Simikot Kailash Lhasa Tour

5.0/5 from 622 reviews
  • Destination
    Tibet
  • Duration
    22 Days
  • Trip Difficulty
    Strenuous
  • Activities
    Trek/Tours
  • Accommodation
    Hotel/Guesthouse
  • Meals
    B.L.D
  • Group Size
    Min. 4 Pax
  • BEST TIME
    April - June and Sept - Nov

Simikot Kailash Lhasa Tour of 22 days is a spiritual journey to Mount Kailash, one of the holiest mountains in the world. Hundreds of Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, and Bon pilgrims visit Mount Kailash in western Tibet each year. Join us on this holy once-in-a-lifetime trip to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

You cover the journey to Mount Kailash on foot from Simikot, a mountainous town in Nepal's remote far-west region. This is a pilgrimage to the sacred mountain in its purest form. The inner peace of setting eyes on the summit of Mount Kailash after trekking for several days is worth experiencing.

Your trip starts after you arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city. From Kathmandu, you fly to Simikot via Nepalgunj. Leaving Simikot you trek through remote villages of the Khaas and Bhotia communities in the Humla region.  The trail meanders above Karnali, Nepal's longest river. At Hilsa you cross the Friendship Bridge and reach the Tibetan side. Your local Tibetan guide and driver will be waiting for you on the other side ready to drive you to Mansarovar Lake.

Hindus believe the sacred lake of Mansarovar was formed in Lord Brahma's (the creator of the universe) mind.  Buddhists and Jains regard this lake as a holy site as their saints Milarepa and Rishabha meditated here. You can pray and meditate at the shore of the lake before driving on to Darchen.

You begin your kora or circumambulation of Mount Kailash from Tarboche by walking through the 'Yam Dwar' (the gate of salvation). For Hindus walking around Mount Kailash is like attaining a new life. Each step they take around the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati helps them get rid of sins and bad karma they have accumulated in their lifetime. By the time they complete their parikrama, their souls are renewed and their spirits refreshed.

Buddhists complete the kora to receive blessings from their saint Milarepa, who they believe is still meditating on the mountain. Ashtapad the holy mountain of the Jains is located in Mount Kailash. It was at Ashtapad that Rishaba, the first Guru of the Jains, received enlightenment. Bons consider Mount Kailash as the center of the universe and walk around it counterclockwise.

It takes three days to complete the kora. You get clear views of the mountain's four faces while trekking around it. After completing the kora, you will be driven to Saga via Mansarovar Lake. From Saga, you proceed to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city. At Shigatse, you explore the Tashilhunpo Monastery and the local market. Leaving Shigatse you drive towards Lhasa. Our guide will take you on a tour of Lhasa's iconic landmarks – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka, Barkhor Street, and Drepung Monastery. Your trip ends with a scenic Himalayan flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu.

The best seasons for this trip are spring and autumn. The weather conditions during these seasons remain ideal for trekking. The days remain warm and the skies clear with occasional clouds and rain. Since this trip involves trekking at a high altitude one needs to be physically fit and possess a high endurance level.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime journey to one of the holiest mountains in the world. Join us in this sacred pilgrimage through some of the dramatic and wildest landscapes in the Himalayas.

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Our airport representative will welcome you and explain the program further. There are no planned activities for the day, so check into the hotel. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02: Tours preparation and Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour

Touring the World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley that includes: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Pasupatinath Temple. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.

Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj

Today we take a 90 minute flight to Nepalgunj in the far south-west of Nepal. It is a busy crowded city which lies close to the Indian border. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.

Day 04: Fly to Simikot (2985m/9790ft) and trek to Dharapori (2360m/7740ft) Duration: 4 - 6 hours

We take a 40-minute flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot and admire the beauty of the soaring mountain cliffs from our airplane. Simikot, the head quarter of the Humla District, is cut off from the rest of the country due to its remoteness. While here, we learn about the local people and their rich culture, which is closely tied to the Tibetans because of the close proximity of the two places. We have lunch at Simikot and also register for the permit at the police office. From Simikot, we ascend for a while, then descend towards the village of Tuling. We continue walking through jungles and villages along the Karnali River towards Dharapori. Overnight at the guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 05: Dharapori to Kermi (2860m/9383ft) Duration: 5 - 6 hours

Our walk is on relatively flat trails beginning with the trail alongside the Karnali River. We walk along the fields cultivated mainly with barley, buckwheat, rice and potatoes. There are two hot springs near Kermi where we may soothe our aching bodies. We can also visit ancient Buddhist monasteries close to Kermi --Laikyo Gompa and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa. Overnight at the guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 06: Kermi to Yalbang (2879m/9445ft) Duration: 5 - 6 hours

