Mount Kailash

Days

17

Activity Level

Moderate/
Advanced

Host City

Kathmandu

From

$ USD

Request a Detailed Itinerary Customize This Trip

Mount Kailash Sacred Journey

From Kathmandu’s incense-filled temples to the wind-carved prayer flags of Mount Kailash, this is a journey that transcends travel. You will cross borders both geographical and spiritual, stepping into ancient cities, walking paths worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims, and circling the most sacred mountain in Asia. For Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon, Kailash is the cosmic axis, the point where heaven meets earth. Completing its kora is said to cleanse the sins of a lifetime. Along the way, the thin mountain air sharpens your senses, the vast plateau opens your heart, and the rhythm of each step draws you deeper into presence. Join The Explorer’s Passage on this incredible sacred journey.

Explore Mount Kailash with TEP

Trip Highlights

Complete the 32 miles around Mount Kailash, a spiritual rite said to transform karma and renew the soul.

Stand on the shores of Lake Manasarovar, gaze into its mirrored waters, and cross Dolma La Pass at 5,200 meters in elevation.

Journey across the Tibetan Plateau, where snow-capped peaks pierce cobalt skies and yak herds move like dark rivers over the grasslands.

Explore Nepal’s royal squares, artisan villages, and living temples before stepping into the vast silence of Tibet.

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Let’s Plan Your Trip Today:


TRIP COST

From $3,075 USD per person
Our trips are all-inclusive, crafted with the intent of providing you with an unforgettable adventure travel experience.

*More info. on pricing

Pricing starts at $3,075 USD
Single Supplement Fee (Hotels): from $450 USD
Single Supplement Fee (Tents): from $195 USD
More questions? See detailed pricing options for our Inca Trail tours

Start date

August xx, 2026

More info on Group Dates

2025 Group Trip Dates below:

  • July 7, 2025
  • July 21, 2025
  • July 25, 2025
  • July 28, 2025
  • August 4, 2025
  • August 22, 2025
  • August 29, 2025
  • September 5, 2025
  • September 8, 2025
  • September 22, 2025
  • September 26, 2025
  • October 6, 2025
  • October 17, 2025
  • October 20, 2025
  • October 24, 2025
  • November 3, 2025
  • November 10, 2025
  • November 28, 2025
  • December 8, 2025
  • December 22, 2025
  • December 26, 2025

2026 Group Trip Dates below:

  • January 9, 2026 
  • January 23, 2026 
  • March 13, 2026
  • March 27, 2026
  • April 10, 2026 
  • April 24, 2026 
  • May 1, 2026
  • May 22, 2026 
  • June 12, 2026
  • June 26, 2026
  • July 10, 2026 
  • July 24, 2026 
  • August 7, 2026 
  • August 21, 2026
  • September 11, 2026
  • September 25, 2026 
  • October 9, 2026
  • October 23, 2026 
  • November 13, 2026 
  • November 27, 2026 
  • December 11, 2026
  • December 25, 2026 
More info. on Private Departures

Private custom departures are available. To inquire about a custom date, please contact us!

Duration

17 Days / 16 Nights 

Accommodations

Hotels, Guesthouses, and Basic Lodges

*Read more about your lodging in the accommodation section below.

*Various Options

4 Nights in Hotels/ 3 Nights in Tented Camps along the Inca Trail.

Choose between a 5 / 5+ Star hotel package option or a 3.5 / 4 Star hotel package option instead

*Read more about your accommodations in Peru

max. group size

30 Participants

*All Private Groups

*For private groups we can accommodate any size

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate/Advanced*

High Altitude Trekking & Long Travel Days

Primary activities:

Multi-day hiking on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (total trekking distance: ~28 miles / ~45 km)

*Please refer to our Trip Activity Level Guide for more information

17 Day / 16 Night Trip Daily Overview

Sample Trip Itinerary

Custom trip itineraries are available for any size group. Please contact us for a complete detailed itinerary.

Want more information? Download a detailed itinerary.

Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights, and more. It’s the perfect resource to help you choose!

Request Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal

Arrive in Nepal’s vibrant capital, where golden pagodas rise above winding alleys and the scent of incense mingles with street-side spice stalls. Evening welcome dinner with your guides and fellow travelers.

