Kailash Mansarovar Tour from Lhasa, Fly in Drive Out - 12 Days

Mount Kailash is the residing place of lord Shiva and the source of the Brahmaputra, Indus, Sutlej and Karnali rivers. Mount Kailash is the cosmic center of the world and is referred to as the stairway to heaven. The Devine and the sacred mountain is located in southwest Tibet at an elevation of 6,638 m (21,778 ft).

It is believed that people can absolve themselves of their sins by performing a parikrama around Mount Kailash. Followers of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Bon have a strong belief in the holiness of Mount Kailash. The Kailash Mansarovar Tour pilgrimage is not about you seeing God, but about God seeing you. Additionally, the air around that place has an energy that is hard to describe and can only be felt.

There is no doubt that Mount Kailash is a never-ending source of mysterious tales. You are ready to discover the hidden story as you explore any part of Lord Shiva’s residence.

There are two options for getting from Kathmandu to Lhasa: flying directly from Kathmandu and using ground transportation. The majority of travelers prefer flying because it is quicker, more convenient, and the safest way to get to Lhasa. Additionally, you will be rendered speechless by the breathtaking, unlimited view of the world’s highest mountain and mountain range from the plane’s seat high in the sky.

Although your adventure begins in Kathmandu, you will not be traveling by ground to Tibet for the Kailash Yatra on this special trip. It will just take you one and a half hours to get there by direct flight from Kathmandu International Airport.

You will have the chance to see several well-known sites like Pashupatinath, a well-popular temple for Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims, while you are in Kathmandu city awaiting your Tibet permit and visa.

Once you get the permit, you take a direct flight to Lhasa from Kathmandu International Airport (TIA). Visitors won’t have to worry about finding transportation as Namaste Nepal Trekking will arrange all the ground transportation inside Nepal and Tibet for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour.

During the Lhasa Flight, once you step on the flight and take a ride, you will start to witness the beautiful view of Kathmandu city, the surrounding lush hills, the panoramic view of mountain ranges including several world the highest mountains in the world, the Glacial Rivers, Tibetan Grasslands, Sacred River and iconic view of Lhasa. When traveling to Tibet for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour, flying is a more convenient and comfortable option than traveling by ground.

Once you reach Tibet, you will be amazed by the unique lifestyle, culture, and traditions, as well as the beauty of Tibet. Experiencing the warm hospitality of Tibetan people while staying in Tibet during the tour is something unimaginable.

Several famous monuments and cultural places, including Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka Palace, and Ganden Monastery, will be visited during this trip. There are also opportunities to visit the monasteries of Samye, Tirthapuri, Dira Phuk, Zuthul Phuk, and Chiu Monastery.

The main aspect of this Kailash Tour Trip in Tibet is visiting well-known locations such as Yam Dwar (Gateway of God), Darchen (beginning point for the Mount Kailash Kora), Rakshastal Lake, Gauri Kund, Lake Manasarovar, and Mount Kailash. Additionally, witnessing the breathtaking sunrise and sunset over Mansarovar Lake and Mount Kailash offers unforgettable moments of natural beauty.

Crossing the 5,630-meter (18,471-foot) Dolpa La pass is one of the challenging parts that first-time travelers to the Kailash Mansarovar Tour experience. But for those who have previous high-altitude trekking experience and have a good level of physical fitness, it can be entertaining for them.

If you are a beginner trekker and thinking that it could be challenging for you to overcome this steep mountain pass then you can even escape this pass. Beginners will also find it easier if they prepare beforehand. Therefore, before undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Tour, make sure you are in good physical and mental health.

You must backpack and experience the wonders of the Kailash Mansarovar journey for yourselves since words cannot express how wonderful it is. Choose a suitable date to visit this breathtaking location, and include Namaste Nepal in your Kailash Tour for a relaxing, hassle-free, and once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Check out this package if you would want to take a scenic drive to experience the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra rather than take a direct flight.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra By Drive

Major Attraction of Kailash Mansarovar Tour From Lhasa

Mount Kailash

A 6,638-meter-tall spiritual mountain which is located in the Tibet region is the major attraction of the Kailash Mansarovar Tour. This location has become a must-see on many bucket lists due to its natural beauty and its status as a sacred site for devotees of Buddhism, Bon, Jainism, and Hinduism. The 52-kilometer circumambulation of the mountain is thought to offer spiritual enlightenment and cleanse sins, no matter what the religion followed.