Today’ trek is a flat and steep ascent until reaching a small pass and crossing a suspension bridge over the Salli River. From here one can enjoy views of the beautiful pine trees and the mighty Karnali River. We will also visit the remote Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery. Overnight at the guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 07: Yalbang to Tumkot (3073m/10082ft) Duration: 5 - 6 hours

We walk on a trail above the Karnali River. As we ascend further, the greenery begins to vanish and so do the smaller bushes. They give way to pine trees and rocky hills. After reaching Tumkot, we visit Dhungkar Choezom Monastery, one of the most important Sakya monasteries in the Tibetan region. Overnight at the guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 08: Tumkot to Yari (3663m/12017ft) Duration: 6 - 7 hours

Today's trek is on a relatively easy trail above the Karnali River. After walking a few miles we begin to notice the change in climate, vegetation and landscape which becomes more rocky and secluded. The trees that you see are not pine trees anymore. They are now short and low junipers. Overnight at the guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 09: Yari to Hilsa (3647m/11965ft) via Nara La pass, duration: 5 - 6 hours

We cross the first pass of the trek today, the Nara La pass (4,620m). The vegetation is bleak by now and the landscape is familiar to that of Tibet. After crossing the pass we will be greeted by excellent views of the beautiful Tibetan plateau and Yari Village. From here on, it is a shaky descent down until Hilsa, a border town which is also a dropping point for the pilgrims on their way to Mt. Kailash by helicopter. Overnight at the guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 10: Hilsa to Manasarovar (3772m/12375ft) Duration : 3-4 hours

We walk across the Friendship bridge at Hilsa where the Chinese officials will check our permits and passports. We also meet our Tibetan guide here. We then drove to Manasarovar, passing Rinzin Zangpo Gompa and Kangje Village along the way. Overnight stay at the Guesthouse.

Day 11: Mansarovar – Tarchen (40 km) Duration: 2-3 hrs

Holy Mansarovar is the lake of compassion, tranquility and bliss. After completing the memorable morning bath and puja we will be heading for Holy Mansarovar Parikrama by land cruiser with packed lunch and continue drive towards Tarchen (Darchen). If time permits, we visit Chui Gompa. Tarchen is considered as a base camp for Holy Kailash Parikrama. During the auspicious pilgrimage time, this place will be flooded with pilgrims with hundreds of tents all around. Overnight stay at the Guesthouse.

Day 12: Tarchen – Tarboche (13 km drive) – Dirapuk (4860m.) (7 km trek / 5 – 6 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Tarboche – starting point of Kailash Parikrama. Tarboche is also known as outer “Asthapath”. It is one of the exciting days walking along the beautiful rocky cliffs; waterfalls with some clouds in the clear blue sky make you feeling that Great God Shiva is everywhere with tons of blessing to you. Time to time the face of Kailash Parbat will be kept on appearing. For 7 km trail it takes almost 7 hrs. Overnight at the Government Guesthouse.

Day 13: Dirapuk – Zuthulpuk (4760m) (18 km trek / 9-10 km) (passing through Dolma-la pass 5600m)

Today you will be climbing to Drolma-la (Dolma-La 18368ft) and then descending gradually to Zuthulpuk (4760m). Yamasthal should be crossed to reach the Shiva-sthal while your steps go closer to the pass. Overnight at the Government Guesthouse.

Day 14: Zuthulpuk – Tarchen (Darchen) (10 km / 4-5 hrs) – Mansarovar- Dongba (end of Kailash Parikrama) 277 km

Morning free time to explore the caves, temples and shrine around Milarepa cave. After walking 3 hours, all the driving crew will be waiting for your arrival. By late afternoon you will be at your lodge in Dongba. Overnight stay at Guesthouse.

Day 15: Drive Dongba to Nyalam

Drive Dongba to Nyalam (376 km) 7-8 hrs. Overnight stay at Guesthouse.

Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu

Today, we leave Nyalam behind. We pass the Bhote Koshi River and cross the Chinese - Nepalese border. After a short drive, we bid our Tibetan guide a goodbye. We then drive and walk to Nepalese Immigration Control in Kodari. Our Nepalese staff will complete the re-entry formalities and we drive to Kathmandu. Overnight Stay at Hotel.

Day 17: Leisure day

Spend the day in Kathmandu, to rest or to explore, as per your inclination. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.

Day 18: Farewell

Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight, a representative from the Nepal Hiking Team will take you to the airport.

