Kailash Tour Fly in Drive out

Potala-durbar- Palace-at-Nightview-Lhasa-Tibet

Overview

Fly into Lhasa, drive out to Kathmandu – with Mount Kailash in between. The Kailash Tour Fly in Drive out (11 days) combines the sacred sights of Tibet’s capital with the great pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, travelling the whole width of Tibet by road. It starts with one of the most beautiful flights in the world, from Kathmandu over Everest and the Himalaya to Lhasa, and ends with the overland descent via Kerung and the Rasuwagadhi border. Private transport from Lhasa to Kathmandu, all Tibet travel, road and Kailash permits, China visa fee and service, 3-star hotels and guesthouses with breakfast, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees and oxygen in the vehicle are included.

In Lhasa you visit the Potala Palace, old residence of the Dalai Lamas, the Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most sacred shrine, and the Barkhor. The road west passes Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse to Shigatse and Tashilhunpo Monastery, then crosses the open plateau via Lhatse to Saga and Paryang. The gradual approach – sleeping at 3,650 m, 3,840 m and 4,600 m before the lake – is the best way to acclimatise for the yatra.

At Mansarovar you perform puja and take a holy bath with darshan of Kailash Parbat, and from Darchen you complete the three-day parikrama over the Dolma La (about 5,630 m). The return crosses the plateau to Saga and Kerung and back to Kathmandu.

Why choose this yatra?

The most gradual acclimatisation route, via Lhasa and Shigatse.
Lhasa’s Potala and Jokhang plus Yamdrok Lake and Tashilhunpo.
All permits, China visa, private transport and oxygen in the vehicle included.

Who is it for?

Pilgrims who also want to see Lhasa, and travellers seeking the most comfortable overland approach (minimum four people). Grade: strenuous because of altitude and long drives. The Kathmandu–Lhasa flight is not included.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF WITH LOCATION MAP

Trip Facts

Tour Code: PTT-TIBET-012
Duration: 11 Days
Program Type: Pilgrimage Trip
Maximum Altitude: 5630m
Minimum Pax: 4
Mode of Travel: Land Transport, Air Transport
Start Trip: Kathmandu
End Trip: Kathmandu
Program Grading: Moderate

Trip at a Glance

Day 01: Fly to Lhasa (from Kathmandu, Beijing or Chengdu) – transfer and acclimatise
Day 02: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor
Day 03: Drive Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Gyantse – Shigatse (about 272 km, 7–8 hours)
Day 04: Drive Shigatse – Lhatse – Saga (about 449 km, 7–8 hours)
Day 05: Drive Saga – Paryang – Lake Mansarovar (about 277 km, 6 hours) – first view of Mount Kailash
Day 06: Puja, havan and holy bath at Lake Mansarovar – parikrama of the lake by vehicle – drive to Darchen
Day 07: Kailash parikrama day 1: Yama Dwar (Tarboche) – Dirapuk (about 12–15 km, 5–7 hours)
Day 08: Kailash parikrama day 2: Dirapuk – Dolma La (5,630 m) – Gauri Kund – Zuthulphuk (about 18–22 km, 8–12 hours)
Day 09: Kailash parikrama day 3: Zuthulphuk – Darchen – drive to Saga (about 290 km)
Day 10: Drive Saga – Peiku Tso – Kerung (about 240 km, 5–6 hours)
Day 11: Drive Kerung – Rasuwagadhi border – Syabrubesi – Kathmandu (about 170 km, 7–8 hours)

Trip Highlights

Trans-Himalayan flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa over Everest
Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor in Lhasa
Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse and Tashilhunpo Monastery
Puja and holy bath at Lake Mansarovar with darshan of Kailash
Three-day Kailash parikrama over the Dolma La
Overland return via Kerung and Rasuwagadhi

Itinerary in Details

Day 01Fly to Lhasa (from Kathmandu, Beijing or Chengdu) – transfer and acclimatise
Transfer about 1 hour | Altitude: 3,650 m | Overnight: Lhasa (3-star hotel)

The flight from Kathmandu crosses the Himalaya to Lhasa, with Everest visible from the left side of the plane on a clear day. Your Tibetan guide meets you at Gonggar airport and transfers you about 60 km to your hotel. Rest for the rest of the day to adjust to the altitude.
- Local meal: thenthuk noodle soup and sweet milk tea.
- OvernightLhasa
- CountryChina
- Travel ModeFly (Kathmandu to Lhasa): 75 min · Drive: 60 km / 1 hr
- Places VisitedLhasa Gonggar Airport, Lhasa
Day 02Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor
Full-day sightseeing | Overnight: Lhasa

