A 12-day overland pilgrimage from Lhasa to Kathmandu that pairs Lhasa’s sacred sites with Everest Base Camp and a three-day kora around Mt. Kailash. Expect long drives, high passes (to 5,630 m) and a mix of cultural sightseeing and challenging high-altitude trekking.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out onto Lhasa’s thin air and the Potala Palace looms above the square like an ancient watchtower, its white and red façades cutting the sky. From that first breath the trip moves outward — long days on the Tibetan plateau, the turquoise flash of Yamdrok Lake, a glacier dangling beside the highway, and the slow, ritual pace of the Mt. Kailash kora.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
12 days
Fitness Level
Requires a high level of cardiovascular fitness and experience with consecutive days of high-altitude trekking and multi-hour vehicle transfers.
Wildlife
History
Lhasa’s Potala and Jokhang have been spiritual and administrative centers for Tibetan Buddhism since the 7th century; pilgrimage circuits around Kailash have occurred for millennia.
Conservation
High-altitude ecosystems are fragile; visitors are asked to minimize waste, avoid off-trail travel where instructed and respect local herding lands and water sources.
Reserve your spot on the 12 Days Lhasa Mt Everest & Mt Kailash Kathmandu Group Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Prioritize acclimatization
Spend the first 48 hours taking it easy in Lhasa (3,650 m), hydrate steadily and favor high-carbohydrate meals to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Pack sun and wind protection
The plateau’s UV is intense; bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses and a windproof shell for exposed passes and lakesides.
Prepare for basic overnighting
Kora nights are in simple guesthouses or dorm beds — bring a lightweight sleeping liner even if sleeping bags are provided.
Carry small cash and permit copies
Some rural teahouses and yak services accept only cash; always keep permit and passport copies handy while moving between checkpoints.
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Support and waterproofing are crucial for glacier-side trails, rocky kora sections and wet teahouse approaches.
Insulated down jacket
Nights and high passes can be well below freezing even in shoulder seasons.
winter
Sun protection kit (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+)
High plateau sun and reflective snow/lake surfaces increase UV exposure dramatically.
summer
Trekking poles
Poles reduce knee strain on long ascents/descents and across scree or uneven paths.