Kailash Kora

A magnificent spiritual JOURNEY ACROSS THE ROOF OF THE WORLD IN TIBET

One of the world’s holiest places, Mount Kailash is considered a place of immense spiritual power. Completing the kora at Mt Kailash is believed to earn great karma. Join hundreds of pilgrims on the circuit around this holy mountain. It takes a full week of travel and acclimatization, during which time you will visit UNESCO World Heritage sights in Lhasa and Shigatse, to arrive at Mount Kailash. Drive across the roof of the world through ever changing spectacular scenery, meet the locals, and complete the ultimate spiritual journey.

This trip is designed for adventurous travellers who must be in good fitness for this high altitude trek. This journey is not recommended for travellers under 12 or over 70 years of age. To provide the ultimate Tibet experience, we have hand-picked the accommodation. You will be accompanied by an experienced English speaking Tibetan guide who will totally look after you throughout your journey, and play a special part in your Tibetan experience. 

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12 night tour
DEPARTS: Lhasa

Maximum elevation: 5,600 m
Availability: May to September
Minimum group size: 4 people

Single room supplement available on request.

DAY 1

Lhasa: Explore the lively Barkhor old town that surrounds the venerated Jokhang Temple, the center of Tibetan life in Lhasa. 
Driving time: 1 hr
Overnight: Lhasa
Altitude: 3,656 m  

DAY 2

Lhasa: Stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Norbulingka, meaning ‘Treasure Park.’ Visit the palace and gardens, the traditional summer residence of the Dalai Lama. After lunch, visit Sera Monastery in the foothills north of Lhasa to watch the monks engage in their daily religious debate.    
Overnight: Lhasa
Altitude: 3,656 m

DAY 3

Lhasa: Start the day with a tour of the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama. After lunch visit a Tibetan rug factory to see how these beautiful rugs are made.
Overnight: Lhasa
Altitude: 3,656 m

DAY 4 

Gyantse: Drive along the Friendship Highway linking Tibet to Nepal. This scenic drive offers superb views of the otherwordly turquoise Yamdrok Lake and a stop at the Karola Glacier. Soon you'll reach the historic town of Gyantse, famous for a battle against British invasion in the 1900s.
Driving time: 6 hrs
Overnight: Gyantse
Altitude: 3,977 m

DAY 5 

Shigatse: Visit the Kumbum in Gyantse before continuing to Shigatse, the second city of Tibet. Visit the enormous Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas, and wander the ancient market streets in the old town.
Driving time: 2 hrs
Overnight: Shigatse
Altitude: 3,800 m

DAY 6

Saga: Depart early for a drive through ever changing amazing scenery. The harsh barrenness of the Tibetan plateau contrasts with lush grasslands and emerald lakes. Stop for a break in Lhatse before continuing to Saga for the night.
Driving time: 9 hrs
Overnight: Saga
Altitude: 4,610 m

DAY 7

Darchen: We follow the Yarlung Tsangpo River (which later becomes the Brahmaputra in India) through rolling Himalayan foothills. As you approach Darchen, watch the sunset over remote Lake Manasarovar, and get your first glimpses of Kailash.
Driving time: 8 hrs
Overnight: Darchen
Altitude: 4,575 m

DAY 8

Kailash Kora (Day 1): Watch the sunrise light up the south face of Kailash before breakfast, then start your trek. Day one is a fairly easy trek up a wide valley, with excellent views of Kailash's north face from our overnight camp. Share the trail with Tibetan families, pilgrims, and a few herds of yaks.
Walking distance: 18 km
Overnight: Camp at Dira-puk Monastery
Altitude: 5,080 m

DAY 9

Kailash Kora (Day 2): Although some pilgrims do the remainder of the Kora on the second day (33 km), we take a more leisurely three days to complete the Kora. The trail ascends quickly and continues up switchbacks for the next seven or eight kilometres, before crossing a 5,600-metre pass. Dropping down the other side, catch your breath as you enjoy the superb views. You'll pass an alpine lake before the narrow valley opens up at the monastery where you will spend the night.
Walking distance: 22 km
Overnight: Camp: Zutul-puk Monastery
Altitude: 4,820 m

DAY 10

Kailash Kora (Day 3): As most of the elevation has already been gained and lost, it is a relatively flat walk back to Darchen. The trek becomes easier and you are surrounded by rolling grasslands. Arrive back in Darchen for a late lunch and a shower at a local bath house.
Walking distance: 11 km
Overnight: Darchen
Altitude: 4,575 m

DAY 11

Saga: Return to Saga for the start of your journey back to Lhasa. You'll pass back through the extreme moonscape of Western Tibet's frontiers to the more inhabited lands of central Tibet. 
Driving time: 8 hrs
Overnight: Saga
Altitude: 4,610 m

DAY 12

Shigatse: After breakfast, set off for our comfortable hotel in Shigatse. Re-enter the world of conveniences, hot showers, and good coffee. 
Driving time: 8 hrs
Overnight: Shigatse
Altitude: 3,800 m

DAY 13

Lhasa Airport: A morning drive to Lhasa airport follows the Yarlung Tsangpo River and offers beautiful views of idyllic Tibetan farming villages along the way. This afternoon you bid a reluctant farewell to your guide and depart from the roof of the world.            
Driving time: 4 hrs