Simikot to Mount Kailash and Lhasa Expedition
- 22 days
- extreme
- Up to 12
- April - June and Sept - Nov
We guide you on a rigorous high-altitude pilgrimage from Simikot through remote valleys to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, ending in Lhasa.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our twenty-two-day expedition combines a remote foot journey through Nepal's far-western Humla region with a spiritual exploration of western Tibet. We begin with a flight to Simikot, following ancient trading routes above the Karnali River through villages populated by Khaas and Bhotia communities. This initial phase of the trek tests our endurance as we cross the Nara La pass into Tibet.
Upon crossing the border at Hilsa, we transition to vehicle support with our Tibetan guides and drivers. We visit the sacred Lake Mansarovar and undertake the traditional kora or circumambulation around the four faces of Mount Kailash, passing through Tarboche and over the challenging Dolma La pass at 5600 m. This demanding route is suited for experienced trekkers and pilgrims prepared for sustained high-altitude exertion.
After completing the Kailash parikrama, our journey continues overland through Saga and Shigatse, where we explore the Tashilhunpo Monastery. We conclude our itinerary in Lhasa with visits to the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Drepung Monastery before taking a scenic flight back to Kathmandu.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Mount Kailash Kora
We complete the three-day circumambulation around the four faces of the sacred mountain, passing through Tarboche and the Yam Dwar.
Lake Mansarovar
We spend time at the shores of this high-altitude lake, significant to Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bon traditions.
Nara La Pass Crossing
We climb to 3647 m and cross mountain passes that link the Humla district with the Tibetan plateau.
Humla Region Trekking
We trek through isolated settlements along the Karnali River, experiencing the local Bhotia and Khaas cultures.
Lhasa Cultural Tour
Our lead guide takes us through the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Drepung Monastery at the end of the expedition.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our airport representative meets you at Tribhuwan International Airport and escorts you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Take the rest of the day to rest and settle in after your international flight.
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Preparation
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Preparation
Meals: B / L / D
Our team assists you with final trek preparations and permit processing while our guide leads a cultural tour of key heritage sites within the Kathmandu Valley.
Day 3
Fly to Nepalgunj
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Fly to Nepalgunj
Meals: B / L / D
We take a domestic flight southwest to Nepalgunj, a bustling lowland city near the Indian border that serves as our staging post for the remote far-west.
Day 4
Fly to Simikot and trek to Dharapori
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Fly to Simikot and trek to Dharapori
Meals: B / L / D
An early mountain flight brings us to Simikot at 2985 m. After meeting our local crew, we begin walking toward Dharapori at 2360 m, descending along hillside trails for four to six hours.
Day 5
Dharapori to Kermi
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Dharapori to Kermi
Meals: B / L / D
Today we follow the Karnali River valley upstream, walking five to six hours to reach the village of Kermi at 2860 m, known for its local hot springs.
Day 6
Kermi to Yalbang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Kermi to Yalbang
Meals: B / L / D
The trail continues along cliffside paths and suspension bridges over the Karnali River. We walk for five to six hours to arrive at Yalbang at 2879 m.
Day 7
Yalbang to Tumkot
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Yalbang to Tumkot
Meals: B / L / D
We ascend gradually through pine forests and sparse shrubland, passing small traditional settlements before reaching Tumkot at 3073 m after five to six hours of trekking.
Day 8
Tumkot to Yari
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Tumkot to Yari
Meals: B / L / D
The landscape becomes increasingly arid and barren as we gain altitude. We hike for six to seven hours to reach our overnight stop in Yari at 3663 m.
Day 9
Yari to Hilsa via Nara La Pass
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Yari to Hilsa via Nara La Pass
Meals: B / L / D
We make a strenuous climb over the Nara La pass, descending steeply on the other side to reach Hilsa at 3647 m near the Tibetan border after five to six hours on the trail.
Day 10
Hilsa to Lake Mansarovar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Hilsa to Lake Mansarovar
Meals: B / L / D
We cross the Friendship Bridge into Tibet, where our Tibetan guide and driver meet us. A vehicle transfer of three to four hours brings us to the shores of Lake Mansarovar at 3772 m.
Day 11
Lake Mansarovar to Tarchen
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Lake Mansarovar to Tarchen
Meals: B / L / D
After spending time in meditation and prayer by the lake, we drive two to three hours across the plateau to reach Tarchen, the base for our Mount Kailash kora.
Day 12
Tarchen to Dirapuk via Tarboche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Tarchen to Dirapuk via Tarboche
Meals: B / L / D
We drive to Tarboche and pass through the Yam Dwar to begin our trek. We walk for five to six hours over seven kilometres, reaching Dirapuk at 4860 m.
Day 13
Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La Pass
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La Pass
Meals: B / L / D
This is our most demanding walking day. We climb over the high Dolma La pass at 5600 m before descending to Zuthulpuk at 4760 m over nine to ten hours.
