EXPEDITION TO TIBET
Sacred Mount Kailas • Lake Manasarovar • Temples and Monasteries Along the Outer Kora • The Cultural Treasures of the Kathmandu Valley
Sacred Mount Kailas • Lake Manasarovar • Temples and Monasteries Along the Outer Kora • The Cultural Treasures of the Kathmandu Valley
Mount Kailas — The Snow Jewel of Tibet
Mount Kailas (Tibetan: Ti-se) is known as the "Snow Jewel." Mysterious, awe-inspiring, and beyond ordinary understanding, it has captivated explorers, pilgrims, and seekers for centuries.
Nearly one billion followers of four major religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bön—revere Mount Kailas as the Axis of the World, the spiritual center of the Earth, and the dwelling place of the divine.
Its extraordinary appearance is one of its greatest mysteries. Kailas rises as an almost perfectly symmetrical four-sided pyramid, with its faces aligned to the four cardinal directions. Its rounded summit is crowned by eternal snow, resembling a giant crystal.
Ancient sacred texts describe Mount Kailas as standing at the center of an eight-petaled lotus. Remarkably, eight surrounding mountain formations radiate from the mountain, creating the Eight Sacred Valleys.
A Once-in-Sixty-Year Pilgrimage.
The 2026 Pilgrimage Around Mount Kailas, during the Year of the Fire Horse, is an exceptionally rare spiritual event that occurs only once every 60 years.
According to ancient tradition, this is the year when the sacred mountain fully reveals its spiritual power, and the merit gained from completing the Outer Kora is believed to be multiplied 100,000 times.
It is said that making a single circumambulation during the Fire Horse Year brings spiritual merit equivalent to completing thirteen traditional pilgrimages, making this one of the most auspicious times in a lifetime to journey to Mount Kailas.
Nearly one billion followers of four major religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bön—revere Mount Kailas as the Axis of the World, the spiritual center of the Earth, and the dwelling place of the divine.
Its extraordinary appearance is one of its greatest mysteries. Kailas rises as an almost perfectly symmetrical four-sided pyramid, with its faces aligned to the four cardinal directions. Its rounded summit is crowned by eternal snow, resembling a giant crystal.
Ancient sacred texts describe Mount Kailas as standing at the center of an eight-petaled lotus. Remarkably, eight surrounding mountain formations radiate from the mountain, creating the Eight Sacred Valleys.
A Once-in-Sixty-Year Pilgrimage.
The 2026 Pilgrimage Around Mount Kailas, during the Year of the Fire Horse, is an exceptionally rare spiritual event that occurs only once every 60 years.
According to ancient tradition, this is the year when the sacred mountain fully reveals its spiritual power, and the merit gained from completing the Outer Kora is believed to be multiplied 100,000 times.
It is said that making a single circumambulation during the Fire Horse Year brings spiritual merit equivalent to completing thirteen traditional pilgrimages, making this one of the most auspicious times in a lifetime to journey to Mount Kailas.
WHAT AWAITS YOU
- The entire journey lasts 15 days.
- The route begins in Kathmandu, from where we will travel to Mount Kailas by comfortable transport, and concludes in Kathmandu.
- The main spiritual stage—the Kora around Mount Kailas—will be completed entirely on foot along the traditional route of approximately 52 km.
- Throughout the journey, accommodation will be provided in comfortable hotels, allowing you to combine a profound spiritual experience with comfort and proper rest.
- The entire route takes place at an altitude of 5,000–5,630 m.
- The circumambulation of Mount Kailas covers a 52 km trekking route.
- The highest point of the journey is Dolma La Pass (5,630 m).
- The summit of Mount Kailas rises to 6,638 m.
Throughout the expedition, breathing practices based on the proprietary Yoga Sadhana teaching method will be conducted to help support the body while at high altitude.
The Journey Is Led By
-
Alexey Kovalev
Founder of the Bodhilife project.
A practitioner with over 20 years of experience studying the traditional systems of yoga, meditation, and the teachings of Tantric Buddhism.
A professional guide and explorer who has been traveling through the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas since 2008, organizing expeditions to remote places of spiritual significance.
He leads groups along sacred pilgrimage routes, sharing profound knowledge, personal experience, and a deep understanding of the Himalayan spiritual traditions.
ROUTE OVERVIEW
The organizers reserve the right to adjust the itinerary depending on weather conditions, trail conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances, based on considerations of participants' safety and comfort.
All photographs on this website are original copyrighted works. Please use them only with prior permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can obtain a visa on arrival at Kathmandu International Airport.
The cost of a tourist visa depends on the length of your stay. According to the latest official rates:
• 15 days (multiple entry)** — USD 30
• 30 days (multiple entry)** — USD 50
• 90 days (multiple entry)** — USD 125
It is also possible to extend your tourist visa while staying in Kathmandu.