Visitors can encounter the magnificent view of Kailash Mountain’s unique four faces, which are surrounded by stunning landscapes, lakes and vibrant prayer flags. The Diamond shape of this snow-capped mountain is awe-spiring to watch. Therefore, every year, thousands of visitors come to visit this place to witness the divine beauty and spiritual purpose.

Lake Manasarovar

One of the highest-altitude lakes located in Tibet, Lake Mansarovar, lies at an altitude of approximately 4,590 meters (15,100 feet). According to Hindu mythology, it was made by Lord Brahma, the creator god, and is frequently connected to the divine.

Anyone who visits this wonderful location will be in awe of the crystal clear view of the Mansarovar Lake, the surrounding mountain scenery, and the lake’s reflection.

This impressive lake is popular not only for its natural beauty but also for its religious importance. During a visit to Kailash, many pilgrims gather at this place to perform rituals and traditional activities. Meditating by the side of the lake also helps spiritual seekers find inner peace.

Rakshastal and Gauri Kund: Where Myths and Nature Converge

Rakshastal is believed to have originated from the demon king Ravana, a prominent figure in Hindu mythology. In contrast, he was meditating around Mt Kailash to impress lord Shiva to grant him special power. Associated with the Ravan Rakshastal is never looked upon as an auspicious place, and pilgrims are discouraged from either taking a bath or drinking water from it.

Researchers also claim that this lake contains salt, which makes it undrinkable for humans. There is also a tale that Ravana was on his way to Mt. Kailash, crossing Gauri Kund and seeing Parbati( Lord Shiva’s Wife) from a distance. It was only after he created a Rakshastall and took a dip in it that and started feeling for her. There due to the nature of the Rakshastal, nobody takes a bath and is discouraged from doing so during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Gauri Kund on the Mt. Kailash is a small pond which belongs to the wife of Lord Shiva. It is a personal space in which she used to bathe. It is also believed that at GauriKund, she created the lord Ganesha using dirt on her body. Some believe that Lord Parbati still visits this place, so the personal space should not be touched or occupied.

No matter what the story is behind the Raksha Taal and Gauri Kund visiting this palace during the Kailash Mansarovar Tour adds to the beauty of the trip.

Chiu Gompa Monastery

Another popular destination for pilgrims and tourists on the Kailash Mansarovar Tour is Chu Gompa Monastery. This well-known monastery, which is close to Mansarovar Lake and Mount Kailash, is well-known for the cave where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) spent the final seven days of his life. There’s a little statue of him now. The monastery’s breathtaking view of Gurla Mandhata Peak (7,694m) and Mansarovar Lake is its outstanding feature. Mount Kailash is also visible on a clear day.

Dolma La Pass

Visitors can experience adventure at Dolma La Pass, which is 5,630 meters (18,471 ft) above sea level. Everyone starting the Kailash Tour is left with a lasting image of the complicated nature of the climb and the requirement for extreme physical and mental strength to tackle such a challenging mountain route. Even though it is challenging, if you have the faith that the toughest of the job can be easily done.

Also, before reaching the pass, there is a big rock next to the path, The Dolma Rock, which is much worshipped by the pilgrims and smeared with butter on which money is stuck and decorated with Prius. Once you reach the Dolma Pass, you can see the panoramic view of Mt. Kailash Gauri Kund, surrounding Himalayan peaks, colorful prayer flags, the mountain range’s glaciers and more.

Yam Dwar

Yam Dwar is a small temple-like gate located near Kailash Mountain. You can see the three bells hanging inside the gate, which the visitors ring in the name of Tri Deva – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. This Yam Dwar is circumambulated three times in a clockwise direction, and it is believed that passing through this gate will take you directly to heaven. There are numerous myths and legends about this place, and hearing the stories from the guide and the locals is pretty interesting during the Kailash Mansarovar Tour.

