Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Tibet
Ever considered trekking where the world's highest peaks meet profound spiritual traditions? Tibet means serious altitude, with Lhasa sitting at 3,650 meters before hiking even starts. Mount Kailash circuit is the major pilgrimage trek, or routes around Everest Base Camp from Tibet's side. You pass monasteries like Rongbuk, cross passes decorated with prayer flags, and traverse landscapes that appear almost lunar. The spiritual weight is intense.
10 best hiking & trekking Tibet tours
Compiled by
MelissaTibet travel expert at TourRadar
- 15 Days Mt.everest & Mt Kailash Kora Pilgrimage Group Tour
- Forbidden Lhasa and Everest Base Camp
- 13 Days Tibet Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour with Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarova
- Explore Lhasa Tour - The Best Of Tibet - 5 Days
- 8 Days -Tibet Tours with EBC - Fly In Drive Out
- Tibet: Kailash – Snow Jewel on the Roof of the World
- SacredPath to Tibet
- 19 Days - Tibet Expedition with Mt. Kailash Pilgrim
- Kailash Mansarovar via Lhasa | 18 Days
- Tibet: Hiking & Culture
15 Days Mt.everest & Mt Kailash Kora Pilgrimage Group Tour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We are very pleased with our Tibet tour, and will contact Great Tibet Tour for my next China tour in 2022.”
BeataAA, traveled in September
The sacred 52km Kailash Kora awaits, with an ascent to 5630m at Dromala Pass. The path leads from Sarshung valley to Drirapuk Monastery, through Zutulpuk's meditation caves, and along Lake Manasarovar's shores. Time for adjustment includes visits to Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple.
Duration 15 days Destinations Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Xegar, Everest Base Camp, Saga County, Mount Kailash, Burang, Lhatse, Sa'gya County Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 1390 mi Operator Great Tibet Tour From
- US$2,163
Forbidden Lhasa and Everest Base Camp
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was the trip of a lifetime, you indeed feel you are at the top on the world in these beautiful mountain valleys surrounded by unforgettable peaks.”
Anne, traveled in September
Ancient Lhasa temples mark the start of spiritual paths leading to remote Rongbuk Monastery at 5,150m. Three major passes over 5,000m connect Yamdrok Lake and Tashilhunpo Monastery en route to Everest Base Camp's panoramic mountain views.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kathmandu, Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Everest Base Camp Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 778 mi Operator Adventure Himalayan Travels From
- US$2,175
13 Days Tibet Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour with Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarova
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The ground team of Tibetans was excellent. Tenzin was always there to help: be that with the local herbal remedies for altitude (really helped me!).”
Polina, traveled in October
Spiritual landmarks stretch from Lhasa to Kathmandu over 13 days. The sacred 38km Kailash Kora reaches 5630m, connecting ancient Nyimatang Monastery in Dadong Village and Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse. Oxygen support and altitude sickness insurance included.
Duration 13 days Destinations Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Everest Base Camp, Mount Kailash, Kathmandu Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 1036 mi Operator Tibet Vista From
- US$2,069
Explore Lhasa Tour - The Best Of Tibet - 5 Days
“The operator is very good to me to explain everything on me because my english is very not good to understand.”
Opopopopo, traveled in November
Sacred paths stretch from Lhasa (3,650m) to Ganden Monastery (4,300m). Over 30 meditation caves await at Drayerpa along ancient pilgrimage routes. This easy-rated 5-day program balances acclimatization with comfortable accommodation between treks.
Duration 5 days Destinations Lhasa Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Operator Alpine Club of Himalaya From
- US$1,499
8 Days -Tibet Tours with EBC - Fly In Drive Out
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“I recommend this tour for everyone who want to go tibet and also see everest. Serene Himalaya's team is very professional.”
MishaAnada, traveled in February
From Lhasa to Everest Base Camp, Tibet's highest trails wind across dramatic passes including Kora LA (5,010m). The route features Ronbuk Monastery (4,980m), the world's highest, leading to EBC. Eight days of adventure blend 3-star Lhasa hotels with basic mountain guesthouses.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kathmandu, Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Xegar, Everest Base Camp, Gyirong County Age Range Ages 10+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 884 mi Operator Female Guide Holiday From
- US$2,499
Tibet's legendary 51km Kailash Kora reaches skyward to 5,636m at Dölma La Pass. The route weaves through Drak Yerpa caves and remote monastery trails with expert guides. Two weeks of careful acclimatization prepare trekkers for the high-altitude challenge.
Duration 25 days Destinations Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Saga County, Mount Kailash, Everest Base Camp Age Range Ages 9+ Operated in English, German Distance 1325 mi Operator MOSKITO Adventures From
- US$5,859
Sacred paths lead to Panbongka Monastery and wind around Rongbuk near Mount Everest. High passes connect Gyantse, Shigatse, and Tingri, with nights spent in traditional guesthouses and comfortable hotels above 4,000 meters.
