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Mount Kailash
Gauri Kund, Kailash
Mount Kailash Sunrise
Potala Palace, Lhasa

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa-Ali, LUXURY TOUR – 12 Days

  • 12 Days / 11 Nights

Gang Rinpoche (Tibetan) is a peak in the Kailash Range, which forms part of the Transhimalya in Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It lies near the source of some of the longest rivers in Asia: the Indus River, the Sutlej River, the Brahmaputra River and Karnali River. It is considered a sacred place in four religions: Bon, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.

Mt. Kailash is the most sacred place in Tibet. Every year many people make a pilgrimage here, and they believe circumambulating it will bring good fortune. This group tour covers all the must seeing places and scenic spots in Tibet, which is very similar to our 8 Days’ Mt. Everest tour, but it drives further to the wild northern part. Join this spiritual tour to follow the pilgrim to experience a different Tibet.

Hightlights

  • Sacred darshan of Mt. Kailash and holy dip at Lake Mansarovar
  • Complete 3-day Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation) experience
  • Scenic Himalayan flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa
  • Cultural exploration of Lhasa’s monasteries and spiritual heritage
  • Comfortable VIP arrangements with experienced guides & support team
  • Fully organized permits, logistics & high-altitude assistance

Itinerary

Day 1

Kathmandu Arrival

Highlights: Airport transfer, group briefing

Arrival at Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport)

  • Meet & Greet: Our representative will welcome you with a namaste and assist with luggage.
  • Transfer to Hotel: A private vehicle will take you to your pre-booked hotel (30 mins, depending on traffic).
  • Check-in: Freshen up and rest after your flight.

Group Briefing

  • Location: Hotel conference room or lobby.
  • Agenda:
    • Overview of the yatra (pilgrimage/tour) itinerary.
    • Safety guidelines, cultural etiquette, and FAQs.
    • Distribution of any necessary Yatra Kits.
Day 2

NOC & Pashupatinath Darshan + Buddanailkantha

Highlights: Visit Pashupatinath Temple & Buddanailkantha

  • NOC: After breakfast we will go for NOC @ Indian Embassy
  • Afterward visits Pashupatinath Temple & Buddanailkantha

Pashupatinath Darshan

  • About the Temple:
    • One of Nepal’s most sacred UNESCO-listed Hindu temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
    • Non-Hindus cannot enter the main sanctum but can explore the outer complex and witness rituals.
  • Key Experiences:
    • Observe the Bagmati River cremation ceremonies (a profound cultural insight).
    • Attend the evening aarti (prayer with lamps, bells, and chants) at ~6:30 PM.
    • Explore nearby shrines and Sadhus (holy men) for blessings/photos (ask before photography)

Buddanailkantha

Budanilkantha Temple, located in Buddanailkantha, Nepal, is a Hindu open-air temple dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu. Budhanilkantha Temple is also known as the Narayan than Temple for Hindus, and can be identified by a large reclining statue of Lord Mahavishnu. However, In the Buddhist community, the term “Buddhanilkantha” refers to one of the various manifestations of Avalokiteshvara. The name means “Blue-Throated Buddha.”

Day 3

Fly to Lhasa (KTM-LXA) | Acclimatization

Early Morning Prep (Kathmandu)

  • 5:00 AM: Wake-up call.
  • Packed Breakfast: Light meal provided by the hotel (e.g., sandwiches, fruit, juice).
  • 6:00 AM: Check-out and transfer to Tribhuvan Airport (15–20 min drive).
  • Flight Timing: 8.30 AM Dep. from Kathmandu
  • Airport Process:
    • Ensure your Tibet Travel Permit (provided by your tour operator) and passport are accessible.
    • Check-in baggage (weight limits apply; confirm with airline).

Flight to Lhasa (1h 30m)

  • Airline: Typically, Himalayan Airlines
  • Views: Stunning Himalayan views

Arrival in Lhasa (Gonggar Airport)

  • 12.05: Land at Lhasa Gonggar Airport (elevation: 3,600m / 11,800ft).
  • Meet & Greet: Your Tibetan guide and driver will welcome you.
  • Transfer to Lhasa City: 1.5-hour drive (60km) via expressway. Enjoy scenic views of the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

Hotel Check-in & Acclimatization

  • 10:30 AM (approx.): Arrive at your hotel
  • Key Tips for Altitude:
    • Rest: Avoid exertion; no sightseeing on Day 01 in Lhasa.
    • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water/herbal tea (3–4L daily).
    • Avoid Alcohol/Caffeine: Can worsen altitude symptoms.
    • Symptoms to Watch: Headache, dizziness—inform your guide if severe.

