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HOLY MT KAILASH VIA KATHMANDU & LHASA TOUR FOR USA NATIONALS

PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

HOLY MT KAILASH VIA LHASA TOUR: is a special yatra which gives a traveler an experience of Tibetan culture, scenic beauty & a chance to explore two major cities of Tibet autonomous region- Lhasa and Shigatse.  The tour (Yatra) starts from Kathmandu by flying to Lhasa. Lhasa City sightseeing will cover the famous Potala Palace & some monasteries around. The route from Lhasa to Saga is considered as most scenic route.   We invites you to join on this special tour during your next Pilgrimage tour to abode of Lord Shiva.

YATRA INFORMATION

Tour Name Duration of the Tour Destination covered
HOLY MT KAILASH VIA
KATHMANDU & LHASA TOUR
16 Nights / 17 Days Kathmandu Valley, Lhasa and
Holy Mt Kailash & Lake Mansarovar

TRIP FACTS

Tour Duration Highest Elevation Road Condition Walking and trekking Duration General Information
17 Days 5,610 Meter Black Topped
Highway
Approx 42 Km Holy trek including
10 Km gradual Climbing.
Adventure type of tour especially during
3 days of Parikrama. The journey is
smooth and comfortable till Parikrama
starting point.

Day 01 (07Jun): Arrival Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel.
Day 02 (08Jun): Pilgrimage Sightseeing/ Briefing.
Day 03(09Jun): Pilgrimage Sightseeing.
Day 04 (10Jun): Free Day.
Day 05 (11Jun): Fly to Lhasa and transfer to hotel.
Day 06 (12Jun): Lhasa Sightseeing
Day 07 (13Jun): Drive to shigatse
Day 08 (14Jun): Visit mount everest base camp & rongbuk monastery
Day 09 (15Jun): Drive lhatse to saga
Day 10 (16Jun): Drive to mansarovar
Day 11 (17Jun): Drive to darchen
Day 12 (18Jun): Drive to sersong & holy trek to dirapuk
Day 13 (19Jun): Holy trek to zuthulpuk
Day 14 (20Jun): Holy trek to darchen & drive to saga
Day 15 (21Jun): Drive from saga to gyirong border
Day 16 (22Jun): Gyirong border – kathmandu
Day 17 (23Jun): Final departure transfer

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, meet our local tour representative who will assist you with a smooth transfer to your pre-booked 4-star hotel.

After check-in, relax and recover from your journey. Later in the evening, enjoy a delicious vegetarian buffet dinner at the hotel and attend a short orientation session about the holy journey ahead.

Meals: Veg Dinner

Max. Elevation: 1,400m

Start your day early with breakfast at the hotel. Today’s sightseeing tour focuses on the sacred temples of Kathmandu.

  • Visit the Pashupatinath Temple, the most revered Lord Shiva temple in Witness the morning aarati around 9:00 AM. (*Special VIP Darshan with Panchamrit Puja at Temple).
  • Proceed to Jal Narayan Temple (Sleeping Vishnu Temple / Budhanilkantha Temple) to admire the divine reclining Vishnu statue on the coils of the serpent.
  • Later visit Guhyeshwari Mata Temple, one of the 51 Shaktipeeth, located near

Return to your hotel for lunch and rest. In the evening, explore Thamel Market, a vibrant area known for shopping trekking gear, souvenirs, and local handicrafts. Attend a trip briefing session and meet fellow group members before dinner.

Meals: Veg Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Max. Elevation: 1,400m Distance Covered: 40km

After breakfast, embark on a divine journey to two prominent Shiva temples near Kathmandu.

  • Kailashnath Mahadev Temple – Admire the world’s tallest Shiva statue (143 feet) situated atop a hill in
  • Doleshwar Mahadev Temple – Located in Bhaktapur, this temple is believed to be the head portion of Lord Kedarnath in India.

After completing the temple visits, return to the hotel in Kathmandu. The evening is free for rest or independent activities.

Meals: Veg Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Max. Elevation: 1,400m Distance Covered: 60km

Today is kept as a buffer day for rest and to complete Tibet visa formalities, about the Yatra and necessary preparation. You can relax in the hotel, explore the city, or shop for essentials for the upcoming high-altitude journey.