Accommodations: 5 Star: Yak and Yeti or Similar
4 Star: Barahi Hotel Kathmandu

Day 2: Sacred Kathmandu

Join pilgrims at Boudhanath Stupa, its great white dome encircled by prayer wheels, and witness cremation rites at Pashupatinath Temple along the sacred Bagmati River.

Accommodations: 5 Star: Yak and Yeti or Similar
4 Star: Barahi Hotel Kathmandu

Day 3: Monkey Temple & Market Life

Climb to Swayambhunath, where prayer flags ripple against a panorama of the valley, then explore the ancient royal palaces and lively markets of Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Accommodations: 5 Star: Yak and Yeti or Similar
4 Star: Barahi Hotel Kathmandu

Day 4: Artisan Villages & Patan

Wander Kirtipur’s stone-paved streets, visit Bungamati and Khokana for woodcarving and oil-pressing traditions, and explore Patan’s temples glowing with brass and copper artistry.

Accommodations: 5 Star: Yak and Yeti or Similar
4 Star: Barahi Hotel Kathmandu

Day 5: Bhaktapur, City of Devotees

Step back in time among Bhaktapur’s terracotta courtyards, temple squares, and living rituals that carry the heartbeat of old Nepal.

Accommodations: 5 Star: Yak and Yeti or Similar
4 Star: Barahi Hotel Kathmandu

Day 6:  Flight to Lhasa

Soar over the Himalayas into Tibet, where the air is thin and clear and the Potala Palace crowns the horizon.

Accommodations: 5 Star: Lhasa Hotel, Intercontinental Hotel, 
4 Star: Thangka Hotel, Xingding Hotel, International Heavenly Holy Hotel, or Similar

Day 7: Palaces & Pilgrims

Climb the steps of the Potala, once home to the Dalai Lama, and walk the Barkhor kora around Jokhang Temple alongside pilgrims from across Tibet.

Accommodations: 5 Star: Lhasa Hotel, Intercontinental Hotel, 
4 Star: Thangka Hotel, Xingding Hotel, International Heavenly Holy Hotel, or Similar

Day 8: Gyantse & Shigatse

Travel past turquoise lakes and snow-bright peaks to Gyantse’s monasteries and onward to Shigatse, home to Tashilhunpo Monastery’s chanting monks.

Accommodations: 5 Star: Hilton Hotel
4 Star: Tashi Chodar Hotel, Gesar Hotel or Similar

Day 9: Across the Plateau

Vast grasslands roll to the horizon as we journey toward Saga, pausing at Sakya Monastery with its ancient scripture halls.

Accommodations: Saga Hotel or similar

Day 10: First Glimpse of Kailash

Cross remote passes to Lake Manasarovar, a jewel-blue mirror reflecting the white summit of Kailash. Evening meditation by its sacred shore.

Accommodations: Local Guest House

Day 11: Rituals at the Lake

Join pilgrims in prayer and circumambulation of Manasarovar, or wade into its icy waters for ritual purification.

Accommodations: Local Guest House

Day 12: To Dharchen

Travel to Dharchen, the small settlement at the base of Mount Kailash, where we prepare for the kora.

Accommodations: 5 Star: Kailash Himalaya Hotel
4 Star: Kangdise Hotel / Himalaya Hotel

Day 13: Dolma La Pass

Undertake the kora’s most demanding stretch, crossing Dolma La Pass at 5,200 m, where pilgrims leave offerings to symbolize release and renewal. Descend to Zuthulpuk Monastery.

Accommodations: Local Guest House

Day 14: Completing the Kora

Trace the final stretch back to Dharchen, your steps lighter, your mind quieter, before returning to Saga.

Accommodations: Local Guest House

Day 15: Into the Green Valleys

Journey to Kyirong, where alpine meadows replace the barren plateau and waterfalls stream down forested cliffs.

Accommodations: 5 Star: Post Hotel or similar
4 Star: Pilgrim Inn Grand Hotel

Day 16: Crossing Back to Nepal

Pass through the border town and re-enter Nepal, following winding mountain roads into the foothills.

Accommodations: 5 Star: Yak and Yeti or Similar
4 Star: Barahi Hotel Kathmandu

Day 17: Farewell, Kathmandu

A final breakfast before your onward flight, carrying home the stillness and strength of the Himalayas.