Tibetan Culture and Local Communities

Tibetan people are deeply religious, with nearly 78% following Buddhism. Due to its remoteness and geographical factors, ancient Tibetan culture and traditions can still be seen in today’s generation.

Unique Tibetan lifestyle, customs and festivals, such as Tibetan New Year/Losar, Saga Dawa Festival, Shoton Festival, and Nagchu Horse Racing Festival, can be experienced by the visitors during the Kailash Mansarovar Tour. Additionally, Tibetan food and their friendly greetings make your trip more memorable.

Saga Dawa Festival

Every year, during the fourth month of the lunar calendar, the Saga Dawa celebration is held. In remembrance of Buddha Sakyamuni, whose birth, enlightenment, and nirvana all occurred in the same month, Tibetans celebrate the Saga Dawa Festival for a whole month.

Those who celebrate this Saga Dawa festival are not allowed to eat meat, so they only consume fruits and vegetables. Another beauty of this festival is Tibetan people; they free the cats and animals from slaughter and also give alms in the park.

The celebrations in every Tibetan house and the rituals performed in the monastery are great to witness if you visit during the festival time.

Religious Importance of Kailash Mansarovar Tour

For many people worldwide, the Kailash Mansarovar Tour, which is well-known for the stunning landscapes in the Tibet region, also has spiritual importance. This sacred location is a must visit destination for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and practitioners of Bon due to old traditions and spiritual beliefs.

Let’s look into how each religion performs its rituals and traditions and what beliefs and faith it has in this sacred site.

Hindu Beliefs and Practices

For Hindus, the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage is one of the holiest rites as they believe that this is the home of their lord Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha and Kartikeya, Nandi the Bull and other deities. According to Hindu mythology, Shiva is said to reside in this mountain, and you can find that mount Kailash is mentioned in the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Hindu pilgrims believe that bathing in this sacred lake would purify their souls, cleanse them of their sins, and bring about a sense of revival. Due to this, this lake is also called the “ Lake of Consciousness.” Due to an ancient tradition, Hindus travel to the Kailash Mansarovar during the full moon to engage in spiritual activities such as puja, rites, and sacred baths.

Buddhist Significance

According to Buddhism, Mount Kailash is the universe’s spiritual center. According to their belief, the renowned Tibetan yogi Milarepa once resided here. He then ascended Mount Kailash using his spiritual practice and meditation. After his return, he cautioned others against ascending this spiritual mountain since he knew a secret that the public shouldn’t know.

As per their religion, circulating this mountain in a clockwise direction will help to cleanse the soul and achieve enlightenment. So they perform Kora, which means “circumambulation” or “revolution,” during their visit to Kailash Mansarovar Tour.

Jain Perspectives

Jains also consider Mount Kailash sacred. For them, Jain scriptures state that the first Jain Tirthankara (a religious teacher; there are 24 Tirthankaras in Jainism) named Rishbhdev achieved “nirvana,” or “enlightenment,” on Mount Ashtapada, which is close to Mount Kailash.

Bonpo Traditions

The “Bonpos,” or followers of Bon, believe that the religion was first practiced in a kingdom named Zhangzhung, which is situated near Mount Kailash in the Himalayas. According to Bonpos, Bon was taken to Tibet after initially being taken to Zhangzhung. According to Bonpos, Bon was founded by the Buddha Shenrab Miwo.

Why is Mount Kailash unclaimed?

It is the truth, not a myth. In Kalyug, Mount Kailash is a mountain that no person has ever scaled.

The reason for this is that it is the home of God Shankar, who is Shiva in human form. There, Lord Shankar currently resides with Devi Parvati and Lord Ganesh. Additionally, humans are not allowed to ascend Kalyug Adarm due to its extreme height.

Inexplicable things happened to several non-believers who attempted to climb it; they were either discovered dead or never found at all. And the wise ones gave up and went back to their houses.

