Yes, on request. A return to Lhasa adds about two days to the itinerary. Please tell our team at the time of booking so permits are issued for the correct exit point.
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Lhasa
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Overview
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Lhasa
The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Lhasa is a 15-day overland pilgrimage. It begins in the spiritual capital of Tibet and crosses the Tibetan plateau to reach Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash. Unlike the helicopter routes through western Nepal, this journey gives pilgrims time to adjust to the altitude in Lhasa before heading west.
Along the way, you receive darshan at the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple and Tashilhunpo Monastery. These are some of the most revered monasteries in the Himalayan world. The route follows the Lhasa Kailash overland route through Gyantse, Shigatse and Saga to Manasarovar for puja and the holy dip. It then completes the three-day Kailash Parikrama over Dolma La Pass at 5,630 metres. The Yatra leaves Tibet through Kerung and ends in Kathmandu with darshan at Pashupatinath.
Divine Kailash operates this route as a fully managed group pilgrimage. From the day you land in Lhasa, our team arranges:
- Tibet permits and the China Group Visa
- Hotels and vegetarian meals
- Ground transport and Tibetan guides
- Oxygen support and health monitoring
Call +91 7795021616 or Email us at yatra@divinekailash.com for complete tour information.
Who Should Choose the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Lhasa?
The Kailash Yatra from Lhasa suits pilgrims who:
- Want the safest acclimatization profile of all Kailash routes
- Wish to combine Kailash darshan with the sacred sites of central Tibet
- Prefer road travel over weather-dependent mountain flights and helicopters
It is also a natural choice for NRI and foreign passport holders. They can fly into Lhasa from Kathmandu or from cities in mainland China.
Quick Reference
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 14 Nights / 15 Days |
| Starting Point | Lhasa, Tibet |
| Ending Point | Kathmandu, Nepal (via Kerung border) |
| Route | Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Saga, Manasarovar, Darchen, Kailash Parikrama, Saga, Kerung, Kathmandu |
| Highest Altitude | 5,630 m (Dolma La Pass) |
| Mode of Travel | Flight into Lhasa, overland by road inside Tibet |
| Season | May to September 2027 |
| Meals | Pure vegetarian, full board inside Tibet |
| Age Limit | Up to 70 years (medical certificate required above 60) |
Why Choose the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Lhasa?
The Gentlest Acclimatization of Any Kailash Route
Lhasa sits at 3,656 m. That is high enough to begin acclimatization, but low enough to rest comfortably. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa spends three nights in Lhasa and one night each in Shigatse and Saga before you reach Manasarovar. By then, your body has had almost a week to adjust. This is a much slower climb than the helicopter routes, which take pilgrims from the plains to 3,900 m within two or three days.
Darshan of Tibet’s Holiest Monasteries
No other Kailash route gives you time inside Lhasa. During the Mount Kailash tour from Lhasa, you visit:
- The Potala Palace, former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas
- The Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibetan Buddhism
- Sera Monastery, known for its afternoon debating monks
- The Kumbum stupa at Gyantse
- Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, seat of the Panchen Lamas
For many pilgrims, these sites add a deep layer of spiritual preparation before the Parikrama.
Less Dependence on Weather and Flights
Helicopter corridors in western Nepal can be delayed for days by cloud or wind. Once you land in Lhasa, this route runs entirely on well-paved highways, so day-to-day delays are rare.
Pilgrims who still prefer flying and want the shortest possible journey can explore our Kailash Manasarovar Yatra by helicopter packages. For a predictable, unhurried pace, the Lhasa to Kailash tour is the more reliable choice.
A Complete Journey Across the Tibetan Plateau
The drive west from Lhasa passes:
- The turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake
- The glaciers of Karo La
- The Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo) valley
- The open grasslands near Saga
Pilgrims see the full sweep of Tibet rather than a single corner of it.
