Lhasa to Mount Kailash Tour via Kerung 13 Days

Useful Information

When is The Best Time to Join the Lhasa to Mount Kailash Mansarovar Tour?

For the Lhasa to Mount Kailash Mansarovar tour, preferably go in May to September as generally it has pleasant weather and good road conditions, therefore Kailash Kora can be completed easily. May, June and September are often described as the finest months for clear views of the mountains and for trekking.

Spring Season (May-June)

This season indicates the commencement of the Kailash pilgrimage, while the snow begins to melt and the temperature begins to rise. The Tibetan Plateau has clear skies and very good visibility during the spring season. May-June is often considered the ideal month for seeing the famous Saga Dawa Festival, one of the biggest events for Tibetan Buddhism.

Best Months: May and June

Advantages

• Great visibility of the mountain.
• Pleasant and calm weather conditions.
• Favorable for trekking.
• Excellent for photography.
• The Saga Dawa festival can be witnessed.

Disadvantages

• This is the peak trekking season.
• Hotel bookings and permits must be made well in advance.

Summer Season (July-August)

This is one of the most popular seasons for Kailash Yatra, and during July-August, the weather in Tibet is the hottest compared to the whole year. Although the summer season in Nepal is monsoon season, in the Tibetan Plateau, especially in the Mt. Kailash region, the climate is quite dry because of the high elevation.

Best Months: July and August

Advantages

• This is the warmest time of the year.
• Maximum daylight.
• The landscape around Manasarovar is green and most vibrant.
• Favorable trekking climate.

Disadvantages

• Landslides are more possible, or it might rain slightly on the Nepal side.
• Cloud cover can be more compared to the spring and autumn seasons.
• This is peak trekking season, hence a lot of people are around.

Autumn Season (September-October)

The most perfect season for the Lhasa to Mount Kailash tour is said to be in the autumn season, as after the monsoon, skies usually turn clear and weather tends to remain extremely pleasant throughout the month. Thus, September is considered to be the most favored month to visit Mt. Kailash.

Best Months: September and October

Advantages

• Superb visibility of Mt. Kailash.
• Low chance of rain and landslides, and mild pleasant weather.
• Temperate condition.
• Favorable for photography.
• Very minimal chances of flight delays.

Disadvantages

• The temperature gets very cold at night.
• Popular dates can get sold out very fast.

Winter season (November to April)

The winter season is not quite recommended for the Lhasa to Mount Kailash Mansarovar tour since the weather becomes very freezing cold, snowfall can be high, resulting in road blockage, and there are very few tourist amenities available.

Best Months: Generally not advisable.

Advantages

• A small number of tourists.
• The view of winter landscapes.

Disadvantages

• Extreme cold temperature.
• Roads are closed as the passes are covered by heavy snow.
• There may be landslides.
• Most of the tourist services are unavailable.
• Trekking may be more arduous.

How to be Fully Prepared for Kailash Mansarovar Tour With Lhasa Sightseeing?

• Start doing the most essential things-walking, jogging or doing cardio exercises for 2-3 months ahead of the tour to cope with high altitude trekking.

• Try to acclimatize gradually, it's for sure that by staying for 2-3 days in Lhasa (3,650m), you would be able to acclimatize at this moderate altitude before going up to higher altitudes; Mansarovar (4,590m) and Kailash Kora (5,600m+).

• Enjoy the sightseeing of Lhasa for at least 2-3 days: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, and acclimatize to lessen the risks of altitude sickness.

• Keep your pace steady while walking: walking slowly or normally is recommended at high altitudes; walking or any kind of strenuous activity is highly discouraged at high altitudes.

• Take adequate 3-4 liters of water on a daily basis to prevent headaches and fatigue that might result from a lack of water at high altitudes.

• Strictly avoid drinking alcohol, smoking and consuming oily foods throughout the Yatra, as this ensures blood circulation is steady, oxygen intake is at its best, and metabolism works efficiently.

• Carry along woolens, a warm jacket, thermals, woolen caps and gloves; it is really cold at Kailash and more so in summers.* Don't forget to take medicines (medications for altitude sickness, cold and cough, as well as pain killers), sunscreen and lip balm for dry weather at high altitudes.

• Make it a point to have light and balanced vegetarian meals throughout your journey to maintain energy levels at times of travelling long distances and during daily treks.