The cost of a tourist visa depends on the length of your stay. According to the latest official rates:
• 15 days (multiple entry)** — USD 30
• 30 days (multiple entry)** — USD 50
• 90 days (multiple entry)** — USD 125
It is also possible to extend your tourist visa while staying in Kathmandu.
Please note:
For travelers holding European or Russian passports, a separate Tibet Travel Permit is not required. However, if your tour begins in Nepal, you must enter Nepal using the same passport that will be used for the Tibet/Kailash journey.
Citizens of other countries should first check whether they require a Chinese visa to visit Tibet. If a visa is required, there are two options:
For travelers holding European or Russian passports, a separate Tibet Travel Permit is not required. However, if your tour begins in Nepal, you must enter Nepal using the same passport that will be used for the Tibet/Kailash journey.
Citizens of other countries should first check whether they require a Chinese visa to visit Tibet. If a visa is required, there are two options:
- Apply for it independently at any Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.
- If your tour starts in Nepal, arrive in Kathmandu a few days in advance and obtain a Chinese group visa there.
Travel medical insurance is not mandatory for the Kailash tour. However, we strongly recommend purchasing a policy in advance from any insurance provider of your choice.
Having travel insurance provides additional protection and peace of mind throughout your journey, especially when traveling in remote, high-altitude regions.
Having travel insurance provides additional protection and peace of mind throughout your journey, especially when traveling in remote, high-altitude regions.
You may bring up to USD 5,000 in cash, or the equivalent amount in another currency, into Nepal.
In Nepal, Visa, MasterCard, and UnionPay cards are accepted, with Visa being the most widely used.
Please note that cards issued by Russian banks do not work in Nepal.
UnionPay cards are accepted only if their card number begins with 62.
A payment processing fee of approximately 2–2.5% may apply to card purchases. ATM cash withdrawals typically incur a fee of around USD 5 per transaction.
Please note that cards issued by Russian banks do not work in Nepal.
UnionPay cards are accepted only if their card number begins with 62.
A payment processing fee of approximately 2–2.5% may apply to card purchases. ATM cash withdrawals typically incur a fee of around USD 5 per transaction.
Bring comfortable casual clothing for sightseeing and comfortable sportswear for practices and activities.
For the Kailash pilgrimage, you will also need specialized expedition gear suitable for high-altitude conditions.
Please contact us, and we will send you a complete packing list of the required clothing and equipment. If you don't have the necessary gear, you can purchase it in Kathmandu at reasonable prices with the assistance of our experienced guides.
For the Kailash pilgrimage, you will also need specialized expedition gear suitable for high-altitude conditions.
Please contact us, and we will send you a complete packing list of the required clothing and equipment. If you don't have the necessary gear, you can purchase it in Kathmandu at reasonable prices with the assistance of our experienced guides.
This is a challenging expedition that requires a good level of physical and mental preparation. However, with the right approach and by carefully following the guidance and instructions provided by our experienced guides, 99% of participants successfully complete the Kora.
If, at any point during the circuit, a participant feels unable to continue, they can safely return to the camp accompanied by one of our guides. Your safety and well-being are always our top priority.
If, at any point during the circuit, a participant feels unable to continue, they can safely return to the camp accompanied by one of our guides. Your safety and well-being are always our top priority.
To support the body during the Kailash expedition, we use a selection of well-established medications when appropriate, including:
Throughout the expedition, we also teach participants proper breathing techniques and specific physical exercises that help the body adapt naturally to high altitude. This is the most effective and natural approach to acclimatization.
If a participant experiences any health issues during the journey, our guides always carry essential medications to provide appropriate support when needed.
- Acetazolamide to help with altitude acclimatization
- Sinupret to help prevent common respiratory illnesses
- Sanjeevani to support the immune system
- Paracetamol and Ibuprofen for pain relief and fever reduction when needed
Throughout the expedition, we also teach participants proper breathing techniques and specific physical exercises that help the body adapt naturally to high altitude. This is the most effective and natural approach to acclimatization.
If a participant experiences any health issues during the journey, our guides always carry essential medications to provide appropriate support when needed.
Throughout the expedition (except during the Kora—the circuit around Mount Kailash), we stay in comfortable hotels with twin rooms and all standard amenities.
During the Kora, there are two nights in more basic accommodation, with shared rooms for 3–5 people and no shower facilities.
If you prefer private accommodation, this can be arranged in advance. In that case, you would need to reserve and pay for all the beds in the room.
During the Kora, there are two nights in more basic accommodation, with shared rooms for 3–5 people and no shower facilities.
If you prefer private accommodation, this can be arranged in advance. In that case, you would need to reserve and pay for all the beds in the room.
