12 Days Lhasa Mt Everest & Mt Kailash Kathmandu Group Tour

Experience the spiritual and natural wonders of Tibet on this 12-day group tour, covering iconic sites like Potala Palace, Mount Everest, and Mount Kailash. Starting from Lhasa, you’ll explore sacred temples and royal palaces before heading into the wild landscapes of western Tibet, where the towering Everest and serene lakes await. The highlight? A three-day trek around Mount Kailash, a pilgrimage for many, which offers a profound mix of physical challenge and spiritual reflection.

What we really admire about this tour is how it balances culture with adventure, all within a manageable group size. The inclusion of experienced guides and well-organized logistics makes handling Tibet’s high-altitude environment more comfortable. However, potential travelers should be aware of the altitude challenges and the physically demanding nature of the Kailash trek.

This journey is ideal for travelers with a sense of adventure, an interest in Tibetan culture, and good physical fitness—especially for the Kailash Kora. If you’re after a comprehensive experience that combines sightseeing, pilgrimage, and trekking, this tour offers exceptional value with its all-inclusive approach and authentic local insights.

Key Points

• Cultural Highlights: Visits to Lhasa’s legendary Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Norbulingka royal garden provide deep cultural insights.
• Stunning Landscapes: Expect breathtaking views of Yamdroktso Lake, Everest, and the Himalayas along the route.
• High-Altitude Experience: The tour includes several high-altitude stops, notably the 4,700m Kailash base camp, demanding good acclimatization.
• Trekking Adventure: Three days trekking around Mt. Kailash offer a spiritual and physical challenge, with options for yaks and porters.
• All-Inclusive Value: With entrance fees, permits, transportation, and accommodations included, the value is quite upfront for the price.
• Group Dynamics: Small group size (max 12) helps with personalized attention, but travelers should be comfortable in a group setting.

A Deep Dive into the 12-Day Tibet Experience

This tour is a carefully curated blend of cultural sightseeing, natural beauty, and spiritual pilgrimage, wrapped up in an itinerary that’s both ambitious and manageable. Starting from Lhasa, it offers a gentle acclimatization period, which is crucial given Tibet’s high elevation. We like how the first few days focus on the city’s most significant sites: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, and Norbulingka. These are the must-visit landmarks that reveal Tibet’s regal and religious roots.

Lhasa’s Potala Palace is rightly the star attraction. The guide emphasizes its historical importance and architectural grandeur, pointing out the gilded stupas and the Dalai Lama’s former residence. From the panoramic views of the palace from the square, you get a sense of the city’s spiritual weight. The Jokhang Temple, at the heart of the old town, pulses with pilgrims bowing and spinning prayer wheels, offering a lively, authentic scene that’s best experienced in the afternoon after a good lunch.

Moving westward, the drive past Yamdroktso Lake and Mount Everest encapsulates Tibet’s rugged, awe-inspiring landscape. The route includes stops at Yamdrok Lake, where the shimmering blue water against snow-capped peaks creates a visual feast. Travelers have shared that the drive along the new zigzag road to Everest Base Camp provides some of the best Himalayan views, with the chance to see Mount Everest’s summit shimmering at sunset if weather cooperates.

The Everest section deserves special mention: the Gawula Pass offers a spectacular view of the Himalayas, and the overnight stay at the base camp is a rare experience for most travelers. It’s a long day but worth every minute for the views and the sense of standing at the foot of the world’s highest peak.

Continuing into western Tibet, the route crosses Tsola and Gyatsola Passes, each offering more exceptional vistas. The drive to Mount Kailash is an adventure in itself, passing through sandy plains, mountains, and nomadic villages, giving a real sense of Tibet’s living culture. Arriving in Darchen, the launch point for the Kailash Kora, marks the start of the pilgrimage’s spiritual core.

The Kailash Kora is the central feature of this trip—a three-day trek encompassing about 52 km around Mount Kailash. The trek is physically demanding, especially at the 5,630-meter Dromala Pass, but the experience of walking the path revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Bonpos is profound. The guide explains that doing a kora around Kailash is believed to wash away sins, making it a deeply meaningful journey.

The trek’s accommodations are basic but functional, with options for yaks and porters, which can ease the burden. From reviews, we learn that trekkers appreciated the well-organized logistics and the expert guidance, which helps manage the altitude. The footprints of Milarepa at Zutulpuk Monastery and the scenic views of the valley lend a mystical air to the walk.

