Overview
This 15-day Tibet Fly-in Fly-out Mt Kailash Tour begins and ends in Lhasa, combining Tibet’s cultural heritage with some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Himalayas. The journey takes you through Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Everest Base Camp, Lake Mansarovar, and Mount Kailash.
You will explore important Tibetan landmarks including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung and Sera monasteries before heading toward the western Tibetan plateau. The tour includes a visit to Everest Base Camp, Lake Mansarovar, and the challenging 3-day Mt Kailash Kora covering approximately 53 km and crossing Drolma La Pass at 5,630 meters.
15 Days of Culture, Himalayas & Pilgrimage
This 15-day tour starts in Lhasa, where you spend the first three days exploring Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Market, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery. Lhasa sits at 3,650 meters, so these initial days also allow your body to gradually adjust to the altitude.
From Lhasa, the journey continues through Gyantse to Shigatse, with scenic stops at Yamdrok Lake and the Karo La Glacier. The route then leads to Rongbuk Monastery and Everest Base Camp before heading west across the Tibetan plateau toward Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash, two of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Tibet.
The highlight of the journey is the three-day Kailash Kora, covering approximately 53 km on foot. The second day is the most challenging, as the trail crosses Drolma La Pass at 5,630 meters. Proper preparation and acclimatization are important for this high-altitude section. After completing the Kora, you travel back through Saga and Shigatse to Lhasa, completing the tour with your departure on day 15.
Difficulty
The Tibet Fly-in Fly-out Mt Kailash Tour is physically demanding, particularly during the 3-day Kailash Kora. The trek reaches an altitude of 5,630 meters at Drolma La Pass, where altitude, cold temperatures, and steep sections can make the journey challenging.
Proper acclimatization is important, and the itinerary includes several days at high altitude before beginning the Kora. Travelers should be prepared for long driving days and walking at elevations above 4,000 meters.
Best Time
The best time for the Mt Kailash and Mansarovar Tour is generally from May to September, when weather and road conditions are more favorable for traveling across the Tibetan plateau. These months offer suitable conditions for visiting Lhasa, Everest Base Camp, Lake Mansarovar, and Mount Kailash, as well as completing the Kailash Kora.
May and June generally offer clear mountain views and cooler temperatures, while July and August are warmer but may experience occasional rain and cloudy conditions. September usually brings cooler and drier weather with good visibility.
As much of the journey is above 4,000 meters, weather can change quickly. Travelers should be prepared for cold temperatures, strong winds, and changing conditions, especially around Drolma La Pass at 5,630 meters.
Route and Altitude
The tour follows a high-altitude route from Lhasa to Shigatse, Everest Base Camp, Saga, Lake Mansarovar, and Darchen, before completing the Kailash Kora and returning through Saga and Shigatse to Lhasa.
The highest point of the journey is Drolma La Pass at 5,630 meters, while Mount Kailash and the surrounding Tibetan plateau provide views throughout the Kora.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in twin-sharing rooms with attached bathrooms where available. During the Kailash section, accommodation is more basic, with dormitory-style rooms and shared bathrooms at Mansarovar, Dirapuk, and Zutulphuk.
Permits
Traveling through Tibet, visiting Everest Base Camp, and completing the Mt Kailash Kora requires several permits and travel documents. The necessary permits are arranged as part of the tour to make the journey easier and more organized for travelers. These include the Tibet Travel Permit, which is required for travel within Tibet, the Everest Base Camp permit for visiting the Tibet-side EBC area, and the required Kailash travel documents for the Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar region.
Our team coordinates the required documentation and permit arrangements according to the current regulations. Since permit requirements and travel regulations can change, travelers should provide the necessary personal and passport information within the required timeframe to process the documents before the tour begins.
Important Notes
- Everest Base Camp Access: Access is subject to current Chinese government regulations and may be adjusted if restrictions apply.
- High Altitude: The tour reaches 5,630 m at Drolma La Pass, so proper acclimatization and preparation are essential.
- Travel Documents: Required Tibet permits and travel documents must be arranged before the journey.
- Departure Options: You can fly from Lhasa to Kathmandu, Nepal, or continue to a destination in mainland China.