Dinner & Early Night

  • Meal: Hotel or nearby restaurant (opt for light, carb-rich foods like noodles/soup).
  • Sleep: Aim for 8+ hours to aid acclimatization.

Key Notes:

  • Permits: Your guide will hold all required permits (Tibet Travel Permit & Visa).
  • Altitude Prep: Consider Diamox (consult doctor pre-trip) if prone to altitude sickness.
  • Packing: Daypack with essentials—sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, and layers (Lhasa is sunny but chilly evenings).
Day 4

Lhasa Sightseeing

Focus: Spiritual & Cultural Immersion

  • Potala Palace:
    • Timing: Visit early (slots are time-bound; tickets sell out).
    • Dress Code: Cover shoulders/knees; no hats inside.
    • Note: No photography in chapels; climb slowly (altitude!).
  • Jokhang Temple:
    • Ritual: Circumambulate with pilgrims; spin prayer wheels clockwise.
    • Highlight: Golden Buddha statue (Sakyamuni, brought by Princess Wencheng).
  • Barkhor Street:
    • Shopping: Thangkas, turquoise jewellery, yak wool blankets (bargain gently!).
  • Evening: Rest at hotel; try tsampa (roasted barley flour) or yak butter tea.

Tip: Carry water, sunscreen, and a scarf (dusty/sunny).

Day 5

Fly to Ali (Ngari Gunsa Airport) → Drive to Darchen

  • Flight: LXA to NGQ (~2hrs); pack snacks (limited inflight meals).
  • Drive to Darchen (3–4hrs, 185km):
    • Landscape: Vast plains, grazing yaks, distant snow peaks.
  • Darchen (4,560m):
    • Check-in
    • Prep: Organize Kailash permits/gear; early dinner (light, no alcohol).

Health: Monitor for altitude symptoms; avoid showers (risk of cold).

Day 6

Drive to Mansarovar | Spiritual Rituals

  • Mansarovar Parikrama (52km circuit):
    • Chiu Gompa: Sacred cave monastery; dip in the lake (icy but purifying).
    • Puja: Offer barley grains, chant Om Namah Shivaya; light butter lamps.
  • Return to Mansarovar

Packing: Thermal layers, waterproof bag for wet clothes, dry fruits.

Day 7

Kailash Parikrama (Day 1) – Trek to Diraphuk

  • Drive to Yamadwar (4,650m): Start point; tie prayer flags/horse rental
  • Trek (12km, 5–6hrs):
    • Terrain: Rocky trails, gradual ascent; poles recommended.
    • View: West face of Kailash (photography spot before Diraphuk).
  • Diraphuk (4,880m): Dormitory stay; simple vegetarian meals.

Caution: Walk slowly; headaches normal—hydrate + paracetamol.

Day 8

Kailash Parikrama (Day 2) – Trek to Zuthulphuk via Dolma La

  • Dolma La Pass (5,630m):
    • Ascent: 3hrs steep climb; leave by 7AM to avoid wind.
    • Ritual: Place a stone on the cairn; hang prayer flag.
    • Descent: Slippery scree; use trekking poles.
  • Zuthulphuk (4,790m): Cave monastery; rest early.

Key: Energy bars, gloves, sunglasses (glare from snow).

Day 9

End Parikrama → Drive to Darchen

  • Trek to Mani Wall (8km, 3hrs): Flat trail; meet vehicle.
  • Drive to Darchen (10 mins) and overnight stay
Day 10

Drive to Ali early morning around 6 AM

Early morning drive to Ali and Fly to Lhasa

  • Flight: NGQ to LXA (morning); rest at hotel.
Day 11

Fly to Kathmandu

  • Flight: LXA to KTM Dep. From Lhasa 13.15 and Arrive at 12.35 Pm (~1hr.15 mins duration); transfer to hotel.
  • Evening: Relax at Thamel (last-minute shopping for pashminas/tea).
Day 12

Departure

Airport Transfer: 3hrs before flight; keep passport/boarding pass handy.