Accommodations: N/A

Create your OWN Unique Experience

Customizing Your Nepal Trek

Choose from our collection of carefully-crafted adventures, with room to adjust various elements to your liking. Prefer more time exploring Kathmandu, Nepal’s historic capital? An extra day or two enjoying the resort town of Pokhara? Looking to travel on a particular date? No problem. We’ll weave your interests and time frame to create the perfect itinerary for you and your group. When you travel with TEP, we take care of every detail to ensure an extraordinary trip. Click the options below to learn more:

With The Explorer’s Passage, you can choose between a variety of additional activity options in Kathmandu:

  • Day hikes to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park or Nagarjun Forest Reserve.
  • Short treks to places like Nagarkot or Kakani for panoramic views of the Himalayas.
  • Mountain Biking through the Kathmandu Valley countryside or on trails near Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
  • Cooking Classes: Learn to cook Nepali cuisine with a local chef.
  • Thangka Painting Workshops: Take a workshop to learn the traditional art of Thangka painting.
  • Yoga and Meditation Retreats: Join a retreat in Kathmandu or nearby areas like Kopan Monastery.
  • Bhaktapur: Explore this ancient city known for its well-preserved heritage and architecture.
  • Changu Narayan: Visit the oldest Hindu temple in the Kathmandu Valley.

While in/around Nepal, you can choose to add on one or several of the following:

  • Everest Base Camp Trek: A classic trek offering stunning views of Everest and the Khumbu region.
  • Lumbini: Birthplace of Lord Buddha, featuring ancient temples, monasteries, and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • White Water Rafting:  Experience thrilling rapids on rivers like the Trishuli, Seti, and Bhote Koshi.
  • Chitwan National Park: Explore the jungle on elephant-back safaris, jeep tours, or canoe rides to spot rhinos, tigers, and exotic bird species.
  • Bardia National Park: A remote and less-visited park offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Everest Experience Flight: Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu for close-up views of Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks.

In addition to their time in Nepal, many travelers choose to add in other destinations to their trips, including (but not limited to) some of the following:

  • India
  • Bhutan
  • Mongolia
  • Cambodia
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Japan

Contact us today to get started customizing your dream trip to Nepal!

Hear what travelers are saying:

5-Star Review Average on TripAdvisor! Read More >
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“Our family of six worked with Jeff and Sarah at The Explorers Passage to plan our visit to Machu Picchu, specifically the Inca Trail Express. TEP is an invaluable partner in handling all logistics including permits, transportation, entry passes, accommodations, itinerary and most importantly a local guide. Our guide, Neptali, was the absolute BEST and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with him. He made all the difference. Jeff and Sarah provided all the pre-trip support and guidance to ensure our trip was a success, and on-the-ground support if needed. They went above and beyond to make recommendations for our time in Cusco too. Our trip was flawless thanks to their organization. Our experience with TEP exceeded all expectations. We highly recommend using them for your next adventure!”
– Caroline C.
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“We cannot praise The Explorer’s Passage enuf! We had a trip/experience of a lifetime on their Machu Picchu and Inca Trail adventure. The planning process was a breeze, the pre-hike necessary conditioning was well explained, arriving in Cusco and finding our guide and driver was easy, the Cusco City tours were fabulous and the trek was utterly AMAZING! Our Guide Neptali was the BEST. He is very knowledgeable, he’s kind, he’s funny, and he is calm and takes charge in a crisis. The porters and the chefs were wonderful. It was all around a 5 star experience. Definitely recommend this adventure!”
– Angie P.
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“From the moment we contacted Explorer’s Passage to discuss our Inca Trail Adventure, we knew we were working with an exemplary company, we had a fabulous experience with everyone involved, particularly the owner Jeff Bonaldi. There was not one thing I would change about this trip…..the accommodations, the transportation, the drivers, the restaurants, the porters, the guides (Wilbur was the kindest, smartest, most interesting guide and his Quechuan heritage and pride contributed so much to our experience of this amazing culture)…I could go on and on. Book with Explorer’s Passage…you will receive top-notch attention and advice and be in excellent hands throughout your adventure. We hope to book further adventures with Explorer’s Passage.”
– Cindy M.
relax in comfort and luxury

Trip Accommodations

For the nights before and after the trekking Kailash tour, you can relax in the comfort and luxury of 5 Star premium accommodations – featuring some of the finest resorts in Nepal. Alternatively, 4 Star hotel packages can be reserved instead (see below).

5 Star Accommodations

Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu (Nepal) – An iconic heritage hotel blending old-world charm with modern luxury, located in the heart of Kathmandu.

