Mount Kailash

Kailash-Manasarovar Exclusive Tour

Trip Facts
Duration14 Days
Trip GradeModerate
Maximum Altitude5640 M. | 18,471 FT.
Group SizeMinimum 4.
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
ActivitiesThree Days trek around Kailash + Overland Journey
Best TimeMid May to September

This exclusive 14-day pilgrimage begins in Kathmandu, where travelers are welcomed with personalized service, luxury accommodations, and a pre-tour briefing. After securing permits, the journey continues overland through the scenic Kyirong border into Tibet, with carefully planned acclimatisation stops in Kyirong and Saga to ensure comfort at high altitude. Along the way, enjoy stunning Himalayan landscapes and rich cultural insights.

The tour’s spiritual core includes a sacred ritual at Lake Manasarovar followed by a three-day circumambulation (Kora) of Mount Kailash, a deeply revered site for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bonpo followers. The trek crosses the high-altitude Drolma La Pass, and is supported by expert guides and porters to ensure a safe and meaningful experience. After completing the Kora, the group returns to Kathmandu via the same route, with time for rest, reflection, and final prayers.

This package is designed for those seeking both spiritual depth and elevated comfort, with customizable hotel options and flexible scheduling to suit individual needs.

Itinerary

If Charan Sparsh(Touch Kailash) darshan is not permitted due to current restrictions from Chinese Government, we will skip the overnight stay at Dhirapuk on Day 9 and proceed with our regular parikrama.

Trip PlanExpand all
Max Altitude: 1,355 m. | 4,445 ft. Meals: Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel RadissonMode of Travel: Bus or Van

Upon arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative from our office will greet you and transport you to your hotel. Dinner will be arranged in the evening following the tour orientation program.

Max Altitude: 1,355 m. | 4,445 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel RadissonMode of Travel: Bus or Van

After breakfast, you will go sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley. We will start the day with visits to the Pashupatinath Temple, Guheshowri Mata Temple, and Baudhanath stupa. After lunch at the hotel, you will get the option to see Budhanilkantha Temple (Jal Narayan or Sesh Narayan) and Swayambhunath Temple (also known as Monkey Temple).

Max Altitude: 1,450 m. | 4,756 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel YanglingMode of Travel: AC BusDrive Hours: 8 hrs.Distance: 170 Kms.

You will depart for Timure, the border town of Nepal, in the very early hours of the morning. Timurebeshi, a tiny village, is located approximately 170 km north of Kathmandu and is situated at the border of Kyirong County in Tibet/China. The border can be reached from Kathmandu in approximately 8 hours. Although the distance from Kathmandu to the Nepal-China border town is not particularly great, the highway is narrow, rugged, and traverses challenging terrain. Consequently, it takes approximately eight hours to reach Timure cautiously and leisurely.

We will be spending the night on the Nepalese side today. The itinerary includes breakfast at Hotel Radisson, lunch on the way, and dinner at Hotel Yangling.

Max Altitude: 2,600 m. | 8528 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel Chomo LhazongMode of Travel: Chinese BusDrive Hours: 45 Mins.Distance: 26 Kms.

We will need to walk approximately one kilometre from the hotel to the Friendship Bridge after breakfast in the morning. Immigration formalities and luggage examinations are required on Nepalese and Chinese sides at the friendship bridge. Once all the procedures have been completed, cross the bridge and drive to Kyirong. Kyirong is approximately 26 kilometres from Friendship Bridge, and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes.

Max Altitude: 4,480 m. | 14,695 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel European ChampionMode of Travel: Chinese BusDrive Hours: 4 Hrs.Distance: 180 Kms.

Saga is the initial Tibetan town that you come across upon departing Kyirong. Saga is one of the entry points to the Kailash Manasarovar region. The city is situated at an elevation of 4480 meters above sea level and is a 180-kilometer journey from Kyirong. The town is situated on the shore of the holy Brahmaputra River, which originates in Kailash. Originating near Mount Kailash, the Brahmaputra River is one of the four longest rivers in Asia. The river travels eastward from the Kailash region to Lhasa, where it continues to flow to the Namch Barwa area of Eastern Tibet. Afterward, it descends to the plain of Assam, passing through a vast area of Arunachal Pradesh.

Max Altitude: 4,480 m. | 14,695 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel European Champion

Today, we will take a break in Saga to allow our bodies to adjust. Our bodies must be given sufficient time to adjust to the new atmosphere before attempting to ascend to even higher altitudes. Adjusting to the altitude correctly raises the chances of finishing this trip safely and happily. The only thing we care about is preparing you for the challenging road ahead.

