Lhasa Ali Kailash Tour

Starting in Lhasa enables travellers to slowly acclimatize themselves in a relatively low elevation of about 3,650 meters before climbing to the extremely high levels of about Mount Kailash. It also allows you to visit the key cultural sites in Tibet before you start the pilgrimage.

To minimize long overland travel, this itinerary utilizes Lhasa to Ngari flights when available. You will save time on the road and have more time to visit Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash as well as other significant places in western Tibet.

Dolma La Pass is the summit and it is a height of about 5,630 meters (18,471 feet). This is crossed on the second day of the Kailash Kora.

Yes. The itinerary also incorporates acclimatization in Lhasa, and then to high elevations thus is appropriate to most people who are first time visitors and are in good health and reasonably fit.

Yes. One of the most admired pilgrimage sites in the world and regarded holy amongst Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and the Bon religion is Mount Kailash.

Yes. Although many of the travelers are not going to Tibet with religious motives, they still join the tour to explore the unique culture of Tibet, dramatic scenery, and historic monasteries.

The Kailash Kora begins at Yamdwar after visiting Lake Manasarovar and takes three days to complete before returning to Darchen.

Some past trekking experience is desirable but not mandatory. Technical trekking experience is not as important as good level of fitness, proper preparation and capacity to walk several hours a day.

A moderate level of fitness is recommended for the Lhasa Ali Kailash Tour. Though a significant portion of the route is done by car and air, the three day Kailash Kora has a number of hours of walking per day at high altitude.

Some past trekking experience is desirable though not essential. Good health, reasonable stamina, and proper preparation can ensure the pilgrimage is successful by travelers.

Walking, hiking, jogging, bicycle riding or climbing stairs several weeks before a trip can help you become more enduring. It is better to prepare, which will make the days of trekking more comfortable.

Yes. The toughest aspect of the tour is the Kailash Kora, particularly the day on which you cross Dolma La Pass. Strolling at a slow and steady pace and making frequent pauses will accomplish the walk safely.

Yes. There are numerous elderly tourists who complete the tour at the end of every year. It is advisable to be in good physical condition and have the consent of your physician before going to high altitude.

Yes. Beginners with good fitness and proper preparation can complete the pilgrimage. Our guides keep a reasonable pace and offer support in the course of the trek.

Running exercises will make you more fit, but there is no exercise which can make your body ready to high altitude. The itinerary has acclimatization days that allow your body to adapt naturally.

On average it will take between 5 and 10 hours per day to walk the trail, depending on the part of the trail, weather conditions, and group speed.

Yes. A large number of foreigners planning to participate in the Lhasa Ali Kailash Tour will need a valid China Visa. Visa requirements may vary depending on your nationality.

Yes. Any foreigners traveling to Tibet are required to carry a Tibet Travel Permit to visit Tibet. There are also other permits needed to travel to the Mount Kailash and Ngari region.

Above the Himalaya will help in the permit application process and procure the required travel permits to do the tour.

You will need a clear copy of your passport and China Visa. Further documentation can be demanded in accordance with the existing travel laws.

Processing normally requires a number of working days. We advise that you send the required documents at least a long time before your departure.

No. Foreigners are required to use a licensed guide and an authorized tour operator, in accordance with the existing rules of travel to Tibet.

You will be informed in the application process by our team. We shall recommend the best available options in rare delays depending on the prevailing circumstances.

Yes. Tibet travel policies may change from time to time. We never disobey the latest official rules and will present new information to you before your tour starts.

If you are returning to Kathmandu and plan to stay in Nepal for a while, you may need a Nepal tourist visa, depending on your nationality. Many visitors are able to obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport.

Yes. Nepal tourist visa can be given to citizens of most countries on entering the Nepal borders at the Tribhuvan International Airport or when entering the country through certain land borders. Before travelling, please ensure that you check the most recent eligibility requirements.

You will normally need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a passport sized photograph and the visa fee. Immigration requirements may change so it is worth checking the latest information before you travel.

Nepal has tourist visa of various periods, 15, 30, and 90 days. You have the chance to select the one that is most suitable to your traveling plans.

Yes. As per the existing immigration laws, tourist visas can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.

No. Nepal Visa charges are generally not included in the tour package and have to be borne by the traveler unless otherwise.

Visa charges are normally to be paid in the accepted currencies as detailed by Nepal Immigration. We suggest that you check the new payment options prior to arrival.

Yes. Our team will assist you in getting the general advice on Nepal Visa requirements and preparing to arrive in Kathmandu.

Travel insurance is strongly advised to all travelers who will be taking part in the tour. It offers financial coverage to sudden medical issues, cancelation of trips, and upheaval of traveling.

