- Cultural Treks & Expedition
- +977 9851092658 (Kumar)
Cultural Treks, a leading tour operator based in Nepal, offers a 15-day Kailash Manasarovar Tour starting and ending in Lhasa, with departure from Kathmandu. The journey begins with a visit and darshan at the sacred Pashupatinath Temple before flying to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. The trans-Himalayan flight is considered one of the most spectacular in the world, offering breathtaking views of Mount Everest and numerous other Himalayan peaks.
In Tibet, immerse yourself in the unique culture of the "Roof of the World" while visiting renowned landmarks such as the Jokhang Temple (Tibet's most sacred monastery), Norbulingka Palace, Sera Monastery, and Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse. Continue with a scenic overland journey through the Tibetan plateau to Saga and the holy Lake Manasarovar, where you will enjoy the first darshan of the sacred Mount Kailash. Complete the revered Kailash Kora (Parikrama) before returning via the overland route. Travel to the abode of Lord Shiva in comfort while experiencing one of the world's most spiritual and awe-inspiring pilgrimages.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,350 m) airport, meet our staff and transfer to Hotel.
Day 02: Darshan of Pashupatinath Temple, Guhyeswari Temple and Sleeping Vishnu at Budhanilkantha. The day is free for final preparation of the Yatra.
Day 03: After breakfast, drive to the airport for your flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival at Gonggar airport, transfer to Lhasa City (3650 m). Visit Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazar in the evening.
Day 04: Visit the Potala Palace and Sera Monastery.
Day 05: Drive to Shigatse (3800 m/271 km, 8 hrs). Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery & the free market.
Day 06: Drive to Saga. (4600 m/447 km, 8 hrs).
Day 07: Drive to Lake Manasarovar (4600 m) with the Parikrama of the Lake. (478 km / 9 hrs).
Day 08: AM Stay at Lake Manasarovar for Puja. PM Drive to Darchen. (4670m/40 km, 1½ hrs).
Day 09: Drive to Trek starting point. Trek to Dirapuk. (4860 m - 15km - 6-7 hrs).
Day 10: Trek to Zhuthulpuk (4760 m) crossing over The Dolma La Pass. (18 km, 10-12 hrs ).
Day 11: End Kailash Kora, Drive to Saga. (4600 m/440 km, 6-7 hrs).
Day 12: Drive to Shigatse.
Day 13: Drive to Lhasa.
Day 14: Fly Lhasa – Kathmandu by Himalayan Airlines. Rest of the day free for shopping and relaxation.
Day 15: Last minute, transfer to airport for your onward journey.
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, where our representative will warmly welcome you. Transfer to Hotel Kuti/ Radisson Hotel. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a bustling city with a rich blend of history, culture and spirituality. If time permits, take a short walk in Thamel, the vibrant tourist hub, with its souvenir shops, local handicrafts, and cafés. Evening is at leisure to rest and acclimatize, prepare your luggage for the yatra and enjoy your first taste of Nepali cuisine. Overnight stay at the Hotel Kuti/ Radisson Hotel.
