Mount Kailash

Days

17

Activity Level

Moderate/
Advanced

Host City

Kathmandu

From

$ USD

Mount Kailash Sacred Journey

From Kathmandu’s incense-filled temples to the wind-carved prayer flags of Mount Kailash, this is a journey that transcends travel. You will cross borders both geographical and spiritual, stepping into ancient cities, walking paths worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims, and circling the most sacred mountain in Asia. For Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon, Kailash is the cosmic axis, the point where heaven meets earth. Completing its kora is said to cleanse the sins of a lifetime. Along the way, the thin mountain air sharpens your senses, the vast plateau opens your heart, and the rhythm of each step draws you deeper into presence. Join The Explorer’s Passage on this incredible sacred journey.


Explore Mount Kailash with TEP

Trip Highlights

Complete the 32 miles around Mount Kailash, a spiritual rite said to transform karma and renew the soul.

Stand on the shores of Lake Manasarovar, gaze into its mirrored waters, and cross Dolma La Pass at 5,200 meters in elevation.

Journey across the Tibetan Plateau, where snow-capped peaks pierce cobalt skies and yak herds move like dark rivers over the grasslands.

Explore Nepal’s royal squares, artisan villages, and living temples before stepping into the vast silence of Tibet.

Let’s Plan Your Trip Today:


TRIP COST

From $3,075 USD per person
Our trips are all-inclusive, crafted with the intent of providing you with an unforgettable adventure travel experience.

*More info. on pricing

Pricing starts at $3,075 USD
Single Supplement Fee (Hotels): from $450 USD
Single Supplement Fee (Tents): from $195 USD
More questions? See detailed pricing options for our Inca Trail tours

Start date

August xx, 2026

Duration

17 Days / 16 Nights 

Accommodations

Hotels, Guesthouses, and Basic Lodges

*Read more about your lodging in the accommodation section below.

max. group size

30 Participants

*All Private Groups

*For private groups we can accommodate any size

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate/Advanced*

High Altitude Trekking & Long Travel Days

17 Day / 16 Night Trip Daily Overview

Sample Trip Itinerary

Custom trip itineraries are available for any size group. Please contact us for a complete detailed itinerary.

Want more information? Download a detailed itinerary.

Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights, and more. It’s the perfect resource to help you choose!

Request Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal

Arrive in Nepal’s vibrant capital, where golden pagodas rise above winding alleys and the scent of incense mingles with street-side spice stalls. Evening welcome dinner with your guides and fellow travelers.

Accommodations: Novotel, Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, or Palacio del Inka

Day 2: Sacred Kathmandu

Join pilgrims at Boudhanath Stupa, its great white dome encircled by prayer wheels, and witness cremation rites at Pashupatinath Temple along the sacred Bagmati River.

Accommodations: Novotel, Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, or Palacio del Inka

Day 3: Monkey Temple & Market Life

Climb to Swayambhunath, where prayer flags ripple against a panorama of the valley, then explore the ancient royal palaces and lively markets of Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Accommodations: Camping Tent

Day 4: Artisan Villages & Patan

Wander Kirtipur’s stone-paved streets, visit Bungamati and Khokana for woodcarving and oil-pressing traditions, and explore Patan’s temples glowing with brass and copper artistry.

Accommodations: Camping Tent

Day 5: Bhaktapur, City of Devotees

Step back in time among Bhaktapur’s terracotta courtyards, temple squares, and living rituals that carry the heartbeat of old Nepal.

Accommodations: Camping Tent

Day 6:  Flight to Lhasa

Soar over the Himalayas into Tibet, where the air is thin and clear and the Potala Palace crowns the horizon.

Accommodations:El Mapi, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, or Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

Day 7: Palaces & Pilgrims

Climb the steps of the Potala, once home to the Dalai Lama, and walk the Barkhor kora around Jokhang Temple alongside pilgrims from across Tibet.

