Taking a trip to Mount Kailash from Lhasa is one of the epic adventures you can have in Tibet. After acclimatizing to the altitude in Lhasa, you will travel about 1200 kilometers to this holy mountain, passing through a variety of landscapes across western and central Tibet, including Yamdrok Lake and Mount Everest.

Planning such a trip involves many considerations: permits, ways to get there, how many days to spend, accommodation, packing essentials, etc. But no worries - we are here to make everything simple and clear for you! Read on to learn how to plan your trip from Lhasa to Mount Kailash.

How to Get to Mount Kailash from Lhasa? By Flight or Overland?

Traveling to Mount Kailash from Lhasa can be done in two ways: by overland drive or by flight. For most tourists, an overland journey from Lhasa to Mount Kailash is the most recommended and rewarding option.

By taking the overland route, you can travel directly to Darchen, the small town at the foot of Mount Kailash and the beginning point of Kailash kora. The journey takes about 4 days to cover 1,200 kilometers, crossing Shigatse, EBC, Saga and Lake Manasarovar. Along the way, you'll not only enjoy gradual altitude acclimatization but also witness stunning scenery, such as Yamdrok Lake and Mount Everest.

If you are thinking of flying to Mount Kailash, then you can first take a two-hour flight from Lhasa to Ngari Gunsha Airport, and then drive for another 200 kilometers to Darchen. While this route is time-saving, it skips much of the highlights that an overland trip gives you. It is also less ideal for acclimatization due to the rapid elevation gain.

Join our classic Lhasa to Mount Kailash tour for a smooth experience.

How Many Days are Needed for a Mt. Kailash Tour from Lhasa? 15 Days with 3-Day Trek is Highly Recommended

The most classic Mount Kailash tour from Lhasa typically takes around 15 days. This includes a 3-day sightseeing in Lhasa, a 3-day trek around Mount Kailash, and several days of overland travel through the central and western Tibet.

Firstly, during your 3-day Lhasa city tour, you will visit the city’s iconic landmarks, like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the monasteries of Sera and Drepung. This not only gives you a wonderful first impression of Tibet, but also provides enough time to acclimatize to the plateau altitude before venturing into western Tibet.

The next two days, you will travel past Yamdrok Lake and Shigatse before reaching EBC. You can enjoy a stunning close-up view of Mount Everest at the base camp. From there, the journey continues for another two days to Darchen, passing through Peiku Tso Lake, Saga County, and Lake Manasarovar.

Once you reach Darchen, the 3-day Mount Kailash Kora is the highlight of the tour. The kora route covers about 52 kilometers, and is a deeply spiritual pilgrimage. You will cross the Drolma La Pass (5630 meters), the highest point on the trail, and walk through valleys, pristine lakes, ancient temples, and encounter devout Tibetan pilgrims along the way.

After the holy trek, you will journey back to Lhasa via Saga, Gyirong and Tingri. Along the way back, you will have the chance to visit the lush Gyirong valley, as well as the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.

Overall, this 15-day itinerary from Lhasa to Mount Kailash offers ample time for acclimatization and sightseeing en route. Taking the route, you will experience both the spiritual and natural beauty of Tibet in a safe and pleasant way.

How Much Does a Lhasa to Mt. Kailash Tour Cost?

The cost of a Lhasa to Mount Kailash tour can vary depending on the season, travel duration, and group size. Typically, for a classic 15-day Lhasa to Mount Kailash tour, you need to prepare at least US$2500 per person. This price generally includes the transportation within Tibet, accommodations and meals, guide service, all necessary permits, admission fees of attractions, support for trekking, etc.

Besides, your international flight into mainland China and the domestic train or flight to Lhasa will be another big expense. If you travel solo, you may also need to pay for a single room supplement. Other personal costs, such as souvenirs, can also adds up.

Therefore, to save money, it is recommended to join our Mount Kailash small group tour. This allows you to share the cost of the tour vehicle, guide, hotel and more - largely reducing your expenses compared to a private tour. Plus, you will have the chance to travel with other like-minded individuals to explore the sacred mountain.

Join our classic Lhasa to Mount Kailash tour for a smooth experience.

What Permits are Needed for a Lhasa to Mt. Kailash Tour?

For a Mount Kailash tour from Lhasa, there are several permits you need to obtain before beginning your journey. Firstly, to enter Tibet, you need to obtain a Chinese Visa and Tibet Travel Permit. If you are from one of the those Chines visa-free countries, then you just need to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit.