Max Altitude: 4604 m. | 15,100 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Manas Hot SpringMode of Travel: Chinese BusDrive Hours: 7 Hrs.Distance: 506 Kms.

We will leave Saga early in the morning and travel to Lake Manasarovar, our next destination. For almost five hours, we will travel over the high plains of Tibet, passing through the historic Tibetan village of Dongba and the small town of Paryang, which is situated in the broad, windswept grasslands of the highlands, before reaching the Mayumla Army checkpoint. The army personnel will check out permits and other travel documentation here. Following the completion of their inspection procedure, we continue our journey a few kilometers and stop for lunch.

After lunch, we'll drive over Mayumla Pass, which is the highest motorable pass on this trip. We'll then drive for about an hour along the other side of the valley until we reach Horchu, which is on the east shore of Lake Manasarovar. At Horchu, we'll swap to an environmentally friendly car and drive to our campground. We will take the dirt road that runs clockwise around the shoreline from Horchu (on the east side of the lake) to the camp site (on the west side). We will stay at the guesthouse after arriving at Chiugompa late at night.

Max Altitude: 5,080 m. | 16,663 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Sishapangma GuesthouseMode of Travel: TrekDrive Hours: 6 - 7 Hrs. WalkDistance: 13 Kms.

Following breakfast in the morning, we all set off for Yama Dwar, which is 7 kilometers away by vehicle from Darchen. It takes around twenty minutes to make the trip to Yama Dwar. The circuit, or parikrama, encircling Kailash begins at Yama Dwar. Every pilgrim will take a bus ride to Yama Dwar. This is the ideal location for a close-up view of Kailash.

From Yama Dwar, pilgrims on route to the journey around Kailash (Parikrama) will continue on to Deraphuk (the north face). Those who decide not to take part in journey around Kailash will return to Darchen on the same bus and stay in a hotel until the other passengers arrive three days later.

You have the choice of walking or, if you'd like, rent a pony and ride it around Kailash. While trekking over Kailash, individuals may choose to hire porters to carry their belongings. Your meeting with Pony and the porters will take place here. Your horse and porter will go with you around Kailash from this point.

Max Altitude: 5,080 m. | 16,663 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Sishapangma GuesthouseMode of Travel: Trek

Trek to North face of Kailash as we call it Charan Sparsha.

Max Altitude: 4,800 m. | 15,744 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Ganditse GuesthouseMode of Travel: TrekDrive Hours: 9 Hrs.Distance: 22 Kms.

Today is the longest and most difficult day of our trip. To get to Zutulphuk, we have to go around 22 kilometers via rugged terrain. We literally have to get our belongings and leave Deraphuk at five in the morning, local time. After going steeply uphill from Deraphuk for an hour, the terrain is softer or easier. There are rocky sections throughout the whole path, so we need to be cautious while walking.

This trip requires you to carry your own personal belongings, medications, lunchbox, and water bottle, therefore it is best to learn how to be independent. You may not find support since everyone is going through difficult times and at their own pace.

Gaurikunda and Dolma Pass (5650 m. | 18,532 ft.) are about 6 kilometers upwards from Deraphuk. This pass symbolizes the most difficult portion of the trip. Following this pass, the route descends to the valley level through a rocky section for almost two kilometres before arriving at a nearby local tea shop. Although the path is level and simple, our target is 12 kilometres from this local tea shop.

NOTE: 
The physical level of each individual varies. As a result, some members may not be able to go from Deraphuk farther. In this case, they can go back to Darchen and join the other travellers who have already returned from Yama Dwar. They may return to Darchen on foot. We will send one of our employees to go with them. It might be pretty risky and challenging to go back or rescue if you decide to go but are unable to continue from the midway. The Dolma Pass location is very rough and isolated, and no transportation options exist.

Max Altitude: 4460 m. | 14630 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel European ChampionMode of Travel: Chinese BusDrive Hours: 7 Hrs.Distance: 491 Kms.

The last day of this holy circumambulation is today. We gather our belongings and leave for Darchen the morning after breakfast. The whole path is smooth and simple. It takes around three hours to complete the walk.

At the last location, just before Darchen, our vehicle awaits us. After boarding the bus, we begin our trip to Saga, our next destination.

Max Altitude: 2,600 m. | 8528 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel Chomo LhazongMode of Travel: Chinese BusDrive Hours: 3 hrs.Distance: 180 kms.

