulphuk
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Zuthulphuk to Darchen – Complete Kailash Kora, Drive to Saga
Complete the final section of the Mount Kailash Kora with a relatively shorter walk toward the roadhead.
After completing the pilgrimage, meet the vehicle and continue overland toward Saga.
This marks the completion of the three-day Kailash Kora and begins the return journey across the Tibetan Plateau.
Because road conditions and local transportation arrangements can affect the timing, the exact driving schedule may be adjusted by the local operating team.
Overnight: Hotel in Saga
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Saga to Shigatse – Overland Journey
After breakfast, begin the overland journey from Saga to Shigatse.
The drive follows the spectacular landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau, passing through remote high-altitude terrain and traditional Tibetan settlements.
This is an important return leg of the itinerary because the journey continues entirely overland rather than returning to Lhasa by air.
Upon arrival in Shigatse, check into your hotel and relax after the long drive.
Overnight: Hotel in Shigatse
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Shigatse to Lhasa – Final Overland Journey
After breakfast, drive from Shigatse to Lhasa.
Continue across the Tibetan Plateau toward Lhasa, enjoying the changing scenery as the journey approaches the Tibetan capital.
Depending on road conditions and arrival time, the remainder of the day can be used for relaxation, shopping or a short walk around Lhasa.
The evening in Lhasa provides a final opportunity to rest before your flight to Kathmandu the following day.
Overnight: Hotel in Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13: Fly Lhasa to Kathmandu
After breakfast, transfer to Lhasa Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu.
Your 13-day Kailash Mansarovar Lake Overland Tour from Lhasa concludes upon arrival in Kathmandu.
Meals: Breakfast
Route at a Glance
Kathmandu → Lhasa → Gyantse → Shigatse → Saga → Lake Mansarovar → Darchen → Mount Kailash Kora → Darchen → Saga → Shigatse → Lhasa → Kathmandu
The key feature of this itinerary is that the journey between the Kailash region and Lhasa is completed entirely overland, with overnight stops in Saga and Shigatse before returning to Lhasa.
Preparing for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
A Mount Kailash pilgrimage requires careful preparation because of the high altitude, long road journeys, restricted travel areas and demanding three-day Kora.
Before booking, travellers can read our detailed How to Join the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra – Complete Guide for additional information about preparing for a Kailash journey, Tibet travel requirements and practical considerations.
The guide is particularly useful for first-time Kailash travellers who want to understand the pilgrimage before choosing between the different routes we offer.
High-Altitude Travel and Mount Kailash Kora
The Kailash Mansarovar journey is a high-altitude pilgrimage and requires proper preparation.
Lhasa is approximately 3,650 metres above sea level, while the Mount Kailash Kora reaches substantially higher elevations. The highest point is Dolma La Pass at approximately 5,630 metres.
The Kora should not be treated as an ordinary sightseeing walk.
Travellers should be prepared for:
- High-altitude conditions
- Reduced oxygen levels
- Long walking days
- Steep and uneven terrain
- Cold and rapidly changing weather
- Basic accommodation during the Kora
- Long overland driving days
- Limited medical facilities in remote areas
We strongly recommend travel insurance that specifically covers high-altitude medical treatment and emergency evacuation.
Why Choose Nepal Tours Packages for Your Kailash Journey?
Planning a Mount Kailash pilgrimage involves much more than arranging transportation.
The journey combines Tibet travel, high-altitude acclimatization, restricted travel areas, special permits, remote-road logistics and a physically demanding pilgrimage.
Nepal Tours Packages is a Nepal-based local travel company specializing in tailor-made journeys in Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet.
Our team has more than 25 years of experience in Nepal tourism, with practical knowledge of Himalayan travel, pilgrimage journeys and destination logistics.
We provide travellers with realistic information about route conditions, accommodation standards, walking requirements, altitude challenges, permits and possible operational changes.
For travellers who want to compare routes, our Kailash Manasarovar Tour for Non-Resident Indians and Foreign Travellers provides a separate 15-day overland pilgrimage beginning and ending in Kathmandu.
For travellers considering an alternative Lhasa-based itinerary, our Nepal, Lhasa & Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra – 18 Days provides another option to consider.
Our Tibet Travel Experience
Our wider Tibet programme also includes the Tibet Overland Tour with Lhasa and Everest Base Camp.
That itinerary is separate from the Kailash pilgrimage but follows part of the same Tibetan travel corridor, including Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse.
This makes it useful for travellers who want to understand the broader Tibetan Plateau experience before deciding which Tibet journey is best suited to their interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Kailash Mansarovar Lake Overland Tour from Lhasa?
The Kailash Mansarovar Lake Overland Tour from Lhasa is a 13-day pilgrimage journey beginning with a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa.
After sightseeing and acclimatization in Lhasa, travellers travel overland through Gyantse, Shigatse and Saga to Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash.
After completing the three-day Kailash Kora, the group returns overland through Saga and Shigatse to Lhasa before flying back to Kathmandu.
2. How is this different from your other Kailash tour?
Our 15-day Kailash Manasarovar Tour begins in Kathmandu and follows the traditional Nepal–Tibet overland route through Kerung.