How the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Lhasa Compares with Other Routes
Each Divine Kailash route serves a different kind of pilgrim. If you have limited time and prefer to fly, our 10-day helicopter Yatra from Nepalgunj is the fastest option. The Lhasa route takes longer, but it adds Lhasa darshan and a far more gradual climb in altitude.
| Route | Duration | Mode | Lhasa Sightseeing | Acclimatization Pace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| From Lhasa | 15 Days | Flight to Lhasa, then road | Yes | Very gradual |
| From Kathmandu | 14 Days | Road via Kerung | No | Gradual |
| From Lucknow | 11 Days | Road, flight and helicopter | No | Fast |
| From Nepalgunj | 10 Days | Flight and helicopter | No | Fast |
Altitude Profile of the Lhasa Kailash Overland Route
| Location | Altitude | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Lhasa | 3,656 m | Arrival and acclimatization |
| Kamba La Pass (Yamdrok Lake viewpoint) | 4,794 m | Drive day |
| Gyantse | 3,950 m | Kumbum stupa visit |
| Shigatse | 3,840 m | Overnight, Tashilhunpo Monastery |
| Saga | 4,600 m | Overnight on the western highway |
| Lake Manasarovar | 4,590 m | Puja, holy dip, rituals |
| Darchen | 4,670 m | Kailash base camp |
| Diraphuk | 4,900 m | Parikrama Day 1, North Face darshan |
| Dolma La Pass | 5,630 m | Highest point |
| Zuthulphuk | 4,790 m | Parikrama Day 2 overnight |
| Kerung (Gyirong) | 2,700 m | Descent before Nepal border |
Acclimatization Guidelines for the Kailash Yatra from Lhasa
- Rest on the day you land in Lhasa. Do not sightsee, shower with very hot water or climb stairs quickly.
- Drink 3 to 4 litres of warm water every day from arrival onward.
- Walk slowly at the Potala Palace, which involves several flights of steep steps.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking and sleeping tablets throughout the journey.
- Take Diamox only as prescribed by your doctor.
- Report headache, nausea, dizziness or breathlessness to the team leader immediately.
Best Time for the Kailash Yatra from Lhasa
The Kailash Yatra from Lhasa 2027 operates from May to September, when Tibet is open to foreign pilgrims and the western highways are clear. Since this is a road journey across the plateau, the season matches our other Kailash Manasarovar Yatra by road departures. Monsoon rain in Nepal has little effect once the group is inside Tibet.
- May: Cool, quiet and clear. Snow may remain on Dolma La. Ideal for pilgrims who want fewer crowds.
- June: Settled weather and bright skies over Yamdrok Lake and Manasarovar. One of the most popular months.
- July and August: Peak pilgrimage season, including Guru Purnima and Shravan. Lhasa sees occasional rain, but the western plateau stays relatively dry. Book early.
- September: Crisp air, excellent mountain views and thinning crowds. A very peaceful month for the Parikrama.
Tibet permits can be suspended at short notice around sensitive dates. Our team confirms permit availability before finalising each batch.
Call +91 7795021616 or Email us at yatra@divinekailash.com for complete tour information.
Highlights of the Kailash Manasarovar Tour Package from Lhasa
- Three nights in Lhasa for rest, acclimatization and sacred sightseeing
- Darshan at Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street
- Visit to Sera Monastery and its famous monk debates
- Drive past Yamdrok Lake and the Karo La glacier
- Kumbum stupa at Gyantse and Tashilhunpo Monastery at Shigatse
- First darshan of Mount Kailash on the approach to Manasarovar
- Group puja, havan, meditation and holy dip at Lake Manasarovar
- Vehicle Parikrama of Lake Manasarovar
- Complete three-day Kailash Parikrama of about 52 km
- North Face darshan from Diraphuk at 4,900 m
- Crossing of Dolma La Pass (5,630 m)
- Exit through Kerung and darshan at Pashupatinath in Kathmandu
- Tibet Travel Permit and China Group Visa fully arranged by Divine Kailash
- Experienced Tibetan guides, kitchen team, oxygen support and daily health monitoring
Itinerary
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Lhasa: Detailed Itinerary
Our Tibetan guide welcomes you at Lhasa Gonggar Airport with a traditional khata scarf. The drive to the city takes about an hour along the Yarlung Tsangpo valley. After hotel check-in, the rest of the day is for complete rest. A short evening briefing covers altitude care and the plan for the days ahead.
Highlights:
- Airport welcome and transfer to Lhasa hotel
- Full rest for acclimatization
- Evening Yatra briefing
- Overnight stay in Lhasa
After breakfast, visit the Potala Palace, the towering red and white landmark of Lhasa. In the afternoon, walk to the Jokhang Temple, home to the revered Jowo Shakyamuni image. Then join the pilgrims circling the Barkhor, the sacred market path around the temple. The pace stays slow and unhurried to protect your acclimatization.
