Kailash-Manasarovar Pilgrimage (Via Lhasa)
Trip Overview
Aum Namah Shivaya!!!
“As the dew is dried up by the morning sun, so are the sins of human beings by the sight of Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovara”
Skanda Purana
The Kailash–Manasarovar Pilgrimage (Via Lhasa) is a sacred odyssey to the sacred Mount Kailash and holy lake Manasarovar traversing physical and metaphysical realms leading to the cosmological axis mundi offering spiritually transformative experience for the travelers. The trans-Himalayan journey follows the classical historical route based on Sanātan approach, commencing from Kathmandu, Nepal before flying to Lhasa, Tibet, allowing the pilgrims to acclimatize and get accustomed to the Tibetan culture while exploring the major heritage sites: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, and Ganden Monastery and get informed about the Buddhist religious history and way of life of the people in Tibet. The journey unfolds westward across the Tibetan plateau as a contemplative sojourn through consecrated landscapes and elevating passes preparing the pilgrims through mind, body and speech for the eternal journey to the Kailash-Manasarovar Mandala as illustrated in the Skandha Purāṇa and the Kailāsha Saṁhitā, where Mt. Kailash is revered as the abode of Lord Śhiva (Mahādeva) and his retinue; Lake Manasarovara, located on the base of the mandala, is revered for its power to purify karmic imprints and bestow spiritual liberation (mokṣa). This greater Kailash–Manasarovar Mandala is the source of four great river systems of Asia: the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali. The journey culminates in the sacred circumambulation (kora) of the Kailash–Manasarovar–Tirthapuri, regarded in the Skanda Purāṇa as a continuous sacrificial path of inner purification and transcendence. Karnali Excursions organizes this structured pilgrimage facilitating a transformative experience interweaving logistical support and opportunities for spiritual discipline, allowing every pilgrims to walk the divine paths historically trod by sages, saints, ascetics and enlightened masters, harmonizing spiritual discipline, cultural immersion, and the awe-inspiring majesty of the Tibetan Plateau into a singular transformative journey.
Trip Highlights
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Journey to the sacred city of Lhasa and the holy Mount Kailash. -
Darshan at the holy Pashupatinath Temple and perform Rudrabhishek Puja.
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Visit to Doleshwar Mahadev, revered as the head of Kedarnath, located in the serene hills of Bhaktapur.
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Divine Parikramā of Lake Manasarovar, Mount Kailash, and Tirthapuri.
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Nandi and Asthapada Darshan with a close view of Mount Kailash (subject to local authority permissions).
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Comfortable travel by tourist coach up to Lake Manasarovar and the base camp of Kailash (no trekking required).
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Helicopter flight from Timure, Rasuwa to Kathmandu.
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Muktinath Yatra via helicopter for a spiritually fulfilling experience.
Detail Itinerary
Resources
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Essential InformationEssential Information for Kailash-Manasarovar Pilgrimage (Via Lhasa)
*Subjected to change*
Visa and Entry Requirements
A valid passport is required for travel to Tibet. Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. will process visas for travelers who have booked their trip with us. To apply for a visa, please send the following information along with a photocopy of your valid passport:
- Full Name (as written in Passport)
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Occupation
- Nationality
- Passport Number
- Date of Issue
- Date of Expiry
Weather & Climate
Tibet, located beyond the trans-Himalaya mountain range, experiences minimal rainfall and abundant sunshine. For travelers visiting the Kailash Region, the best time is from May to September, when daytime temperatures can reach 22°C, while nights can drop to -8°C to -12°C. For central Tibet, the most favorable time to visit is between March and November, with relatively stable weather conditions.
Health Considerations
Travelers in good health should not face major difficulties, but due to Tibet’s high altitude, some may experience altitude sickness, characterized by mild headaches, nausea, and loss of appetite. Symptoms can be minimized by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids such as water and juice.
Due to Tibet’s strong sunlight, visitors should use sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing to prevent sunburn. Those with asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, or cardiac conditions should consult a doctor before traveling.
To ensure a comfortable journey, Karnali Excursions recommends regular physical activities such as yoga, morning walks, or jogging before the trip to maintain fitness levels.
Currency Exchange
The official currency in Tibet is the Renminbi (Yuan). As of March 2025,
USD $1 = 7.24 Yuan
Yuan 1 = INR 12.01
Exchange rates are subject to change. Currency exchange services are available at the Bank of China, with branches in major cities like Lhasa, Zhangmu, and Xigatse.
Risk and Liability
Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. strives to provide a smooth and enjoyable journey. However, all travel programs in Tibet operate under the Tibet Tourism Bureau’s regulations. Changes in the itinerary may occur due to government restrictions, landslides, road blockages, floods, snowfall, political disturbances, flight cancellations, illnesses, or accidents. Any additional costs arising from such situations will be borne by the traveler.
