When is the best time to undertake this tour?
The best time to undertake this tour is late April to early October. During this period the weather is more stable and manageable temperatures. Also, trekking and sightseeing are safer with roads being accessible.
In Lhasa, there is a high-altitude plateau climate with a mix of sunny days and chilly nights throughout the year. During spring (March to May), it has mild daytime temperatures with clear skies. Nights remain cold, so warm clothing is a must. Daytime temperatures range from 10–20°C (50–68°F), while nights can dip to -2–8°C (28–46°F).
The warmest time of the year in Lhasa is Summer(June to August), with occasional rains due to the monsoon season. Days are pleasant, and nights stay cool. Daytime temperatures are around 20–25°C (68–77°F), while nighttime averages 10–12°C (50–54°F).
During autumn (September to November), it is clear skies, dry conditions, and wonderful visibility. Daytime temperatures remain between 15–20°C (59–68°F), and nights cool down to 0–8°C (32–46°F).
Likewise, Mansarovar Lake, the pristine lake near Mount Kailash is cold year-round, but its beauty remains unmatched. During the spring, ice starts melting, revealing the turquoise waters. Chilly winds are common. As for the temperatures, days stay between 0–8°C (32–46°F), while nights are bitterly cold at -5 to -15°C (23–5°F).
In summer, there’s occasional rain, and daytime temperatures average 10–15°C (50–59°F), with nights cooling to -2 to -5°C (28–23°F). During autumn, the lake shines under clear skies, but the chill intensifies as the season goes on. Daytime temperatures range from 0–10°C (32–50°F), and nights drop to -10 to -15°C (14–5°F).
Now in Mount Kailash, this sacred mountain is located in an alpine desert climate, where there is unpredictable weather and extreme cold, especially at night. During spring, snow begins to melt, and the area becomes accessible. Days are cold, and nights are frigid. Temperatures hover around 0–10°C (32–50°F) during the day, while nights drop to -5 to -15°C (23–5°F).
In summer, days are slightly warmer, but there might be light rain or snow at higher altitudes. Daytime temperatures range from 5–15°C (41–59°F), with nights between -2 to -8°C (28–18°F).
In autumn, it is dry, good weather makes for stunning views. Temperatures drop sharply at night. Days remain around 0–10°C (32–50°F), and nights dip to -10 to -15°C (14–5°F).
What documents are required for traveling to Tibet and Mount Kailash?
Dream Tibet manages all your document processing, but you need to prepare the following documents.
- Passport Copy: Submit a clear copy of your passport at least 20 days before your trip to begin processing your Tibet Travel Permit.
- Original Passport: Keep your original passport with you, as it will be required when your group arrives in Kathmandu.
- Passport-Sized Photo: Provide a recent passport-sized photo with a white background. The photo should be front-facing, without glasses, and with a neutral expression (no smiling).
- Visa Application Form: Complete the visa application form ahead of your arrival.
Make sure all documents are accurate and ready to avoid any delays.
What currency is used in Tibet, and where can I exchange money?
The official currency of Tibet is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), often referred to as Renminbi (RMB). Major banks like the Bank of China in cities such as Lhasa, Shigatse, and Nyingchi provide currency exchange services. Make sure you carry your passport for the transaction.ATMs in Lhasa are widely available and accept international cards (Visa and Mastercard). However, availability may be limited in rural areas. It's advisable to exchange some currency before arriving in Tibet, as services may be scarce in remote regions.
What is the standard of hotels during the Lhasa to Mount Kailash Manasarovar tour?
In Lhasa, you can find luxury hotels, and Shigatse offers accommodations of up to 4-star quality.
As you begin the 3-day trek around Mount Kailash, the accommodations are more basic. The first night of the trek is typically spent at a guesthouse near Derapuk Monastery.
These accommodations consist of dormitory-style rooms shared by three to four people. While warm blankets are provided, there is no air conditioning or private bathrooms, and showers are unavailable.
Similarly, the guesthouses near Zutulphuk Monastery offer shared mud houses. Although these accommodations are minimalist, they provide hot water for beverages and food preparation, ensuring basic comfort. We recommend bringing a sleeping bag for more comfortable sleep.
What types of meals are available during the Lhasa to Kailash Mansarovar Tour?
Meals on the Lhasa to Kailash Mansarovar trip are quite simple but tasty! Most of what you’ll find is vegetarian, with staples like rice, lentils (dal), fresh veggies, chapatis (flatbread), and sometimes local goodies like paneer (cottage cheese) and yogurt.
When you’re out trekking, food options can be a bit limited, so it’s super helpful to bring along snacks like energy bars, dried fruits, and instant soups. Along the trail, there are small teahouses and tented eateries where you can grab a quick meal like instant noodles or packet soups, plus hot water for tea or coffee. You’ll easily spot them at convenient stops, especially between Derapuk and Zuthulpuk Monasteries.
