This 15-day expedition links Lhasa’s sacred sites with Rongbuk’s Everest views and the three-day Kailash kora. Expect high passes, simple lodgings and deep cultural encounters—prepare for thin air and long days on rocky trails.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The first breath in Lhasa is thin and bright: prayer flags snap above the avenue, and the Potala’s white-and-red profile cuts against an intense blue sky. Over two weeks you’ll trade city altars for glacier-sculpted passes, sleeping in guesthouse dorms and simple teahouses as the landscape pushes up into the roof of the world.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
15 days
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness and prior multi-day trekking experience recommended; ability to hike 10–20km on rough terrain at altitude.
Wildlife
History
Potala Palace and Jokhang date back centuries and anchor Tibetan Buddhism; the Kailash kora has been a religious pilgrimage route for Hindu, Buddhist and Bon followers for millennia.
Conservation
This high plateau is ecologically fragile—stay on trails, pack out waste, and minimize fuel use; local efforts support responsible tourism and permit limits help manage flows.
Reserve your spot on the 15-Day Everest Base Camp & Kailash Pilgrimage Trek with Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Permit & passport ready
Book at least 15 days ahead and provide passport, Chinese visa, and details to secure the Tibet Travel Permit; no independent travel in Tibet without permits.
Acclimatize in Lhasa
Spend 1–2 extra days in Lhasa to adjust before heading higher; drink water frequently and avoid strenuous activity the first day.
Layer for wide temperature swings
Prepare for hot sun by day and sub-freezing nights; bring insulation and windproof shells for high passes like Dromla (5,630m).
Footwear and traction
Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support and a grippy sole will help on rocky moraines and scree approaches.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction for moraines, scree and uneven teahouse paths.
Warm insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
Nights and high passes can drop below freezing—essential for sleep and summit-view mornings.
High-SPF sun protection and sunglasses
Strong UV at altitude—protect skin and eyes during long exposed days.
Lightweight sleeping liner and small dry sack
Guesthouse dorms and EBC lodging are basic; a liner increases hygiene and warmth.