Kailash Mansarovar Tour - 15 days

You can arrive in Kathmandu via flight or overland. Please let us know your arrival details, and our guide and driver will reach the pickup spot and drive you to your hotel. If you reach Kathmandu by flight, you will find our guide waiting outside the Tribhuvan International Airport’s terminal holding a board with your name written on it or our company's name, Third Rock Adventures.

After greeting you warmly, he will take you to your hotel. There's no activity planned for today. You can rest and relax at your hotel.

Overnight in Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi Kathmandu or similar
Included Meals: No

(Activities: Chinese Visa Processing and Pashupatinath Temple with Sandhya Aarti)

Today you will get your China group visa for Tibet processed. Please make sure you have the required documents and photographs needed for the visa. Later you will head to the Pashupatinath Temple to seek the blessings of Pashupatinath Baba for your Kailash Mansarovar Tour.

The Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva in the world. Dating back to 400 AD, this is one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the valley. Here in this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Baba Pashupatinath, the protector of all living beings. To maintain the sanctity of the temple, non-Hindus are not allowed inside the main temple. Items made from leather or animal skin, like leather bags, belts, and other accessories, are also strictly prohibited. If one is carrying or wearing such items, they have to be deposited in a locker before entering the temple.

The pagoda-roofed temple holds a unique five-mukhi Shiv ling. The four faces look towards the four cardinal directions while the fifth one looks towards the sky. The Pashupatinath Temple complex is quite large, and apart from the principal shrine, the complex holds other shrines dedicated to other deities.

The temple of Guheswari, one of the holy shaktipeeths, is also located inside the Pashupatinath Temple Complex. One has to walk for about 15 minutes from the main shrine to get to the Guheswari Temple. The way goes across the Bagmati River and ascends a flight of stairs with monkeys scampering around. Be careful of the monkeys as they snatch stuff from people walking this path. On the side of the staircase are small shrines built in memory of past queens who performed 'Sati.'.

A quick descent down the staircase will lead you to the temple of Gusheswari Maa. Seek blessings from Guheshwari or Sati Mata for your journey. Later in the evening, you will witness the grand sandhya aarti on the banks of the Bagmati River. Arya Ghat, the Hindu cremation site, lies below the Pashupatinath temple on the banks of the river Bagmati.

After witnessing the aarti, you will return to your hotel and take a rest.

Overnight in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi Kathmandu or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast

(Activities: Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Budhanilkantha Temple)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will begin your sightseeing tour. Today you will visit four important cultural landmarks of the city—the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa and Budhanilkantha Temple.

The Kathmandu Durbar Square was the royal seat of the Malla Kings who ruled over Kathmandu or Kantipur. In the medieval period, Kathmandu Valley was divided into three kingdoms—Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan. These kingdoms were all ruled by kings of the Malla dynasty.

The Kathmandu Durbar Square lies in the center of the city. It is a wide palazzo filled with temples and palaces. Most of the structures inside the Durbar Square were destroyed during the 2015 earthquake. However, the buildings have since been rebuilt and restored. The attractions inside the Kathmandu Durbar Square are the Kumari Ghar, or the House of the Living Goddess; Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum; Nasal Chowk; Gaddi Baithak; Kashtamandap; Gorakhnath Baba Temple; Taleju Temple; the open shrine of Bhairavnath; the mask of Swet Bhairav; etc.

Later you will head south and visit another royal square, the Patan Durbar Square. Dotted with beautiful stone temples and pagoda-roofed palaces, the Patan Durbar Square used to be the royal seat of Patan's Malla rulers. Patan is also known as Lalitpur, the City of Artisans. The wood, metal, and stone artwork decorating the Durbar square are some of the finest in the valley.

Attractions inside the Patan Durbar Square include the carved stone temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, the Patan Palace Museum, the Golden Temple or Kwa Bahal, Chyasin dewal, etc. The emperor Ashoka is said to have visited this ancient city and built four stupas to commemorate his visit. One of the stupas (at Pulchowk) lies on the way to the Patan Durbar square.