Duration 14 days Destinations Beijing, Gyantse, Shigatse, Tingri, Lhasa Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Easy Distance 2173 mi Operator Gebeco From
- US$3,475
The challenging 52km Kailash Kora ascends to 5630m at Drolma La pass. Ancient monasteries like Dira-puk and Zutul-puk dot the path, offering dramatic views of sacred Mt. Kailash along the way.
Duration 19 days Destinations Kathmandu, Lhasa, Shigatse, Everest Base Camp, Saga County, Burang, Lhatse Age Range Ages 10+ Distance 2037 mi Operator Female Guide Holiday From
- US$6,098
The ultimate pilgrimage route circles Mount Kailash, ascending to 5,750m at Drolma-la pass. This three-day kora connects Dirpuk and Dzutul-puk monasteries, crossing sacred rivers and revealing hidden meditation caves. Basic lodges provide shelter while circling this holy peak.
No departure dates availableDuration 18 days Destinations Kathmandu, Lhasa, Shigatse, Sa'gya County, Saga County, Mount Kailash, Gyirong County Age Range Ages 15+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 1378 mi Operator Trekking Team Group 
The sacred 3-day Mount Kailash circuit takes you around the holy peak with a local trekking guide, climbing to Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters. You'll reach Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan plateau and see Lhasa's UNESCO-listed Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. The route winds through high-altitude towns like Shigatse, Lhatse, and Saga, with 16 nights in comfortable places to stay and one night on the train to Xining.
Duration 20 days Destinations Chengdu, Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Everest Base Camp, Lhatse, Xining Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in Only: German Distance 2603 mi Operator SKR Reisen From
- US$7,772Incl: Return flight (Frankfurt Intl Airport)
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Tibet
What is the best time of year for hiking Mount Kailash and the Tibetan highlands?
The prime hiking window for Mount Kailash and the Tibetan highlands spans May through September. The weather at Kailash base camp (4,620m) stays relatively mild with daytime temperatures between 10-15°C but nights can get quite cold. Tour companies such as MOSKITO Adventures focus on May and September bookings to coincide with the Saga Dawa festival and fall foliage. May stands out as a preferred month among TourRadar travelers thanks to its clear views of Mount Kailash and Mount Everest's north face with fewer tourists than the busy summer months of July and August.
What level of physical fitness is required for trekking Mount Kailash in Tibet?
Mount Kailash treks require substantial physical preparation. The route covers 51 kilometers over 3 days reaching elevations up to 5,636m at Dölma La Pass. The most demanding day includes a 720m climb and 880m descent across 22km. One TourRadar traveler noted "The altitude makes every step a challenge but the spiritual energy of Kailash makes it all worthwhile." Most itineraries build in two weeks of altitude adjustment visiting places like Lhasa (3,600m) and Gyantse before taking on the Kailash circuit.
What are the most scenic hiking trails and viewpoints in Tibet?
The Mount Kailash kora stands out as Tibet's premier trek offering views of four sacred rivers and the mountain's striking north face. Near Everest Base Camp (5,000m) the Rongbuk Monastery trail provides clear views of Everest's north face particularly at dawn. Hikers on the Pang La pass route can spot six peaks over 8,000m including Everest Cho Oyu and Shishapangma. The Garuda Valley near Tirthapuri features ancient Buddhist caves set among dramatic rock formations. TourRadar travelers often note that "The view from Dölma La Pass combines spiritual significance with some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on Earth."
What type of accommodation can I expect during a multi-day trek in Tibet?
Lodging options vary from 3-star hotels in Lhasa's historic center to rustic guesthouses and camps in remote areas. The Mount Kailash circuit features basic guesthouses at Diraphuk Monastery (5,000m) and Zutrulphuk Monastery (4,790m) with shared rooms. Tours near Lake Manasarovar typically include camping with full equipment provided. A TourRadar traveler described it as "The mix of accommodations added to the adventure - from comfortable hotels in Lhasa to simple but authentic guesthouses near Kailash each night brought a new experience."
What permits are required for hiking in Tibet?
Visitors need the Tibet Travel Permit Alien's Travel Permit for areas beyond Lhasa and additional permits for restricted zones like Mount Kailash or Everest Base Camp. Licensed operators must arrange these at least 20 days before travel. Permits are checked at locations such as the Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse near Everest. According to a TourRadar traveler: "Our guide handled all permit arrangements seamlessly allowing us to focus on enjoying the trek."
How many days should I allow for altitude acclimatization before hiking?
A minimum of 2-3 days in Lhasa (3,650m) is essential before starting any significant hiking. Treks to higher elevations like Mount Kailash (5,650m) require extra acclimatization days during the ascent. The Shangri-La Hotel in Lhasa serves as a comfortable base for initial adjustment. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Taking three full days in Lhasa before our trek made a huge difference - we could enjoy the hiking without altitude issues."