Then, for visiting Mount Kailash region, you will also need additional documents, including the Aliens’ Travel Permit, the Military Permit, and the Foreign Affairs Permit.

Don’t think this complicated - we will handle all the Tibet travel documents on your behalf. After you book your Mount Kailash tour with us, simply send us copies of your passport and Chinese Visa, and we will take care of the rest.

Besides, if you hold an Indian passport and decide to visit Mount Kailash, you must book your tour through the Foreign Affairs Office of Tibet Autonomous Region or the Tibet-India Pilgrim Reception Center.

Accommodation and Dining Conditions about Lhasa to Mt. Kailash Tour

The accommodation and dining conditions along the route from Lhasa to Mount Kailash vary greatly depending on the location, but they are generally better than you might expect.

In Lhasa and Shigatse, you can find a wide range of accommodating options, from luxury 5-star hotels to budget-friendly guesthouse. As for food, there are also many options available, including Tibetan, Chinese, and even some Western cuisine.

At Everest Base Camp, accommodations include upgraded tent guesthouses and the Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse. Both offer essential facilities such as oxygen supplies and warm bedding. The food here is also improved, with dishes like noodles, fried rice, momos, butter tea, and even Tibetan hot pot.

As you travel further west into remote areas like Saga and Darchen, accommodations become more basic, mostly in the form of 3-star hotels. These usually offer comfortable enough conditions to allow for proper rest before and after the Kailash kora trek.

During the 3-day Mount Kailash trek, you will stay in simple guesthouses at Dirapuk Monastery and Dzultripuk Monastery on the first and second nights, respectively. There are also Tibetan-run tented camps near Dolma La Pass. These accommodations are typically dormitory-style, offering warm blankets and hot water, though without private bathrooms.

Dining also becomes simpler as you move westward. In the remote areas around Mount Kailash, you can generally expect basic Tibetan food such as dumplings, noodles, sweet tea, and butter tea. It’s advisable to bring some snacks to supplement your diet during the kora.

What are Must-Things to Pack for A Lhasa to Mt. Kailash Tour?

Packing wisely is important for the two-week-long tour from Lhasa to Mount Kailash. But you don’t have to pack everything, and traveling light is suggested considering the high altitude trek. Here are some must-pack items:

Clothing: Layered clothing for changing temperatures, including a down jacket, thermal underwear, windproof fleece, waterproof jacket or raincoat, and thermal trousers.
Footwear: Comfortable and sturdy trekking boots with good ankle support.
Accessories: Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, hat, and gloves.
Medications: Basic first-aid kit, altitude sickness medicine, personal prescriptions.

To help reduce your load, we provide trekking poles to assist you on the challenging trail. For added warmth at night, you can also borrow sleeping bags from us. If needed, our local guide can help arrange a porter or yak to carry your backpack.

Join our classic Lhasa to Mount Kailash tour for a smooth experience.

More Insider Tips for a Smooth Mount Kailash Tour from Lhasa

1. Best Travel Time: It’s important to note that Mount Kailash is only accessible from May to October. Winter snows can block the roads, making travel impossible. For the best weather conditions, the best time for the Mount Kailash trek is from May to June and September to October.

2. Pre-book with a Trusted Agency: It’s highly recommended to pre-book your Mount Kailash tour with a reputable agency like us to ensure a smoother travel experience and reliable support throughout your journey.

3. Outer Kora Access: Only the outer kora is open to international tourists. However, if you're seeking a deeper connection with Mount Kailash, we can arrange a special moment for you to touch the sacred mountain during our 16-day Mount Kailash tour.

4. Physical Preparation: While the trek isn’t technical, it is physically demanding due to the high altitude. Regular walking and cardio exercises before your trip will greatly help with endurance.

5. Altitude Acclimatization: Altitude sickness is a real concern. Spend at least 2–3 days in Lhasa before heading west to acclimate. During the Kailash kora, pace yourself, drink plenty of water, and keep your energy up.

Conclusion

Planning a t our from Lhasa to Mount Kailash is not complicated. With our help, you really need to do very little, as we will handle most of the details, including travel documents, itinerary arrangement, accommodation and dinning, local guides, transportation etc. Just contact us in advance or book your tour with us today - we are here to ensure you a smooth and pleasant journey to Tibet!