Cost Includes

  • All ground transports in private vehicle including airport transfers
  • Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu city tours including all entry fees, tour guide and private vehicle
  • Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Nepalgunj to Simikot including departure tax
  • A night accommodation at a standard hotel in Nepalgunj with breakfast
  • Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek in Nepal part
  • Best available twin sharing Lodge/Guesthouses during the Tibet tours till Saga without meals
  • Accommodation at a 3-star category hotel in Xigaste and Lhasa with breakfast
  • All your standard meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trekking Nepal part
  • One highly experienced, helpful and friendly guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment etc. for Nepal part trek
  • Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) approved guide for Tibet tours
  • Yaks and Yak-men to carry baggage while Kailash Parikrama
  • Tibet entry travel permit, Chinese visa and applicable entry fees during the trek/tours in Nepal/Tibet
  • Lhasa to Kathmandu flight in economic class
  • All government taxes and official expense

Cost Excludes

  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa
  • All cold drinks such as: alcoholic beverages, mineral water, Coke, Fanta, juice, etc.
  • Nepali staff for Tibet tours
  • Shopping, laundry, internet, phone bills
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Extra cost of transportation, porters involved due landslides, snowfall
  • Services other than specified. Extra days stay at Kathmandu / any other place
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is appreciated but it is not mandatory)

Travellers‘ Reviews

Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.

  • Kailash/Mansarovar Yatra with Nepal Hiking Team

    Best Care Team for Spiritual Kailash Pilgrimage

    We did the Kailash/Mansarovar Yatra, and the Nepal Hiking Team was very kind and supportive. The guides and sherpas were just like family, and the whole team played a really meaningful role in our trip. We truly felt so motivated by their care that this yatra felt a little bit easier. Could not recommend them enough for your next spiritual pilgrimage! Jai mata di.

    R
    - Excellent

    Ms. Ruchi T

    26th Jul 2025
  • Journey to Mansarovar and Kailash

    A Journey of Soul and Friendship

    Dear Nepal Hiking Team,

    Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our journey to Mansarovar and Kailash. From the moment we met, your warmth and gentle spirit made us feel at ease—as if we were travelling with our own.

    Your team welcomed us with an open heart. Applewood became our home away from home in the last 15 days. It brought a sense of care, calm, and familiarity that made each moment more meaningful. You and the team touched our hearts in ways that words can hardly express.

    We are deeply grateful for the way you connected with each of us—with respect, lightness, and sincerity. Your guidance wasn’t just about logistics; it was about heart, and that made all the difference.

    Thank you, truly, for making this journey so comfy on this sacred path. You’ll always hold a special place in our memories of Kailash.

    With warmth and gratitude,

    Hike queen buddies 🤗

    P
    - Excellent

    Ms. Pratibha Jamdag

    23rd Jul 2025
  • 14-day pilgrimage trek to Kailash Manasarovar.

    Our team of 11 women decided on a 14-day pilgrimage trek to Kailash Manasarovar. We selected Nepal Hiking Team because a couple of our teammates had prior experience with them during the Everest Base Camp trek.

    I am very glad we chose them.

    This team went above and beyond to make our stay and yatra comfortable. From pursuing visas to handling immigration glitches, everything was managed professionally.

    The hotel staff where we stayed took really good care of our hospitality.

    During the 10-day actual trek, when one of the teammates fell sick and we had to lose a guide because of it, the remaining crew stretched themselves to ensure our concerns were at rest.

    We were offered good hot food every day, and they ensured we stayed hydrated with warm water.

    I am sure to use their services in the future.

    M
    - Excellent

    Ms. Milauni D

    23rd Jul 2025
  • Mt. Kailash/Manasarovar Yatra - 2025

    Mt. Kailash/Manosarovar Yatra done well

    I recently completed the Mt. Kailash/Manasarovar Yatra with Nepal Hiking Team, and I want to share my heartfelt appreciation for their exceptional Nepali staff.

    While the Tibetan guides left something to be desired, the Nepali team more than made up for it. From start to finish, they were professional, caring, and went out of their way to ensure our comfort and safety during this challenging and spiritually significant journey.

    A special shout-out to our amazing Nepali team members — Dawa, Purba, Barghi, and Dipendra Dhakal — who were not only hardworking but also warm, attentive, and encouraging every step of the way. Their dedication made all the difference.

    I’d also like to give special thanks to Gangaji, whose flexibility, responsiveness, and kindness made the entire experience smooth and stress-free, despite our multiple requests to change the itinerary and accommodations.

    If you’re planning this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, I highly recommend going with Nepal Hiking Team — their Nepali staff are true professionals who genuinely care about their guests.

    M
    - Excellent

    Ms. Manjula N

    4th Jul 2025
  • Outstanding Service from Nepal Hiking Team-A True Gem!

    I recently used Nepal Hiking Team to organize my trip to Tibet, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. From start to finish, their communication was clear, prompt, and professional, which made the entire planning process smooth and stress-free.

    The trip itself was very well-organized, and everything went exactly as planned. The pricing was reasonable, especially given the high level of service provided. What really stood out was their exceptional customer service—friendly, attentive, and always ready to help.

    Nepal Hiking Team is truly a gem in the travel industry. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy company to plan their adventure in the region.

    F
    - Excellent

    Ms. Flier

    1st Jul 2025
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