Day 14
Zuthulpuk to Tarchen and drive to Dongba
Meals: B / L / D
Day 14
Zuthulpuk to Tarchen and drive to Dongba
Meals: B / L / D
We complete the final leg of the kora walking back to Tarchen in four to five hours, then board our transport to drive to Dongba.
Day 15
Drive Dongba to Nyalam
Meals: B / L / D
Day 15
Drive Dongba to Nyalam
Meals: B / L / D
Our vehicle journey continues eastward across the Tibetan highway, taking us through high mountain passes and sweeping plains toward Nyalam.
Day 16
Drive to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 16
Drive to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We cross back into Nepal through the border checkpoint and drive back along winding mountain roads to reach Kathmandu.
Day 17
Leisure Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 17
Leisure Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu to rest, explore the Thamel district, or pick up souvenirs.
Day 18
Farewell and Departure
Meals: B / L / D
Day 18
Farewell and Departure
Meals: B / L / D
Our team transfers you to Tribhuwan International Airport for your departure flight home.
Day 19
Contingency / Buffer Day
Meals: B / L / D
Day 19
Contingency / Buffer Day
Meals: B / L / D
An extra day built into our schedule to account for potential weather delays on mountain flights or border formalities.
Day 20
Contingency / Buffer Day
Meals: B / L / D
Day 20
Contingency / Buffer Day
Meals: B / L / D
An additional buffer day utilized as needed to ensure safe pacing through the high-altitude sections of Tibet.
Day 21
Contingency / Buffer Day
Meals: B / L / D
Day 21
Contingency / Buffer Day
Meals: B / L / D
A third contingency day ensuring our group has adequate flexibility for transport connections and acclimatisation.
Day 22
Final Departure
Meals: B
Day 22
Final Departure
Meals: B
We ensure all travel arrangements are finalized as you conclude your expedition with us.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- All ground transports in private vehicle including airport transfers
- Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu city tours including all entry fees, tour guide and private vehicle
- Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Nepalgunj to Simikot including departure tax
- A night accommodation at a standard hotel in Nepalgunj with breakfast
- Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek in Nepal part
- Best available twin sharing Lodge/Guesthouses during the Tibet tours till Saga without meals
- Accommodation at a 3-star category hotel in Xigaste and Lhasa with breakfast
- All your standard meals with tea/coffee during the trekking Nepal part
- Experienced guide, porters, and necessary staff for the Nepal trek
- Tibet entry travel permit, Chinese visa and applicable entry fees
- Lhasa to Kathmandu flight in economic class
Not included
- Meals not specified in the meal inclusions
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa
- Alcoholic beverages, mineral water, and soft drinks
- Personal trekking equipment and shopping
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & Acclimatisation
This trip involves significant altitude exposure, peaking at the Dolma La pass at 5600 m. We incorporate gradual ascent profiles during both the trekking and driving phases to help our team adapt.
Fitness Expectations
Due to the remote terrain, long walking hours, and high altitude, participants must possess a high level of physical fitness and robust cardiovascular endurance.
Border Regulations
Traveling into Tibet requires strict adherence to regional permit regulations, including TTB approval and Chinese group visas, which our office handles in advance.
Accommodation Standards
We provide standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, Shigatse, and Lhasa. During the trekking sections in Nepal and Tibet, we utilize the best available twin-share teahouses and guesthouses.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Broken-in boots with good ankle support.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for sub-zero temperatures at high passes.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Rated to -20°C for cold teahouse nights.
UV-protection sunglassesEssential
Safety
Essential for high-altitude glare on snow.
Trekking polesEssential
Camping
Helpful for steep descents and pass crossings.
Water purification tabletsEssential
Safety
For treating local water sources.
Valid passport and visa documentsEssential
Documents
Must be valid for at least 6 months.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Tibet Travel Permit
PermitRequired for all foreign travelers entering the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Chinese Group Visa
VisaObtained via our agency in Kathmandu for entry into Tibet from Nepal.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest altitude reached on this trip?
The highest point on our route is the Dolma La pass at 5600 m during the Mount Kailash kora.
Are permits included for Tibet?
Yes, our package includes the Tibet entry travel permit, Chinese visa processing, and TTB-approved guide services.
What is the physical fitness requirement?
This is a strenuous trip requiring high endurance and previous multi-day trekking experience at altitude.
Where do we stay during the trek?
We stay in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu, Shigatse, and Lhasa, and the best available twin-share teahouses or guesthouses along the trekking route.
How is luggage handled during the Kailash kora?
Yak and yak-men are arranged to carry heavy baggage while you complete the Kailash parikrama.
What happens in case of flight delays in Simikot?
We include contingency buffer days in our itinerary to manage potential weather-related delays on mountain flights.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 22 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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