Kailash Tour via Lhasa–Ali–Purang
Fly into Tibet's spiritual heart. From the Potala Palace to the shores of Lake Manasarovar, this route links Lhasa's sacred monasteries with the complete Kailash Kora.
Begin AscentLhasa, Manasarovar & the Kora
This route begins in Tibet's spiritual capital, Lhasa — where the Potala Palace and ancient gompas prepare the pilgrim's heart — before flying west to Purang and driving to the shores of Lake Manasarovar. From there, the complete sacred Kora of Mount Kailash unfolds.
Lhasa Darshan
Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera and Drepung monasteries — the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism before the Yatra begins.
Fly to Purang
A short flight from Lhasa to Purang (Ali) skips the long overland road, placing you at Lake Manasarovar the same day.
Manasarovar Parikrama
Holy bath and Puja on the banks of the sacred lake, followed by its Parikrama by environmental bus.
Complete Kora
The full 3-day Kailash Parikrama — Yamdwar, Diraphuk, Drolma La (5,630m), Gauri Kund and Zuthulphuk.
The Journey
Kathmandu to Lhasa by air, Lhasa to Purang by air, and the sacred Kora on foot — guided end to end by Himalayan Zen.
support_agent Direct Support
Have questions about the Lhasa–Ali–Purang route? Message our lead guide directly.
Phase I: Kathmandu & Lhasa
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. You will be welcomed by our office representative and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, join your group for a full Yatra briefing with our lead guide — documents, permits, packing list, and altitude guidance. Overnight at the hotel.
Early morning transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your flight to Lhasa. A spectacular flight along the Himalayan arc brings you to Lhasa Gongga International Airport. On arrival, you are welcomed by our representative and driven to your hotel in Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.
A full free day in Lhasa for acclimatization. Walk gently, hydrate well, and explore the Barkhor area around Jokhang Temple if you wish. Your guide will monitor your wellbeing and prepare the documents for the onward journey to Ali. Overnight in Lhasa.
Phase II: Across Tibet to Manasarovar
After breakfast, transfer to Lhasa Gongga Airport for the flight to Purang Airport in the Ngari (Ali) region. On arrival, drive onward to Lake Manasarovar (4,500m) — the highest freshwater lake of its turquoise colour. Evening on the lakeshore with the first darshan of Mount Kailash reflected in the water. Overnight at guesthouse in Manasarovar.
In the morning, take a holy bath and perform Puja and Hawan at the banks of Lake Manasarovar — a priest-led ceremony with offerings and sacred chants. In the afternoon, complete the Manasarovar Parikrama by environmental bus, then drive onward to Darchen (4,620m). Darchen is the base camp of Mount Kailash, with a close view of the south face and part of Nandi Parvat. Our Sherpa staff will check your health and physical condition. Visit to Asthapath (Nandi Parvat) can be arranged from Darchen by jeep at an additional cost. Overnight stay in Darchen.
Phase III: The Sacred Kailash Kora
After breakfast with a light packed lunch, drive 8 km to Yamdwar — the "Gate of the God of Death" — and begin the first day of the Kora. Yaks carry our supplies. The trail leads through the Lha Chu Valley past meadows and waterfalls, opening into the majestic North Face of Kailash at Diraphuk. Those who are able can perform Kailash Charan Sparsa. Overnight at guesthouse.
The longest and most sacred day. We begin at first light with a light breakfast and packed lunch. The trail climbs steadily to Drolma La (5,630m), adorned with prayer flags and offering a view of the emerald Gauri Kund — the Lake of Compassion. A moment of spiritual rebirth before descending through the Drolma Chu valley to Zuthulphuk. Overnight at lodge.
A short early-morning trek back to Darchen completes the Parikrama. After breakfast at the Darchen hotel, drive back to Purang. Overnight in Purang.
Phase IV: Return to Lhasa & Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Purang Airport and fly back to Lhasa. On arrival at Lhasa Gongga Airport, transfer to the hotel. The rest of the time is free for shopping along Barkhor or quiet reflection. Overnight in Lhasa.
After breakfast, transfer to Lhasa Airport for your return flight to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu Airport, transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Last day of the tour. After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. Carry home the blessings of Mount Kailash and the profound memories of a lifetime pilgrimage.
Sacred Landmarks on the Way
Lhasa
Tibet's spiritual capital at 3,650m. Home to the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and the great monastic universities of Sera and Drepung.
Purang (Ali)
The gateway town of the Ngari Prefecture at 3,750m — where pilgrims from Nepal, India, and Tibet converge for the Kailash Yatra.
Lake Manasarovar
The highest freshwater lake of its turquoise colour, ringed by Mount Kailash, Gurla Mandhata and Rakshastal. Holy dip and Parikrama.
Darchen
The gateway village of the Kora at 4,620m, with dramatic views of the south face of Kailash and Nandi Parvat.