Anyone who approaches this peak for darshan can sense Shiva’s presence and sanctity with ease. Any permitted ascent is practically impossible because this area and its visitors are being monitored. Since the Chinese government banned climbing Mount Kailash, it is now even impossible to try.

If you want to add the Everest base camp trek in your itinerary for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour you can check this package:

Kailash Tour With Everest Base Camp From Lhasa

Is the Kailash Mansarovar Tour From Lhasa Suitable For You?

Kailash Mansarovar is one of the most popular tours in Tibet because of its unmatched beauty and significance, and this is why people from all over the world come to this place. Before starting the Kailash Mansarovar tour, every pilgrim and visitor should decide if the Kailash Mansarovar tour is right or not for them.

A little preparation is required before embarking on a Kailash Mansarovar trip. When hiking in mountainous regions at high elevations, it’s more than just walking. Visitors must be in good health conditions and for the Kailash kora, must have a good level of physical fitness. You can’t imagine it if you’re an inexperienced hiker.

So, every individual first has to decide on the fact that he will go to Kailash Mansarovar, so he has to prepare his mind and his body physically before it takes place. It is very difficult to manage; however with correct planning and preparations, it is possible to conquer the hurdles that might crop up during the Kailash Mansarovar Tour.

Therefore, you should take the steps to be prepared in advance, and train ahead of going on the trip. Well, research and know about the Kailash Mansarovar Tour from Lhasa, the challenges you may face in it and what to do to overcome them. By doing this you will not feel any trouble during the Kailash Mansarovar Tour from Lhasa.

What are Difficulties Or Risk During Kailash Mansarovar Tour From Lhasa

Physical Challenges

During the Kailash Mansarovar Tour From Lhasa, most of the time, you will be on a road trip. The long hour ride can be somewhat tiresome and may require patience. Also, gaining altitude while reaching the base of Kailash Mountain can trigger altitude sickness for some visitors.

Trekking at high altitudes and passing challenging mountain passes like Dolma-la Pass, which is located at an altitude of 5636m, is a tough job. This tour demands physical fitness for the Kailash Kora. However, if you want to avoid Kora, you can avoid it.

The weather conditions also remain unpredictable at the high altitude of Tibet region which can cause trouble for trekking. Trekkers can encounter common health problems at high altitudes like common cold, dehydration, Fatigue, Chapped Lips and Dry Skin. Also for those who don’t have experience traveling in harsh terrain, this tour can be challenging for them.

Mental and Emotional Strain

The mental and emotional strain during the long hours of trekking can be challenging due to physical demands. It will not be as comfortable as a walk in everyday life. Leaving home for a tour, you might feel loneliness and fatigue from continuous trekking can heighten these emotions. Trekkers should be aware of the challenges that they need to face and learn how to prepare both physically and mentally for this Kailash Manasarovar tour.

Health Risks

The main health risk for the Kailash Mansarovar tour is the chance of getting altitude sickness during the trekking. Other than that, the risks are low, but make sure to keep your body away from dehydration and food poisoning. Those who have existing health conditions should only take the trip after consulting with the doctor. Also take vaccination if you need to do so.

Logistical Challenges

Traveling to Tibet requires a visa and it takes some working days to get the visa. It can be frustrating when you need to wait for the visa process. Also, another challenge that you might face during the Kailash Mansarovar tour is that you might need to get the accommodation you expect. It is because during the tour you need to spend some nights in the guest house which has limited facilities. Additionally, you might not get a wide variety of menu like you used to get in your home countries.

Safety Risks

During the trek, the icy path may lead to injuries, and due to extreme cold, you might even get frostbite and cold sickness. But this safety risk is manageable when you hire an expert trekking guide with you and follow their instructions. Also, sometimes unexpected situations occur, so you should only travel with a reputable trekking agency that knows how to handle the emergency well.

Cultural Sensitivity

Kailash Mansarovar is a sacred site for various people. You can expect a large number of travellers during the peak season, and those who visit may not follow the same religion or culture as you. Therefore, it is important to respect everyone who visits. Additionally, during the tour, you may encounter people from different backgrounds within your group, as well as local customs, rituals, and traditions.