After exploring Patan Durbar Square, you will visit another famous landmark, the Boudhanath Stupa. The biggest stupa in Nepal, the Boudhanath Stupa, is an impressive white dome topped with a golden tower painted with the eyes of Lord Buddha looking in the four directions. It is believed that when you first get a glimpse of the stupa, you should make a wish. The wish that you make will certainly be fulfilled.

The Boudhanath Stupa dates back to 600 AD and is an important pilgrimage site for followers of Tibetan Buddhism. It is believed that the remains of the Kasyapa Buddha (a past Buddha) are buried beneath the stupa. Surrounded by a monastery, art galleries, souvenir shops, and cafes, Boudhanath is an interesting site. A large Tibetan settlement lies close to the stupa.

Afterwards, you will drive towards the northern end of the city and pay homage to Lord Vishnu at the Budhanilkantha Temple. Also known as Narayanthan, the temple houses an ancient and massive stone sculpture of Lord Vishnu sleeping in the middle of the pond surrounded by the holy serpent Vasuki.

Later you will return to the hotel and take a much-deserved rest. Do your final packing as you will be leaving for the Tibetan border early in the morning.

Overnight in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi Kathmandu or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast

Your day will start early with breakfast at your hotel. Later, board the bus or jeep and drive towards Rasuwagaddi, the Nepalese side of the Nepal-Tibet border. The drive is scenic and takes you past a lush landscape filled with green hills and farms. For the most part, the road meanders alongside the Trishuli River, a Himalayan River that flows from the high mountains of Tibet.

As you enter the Langtang Region, you will ride on a high mountain road from where you can enjoy glorious views of deep canyons and waterfalls. The region is home to the Langtang National Park and many popular Himalayan treks.

At Dhunche, a picturesque Tamang village, you will stop for lunch. Later you will drive along a serpentine route and descend down to the riverside again. After a bumpy ride, you will reach the last Nepalese settlement on the Nepal-Tibet border, Timure. Here you will end your journey and stay overnight at a guesthouse.

Overnight in Timure
Accommodation: Guest House
Included Meals: Breakfast

Today you will exit Nepal and proceed towards the Tibetan border town of Kerung. Your Nepali guide and driver will drop you at the Friendship Bridge, and you will cross over to the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Once the immigration process is complete, you will meet your Tibetan guide and driver, who will guide your team on your sacred journey to Mount Kailash.

You will board a vehicle and make your way towards Kerung. Compared to the rough road on the Nepalese side of the border, the road on the Chinese side is very smooth and well-maintained. After driving for about four hours, you will reach the town of Kerung. The town has wide, spacious roads and modern buildings.

There are many hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and shops lining the streets. You will stay at one of the hotels with modern and comfortable rooms. You can also ask your guide to help you buy a Chinese SIM at one of the shops. Google and other Western apps don't work in China as the country has its own search engines and apps. You can download Chinese apps if you want to use the internet.

There are many Nepalese restaurants where vegetarian food is available, and you can have your meals at one of these restaurants.

Overnight in Kerung
Accommodation: Guest House
Included Meals: Breakfast

Since you will be heading directly to 4640 meters, it's important to get adapted to the thin air. Much of Tibet lies at a high altitude, and when one enters Tibet from a low elevation, chances are one may find it difficult to adjust to the low level of oxygen. If you do not acclimatize properly, you will suffer from altitude sickness, symptoms of which include breathlessness, headache, nausea, heart palpitations, loss of appetite, etc. Therefore, an extra day in Kerung has been included in your itinerary for acclimatization.

For acclimatization, you can walk to the outskirts of the town and hike to a sacred Buddhist gompa and the meditation cave of Milarepa. You can also explore the Pakba Monastery, a pagoda-roofed Nepali-style temple, believed to have been built by Tibetan emperor Songsten Gampo one thousand years ago.

Overnight in Kerung
Accommodation: Kyirong Pilgrim Inn or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast

Today you will experience an elevation hike of more than 1500 meters as you make your way towards Saga, another important town on the Kailash route. You will start your day early in the morning with breakfast at your hotel. Later get on the vehicle and start your journey.