Meals: Veg Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After an early breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu Airport for a scenic one-hour flight to Lhasa, Tibet’s capital. Enjoy spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas including Mount Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Upon arrival at Gonggar International Airport, meet our Tibetan representative and transfer to the hotel in Lhasa (approx. 1.5-hour drive). Spend the rest of the day relaxing and acclimatizing to the higher altitude.

Meals: Veg Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Max. Elevation: 3,656m

Distance Covered: 600 km (Flight) + 60 km (Drive)

After breakfast, begin your guided sightseeing in Lhasa, a city of spirituality and heritage.

Visit the Jokhang Temple, the holiest Buddhist temple in Tibet, home to the revered statue of Jowo Sakyamuni.

Walk around Barkhor Street, a bustling marketplace and pilgrimage route circling Jokhang Temple.

Enjoy an exterior view of the magnificent Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism.

Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Veg Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Max. Elevation: 3,656m Distance Covered: 40 km

After breakfast, begin your scenic drive to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet and the traditional capital of Tsang province. En route, enjoy panoramic views of the Tibetan Plateau.

In Shigatse, visit the historic Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, founded by the 1st Dalai Lama in 1447. Continue driving to Lhatse for an overnight stay.

Meals: Veg Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Max. Elevation: 4,050m Distance Covered: 425 km / 7 hrs

Today’s journey takes you to the Everest Base Camp (5,100m), one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. Spend time admiring Mount Everest’s north face and visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery. Later, return to Lhatse for overnight rest.

Meals: Veg Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Max. Elevation: 4,050m (Lhatse), 5,100m (EBC) Distance Covered: 170 km (One Way)

After breakfast, enjoy a picturesque drive to Saga, a key transit town connecting the Kailash Mansarovar region. En route, pass small villages and stunning mountain views. Explore local bazaars in the evening.

Meals: Veg Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Distance Covered: 310 km / 5 hrs

This is one of the most significant days of the journey. Drive towards the sacred Lake Mansarovar, crossing

Mayumla Pass (4,900m) and Prayang County.

En route, complete permit formalities and enjoy lunch. Later, begin your Lake Mansarovar Parikrama (70%) by vehicle. Witness the mesmerizing sight of Mount Kailash reflecting in the crystal-clear waters of the lake.

Meals: Veg Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Distance Covered: 461 km Accommodation: Dormitory Guesthouse / hotel

Tip: The night view of Lake Mansarovar under the stars is unforgettable. If you wish to visit the lake after dinner, inform your guide and go in a small group with warm clothing, flashlight, and a whistle.

Begin your day with a holy dip in Lake Mansarovar and optional puja/havan rituals on the lake’s bank. Changing tents will be provided for ladies.

Later, drive to Darchen, the base of Mount Kailash. En route, stop at Rakshas Tal (Demon’s Lake) for photography. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and prepare for the upcoming Kailash Parikrama (Kora). Meals: Veg

km

Accommodation: Hotel Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Distance Covered: 114

After an early breakfast, drive to Tarboche, the starting point of the Kailash Kora. Pass through Yam Dwar, the symbolic “Gate of the God of Death.”

Trek 12 km to Dirapuk Monastery, where the North Face of Mount Kailash stands magnificently. The route is mostly flat but challenging due to altitude. Pony/porter services are Included for Every Yatri

Meals: Veg Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Light Dinner

Distance Covered: 6 km drive + 13 km trek

Accommodation: Dormitory Bed Guesthouse

Wake up before sunrise to witness the golden rays illuminating Mount Kailash. After a light breakfast, begin the toughest section of the Parikrama.

Trek through Shiva Tsal (5330m) and ascend to Dolma La Pass (5,630m) – the highest point of the yatra. En route, view Gauri Kund (Parvati Kund). Descend carefully to reach Zuthulphuk Gompa for overnight stay. Meals: Veg Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Distance Covered: 19 km trekking

Accommodation: Dormitory Bed Guesthouse

After breakfast, trek 6 km down to Darchen (approx. 2–3 hrs). Rejoin the group and continue your drive to Saga, completing the remaining 30% of Mansarovar Parikrama en route.