Barahi Hotel Kathmandu (Nepal) – A contemporary 5-star stay offering modern amenities and easy access to city attractions.

Lhasa Hotel / Intercontinental Hotel (Lhasa, Tibet) – Upscale accommodations with excellent city views and refined comfort in Tibet’s capital.

Hilton Hotel (Shigatse, Tibet) – A modern luxury option in Shigatse with top-class service and facilities.

Kailash Himalaya Hotel (Darchen, Tibet) – Modest but the best available in the region, offering views of Mount Kailash.

Post Hotel (Kyirong, Tibet) – A comfortable 5-star property near the Nepal–Tibet border, ideal for a restful overnight stay.

4 Star Accommodations

Thangka Hotel, Xingding Hotel, International Heavenly Holy Hotel (Lhasa, Tibet) – Comfortable mid-range hotels blending Tibetan charm with convenient city locations.

Tashi Chodar Hotel / Gesar Hotel (Shigatse, Tibet) – Well-situated hotels with simple comfort and local character.

Kangdise Hotel / Himalaya Hotel (Darchen, Tibet) – Basic but functional accommodations for pilgrims and trekkers preparing for the Kailash kora.

Pilgrim Inn Grand Hotel (Kyirong, Tibet) – A straightforward hotel offering rest and recovery after the mountain journey.

Guest House

Saga Hotel (Saga, Tibet) – Basic lodging with essential comforts, often used as a transit stop on the way to Mount Kailash.

Local Guest House (Dongpa/Manasarovar, Tibet) – Rustic and simple, located near sacred Lake Manasarovar.

Local Guest House (Derapuk, Tibet) – Spartan accommodations at the base of Kailash’s dramatic north face, mostly used by trekkers.

Local Guest House (Zhutul Phuk, Tibet) – Basic guesthouse with shared facilities, serving as an overnight stop during the Kailash kora.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for something?

Check here for our Frequently Asked Questions for Mount Kailash, and if you can’t find the answer you are looking for then send us a message.

Click the button below to access our general FAQ section!

SEE ALL FAQS

Our 17-day Mount Kailash tour includes airport transfers, guided sightseeing in Kathmandu, accommodation, all necessary Tibet permits, ground transportation, experienced guides, meals as per itinerary, and the sacred 3-day Mount Kailash Kora trek. We handle logistics so you can focus on the spiritual journey.

Yes. All travelers require a valid China/Tibet visa and additional permits to enter the Mount Kailash region. Our team arranges these permits on your behalf, ensuring full compliance with local regulations.

The Mount Kailash Kora is a moderate to challenging trek due to high altitude (up to 5,636 m / 18,500 ft) and rugged terrain. Good physical fitness and some prior trekking experience are recommended. We schedule acclimatization days to help minimize altitude sickness risks.

The best seasons are May to September, when weather is relatively stable, temperatures are milder, and mountain passes are open. This period also coincides with significant Tibetan festivals that enhance the cultural experience.

In Kathmandu and major towns, we stay in comfortable hotels. In remote areas and during the Kora trek, accommodations are simple guesthouses or basic lodges due to the remoteness of the region.

Essential items include layered warm clothing, waterproof gear, sturdy trekking boots, a good sleeping bag (rated for -10°C or lower), personal medications, a reusable water bottle, and sun protection. We can provide a full packing list upon booking.

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Trip Support

Mount Kailash TRIP Support

There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention to your travel experience.

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Personal Attention & Preparation Before Every Trip

We get very involved with our travelers before each trip by offering a series of pre-planning calls in the months and weeks before departure. This provides you with an opportunity to hear directly from us on preparation, trip experience, and training. It also gives you the platform to ask questions about any aspect of the trip. We also provide comprehensive packing lists, pre-adventure checklists, and other detailed information.

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Staff Support & Logistics

We go above and beyond our competitors in handling every aspect of your trip, so that you can focus exclusively on experiencing all that Peru has to offer. Our knowledgeable support staff takes care of the details of your in-country ground transportation, lodging, meals, tours, permits, and activities. We’ve even scheduled a bit of free time for you to explore, relax, shop, or eat on your own.

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Additional Trip Information

Check out our detailed educational content on our trips, written by our adventure team. The article provides a complete overview of everything that you need to know about this amazing journey to Nepal.

We look forward to helping you plan your next big adventure!

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info@explorerspassage.com