Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, the roof of the world
Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and other Lhasa heritage sites
Drive past Yamdruk Lake, one of Tibet's three sacred lakes
North Everest Base Camp viewpoint en route to Kailash
Sacred Lake Manasarovar, believed to purify the mind and soul
Full Mount Kailash Kora (parikrama) over Dolma La Pass
Tirthapuri hot springs, linked to Guru Rinpoche
Ruins of the ancient Guge Kingdom in remote Zanda, rarely visited by other operators
Overview
The Lhasa Kailash Guge Kingdom Tour takes you across the roof of the world on a 20-day journey through Tibet's most sacred sites. You start in Kathmandu, fly into Lhasa, and explore ancient monasteries before heading west toward Mount Kailash. Along the way, you pass through remote valleys, high mountain passes, and villages that few travelers ever see. This is one of the most complete Tibet pilgrimage tours available, combining culture, faith, and adventure in one trip.
Lhasa is the center of Tibetan Buddhism. You visit the Jokhang Temple and Sera Monastery and the former home of the Dalai Lama, the Potala Palace. They are storehouses of centuries of history and of spiritual meaning. Here the route turns toward Lake Manasarovar, a lake sacred to Hindus, Buddhists and Jains alike. Many pilgrims believe that bathing in its waters washes away sins from previous lives.
The spiritual experience revolves around the Mount Kailash Kora, a three-day walk around the mountain, which is believed by Hindus to be the abode of Lord Shiva. You cross Dolma La Pass, one of the highest points of the journey, at over 5,600 meters. On the way, you also stop at Tirthapuri, famous for its natural hot springs and association with Guru Rinpoche. They’re physically demanding but very satisfying.
The highlight of this tour is the Guge Kingdom, an ancient civilization hidden away in the remote Zanda Valley. Only a few operators include this stop, so you can explore ruins and cave temples that most travelers miss. Add a stop at the north Everest Base Camp, and you have a trip that combines the spiritual, cultural and natural highlights of Tibet into one unforgettable pilgrimage.
Are you ready to walk in the footsteps of pilgrims before you? Book your Lhasa Kailash Guke Kingdom Tour now and see Tibet’s sacred landscapes for yourself.
Why Choose Utmost Destination for Your Lhasa Kailash Guke Kingdom Tour?
Local Tibet and Nepal experts with firsthand experience on the Mount Kailash route
Licensed & permitted for Tibet pilgrimage tours
Guides specialized in high altitude & safety of Kailash Kora
Small personalized group sizes for an authentic pilgrimage
24/7 on-trip support in Lhasa, Mount Kailash & Guke Kingdom
Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Charges
Track record of 100+ five-star traveler reviews
Detail Itinerary
Your Lhasa Kailash Guke Kingdom tour starts after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. The airport is the country’s sole gateway for international arrivals, situated at an elevation of about 1,400 meters. On your arrival, our team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel, which is a short drive of about 6 km and takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
hamel is the city's main tourist center, with its narrow streets, local shops and easy access to restaurants. Today we have no major sightseeing stops planned. Rather, the light day gives you a chance to relax after your flight in and get used to the altitude before the trip briefing and heritage tours start later in the itinerary. In the evening, you can explore Thamel at your own pace or just relax at the hotel and get ready for the days ahead.
If the provided schedule isn‘t suitable for you, we are able to create personalized travel arrangements according to your preferences and requirements.
Sightseeing in the mentioned spots with Necessary Entrance Fees
Kathmandu- Lhasa International Flight
Tibet Travel Permit, Visa and Other Necessary Documents
Supporting Staff
Company Charge
Cost Excludes
Dates and Price
FAQS
This is a demanding trip with the high altitude, long driving days and the three-day Mount Kailash Kora. There are no technical climbing skills required but a good fitness level and mental preparedness for high-altitude conditions are important.
Good to Know
Main Attractions You Need To Know About
Potala Palace—A 17th-century palace in Lhasa situated on the Red Hill, it was the winter residence of the Dalai Lama. It is one of Tibetan Buddhism's most iconic structures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Yamdrok Lake—One of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, famous for its beautiful turquoise blue water against the surrounding mountains. Many pilgrims consider it an incarnation of a wrathful deity and stop here to pray and contemplate.
North Everest Base Camp—This is not the Nepal side but gives a direct view of Everest's north face. It is usually less crowded and clearer in the morning.
