Kora around Kailash - the classic route

Route at a glance

Day-by-day programme

1. Day 11

   Lhasa. Arrival and acclimatisation

   Arrival in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. You are met at the airport, and the drive to the hotel, through tunnels and the Kyichu valley, takes an hour. The light here is special: the air is thin, the sky is close, and everything looks as if shot on a professional camera. After check-in, the day is devoted to adapting to the altitude. Drink more water, rest, no exertion. Those who feel well can stroll around the city: white walls, prayer wheels, the smell of juniper and of yak-butter tea. In the evening — warm tea and sunset over the rooftops.

   Altitude: 3650 mTrek: —
   
2. Day 22

   Lhasa — the Potala, the Jokhang and Barkhor

   In the morning we feel the altitude: breathing is shorter, movements are calmer — this is a normal stage of acclimatisation. After breakfast we set off on a tour of the main shrines of Lhasa. First we visit the Potala Palace — the former residence of the Dalai Lamas. White walls fused into the rock, golden roofs shining in the sun, and from the top a view of the city opens up. In the afternoon we visit the Jokhang Temple — the spiritual centre of Tibet, to which pilgrims have come for centuries. Then a walk along Barkhor Street — an ancient ring of streets around the temple, where you can feel the atmosphere of old Lhasa and look into the local market. To finish the day we try traditional Tibetan tea and return to the hotel to rest.

   Altitude: 3650 mTrek: —
   
3. Day 33

   Lhasa — Gampa La pass — Lake Yamdrok Tso — Karo La — Shigatse (3900 m)

   After breakfast we drive towards Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. The road runs through some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. On the way we climb the Gampa La pass (4790 m), from which a panoramic view opens onto the sacred Lake Yamdrok Tso (4400 m). We then continue with views of snow-capped peaks and Tibetan plateaus. Next we cross the Karo La pass, beside which an impressive glacier descends. On the way we call on a local Tibetan family, where a lunch of national dishes and an introduction to local life await us. Later we cross the Simi La pass, where you can hang prayer flags for luck, and continue through fields of Tibetan barley. By evening we arrive in Shigatse. Hotel check-in, rest.

   Altitude: 4790 mTrek: 350 km
   
4. Day 44

   Shigatse — Gyatso La and Gawula passes — Rongbuk Monastery — Everest Base Camp — Tashi Dzom

   After breakfast we drive towards the Himalayas. The landscape becomes harsher, the air drier and the mountains ever closer. On the way we climb the Gyatso La pass (5280 m), where Everest first appears. Next, a stop at the Gawula pass (5198 m) — one of the best viewpoints in the region, with a panorama of the Himalayas and several of the highest peaks in the world. Then we visit Rongbuk Monastery — the highest monastery in the world. From here the famous view of the north face of Everest opens up. Then we transfer to Everest Base Camp (about 5000 m), where you can feel the scale of the mountain and the austere atmosphere of the high mountains. After a stop we descend back into the valley and transfer to Tashi Dzom. Hotel check-in, rest.

   Altitude: 5280 mTrek: 450 km
   
5. Day 55

   Tashi Dzom — Lake Peiku Tso — Saga (4600 m)

   After breakfast we continue towards western Tibet. The road runs through vast high-altitude steppes, where the scale and silence of the plateau are especially felt. On the way, views open onto Shishapangma (8027 m) — the only eight-thousander located entirely within China. We then make a stop at picturesque Lake Peiku Tso, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and boundless plains. Along the road you may meet nomads, herds of yaks and traditional stone cairns with prayer flags. By evening we arrive in Saga — an important transit town and the gateway to the Kailash region. Hotel check-in, rest.