Meals: Veg. Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing in Kathmandu. Visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the oldest and holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated along the sacred Bagmati River. Witness the ritual ceremonies performed by devotees on the riverbanks. Next, visit Guhyeshwari Temple, an important center for tantric worship dedicated to Goddess Shakti. Continue to Budhanilkantha, famous for the enormous Sleeping Vishnu statue, carved from a single black stone, reclining on the cosmic serpent Ananta Shesha. After returning to the hotel for lunch, attend the pre-departure briefing, covering high-altitude safety, necessary gear and travel preparations for the Yatra. Overnight at Hotel Kuti/ Radisson Hotel.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
At 6:00 AM, drive to Tribhuvan International Airport for your Himalayan Airlines flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport (3,570m), meet the Tibetan team and transfer to Lhasa City (1.5 hours’ drive) and check in at Hotel Manasarovar or Hampton by Hilton for rest and acclimatization. After lunch, begin your sightseeing program around 2:00 PM with a visit to the sacred Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet, followed by a walking tour around Barkhor Bazar, the vibrant traditional market area and pilgrim kora route. Sightseeing concludes around 5:00 PM, after which you return to the hotel for rest and overnight at Hotel Manasarovar or Hampton by Hilton.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, begin your morning sightseeing at 9:00 AM with a guided visit to the iconic Potala Palace (3,700m), exploring its ancient chapels, murals, and historical chambers (approx. 2–3 hours). After lunch, proceed to Sera Monastery around 2:00 PM, one of Tibet’s major monastic institutions, where you will explore its courtyards, prayer halls and academic sections. A special interactive session with a Buddhist Monk will be arranged between 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM, offering spiritual insights into Tibetan Buddhism. Return to the hotel around 5:30 PM for rest and overnight stay at Hotel Manasarovar or Hampton by Hilton
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, depart from Lhasa for a scenic drive to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. The 271-km journey takes approximately 8 hours and passes through dramatic landscapes, high-altitude plateaus and rural Tibetan settlements. Upon arrival, visit Tashilunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama, known for its vast golden statue of the Maitreya Buddha. Explore the monastery complex and nearby traditional market. Check in at Hotel Getsar or similar for an overnight stay.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, continue your journey toward Saga, driving across long stretches of Tibetan grasslands, rivers and snow-capped peaks. The 447-km drive takes around 8 hours, offering breathtaking views of the high-altitude desert terrain. Arrive in Saga and check in at the hotel for rest and acclimatization. Overnight stay in Saga.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, drive to the sacred Lake Manasarovar. Stop at Mayumla Pass (4,800 m) for customs formalities, enjoy a packed lunch and continue through Paryang County. Upon arrival, witness your first view of Mount Kailash reflected in the turquoise waters of Lake Manasarovar. Complete approximately 75% of the lake’s Parikrama. Visit Chiu Gompa Monastery if time permits. Overnight stay at Parmarth Ashram or similar accommodation.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Wake up early for a holy dip and Puja on the lake’s banks, believed to cleanse body and soul. After rituals, drive to Darchen, the base camp for the Kailash Kora. En route, enjoy views of Lake Rakshastal and surrounding Tibetan landscapes. Check into Kailash Himalaya Hotel.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Drive 7 km to Yam Dwar, the ceremonial starting point of the Kailash Kora Trek. Begin trekking toward Dirapuk, passing prayer flags, shrines and open highland plains. Witness stunning views of the North Face of Mount Kailash and experience the spiritual ambiance of this sacred pilgrimage. Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Dirapuk. Optional visit to Charan Sparsh, a 6 km trek, can be arranged with your guide.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Packaged Lunch and Light Dinner
Begin early for the most challenging day of the Kora. Cross the Dolma La Pass (5,630 m), the highest point of the trek, representing spiritual purification. Descend past Gauri Kund, a sacred lake associated with Goddess Parvati. Arrive at Zhuthulpuk, check into a guesthouse, and rest after the physically demanding trek.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Packaged Lunch and Light Dinner
Finish the Kora trek from Zhuthulpuk to Darchen, then board your vehicle for the drive back to Saga. Along the way, enjoy the serene Brahmaputra River, high plateau vistas and views of Tibetan villages. Take in the sense of achievement and spiritual fulfillment after completing the sacred circumambulation. Overnight stay at Saga hotel.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, continue your return journey to Shigatse through wide plains, mountain passes and Tibetan villages. Upon arrival, check in at Hotel Getsar or a similar property. The evening is free for relaxation or exploring the local market. Overnight stay in Shigatse.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, drive back to Lhasa, retracing the scenic route through high mountain landscapes and river valleys. Upon arrival, check in at Hotel Manasarovar or Hampton by Hilton. The evening is free for rest or a leisurely walk. Overnight in Lhasa.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu via Himalayan Airlines. Upon arrival, check in at Hyatt Centric or Hotel Shanker. The rest of the day is free for shopping, spa treatments or relaxation. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy free time for last-minute shopping, or exploring Kathmandu’s bustling streets. Later, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey, carrying memories of Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Brahmaputra River, Tibetan plateau and a spiritually transformative pilgrimage.
Meals: Breakfast