Meals: Veg Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Distance Covered: 6 km trek + 492 km drive

Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast, drive to Gyirong Border (105 km, 4/5 hours drive). Enjoy the beautiful landscape, scenic water fall and holy Bhrahmaputra river en route. Overnight stay at hotel.

Meals: Veg Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Distance Covered: 105  km drive

Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast drive to Timure (35. Km, 1 hour drive, 2,700 M). Complete immigration formalities, and cross into Nepal. Continue to Kathmandu, arriving by evening for a well-deserved rest.

Meals: Veg Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Distance Covered: 160 km,  7 hours’ drive).

Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home. May Lord Shiva bless you with peace, health, and spiritual awakening!

Meals: Veg Breakfast

TOUR COSTS BASED ON MINIMUM 15 PAX & ABOVE IN A GROUP:

Tour Category Tour cost as per the group size in Per Person
Min. 15 Pax & above
Single Room Supplement
4★ Premium USD 4880.00 USD 1500.00

Destinations 4★ Star Premium
KATHMANDU Hotel Mercure by Accor / Similar
LHASA Hotel St. Regis / Similar
LHATSE Hotel Vienna / Similar
SHIGATSE Gesar Hotel / Similar
SAGA Grand Saga / Similar
MANASAROVAR Hot Spring Resort / Similar
KYRUNG Qomo Lhazong / Similar
DARCHEN Hotel Echo / Similar
DIRAPUK Guest House
ZUTHULPUK Guest House
  • Special Garland (Rudraksha) welcome at the International airport in Kathmandu.
  • 5 nights stay at 4* Star Premium hotel in Nepal on twin sharing AP basis.
  • 11 nights stay at hotel in Tibet on Twin Sharing AP basis.
  • Pilgrimage sightseeing in Nepal as per the itinerary.
  • Special welcome at Lhasa International airport.
  • Lhasa Sightseeing as per the itinerary.
  • Professional English-speaking tour escort.
  • Twin / Triple sharing hotel accommodation at Lhasa, Shigatse, Lhatse , Darchen and
    Saga & best available dormitory lodge accommodation at Mansarovar, Dirapuk and
    Zuthulpuk as per the itinerary.
  • Kitchen Facilities is only available from Saga to Saga only, For Lhasa Meals will be served in Restaurants only.
  • 3 time a day meals in Nepal & Tibet (China).
  • Tibet permit fee.
  • Ground transfers in Tibet using deluxe coach as per the group size.
  • Oxygen cylinders ( In vehicle and with Pony during Parikrama) and first aid kit with guide
  • Kathmandu/ Lhasa by flight.
  • Pashupatinath Temple sightseeing with Special VIP Darshan with Panchamrit Pooja.
  • Entrance & Monuments Fees at Nepal & Tibet as per the itinerary.
  • Free use of special North Face feather down Jacket.
  • Free materials –Back Pack, Rain Coat (Pancho), Monkey cap, Puja bag with puja items, and Duffel bag.
  • Yatra completion Certificate.
  • Special Service by TWS (TRAVEL WITH SHEETAL):
    Our group will be accompanied by a medical doctor through out the Yatra for added convenience and comfort, courtesy of TWS
  • Any expenses of personal nature as telephone calls, laundry, porterage, mineral water (Except served by the company) or any other services which are notmentioned on cost include part.
  • Baggage and personal insurance.
  • ChineseVisa Fee.
  • Extra costs that may arise due to delay to receive Tibet Travel Permit and Visa,prolonged
    delays or postponement of flight due to technical reasons/ acts of nature/ riots/
    curfew/ government regulations or any other conditions whatsoever, which
    are beyond the control of TWS and its associated agents.
  • Personal expenses, tips and donations, insurance against loss of baggage, flight pre-pond
    and postponement expenses, damage of valuables, theft of personal items/belongings,
    medical expenses in case of accident and helicopter expenses foremergency evacuation.

Please note: Chinese  Visa fee will be U$ 225.00 per person.

Sherpa services during the Parikrama, which are payable if you choose to book one.