We're going to enjoy a leisurely day today. Kyirong is about 180 kilometres from Saga, and the journey takes roughly three hours. After breakfast in the morning, we gather our things and depart for Kyirong town.

Max Altitude: 1,355 m. | 4,445 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel RadissonMode of Travel: AC BusDrive Hours: 6 hrs.Distance: 160 kms.

The Friendship Bridge is roughly 26 kilometres distant, and it will take us about 45 minutes to go there after breakfast in the morning. Once we have passed the immigration procedures in both China and Nepal, lunch will be served at the same hotel (Hotel Norling) in Nepal. Following lunch, we return to Kathmandu by vehicle. We are expected to arrive in Kathmandu late in the evening.

Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel Radisson

After breakfast in the morning, we will drive you to Tribhuvan International Airport so you may continue on your way home. International laws require you to be at the airport check-in counter three hours before the planned departure time. We will handle the transfer appropriately. 

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Cost Details & Services
Includes
  1.  
  2. Accommodation on a sharing basis throughout the journey 
  3. All vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
  4. Arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu.
  5. Full-day sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath, Guheswori Mata temple & sleeping Vishnu.
  6. Vegetarian Indian meals are prepared by our cook during the Kailash yatra.
  7. The best available Guesthouse accommodation in Tibet (dormitory) for the entire journey.
  8. Kathmandu- Kyirong border- Kathmandu transfers are made by private non-AC bus.
  9. Porterage in Kyirong border. 
  10. Nepali staff (experienced tour leader, professional sherpa team and cook).
  11. Transfer in Tibet by Luxury Bus.
  12. Supporting truck in Tibet for carrying food & equipment. 
  13. Transportation in the Kailash-Manasarovar area by Green vehicle (pollution-free vehicle)
  14. Manasarovar Parikrama by Eco vehicle.
  15. Necessary travel permits, entry permits & other necessary documents. 
  16. Essential kitchen equipment and fresh foods prepared by our cook.
  17. Yak & yak-man for Parikrama part 
  18. Environmental protection fees.
  19. Basic medical kit (first aid) during the trip.
  20. Oxygen cylinders for emergency use.
  21. Drinking water during the tour (3 bottles each per day).
  22. Tibet group visas for all group members and Nepali staff.
  23. Salary, food, accommodation, transport and insurance for staff.
  24. All applicable taxes & service charges.
  25.  
Excludes
  1.  
  2. International flight ticket. 
  3. Personal horse for riding (It costs approx. RMB. 2,400 for three days OR INR. 28,800).
  4. Porter during the Parikarma (It costs approx. RMB.1,000 for three days OR INR. 36000).
  5. Bottled soft drinks and beverages (coke, Fanta, energy drinks, etc.)
  6. Personal expenses, laundry, telephone service etc.
  7. Nepal visa fees for NRI’s.
  8. Personal medicine, travel insurance and insurance for emergency rescue & evacuation.
  9. Any extra expenses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances and natural calamity.
  10. Visa splitting charge & transport cost in case of emergency or on early return from Tibet.
  11. Extra hotel nights in Kathmandu in case of early return from Tibet (INR.4500 per person/ night).
  12. Tips & gratitudes for staff.
  13. Any refund/ service adjustment in Nepal against any unutilised services in Tibet.
  14.  
Dates & Availability
Jul 2025
Departure Date
Price
Status
Departure Date
Starts: 04 Jul, 2025Ends: 17 Jul, 2025
Price
US$0
Status
Available
Essential Information

The Best Time to Visit

Nearly all year round, Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar experience arid, severe, and windy weather. However, the temperature turns moderate and comfortable for about half of the year, making it a period when people may visit this area. Determining the best time for Kailash Mansarovar Tour is crucial for a successful pilgrimage. Early May to late October is the ideal time of year to explore this area. The climate in the Mount Kailash area will become warmer throughout this time, being warm and pleasant during the day but dropping to minus 5 to 8 degrees Celsius at night.

To go to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, we must travel across several high passes in isolated regions of western Tibet. Between November and April, the highways will be covered in snow. Furthermore, ice will obstruct the trekking route encircling Mount Kailash, hindering access to the elevated passes. Further, hotels and guesthouses along the road will close as local Tibetans employed as porters and horse riders leave the region.

Travel permits for visitors between November and April are often not quickly issued by the Chinese government.

How to Get to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar?

Kathmandu, located in Nepal, is one of the access points to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. Kathmandu has connections to various major destinations around the globe through a wide range of international flights. Flying to Kathmandu is an option to begin your journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. Two main routes from Kathmandu provide access to the sacred site, offering for your Best Route for Kailash Mansarovar Tour.