Drolma La Pass
The highest point of the Kora at 5,630m. Adorned with prayer flags fluttering in the wind — the moment of spiritual rebirth.
Gauri Kund
The emerald Lake of Compassion on the descent from Drolma La, sacred to Goddess Parvati, believed to purify the soul.
Visions of the Yatra
The Triumph of the Pass
Reaching spiritual and physical heights at Drolma La.
Sacred Interiors
Alpenglow Peaks
The High Plateau
Vast expanses leading to the sacred mountain.
Preparing for the Yatra
Physical Fitness
Begin cardiovascular training (walking, jogging, swimming) 2–3 months prior. Focus on stamina and leg strength for the Drolma La day.
Essential Gear
Broken-in trekking boots, thermal layers, a down jacket, polarized sunglasses, sun cream, lip balm, thermal flask, and a small daypack. Duffel & down jacket provided.
Mental Preparation
Altitude, unpredictable weather, and basic amenities on the Kora require flexibility and patience. A calm, prayerful mindset is essential.
Logistics
Kathmandu–Lhasa–Kathmandu airfare, Lhasa–Purang return flights, deluxe ground transport in Tibet, permits, Tibet visa, and hotel arrangements are all coordinated by Himalayan Zen.
Safety Protocol
Supplemental oxygen cylinders, air compressor bag, portable toilet, high-altitude medicines, first-aid kits, and daily oxygen/BP monitoring by trained Sherpa staff.
Cuisine & Comfort
Pure vegetarian meals prepared by our own crew throughout the Yatra. Best-available guesthouses and hotels at every stop on the route.
What's Included & Excluded
Full transparency on everything covered in this Himalayan Zen Yatra.
check_circle Included
- check Airport transfers on private vehicle
- check Tibet visa and all necessary Tibet/Kailash permits
- check 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (twin sharing, bed & breakfast)
- check Kathmandu – Lhasa – Kathmandu airfare
- check Lhasa – Purang – Lhasa airfare
- check Best available hotels & guesthouses in Tibet per itinerary
- check All vegetarian meals served by our crew in Tibet
- check Deluxe coach transportation in Tibet
- check Day bag, duffel bag & down jacket (returnable)
- check Kailash Parikrama by foot & Manasarovar Parikrama by bus
- check Yaks & yak helpers during the Kailash Kora
- check High-altitude medicine, portable toilet, oxygen cylinders & air compressor bag
- check Experienced English-speaking Nepali/Tibetan guide & Sherpa staff
cancel Excluded
- close International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- close Nepal visa fees (available on arrival)
- close Travel insurance (emergency evacuation, trip cancellation)
- close Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- close Lhasa sightseeing & monument fees in Lhasa
- close Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, internet, bar bills, etc.)
- close Horse & helper hire during the Kora (approx. 3,400 Yuan)
- close Tips for guides, drivers, and support staff
- close Any services not explicitly listed in the itinerary
2026 Fixed Departures
Small groups, capped at 30 pilgrims. Departures fill quickly due to Tibet permit quotas.
Why Choose Himalayan Zen
A pilgrimage this sacred deserves care this close.
Expert-Led Journey
Guided by seasoned Himalayan experts — including an Everest summiteer and a guide who has completed the Kailash trek more than 70 times.
3:1 Guest-to-Guide Ratio
With only three guests per guide, you get close, personal attention throughout every stage of the pilgrimage.
Small Groups, Max 30
We cap every departure at 30 pilgrims, keeping the experience intimate rather than a crowded tour.
Daily Health Monitoring
Daily blood pressure and oxygen checks at altitude, backed by dedicated medical support along the route.
Our Lead Guides
Moti Bhattarai
With over four decades in the tourism industry, Moti has completed the Kailash Mansarovar trek more than 70 times, bringing unmatched spiritual and practical guidance to every pilgrimage he leads.
Anil Bhattarai
Anil summited Mount Everest in 2005 and has led treks and expeditions across the Himalayas for nearly thirty years, guiding travelers with deep experience and steady care.
What Travelers Say About Himalayan Zen
Lhasa first, then Kailash — the perfect sequence
Spending three days at Lhasa's monasteries before flying to Purang gave me time to settle into Tibet's energy. By the time we reached Darchen, I felt spiritually prepared for the Kora. Moti's daily briefings were invaluable.
read more +Perfect for senior pilgrims who want the full Kora
My father is 68 and had wanted to do Kailash his whole life. The flight via Purang meant we didn't waste days on the plateau road, and Anil's daily oxygen checks made the family feel safe. He walked the entire Kora.
read more +Logistics across three cities and two countries, flawless
Kathmandu permits, Lhasa hotels, Purang flights, Manasarovar guesthouse, Darchen logistics — all handled without a single hiccup. Himalayan Zen's coordination with local Tibet operators is clearly world-class.
read more +You May Also Like
Begin Your Lhasa to Kailash Yatra
Departures fill early due to Tibet permit quotas. Secure your place on the next Yatra.
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