Highlights:
- Potala Palace darshan (timed entry as per permit)
- Jokhang Temple and Barkhor kora
- Gentle walking pace with rest breaks
- Overnight stay in Lhasa
Spend the morning at Sera Monastery on the edge of Lhasa. Young monks gather in the courtyard here for lively philosophical debates, usually held in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is free for rest, light shopping for warm clothing and a final document check before the long drive west.
Highlights:
- Sera Monastery and monk debate session
- Oxygen level check by the Yatra leader
- Free time for rest
- Overnight stay in Lhasa
This is one of the most scenic drives in Tibet. The road climbs over Kamba La Pass to the viewpoint above Yamdrok Lake, one of the three holy lakes of Tibet. It then passes the hanging glacier at Karo La and reaches Gyantse, where pilgrims visit the Kumbum stupa with its many chapels. The day ends in Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet.
Highlights:
- Yamdrok Lake viewpoint
- Karo La glacier stop
- Kumbum stupa at Gyantse
- Overnight stay in Shigatse
Begin with morning darshan at Tashilhunpo Monastery, which houses a giant gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha. The drive then heads west through Lhatse and along the Brahmaputra plateau to Saga. The landscape opens into wide high-altitude grasslands dotted with nomad camps.
Highlights:
- Tashilhunpo Monastery darshan
- Drive along the Yarlung Tsangpo valley
- Overnight stay in Saga
Today’s long drive is rewarded with the first view of Mount Kailash rising above the plateau, weather permitting. As Lake Manasarovar comes into sight, many pilgrims stop for silent prayer. The group checks into a guesthouse near the lake shore for the night.
Highlights:
- First darshan of Mount Kailash
- Arrival at Lake Manasarovar
- Evening aarti at the lake (weather permitting)
- Overnight stay near Manasarovar
The whole day is dedicated to the sacred lake. Pilgrims join group puja, havan and mantra chanting on the shore. Those who are fit and comfortable may take the holy dip. A vehicle Parikrama of the lake follows, with stops at Chiu Gompa and the shores facing Mount Kailash.
Highlights:
- Group puja and havan
- Optional holy dip
- Vehicle Parikrama of Lake Manasarovar
- Overnight stay near Manasarovar
After sunrise prayers at the lake, take a short drive to Darchen, the base town for the Kailash Parikrama. The afternoon is reserved for rest, repacking and the Parikrama safety briefing. Pony and porter bookings are confirmed for those who need support.
Highlights:
- Sunrise prayers at Manasarovar
- Drive to Darchen
- Parikrama briefing and medical check
- Overnight stay in Darchen
Drive to Yamadwar, the gateway of the Parikrama, and begin the walk along the Lha Chu valley. The trail rises gently, with the West Face of Kailash in view. By afternoon you reach Diraphuk, where the North Face of the holy mountain stands close and clear.
Highlights:
- Yamadwar prayers
- Gradual trek along the Lha Chu valley
- North Face darshan at Diraphuk
- Overnight stay at Diraphuk guesthouse
This is the most demanding and sacred day of the Yatra. An early start leads up to Dolma La Pass at 5,630 m, decorated with countless prayer flags. Crossing the pass is traditionally seen as leaving the old self behind. The descent passes Gauri Kund and continues down a long valley to Zuthulphuk.
Highlights:
- Ascent to Dolma La Pass
- Darshan of Gauri Kund
- Long descent to Zuthulphuk
- Overnight stay at Zuthulphuk
A gentle walk of about 8 to 10 km completes the 52 km Kailash Parikrama. Vehicles wait at the end of the trail to drive the group back east to Saga, where pilgrims can rest at a lower altitude.
Highlights:
- Completion of Kailash Parikrama
- Drive to Saga
- Overnight stay in Saga
The road passes Peiku Tso lake and the Shishapangma region, then descends into the green, forested Kerung valley at about 2,700 m. The drop in altitude brings a noticeable return of energy and appetite.
Highlights:
- Views of Peiku Tso lake and Shishapangma
- Descent into the Kerung valley
- Overnight stay in Kerung
Complete Chinese exit formalities and cross into Nepal at Rasuwagadhi. Our Nepal team receives the group and drives to Kathmandu.