Visit the Potala Palace, built as a fort by King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and rebuilt by the Fifth Dalai Lama in the 17th – the seat of religion and politics in Tibet for centuries, with its golden roofs, chapels and tombs of the Dalai Lamas. Then visit the Jokhang Temple, Tibet's holiest shrine, and walk the Barkhor circuit with the pilgrims.
- OvernightLhasa
- CountryChina
- Highest PointPotala Palace
- Altitude3,700m / 12,139ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 10 km / 30 min
- Places VisitedPotala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
- MealsBreakfast
Day 03Drive Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Gyantse – Shigatse (about 272 km, 7–8 hours)
Drive about 272 km / 7–8 hours | Overnight: Shigatse (3,840 m)

Drive over the Kamba La to Yamdrok Lake, past the Karo La glacier to Gyantse and its Kumbum, and on to Shigatse, seat of the Panchen Lama at Tashilhunpo Monastery.
- OvernightShigatse
- CountryChina
- Highest PointKaro La Glacier
- Altitude5,010m / 16,437ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 272 km / 7 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedYamdrok Lake, Gyantse, Pelkor Chode & Kumbum, Shigatse, Tashilhunpo Monastery
- MealsBreakfast
Day 04Drive Shigatse – Lhatse – Saga (about 449 km, 7–8 hours)
Drive about 449 km / 7–8 hours | Altitude: about 4,600 m | Overnight: Saga

A long drive west across the open plateau via Lhatse to Saga on the Yarlung Tsangpo.
- OvernightSaga
- CountryChina
- Travel ModeDrive: 449 km / 8 hr
- Places VisitedSaga
- MealsBreakfast
Day 05Drive Saga – Paryang – Lake Mansarovar (about 277 km, 6 hours) – first view of Mount Kailash
Drive about 277 km / 6 hours | Altitude: about 4,558–4,590 m | Overnight: Mansarovar guesthouse

Drive west along the upper Yarlung Tsangpo past Paryang, nomad camps, sand dunes and grazing yaks, until the snow dome of Mount Kailash appears on the horizon above the sacred Lake Mansarovar and its sister lake Rakshas Tal.
- OvernightLake Mansarovar
- CountryChina
- Highest PointLake Mansarovar
- Altitude4,590m / 15,059ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 277 km / 6 hr
- Places VisitedLake Mansarovar, Mount Kailash
- MealsBreakfast
Day 06Puja, havan and holy bath at Lake Mansarovar – parikrama of the lake by vehicle – drive to Darchen
Drive around the lake (about 72–110 km) and 40 km to Darchen | Altitude: about 4,670 m | Overnight: Darchen guesthouse

Wake early to watch the sun rise over the sacred waters of Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m), created according to Hindu belief from the mind of Lord Brahma. Perform puja and havan, take a holy dip (or sprinkle the holy water), and drive around part of the lake – one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world – with views of Kailash, Gurla Mandhata and the Chiu Gompa. Continue to Darchen, the base for the kora.
- OvernightDarchen
- CountryChina
- Travel ModeDrive: 110 km / 3 hr
- Places VisitedLake Mansarovar, Darchen
- MealsBreakfast
Day 07Kailash parikrama day 1: Yama Dwar (Tarboche) – Dirapuk (about 12–15 km, 5–7 hours)
Trek about 12–15 km / 5–7 hours | Altitude: about 4,900 m | Overnight: Dirapuk guesthouse

Drive a short way to Yama Dwar at Tarboche, the "Gate of Yama", where the parikrama begins. Walk (or ride a pony, at own cost) up the Lha Chu valley beneath red cliffs and waterfalls to Dirapuk, facing the awe-inspiring north face of Mount Kailash (6,638 m) – the most dramatic view of the holy mountain.
- OvernightDirapuk
- CountryChina
- Highest PointDirapuk
- Altitude4,900m / 16,076ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 7 km / 20 min · Trek: 13 km / 6 hr
- Places VisitedYama Dwar (Tarboche), Dirapuk, Mount Kailash
- MealsBreakfast
Day 08Kailash parikrama day 2: Dirapuk – Dolma La (5,630 m) – Gauri Kund – Zuthulphuk (about 18–22 km, 8–12 hours)
Trek about 18–22 km / 8–12 hours | Highest point: Dolma La about 5,630 m | Overnight: Zuthulphuk