What This Journey Includes

This journey has been thoughtfully designed to provide comfort, authenticity, and seamless travel throughout your experience. Below is what is included as part of this specific package.

Your journey includes

  • Flights: Kathmandu (KTM) ↔ Lhasa (LXA) ↔ Ali (NGQ) ↔ Lhasa ↔ Kathmandu (round-trip).
  • Accommodation: Twin/Triple sharing rooms in hotels and In Kailash Parikarma-04 to 05 Sharing
  • Transport: Airport transfers + all ground travel in Nepal & Tibet (Coach / Similar).
  • Permits & Fees: Tibet Travel Permit, Kailash Parikrama Permit, and China Group Visa fees.
  • All entrance tickets in Tibet (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, etc.).
  • Meals: Full Board: Breakfast, lunch, dinner (mostly vegetarian/non-spicy; inform if dietary restrictions).
  • Guide: English-speaking Tibetan guide.
  • Support: Oxygen cylinder + basic first-aid kit (for altitude emergencies).

Excluded unless stated otherwise

  • GST 5% Extra if Payment transferred in Indian Bank Account
  • International Flights: Home ↔ Kathmandu round-trip airfare.
  • Kailash Parikrama Extras: Horse/Porter during Parikrama
  • Personal Expenses: Shopping, SIM cards, international calls, laundry, bottled water.
  • Emergency Costs: Helicopter evacuation (if needed) or medical expenses beyond first-aid.
  • Tips: Guide/Driver and Nepali supporting team.
  • Insurance: Basic travel insurance (confirm coverage details with operator).

Additional Details

1. KEY NOTES:

  • Currency: Carry Nepali Rupees (NPR) for Kathmandu + Chinese Yuan (CNY) for Tibet.
  • Visa: Ensure passport has 6+ months validity and blank pages.

 

2. BOOKING PROCEDURE

  1. Advance Payment:
    • Deposit 30% of trip cost + passport copy (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages).
  2. Documents:
    • Clear passport scans (front/back); confirm name spellings match tickets.

 

3. TOUR CANCELLATION POLICY

  • More than 15 days before departure: 50% of total cost refundable
  • 10–14 days before departure: 10% of total cost refundable
  • Less than 7 days before departure: No refund

Notice: Written cancellation required (email/letter); verbal requests invalid.

4. CURRENCY

  • Tibet: Use Chinese Yuan (CNY). Exchange in advance
  • Nepal: Carry NPR for extras in Kathmandu.

 

5. RISKS & LIABILITY

Operator’s Role: Follows Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) rules; not liable for:

  • Flight delays, permit/visa issues, landslides, political unrest, or health emergencies.
  • Costs: Any extra expenses (e.g., evacuation, alternate routes) borne by you.

 

6. PACKING LIST (ESSENTIALS)

  • Clothing: Thermal inners, waterproof jacket, gloves, woollen cap, no sarees (opt for salwar/pants).
  • Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots + woollen socks.
  • Gear: Trekking poles, torch, sunglasses (UV protection), reusable water bottle.
  • Health: Diamox (consult doctor), sunscreen, toilet paper, personal meds.
  • Snacks: Dry fruits, glucose, chocolates (energy boosters).

 

7. PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDELINES

  1. Health Check:
    • Mandatory: Doctor’s clearance for high-altitude travel (especially heart/lung conditions).
    • AMS Prevention: Acclimatize in Lhasa (2 nights); avoid alcohol/smoking.
  2. Altitude Sickness:
    • Symptoms: Headache, nausea—hydrate, rest, use Diamox if prescribed.
  3. Fitness:
    • Prepare for 5–6hr treks at 5,600m; practice walking with a backpack.

 

8. KEY REMINDERS

  • Insurance: Confirm if your policy covers high-altitude evacuation (up to 5,630m).
  • Permits: Operator handles Tibet permits; keep photocopies handy.
  • Communication: Buy a Nepal SIM (Ncell/NTC) for Kathmandu; Tibet has limited connectivity you can make your Sim International Roaming on for Nepal/Tibet

Begin Your Private Himalayan Escape

Every journey with Luxury Nepal is thoughtfully tailored to your pace, interests, and style of travel. Speak with our specialists to craft a bespoke itinerary designed exclusively for you.

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