Lake Manasarovar—One of the holiest lakes in Asia in Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Bon traditions. Pilgrims believe that bathing here will cleanse away sins of previous lifetimes and is a spiritual highlight of the journey.
Mount Kailash Kora—The three-day circuit around Mount Kailash, crossing Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters. Hindus consider Kailash the abode of Lord Shiva, while Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers each hold their own sacred beliefs about the mountain.
Tirthapuri Hot Springs — Linked to Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have meditated here. The natural hot springs are considered purifying and are a common stop for pilgrims after completing the Kailash Kora.
Guge Kingdom Ruins—A largely forgotten civilization that thrived in remote western Tibet between the 10th and 17th centuries. Crumbling palaces, underground tunnels and cave temples with faded murals are here, rarely visited by other tour operators.
Mount Kailash Kora
The Mount Kailash Kora, also called parikrama, is a 52 km circuit around the base of Mount Kailash, completed over three days as part of the Lhasa Kailash Guge Kingdom Tour. The trek starts at Yamadwar, near Darchen, and moves counterclockwise around the mountain, following ancient pilgrim paths used for centuries.
On the first day, you trek from Yamadwar to Dirapuk, covering around 12 km with close-up views of Kailash's dramatic north face. On the second day, the hardest day of the whole trip is when you cross Dolma La Pass (5630 m), the highest point. This is the point where many pilgrims feel the most spiritual, as the pass is thought to be a symbolic crossing of death and rebirth. After the pass, the trail descends past Gauri Kund, a small sacred lake, before reaching Zuthulphuk for the night. The final day covers the remaining stretch back to Darchen on easier terrain.
For Hindus, the kora represents a pilgrimage to the home of Lord Shiva. Buddhists see Kailash as the abode of Demchok, a form of Buddha, while Jains associate it with the site of Rishabhanatha's liberation. Followers of the Bon religion, Tibet's indigenous faith, consider it the soul of Tibet itself and walk the circuit clockwise, opposite to the other traditions. Many pilgrims consider completing the full kora to be one of the most meaningful spiritual achievements of their lives.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Lhasa Kailash Guke Kingdom Tour is between May and September, with June to August being the peak season. The weather on the Tibetan plateau is relatively stable during these months, with clear skies and temperatures ranging from 15 °C to 25 °C during the day in most areas. This window also bypasses the bitter winter cold, which blocks many high passes, including Dolma La Pass, which can be heavily snowed between November and March. Late September into early October can also work well, offering fewer crowds and crisp, clear mountain views, though nights get noticeably colder.
Monsoon season, which mostly affects Nepal from June to August, has a much smaller impact on the Tibetan side of the trip since the Tibetan plateau sits in a rain shadow area. Because of this, travelers can generally expect drier conditions on the Tibet portion of the tour even during Nepal's rainy months. Guge Kingdom and Kailash Kora area permits may take time to process and they are limited. Booking well in advance is recommended during the high season.
Permits Required
Traveling on the Lhasa Kailash Guge Kingdom Tour requires several official permits, since Tibet is a restricted region for foreign travelers. Our team handles the full process on your behalf, but all documents must be submitted well in advance, ideally at least 20 to 25 days before departure, along with your passport and Nepal visa copy.
Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)
Chinese Group Visa
Alien Travel Permit (for areas outside Lhasa)
Military Permit (required for the Guge Kingdom and border region)
Mount Kailash Kora trekking permit
Foreign Affairs Permit (for remote western Tibet)
Altitude Sickness and Safety
Altitude sickness is a definite risk on the Lhasa Kailash Guke Kingdom Tour; this trip goes above 5600m. While the itinerary includes gradual acclimatization days, travelers should watch for early symptoms and follow basic safety practices throughout the trip.
Drink lots of water and no alcohol on high-altitude days.
Walk slowly and steadily, particularly near Dolma La Pass.
On arrival days in Lhasa and Darchen, avoid strenuous activity.
If you have a headache or feel dizzy or sick, tell your guide immediately.
Consult a doctor before taking personal medication like Diamox.
Basic oxygen support with a guide team available.
Look into travel insurance with high-altitude evacuation coverage.
What to Pack
fleece layers, warm down jacket
The outer shell is water- and windproof.
Thermal base layers
Strong, broken-in trek boots
Warm hat, gloves, sunglasses (UV protection)
Lip balm and sun protection
Water bottle or hydration pack
Personal first aid kit (basic)
Headlamp and batteries.
Walking sticks
Universal adapter and power bank
Personal medication, including Diamox, if advised.
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