The hardest and most sacred day. Climb steadily past Shiva Tsal to the prayer-flag-covered Dolma La, the high point of the pilgrimage, where pilgrims leave offerings to the goddess Tara. Below lies the emerald Gauri Kund lake, where Parvati is said to have bathed. A long, steep descent leads into the Lham Chu Khir valley and on to Zuthulphuk, associated with the yogi Milarepa.
- OvernightZuthulphuk
- CountryChina
- Highest PointDolma La
- Altitude5,630m / 18,471ft
- Travel ModeTrek: 20 km / 10 hr
- Places VisitedDolma La, Zuthulphuk
- MealsBreakfast
Day 09Kailash parikrama day 3: Zuthulphuk – Darchen – drive to Saga (about 290 km)
Trek about 3 hours, then drive about 290 km | Overnight: Saga

Complete the kora with an easy walk down the valley to the road, then drive back east across the plateau to Saga.
- OvernightSaga
- CountryChina
- Travel ModeTrek: 8 km / 3 hr · Drive: 290 km / 6 hr
- Places VisitedDarchen, Saga
- MealsBreakfast
Day 10Drive Saga – Peiku Tso – Kerung (about 240 km, 5–6 hours)
Drive about 240 km / 5–6 hours | Altitude: about 2,700 m | Overnight: Kerung

Drive past Peiku Tso, with views of Shishapangma, over the Thong La and La Lung passes and descend into the green Kerung valley.
- OvernightKerung (Gyirong)
- CountryChina
- Travel ModeDrive: 240 km / 5 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedPeiku Tso, Kerung (Gyirong)
- MealsBreakfast
Day 11Drive Kerung – Rasuwagadhi border – Syabrubesi – Kathmandu (about 170 km, 7–8 hours)
Drive about 170 km / 7–8 hours including the border crossing | End of yatra in Kathmandu

Drive down to the border, complete Chinese and Nepali immigration at Rasuwagadhi, and continue via Syabrubesi, Dhunche and Trishuli to Kathmandu.
- CountryNepal
- Travel ModeDrive: 25 km / 1 hr · Drive: 145 km / 6 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedRasuwagadhi Border, Syabrubesi
- MealsBreakfast

Altitude Chart of Kailash Tour Fly in Drive out

Total Hiking Time: 19h Total Driving Time: 36h 20m Total Flying Time: 1h 15m Total Travel Distance: 1,645 km

Driving distance & time shown here are approximate — for city tours the exact distance/duration can vary and isn't always measurable.

Highest point: 18,471 ft / 5,630 m — Day 08 · Kailash parikrama day 2: Dirapuk – Dolma La (5,630 m) – Gauri Kund – Zuthulphuk (about 18–22 km, 8–12 hours)

Services Included

Airport transfer
Private transport Lhasa to Kathmandu
All necessary Tibet travel permits/road permits/Kailash special permit etc.
3 star hotel/Guest house accommodation with daily breakfast.
English speaking Tour guide.
Entrance ticket fees for monasteries and temples.
Oxygen tanks in the vehicle
China visa fee and service

Services Excluded

Personal Expenses such as laundry, Telephone and table Drinks
Daily Lunch and Dinner
Hotel in Nepal
Your Travel Insurance
Cost of Hiring Horse / Pony / Porter
Evacuation Cost in the event of emergency
Air fare Kathmandu to Lhasa
Tipping (Not Mandatory)

Additional Visa Fee for below Citizens
United State of America : USD 90 per person
Romanian passport holder: USD 24 per person
Canadian passport holder: USD 24 per person
Brazilian Passport Holders : USD 55 per person

Trip Notes

Notes for this tour

Altitude: the yatra climbs to the 4,500–4,700 m plateau within a few days and crosses the Dolma La at about 5,630 m. The route via Lhasa and Shigatse allows gradual acclimatisation and oxygen is carried in the vehicle; walk slowly, drink 4 litres of water a day and descend if symptoms worsen. A medical check-up before travel and insurance covering evacuation are strongly recommended. Ponies and porters for the parikrama are paid locally.
Visa and permits: you need a Chinese group visa issued in Kathmandu – please arrive 4–5 working days before departure – plus the Tibet Travel Permit, road permits and the special Kailash permit, all arranged by us. Indian passport holders follow separate rules; please ask.
Guide and rules: foreigners in Tibet must travel with a licensed Tibetan guide on a fixed itinerary. Photography is not allowed inside most chapels, and permits can occasionally be suspended at short notice by the authorities.
Climate: days are sunny and dry but nights are cold, even in summer; bring layers, a warm jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm. April–October is the main season.
Accommodation: simple guesthouses on the plateau and around Kailash; bring a warm sleeping bag, down jacket, thermals, rain gear and trekking boots. Only breakfast is included – other meals are bought locally.
Flexibility: the order of visits may change because of monastery opening times, festivals, weather or permit conditions.