• Be ready for the relatively primitive amenities at Mansarovar, Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk. At these sites, though amenities may be very simple, the spiritual experience shall be immense.

• Don't forget the 'climb high, sleep low' principles while you hike around; this will already be covered by your tour package.

• Be patient and flexible while you are on the trip; plans for travel at the Tibetan Plateau might change sometimes owing to various reasons, like permitting.

Lhasa Sightseeing Entrance Fees In Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Overland Tour from Lhasa Package 

All major sightseeing entrances of Lhasa mentioned in the itinerary are covered in the package by Classic Vacations Nepal, you just need to focus on viewing and exploring the major temples, monasteries and sites of Lhasa.

The opening timings mentioned above may change during festivals, holidays, due to the rules of the government, and during special occasions.

The sightseeing tickets for the sights, vehicle support, local Tibetan guide and necessary permits will already be arranged by Classic Vacations Nepal, so you do not need to worry about any arrangements and can gain lots of knowledge from the visit to the cultural sights of Lhasa, before starting the pilgrimage tour to Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash. This tour to sightseeing in Lhasa not only helps you to get knowledge of the Buddhist Culture of Tibet but also helps to acclimate to the altitude for Kailash, which is at a higher altitude.

What Are Tibet Travel Permits and Group Visa Requirements for the Kailash Overland Tour?

Mount Kailash and Mansarovar are located at the very sensitive border region of western Tibet, and thus special permits are needed to visit them. No foreigners are allowed to travel freely around Tibet, and all the tourists have to travel in a guided tour under an organized agency registered in Tibet.

Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)

This is the single most important document, without which you are not allowed to travel around Tibet. TTP is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and can be processed for only foreign nationals. You cannot enter Tibet by plane to Lhasa or by the border of Kerung(Gyirong) without it. We will organize this permit for you prior to your arrival.

Chinese Group Visa

While travelling from Nepal to Tibet, you need a Chinese Group Visa, which will be organized in Kathmandu. All the visas which were already possessed by you will be invalid, and you should hand in your original Passport in Kathmandu before your travel, and it usually takes around 4-5 working days for the processing of the visa.

Alien Travel Permit (ATP)

Since Mount Kailash and Mansarovar lie at the outer region of Tibet, you would need an Alien Travel Permit for special access to reach SAGA, DARchen, Mansarovar and Kailash regions.

Military Permit and Border Permit

Since the Kailash region is at the close border of the international boundary, Military and Border permits will also be required. We will pre-arrange both the permits through the local authorities, which is also included in the tour package.

Documents needed

For all permits, one needs to possess the following:

• Valid Passport with more than 6 months' validity

• Clear copy of your Passport

• Photographs of size passport

• Filled up Application Form

Permit and Visa Costs

For this Lhasa to Mount Kailash Tour, the following costs are already included in your package price:

Important Information

• Send a copy of the passport at least 25-30 days before the departure so that the permit can be arranged for the travelers.

• A passport will be needed in Kathmandu for a Group Visa (original)

• No Foreign nationals are allowed to visit the holy mountain independently.

• All permits shall be arranged by our local Tibet partner, and they will be included in the tour price.

• Once the permit is issued, travelers must adhere to the permitted routes in Tibet.

With Classic Vacations Nepal, there will be no tension for the visa arrangement, permit application process, Tibet travel document and all other arrangements. 

Mount Kailash Physical Preparation With Fitness Tips for the 52km Mount Kailash Trek

The sacred Mount Kailash Kora is considered a difficult 52km trek that will expose pilgrims to the remote Himalayan terrain and travel over the high Dolma La Pass (5,630m). A person can complete the trek without actual climbing ability, but having a high level of physical fitness will help make their experience as a pilgrim more comfortable, safer, and enjoyable.

You should set aside at least 6–8 weeks before your departure to prepare for the trek. To build stamina and enhance your lung capacity, you should engage in regular walking (5–10 km/day), stair climbing, light running, cycling, and any type of cardiovascular exercise. Building strength in the legs through squats, hiking, or walking on hills will help you at the Dolma La Pass.

Equally as important will be the mental aspect of preparing for your trek. There will be many hours of walking, changing weather and high-altitude conditions on the trek to Kailash Kora. Maintaining a steady walking speed, drinking plenty of fluids and not overdoing it are the three keys to a successful trek.