The road weaves past a beautiful mountain road covered in lush pine forest. Waterfalls and streams flow close to the roadside. As you gain altitude, the lush vegetation disappears, and brown and arid dry hills cover the landscape. If you make this trip during summer, you will find the fields covered with yellow buckwheat flowers.

After crossing a long tunnel, you will come across a beautiful lake called Pelku Lake. Here you can stop and take pictures while enjoying the mesmerizing view. Later, continue your journey to Saga. The green landscape disappears altogether as you approach Saga. You will finally reach the town after crossing a bridge.

The town of Saga is part of Shigatse prefecture and is a busy and vibrant town. The streets are lined with modern buildings, hotels, guesthouses, shops, and restaurants. You will spend the night at a lodge with modern amenities. On reaching the town, you can check into your hotel, have some food, and take a short acclimatization walk around the town.

Overnight in Saga.
Accommodation: Saga Norther Holiday or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a special day as you will be visiting the holy Mansarovar Lake. Enjoy breathtaking views on the way. You will be driving past a high-altitude desert. En route, you will stop to view the mighty Yarlung Tsangpo, the source of the river Brahmaputra, flowing beside the high-altitude desert. You will also cross the high mountain pass of Meiyum La, standing at an elevation of 5211 meters above sea level.

The majestic Himalayan mountains (Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Shisapangma, etc.) can be seen on the horizon rising majestically. Beyond the mountains lies Nepal. You will have a picnic lunch en route.

After reaching Lake Mansarovar, you will take some time to meditate by the shore of the lake. The sacred Mansarovar is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma in his mind, as per Hindu belief. This lake is also a sacred pilgrimage site for followers of Jainism, Buddhism, and Bon religion. You can view the south face of Mount Kailash from Mansarovar lake.

While one can use the lake's water to purify oneself, bathing or swimming in the lake is prohibited.

You will stay overnight at a guesthouse with a dormitory.

Overnight in Lake Mansarovar
Accommodation: Dormitory
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up early in the morning and get ready for puja and havan. The havan will be performed close to the lake. After performing puja, you can have breakfast.

If you wish, you can hike up to Chiu Gompa, an ancient Buddhist monastery located on top of a small hill overlooking the lake. Buddhists believe that Guru Padmasambhava, known as the Second Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism, meditated at this very spot. He is said to have spent the last seven days of his life meditating at Chiu Gompa. Enchanting views of Lake Mansarovar and Mount Gurla Mandata can be enjoyed from the gompa.

On the way, you will see the river Ganga Chu, which flows down to Lake Mansarovar and forms the river Sutlej. Mount Kailash is the source of four great rivers in the Indian subcontinent—the Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Indus, and Karnali.

Later you will have your breakfast and start your journey towards Darchen, the base for the Kailash trek. On the way, you will cross the Rakshas Tal. While Mansarovar is a calm and clear freshwater lake and is home to several fishes and migratory birds, the Rakshas Tal is just the opposite. The water of Rakshas Tal is salty and brackish, and no living beings are found in the lake. The lake looks turbulent with waves forming every now and then.

Darchen is a small settlement that lies at the foot of Mount Kailash. On reaching Darchen, you will check into a modern hotel with comfortable rooms. The south face of Mount Kailash and the massive white pyramid of Mount Gurla Mandata can be viewed from Darchen.

Overnight in Darchen
Accommodation: Darchen Castle Hotel or Himalaya Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kailash Parikrama Day 1

Today is the first day of Kailash Parikrama or kora. You will start your day early in the morning and pack the things you will need for the hike. After breakfast, you will board the vehicle, which will drop you at Yam Dwar, the starting point of the Kailash Parikrama.

As per Hindu mythology, the Pandavas walked through Yam Dwar (the god of death's gateway) while making their way to heaven. Yamaraj, the Hindu god of death, guards the entrance to Kailash Parvat, the holy abode of Lord Shiva.

According to popular belief, one has to make either one, three, or seven parikramas of the gateway before crossing the Yam Dwar. After crossing the Yam Dwar, one should not look back. Looking back will lead to unfortunate events as per Hindu belief.