You need to arrive Kathmandu at least 4-5 working day before for China visa. China embassy working days are Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu/Fri except Chinese Govt. holiday. During these free day, you can buy tours from us or can stay on your own. China visa taken in your home country is not enough to travel Tibet from Nepal. We have to apply for Tibet group tourist visa here in Kathmandu.
Visa fee, entrance fee, hotel rate subject to increase without prior information.
We need your passport copy by email 35 days before the travel date to make travel permit(Invitation letter).
Our private tour price is based on 2-3 star standard hotel.
Private tour need at least 4 person.

Payment Mode & Options
30% of the amount to be deposited at the time of booking confirmation.
50% of the amount to be wired to Touch Kailash 15 days prior to yatra date.
Remaining 20% of the amount on Day 1 of this trip.

Equipment List

Equipment

Medical Kits
First Aid
Oximeter daily check (Pulse and Oxygen Level)
Enough Oxygen Cylinders
Other Necessary Equipment
Stick for Parikrama

Clothing

Down Jacket
Duffle Bag
Day backpack

FAQ

11 days. It starts in Kathmandu and ends there. Overnight stops: Lhasa, Shigatse, Saga, Lake Mansarovar, Darchen, Dirapuk, Zuthulphuk, Kerung (Gyirong). The day-by-day itinerary above shows travel times, places visited and meals for each day.

Please see the overview for the best season for this destination – we can advise on weather, festivals and peak periods for your travel dates.

The grade is moderate, with a maximum altitude of about 5,650 m. Most healthy travellers manage well, but please take care at high altitude and consult your doctor if you have heart or breathing problems. Children and seniors are welcome with sensible precautions.

Dress modestly at temples, monasteries, mosques and other holy places: cover your shoulders and knees, remove shoes (and hats) where asked, and walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels in Buddhist sites. Ask before photographing people, monks or rituals, and note that photography is not allowed inside some shrines.

Yes. Your guide can help you arrange puja, offerings or special rituals with the temple priests. Please tell us your wishes in advance so we can allow enough time.

Foreign visitors need a Chinese group visa (when entering from Nepal) and a Tibet Travel Permit, plus additional permits for areas outside Lhasa. We apply for all of them – please send a clear passport copy at least 3–4 weeks before departure. You must travel with a licensed Tibetan guide.

Airport transfer; Private transport Lhasa to Kathmandu; All necessary Tibet travel permits/road permits/Kailash special permit etc; 3 star hotel/Guest house accommodation with daily breakfast; English speaking Tour guide; Entrance ticket fees for monasteries and temples; Oxygen tanks in the vehicle; China visa fee and service.

Personal Expenses such as laundry, Telephone and table Drinks; Daily Lunch and Dinner; Hotel in Nepal; Your Travel Insurance; Cost of Hiring Horse / Pony / Porter; Evacuation Cost in the event of emergency.

This package includes 10 breakfasts, as marked on each day of the itinerary. Other meals are at your own cost; your guide will recommend good local restaurants, and vegetarian, vegan and other dietary needs can be catered for.

Yes. We run this tour privately for your group on the dates you choose, and we can tailor it – add extra nights, change or upgrade hotels, add activities, flights or a guide in your language (Russian, German, French, Spanish, Chinese or Hindi on request). Just send us your wishes.

Tour Programs booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows. a. Before 90 days no charge. b. within 60 days of start of program ~ 10 %. c. within 35 days ~ 15% of rate. d. within 15 days ~ 50% of rate. e. within 7 days ~ 75% of rate. f. less than 7 days or without notice ~ 100% of rate. Please see the Cancellation Policy section for full details.

Cancellation Policy

CANCELLATIONS
Tour Programs booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows:
a. Before 90 days no charge
b. within 60 days of start of program ~ 10 %
c. within 35 days ~ 15% of rate
d. within 15 days ~ 50% of rate
e. within 7 days ~ 75% of rate
f. less than 7 days or without notice ~ 100% of rate

Booking Policy

A deposit of 20–30% is required to confirm your booking, with the balance due before or on arrival. Visa invitation letters, where required, are issued only after the deposit has been received.

