Example Itinerary
Trekking in Tibet: Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar
- Duration
- 9 days / 8 nights
- Price Per Person
-
Terms & Conditions
Price is based on double or twin hotel room occupancy and includes accommodation, transfers, car/driver, English-speaking guide, porters during Mt. Kailash trek, activities and entrance fees, breakfasts and some casual lunches while touring. Flights and optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling. Prices may vary depending on season, choice of accommodation and other factors. All rates are quoted, based on prices from 2015 and subject to change without prior notice.
- Interests
- Trekking, Spirituality
- Destinations
- Tibet
This thrilling nine-day Trekking in Tibet itinerary was created for those who love the great outdoors, and who enjoy challenging themselves with new adventures. Hike to some of the world’s most incredible viewpoints, starting in Tibet’s capital Lhasa, and moving onwards and upwards to Dirapuk, Zultulpuk, Darchen, and Lake Mansarovar. After days of long, exhilarating treks, rejuvenate yourself with a sip from the holy waters of the freshwater lake, before returning to your luxurious suite at the St. Regis in Lhasa.
This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.
Highlights
- Lhasa: The center of Tibetan Buddhism and home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the capital of Tibet holds many treasures.
- Sacred Mountain: Everest may be the more famous name, but the "Stairway to Heaven" of Mt Kailash is an important pilgrimage route for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bonpos (followers of Tibetan Buddhism).
- Spiritual Waters: Drinking or bathing at Lake Manasarovar is said to cleanse sins committed over a hundred lifetimes.
Day-by-Day
Day 1
Map ▲Lhasa »
Arrive in Tibet’s spiritual capital of Lhasa. You’ll be greeted at the airport and chauffeur-driven to the luxurious St. Regis. Once you’ve checked in, you’re free to spend the rest of the day at your leisure and acclimitizing. Relax and enjoy getting acquainted with your new surroundings, perhaps trying out some delicious Tibetan delicacies for dinner.
Hotel Options
Day 2
Map ▲Lhasa »
Today you’ll get a real feel for why Lhasa is known as the center of Tibetan Buddhism. Visit its three great spiritual hotspots, starting with Potala Palace, the one-time home of the Dalai Lama, and continuing on to Barkhor Square, a bustling pilgrimage site made up of busy, cobbled lanes. Finish off your tour with Jokhang Temple, considered by many Tibetans to be their country’s most important and sacred temple. Overnight once again in your plush room at the St. Regis.

Day 3
Map ▲Darchen
Check out of the St. Regis this morning and hop on a plane to Ali, also known as Ngari, from where you’ll drive between four and five hours to Darchen. This small town sits directly in front of the sacred Mt Kailash, which is the starting point for pilgrimages in the region. Check into a simple guesthouse, or you may also choose to set up camp. Enjoy views of the mighty Mt Kailash, which towers over the town at an altitude of 4,575 meters.
Hotel Options
Day 4
Map ▲Dirapuk
Wake up to views of the mighty Mt Kailash, which towers over the town at an altitude of 4,575 meters. Today, you’ll trek five to six hours to Dirapuk, which translates literally as female yak horn cave. From here, you’ll be graced with incredible views of Mt Kailash’s northwest face. Stay overnight at Mount Kailash Resort.
Hotel Options

Day 5
Map ▲Zultulpuk
You’ll embark on the longest trek of your journey today, hiking between eight and nine hours to Zultulpuk, over Dormala Pass. This pass rises 5,636 meters above sea-level. The weather is somewhat unpredictable here, but your guides will ensure your safety and comfort. Once you reach Zultulpuk, you may set up camp or check into a guesthouse for the night.
Hotel Options
Day 6
Map ▲Lake Mansarovar
Leave Zultulpuk this morning and trek about four or five hours. From here, you’ll continue your journey by car, giving your tired legs a break. Drive one hour to Lake Mansarovar, one of the few freshwater lakes on the plateau. Take a sip of its water - considered sacred amongst Tibetans and India’s Hindus as well. Visit the ancient Chiu Gompa monastery, before checking in to a guesthouse or setting up camp for the night.
Hotel Options
Day 7
Map ▲Ngari (ali)
After another refreshing drink from the holy lake, you’ll hop in a car and be driven back to Ali. Along the way, you’ll catch even more stunning views of Mt Kailash, as you fly past. Check in to a hotel in Ali, where you can relax and enjoy some free time to do as you please.
Hotel Options

Day 8
Map ▲Lhasa »
Today you’ll check out of your hotel and head to the airport, where you’ll fly in to Lhasa. From here, you’ll be taken to your exquisite room at the St. Regis, where you are free to explore more of the spiritual city, or perhaps enjoy total indulgence at the Iridium Spa. You deserve it!
Hotel Options
Day 9
Map ▲Departure
Check out of your room at the St. Regis today - you’ll be chauffeur-driven to the airport in time for your onward journey, either home, or to your next destination.

Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Kailash: Over the Hills Where the Spirits Fly
- Author
- Joe Cummings
On a pilgrimage in western Tibet, Joe Cummings visits Everest’s North Face Base Camp, along with Mount Kailash, Asia’s most sacred peak.
The Road to Gyantse
- Author
- Jay Tindall
They say that travel is not about the destination, but the journey. I learned the true value of this statement on the long road from Lhasa to Gyantse in Tibet.
Dance of the Dunes: A Journey to Tsetang
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Tsetang is one of Tibet’s largest cities, and as the seat of Tibet’s ancient emperors, contains significant historical importance. Flanked by Mt Gongbori, in the Yarlung Valley, with colorful prayer flags strewn about, the area is beautiful…
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