The Lhasa Mt. Kailash Tour - 21 Days

Duration: 21 Days

The Lhasa Mt. Kailash Tour spans 20 nights and 21 days, spending couple of days in Nepal for processing the visa in the beginning and the backup days later after the tour. 14 nights/15 Days will be spent in Tibet exploring and acclimatization in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and rest of the days will be spent in Kathmandu for working out the Chinese Visa and Tibet travel permit.

Tibet Visa Requirements:

Traveling to Tibet requires both a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. The process differs based on whether you’re entering Tibet from Nepal or China. If you are traveling from Kathmandu, please note that a Chinese visa issued in any other country will not be valid for entry into Tibet. Instead, a group visa will be issued for all travelers entering Tibet from Nepal.

Visa Procedure for Tibet from Kathmandu:

Step 1:
You must book a tour package with a local travel agent in Kathmandu. The minimum group size for obtaining a group visa is 4 participants.

Step 2:
After booking, send a scanned copy of your passport and make the payment. Once received, the agent will begin the process of obtaining your Tibet Travel Permit, which takes around 1 week to process.

Step 3:
Once the Tibet Travel Permit is obtained, the next step is to submit a China visa application to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. You will need to be physically present in Kathmandu for this process as the embassy requires the original passport.

Step 4:
The China visa takes about 4 working days to be issued. It will be a group visa, not stamped in your passport, but rather in a separate sheet listing the names of all group members. All travelers in the group must enter and exit China at the same time.

Important: A visa issued from any other country will not be valid for Tibet travel if entering from Nepal.

Distance: 1,600 Kms

The driving distance from Lhasa to Mount Kailash via the southern route is 1,600 Km. It is the shortest and most popular travel route to Kailash. The southern route to Mount Kailash travels west from Lhasa along the G318 National highway, then southwest to Rongbuk, EBC after goes northwest.

The road condition is quite good except for some sections when it is raining or in winter. A paved highway lies between Lhasa and Shigatse for an utterly smooth drive. From Shigatse through Tingri to Everest Base Camp, the good conditions continue.

Leaving EBC to Saga County the roads are mostly paved. There are many fuel stations and small retail stores along the way. The final stretch to Mount Kailash is also well-maintained, with no rough or bumpy sections.

Grading: Demanding:

This is a demanding trip as it travels at a higher altitude for several days and reaches up to the altitude of 5,630 m.  It covers the distance of 52 kilometers over rough terrain with a slippery ice trail.  The accommodation and meals during this trek will be very basic.

Who Can Undertake This Tour:

As this tour is categorized as demanding, one needs to be healthy, physically and mentally fit with no major health issue. This is not for the faint-hearted.  One needs to discuss with your physicians or GP before undertaking this trip.  This trip is for those who love nature, landscapes, interacting with locals and interested in spirituality.

Best Season to Undertake the Trip:

The ideal period for Mt. Kailash trekking is in May, June, Sept. and first half of Oct. You will enjoy the incredible clear blue sky, crisp air and high visibility, with temperatures staying at around 8 or 9 Celsius on average.

Lhasa: Typically, September in Lhasa includes moderate temperatures and moderate rainfall. Daytime temperatures are expected to be around 17°C, cooling off to about 6°C at night. Lhasa in September usually receives moderate rainfall, averaging around 100 mm for the month.

Mt. Kailash: The average temperature of Mount Kailash in September is 5 ℃ to 23 ℃. In September, the vapor and moist begin to reduce, rainless, and the precipitation is half as it in August. The weather is mainly sunny, with north winds or sometimes south winds.

Most Auspicious Time to Travel to Mt. Kailash:

The most auspicious time to visit Mt. Kailash is during Saga Dawa Festival (around the 15th day of April in the Tibetan calendar).

Local Tibetans are deeply convinced that going one circle around Mt.Kailash in the year of Horse, the blessings you get would be 13 times more than usual and the wish you made will be more likely to come true.

While Saga Dawa falls on that day which is also the birthday of Buddha Sakyamuni. During this festival, Tibetans from all over Tibet pour into this area of Mt. Kailash. The giant flagpole at Tarpoche is ritually taken down and the prayer flags along its length replaced. It is also a great time to do a Tibet tour, though it could be a bit crowded.

Accommodation:

Kathmandu : You have plenty of choice from Luxury to Budget

Lhasa            : Option are there from Luxury to Budget

Enroute in Tibet : Accommodation is available but with not much choice

Ngari Region : Simple basic hotel accommodation

During Kora   : Basic guesthouse

Due to the inhospitable environment, hot tap water or showering facilities are not available during circumambulation. But the electric blanket and multiple sheets can be used to keep you warm during the night.  Bed sheets etc. are bit dirty so advise to carry your own sleeping bag.

During your trek, most of the time, you can find a private toilet but for ladies it can be an inconvenient small challenge. So do bring your toilet paper, wet tissue paper and toiletry, etc.