Child Policy

Children under 5 travel free, sharing with parents. Children aged 5–11 receive a discounted rate. Children 12 and above are charged the full adult rate.

Excellent rating
Based on 30 reviews

Pigeon Travel is easily one of the best travel companies I have dealt with! I don’t know how busy Mr Min Katri is, but i think he has many clients on the go, but he made me feel like I was his only customer. He was so conscientious. The guides he organised for my travels in Nepal: Pokhara, Kathmandu, and the Everest flight, Lumbini and then in India at Kushinara for a few days, was well organised with excellent guides, good drivers and cars and a good choice of hotels. They accommodated me with the places I wanted to visit and were very flexible and everything went smoothly, including navigating across the Sunoli border to India, which is chaos at another level. These guys are really excellent. Totally recommend Pigeon Travel. 👍👍

Amal Karunaratna

We spent 4 days in Nepal, visiting different places with the Pingeon Travel Agency, Mr. Min Khatri was very friendly, helpful and was attentive to us at all times, with 24-hour service. for anything we needed and was attentive to us via WhatsApp every day. We booked everything from Spain, they picked us up at the airport and at the end they took us, including a driver, guide in Spanish, visits and hotels, and we had no problem, they complied with everything agreed and we were able to visit everything. The driver (Mr. Pawan) is a very good driver, friendly and kind, and the guide (Mr. Giri) is friendly and helpful. Punctual, helpful and attentive. We were in 2 different hotels, and both were very good, highlighting the one in Kathmandu, Hotel Hyatt Place Kathmandu, a new hotel, excellent service and very friendly. The Pingeon Travel agency is highly recommended and they have everything from tours to complete packages. We were happy with the services.

Maite Sanchez

Fantastic

JagdishMan Rajbhandari

Pigeon Travel has been an exceptional ressource for me in both travel support to and from Nepal, India, and Bhutan. Min Katri is simply always there onnecway or another, checking fright and other arrangements, hotel schedules and in Bhutan excellent ( required) tour guides. As well, he and Pigeon Travel are exceptional in meeting last minute changes to my plans and really are “there” 24/7. I thinking now about next trips and highly recommend Min and Pigeon travel for your trips— as in planning my next trip to India and Nepal and am using Pigeon Travel the whole way. Highly recommend!

Jay Luboff

Wonderful tour with brilliant and knowledgeable guide. Highly recommended!

Frances Wingate

Min is very trustworthy and very easy to speak to. Tour guide and drivers are great and finally arrangement for Everest flight and Nagarkot Mountain View stay didn’t disappoint and we had wonderful time

Chip Yi

Best place to book ticket and travel.

Pratik Khadka

I contacted them via Facebook messenger and asked them for a price estimate for two people to Dubai. The representative told me I will receive the quote tomorrow and it’s been three days I haven’t heard from him yet. I will remove my one star rating once I hear back.

Krishna Giri

It was a well organised trip. The guides were very hospitable and cooperative.Overall it was a wonderful and memorable trip.

puneetha Kunimbedu

It was a memorable trip to Nepal. Thanks to pigeon travels. The hospitality is great and they took good care of us. I would highly recommend this to my mates.

Kavya K

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Kailash Tour Fly in Drive out

Overview

Why choose this yatra?

Who is it for?

Trip Highlights

Itinerary in Details

Altitude Chart of Kailash Tour Fly in Drive out

Services Included

Services Excluded

Trip Notes

Equipment List

FAQ

Cancellation Policy

Booking Policy

Child Policy

Hotel We Use

Vehicle We Use

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Kailash Tour Fly in Drive out

Overview

Why choose this yatra?

Who is it for?

Trip Highlights

Itinerary in Details

Altitude Chart of Kailash Tour Fly in Drive out

Services Included

Services Excluded

Trip Notes

Equipment List

FAQ

1. How long is the Kailash Tour Fly in Drive out and where does it start and end?

2. When is the best time to do this tour?

3. How difficult is it, and is it suitable for children or seniors?

4. What should I wear when visiting temples and monasteries?

5. Can I perform puja or special rituals during the tour?

6. What permits are needed for Tibet?

7. What is included in the price?

8. What is not included?

9. Which meals are included?

10. Is this a private tour? Can I customise it?

11. What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation Policy

Booking Policy

Child Policy

Hotel We Use

Vehicle We Use

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