This 13-day tour instead begins with Kathmandu–Lhasa flight, travels overland from Lhasa to Kailash, and returns Saga → Shigatse → Lhasa by road.
We also offer an 18-day Nepal–Lhasa–Kailash alternative route with a different itinerary.
3. Does this tour return from Kailash to Lhasa by road?
Yes.
After completing the Mount Kailash Kora, travellers return:
Darchen → Saga → Shigatse → Lhasa
The final flight to Kathmandu takes place on Day 13.
4. What is the return route after the Kailash Kora?
The return route is:
Darchen → Saga → Shigatse → Lhasa → Kathmandu
This means the return from the Kailash region to Lhasa is completed entirely overland.
5. How long is the Mount Kailash Kora?
The Mount Kailash Kora is approximately 52 kilometres and is completed over three days.
The route includes the demanding crossing of Dolma La Pass at approximately 5,630 metres.
6. What is the best time for this tour?
The proposed 2027 operating season is mid-April to mid-October, subject to Tibet travel permits, government regulations, weather, road conditions, accommodation and flight schedules.
7. Where can I learn more about preparing for Kailash?
Our detailed Kailash Mansarovar Yatra preparation guide provides additional information for travellers preparing for the pilgrimage.
8. Can I compare this with a regular Tibet overland tour?
Yes. Our Tibet Overland Tour with Lhasa and Everest Base Camp is a separate Tibet journey covering Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and Everest Base Camp.
This new 13-day itinerary is specifically focused on Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash.
Related Kailash & Tibet Travel Resources
Kailash Manasarovar Tour
Our Kailash Manasarovar Tour for Non-Resident Indians and Foreign Travellers is a separate 15-day overland pilgrimage from Kathmandu through Kerung, Saga, Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash.
Nepal, Lhasa & Mount Kailash – 18 Days
Our Nepal, Lhasa & Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra – 18 Days provides an alternative route combining Nepal, Lhasa and the Kailash region.
Kailash Preparation Guide
Read How to Join the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra – Complete Guide for practical information about planning and preparing for a Kailash pilgrimage.
Tibet Overland Tour
Explore our Tibet Overland Tour with Lhasa and Everest Base Camp for a separate Tibet itinerary covering Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and the Tibetan Plateau.
Plan Your Kailash Mansarovar Journey
Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are among the world’s most significant pilgrimage destinations.
Reaching this remote region requires careful preparation, appropriate acclimatization and experienced local coordination.
If you are planning a 2027 Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage from Kathmandu via Lhasa, our Nepal-based team can help you understand the complete route before you book.
We can discuss:
- Your preferred departure date
- Group size
- Current Tibet travel conditions
- Tibet permits and travel requirements
- Mount Kailash Kora preparation
- Accommodation standards
- Transportation
- High-altitude considerations
- Available 2027 arrangements
Contact Kishor Nepal and the Nepal Tours Packages team for the latest itinerary, availability and booking information.
Plan your journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa, Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash — then return through Saga and Shigatse to Lhasa before flying home.
Request Your Kailash Mansarovar Tour Details Today
Overview
Kailash Mansarovar Lake Overland Tour from Lhasa – 13 Days is a high-altitude pilgrimage journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa, Lake Mansarovar and sacred Mount Kailash. The journey begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, followed by two days of sightseeing and acclimatization before travelling overland through Gyantse, Shigatse and Saga to the Kailash region.
The itinerary includes sacred Lake Mansarovar, Darchen and the approximately 52-km, three-day Mount Kailash Kora, including the challenging Dolma La Pass at around 5,630 metres. After completing the Kora, the journey returns entirely overland via Saga and Shigatse to Lhasa, before flying back to Kathmandu on Day 13.
Priced at USD 3,350 per person, based on a minimum of 6 travellers travelling together and twin-sharing accommodation, this itinerary is ideal for pilgrims and travellers who want to experience the Tibetan Plateau by road while combining Lhasa’s cultural heritage with the sacred Kailash–Mansarovar pilgrimage.
Proposed 2027 season: Mid-April to mid-October, subject to Tibet permits, government approvals, road conditions, transportation, accommodation and flight schedules.
Highlights
- Lhasa Cultural & Spiritual Experience – Explore the highlights of Lhasa, including the iconic Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Square, Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery while allowing time for acclimatization.
- Scenic Tibet Overland Journey – Travel across the spectacular Tibetan Plateau by road through Gyantse, Shigatse and Saga, experiencing dramatic Himalayan landscapes and high-altitude scenery.
- Sacred Lake Mansarovar – Visit the revered Lake Mansarovar, an important pilgrimage destination surrounded by the magnificent landscapes of western Tibet.
- Mount Kailash Kora – Complete the approximately 52-km, three-day pilgrimage trek around Mount Kailash, including the challenging crossing of Dolma La Pass at around 5,630 metres.
- Complete Overland Return to Lhasa – After the Kora, continue by road from the Kailash region through Saga and Shigatse to Lhasa, followed by a flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu on Day 13.