DRIVE FROM KATHMANDU TO KYIRONG (TIMURE) THE MAKE AN OVERLAND JOURNEY:

Travelling overland from Kathmandu to the Nepal-China border at the village of Timure requires an estimated duration of seven hours. After spending a night in Timure, the border town of Nepal, we can proceed to Kailash the following day. The Tibet tour requires 9 to 10 days, with an additional 5 days needed on the Nepal side, totalling the overall duration. The total duration of the program is projected to be at least 15 days.

This itinerary presents an alternative option as well. People might choose this option if they want to continue travelling to Lhasa but avoid taking the same route back to Kathmandu. The road to Lhasa may include Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side. From Lhasa, travellers may fly back to Kathmandu or mainland China.

FLY KATHMANDU TO LHASA, THEN TRAVEL TO MOUNT KAILASH COMBINED WITH A VISIT TO MAJOR CITIES OF CENTRAL TIBET:

Kathmandu regularly offers air access to Lhasa. In the itinerary, travellers may fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa, including Gyantse, Shigatse, Tsedang, and other culturally significant sites in central Tibet. For those with a keen interest, it is advisable to consider including the Mount Everest base camp (North Side) in the itinerary. After completing your visit to central Tibet, you may proceed to the Kailash and Mansarovar regions located in the west. After the journey, one can exit Nepal from the Kyirong border and travel to Kathmandu. Or one could consider returning to Lhasa from the same route and proceeding to mainland China or Kathmandu via air travel.

Attention: Airline service may be reduced or suspended in January, February, and March, depending on passenger demand.

TRAVELING TO TIBET VIA MAINLAND CHINA

Access to the Kailash and Mansarovar regions is possible by entering Tibet from the mainland of China. Chengdu serves as the entry point to Tibet from the rest of China. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, has regular flights to Lhasa. Furthermore, Chengdu offers direct airline connections to various significant destinations around the globe. Flights to Lhasa regularly depart from Chengdu.

One can also arrive in Lhasa by taking the highest railway journey in the world. The trip to Lhasa takes approximately thirty-six hours.

HOW TO GET THE TIBET PERMIT AND GROUP VISA?

Only the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu can issue the group visa for Tibet. No Chinese embassy overseas grants Tibet group visas to visitors. According to current Chinese government rules, the group must have at least five members to qualify for the Tibet group visa. If the group consists of less than five people, it will be ineligible for a group visa.

There is a unique procedure for obtaining a group visa from the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu. The first step is to register the trip with a Tibet tour operator based in either Kathmandu or Lhasa (such as our company “The Trekkers’ Society P. Ltd.”). During the trip registration process, it is essential to clearly outline the tour program with dates, detailing the specific destinations you will explore throughout your journey. According to the company's policy, it is required to pay 20% of the total tour cost as an advance to register the trip with us. Furthermore, providing a clear copy of your passport and a passport-sized photo is essential. You must also provide a copy of your current Chinese visa if you already have one.

The second step involves submitting your documents to the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB / in Lhasa) to obtain your Tibet travel permit. Usually, the Tibet travel permit application procedure takes ten to fifteen days. After receiving the TTB (Lhasa) travel permit, we can apply for a group visa at the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu. This procedure will be initiated upon your arrival in Kathmandu. Five business days are typically needed to complete the group visa application procedure from Kathmandu.

Tradition and Culture

For thousands of years, this region has been the ultimate destination for pilgrims. It is the home of the Gods for Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Bon. Mount Kailash – 6714 metres high – is known in Tibet as Tise (the peak) of Khang Rinpoche (Jewel of Snows). For Hindus, Mount Kailash is the home of the Hindu God Shiva and his partner Devi, whilst for Tibetans, it is the home of God Demchong and his consort, Dorje Phangmo.

According to legend, it is here that Milarepa - a great Tibetan Yogi and master of Tantric Buddhism - contested with Naro-Bonchung - a grandmaster of Bon - to prove the superiority of Buddhism. Many contests took place, but the final one was to see who could first reach the summit of Mt Kailash at the crack of dawn. Riding his damaru (ritual drum), Naro-Bonchung flew towards the peak, but Milarepa overtook him at the last second. Naro-Bonching was so astonished that he let go of his drum, which crashed down the mountain, leaving a vertical scar – a distinctive feature of the south face.

Read more about Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar, and Lhasa

What items should you bring with you on your Kailash Mansarovar Tour?