The trail is even and easy to walk on. On the way, you will get to enjoy the west face of Mount Kailas. After walking for about 7 to 8 kilometers, you will stop for lunch. There are small teahouses en route where you can stop for tea and refreshments. From the trail, you will get to view the west face of Mount Kailash up close. Just below the summit are the Nandi and Arawat peaks.

The rock formations look like the shape of the bull Nandi and the celestial elephant Arawat. On the wall of the summit, one can see the face of the Buddhist saint Milarepa. Hindus say it is the face of Lord Hanuman.

The landscape is pristine and beautiful. You can see wild animals like the blue sheep, horses, and yaks grazing in the wide open valley. After covering a long distance of 15 kilometers, you will finally reach Dirapuk, the stop for tonight. Before reaching Dirapuk, you will need to climb a small hill. You will spend the night at a dormitory with other devotees. The dormitory has four or five beds. From Dirapuk you get a splendid view of the north face of Mount Kailash.

Overnight in Dirapuk
Accommodation: Dormitory
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kailash Parikrama Day 2

Today's trek is going to be the longest and hardest of your Kailash parikrama. There will be several crossings over mountain passes, including the highest mountain pass of your journey, the Dolma La pass at an altitude of 5630 meters.

You will start early in the morning and cross the river. The route climbs up close to the Dirapuk Monastery and leads you to the first mountain pass of your journey. Walking past beautiful scenery of pristine streams, snow-clad mountains, and grassy meadows (if you do this trek in summer), you will cross two more passes. On the way, you can see the eastern face of Mount Kailash. 

The route to Dolma La pass takes you on a gentle incline. Soon the trail becomes steeper and filled with rocks as you reach higher. Be careful where your step; there are sharp rocks on the ground. The Dolma La is a sacred mountain pass, and it is decorated with hundreds of colorful prayer flags. En route, you will see some locals doing the kora in the anti-clockwise direction. While the Kailash parikrama, or circumambulation, is done in a clockwise direction by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, followers of the Bon religion do it in the anti-clockwise direction.

Once you reach the top of the pass, take some time to pray and offer your gratitude to the gods. Enjoy the view and take pictures before heading down to Zuthulphuk. While descending, you will come across the turquoise Gauri Kund, the holy lake of compassion and bliss. It is a steep descent from the pass. Once you reach the base of the Dolma La pass, you can head to a teahouse and have lunch.

From here you will have to cover a distance of about 15 more kilometers to reach your destination. Keep your pace slow but steady. The trail is gentle and flat, and you can enjoy the stunning landscape while walking to your destination. After an easy walk, you will finally reach the guesthouse at Zuthulphuk, where you stay overnight.

Overnight in Zuthulphuk
Accommodation: Twin room or dormitory
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kailash Parikrama Day 3

The last day of your Kailash parikrama or kora is short and easy. The hike takes you down a gentle descent along the side of a hill, up above a beautiful river canyon. During the hike, you can enjoy the view of the mountains and pastures. Within a couple of hours, you will reach Zongdui, where your parikrama or kora officially ends. Congratulations on completing this once-in-a-lifetime spiritual walk around Mount Kailash! It is believed that you begin a new life after walking around Kailash parvat. So, with renewed spirit and energy, you can now make your return journey.  

From Zongdui you will board the vehicle and drive towards Darchen. Leaving Darchen, you will proceed towards Saga. It is a long ride filled with scenic views of snow-capped Himalayan mountains and mountain lakes. Once you reach Saga, check into a hotel and take a well-deserved rest. 

Overnight in Saga
Accommodation: Saga Norther Holiday or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will leave Tibet and enter Nepal. The drive is filled with scenic views of lush green forests and verdant hillsides. After spending time in the cold desert landscape, the lush greenery looks refreshing. Your Tibetan guide and driver will drop you off at the immigration office at the border. Express your gratitude for their support and bid goodbye to them. After exiting Tibet, you will cross the Friendship Bridge and re-enter Nepal. Our Nepali guide and driver will be there to pick you up at the border. After your visa is checked, you will be driven to Kathmandu. 