Meals:

Kathmandu: All kinds of foods are available from the local to western style food

Lhasa          : Lhasa offers a delightful array of restaurants that cater to every palate. Whether you’re craving authentic Tibetan dishes or looking for a taste of home, this city has something to satisfy your hunger.

Enroute      : Mostly the food is Tibetan, Chinese and in some hotel’s western food

During Kora : Basic food i.e. Instant noodle, soup, Rice, Sherpa stew, tea, hot water. (Advice carrying some food from Kathmandu or Lhasa like chocolates, tin foods, dry fruits, nuts, etc)

Tibetan Cuisine: What to Expect

Tibetan food primarily consists of barley, meat, and dairy products. The staple foods include:

• Yak butter – Refined from cattle and goat milk, widely used in Tibetan tea.
• Tsampa – Roasted barley flour mixed with tea, butter, curds, and sugar for flavor.
• Tubo – A traditional gruel made from dried meat, tsampa, and wheat flour.

Due to Tibet’s high altitude (above 4,000m), vegetables are scarce, leading to a diet rich in meat. In winter, beef and mutton are preserved by air-drying and consumed raw or barbecued.

In Lhasa, travelers will find numerous restaurants serving Tibetan, Indian, Nepali, and Western cuisine. Momos, steamed or fried dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables, are a popular delicacy. Chinese food is widely available in Tibet’s major towns.

Food Safety Tips in Tibet

• Always eat at restaurants frequented by locals for better hygiene standards.
• Ensure your food is thoroughly cooked and served hot to eliminate bacteria.

Avoid raw foods and items that may have come into contact with unfiltered water

What to Pack for Trekking?

Given the arduous trek at high altitude, traveling light is preferred. Your day pack should not exceed 30 kg.

Though you do not have to camp during this trek, at least take a warm sleeping bag and warm clothes with you, better in multiple layers not heavy and thin clothes.

The weather conditions and terrain vary significantly from one region, or even from one trail to another. Moreover, the wind is very strong at some passes. Thus, wind-proof clothes, such as windproof fleece, Beanie, etc. are also recommended.

Down jackets and thermal trousers are necessary for Mt. Kailash trekking even in summer. Since the temperature in mountain areas of Tibet may be very low even in daytime. At night, the temperature will drop to below zero. Besides, the weather may change greatly in a day.

Meanwhile, sun protection like sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balms are also a must. Since no one can precisely predict the upcoming of rain and hail, a waterproof jacket or raincoat shall be taken with you. After all, getting soaked at a place of above 5000m might put you in serious trouble.

And don’t forget to bring some high-calorie snacks and refreshing coffee and tea, in case you need energy for another round of adrenaline rush. Of course, for responsible travel, some plastic bags to collect your garbage will be so considerate.

Besides, to help you travel lighter, trekking poles are recommended, which can ease the pressure of your knee and give you better balance while walking on the rugged terrain.

Clothing for the Trek:

Having multiple layers that you can add or remove based on the temperature is ideal, and clothing should be warm enough for periods when the weather is not too hot. To get a comfortable temperature, start with a thermal undershirt and work your way up to thinner layers. Since you won’t be able to wash along the path, you should think about packing at least five layers. Additionally, you must have a good, warm jacket; the finest materials to retain the warmth in are fleece or down.

To keep your legs warm, it’s preferable to wear long underwear below your pants. To keep your feet warm, choose thick socks over thin ones. Although they can be pricey, hiking pants are the ideal choice because they frequently contain layers of fleece or blanket inside. The best and least expensive alternative are sturdy cotton pants rather than jeans, and it’s preferable if they can withstand a shower. If not, it would be beneficial to have some lightweight waterproof clothing in case it rains.

Since you will be traversing some quite rugged terrain along the way, you will need sturdy hiking boots for your feet. To allow the boots to conform to your feet and lessen the chance of blisters, it is preferable to wear them for a few weeks before traveling to Tibet if you must purchase new boots. In addition to a hat and sunglasses for the intense sunlight, gloves are necessary to keep your hands warm when they get chilly. A hat with a brim is better for shielding your head, face, and neck from the glaring sun, but a beanie will keep your head warm.

Toiletries:

Toilet paper is a must as the guesthouses don’t provide it. Wet wipes are far superior to toilet paper since they allow you to clean effectively in areas without access to water. Even if you won’t have time to shower during the hike, you should still include your oral hygiene kit, a washcloth, and some antibacterial soap.

For those who have long hair, remember to include your brush and hair bands. Tying your hair up makes it easier to handle while hiking. A dry hand towel, a bottle of usable water, and a sanitary wash would also be helpful.

Extras to Carry During Mt. Kailash Trek:

In addition to everything else, you should pack a few necessities to protect yourself from the intense sun and to sustain your energy levels while hiking the Kora. A decent sun cream should be applied because the sun’s rays can be more damaging at this high altitude than they are at sea level. Since it has been demonstrated that using a cream with a higher factor does not provide any more protection, factor 30 is sufficient. Wearing sunglasses will help shield your eyes from the sun, and you should look for ones with UV protection.