 

HOLY MT KAILASH AND MANSAROVAR LAKE- AN INTRODUCTION:

Holy Mt Kailash and Mansarovar Lake, center of creation & the Universe are as old as the creation. Thousands of Sages, Ordinary Mortals, Philosophers and even Gods had submerged in the blissful trance at the very sight of this divine grandeur. It is the MERU, SUMERU, SUSHUMNA, HEMADRI (Golden Mountain), RATNASANU (Jewel Peak), KARNIKACHALA (Lotus Mountain), AMARADRI, DEVA PARVATHA (Summit of Gods), GANAPARVATHA, AJATADRI (Silver Mountain). Regarded as SWAYAMBHU, the self-created one, everything is said to emanate from here and finally returns here. Mind is the knot tying consciousness and matter-that is set free here.

Famously known to be an abode of LORD SHIVA and his divine consort PARVATI, Mt. Kailash expounds the philosophy of PURUSHA and PRAKRITI-SHIVA and SHAKTI. The radiant SILVERLY summit is the throne of TRUTH, WISDOM and BLISS-SACHIDANANDAM. The primordial sound AUM (NADABINDU) from the tinkling anklets of LALITA PRAKRITI created the visible patterns of the universe and the vibrations (DVANI) from the feet of Lord Shiva (NATARAJA) weaved the essence of ATMAN, the ultimate truth. The scriptures reiterate that one, who takes the holy dip at Mansarovar and carries out the Parikrama around Kailash, is absolved of his/her sins through generations and is absorbed into the Supreme Finality. There is no re-birth; sorrows or joys and he/she will be with ultimate – the Lord Shiva. In other words, they become Shiva.

In addition to the Hindus, the entire region is also one of the most important pilgrimage centers for the Buddhists. They worship DEMCHOK (Buddha in forceful form) seated on the summit of Kailash. It is also called Dharmapala; one version quotes the deity as a form of Shiva’s manifestation. The description of the deity is more or less like Shiva. Devi is also given a similar form like Parvati. Buddhists adore Kailash as KANG RINGPOCHE and Mansarovar as TSO MAPHAM. Guru Rinpoche (The great Indian Master PADMASAMBHAVA who introduced Buddhism) and Saint Milerapaare greatly revered here by the pilgrims. Since TANTRISM runs through the main core of Buddhism here, their customs and practices would be found running close and parallel to Hindu traditions. Like Hindus, they also consider (DOLMA (DEVI) and GAURI KUND (ThukiZingbu) as holiest spots. Buddhists strongly believe that pilgrimage to this place liberates them to NIRVANA.

Besides, Jains acknowledge Kailash as ASTAPADA and PADMAHRADA. It is believed that ADINATH VRISHABDEVA – the first Tirtankara attained Nirvana here. A few claim that GURU NANAK meditated here. Across the river CHU, there on the Nyanri range stands an impressive temple. Inside this monastery there is a marble statue radiating peace and compassion. This statue is claimed to be that of Guru Nanak.

The entire area echoes with spiritual vibrations. Even the agnostics shall discover new balance amidst that fathomless serenity. One has to experience it. The common belief is that those who are ordained only could be there.

INFORMATION

Health Pre-caution: Oxygen is less at higher altitudes. The inclement weather and high altitude induces certain illnesses generally not encountered over the plains. Headache, nausea, lassitude, lethargy, breathlessness, general uneasiness (malaise), high irritability, light loss of balance, disorientation, incoherence and insomnia are to name among a few. It is common to all irrespective of age, sex and physical fitness. Gradual acclimatization is the best answer. Tranquilizers, sleeping dosages and strong antibiotics must be avoided. Some symptoms do indicate that the body mechanism is readjusting to new environment.

Route & climatic conditions: Once the voyage commences, the panoramic Himalaya and Tibet cocoon the pilgrims in their effulgence and they drift beyond the reach of a conventional world. Deep silence and eerie expansiveness rule the atmosphere. A resourceful pilgrim, however, would enjoy his every step. Route from Kathmandu to Rasuwagadi (Timure) (Nepal-China border) is narrow and scary but from the border onward roads are well maintained.  The high altitude Tibetan terrain is dry, cold and windy. Night is colder than day. Torrential rains, strong icy winds are common features. The average altitude is above 3,500 meters and the route covers many high altitude passes.

