Lhasa – Everest Base Camp and Kailash Yatra – 13 Days

This 13-day tour covers Tibet from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and on to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. It combines sightseeing in Lhasa, an overland drive through Gyantse and Shigatse, a visit to the northern Everest Base Camp, and the pilgrimage around Kailash.

You begin in Lhasa with the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery. From there you drive to Shigatse and Everest Base Camp, then head west through Saga to Lake Manasarovar and Darchen.

The core of the trip is the three-day Kailash Kora, a trek through the valleys around the mountain. When you finish, you return through Saga and Shigatse to Lhasa and fly back to Kathmandu.

About Tibet

Tibet is a high-altitude region known for its ancient Buddhist culture, monasteries, dramatic Himalayan landscapes, and pilgrimage traditions. Often referred to as the "Roof of the World," Tibet is home to some of the world's highest mountains and sacred lakes.

Lhasa, the traditional cultural and spiritual center of Tibet, provides an introduction to Tibetan history and Buddhist heritage. Beyond Lhasa, the landscape changes from historic cities and monasteries to vast plateaus, mountain passes, turquoise lakes, and remote Himalayan valleys.

This journey offers an opportunity to experience both the cultural heritage of Tibet and the spiritual significance of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.

Major Attractions

Lhasa and Potala Palace

Lhasa is the starting point of the journey and home to several important Buddhist landmarks. Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, dominates the Lhasa skyline and is one of Tibet's most recognized historical monuments.

Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street

Jokhang Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Tibetan Buddhism. Nearby Barkhor Street offers an opportunity to observe pilgrims, traditional architecture, local shops, and everyday life in the heart of Lhasa.

Drepung and Sera Monasteries

Drepung and Sera are among the major monasteries around Lhasa. Their courtyards, prayer halls, murals, and traditional Buddhist practices provide insight into Tibet's monastic culture.

Everest Base Camp

The itinerary travels to Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side, offering views of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan landscape. The journey to EBC also passes through the high-altitude scenery of central Tibet.

Lake Manasarovar

Lake Manasarovar is one of the most sacred lakes in the Himalayan region and holds deep religious significance for pilgrims. Its clear waters and surrounding mountains create one of the memorable landscapes of the journey.

Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash is considered sacred in several Asian religious traditions. The mountain is the centerpiece of the pilgrimage and the Kailash Kora, a demanding three-day trek around its base.

Kailash Kora

The Kailash Kora is the spiritual and physical highlight of this journey. The trek begins from Darchen, the gateway to Mount Kailash, and continues toward Drirapuk before crossing the high-altitude section toward Dzutripuk.

The three trekking days cover approximately 13 km, 18 km, and 7 km, respectively. The terrain is remote and challenging, with significant altitude gain and changing weather conditions. Travelers should be physically prepared and allow themselves time to acclimatize before beginning the Kora.

Yak and yak-man services are not included in the package and can be arranged separately if required.

Permit and Visa

Travel to Tibet requires the appropriate travel permits and documentation. This package includes the Tibet Travel Permit, Kailash Permit, and Everest Base Camp Permit as specified in the services. Travelers should also have the required visa or entry documentation for China/Tibet. Chinese and Nepal visa fees are excluded from the package. Requirements may vary according to nationality and current regulations, so travelers should check the applicable requirements before departure.

Currency

The official currency used in Tibet is the Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB). Travelers should carry sufficient Chinese currency for personal expenses, drinks, tips, snacks, and other items not included in the package. Credit card and digital payment availability can be limited in remote areas, particularly during the Kailash section, so carrying some local currency is recommended.

Language

Tibetan is the traditional local language, while Mandarin Chinese is widely used in official and commercial settings. English is understood in some tourist areas.

An English-speaking Tibetan guide is included in the package to assist travelers throughout the journey.

Cultural Etiquette

Tibet has a strong Buddhist cultural and religious heritage. Visitors should respect monasteries, temples, pilgrimage sites, monks, and local customs throughout the journey. Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites, follow instructions regarding photography, and avoid disturbing people who are praying or performing religious rituals. When walking around sacred sites, follow the local practice of moving in a clockwise direction where appropriate.

It is also important to avoid touching religious objects, statues, or prayer items without permission and to follow the guidance of your local guide.