If you fail to finish the Kora completely on foot, there is the option of hiring a pony and a local animal handler for assistance along the way. With good preparation, most healthy travelers can complete this once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience around the most sacred mountain in the world.

What to Pack for Western Tibet While Managing Layering and Extreme Temperature Drops?

You can expect drastic temperature differences in Western Tibet, most notably during the peak pilgrimage season to Mount Kailash. Daytime temperatures can be quite warm if the sun is out, but you will face very cold conditions early in the morning and in the evening, as well as on the highest parts of the trek, such as Dolma La Pass. Layers are essential.

Knowledge about the Layering System

A 3-layer system is perfect for your Kailash Yatra:

• Base layer (2-3 thermal tops and bottoms)

• Mid layer (2 fleece jackets or warm sweaters)

• Outer layer (1 waterproof, windproof down or insulated jacket)

Recommended quantity of clothes

For a 13-day Lhasa to Mount Kailash Tour, we advise you to take:

• 4-5 quick-dry trekking shirts

• 2-3 trekking pants

• 2 thermal sets

• 1 thick down jacket

• 1 fleece jacket

• 5-6 pairs of underwear

• 4-5 pairs of trekking socks

• 1 warm hat or wool cap

• 1 pair of gloves

• 1 sun hat or cap

• Comfortable, pre-worn-in, trekking shoes

• Important personal items

• Sunglasses with U.V. Protection

• Sun-block SPF 50+

• Lip balm

• Water bottle or flask

• Personal medicines

• A small rucksack or day bag

• A power bank and charging cables

• Trekking poles (useful on Dolma La Pass)

What to wear on Mount Kailash: The secret is not to pack too much but rather smart layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures; most travelers will do fine with 4-5 sets of clothes, since laundry opportunities are scarce on Western Tibet. Having the right gear (layers, good shoes, protection from the wind, sun, and cold) on your Kailash Kora pilgrimage will guarantee a better experience on Mansarovar Lake and Mount Kailash.

Pilgrim Guidelines: Understanding Local Customs and Taboos in Western Tibet

Western Tibet, in particular the holy sites of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake, is held sacred by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bön people. As a pilgrim, you should behave respectfully towards local people, monasteries, prayer sites, animals and the environment in general to maintain the sanctity of the Kailash Yatra.

Do's: Respectful pilgrim behavior in Western Tibet

Follow these

1. Circumambulate (go clockwise around) all monasteries, stupas, prayer wheels, and Mount Kailash (if your local Tibetan guide doesn't direct you to do otherwise).

2. Dress modestly while visiting religious sites: you must cover your shoulders and knees when entering any monastery or temple.

3. Always ask before taking photographs of monks, pilgrims, nomads, army buildings, and people inside any monastery.

4. Be considerate and speak quietly when inside any monastery or other religious spaces: put all cell phones on vibrate during prayers and services.

5. Show reverence for prayer flags, mani stones and all other objects sacred to the pilgrimage: avoid walking over or touching sacred objects with dirty hands.

6. Pack all trash out and always use toilets whenever they are available to you, especially to assist in keeping the surface of Lake Mansarovar and the Kailash Kora path clean.

7. Always heed your Tibetan guide's instructions and directions concerning permits, checkpoints, restricted sites and local traditions.

8. Take the pilgrimage at a sensible pace, stay hydrated and be mindful of acclimating yourself as much as is necessary to pay respect to the altitude.

Donts: avoid actions considered disrespectful or unsafe

Avoid these

• Do not touch any holy statues, holy things, scriptures or monastic devices without permission.

• It is not permissible to sit facing altars, monks or any holy object within the temples.

• Do not fly drones or take unapproved pictures of prohibited areas.

• Do not litter, do not use any kind of soap to wash oneself in any source of holy water and do not leave any wasteful offering.

• Do not talk about sensitive religious, political or Tibetan-related issues with any locals, guides or authorities and do not engage in an argument with them.

• Do not drink heavily and do not act too loudly near religious destinations or any guest houses run by monks.

• Shortcuts to the Kailash Kora path are not advised because the weather and altitudes are very variable and will put you in potential danger.

•  Do not take any stones, prayer flags, fossils, etc from any holy sites or protected areas.

• Different monasteries and villages may have unique traditions; whenever you're in doubt, please pause and observe. When unsure about what is appropriate, always ask your Tibetan guide or Sherpa crew before taking any action. An open mind is far more valuable than mastering all the rules.