   Altitude: 4600 mTrek: 500 km
   
6. Day 66

   Saga — Mayum La pass — Manasarovar — Darchen (4600 m)

   After breakfast we continue west between the Himalayas and the Gangdise range. Along the way we are accompanied by the boundless expanses of the plateau and herds of yaks and sheep. We make stops at high-altitude lakes and climb the Mayum La pass (5211 m). After the pass, the sacred Lake Manasarovar — one of the main pilgrimage sites in Asia — comes into view for the first time. Nearby is Lake Rakshastal, known for its austere landscapes and legends. On the horizon, in clear weather, Gurla Mandhata is visible. After stopping at the lakes, we continue to Darchen — a village at the foot of Kailash. Hotel check-in and preparation for the coming kora around Kailash.

   Altitude: 5211 mTrek: 40 km
   
7. Day 77

   The Kora around Kailash — Day 1

   Darchen → Dirapuk After breakfast we drive by eco-bus to the Sarshung valley, from where the kora around Kailash begins. The first day of the route is considered the calmest: the trail runs through a wide valley at the foot of the mountain, gradually leading you into the rhythm of multi-day trekking. Along the way you meet pilgrims, prayer flags and the first panoramic views of the sacred peak. By evening we reach Dirapuk Monastery, located opposite the north side of Kailash. Here some of the most impressive views of the mountain open up, especially in the rays of the setting sun. Night in a guesthouse.

   Altitude: 5000 mTrek: 13 km
   
8. Day 88

   The Kora around Kailash — Day 2

   Dirapuk → Zutulpuk An early start after breakfast. Today is the hardest and most important day of the route. The trail gradually climbs to the Drolma La pass (5630 m) — the highest point of the kora around Kailash. The ascent is slow and calm. Along the way there are prayer flags, the glaciers of Kailash and austere high-altitude landscapes. At the pass we make a short stop, then begin the descent. Lower down the route, Lake Gauri Kund opens up — a sacred lake linked with ancient legends. By evening we reach Zutulpuk Monastery. Night in a guesthouse.

   Altitude: 5630 m / overnight at 4790 mTrek: 24 km
   
9. Day 99

   Completion of the Kora — Day 3

   Zutulpuk → Darchen → Jongba After breakfast, we set out on the final leg of our trek around Mount Kailash. The route descends through the valley alongside a stream and stone stupas, gradually leading us to the end of our journey. Upon arrival in Darchen, our transportation will be waiting for us. After a short rest, we’ll continue on toward Jongba. We’ll arrive in Jongba by evening. We’ll check into the hotel and rest after completing the kora. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

   Altitude: 4600 mTrek: 12 km
   
10. Day 1010

    Jongba – Shigadze

    After breakfast, we begin our return journey from Jongba to Shigatse. This is one of the longest drives on the itinerary—about 12 hours. Along the way, we’ll stop at high-altitude lakes and pastures, where you can once again experience the tranquility and vastness of Western Tibet. When the weather is clear, the water reflects the surrounding mountains like a mirror. The route winds through the steppes and hills of the Tibetan Plateau, among herds of yaks and endless open spaces. By evening, we arrive in Shigatse. Check-in at the hotel, rest.

    Altitude: 4600 mTrek: 500 km
    
11. Day 1111

    Shigatse → Lhasa (3,650 m)

    In the morning, we’ll visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery. It is the main monastery in Shigatse and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. After visiting the monastery, there will be some time to stroll around the city. In Shigatse, it’s worth checking out the inexpensive handmade souvenirs. The drive to Lhasa will take 3–4 hours. In the evening, once we’re in Lhasa, you can attend a tea ceremony and buy some famous Chinese tea.

    Altitude: 3650 mTrek: 450 km
    
12. Day 1212

    Lhasa — end of the journey

    After breakfast — free time in Lhasa depending on your departure time. If you wish, you can take a light stroll around the city, buy souvenirs or once more feel the atmosphere of the Tibetan capital. We recommend visiting Norbulingka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas, or strolling along Barkhor Street. At the appointed time, a transfer to the airport or the railway station. End of the journey.

    Altitude: 3650 mTrek: 280 km
    
13. Day 1313

    Lhasa — flight home

    Breakfast, packing and a farewell look at the city. The transfer to the airport takes about an hour. Serpentine roads, mountains and that very light with which it all began. Flight home. Tibet stays in your memory for ever.

    

Route photos