In addition to the high altitude trekking, emergency medical treatment, evacuation, trip cancellation and personal accident should be included in your policy. You should ensure that you are covered by your policy on traveling above 5,000 meters.

No. Emergency evacuations are not usually part of the package, and are normally included in your travel insurance.

The trip takes it through remote regions having few medical centers. Complete travel insurance is an added advantage in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Yes. We advise you to bring printed and electronic versions of your insurance policy and emergency contact information along the trip.

No. It is highly advisable to buy extensive travel insurance prior to departing your country.

It will vary depending on your personal policy. Most all inclusive insurance covers have provisions on allowable flight delays, cancellations and other disruptions in travel.

We advise you to buy insurance with a reputable company in your mother country. Our staff can suggest what kind of coverage will be appropriate for this tour.

Yes. You will have a qualified English speaking Tibetan guide to guide you through the trip, helping with sightseeing, permits, local culture and Kailash pilgrimage.

Yes. Our guides are highly experienced in guiding pilgrims and travelers through the Kailash Kora, and are well versed with the terrain, altitude and local laws.

Yes. During the tour, your guide will be able to help in communication and it will be easier to communicate with local people, hotel staff and service providers.

Yes. Your guide will tell you the history, culture, and religious meaning of the monasteries, temples, Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash and this makes your journey more meaningful.

Yes. Porter and yak services can be provided during the Kailash Kora at an extra charge, provided locally. They will be able to assist in transportation of your personal baggage as you finish the walk.

Yes. Individual porter and yak services may be typically booked in advance of the trek. Do tell us before hand whether you should like any assistance in these arrangements.

Yes. Our guides carry a basic first aid kit and have experience assisting travelers during high altitude journeys. In case of any health related issues during the tour, they will react accordingly.

No. Tipping is not compulsory although it is welcome in case you are pleased by the service delivered by your guide, driver, and support crew.

The tour will involve comfortable accommodations in Lhasa and Ngari, and austere guesthouses at Lake Manasarovar and Kailash Kora. The choice of accommodation will be dependent on the available facilities of the best location.

The accommodation is usually done on a twin sharing basis. Some locations might have single rooms on request and depending on availability.

Guesthouses are basic, clean and have facilities to stay overnight in the hilly areas. They are a convenient place to sleep in the pilgrimage.

Hotel rooms normally have attached bathrooms whereas guesthouses along the trekking route normally have shared bathrooms.

Hot water is usually available in the hotels, but in remote guesthouses it may be limited because of local facilities and weather conditions.

Yes. Hotels are well equipped with electricity and guesthouses normally have little electricity to light and charge electronic equipment.

Internet and WiFi are generally found in most hotels in Lhasa and Ngari, but in remote guesthouses surrounding Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, internet and WiFi can be slow or unavailable.

Yes. Charging facilities are available at most accommodation places, though there are guesthouses that may have a nominal fee, or may restrict charging hours.

Food consists of a mixture of Tibetan, Chinese, Nepali and basic international delicacies, based on the location. Hotels are more diverse, and guesthouses provide freshly cooked food that is applicable in high altitude traveling.

Yes. There are many vegetarian dishes along the way. Before the tour, we would love to know your eating habits so that we can make the appropriate arrangements.

It is possible that vegan food is offered by most hotels and restaurants, but in the more isolated places, they can be fewer. Please let us know in advance if you have any special dietary requirements.

Yes. The meals are prepared by the hotels and guesthouses on the way. It is always better to eat the fresh food while you are on the travel.

Yes. There is bottled and boiled drinking water at most of the stops. It is better to avoid the untreated water and keep well hydrated in the journey.

Yes. Snacks and light refreshments are served in Lhasa, Ngari, and a few settlements along the road. Making decisions is however more restricted in rural places.

Yes. Hotels and guesthouses usually have tea and coffee on offer. Hot beverages are also highly appreciated on the colder mornings and evenings.

Meals are provided according to the itinerary. Have a look in the Whats Included section which will show precisely which breakfasts, lunches and dinners come with your package.

April- June is the usual spring and September- October is the usual autumn, as the best seasons. These are normally good months of the year with good weather, stable weather and a clearer view of the mountains surrounding.

Yes. The tour is suitable during summer, but there might be occasional rainfall in certain places. Unless weather conditions have an impact on transportation, travel plans usually proceed as planned.

Yes, however, in winter it is much colder, particularly on Mount Kailash and Dolma La Pass. Travelers should be prepared with appropriate cold weather clothing.

It can also snow at the higher areas especially at Dolma La Pass as well as in the colder months. The conditions of trails vary according to weather and time of the year.

