The shortest path to the abode of Lord Shiva: three days among the cultural treasures of Lhasa, a flight over the plateau to Ali, and the divine darshan of Sacred Lake Mansarovar and the three-day Parikrama of Holy Mount Kailash.
This route suits pilgrims who wish to keep road travel to a minimum. After three full days exploring the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera and Drepung Monasteries and the market of Barkhor Square, a single flight carries the group from Lhasa to Ali, replacing the long overland crossing of the plateau taken on other routes. From Ali, it is a short drive to the shore of Sacred Lake Mansarovar and on to Darchen, the base for the Kailash Parikrama. With less time spent in transit and more spent at the sacred sites themselves, this itinerary is well suited to pilgrims with limited time, or those who prefer to conserve their energy for the Parikrama, while still allowing a full and unhurried visit to Lhasa’s monasteries and temples before the pilgrimage continues.
XLAL is offered as a private-group departure on request, subject to permit lead times.
Collect your Travel Permit from Mainland China port and fly to Lhasa (approx. 2 hours 15 minutes). On arrival at Gonggar International Airport you will be met by our local representative and transferred to Lhasa city (approx. 60 km, 1 hour). The evening is free for a gentle stroll through the old streets of Lhasa as you begin to acclimatise.
Overnight: Lhasa – Hilton or similar
Immerse yourself in the living heritage of Lhasa. Jokhang Temple, in the heart of the old city, is the most revered pilgrimage site in the Xizang Autonomous Region and the spiritual heart of Lhasa. Sera Monastery, one of the three great Gelug monasteries, is renowned for its architecture and the lively afternoon debates of its monks. In the evening, wander the market of Barkhor Square for Tibetan handicrafts and the rhythm of pilgrims on their circuit.
Overnight: Lhasa – Hilton or similar
Visit Lhasa’s most iconic landmarks. The Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former winter residence of the spiritual and temporal rulers of Lhasa, is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture rising above the city. Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the region, offers sweeping views over Lhasa and a deep insight into monastic life.
Overnight: Lhasa – Hilton or similar
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Ali (Ngari Gunsa Airport, approx. 2 hours). On arrival, meet our representative and begin the scenic drive to Sacred Lake Mansarovar (approx. 235 km, 4 to 5 hours) across the western plateau. Divine darshan of the sacred lake and its parikrama, with darshan of the southern face (Guru Mukh) of Mount Kailash, the snow massif of Gurla Mandhata (7,694 m), Hor Chu Gompa and Thugu Gompa during the Parikrama of the lake.
Overnight: Lake Mansarovar – Hotel Thugu or similar (attached bathroom)
The morning is devoted to spiritual activities. Witness sunrise over Lake Mansarovar with Darshan of Mount Kailash, then perform Puja and Vedic rituals on the sacred shore. Later, drive to Darchen, the base for the Kailash Parikrama, visiting Chiu Gompa and Rakshas Tal (Ravan Lake) en route and completing the remaining Parikrama of the lake. Check in and prepare for the holy Parikrama of Mount Kailash. You can also take an optional drive to the Astapad & Serlung Monastery for inner darshan of Holy Mount Kailash.
Overnight: Darchen – Kailash Himalaya Hotel or similar
Drive to Yama Dwar (approx. 20 minutes), the gateway to the Kailash Parikrama. Begin the trek to Diraphuk (approx. 13 km, 6 to 7 hours) with darshan of the west face of Mount Kailash, following the Lha Chu river that rises at its northern foot. At Diraphuk, behold the north face, the Kailash Purna Lingam, Nag (Vasuki) Swaroop and Diraphuk Gompa.
Overnight: Diraphuk – Hotel Diraphuk or similar (new hotel)
The most demanding and most sacred day of the Yatra: approx. 22 km in 9 to 10 hours, crossing Dolma La (5,630 m), the highest point of the journey. Along the way, darshan of Shivasthali, Ganesh Kund, Ganesh Parvat and Gauri Kund (5,608 m), the sacred bathing place of Mata Parvati, regarded as the navel of the Earth. On the descent, the east face of Mount Kailash reveals itself, revered as the Shree Yantra, a symbol of divine energy and cosmic order.
Overnight: Zuthulphuk – Hotel Zuthulphuk or similar (new hotel)
A gentle trek of approx. 8 km (3 hours) completes the Kailash Parikrama. At the end point your vehicle awaits for the short drive to Darchen (approx. 20 minutes), then onward to Ali (approx. 250 km, 4 to 5 hours).
Overnight: Ali – Hotel Ali or Similar
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Lhasa (approx. 2 hours). On arrival, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is for rest, with time for local shopping.
Overnight: Lhasa – Hilton or similar
Your sacred journey concludes. Transfer to Gonggar International Airport for your onward destination, carrying with you the blessings of Kailash and Mansarovar.
The principal expenses outside the package cost are the hire of a personal horse and porter for the Kailash Parikrama. The authorities of the Xizang Autonomous Region now require that any pilgrim hiring a personal horse for the three-day Parikrama must also engage a personal porter. We advise carrying approximately Yuan 5,000 per person for additional expenses.
Currency Conversion — The currency of the Xizang Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Indicative rates as of September 2026: 1 USD ≈ 6.70 Yuan. Exchange rates fluctuate and will be applied at the prevailing rate.
| One horse with horseman · 3 days | Yuan 3,000 |
| One personal porter · 3 days | Yuan 1,500 |
| Visit to Astapad · per person | Yuan 550 |
| Jeep from Diraphuk, or from the horse pick-up point after Dolma La · per person | Yuan 550 |
| Destination | Hotel |
|---|---|
| Lhasa | Hilton or similar |
| Lake Mansarovar | Hotel Thugu or similar (attached bathroom) |
| Darchen | Kailash Himalaya Hotel or similar |
| Diraphuk | Hotel Diraphuk or similar (new hotel) |
| Zuthulphuk | Hotel Zuthulphuk or similar (new hotel) |
| Ali | Hotel Ali or Similar |
China visa. Pilgrims from visa-required countries must obtain a Mainland China (“L”-category) visa from their country of residence before joining the journey. Pilgrims from visa-free countries require a Tibet Travel Permit arranged by an authorised company in Nepal before the journey begins. Please contact us to confirm which applies to your passport.
This is a tour, and it is different from a trek or a climbing expedition. No specific level of fitness is required. However, people with cardiac or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before the trip, as it involves high altitudes. We recommend regular light exercise such as walking, jogging, and breathing and stretching exercises before the tour.
The Yatra reaches altitudes above 5,600 m, where Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a genuine risk regardless of age or fitness. Our team monitors every Yatri closely from the Tibetan side onward.
We provide:
You should:
We serve pure vegetarian and Continental meals. Breakfast and dinner are served at hotels by our experienced kitchen team, and packed lunches are provided during the Kailash Parikrama.
Indicative daytime and night-time temperatures at the highest points of the Yatra, May to September:
Conditions change quickly at altitude; dress in layers and keep moving to stay warm.
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