Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (Tour)

Start your journey with a scenic drive through the beautiful Nepalese countryside toward the Nepal–Tibet border at Kerung. After completing border formalities at Nepalese immigration, continue with an adventurous uphill journey to Chinese immigration—either by local jeep/bus (usually 1 hour) or on foot (about 2 hours in case of a landslide). After crossing into Tibet, transfer to Kerung town and check in at a local guest house. Overnight: Hotel in Kerung.

Today is reserved for acclimatization in Kerung, allowing our bodies to adjust to the higher altitude before heading further into the Tibetan Plateau. You can rest at the guest house or take a short walk around the village to explore the local surroundings and stretch your legs. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kerung.

After breakfast, we will drive from Kerung to Saga village, covering approximately 232 km in about 5 to 6 hours. The journey follows a well-maintained paved road through the stunning Tibetan desert landscape. Along the way, enjoy views of traditional nomad camps, grazing herds of yaks and sheep, and Himalayan goats navigating the rugged terrain.

On the route, we will visit several captivating spots including Khunmen Tso, Singling, Karru Ongchen, and the beautiful Peiku Tso Lake. After crossing the majestic Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra), we arrive in Saga, a quiet village nestled on the Tibetan plateau. We will stay overnight at Hotel in Saga.

After breakfast, we will drive approximately 450 km towards Mansarovar Lake via Paryang town. The journey takes around 8 to 9 hours. Paryang is the last town before reaching Mansarovar and offers a glimpse into Tibetan town life. On the way, enjoy spectacular mountain vistas and stop at Zhongba, a small, charming town nestled in the high plateau.

As we approach Mansarovar Lake, we will see the Chiu Monastery located on the lake’s northwest shore. Here, you will also catch your first breathtaking view of the sacred Mt. Kailash. Mansarovar Lake is surrounded by iconic landmarks including Mt. Kailash, Rakshas Tal (Rakchyas Lake), and Mt. Gurla Mandata, making it a profoundly spiritual and scenic destination. We will stay overnight at a guest house near Mansarovar Lake. (Dormitory rooms only available in Mansarovar). 

Today, we begin with a visit to the sacred Mansarovar Lake, nestled between the towering Mount Kailash (6714 m) and the majestic Gurla Mandhata range (7694 m).

According to legend, Mansarovar Lake was created from the mind of the gods and lies in the divine shadow of Mount Kailash. Both the lake and the mountain are revered as the abode of Lord Shiva, holding profound spiritual significance for Hindus and Buddhists alike. Mansarovar is regarded as one of the purest lakes in the world, and it is believed that drinking its waters purifies a person from sins accumulated over 100 lifetimes. After performing rituals or spending some peaceful, reflective time by the lake, we will drive approximately 40 km (about 1 hour) to Darchen.

Darchen is a small village located at the base of Mt. Kailash and serves as the starting point for the sacred circumambulation, or “Kora” in Tibetan. The full Kora around Mount Kailash takes about three days to complete. We will stay overnight at Hotel in Darchen.

After breakfast, we will drive about 45 minutes (18 km) from Darchen to Tarboche, located in Yamadwar — known as the “Gateway to the God of Death.” This sacred spot marks the official starting point of the Kailash Kora (circumambulation).

From Tarboche, we begin our trek, walking approximately 15 km over 5 to 6 hours to reach Dirapuk, a high-altitude guest house situated at 4,920 meters. Along the way, be mesmerized by stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan giants such as Mt. Ape, Kamet, and the Gurla Mandhata massif.

Tonight, we rest and acclimatize at the guest house in Dirapuk in preparation for the challenging day ahead.

Today is the most challenging and longest day of the Kailash Kora pilgrimage, covering approximately 20 km and taking about 7-8 hours. The trek involves a demanding ascent of around 550 meters followed by a descent of about 600 meters.

We begin from Dirapuk and trek to Jarok Donkhang village before heading to Shiva-tsal, a sacred site where pilgrims symbolically undergo death to be reborn. From here, we ascend to the highest point of the Kora — the Drolma La Pass at 5634 meters. It is believed that reaching the summit signifies spiritual rebirth.

After crossing the pass, we descend to the banks of the Lham-Chu Khir River and arrive at Khando Sangam La on the eastern side of Mt. Kailash. After a short rest, we continue to Juthulpuk, famed for its miraculous cave where the revered ascetic Milarepa is said to have performed miracles.

We will spend the night at a guest house in Zutulpuk, resting after this spiritually and physically demanding day.

After breakfast we will complete the Kora by walking for about 3/4 hours and return back to Darchen village. After resting and having lunch we will head back through the same route to Saga village. Stay overnight at Guest House.

After breakfast we will drive back through the same way enjoying the scenic view to Kerung. Stay overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast, complete border formalities at the Tibetan and Nepalese immigration checkpoints. Once you cross back into Nepal, you will be met by our team for the scenic drive through the Langtang and Trishuli valleys back to Kathmandu.

The drive offers beautiful views of rivers, terraced hillsides, and rural Nepali life. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel.