In Ngari Prefecture, Tibet, Mount Kailash is a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, and Bon. Hikers circle the sacred mountain along the kora route, experiencing religious sanctity and natural grandeur. With high difficulty, it requires prior plateau hiking experience. The best times to visit are April to June and September to October.

🏔️ 12-Day Mount Kailash Kora & Western Tibet Journey

A well-paced, culturally rich, and high-altitude–safe itinerary designed for international travelers.

Day 1｜Arrival in Lhasa (3,650 m)

Welcome to Tibet!
Your guide will meet you at the airport or train station and transfer you to your hotel near the old town.
Use the rest of the day to relax, hydrate, and acclimatize to the altitude.

Overnight: Lhasa

Day 2｜Lhasa → Yamdrok Lake → Karola Glacier → Gyantse → Shigatse

A scenic drive across the Kamba-La Pass brings you to the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake.
Continue to Karola Glacier, rising dramatically beside the highway, then onward to Gyantse’s Pelkor Chöde Monastery and its famous Kumbum Stupa.

Arrive in Shigatse in the early evening.

Overnight: Shigatse

Day 3｜Shigatse → Sakya Monastery → Lhatse / Tingri

Head west across wide Himalayan plains.
Stop at Sakya Monastery, known for its massive fortress-like grey-and-black walls.
Continue to Lhatse or Tingri, closer to the Everest region.

Overnight: Lhatse or Tingri

Day 4｜Everest Region (Rongbuk Area) → Saga

Weather and seasonal conditions permitting, visit the Rongbuk area for views of Mount Everest’s north side.
Photograph the 8,848-m giant from one of Tibet’s most iconic viewpoints before continuing west to Saga.

Overnight: Saga

Day 5｜Saga → Paryang Grasslands → Lake Manasarovar → Darchen

A beautiful day of driving through the Paryang high-altitude grasslands.
Reach the sacred Lake Manasarovar, one of the holiest pilgrimage lakes in Asia.
Walk along the shore for photography and spiritual atmosphere, then continue to Darchen, the starting point of the Kailash Kora.

Overnight: Darchen (4,600 m)

Day 6｜Darchen Acclimatization Day / Optional North-Face Trek

A full rest day to adjust to altitude before beginning the 3-day Kailash circuit.
Optional short hike towards the North Face viewpoint of Mount Kailash (weather and conditions permitting).

Overnight: Darchen**

🥾 Begin the 3-Day Mount Kailash Kora

Day 7｜Kora Day 1: Darchen → Dirapuk Monastery

Distance: ~13 km / 5–6 hrs
A gentle ascent through the valley leads you toward the dramatic cliffs of Dirapuk Monastery, located directly facing the North Face of Kailash.

Overnight: Dirapuk / camping area

Day 8｜Kora Day 2: Dirapuk → Dolma-La Pass (5,620 m) → Zutulpuk

Distance: 20–22 km / 8–10 hrs
The most challenging but unforgettable day.
Cross the Dolma-La Pass (5,620 m), the high point of the pilgrimage, then descend past the sacred Gauri Kund lake and continue to Zutulpuk Monastery.

Overnight: Zutulpuk

Day 9｜Kora Day 3: Zutulpuk → Darchen

A gradual walk along a broad valley brings you back to Darchen, completing the full outer Kora of Mount Kailash.

Overnight: Darchen

Day 10｜Darchen → Saga

A relaxed day returning east along the road to Saga.
Enjoy views of vast grasslands and snow-capped peaks.

Overnight: Saga

Day 11｜Saga → Shigatse

Continue the journey back across the plateau to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city.
Warm showers, good food, and a comfortable bed await.

Overnight: Shigatse

Day 12｜Shigatse → Lhasa (Trip Ends)

Return to Lhasa via the scenic Friendship Highway.
You’ll arrive in the afternoon. Transfer to your hotel or directly to the airport/train station.

End of services.