Mount Kailash Tour via Simikot

Afternoon as per the flight time for Nepalgunj transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport where 50 minutes flight brings you at Nepal Far South in Nepalgunj with super panorama of peaks during air-borne and on reaching Nepalgunj transfer to near airport hotel with afternoon free to see the the city areas of Nepalgunj.

Today we will head towards airport and fly to Simikot. On Simikot we will be received by our trekking and camping staff, Simikot headquarter town of Mugu / Humla district around far North West Nepal offering stunning views of Mount Api and Saipal peaks. We will have to trek for about 4 hours to reach Dharapuri.

From Simikot begin our first day walk to overnight camp at Dharapuri village, leading to a climb through farm fields of barley into forested ridge then downhill towards farm villages to reach Dharapuri for first overnight camping of this trip. Around far west region villages inhabited mostly by Thakuri people of Hindu religion, people around Mugu and Humla been in trade with Tibet for hundreds of years using same trail to Tibet border of 5-6 days walks. Stay overnight at Tented camp.

Today we will head towards Sally Kohla nearby Kermi village which takes about 5 hours. The journey continues leading to a climb and crossing a stream reaching the last village of Thakuri people and the end of rice fields. From here on ups and down path around grazing area and crossing Sally- Khola (stream) nearby beautiful waterfalls to our overnight camp a short distance from Kermi village, this place with hot springs of an hour walk.

Today we will head towards Muchu which takes about 5 hours. Morning starts with an uphill through Yangar village on paved path built with rocks and woods and then crossing suspension bridge over Humla Karnali River, and then climb to a stream past apricot garden area and finally reaching Muchu village to our overnight camp, this small village with an old monastery and a border Police Check Post.

After a nice stop at Muchu, our journey descend towards Thumkot village which takes about 4 hours, after a break then climbing away from Humla - Karnali River walking on a steep-sided narrow gorge. From here a long hour trek leads slowly to a climb reaching at Torea village for overnight camp, with afternoon free at leisure to catch up with your dairy and explore this village.

Today we will head towards Sip Sip which takes about 5-6 hours. As the walk progress altitude gains with morning climb to reach a small ridge at 3,500 meters high, from here countering on ridge top, offers grand vista of Yari valley area and high snowcapped peaks, after a short stop walk leads by an irrigation canal to a large wide valley of Jhyakthang chu this place marked with prayer walls entering into Buddhist culture villages of Tibetan influence.

After a good walk reaching a moderate size Yari village built with stones, this village has another police post, with government custom office and a school. Farmlands with terraces yielding sufficient crops growing millets, barley, amaranth (Marcia) wheat, buckwheat’s, potatoes and radishes. After a nice stop walk continues with a climb on a wide valley encountering group of traders, pilgrims and pack animals-goats, sheep’s and yaks, then reaching at Sip-Sip a small place of cattle herders with few shops. Our camp is made near a stream at the bottom of Nara Lagna pass.

Today we will head towards Hilsa via Nara Lagna which takes about 6-7 hours. From this camp morning walk leads to a climb on a ridge with huge rock atop at Nara Lagna pass at 5,000 m / 15,030ft, the highest spot of this walk on Nepal side. The pass offers grand panorama of Tibetan plateau with Humla Karnali River down below and green barley fields of Sher or Sera, distance views of Api and Saiphal peaks. After a pleasant stop walk downhill on dusty trail to Humla Karnali River to reach Nepal border at Hilsa village, a frontier post with few tents and stone houses surrounded with barley fields, just across the bridge a stone pillar marks Nepal-Tibet border.

Morning an hour climb to Sher in Tibet, on leaving Nepal, where our Tibetan guides and driver will receive for an interesting drive to Taklakot also known as Purang in Tibetan. Taklakot an important major market town for Tibetans, Nepali and as well for Indian traders with a separate bazaar areas, during summer months an important wool trade takes place between nomadic Drogpa herdsmen and Nepali traders our overnight stop in local guest house.

After Taklakot or Purang to reach Mansarovar it takes around 3-4 hours. Within Tibet with complete change of environment with the local people including town and way of living, from Taklakot a holy pilgrimage begins with a scenic drive to Lake Manasarover on leaving Karnali River valley; As the drive continues over pass and then reaching a flat barren and arid country beneath massive Mt. Gurla Mandhata at 7,728 meters, from here drive leads over Thalladong pass 5,050 meters high with views of Rakshesh Lake and holy Mt. Kailash.

From the pass downhill to Chu Gompa located by the western bank of Lake Manasarover for overnight stop in a guest house or camping (depending upon the season for Indian and Tibetan pilgrims)

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 Mo

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 in Saga, we begin our drive back toward the Nepal–Tibet border, retracing the scenic route through the vast and picturesque landscapes of the Tibetan plateau. The drive takes around 5–6 hours, passing through dramatic high passes, wide river valleys, and views of distant snowcapped peaks. Along the way, you may see nomadic settlements, yak herders, and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

Upon arrival in Kerung (also spelled Gyirong)-  border town to Nepal we check in at a local guesthouse. Kerung is the final overnight stop in Tibet before crossing back into Nepal. This quiet border settlement offers a mix of Tibetan and Chinese culture, and you’ll have some time in the evening to rest and reflect on the spiritual journey you’ve completed.

After breakfast in Kerung, we complete immigration and customs formalities on the Tibetan side before crossing the border into Rasuwa Gadhi, Nepal. Once all border procedures are completed, we continue the scenic drive back to Kathmandu.

The drive covers approximately 150 km and takes about 7-8 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. The route winds through the lush landscapes of Langtang National Park, terraced fields, riverside villages, and dense forests, offering a striking contrast to the barren terrain of the Tibetan plateau.

On arrival in Kathmandu, we transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the evening is free to relax, enjoy a warm shower, and reflect on the unforgettable spiritual and trekking journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.