After Kailash, the tour transitions to Lake Manasarovar, a holy site where many believe a dip or even a walk around the lake can bring spiritual benefits. The lakeshore trek provides a moment of reflection before heading to the border crossing at Gyirong.

Crossing into Nepal from Tibet is straightforward with organized transport, and the tour concludes with a transfer to Kathmandu. The route through Gyirong Valley is scenic, with lush forests and a sense of leaving the rugged Tibetan plateau behind.

Practical Aspects and Logistics

The price point of $2,380 per person includes most of what you’ll need—entrance fees, permits, comfortable accommodations, local guides, and transportation. The value here is significant for a comprehensive Tibet experience, especially considering the inclusion of the Kailash Kora, which usually involves extra logistics and costs if arranged independently.

The tour is designed for travelers with good physical fitness, given the high altitudes, especially at Kailash. The itinerary spans about 12 days, with some long driving days but ample opportunities for sightseeing and rest. The group size (up to 12) facilitates a more intimate experience and personalized attention.

A noteworthy feature is the pickup service, and the tour provides mobile tickets for ease of access. Food is not included for most meals, so budgeting for lunches and dinners is advised, but the guide can recommend local restaurants — often serving Tibetan-style cuisine like momos, tsampa, and hearty soups, which help keep up your energy.

Travelers should be prepared for the altitude—drinking plenty of water, avoiding strenuous activity initially, and listening to your body. The tour handles permits and logistics smoothly, but remember, the Kailash trek requires a strong physical condition and readiness for remote conditions, especially if you opt for yaks or porters.

Authentic Experiences and Insights

One reviewer noted that “the guides are very knowledgeable and passionate about Tibetan culture,” which adds significant depth to the sightseeing. The guides also help travelers understand the spiritual significance of each site, making the experience more meaningful than just sightseeing.

The scenic drives often include stops for photos and short walks, giving moments of leisure amid the long days on the road. Many travelers appreciated the good value for money, especially considering the included permits, entrance fees, and the organized logistics that alleviate much of the planning stress.

The food options, though not included in the package, are generally recommended by guides, with some travelers mentioning the delicious Tibetan dishes they sampled, making mealtime a highlight rather than just fuel.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This 12-day Tibet tour offers a compelling mix of culture, natural beauty, and spiritual pilgrimage, all at a reasonable price point. It’s best suited for active travelers who don’t mind high altitudes and are eager to explore Tibet’s most iconic sites, including the challenging but rewarding Kailash Kora.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, authentic journey that combines sightseeing with adventure, this tour delivers genuine value. The small group format, knowledgeable guides, and inclusive arrangements make it easier to navigate Tibet’s logistical hurdles, ensuring a memorable experience.

However, travelers should be prepared for the physical demands of the Kailash trek and the high-altitude environment. If you’re seeking a comfortable, leisurely holiday, this might be too adventurous. But for those craving a meaningful, culturally-rich experience with a touch of adventure, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for travelers with altitude sickness? The tour includes high-altitude stops, so travelers should be prepared for potential altitude sickness symptoms. Proper acclimatization and hydration are recommended, and travelers with severe health issues should consult a doctor beforehand.

Are meals included? No, most meals are not included in the package, but the guide can suggest local restaurants, and travelers should budget for lunches and dinners.

What is the group size? The maximum group size is 12, which helps keep the experience personal and flexible.

Is trekking around Mount Kailash physically demanding? Yes, especially the Dromala Pass at 5,630 meters. Good physical fitness is recommended, and yaks or porters can be arranged.

Are permits included? Yes, all necessary permits for Tibet are included, and the tour handles the logistics for crossing borders.

Can I join the Kailash Kora if I’m not an experienced trekker? The trek is challenging but considered manageable with a reasonable level of fitness. Support like yaks and porters is available, but physical preparedness is important.

What kind of accommodations are provided? Comfortable hotels in Lhasa and other towns, and simple accommodations near Kailash. The focus is on practicality and basic comfort.

Is this tour family-friendly? It’s better suited for physically fit adults and older teenagers; the high-altitude trekking may be too difficult for younger children or those with health issues.

How do I get to Tibet for this tour? The package covers transfers from Lhasa Airport or Railway Station. International flights into Tibet are not included, so travelers need to arrange their own flights to China and then transfer into Tibet.

This tour offers a unique chance to witness Tibet’s majestic landscapes and spiritual heritage, balanced with adventure and cultural education. For those ready for a physically demanding but deeply rewarding experience, it’s an excellent way to explore some of the world’s most sacred and awe-inspiring sites.