Accommodations: Novotel, Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, or Palacio del Inca

Day 8: Gyantse & Shigatse

Travel past turquoise lakes and snow-bright peaks to Gyantse’s monasteries and onward to Shigatse, home to Tashilhunpo Monastery’s chanting monks.

Accommodations: N/A

Day 9: Gyantse & Shigatse

Travel past turquoise lakes and snow-bright peaks to Gyantse’s monasteries and onward to Shigatse, home to Tashilhunpo Monastery’s chanting monks.

Accommodations: N/A

Day 10: Gyantse & Shigatse

Travel past turquoise lakes and snow-bright peaks to Gyantse’s monasteries and onward to Shigatse, home to Tashilhunpo Monastery’s chanting monks.

Accommodations: N/A

Day 11: Gyantse & Shigatse

Travel past turquoise lakes and snow-bright peaks to Gyantse’s monasteries and onward to Shigatse, home to Tashilhunpo Monastery’s chanting monks.

Accommodations: N/A

Day 12: Gyantse & Shigatse

Travel past turquoise lakes and snow-bright peaks to Gyantse’s monasteries and onward to Shigatse, home to Tashilhunpo Monastery’s chanting monks.

Accommodations: N/A

Day 13: Gyantse & Shigatse

Travel past turquoise lakes and snow-bright peaks to Gyantse’s monasteries and onward to Shigatse, home to Tashilhunpo Monastery’s chanting monks.

Accommodations: N/A

Day 14: Gyantse & Shigatse

Travel past turquoise lakes and snow-bright peaks to Gyantse’s monasteries and onward to Shigatse, home to Tashilhunpo Monastery’s chanting monks.

Accommodations: N/A

Day 15: Gyantse & Shigatse

Travel past turquoise lakes and snow-bright peaks to Gyantse’s monasteries and onward to Shigatse, home to Tashilhunpo Monastery’s chanting monks.

Accommodations: N/A

Day 16: Gyantse & Shigatse

Travel past turquoise lakes and snow-bright peaks to Gyantse’s monasteries and onward to Shigatse, home to Tashilhunpo Monastery’s chanting monks.

Accommodations: N/A

Day 17: Gyantse & Shigatse

Travel past turquoise lakes and snow-bright peaks to Gyantse’s monasteries and onward to Shigatse, home to Tashilhunpo Monastery’s chanting monks.

Accommodations: N/A

Create your OWN Unique Experience

Customizing Your Nepal Trek

Are you interested in another activity or destination in Peru? Planning to spend extra time in the region, or interested in specific travel dates? Want to visit Rainbow Mountain, or experience the culinary delights of Lima? Perhaps you would like to spend more time in the Scared Valley? No problem. As experts in tailored trip planning, we can weave your interests and your timeframe into our customizable itineraries so that every detail of your extraordinary trip unfolds precisely the way you want it to. Click the options below to learn more:

While in/around the Inca Trail, you can choose to add on one or several of the following activities:

  • Maras Salt Mines
  • Urubamba
  • Pisac
  • Moray
  • Huchuy Cusco
  • Ollantaytambo
  • Chinchero
  • Salkantay Trail
  • Lamay Community
  • Amaru Community

In addition to their time in Peru, many travelers choose to add in other nearby destinations to their trips, including (but not limited to) some of the following:

  • Lima
  • Amazon Jungle
  • Lake Titicaca
  • Paracas
  • Arequipa
  • Huacachina
  • Nazca

With The Explorer’s Passage, you can choose between a wide variety of trips all throughout South America and Antarctica as noted below:

  • Argentina
  • Chile
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Uruguay
  • Paraguay
  • Antarctica
  • Galapagos Islands

Contact us today to get started customizing your dream trip to Peru!

