15 Days Mt Everest and Mt Kailash Kora Pilgrimage Group Tour

Discover Tibet in 15 Days: From the Potala Palace to Mount Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash
This 15-day group tour, priced at $2,280 per person, takes you through some of Tibet’s most iconic sights—from the bustling streets of Lhasa to the remote edges of the Himalayas. You’ll visit the Potala Palace, explore ancient monasteries like Drepung and Sera, camp at the foot of Everest, and trek around the spiritual mountain of Kailash. With a carefully curated itinerary, this trip balances culture, stunning scenery, and physical challenge.

What we really love about this experience is how it combines the comfort of all-inclusive accommodations—from hotels and guesthouses to authentic nomad tents—with the adventure of high-altitude trekking. Plus, the inclusion of all necessary permits and airport transfers simplifies travel logistics, allowing you to focus on the incredible views and spiritual significance.

A potential consideration is the physical demands of high-altitude travel, especially the Kailash Kora trek, which involves substantial trekking at over 5,600 meters. Travelers should be prepared for the altitude and have a good level of fitness.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a structured, guided experience to Tibet that covers the highlights without sacrificing depth—ideal for those interested in culture, stunning vistas, and a spiritual journey. It’s particularly valued by those who appreciate expert guides and smooth logistics in a challenging environment.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covers Tibet’s major pilgrimage sites, UNESCO World Heritage sites, Everest Base Camp, and Mount Kailash.
• All-Inclusive: Includes accommodations, permits, transportation, and some meals, making logistics easier.
• Authentic Experiences: Opportunities to see remote monasteries, lakes, glaciers, and nomad villages.
• Physical Challenge: Expect high-altitude trekking and long travel days, suitable for fit travelers.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable local guides enhance understanding of Tibetan culture and history.
• Value for Money: The package offers good value given the scope and inclusiveness of the trip.

An In-Depth Look at the 15-Day Tibet Adventure

Starting in Lhasa—the heart of Tibetan culture—your journey begins with visits to some of the city’s most revered sites. The Potala Palace is a highlight, offering a glimpse into the Dalai Lama’s former residence and a treasure trove of Tibetan artifacts. Walking through its halls, you’ll find thousands of antiques that tell stories of Tibetan spirituality and history.

Next, exploring Jokhang Temple allows you to witness Tibet’s spiritual core, with the famous statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at age twelve. The bustling Barkhor Street invites you to browse traditional Tibetan crafts and soak in lively local life. The guides here enrich your experience, sharing stories that bring history alive.

Moving beyond Lhasa, the tour takes you along scenic routes to Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, one of Tibet’s most sacred and photogenic spots. The lake’s turquoise waters and surrounding snow-capped peaks are breath-taking, and locals believe bathing here washes away sins—a great conversation starter, no doubt.

Passing by the Karola Glacier and Pelkor Chode Monastery in Gyantse adds to the sense of stepping into a living museum, with well-preserved murals and architecture. The monastery’s murals, dating from the 14th century, receive praise for their clarity and beauty, making them a highlight for art lovers.

Heading towards Everest, the journey continues through rugged Himalayan terrain, crossing high mountain passes like the Tsola and Gyatsola. The drive itself is a spectacle, with panoramic views of towering peaks and vast glaciers. Reaching Everest Base Camp is the tour’s adrenaline rush—imagine camping at the foot of the world’s highest peak, with a clear view of Everest’s summit at sunset. Guests have raved about the value of this experience, with one reviewer calling it a “5-star lifetime experience,” highlighting how the scenery and logistics exceeded expectations.

Next, the spiritual highlight—Mount Kailash—stands as the tour’s crown jewel. The drive to Darchen, crossing the Mayomla Pass, offers sweeping views of the Himalayas and the Naimonanyi peak. Once in Darchen, you prepare for the Kora—a sacred pilgrimage circling Kailash. The trek involves walking about 15 km around the mountain, crossing the Dromala pass at 5,630 meters, the highest point of the circuit.

You’ll trek through stunning landscapes, including the Sarshung Valley and visit Zutulpuk Monastery, famed for the footprints of Milarepa. This challenging part of the tour is often praised for its spiritual significance and remarkable scenery, though it requires good endurance and altitude acclimatization.