Overnight in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi Kathmandu or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast

This is an extra day reserved for emergencies like delays caused by bad weather, roadblocks, etc. If everything goes as planned you can use this day to explore Kathmandu by yourself or rest at your hotel. 

Overnight in Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi Kathmandu or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast

Your sacred journey to the abode of Lord Shiva is finally over and now it’s time to head home. Our driver will drop you off at the airport well on time to catch your scheduled flight. If you wish to extend your trip and explore more places in Nepal or Tibet, please do let us know. Our travel consultant will offer you the best options.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the permits needed for the Kailash Manasarovar Tour?

Ans. You need to have a Tibet Travel Permit and a Chinese Group Visa for this Kailash Tour. Both the permits will be arranged by the company. To get these permits, you need to have a valid passport with at least six months of validity at the time of entering and exiting the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. You will also need a visa for Nepal while entering Nepal. You can either get a visa on arrival or obtain it beforehand from the Nepalese embassy or consulate in your country.

A visa is not required for Indian citizens to enter Nepal.

Q2. When is the best time to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar tour?

Ans. The yatra is best enjoyed between May and September. The weather is milder during these months, with warm and sunny days and cold nights. Since most places in western Tibet lie above 4000 meters, the temperatures may drop drastically at night even if it’s sunny and warm during the daytime. During June, July and August, the Kailash trail remains crowded with both local and foreign pilgrims flocking to the base of the mountain for the kora. One should note that the Tibetan plateau lies in the rain shadow and does not experience any monsoon rains. There is no rainy season in Tibet, so one can easily travel to Tibet during the monsoon season. Travel during winter should be avoided as it gets extremely cold and most of the trail gets covered with snow.

Q3. How is the condition of the road?

Ans. On the Nepal side, before reaching the Nepal-Tibet border, the road is a rough dirt jeep track. You can expect a bumpy ride on the rough patches. After entering Tibet, the road will be smooth and well-maintained. You can expect a comfortable drive on an asphalt highway all the way to Dirapuk, the last main before the Kailash parikrama.

Q4. What is the altitude of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar?

Ans. The summit of Mount Kailash lies at an elevation of 6,638 meters (21,778 feet), while Lake Mansarovar sits at 4,590 meters (15,060 feet). The high altitude requires careful acclimatization.

Q5. Is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra physically demanding?

Ans. Yes, it is physically demanding due to the high altitude, cold temperatures, and challenging terrain. The parikrama (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash is particularly tough, with altitudes over 5,600 meters (18,372 feet).

Q6. How long does the Kailash Mansarovar Tour take?

Ans. The entire journey takes 15 days, including a 3-day hike or parikrama around Mount Kailash.

Q7. Can I touch Mount Kailash or do the ‘charan sparsh’?

Ans. Charan sparsh is not included in this itinerary. You need an extra day at Dirapuk to hike to the foot of Mount Kailash and do the charan sparsh or touch the base of the holy mountain. Since this Kailash Mansarovar Tour itinerary does not include a hike to the base of the mountain, you can request an extra day in Dirapuk before booking this tour. Please be informed that adding an extra day to your itinerary will lead to an increase in the package cost. The hike for the charan sparsh at the base of Mount Kailash’s north face starts from the guesthouse at Dirapuk and follows an upward trail.

It is not an easy hike as the ascent takes you to an elevation of 5600 meters. With almost fifty percent oxygen in the atmosphere, it gets difficult to breathe and walk. There are stream crossings and loose rocks en route. However, if you are determined and strong, you can do it. The trail leads you to the glacier and base of the north face of Mount Kailash. You can touch the mountain once you reach the foot of the mountain. The path is a bit dangerous, as you will have to walk across the icy glacier to reach the base of Mount Kailash.

Q8. What are the measures taken by the company for the safety of the clients during the Kailash Tour?

Ans. For acclimatization, an extra day in Kerung has been added. Oxygen canisters or supplementary oxygen cans will be available inside the vehicle while driving across Tibet. The clients will also be provided with individual canisters while doing the parikrama around Kailash Parvat. While there will be a first aid kit in the vehicle, clients are requested to carry their own stash of important medicines like Diamox (for altitude sickness), diarrhea medicine, paracetamol, antibiotic tablets, cough and cold medicine, throat lozenges, pain-relieving balm or spray, band-aid, etc.