Hear what travelers are saying:

5-Star Review Average on TripAdvisor! Read More >
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
“Our family of six worked with Jeff and Sarah at The Explorers Passage to plan our visit to Machu Picchu, specifically the Inca Trail Express. TEP is an invaluable partner in handling all logistics including permits, transportation, entry passes, accommodations, itinerary and most importantly a local guide. Our guide, Neptali, was the absolute BEST and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with him. He made all the difference. Jeff and Sarah provided all the pre-trip support and guidance to ensure our trip was a success, and on-the-ground support if needed. They went above and beyond to make recommendations for our time in Cusco too. Our trip was flawless thanks to their organization. Our experience with TEP exceeded all expectations. We highly recommend using them for your next adventure!”
– Caroline C.
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
“We cannot praise The Explorer’s Passage enuf! We had a trip/experience of a lifetime on their Machu Picchu and Inca Trail adventure. The planning process was a breeze, the pre-hike necessary conditioning was well explained, arriving in Cusco and finding our guide and driver was easy, the Cusco City tours were fabulous and the trek was utterly AMAZING! Our Guide Neptali was the BEST. He is very knowledgeable, he’s kind, he’s funny, and he is calm and takes charge in a crisis. The porters and the chefs were wonderful. It was all around a 5 star experience. Definitely recommend this adventure!”
– Angie P.
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
“From the moment we contacted Explorer’s Passage to discuss our Inca Trail Adventure, we knew we were working with an exemplary company, we had a fabulous experience with everyone involved, particularly the owner Jeff Bonaldi. There was not one thing I would change about this trip…..the accommodations, the transportation, the drivers, the restaurants, the porters, the guides (Wilbur was the kindest, smartest, most interesting guide and his Quechuan heritage and pride contributed so much to our experience of this amazing culture)…I could go on and on. Book with Explorer’s Passage…you will receive top-notch attention and advice and be in excellent hands throughout your adventure. We hope to book further adventures with Explorer’s Passage.”
– Cindy M.
relax in comfort and luxury

Trip Accommodations

For the nights before and after the trekking Inca Trail tour, you can relax in the comfort and luxury of 5 / 5+ Star premium accommodations – featuring some of the finest resorts in Peru. Alternatively, 3.5 Star and 4 Star hotel packages can be reserved instead (see below).

5 Star Accommodations

Yak and Yeti | Kathmandu, Nepal

Nestled in the heart of Kathmandu, the iconic Yak & Yeti Hotel blends timeless elegance with the rich heritage of Nepal. Once a historic palace, this five-star property seamlessly combines old-world charm with modern luxury. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the hotel offers a serene escape from the city’s vibrant bustle while being just steps away from Durbar Marg’s shops and cultural landmarks. Guests can enjoy elegantly appointed rooms, world-class dining, a sparkling outdoor pool, and a fully equipped fitness center. With its blend of history, comfort, and impeccable service, the Yak & Yeti provides the perfect base for exploring the wonders of Kathmandu.. 

Intercontinental Lhasa Paradise |

Sitting in the shadows of the Lost City, our lodge is an oasis of calm before or after a day exploring Machu Picchu. Unwind with a yoga session, take part in a traditional shaman ceremony in the garden, or sip muña tea in the Tampu Bar. Tranquility, wonder and beauty are at the heart of our unique experience. Cool botanical fabrics are offset by cherry-colored woods. King-sized beds provide space to unwind. Outside your windows, the mountains ripple into the distance.Signature dishes like a Jungle Landscape salad or Sacred Valley grilled trout evoke the Andean setting. Take a seat and let our authentic menu kickstart your Peruvian adventure.

3.5 / 4 Star Accommodations

Novotel | Cusco, Peru

The centrally located Novotel Cusco hotel serves as an ideal base for exploring this enchanting historic city and its picturesque surroundings. Positioned in the heart of Cusco, the hotel offers a seamless blend of colonial elegance and contemporary design. This fusion is reflected throughout the spacious, well-appointed rooms, each providing modern amenities including free Wi-Fi to ensure you stay connected during your visit. Step outside and unwind in the charming patio of this beautifully restored colonial house, where you can relax under the shade of the canopy. The tranquil ambiance of the patio offers the perfect retreat after a day of discovering Cusco’s rich heritage and vibrant streets.

Novotel website

El Mapi | Aguas Calientes, Peru

Step into the smart, contemporary and cozy confines of El Mapi, amidst the picturesque Machu Picchu Pueblo. Discover an efficient, lively and friendly atmosphere, welcoming guests expecting an unfussy, down-to-earth break. The flowing lobby creates a sense of vitality. Lofty ceilings, panoramic windows and an open café allow natural light to filter between tall eucalyptus dried branches, creating an ambience of order and wellbeing. Relax in a pleasant and wholesome ambience after your enlightening visit to Peru’s most famous destination: the Machu Picchu archaeological site!

El Mapi website

Accommodations on the Trail

Huts on the W-Trek route offer communal dorm-style accommodation with bunk beds, comparable to many other mountain huts or lodges in other parts of the world. These huts can be rustic but comfortable (especially after long days

“Moving villages” are exactly as they sound: deluxe camps that move with you while you hike the Inca Trail. Following long days of trekking, you will enjoy comfortable tented campsites at incredible locations with breathtaking views. When booking your trip, you will have the option to choose between Eureka tents or higher-volume Big Agnes tents (the latter at additional cost).

We go above and beyond in handling every aspect of campsite operations, so that you can therefore focus on enjoying your time on the trail. All of the campsites feature dining tables in a dining tent (for breakfast & dinner, and lunch as well in the event that it is raining), fresh meals, beverages, your extra baggage, as well as two-person tents with sleeping pads already set up and awaiting your arrival. We also provide snacks before the trek each day, and we bring warm water and soap to your tents each morning for washing.

Furthermore, other luxuries – such as privacy toilet tents – will also be present at campsites on this trip. Optional shower tents can be arranged (at additional expense) if you elect to include them as part of your trekking experience while on the trail. Full adventure teams support these impressive accommodations and can generally consist of up to 15-20 porters, cooks, and guides for a 12-person trip.

The experience of relaxing in camp, sharing an evening meal with your fellow adventurers, and looking down across seemingly endless green valleys will undoubtedly stay with you for a long time.

we’re always happy to help

Frequently Asked Questions

Our 17-day Mount Kailash tour includes airport transfers, guided sightseeing in Kathmandu, accommodation, all necessary Tibet permits, ground transportation, experienced guides, meals as per itinerary, and the sacred 3-day Mount Kailash Kora trek. We handle logistics so you can focus on the spiritual journey.

Yes. All travelers require a valid China/Tibet visa and additional permits to enter the Mount Kailash region. Our team arranges these permits on your behalf, ensuring full compliance with local regulations.

The Mount Kailash Kora is a moderate to challenging trek due to high altitude (up to 5,636 m / 18,500 ft) and rugged terrain. Good physical fitness and some prior trekking experience are recommended. We schedule acclimatization days to help minimize altitude sickness risks.

The best seasons are May to September, when weather is relatively stable, temperatures are milder, and mountain passes are open. This period also coincides with significant Tibetan festivals that enhance the cultural experience.

In Kathmandu and major towns, we stay in comfortable hotels. In remote areas and during the Kora trek, accommodations are simple guesthouses or basic lodges due to the remoteness of the region.

Essential items include layered warm clothing, waterproof gear, sturdy trekking boots, a good sleeping bag (rated for -10°C or lower), personal medications, a reusable water bottle, and sun protection. We can provide a full packing list upon booking.

we’re Here every step of the way

Trip Support

Inca Trail TRIP Support

There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention to your travel experience.


More Trip Inspiration:

Peru Tours

Peru Peru Adventures with The Explorer’s Passage Peru grabs your attention from the moment you arrive, whether it’s mist rolling over Machu Picchu at sunrise, the hum of life in a Sacred Valley village, or the stillness of the Amazon at dawn. From the vast Colca Canyon to Lake Titicaca’s mirror-like waters, and from Arequipa’s…
EXPLORE > Peru Tours

We look forward to helping you plan your next big adventure!