Risk and Liabilities: We will endeavor to make your journey smooth and pleasant as far as possible. However, the entire program in Tibet is conducted strictly under the rules and regulations of China Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB). Therefore, TWS & its associated organizations will not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstances such as government restrictions, delay in receiving Tibet Travel Permit and Visa due to TTB’s own rules and regulations, landslides, road blockages, floods, snow, political unrests, cancellation of flights, delay due to shortage of land cruiser Jeep/Coach in Tibet, personal sickness or accident.  Any extra cost incurred shall be borne by travelers themselves.

  • Minimum of six months valid passport and two copies of passport size photographs.
  • A normal health certificate from your personal doctor for travelers aged 50 years and above may be
    required.

Fitness: This is not a trek or expedition but a tour; therefore no specific level of fitness is required. Anybody can join this Yatra if they think they are fit and have a strong willpower. People suffering from cardiac or respiratory problems should consult to their doctor. Morning and evening walks, jogging, stretching, meditation and regular exercises make the journey comfortable for all.

Food and Beverages:

Delicious continental & Indian food will be served. Breakfasts and Dinners will be served in campsite by trained Nepali staffs. Packed lunch will be provided during daytime. We will serve mineral water for drinking purpose.

Clothing and Necessities: 

As the temperature varies greatly between day and night (from max. 20 degrees Celsius to min. –16 degrees Celsius) one should prepare accordingly. However, we suggest all yatries to travel light – carrying maximum 10 to 15 Kg per person.

Travelers should bring the following items:

As the temperature varies greatly between day and night (from max. 20 degrees Celsius to min. –16 degrees Celsius) one should prepare accordingly. However, we suggest all Yatries to travel light – maximum 10 to 15 Kg per person. We too provide certain clothing and essential from our end. Kindly go through the details and decide the requirement accordingly:

Clothing Requirement:
Clothing requirement may vary as per the yatra duration. On the basis of 14 days Overland Yatra , the
following clothing are suggested;
4/5 Pairs of Thermal ware
Enough undergarment and warm soak

4 pair of outer clothing
Hand Gloves
Light Jackets & Sweeter
Shoes with water resistant
Muffler and sandal
Hand Towel
Enough Soaks ( Thick Woolen socks for Parikrama)
Other clothing including night clothing as per the personal need and preference

General Essentials 

  • Torch light with extra batteries

  • Multivitamin tablets

  • Sun protection cream (SPF 50+)

  • Regular prescription medicines (if any)

  • Wet and dry tissues

  • Dry fruits and energy bars

  • Vicks / Amrutanjan (or similar balm)

  • Dark sunglasses

  • Body lotion / moisturizer

  • Water bottles – 2 bottles of 1 litre each


What We Provide

  • Feather down jacket (cold resistance up to –10°C)

  • Backpack for valuables and daily essentials

  • Duffel bag for personal clothing

  • Walking stick for 3 days Parikrama

  • Windcheater or poncho for protection from cold wind and rain during Parikrama

  • Monkey cap

  • First-aid box with general medicines (carried by the guide)

  • Freshly cooked meals three times a day

  • Boiled and mineral drinking water


Insurance (Mandatory)

It is mandatory for all participants to have full travel insurance covering:

  • All medical expenses, including emergency helicopter evacuation
  • Loss of personal belongings

  • Trip delays of inbound and outbound flights
  • Trip cancellation


PAYMENT POLICY:

  • First Payment:
    A minimum payment of USD 1,000.00 is required to confirm the booking by 20 January.
    (This amount is non-refundable.)
  • Second Payment:
    A payment of USD 2,500.00 is due by 5 March.(This amount is refundable till 5 April.)
  • Final Payment:
    The remaining balance of USD 1,380.00 must be paid by 22 April.(This amount is non-refundable.)
  • Optional Cost:
    $320 per Sherpa during the Parikrama if you choose to hire one. This option must be booked at least 45 days prior to the trip.