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Western Tibet and Kailash, Tibet / Tour

Kailash and Manasarovar Journey

Travel across western Tibet to Manasarovar and complete the Kailash kora on a programme arranged around current access.

Explore the itinerary Ask about this journey
The open waters of Lake Manasarovar
The open waters of Lake Manasarovar.
Duration
17 daysOutline programme
High plateau and Kailash kora
TourWestern Tibet and Kailash
Season
Late spring to early autumnAsk for current dates
Experience
Demanding high-altitude journeyTour

A closer look at the journey.

Lake Manasarovar and Kailash are the focus of this western Tibet journey. The main outline follows an overland approach through the Saga and Mayum La region, reaches the lake and continues to Darchen. Three walking stages then form the kora, passing the Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk areas before returning toward the lake.

The reference includes several programme lengths; this page uses the longer seventeen-day outline as its main journey. Entry, exit and road arrangements need to be confirmed for your dates. The high-pass walking requires separate consideration from the vehicle-supported approach, and a traveller who does not undertake the kora should discuss suitable arrangements before the overall itinerary is agreed.

  • Lake Manasarovar and its surrounding plateau
  • Dirapuk and the Kailash kora
  • A longer overland approach and return

The route, day by day.

This is an outline programme. The team will confirm the route and arrangements with you, allowing for weather, access and local conditions.

Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu

Begin the programme with your arrival connection and time to settle in. Meet the local team to review the journey ahead.

Day 2Kathmandu: sightseeing and trip preparation

Spend the day on the planned local visits, with walking and travel arranged around access and your interests.

Day 3Tibet entry arrangements and onward journey

The operating border crossing and road route must be agreed for your travel dates.

Day 4Continue toward Paiku Tso and Yak Kharka

Continue to the next stop on the programme, with local travel and visits coordinated by the team.

Day 5Travel via Saga to Dongpa

Continue the agreed road or onward travel stage, with stops and the overnight location coordinated locally.

Day 6Continue to the Mayum La approach

Continue to the next stop on the programme, with local travel and visits coordinated by the team.

Day 7Travel to Lake Manasarovar

Continue the agreed road or onward travel stage, with stops and the overnight location coordinated locally.

Day 8Explore the lake area and continue to Darchen

Spend the day on the planned local visits, with walking and travel arranged around access and your interests.

Day 9Begin the Kailash kora toward Dirapuk

Follow the planned high-route stage when conditions allow. Your guide confirms the timing, pace and overnight arrangements.

Day 10Cross the high pass toward Zuthulpuk

Follow the planned high-route stage when conditions allow. Your guide confirms the timing, pace and overnight arrangements.

Day 11Complete the kora and return toward the lake

Follow the planned high-route stage when conditions allow. Your guide confirms the timing, pace and overnight arrangements.

Day 12Begin the return toward Mayum La

Continue to the next stop on the programme, with local travel and visits coordinated by the team.

Day 13Continue to Dongpa

Continue to the next stop on the programme, with local travel and visits coordinated by the team.

Day 14Dongpa to Yak Kharka

Continue to the next stop on the programme, with local travel and visits coordinated by the team.

Day 15Travel toward the border region

Continue the agreed road or onward travel stage, with stops and the overnight location coordinated locally.

Day 16Return to Kathmandu

Continue to the next stop on the programme, with local travel and visits coordinated by the team.

Day 17Depart Kathmandu

Complete the programme with the agreed departure transfer and onward travel arrangements.

A clear plan and quotation.

Request an itemised quotation for your group, dates and preferred level of support. Agree the inclusions before booking travel.

Services to discuss

  • Local guiding and sightseeing arrangements
  • Accommodation standards and the meal plan
  • Ground travel and any flights shown in the agreed programme
  • Site visits and any local access arrangements

Budget separately

  • International travel and connections outside the agreed programme
  • Personal travel insurance and personal equipment
  • Drinks, personal purchases and optional activities
  • Tips and changes requested beyond the agreed programme

Before you set out.

Discuss the sustained altitude, road stages and walking requirements before confirming the journey. The Kailash kora requires separate consideration from vehicle travel.

Accommodation: City hotels and simpler plateau accommodation, with guesthouse or camp arrangements around Kailash where relevant; the full plan must be agreed.

Use the trip preparation guide to plan equipment, travel documents and questions for the team.

Can the visits be tailored?

Discuss your interests and preferred pace with the team. Site access, opening times and travel connections shape the final daily order.

Are the border and road connections confirmed?

They must be confirmed for your travel dates before booking. The reference route does not establish that a particular border crossing or road is operating.

Other journeys to explore.

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Bhim PaudelExecutive Director

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Season

Highest altitude so far, any summits, and when you can travel.