Season and altitude have different temperatures. Mornings and evenings are very cold, even in spring and autumn, particularly in the vicinity of Mount Kailash.

Yes. Tibetan Plateau weather is also subject to change especially in high altitudes. It is always advisable to bring with them layered clothing and rain cover.

Occasionally. Weather or operational delays or rescheduling of flights may occur. Our group will help you with some travel arrangements.

Late autumn and winter generally have fewer travelers compared to spring and autumn. People who want a less noisy pilgrimage can consider these times, but They should be prepared for cold weather.

There are some altitude related symptoms which can be mild in some travelers since the trip will reach some altitudes higher than 5,600 meters. The risk can be reduced by proper acclimatization, hydration and slow pace.

Mild symptoms could consist of headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, or lack of appetite. Any kind of symptoms should be reported to your guide.

The best way to help your body adjust is to spend some time acclimatizing in Lhasa, drink lots of water, eat well, avoid alcohol and walk at a slow pace.

Yes. Professional guides also take care of the welfare of every tourist and help when necessary during the trip.

Yes. You are to carry all the recommended drugs, and any personal medical supplies you might require during the trip.

Depending on support arrangements and the situation, emergency oxygen can be provided on demand. Your guide will decide on the response best suited in case of altitude related problems.

Our team will evaluate the case and provide the most suitable help, according to your condition, location, and the medical facilities available. It is highly advisable to have travel insurance that includes emergency evacuation.

Yes, lots of pilgrims successfully make the pilgrimage every year, when they are well prepared, acclimatized, and guided. To have a safe journey, you need to follow the guidance of your guide and pay attention to your body.

Pack layered clothing suitable for changing weather conditions. Recommended are warm jackets, thermal wear, trekking pants, gloves, warm hat and waterproof outer wear, particularly, the Kailash Kora.

Yes. Good ankle support and grip trekking shoes are highly advisable in the three day Kailash Kora, comfortable, well broken in, and good ankle support.

Guesthouses offer simple sleeping, though a warm sleeping bag can be a nice addition to this especially in colder seasons.

Trekking poles are not compulsory but strongly suggested. They are more balanced and they take off pressure on your knees during steep ascends and descends particularly when passing across Dolma La Pass.

We suggest sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, toiletries, personal drug, headlamp, and a power bank to charge electronic devices.

Yes. You can buy or rent trekking equipment including sleeping bags, trekking poles, jackets and duffel bags in Kathmandu before the trip.

A 20-30 liter daypack is usually enough to carry your day-to-day necessities while sightseeing and doing the Kailash Kora.

Yes. Bring enough Chinese Yuan to use up personally because ATM and card payment machines are not widespread in the more distant areas of western Tibet.

To make the booking of the tour, you can contact Above the Himalaya via our web site, e-mail or other means of official communication. Our staff will introduce you to booking and will give you all the required information and confirm your reservation.

Yes. To secure your booking and start the work on the permits, flights, accommodation, and other tour arrangements, an advance deposit is always needed.

The balance is usually paid before the tour start in accordance with the conditions of the reservation. Our team will recommend to you the payment schedule when making the booking.

We accept the bank transfer, online payment and other accepted payments. During booking, you will be notified about the options at hand.

Yes. The date can be changed based on the availability of flights, the permission of the permits, and accommodation. Contact us as soon as possible in case you have to change something.

The cancellation policies vary with the time of the cancellation and services that have been confirmed. Certain expenses such as permits and flight tickets cannot be refunded after they are issued.

Yes. Once your booking is confirmed, we will e-mail you a confirmation as well as your itinerary, travel information and preparation guidelines.

Yes. Individuals, families and groups can book private departures. The itinerary can also be tailored to your schedule and preference of the travel.

The tour is a combination of internal flights, car transfers and the three day Kailash Kora walk. This will enable you to tour western Tibet in a more comfortable fashion as well as minimizing long overland travel.

Yes. The package will involve domestic flights in Lhasa and Ngari (Ali) as shown in the plan.

Yes. The package includes the international flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu as mentioned in the itinerary.

Airport transfers, sightseeing, and destination-to-destination travels are done on private vehicles that are appropriate to the group size and road conditions.

Yes. Flight schedules may be subject to change due to weather, operations or airport regulations of the airlines. We will inform you of any changes.

Most roads are in good condition, some remote places are rough depending on the weather and road condition. With experienced drivers, the ride is safe and comfortable.

The greatest amount of sightseeing is accomplished with limited walking and the Mount Kailash Kora takes three days walking with 5 to 10 hours of walking a day.

Above the Himalaya will take care of all logistics in the itinerary so that you do not have to be concerned with any transportation.