Highlights:
- Tibet exit and Nepal entry formalities
- Drive through the Trishuli valley
- Overnight stay in Kathmandu
Spend a day of thanksgiving at Pashupatinath Temple, followed by free time for rest and shopping. A farewell dinner marks the close of the Yatra.
Highlights:
- Pashupatinath darshan
- Farewell dinner
- Overnight stay in Kathmandu
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Your Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Lhasa concludes with blessings and lasting memories.
Inclusions
Kailash Manasarovar Tour Package from Lhasa Inclusions
- All hotels and guesthouses as per itinerary (twin sharing)
- All meals inside Tibet from Day 1 dinner to Day 13 lunch (pure vegetarian, full board)
- Tibet Travel Permit, Alien’s Travel Permit and other Ngari region permits
- China Group Visa processing
- All Lhasa sightseeing with monument entry fees as per itinerary
- All ground transport inside Tibet by private vehicle or coach
- Nepal ground transport and Kathmandu hotel stay as per itinerary
- Licensed English and Hindi-speaking Tibetan guide and Yatra leader
- Dedicated cook and kitchen team from Saga onward
- Emergency oxygen cylinders and first aid support
- Daily oxygen saturation checks
- Yatra kit and duffle bag
Exclusions
Kailash Manasarovar Tour Package from Lhasa Exclusions
- Flights to Lhasa and from Kathmandu (quoted separately on request)
- Personal travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended)
- Pony and porter charges during the Parikrama (paid locally)
- Extra costs due to road closures, landslides, permit changes or political reasons
- Personal expenses, shopping and donations
- GST at 5% for Indian citizens
- TCS as per applicable Indian tax law
- Personal oxygen cylinders bought in Tibet
- Medical evacuation costs if required
Items to bring
Important Pre-Departure Information
Kailash Yatra via Lhasa Cost
The Kailash Yatra via Lhasa cost depends on:
- Tibet permit fees set by Chinese authorities
- Airfare into Lhasa
- The CNY exchange rate
- Group size
Because this route covers more days and more distance inside Tibet, it is priced differently from the helicopter packages.
Pilgrims who want a lower-cost overland journey without the Lhasa section can look at our Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Kathmandu. It follows the Kerung road in both directions.
Additional costs to plan for:
- GST at 5% for Indian citizens
- TCS at 5% up to INR 7,00,000 of foreign travel spend, and 20% above that
- Pony and porter fees during the Parikrama
- Personal oxygen cylinders in Tibet (about CNY 20 to 30 each)
An advance deposit of INR 35,000 plus taxes per person confirms your seat. The full balance must be paid before departure.
Contact Divine Kailash for the confirmed 2027 package price.
How to Reach Lhasa for the Kailash Yatra
Indian passport holders: Most Indian pilgrims fly into Kathmandu first. The China Group Visa is processed there, followed by a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Our team coordinates the visa timing and flight booking so the group lands in Lhasa together.
NRI and foreign passport holders: You can usually fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu or from Chinese cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing or Beijing. Some pilgrims prefer the Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Xining, which offers a slow, scenic climb onto the plateau. All visitors still need a Tibet Travel Permit, which Divine Kailash arranges before arrival.
Required Documents for the Kailash Yatra from Lhasa
- Valid ordinary passport with at least 6 months validity (diplomatic passports not accepted)
- Colour scan of passport and recent passport-size photograph, sent at least 40 days before departure
- PAN card copy (Indian citizens only)
- Medical fitness certificate for pilgrims above 60, including cardiac evaluation
- Original passport for China Group Visa processing, as advised by our team
Tibet Travel Permits and the China Group Visa are arranged only through Divine Kailash. Individual applications are not accepted for this route.
Booking Process for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Lhasa
- Contact Divine Kailash to check 2027 batch dates and pricing.
- Send your passport scan, photograph and PAN card copy.
- Pay the advance deposit of INR 35,000 plus taxes per person.
- Submit documents at least 40 days before departure for permit processing.
- Courier your original passport for the visa process when our team requests it.
- Pay the full balance before the departure date.
- Receive the pre-departure kit with packing lists, flight details and health guidelines.
Cancellation policy:
- INR 20,000 is charged after the Tibet permit is processed.
- INR 35,000 is charged after the visa is processed.