At these higher elevations, the wind can also be chilly and harsh, which can cause chapped lips and bit of skin problem on the face. If your sun cream isn’t hydrating enough, bring lip balm and a decent moisturizer. Additionally, pack some high-energy foods to nibble on throughout your walk for those energy boosts along the trail. This works best with chocolate, cookies, oatmeal biscuits, and dried fruit and nuts. The ideal trekking snack is a trail mix, which is a blend of nuts, dried fruit, and granola. The majority of these include dried fruit such cranberries, raisins, currants, apricots, apples, and orange peel, as well as almonds, legumes, chocolate chips, banana chips, and crystallized ginger.

Health Precautions and Vaccinations:

While traveling in Tibet, altitude sickness is the primary health concern due to Tibet’s average altitude of over 3600 meters. It’s essential to take precautions such as drinking plenty of fluids, acclimatizing in Lhasa, and avoiding strenuous activities in the first few days.

Vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A and Typhoid fever are commonly recommended.
• Malaria prophylaxis is suggested for the southeastern part of Tibet.
• Bring water purification tablets and avoid drinking untreated water.

It’s advisable to see a health professional 4-6 weeks before traveling to ensure you’re in good health, and to discuss any pre-existing conditions that may affect your trip.

Medicine and First-Aid Kit:

It is a good idea to have a basic first aid kit of your own, even though your guide will typically have some with him. Plasters or band-aids to cover minor wounds, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to disinfect them, and antiseptic cream should be included in a basic kit. Include gauze, tape, safety pins, a triangular bandage, and a crepe bandage. You will be transferred to the closest hospital as quickly as possible if you sustain any additional, more severe injuries while hiking.

Altitude Sickness:

Given Tibet’s high altitude (average 3,600m+), travelers are at risk for altitude sickness. Symptoms can range from headaches and dizziness to nausea and difficulty breathing.

Prevention:

• Gradual Acclimatization: Spend a few days in Lhasa before traveling to higher altitudes.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and avoid altitude sickness.
• Move slowly and avoid overexertion.

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness:

• Headache, nausea, dizziness, and loss of appetite.
• Fatigue and sleeping difficulties.
• Breathing problems and overall unsteadiness.

If symptoms persist, the only remedy is to descend to a lower elevation as soon as possible. Always listen to your body.

Travel Insurance:

Given the high-altitude nature of Tibet, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, accidents, and helicopter rescues if needed. It should also cover evacuations, tour cancellations, and any unexpected travel disruptions.

Flight Information: Kathmandu to Lhasa

The direct Kathmandu to Lhasa flight once operated daily, but now it runs only three times a week i.e. Mon, Wed, Fri. With fewer flights available, it is essential to book your flight in advance to secure a seat. The flight offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest.

Is it Safe to Travel to Tibet?

One of the most common concerns among travelers is whether Tibet is a safe destination. The answer is a resounding YES! Tibet is as safe as other popular tourist destinations in mainland China, with no significant security issues for visitors. However, travelers should be mindful of the high altitude and unpredictable plateau climate.

In this guide, we address key safety concerns and provide expert tips to ensure a secure and enjoyable journey in Tibet.

Duty-Free Allowance for Tibet:

Travelers can bring the following items into Tibet:

• 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, and 500g of tobacco
• 1.5 liters of alcoholic beverages (12% alcohol content or more)
• Personal articles up to ¥5,000 (USD $50) for Chinese residents
• Personal articles up to ¥2,000 (USD $20) for non-residents

Prohibited Items:

Arms, ammunition, narcotics, fruit, animals, animal products, and politically sensitive materials (e.g., publications on Tibetan independence or the Dalai Lama). Chinese customs may inspect and seize restricted content upon entry.

Currency and Payment in Tibet:

The official currency in Tibet is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Foreign currency exchange is available at the Bank of China branches in Lhasa, Shigatse, and Zhangmu. Many hotels also offer exchange services.

Payment Methods:

• ATMs: Available in Lhasa and Shigatse
• Credit Cards: Accepted in major hotels, shops, and restaurants
• Cash: Small denominations are recommended for local purchases
• Traveler’s Cheques: Not recommended due to high fees and limited exchange availability

Travel Costs in Tibet:

Since all foreign visitors must be part of an organized tour, tour packages (including accommodation, transport, and travel permits) form the bulk of travel expenses.

• Dining costs: International restaurants cost around USD $15-20 per meal. Local Tibetan and Nepali eateries offer meals for as low as USD $6.

Electricity & Plugs in Tibet:

• Standard Voltage: 220V, 50Hz AC
• Plug Types: European two-round pins or American two-flat pins
• Recommendation: Carry a universal travel adapter and a voltage converter for U.S. appliances

Internet & WiFi in Tibet:

WiFi is available in hotels and cafes in Lhasa, but connections are generally slow and unreliable. Additionally, internet access is monitored, and many sites (e.g., social media platforms) are blocked.

Tibet Time Zone:

Tibet follows China Standard Time (CST), which is GMT+8. Daylight Saving Time is not observed.