Travel Insurance
All travelers are advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, accidents, and evacuation. Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. will not be responsible for loss of personal belongings due to unavoidable circumstances.
Experienced Staff & Guides
Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. employs highly trained, experienced, and responsible guides who have successfully led numerous groups, including European and Indian travelers, through Tibet. Our guides speak English and Hindi, ensuring a smooth and informative experience for all visitors.
Transportation & Logistics
Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. arranges all overland transportation:
- Kathmandu-Kodari-Kathmandu: Travel by comfortable coach
- Within Tibet: 4WD Toyota Land Cruisers will be used for the journey
- Support Truck: Carries camping gear and supplies
- Yaks and Yak Men: Arranged for trekking to carry equipment
Medical Supplies & Emergency Services
Medical facilities in Tibet are very limited. Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. provides:
- A first aid medical kit.
- Equipment for high-altitude sickness treatment
- Oxygen cylinder with mask and altitude portable chamber
Travelers are advised to carry their own prescribed medications and first aid kits as recommended by their doctors.
Communication & Postal Services
While major cities like Lhasa, Xigatse, Gyantse, Lhatse, and Tsedang have telephone and postal services, many remote areas lack communication facilities. In case of emergencies, family and friends can contact our Kathmandu office for assistance.
Clothing Recommendations
Due to frequent temperature changes, travelers should be prepared for both warm and cold conditions. A detailed clothing list will be provided upon request.
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Recommended ReadingsRecommended Readings
01.The Way of the White Clouds (London, Rider And Company)
03.Himalayan Traders (London, John Murray)
05.The Sacred Mountain (East West Publications)
07.The Pocket Doctor09.Pocket First Aid and Wilderness Medicine
11.Tibet Handbook- A Pilgrimage Guide
13.Trekking Tibet-A Traveler’s Guide
02.Circling The Sacred Mountain (Bantam Books)
04.Kailas Manasarovar
06.To The Navel of The World (London, Hamish Hamilton Ltd.)
08.Mountain Sickness10.Lonely Planet Tibet (Tibet Travel Guide)12.Tread Your Own Path (Footprint Tibet Handbook)14.Pocket First Aid & Wilderness Medicines -
Fixed Departures DatesFixed Departure Dates
Batch Arrival In Kathmandu Departure Home from Kathmandu Total Duration 1st Batch 10th May, 2026 25th May, 2026 16 days 2st Batch 31st May, 2026 15th June, 2026 16 days 3rd Batch 21st June, 2026 6th July, 2026 16 days 4th Batch 12th July, 2026 27th July, 2026 16 days 5th Batch 2nd Aug, 2026 17th Aug, 2026 16 days 6th Batch 23rd Aug, 2026 7th Sep, 2026 16 days 7th Batch 13th Sep, 2026 29th Sep, 2026 16 days
Trip Extension
- Enjoy a scenic helicopter ride to the sacred Muktinath Temple.
- Witness the unique confluence of Hindu, Buddhist and Bon traditions.
- Explore the natural beauty of Mustang region.
- Optional guided rituals and cultural immersion at Muktinath temple.
- Helicopter journey to sacred pilgrimage sites—Muktinath and Damodar Kunda.
- Marvel at the trans-Himalayan landscapes from above.
- Optional ritual holy bath at Muktinath and Damodar Kunda.
- Helicopter flight to the sacred Haleshi Mahadev Cave.
- Explore the cave with its religious and historical significance.
- Experience the spiritual ambiance and perform optional rituals.
- Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the surrounding Himalayan terrain.
- Helicopter ride to the pristine Kagbhusundi (Tilicho) Lake, Manang.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
- Explore the tranquility of the Tilicho lake.
- Engage in photography of the high-altitude Himalayan landscapes.
- Explore major spiritual and cultural pilgrimage sites across Nepal.
- Witness ancient temples, sacred rivers, and historical monuments.
- Experience local customs, rituals, and traditional practices.
- Learn about Hindu epics and their connection to each site.
- Enjoy guided tours with immersive cultural storytelling.
- Experience panoramic Drashan of Kanchanjunga, Everest, Gaurishankar and Dhaulagiri, revered as Four Kailash in Vaidik Sanatan Tradition.
- Experience panoramic views of Himalayan peaks and valleys.
- Enjoy a safe, comfortable, and scenic Himalayan flight.
- Capture stunning close view photographs of snow-capped ranges, glaciers and diverse landscape.
- Drive through scenic Tibetan landscapes to Everest Base Camp.
- Witness the majestic views of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks.
- Explore Tibetan monasteries and local culture en
Ready to make this journey your own?
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Budhanilkanta 44600, Nepal -
+977 9851035496 -
Karnaliexcursions@gmail.com
Inqurie About Trip