There are two options:
- If horses are available, you can rent one on-site to assist with the ascent (please note that availability cannot be guaranteed).
- If you decide not to continue, you can safely return to the hotel accompanied by one of our guides and wait there for the rest of the group.
The Kailash Kora (the sacred circuit around Mount Kailash) is considered one of the most significant spiritual pilgrimages. At the same time, it is a physically demanding high-altitude trek. The route reaches elevations of over 5,600 meters (18,370 ft) above sea level, with significant temperature fluctuations and limited comfort, making it challenging even for healthy individuals.
Medical Contraindications
The pilgrimage is not recommended for individuals with:
The following factors may significantly increase the difficulty and risk of completing the Kora:
Medical Contraindications
The pilgrimage is not recommended for individuals with:
- Cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, uncontrolled hypertension, or a history of heart attack or stroke.
- Chronic lung diseases, such as bronchial asthma, COPD, or severe long-term complications following pneumonia.
- Blood disorders affecting normal clotting.
- Serious musculoskeletal conditions, including severe arthritis, joint disorders, or significant spine injuries.
- Neurological or psychiatric conditions that may worsen under physical or environmental stress.
- Poorly controlled diabetes.
- Cancer during active treatment or rehabilitation.
- Severe kidney or liver disease.
- Pregnancy.
The following factors may significantly increase the difficulty and risk of completing the Kora:
- A history of altitude sickness, including severe hypoxia, high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), or high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
- Advanced age combined with insufficient physical conditioning.
- Poor physical fitness, as the Kora covers approximately 52 km (32 miles) and includes crossing the Dolma La Pass (5,630 m / 18,471 ft).
- Inadequate acclimatization, especially when traveling directly from Lhasa or Kathmandu without allowing sufficient time to adapt to the altitude.
In September and begining of October, after the end of the monsoon season, the Mount Kailash region enjoys more stable and favorable weather conditions.
Daytime temperatures typically range from 8°C to 15°C (46–59°F) and can occasionally reach 18–20°C (64–68°F) on warm, sunny days.
Rain and snowfall become uncommon, as the monsoon has largely ended. The air is dry, the skies are often clear, and visibility is excellent, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Wind remains a significant factor, especially on mountain passes and exposed sections of the trail. Strong gusts can make it feel much colder, particularly in the evenings and overnight.
Daytime temperatures typically range from 8°C to 15°C (46–59°F) and can occasionally reach 18–20°C (64–68°F) on warm, sunny days.
Rain and snowfall become uncommon, as the monsoon has largely ended. The air is dry, the skies are often clear, and visibility is excellent, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Wind remains a significant factor, especially on mountain passes and exposed sections of the trail. Strong gusts can make it feel much colder, particularly in the evenings and overnight.
- Seasonal HighlightsMountain passes and alpine areas can remain quite cool even during the day, especially in cloudy or windy conditions.
- Solar radiation is still very strong at high altitude, so reliable sun protection is essential, including sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Daily temperature variations are considerable: mornings and evenings are cold, while sunny afternoons are often pleasantly warm.
- The landscape is especially beautiful after the monsoon season, with crystal-clear skies and stunning views of the Himalayan peaks.
Participation Fee
4100$
A deposit of 500$ required to secure your place on the tour. The remaining balance is payable upon arrival in cash (USD).
A deposit of 500$ required to secure your place on the tour. The remaining balance is payable upon arrival in cash (USD).
What's Included in the Price
The tour price includes:
- Kailash travel permit
- Accommodation in twin rooms throughout the trip, except during the Kailash Kora (the circuit around Mount Kailash)
- All sightseeing tours, transportation, and entrance fees to monasteries and museums
- Breakfasts at the hotels
- An English-speaking guide and support staff
- The complete tour program, including practices, guided activities, and all required permits
What's Not Included:
- International flights to the group meeting point
- Nepal visa
- Personal expenses
- Meals other than hotel breakfasts
- Travel insurance
- Clothing and personal equipment
- Horse rental at the mountain pass, if required
- Emergency transportation to a medical facility, if needed
- Unplanned transportation expenses
- Pujas, donations, and gratuities for drivers, porters, the Tibetan guide, and other local staff
Registration Deadline & Deposit
Important: As the documents required to obtain the Kailash travel permit must be submitted 35 days before the tour begins, registration for the group closes on August 8, 2026.
To reserve your place, a USD 500 deposit is required 60 days before the start of the journey. This deposit is used to secure hotel accommodations and private jeep transportation.
- Cancellation PolicyCancellation between 60 and 30 days before the tour start date: 50% of the deposit will be refunded.
- Cancellation less than 30 days before the tour start date: the deposit is non-refundable.
Contact Information
For any questions or additional information about the tour and participation, please contact us:
WhatsApp / Telegram:
+7-985-298-0415
Alex