- No refund applies once the tour has started.
Food During the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Lhasa
In Lhasa and Shigatse, pure vegetarian meals are served at selected hotels and Indian restaurants. From Saga onward, the Divine Kailash kitchen team travels with the group. They prepare fresh Indian vegetarian food daily, including dal, rice, roti, sabzi, khichdi and hot soups. All meals follow pilgrimage tradition and are prepared without onion and garlic.
Carry dry fruits, energy bars and roasted chana for long drive days and the Parikrama.
Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY) is the only currency used inside Tibet. Exchange money before arriving in Lhasa or at your Chinese gateway city. Keep some Nepali Rupees for the final days in Kathmandu.
Physical Fitness for the Mount Kailash Tour from Lhasa
Most of the Mount Kailash tour from Lhasa is by road, but the three-day Parikrama still covers about 52 km at high altitude. Begin training at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure:
- Brisk walking for 45 to 60 minutes every day
- Stair climbing to build leg strength
- Pranayama and breathing practice
- Light cardio such as cycling or swimming
Pilgrims who cannot complete the Parikrama may stay in Darchen and take Kailash darshan from the base. All Manasarovar rituals remain open to everyone.
For pilgrims based in North India who prefer a shorter trip by air, the Kailash Yatra by helicopter from Lucknow is a good alternative. It begins with road travel to the Nepal border.
Packing List for the Lhasa to Kailash Tour
Temperatures range from about 15°C during the day to below zero at night, even in summer. Pack in layers.
Clothing:
- Down or windproof outer jacket
- Fleece jacket or warm sweater
- Two sets of thermal innerwear
- Trekking trousers and full-sleeve shirts
- Broken-in waterproof trekking shoes
- Woolen socks, gloves and cap
Other essentials:
- Sunglasses and sunscreen with SPF 50 or above
- Lip balm and moisturiser
- Insulated water bottle
- Headlamp
- Dust mask for highway sections
- Personal medicines, and Diamox as prescribed
Connectivity: Indian SIM cards do not work in Tibet, and Chinese networks block many international apps. Our team helps arrange a local SIM in Lhasa. Coverage is limited during the Parikrama.
Book Your Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Lhasa
Divine Kailash runs fixed group departures from Lhasa between May and September 2027. Seats are limited by permit quotas for the Ngari region, so early booking is strongly advised.
Call +91 7795021616 or Email us at yatra@divinekailash.com to reserve your seat.
FAQ
FAQs on the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Lhasa
It is a 15-day overland pilgrimage that starts in Lhasa, Tibet, and travels west by road to Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash. It includes Lhasa sightseeing, Manasarovar puja and the full three-day Kailash Parikrama. The journey ends in Kathmandu via the Kerung border.
The standard Divine Kailash itinerary takes 15 days and 14 nights. This includes three nights in Lhasa, two nights at Manasarovar, three Parikrama days and the return journey through Kerung to Kathmandu.
Mount Kailash is roughly 1,200 km west of Lhasa by road. The drive is split over three days, with overnight stops in Shigatse and Saga to help with acclimatization.
It depends on your priorities. The Lhasa route is longer, but it offers more gradual acclimatization, monastery darshan and less dependence on flights. The helicopter routes from Nepalgunj or Lucknow are shorter and better suited to pilgrims with limited time.
Yes. Indian citizens can join the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa on a China Group Visa arranged by Divine Kailash. Most Indian pilgrims fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa after the group visa is issued.
Yes. The Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street and Sera Monastery are all included in the Lhasa days. Potala entry follows a timed ticket system set by local authorities.
The risk is lower than on faster routes because you spend several nights between 3,600 m and 4,600 m before reaching Manasarovar. Altitude sickness can still occur, so follow the hydration and rest guidelines and report symptoms early.
May, June and September offer the clearest skies and fewer crowds. July and August are the most spiritually popular months because of Guru Purnima and Shravan, but they book out quickly.
Yes, up to the age of 70, with a medical fitness certificate for anyone above 60. The gradual road journey makes this route well suited to older pilgrims. Ponies and porters are available during the Parikrama.
You need:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months
- A colour passport scan and a recent photograph
- A PAN card copy (Indian citizens only)
- A medical certificate if you are above 60
Divine Kailash arranges all Tibet permits and the China Group Visa.
Map
No map available.