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.

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.

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

A scenic drive across the Kamba-La Pass brings you to the turquoise waters of 

, rising dramatically beside the highway, then onward to 

Day 3｜Shigatse → Sakya Monastery → Lhatse / Tingri

Head west across wide Himalayan plains.
Stop at 

, known for its massive fortress-like grey-and-black walls.
Continue to Lhatse or Tingri, closer to the Everest region.

Day 4｜Everest Region (Rongbuk Area) → Saga

Weather and seasonal conditions permitting, visit the 

 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.

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

, one of the holiest pilgrimage lakes in Asia.
Walk along the shore for photography and spiritual atmosphere, then continue to 

, the starting point of the Kailash Kora.

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 

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 

, located directly facing the North Face of Kailash.

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 

 (5,620 m), the high point of the pilgrimage, then descend past the sacred 

A gradual walk along a broad valley brings you back to 

, completing the full outer Kora of Mount Kailash.

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

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

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.

Kailash Kora: Pilgrimage to Tibet’s Sacred Mountain

Located northwest of Xinxiang City, Henan, Southern Taihang is the most stunning section of the Taihang Mountains. Boasting diverse trails, it offers spectacular views of towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and sheer cliffs. The traverse between Shiziling (the highest peak) and Wangmangling (the second-highest) is particularly thrilling and breathtaking. The optimal hiking season is mid-September to late November.

China’s Most Underrated Multi-Day Mountain Adventure

 is one of China’s most visually striking and culturally authentic multi-day hikes—yet still largely unknown outside the country. Located on the dramatic borderlands of 

 that combines nature, culture, and dramatic scenery, the Southern Taihang Mountains provide one of the best—and most overlooked—trekking experiences in China.

: Almost unknown to international travelers.

: Towering cliffs, narrow ridgelines, and red-rock canyons.

: Ancient stone villages, cliff tunnels, hanging paths.

: Clean village accommodations with local meals.

: Reachable from Zhengzhou, Taiyuan, or Beijing with a short transfer.

(Guoliang → Hanging Villages → Xiyagou)


This is the most visually impressive and internationally friendly version.

Day 1 — Arrival in the Southern Taihang Mountains

Guoliang Village & The Famous Cliff Tunnel Road

, a remote stone village perched beneath massive cliffs.

Hero landscape / cliff tunnel interior / village lifestyle

Day 2 — Guoliang → Hanging Villages Traverse

Stone villages, terraced valleys, and cliff-cut pathways

Trek from Guoliang to nearby cliff-side hamlets connected by ancient mule paths.

Cross terraced fields, red-rock valleys, and panoramic ridgelines.

Visit traditional stone houses and meet local residents.

Drone valley shot / stone villages / trail portraits

Cliff roads, narrow ledges, and spectacular viewpoints

, one of the most stunning cliff paths in the Taihang Mountains.

Traverse tunnels, carved ledges, and exposed balcony paths overlooking a 400–600 m vertical drop.

Cliff-edge leading lines / dramatic canyon walls / trekking action shots

Day 4 — Xiyagou → Taihang Scenic Exit → Return

Morning walk through the lower canyon scenery.

Transfer to Zhengzhou/Taiyuan for departure.

Canyon rivers / morning mist / closing landscape shots

, suitable for active hikers.
Daily 10–14 km with some steep ascents and exposed sections.

Camera / drone (excellent aerial scenery)

 – bridges, pinnacles, and cliff platforms

Southern Taihang Mountains Trek: Admire the Majestic Mountains of Central China

Due to the Chinese government's restriction that only Chinese citizens with a Border Pass are allowed to enter certain areas in the Shannan region of Tibet, foreigners are not permitted to participate in the trek to Mount Kuragangri.

Located in Lhozhag County, Shannan Prefecture, Tibet, Kulagangri is Tibet’s best introductory outdoor route. Combining the grandeur and challenge of Nepal’s EBC with Shannan’s unique grace, it allows hikers to get up close to snow-capped mountains and glaciers, and marvel at the vast "blue ocean" of lakes. The optimal hiking periods are January to May and October to December.

Kulagangri is located in Luozha County, Shannan City, Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It is one of the "Four Sacred Mountains" in central Tibet, with an elevation of 7,538 meters. Standing in the middle section of the Himalayas, it is close to the Bhutanese border and, together with the surrounding peaks, forms a magnificent snow-capped mountain range. Due to its towering shape and deep religious and cultural significance, Kulagangri has become an important pilgrimage site in Tibet and a coveted hidden destination for travelers.

: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Pumoyumco Lake - Mendarla Pass - Luozha County

Driving time: approximately 5 hours, 290 km.

: Luozha County - Cuoyu Village - Jiejiumu Lake Trek - Cuoyu Village (Stargazing and photography subject to weather conditions)

Trek: approximately 5 km, with an elevation gain of 500 m.

: Cuoyu Village (Golden Mountain Sunrise subject to weather conditions) - Baimalinco Lake Loop Hike - Cuoyu Village
Trek: approximately 11 km, with an elevation gain of 700 m.



 Cuoyu Village - Zhengong Three Lakes Trek - Cuoyu Village

Trek: approximately 12 km, with an elevation gain of 800 m.



 Cuoyu Village - Kaju Monastery - Gurlu Lake Trek - Cuomei County

Driving time: approximately 168 km, 4 hours.
Trek: approximately 5 km, with an elevation gain of 500 m.

 Cuomei County - Zhegu Grassland - Zhegu Lake - Samye Monastery - Lhasa

Driving time: approximately 227 km, 4 hours.

The approximate cost for booking this trip is 



• Professional guide service throughout the hiking trip (certified outdoor instructor with local terrain expertise)

• Accommodation during the journey (selected guesthouses/campsites with basic amenities)

• All group meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as specified in the itinerary (vegetarian/vegan options available upon request)

• Round-trip transportation between the departure city and hiking trailhead

• Camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear) if applicable

• Entry fees for national parks, scenic areas, and protected zones along the route

• Basic first-aid kit and emergency support (including evacuation coordination if needed)





• International/domestic airfare/train tickets to/from the departure city

• Personal expenses (snacks, beverages, souvenirs, laundry services, etc.)

• Travel insurance (strongly recommended; we can assist with booking)

• Single-room supplement (if you require a private room instead of shared accommodation)

• Extra activities not listed in the itinerary (e.g., optional side trips, equipment rentals)

• Gratuities for guides and support staff (optional but appreciated)

• Any costs arising from unforeseen circumstances (weather delays, itinerary adjustments, etc.)

Hiking in China

Kulagangri Hike: Explore Tibet’s Hidden Gem