Since Tibet's temperatures fluctuate considerably, we advise you to pack clothing for any eventualities. Equipment for wet conditions is also required. These considerations are crucial for a successful and Best Kailash Mansarovar Tour.

Sunglasses and abundant sunblock are essential in Tibet due to the High UV factor and the intensity of the bright light. Pack enough sunscreen because it's difficult to find in Tibet. Additionally, we recommend packing a hat with a brim for added protection.

Pack all your belongings in a duffel bag, and remember to bring a backpack with a waterproof cover to store essential items like your passport, personal medicine, toothpaste, toothbrush, and other daily necessities. The bus or truck will place your duffel bag in the luggage compartment, but you must bring your backpack.

A list of the things you should bring is as follows:

  • A pair of walking boots (sneaker is okay).
  • A jacket that is waterproof and windproof
  • T-shirts and sweatshirts
  • A minimum of one heavy sweater
  • Skirts or shorts
  • Track pants or trousers
  • Warm underwear
  • Water bottle
  • Warm socks, ideally made of wool
  • A flashlight with extra batteries
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Individual medical supplies
  • Towels
  • A daypack (to store valuables like cameras, cash, passports, and personal medications).
  • A duffel bag or rucksack for keeping your clothes
  • Down jackets 
  • A pair of gloves 
  • Hat with sun protection

First Aid Medical Kit

We will be bringing a primary first aid kit with us, which will include a variety of medications such as Diamox, Aspirin, Painkillers, Lip Balm, Mustard Oil, Vaseline, Plasters, Antiseptic, Salt, Mint, Vicks for sore throats, Antacids, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Iodine Tincture, Iodine Tablet, Electro Powder, Handy Plasts, Cotton Bandage, Scissor, Diomox or Acetazolamide, and more.

We recommend you consult with your physician or doctor before carrying your medications.

Packaging Suggestion for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (Click Here to Download)

Communication

In Nepal, purchasing local mobile SIM cards (NAMASTE or NCELL) is simple as you arrive in Kathmandu. International roaming services are available with various pre-paid call and data packages. You can select one and turn on the service.

We can assist you in Tibet by providing you with a local SIM card from China (China Telecom Service or China Mobile). Still, you can only receive calls because the Chinese government has prohibited outgoing calls. However, you may use WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat, or Messenger to make phone calls and use data services. However, to access all those apps, you must install a VPN service either in your home country or while in Nepal. None of these applications will function otherwise.

Precaution

Most persons at high elevations (over 2,500 m / 8200 ft) suffer from oxygen shortage. When altitude is raised, it takes time for the human body's physiological systems to adjust to lower oxygen levels. This procedure is known as acclimatization.

Acetazolamide, often known as Diamox, is required to treat altitude sickness. Your doctor's prescription is necessary since you must begin taking these drugs three days before your journey to Tibet/Mount Kailash & Lake Mansarovar. It is essential to take this medicine the whole way while going up and stop when you start descending. People allergic to sulfite-containing medications may choose to use Gingko Biloba over Diamox. Participants will pick up tried-and-true, easy-to-use methods for acclimating faster throughout the trip.

Accommodation during this trip

Lhasa and Adjacent Areas:

The major cities of Tibet offer a variety of accommodations, including budget and luxury options. A few of these places are Tsedang, Lhasa, and Shigatse. However, in small towns and cities, accommodations are usually straightforward, with few options.

Kailash- Mansarovar Area:

Some locations in western Tibet provide rudimentary accommodations, while others offer more luxurious accommodations with modern amenities. Locations like Kyirong, Darchen, and Saga (on the Chinese side) provide comfortable lodgings with attached restrooms and hot showers. Nevertheless, these areas still have a small selection of hotels and guesthouses. On the other hand, Mansarovar, Deraphuk, and Zutulphuk offer a more basic type of lodging that includes dorm-style rooms with shared outdoor bathrooms. Choices of lodging are unavailable at these three locations. The hotels and guesthouses have electricity in these locations, allowing guests to charge their mobile devices and cameras. However, the rooms are not equipped with heating.

Meals & Drinking Water

Our organization provides a team of personnel who are both experienced and professional. Through the voyage, they will accompany you. We establish our kitchen in each residence and prepare hygienic, fresh meals for the group. Following the client's preferences, we provide both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. Most of the food comes from Kathmandu, and a separate vehicle will transport the food and other necessary supplies.

During the morning and evening, we offer boiled water at the camp for drinking. Throughout the day, we provide bottled mineral water, which is safe to drink during the trip. We bring enough water for you on tour, and you should drink at least 3 litres daily.

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