Financial Considerations

Another challenge you might face during the Kailash Mansarovar Tour From Lhasa is planning the budget and understanding how much the tour will cost. Managing the budget is essential for having a great experience, but if it is not planned properly, it can even ruin the trip. So, while planning, make sure to research, understand the hidden costs, and get insurance that covers all the risks associated with the tour.

Read more:

Kailash Mansarovar Tour Cost For Budget Managment

How to Prepare For the Kailash Mansarovar Tour From Lhasa

The Kailash Mansarovar Tour From Lhasa is one of the most renowned spiritual journeys in the world. Many visitors plan to undertake this tour but may be unsure how to prepare. Proper preparation is essential for an amazing experience, minimizing hurdles during the Yatra. To help ensure your journey is smooth and successful, Namaste Nepal Trekking presents some important preparation tips:

Carry Out Appropriate Research

The first thing that you should do before preparing for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour is to do some research before randomly booking the Kailash Mansarovar Tour Package. You should know about the best time for this trip, itinerary days, what to expect, food and accommodation, transportation you will use and how difficult it is. Doing thorough research will help you identify which areas you need to focus on to ensure a successful trip. While doing the research, make sure the information you are reading is based on fact.

Get your Passport and Documents Ready.

You will definitely need a passport to travel to other countries, whether you are traveling by air or land. While entering Nepal or Tibet in China, you need to have a valid passport. Your passport should be in good condition, and make sure the validity date is over six months. Another important item you need is travel insurance and recent passport-sized photographs.

While travel insurance is not mandatory, we highly recommend it, as trekking can be challenging and unexpected situations can arise during the tour. Having insurance is a smart choice. Also, note that you cannot obtain travel insurance in Nepal, so you need to secure it from your home country.

Determine Your Eligibility and How to Apply for a Visa

Your Kailash Mansarovar Tour From Lhasa starts from the soil of Nepal and you need to get the visa to enter Nepal. Also a Tibet visa is required to enter the land of Tibet. Let’s see in detail about how you can get a Nepal visa and a Tibet visa;

Nepal Visa

All the foreign nationalists can get the arrival visa easily here in Nepal except the nationality of [ Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria and Refugees with travel documents]. If you are among the other countries that cannot get the on-arrival visa you need to proceed for the visa approval from the embassy/consulates of the Nepal government.

Let’s see how much you need to pay in Tribhuvan International for an arrival visa.

• For 15 days – 30 $ per person
• For 30 days – 50$ per person
• For 90 days – 125$ per person

Note: All Indian citizens who hold Indian citizenship don’t need to pay for the arrival visa to enter Nepal. However, if you are an Indian citizen holding a foreign passport, you need to pay for the visa. For the Kailash Mansarovar Tour From Lhasa, we suggest you take a visa of 30 days. You can either pay the cost of the visa in USD, Euro or Pound. Also, you can exchange foreign currency inside the airport to pay for the visa cost.

Tibet Visa

For the Kailash Mansarovar Tour From Lhasa, you need to have a Tibet visa. Remember that even if you have a Chinese visa to enter the Tibet region, either by land or air, you need to have a separate Tibet visa. Since you are traveling with Namaste Nepal Trekking, we will handle all the visa procedures for you to make your journey hassle-free.

Continue Reading:

Kailash Tour & Preparation Tips

Choose The Best Time For Kailash Mansarovar Tour From Lhasa

Another important thing that you need to consider while you are planning for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour From Lhasa is choosing the best Time. Visiting Tibet is best throughout the year, but for the Kailash Tour, you should only head during the best Time. Best Time means when the weather is perfect for trekking during the Kora.

As you already know, trekking through the challenging mountain pass via Dolma-La Pass (5,660m) gets hard if the weather conditions are unfavorable. So visitors should always travel when the weather is good for traveling, and the temperature favors trekking during Kailash Kora. This perfect weather for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour is during the summer( June to August). Also, other seasons, like spring and autumn, are fine, but we highly discourage you from traveling during the winter.