Q9. What kind of fitness level is required for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Ans. Pilgrims should be in good physical health and undergo medical tests to ensure they can handle high altitudes and strenuous trekking. Cardiovascular and respiratory fitness is important. One should be able to walk long distances and cross high mountain passes. We recommend you train yourself physically by including exercises (hiking, brisk walking, jogging, swimming, etc) and yoga in your daily routine at least three months before your tour.

Q10. Is the internet available during the tour?

Ans. In Kathmandu, wi-fi hotspots are available at hotels and restaurants. You can also purchase a local sim at the airport (or any of the shops close to your hotel) with internet data. In the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, internet will be available but none of the western apps or search engines (Google, Bing, WhatsApp, etc.) will work. China has its own internet firewall and search engines.

It will be helpful if you can download and install Chinese apps like WeChat, Alipay, etc, before you head to Tibet. You can purchase a Chinese sim in Kerung and use it. Since you will be traveling across a remote and isolated region in Tibet, the internet connection will be sketchy and not that good. In most places there won’t be any internet connection.

Q11. Who will guide the group in Tibet?

Ans. An English-speaking Tibetan guide will be there to guide you once you enter Tibet. He will greet you once you exit Nepal and enter Tibet and will be with you throughout your journey in Tibet.

Q12. What should I pack for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Ans. Essential items include:

• Documents needed for the trip (passport, permits, etc.)
• Warm clothing (layers, jackets, thermals)
• Waterproof and windproof gear
• Trekking shoes, sandals, or crocs
• Trekking poles
• Appropriate clothes for havan or puja and puja offerings
• First-aid kit and altitude sickness medication
• Water bottle and water purification tablets
• Energy bars and snacks

We will send you a more detailed list once you book this tour.

Q13. What kind of wildlife will you see during the tour?

Ans. You can see a lot of wild yaks, horses, Himalayan blue sheep, Himalayan marmots, and Tibetan wild asses. At Lake Mansarovar, you will come across a wide variety of bird life like the red duck, mountain geese, brown-headed gulls, ruddy shelduck, etc.

Q14. Which Himalayan mountains are visible during the Kailash tour?

Ans. During your Kailash Mansarovar journey, you can enjoy views of Mount Everest(8848m), Cho Oyu(8188m), Makalu(8485m), and Shisapangpma(8027m). These are some of the highest mountains in the world. However, if the weather is cloudy, you may not be able to enjoy the views. While trekking, you will be able to enjoy close up views of Mount Kailash(6638m), and Mount Gurla Mandata (7728m).

Q15. What type of accommodation can I expect during the trip?

Ans. In Kathmandu, you will stay at a 3-star hotel. In Tibet, you can expect accommodation with modern amenities at Kerung, Saga, and Darchen. However, at Lake Mansarovar and other places during the parikrama or kora, you will be accommodated at guesthouses with dormitories. You will have to share the room with other travelers. Rooms are on a sharing basis (1 room has two beds for 2 people). If you are traveling alone, you will have to share the room with a group member. If you are solo and want a single room, an additional charge may be applicable. During the parikrama, single rooms will not be available.

Q16. What type of vehicle will be used during the Tibet tour?

Ans. All transfers will be done by clean and well-maintained private vehicles. Depending on your group size, you will travel either by 4WD land cruiser/SUV, coaster or bus.

Q17. Do I need to have travel insurance?

Ans. Yes, travel insurance is necessary since this tour takes you to elevations above 5000 meters where you will likely face extreme weather conditions and altitude sickness. While all safety precautions are taken, it's better to be prepared for any emergency by having good insurance coverage before the start of the journey. Please make sure to buy an insurance policy that offers coverage in Tibet and high-altitude rescue operations.

Q18. Do I have to tip the support staff?

Ans. Yes, you should show your appreciation by tipping your guide and driver. They will be there to make your journey smooth and help you in case of any difficulty you may face.