Lake Manasarovar—considered Tibet’s most sacred lake—is the final destination of the kora. The serene waters and surrounding mountains create a sense of calm after the physical effort. Many travelers find that completing the kora brings a spiritual sense of relief and fulfillment. The optional walk along the lake allows for reflection, and the scenery is picture-perfect, even if weather can vary.

Traveling back to Lhasa, the landscape continues to impress with unspoiled rural vistas, high mountain passes, and quiet monasteries. The journey itself becomes part of the experience, revealing Tibet’s vast, pristine wilderness.

The return to Lhasa permits some free time for personal exploration or rest before departure. The tour concludes with airport transfers, making it convenient to plan onward travel.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Guides and logistical ease are often praised. The local guides are experienced and passionate, often sharing insights that enrich your understanding of Tibetan Buddhism and daily life. The inclusion of permits and airport transfers removes much of the typical stress associated with traveling in Tibet, especially given the complex permit process.

Accommodation variety—from comfortable hotels in Lhasa to authentic nomad tents near Everest and monasteries—provides a balanced mix of comfort and adventure. This diversity enhances the experience, making it more immersive and authentic.

The scenery is truly staggering—from the bustling streets of Lhasa to the quiet, reflective waters of Lake Manasarovar, to the rugged Himalayas encircling Kailash. Travellers consistently mention the breathtaking views, especially at high altitudes where the mountains seem to stretch forever.

Food and minor details, like the inclusion of two bottles of mineral water daily and an oxygen tank for emergencies, add to comfort and safety. These small touches matter when dealing with high-altitude conditions.

Considerations and Who Should Think Twice

While the tour offers excellent value, the high-altitude nature of the tour is not for everyone. The trek around Kailash involves strenuous walking at over 5,600 meters, which can be physically demanding. Travelers should be in good shape and prepared for cold, wind, and altitude sickness.

Also, the long travel days—especially the drive from Lhasa to Everest and Kailash—mean some days are quite full, with 10+ hours on the road. Patience and stamina are key.

Finally, the tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, which can be a plus for intimacy but requires early booking, given the average booking time of 254 days in advance.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This journey is perfect for adventurous travelers who crave authentic cultural encounters, stunning Himalayan scenery, and spiritual significance. If you are comfortable with high altitudes and long travel days, this tour offers a sense of achievement and profound beauty that’s hard to match.

History buffs and those interested in Tibetan Buddhism will love the visits to monasteries and sacred sites, while nature lovers will swoon over the lakes, glaciers, and mountain vistas.

If you’re seeking a well-organized, comprehensive Tibet experience that balances comfort with adventure, this tour provides outstanding value and unforgettable memories.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited physical fitness?
Given the high-altitude trekking and long travel days, this tour is best suited for physically fit travelers. The trek around Kailash, especially over the Dromala pass, requires good endurance.

Are permits included in the price?
Yes, all necessary permits for Tibet are included, which simplifies your planning and reduces stress. The tour provider also covers the Tibet Travel Permit and express delivery fees.

What kind of accommodations can we expect?
You’ll stay in comfortable hotels in Lhasa, guesthouses, and unique nomad tents near Everest and monasteries. This variety keeps the experience both authentic and comfortable.

Is airport pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from Lhasa Gonggar Airport, making your arrival and departure smooth and hassle-free.

Does the tour include meals?
Breakfast is included on 10 days, and some meals are covered as part of the package. Additional meals or snacks can be purchased separately.

Can solo travelers join this tour?
Yes, solo travelers can join, but they should book more than 50 days in advance to secure a spot. The tour can be arranged with shared rooms or single supplements.

What is the best time to go?
While not specified, the tour’s logistics and scenery suggest that spring and fall are ideal, when weather conditions are milder and views are clearer, but always confirm with the provider for seasonal considerations.

To sum it up, this 15-day Tibet trip offers a well-rounded, deeply enriching experience—combining awe-inspiring landscapes, sacred sites, and cultural insights. It suits travelers who are ready for a physically demanding journey but also seek comfort with expertly arranged logistics. Whether you’re drawn to Everest’s majesty or Kailash’s spiritual significance, you’ll leave with stories and memories that last a lifetime.