Pilgrimage to Tibet’s Mount Kailash

July 6-23, 2025 (tentative)

Embark on a transformative 18-day journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa to Mount Kailash and back, blending sacred exploration with breathtaking landscapes. This unique overland tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect deeply with Tibetan spiritual traditions, including a sacred 3-day Kailash Kora pilgrimage.

Your adventure begins in Kathmandu where, after 3 days of personal exploration, we’ll head on up to Lhasa, Tibet’s holy heart. Explore iconic landmarks like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, and immerse yourself in the vibrant daily life of Tibetan monks and locals. Stroll through serene monasteries, peaceful parks, and traditional teahouses, gaining a profound understanding of Tibetan culture and spirituality.

From Lhasa, we travel westward, passing the stunning Yamdrok Lake and the ancient town of Gyantse before reaching Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Mount Everest from various vantage points, a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Next, venture on to the sacred Mount Kailash in Ngari, one of the most revered spiritual sites in Tibetan Buddhism. Participate in the ancient Kailash Kora, a 3-day pilgrimage around the mountain, joining local pilgrims as you experience the deep spiritual energy at the "center of the world."

After completing the Kora, journey through the lush and beautiful Kyirong Valley, where the rich landscapes contrast with the rugged Tibetan highlands. Your adventure concludes at the Nepal-Tibet border, where our Nepali team will greet you and assist with your private transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu, completing your pilgrimage with a sense of profound peace and connection.

Day 1-4: Kathmandu

Arrivals on Sunday with 3 days to explore Kathmandu on your own while we secure everyone's Tibet Visas. On the day prior to our flight up to Lhasa we will visit Nagi Gompa nunnery to receive blessings for our journey.

Day 5-7: Lhasa

During this part of the journey we'll explore Lhasa and give our bodies time to acclimate to the higher elevation before starting our trek to Mount Kailash!

We'll visit Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Barkhor Square, & Drepung Monastery.

Day 8-11: The Journey to Mount Kailash

Traveling by vehicle across the Tibetan landscape to reach Mount Kailash. We’ll visit Khampa la pass, Yamdrok Lake, Palkhor Chode Monastery, Kumbum Stupa, Gyangtse Fort, Sakya Monastery, Tashilunpo Monastery, Sang Sang Nomadic Zone and more!

Day 12-14: The Sacred Trek

This is the most sacred of koras -- circambulation of this majestic mountain -- we will take 3 days to trek around it's base. This is the apex of the pilgrimage — the ultimate devotional experience in the company of good friends and super special teachers.

Day 15-17: Back to Kathmandu

A road journey across the Tibetan plateau and over the border into Nepal. Each day holding the potential for mind-heart opening beauty….

OK folks, this is the trip of a lifetime — for true pilgrims — to the heart of Yoga & Vajrayana Buddhism.

Kathmandu to Lhasa to Mount Kailash

This is one you’ve got to feel in your heart. Throw caution, expectations and preferences to the wind — and put on your big person travel pants cause we’re going to Tibet to journey to the holiest of places — Mount Kailash — the place of Shiva’s thousands of years of meditation — or in Buddhist terms its Mount Meru/Sumeru — the cosmological center of the universe! It will be quite an adventure just to get there — and once there we will circambulate the mountain!! Three days of sacred trekking.

And not only are we going on this sacred mission, but our plan is to take Ani Gyan Tara and Khenpo Tokpa Tulku with us!! I’m struggling to put into words just how astronomically incredible this opportunity is. Or how much it would mean to share it with you.

This is happening now because something very special happened in September when Bidur and Cory went to visit Ani Gyan Tara at Nagi Gompa. As they sat together enjoying the sun outside Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche’s beloved room, she shared with them her wish to return to Kailash (Mount Meru in Buddhist texts). In that moment Cory looked and Bidur and said quietly “we’re going to take her”. The seed was planted and we intend to grant her wish.

And in an incredible turn of events, when Cory shared this with Tokpa Tulku he expressed the wish to join us! Honestly folks, this is the rarest of opportunities. Not to be missed if at all possible.

Email Cory (TSP Founder) at cory@thespiritualpilgrim.com for more info — this one is by invite or interview only due to it’s somewhat challenging and highly devotional nature.

Investment

$1000 deposit — nonrefundable.

Shared Room

$4700

Shared accommodations with bath - we can pair you with a roommate if you don’t have one.

Private Room

$5400

Private accommodations - single room with private bath (*note, there is at least one night where we’ll be tent camping — and we’ll do our best to ensure you have your own tent, but no guarantees).

