Journey by Design: Flying to Kathmandu, Onward to Lhasa, and Overland Across Tibet

A journey to Mount Kailash is defined as much by how one travels, as by where one arrives. The route itself is a gradual transition, the modern world into one of the most sacred and remote landscapes on Earth. For this reason, transportation to Kailash is not chosen for speed alone, but for balance, preparation, and reliability.

At Eco Trek Nepal, we have been guiding travellers to Kailash since the earliest days of organised Himalayan journeys. As the first company to launch Kailash trips, and as part of the Holy Himalaya Group founded in 1992, our transportation planning reflects decades of experience and the guiding philosophy of our founder, Jyoti Adhikari: the journey must prepare the traveller, not overwhelm them.

One of the most effective and considered routes to Kailash begins with a direct international flight to Kathmandu, followed by a flight to Lhasa, and then overland travel by private bus across Tibet.

Direct International Flight to Kathmandu

For travellers departing from major global hubs, flying directly or with a single connection to Kathmandu is the first intentional step toward the Himalayas.

Kathmandu is not simply a transit city, but the traditional gateway to the sacred regions beyond. Arriving here allows travellers to:

-> Transition gradually into Himalayan culture

-> Meet the Eco Trek Nepal team in person

-> Receive detailed briefings and preparation guidance

-> Finalise permits and documentation

We strongly recommend arriving in Kathmandu at least one full day prior to onward travel. This pause is deliberate. It allows the body and mind to slow down before ascending further and establishes a foundation of readiness.

Under Eco Trek Nepal’s guidance, this stage is unhurried and personal, an essential part of the journey rather than a logistical formality.

2. Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa

From Kathmandu, travellers continue by flight to Lhasa, the spiritual and cultural heart of Tibet. This flight is one of the most direct and efficient ways to enter the Tibetan Autonomous Region while maintaining a controlled ascent profile.

Flying into Lhasa offers several advantages:

-> A structured transition to high altitude

-> Reduced overland fatigue in early stages

-> Immediate immersion into Tibetan culture and history

-> A stable starting point for acclimatisation

Upon arrival, travellers are met by the ground team and transferred to their hotel, where our priorities shift to rest and acclimatisation, rather than activity.

The Eco Trek Nepal team carefully plans time in Lhasa to allow travellers to adjust naturally before continuing deeper into the plateau.

Overland Travel Across Tibet by Private Bus

From Lhasa onward, the journey to Kailash unfolds overland by private bus, travelling across the vast Tibetan Plateau. This stage is one of the most visually and spiritually profound parts of the entire journey.

Overland travel allows travellers to:

-> Acclimatise gradually to increasing altitude

-> Experience the scale and silence of the plateau

-> Pass through traditional Tibetan settlements and landscapes

-> Approach Kailash with a sense of anticipation rather than abrupt arrival

Eco Trek Nepal uses carefully selected vehicles driven by experienced Tibetan drivers who understand both the terrain and the sensitivities of the region. Routes are planned conservatively, with rest stops and overnight stays designed to support wellbeing and comfort.

Why This Route Works

The combination of direct flight → Kathmandu → Lhasa → overland travel offers a balance that few other routes provide.

It allows for:

-> Proper acclimatisation

-> Cultural continuity

-> Reduced physical strain

-> A sense of gradual transition into sacred space

Rather than treating transportation as something to endure, this route transforms travel itself into part of the pilgrimage.

Travel with Experience, Not Assumptions

Routes to Kailash are subject to change due to weather, regulations, and regional conditions. What does not change is our experienced leadership and careful planning.

Eco Trek Nepal manages:

-> Flight coordination

-> Ground logistics

-> Permit alignment with travel dates

-> Contingency planning

This depth of coordination is the result of decades of operating in one of the world’s most complex travel environments.

A Journey That Respects the Destination

Mount Kailash is reached through intention, patience, and guidance shaped by experience.

At Eco Trek Nepal, transportation is not treated as a technical necessity, it is part of the philosophy of travel. Each stage is designed to prepare the traveller physically, mentally, and emotionally for what lies ahead.