Is photography allowed at sacred sites like Mount Kailash and Mansarovar?
Yes, photography at sacred sites like Mount Kailash and Mansarovar is allowed but with certain restrictions and considerations. When capturing images of people, religious ceremonies, or prayer rituals, avoid using flash as it can be disruptive and disrespectful. Also, ask for a concern before photographing. Some areas within sacred sites may have restrictions on photography. Be mindful of signs or announcements indicating areas where photography is not permitted. In some cases, obtaining a permit may be required or photography, especially for drone usage.
What is the difficulty level of the Mount Kailash Kora?
The Mount Kailash Kora is a challenging trek but with the right preparation, you’ll be all good. The entire trek is at a high altitude with the highest point reaching 5,630 meters at Dolma La pass. You may be affected by altitude sickness, even the experienced trekkers.
The trail is steep and rocky and the weather is unpredictable which makes the trek quite tough. So, this trek requires good physical fitness and endurance. Make sure you train 2 to 3 months before the trek.
Are there alternatives to trekking, such as riding a horse during the Kora days?
Yes, you can hire a horse for the 3 days Kora if you do not want to trek. Hiring a horse costs around $150 per day which comes with a horseman. You can also hire a yak or porter to carry your bags. Payments must be made by the guest during that time; Dream Tibet will not process the payment beforehand.
What is the total distance of the Kora, and how much do we walk daily?
The total distance of Mount Kailash Kora is approximately 52 kilometers(32 miles) which is covered over three days. The daily distance can vary slightly, but generally, you can expect to walk around 15-20 kilometers each day.
What is the highest point on the route, and how should I prepare for it?
The highest point on Mount Kailash Kora is Dolma La Pass, which is at an altitude of 5,630 meters. Here’s some tips to prepare for it:
- Acclimatization is a must so you should spend a few days at lower altitudes before starting the Kora to allow your body to adjust to the thin air.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Carry Diamox with you.
- If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, fatigue, nausea, or difficulty breathing, descend to lower altitude immediately.
- Make sure to pack warm clothing, including layers, hats, gloves, and a good quality jacket as well as trekking boots.
- Always carry sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your eyes and skin from the intense UV radiation at high altitudes.
What vehicles are used for transportation during the journey?
Dream Tibet offers comfortable vans and tourist buses for transportation during the tour.
Can I customize the itinerary or add extra destinations?
Yes, you can customize the itinerary or add extra destinations. But make sure you inform them before the tour. However, if you would like to extend your stay during the tour, it is possible.
What are the road conditions between Lhasa and Kailash?
The road conditions between Lhasa and Kailash, via Shigatse and Saga, are generally quite smooth. The route features paved highways and well-maintained roads. However, the conditions change slightly from Saga to Darchen, where parts of the route may include gravel tracks or unpaved roads.
Is there mobile network coverage along the route?
The mobile network will work after activating international roaming on your Nepali SIM card. However, it might not work smoothly since the region is remote. Satellite phones are used in emergencies but aren’t available for personal use.
Are Wi-Fi or internet facilities available in Lhasa or remote areas?
In Lhasa and Shigatse City, free Wi-Fi is available at hotels and cafés. However, in more remote areas like Darchen, although free Wi-Fi is provided, it may not be reliable. Additionally, electricity in hotels is typically available only from 9 PM to 12 AM. Therefore, it’s a good idea to carry a power bank with you.
Are there charging facilities for phones or cameras?
You'll find mobile and camera charging points in the hotel rooms, but not in the dormitories or mud houses. To make the most of those charging points, be sure to bring a universal adapter with you. We also recommend packing a good-quality power bank for your devices and an extra battery for your camera to keep everything powered up during your stay.
What should be packed for the trip?
Here’s what you need to pack for the trip:
Clothes
- - 1 Pair down jacket
- - 2 Pairs T-shirt
- - 1 Pair warm thermal
- - 1 Pair a light warm jacket or sweater
- - 1 pair of warm trousers
- - 1 Pair of warm windproof trousers
- - 2 pairs of light pants/trousers or half pant
- - 1 pair of inner warm pants
- - Warm cap to cover your head from cold
- - Buff to cover your nose and mouth
- - One pair of warm gloves
- - 2 Pairs warm socks
- - 2 pairs of light socks
- - 1 Pair of warm hiking shoes
- - 1 Pair of light shoes or sandals to use during your stay in the Hotel
- Other Essentials
- Warm sleeping bag
Medicine if you are regularly taking any – Our guide will also bring medicine in our first aid kit. If you want to bring your own, it is better to bring medicines for high altitude sickness, fever, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea.