During the winter, the temperature remains extremely cold at high altitudes, and due to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, it makes it hard for Kailash Kora. Always check the forecast before traveling and add 2-3 days extra for potential flight cancellations and trip delays.

Maintain Physical Fitness

For the Kailash Manasarovar Circumambulation, you need to walk for several hours at a high altitude. So, walking in the mountain region at high altitude poses several challenges, and it might be physically exhausting for those who don’t have good physical fitness. So we suggest our visitors maintain good physical fitness. Maintaining physical fitness means not like you are preparing for the Marathon race. Just spend a few hours every day for exercise so that it will be helpful during the Kailash Tour.

Below here are some of the few training that you can do to maintain physical fitness:

Cardiovascular exercise: Cardiovascular exercise such as walking, running, swimming, or cycling helps improve overall health and fitness because it helps strengthen the heart and lungs. It also helps to boost your endurance and help in maintaining cardiovascular health.

Strength Training: Along with the cardiovascular training we suggest you do the exercise that strengthens your leg. Good leg power helps to enhance your trekking experience, and as a result, it will make the Kailash Mansarovar Tour exciting and memorable. Exercises including lunges, deadlifts, step-ups, squats, pull-ups, bench presses, push-ups, and leg curls (forward and backward) can be performed to improve the leg muscles.

Do Hiking: Hiking at a similar altitude to Kailash Mansarovar can indeed be beneficial in various ways. It can help individuals cope with altitude sickness and aid in acclimatization to high altitudes. By exposing the body to lower levels of oxygen and increased elevation during such hikes, individuals can gradually adapt to the conditions they may encounter at higher altitudes like Kailash Mansarovar, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

Maintain Mental Fitness

Yes, you do have to maintain mental fitness, as the Kailash Mansarovar Tour From Lhasa is not just an easy task to do. It requires a lot of planning and preparation. And sometimes, you might go through difficult situations that you may not have experienced before, for example, physical exhaustion and sudden change in weather conditions. To deal with the problems that may arise during the Kailash Mansarovar tour, we suggest our visitors maintain good mental fitness like physical fitness.

Below here is an example of how you can increase mental fitness:

• Join the Yoga class, which can improve your flexibility as well as mental health.
• Spend some time in meditation during your free Time.
• Use visualization techniques to imagine yourself completing the Kailash Mansarovar tour.
• Spend Time outdoors, immerse yourself in natural surroundings, and engage in activities like hiking or camping to rejuvenate your mind and reduce stress
• Cultivate a strong mindset and accept challenges.
• Seek help from professional trekkers or those who have experience in traveling.
• Cultivating a sense of gratitude can improve overall mental well-being.
• Engage in creative activities like painting, writing, music, or crafting.

Pack Wisely For Kailash Mansarovar Tour From Lhasa Package

For the Best Kailash Mansarovar Tour From Lhasa experience, it is essential to pack wisely. When packing, make sure that you are packing only the things that are required for the tour; if you go over, it can require your space and can exceed the weight limit that airlines allow.

Also, packing can increase the risk of misplacing or losing essential items in the clutter. Pack all the clothing items that can be used in all weather conditions, essential items, and gear items, and most importantly, prioritize lightweight, multipurpose items and consider the specific requirements of your journey to pack efficiently and enjoy a hassle-free travel experience.

Spiritual Preparation

Before heading for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour From Lhasa, it is essential to know the spiritual importance of this place. You will meet here the people of different religions who have their own beliefs and culture. It would help if you respect other people’s beliefs and religion.

Having a strong faith and praying for guidance also aid in overcoming obstacles that may come up during the tour. Additionally, if preferred, we advise you to include the goods needed for religious rites when traveling.

Health Check and Guidance

Before undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Tour From Lhasa, we suggest you have a full body check, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. Let your doctor know about the trip plan and carry if you’re taking any medicine on a regular basis. Also, we suggest you carry some altitude sickness before you start your tour journey.

Worth Reading:

Step By Step Guide To Kailash Tour/Yatra