Included

Accomodations and most meals

All airport transfers

Sightseeing as per itinerary by private coach

English speaking guide local guide in Tibet 

Tibet entry permit 

Monument entrance fees

Chinese/Tibet Visa fees 

Flight Kathmandu to Lhasa (one way — we drive back to Kathmandu)

Not Included

Cost for extra usage of vehicle, other than scheduled & mentioned in the itinerary

Cost for Insurance

Additional cost arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like - landslides, road blockage, etc. In such cases extra will have to be paid on the spot by the guest directly.

Payment for service provided on a personal request

Personal expenses such as laundry, bottled water, soft drinks, incidentals, tips etc.

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to relax or process visa formalities.
Overnight in Kathmandu

DAY 02: Kathmandu
Spend the day at leisure, with free time for personal exploration or visa processing. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner to meet fellow pilgrims.
Overnight in Kathmandu

DAY 03: Kathmandu
Another day at leisure to relax, explore, or finalize visa procedures.
Overnight in Kathmandu

DAY 04: Kathmandu
Visit Nagi Gompa Nunnery, a peaceful Tibetan Buddhist retreat.
Overnight in Kathmandu

DAY 05: Fly to Lhasa / 3600m Altitude / Drive to Lhasa (100km / 2 hours)
Experience one of the world’s most scenic flights to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, a breathtaking journey into the heart of Tibet. Upon arrival, meet your Tibetan guide and driver, and settle into your hotel, adjusting to the high altitude with a relaxing evening.
Overnight in Lhasa

DAY 06: Lhasa Sightseeing
Today, explore the sacred sights of Lhasa, including Sera Monastery, Norbulingka (the Dalai Lama’s summer retreat), and the bustling Barkhor Square. Visit Jokhang Temple, a vibrant center of Tibetan culture and spirituality.
Overnight in Lhasa

DAY 07: Lhasa Sightseeing
Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Potala Palace, the spiritual and political center of Tibetan Buddhism. Later, explore Drepung Monastery, one of Tibet’s largest and most important monasteries, where you can observe monks in prayer.
Overnight in Lhasa

DAY 08: Lhasa - Gyantse (3950m) / Shigatse (3900m) / 356km - 7-8 hours
Travel along the Friendship Highway, passing stunning views of Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse. Visit the historical Palkhor Chode Monastery and the Kumbum Stupa before continuing to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city.
Overnight in Shigatse

DAY 09: Shigatse - Sakya (4300m) / 150km - 3 hours
Visit Tashilunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama, and explore the local market. After lunch, drive west to Sakya, home to the influential Sakya Monastery, known for its extensive library of ancient Buddhist scriptures.
Overnight in Sakya

DAY 10: Sakya - Saga (4580m) / 275km - 8 hours
Today, journey through high-altitude landscapes to Saga, crossing the Brahmaputra River and passing the serene Lang Tso Lake and Namring Lake.
Overnight in Saga

DAY 11: Saga - Darchen (4650m) / 550km - 10 hours
Travel to the sacred region of Mt. Kailash, stopping at Lake Manasarovar, a revered spiritual site for Tibetans and Hindus. Upon arrival in Darchen, prepare for the upcoming Kailash Kora pilgrimage.
Overnight in Darchen

DAY 12: Trek Day 1: Darchen to Drirapuk (4780m) / 20km - 6 hours
Begin your Kailash Kora trek. After a short drive to Sarshung, embark on a 6-hour trek to Drirapuk, where you will camp or stay in a monastery guesthouse.
Overnight in Drirapuk

DAY 13: Trek Day 2: Drirapuk to Dzultripuk (4680m) / 18km - 7-8 hours
This challenging day takes you over Dolma-la Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5630m. After descending into the Lhachu Valley, continue to Dzultripuk, where you’ll rest at a guesthouse.
Overnight in Dzultripuk

DAY 14: Trek Day 3: Dzultripuk to Chiu Gompa (4550m) / 50km - 5 hours
The final stretch of your trek, completing the Kailash Kora circuit. Upon reaching Darchen, return to your vehicle and drive to Lake Manasarovar for reflection and relaxation.
Overnight near Lake Manasarovar

DAY 15: Chiu Gompa - Saga (4580m) / 500km - 8-9 hours
Drive through expansive Tibetan landscapes, crossing Mayum La Pass and enjoying panoramic mountain views as you return to Saga.
Overnight in Saga

DAY 16: Saga - Kyirong (2850m) / 220km - 6 hours
Travel south towards Kyirong, crossing the Brahmaputra River and passing through remote nomadic areas.
Overnight in Kyirong

DAY 17: Kyirong - Kathmandu (1400m) / 152km - 7-8 hours
Cross the Nepal-Tibet border and drive to Kathmandu. After completing border formalities, enjoy a scenic drive through the lush landscapes of Nepal.
Overnight in Kathmandu

DAY 18: Departure Day
Your spiritual journey concludes today. A representative will transfer you to the airport for your departure, approximately 3 hours before your flight.