Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has deep roots in Hindu mythology and is believed to be sacred. The clockwise circumambulation of Mt. Kailash’s 52km yatra is believed to bring purity to one’s life. Hence, this is the holiest destination for many Hindus as a pilgrimage.
Mount Kailash is remarkable in that four of the largest rivers in Asia have their sources within 100km of it: the Indus flowing to the north, the Brahmaputra to the east, the Karnali, one of the main tributaries of the Ganga, to the south, and the Sutlej to the west.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra begins from Lhasa with two days in the city for acclimatising the altitude with sightseeing. The tour includes visits to cultural heritage sites such as the Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace, and other monasteries.
The tour then travels westward to Saga to reach the holy lake Mansarovar and Mt. Kailash. Finally, after three days of circumambulation, you will drive back to Lhasa and fly home.
Lhasa Gongkar Airport (Google Map)
Upon arrival at the Lhasa Gongkar airport / Lhasa train station, our client will be warmly welcomed by our Tibetan local tour guide with the traditional Tibetan white scarf.
We drive for about an hour from the airport to Lhasa and half an hour from the train station to the hotel. After check-in at the hotel, the guide will brief the tour itineraries for the next day and relax in the hotel for the rest of the day to acclimatise to the high altitude.
We will begin our visit from Jokhang Temple, one of the most sacred temples in Tibet built in the 7th century by the 33rd king of Tibet – Songtsen Gampo.
“Jokhang” means the temple of the Buddha built for the enshrinement of the Shakyamuni image, which is believed to have been nonexistent before the lifetime of Shakyamuni. After visiting the temple, you can explore the surrounding Barkhor street and spend time walking around the Temple following pilgrims from all over the Tibetan plateau.
In the afternoon, Sera Monastery, one of three great monasteries of the Gelugpa school, will host the monks’ debating session, which is quite popular in Sera.
Today we visit the stunning Potala Palace – the landmark of Lhasa and Norbulingka Palaces. Potala is the winter palace that was built in the 17th century by the fifth Dalai Lama. Provides amazing views of the entire city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Norbulingka Palace, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. It was built in the 18th century by the seventh Dalai Lama.
Today is the scenic drive for 5 hours along the Brahmaputra river till Shigatse – the second largest city in the Tibet Autonomous Region. We will visit the Tashi Lhunpo monastery, built in the 15th century by the first Dalai Lama.
Nowadays, the Tashi Lhunpo monastery serves as the spiritual seat for the successive Panchen Lamas. We recommend doing Kora around Tashilhunpo Monastery if times allow, having an incredible panorama view of the valley and an impressive Dzong (fortress).
It’s a whole day drive from Shigatse to Saga crossing 9passes at an elevation of around 5000m. Most of the road we drive through nomads area because we are gaining the altitude and wonderful great natural mountains and rivers from western Tibet along the way.
Today marks one of the most significant days of our Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. We will be driving along the Yarlung Tsangpo River (also known as the Brahmaputra) as we make our way over the 5,100-meter-high Mayum La pass to reach the sacred lake of Mansarovar.
Mansarovar is a revered lake where Hindu pilgrims traditionally take a dip before beginning the Kailash circumambulation, as it is believed that bathing in its waters purifies one of sins. After crossing the Mayum La pass, you will be rewarded with your first glimpse of the majestic pyramid-shaped summit of Mt. Kailash, following the long journey from Lhasa. It is said that bathing in the lake purifies one’s sins, making this experience even more profound.
Today we have almost half a day of free time at Lake Mansarovar for Poja and enjoying the view of Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash.
Just 30 30-minute hike up to the Chiu monastery. The master Padmasambhava meditated for 7 days and 7 nights in the 8th century, which is impossible to miss because this hike is ideal preparation for the strenuous Kailash Yatra, exceeding the 5627m high Dolma La pass.
After lunch, we drive about an hour to Darchen and start to prepare for the big day.
The trip’s Highlight is three days of conversion (52km) of the sacred Mt. Kailash. The trek starts today, and 8 km after leaving Darchen, we reach the spot Tarpoche, the giant flag pole in honour of Buddha at the entrance to Kora, where the potters and Yaks were waiting for the guest too.
The walk for today is easy as it ascends to the altitude of 4800m – Dirapuk Monastery. From there, we have the best and most beautiful stunning view of the north face of Mt. Kailash.
Today, we departed from Dirapuk Monastery early in the morning to reach the top of the Dolma La Pass before sunrise. The trek involved a 6-kilometre ascent to the Dolma La Pass, followed by a challenging 4-kilometre descent, which is considered the toughest part of the entire trek.
After that, the trek route is more or less flat and down for 10km to reach Zutrulpuk Monastery, the cave where Milarepa reside.
After breakfast, we visit the Zutrulpuk monastery – the cave of wonders where the Yogi Milarepa once meditated.
The distance is only 12km to Darchen and is the easiest part of the trek. Having lunch in Darchen and we drive back to Saga.
Drive the same route back to Shigatse.
Take the same route back to Lhasa, following the Brahmaputra River.
Our holy Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Tibet tour officially ends today. Have a safe journey after that.
Tibet – Mt Kailash and Mansarovar
I had my dream trip to holy Kailash and Mansarovar. Though I hadn’t planned much for the time I decided to travel, I had a very memorable and pleasant trip and all that happened because of excellent support from guide Tenzin Norbu.
As I said, due to lack of planning, I wasn’t prepared for altitude sickness. Tenzin’s support to overcome this and then support during parikrama was a lifetime memory.. especially dinner arrangements on Day1 of Parikrama was more than guides support.
Tenzin always takes care of people with their customized needs. He knows a lot about various cultural believes and people needs.
Thank you, Norbu. 🙏 I wish you good luck.
