Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Tour

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Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Tour Highlights
  • 16 Days Kailash Overland Tour via Kerung boarder including days of arrival departure and days in Kathmandu for visa preparation  
  • 3 days round around Mount Kailash by trekking, option to take horse and helper
  • Holy Lake Mansarovar and Chui gumpa
  • Mount Kailash as a holy mountain
  • Local guest houses as an accommodation
  • Option to join in different service group. Bed and breakfast service and Full board services 

Mount Kailash is a striking peak in the Himalayan Mountains of western Tibet which is last paradise, the ultimate destination of soul and the spiritual center of the world. Also sources of the some longest rivers in Asia.  The Indus River, Sutlaj, Brahmaputra and Karnali (a tributary of the River Ganga)

Mount Kailash is sacred to four religions Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Bon and a deeply spiritual place. According to Hindu mythology, lord Shiva with his beloved Parvati resides at the summit of Mount Kailash. Tibetan Buddhism believes that Kailash is home of the Buddha Demchok, who represents supreme bliss. In Jainism, Kailash is known as Mount Ashtapada and is the site where the founder of their faith, Rishabhadeva attained liberation from rebirth. In Bon, Kailash Mountain is believed to be the abode of the sky goddess. Beside that the place is famous for other travels to see the remote area of Tibet, its nature and cultures. Pilgrims throng to the mountain: not just Tibetans, but peoples from all over the word, joined special pilgrimage tour to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar every year. The good season for Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Tour starts from May month and goes till October every year.   

Everyone comes to make Kailash Tour to have good Darsan and to walk the Kailash Kora, the sacred circuit around the mountain, which is probably the world's best walk. Many Tibetans do the Kailash kora in a single day; most foreigners take two to three days. Sharing the path with these pilgrims, who often the simplest illiterate nomads who have saved for years to make this trip, is inspiring. You will meet a huge range of people here, including prostrate who will take three weeks to complete the Kailash circuit. Before this, peoples love to make kora of Lake Mansarovar and take bath with holy water. Special puja perform by pilgrimage at bank of the Mansarovar. They believe that taking bath with Mansarovar water wash every sins done in their life time.

At the first prostration point near from Lake Mansarovar, the beautiful mount Kailash south face appears. Pilgrimages get special darsan and make special chant with view of Kailash. Than the trail passes the famous Tarboche Flagpole and enters the extraordinary glacial Lha Chu valley, a flat, gravelly bottom receding between vast, sculpted red towers, broken crags and huge screed slopes.

The Kailash kora starts at the charm free village of Darchen. We further drive to Valley of the God, winding past Mani walls and skirting the base of the Kailash massif. First day of Kailash kora is not tough with walking in flat land and some minor up hills.  Most trekkers reach the Dirapuk at around 5,000m by mid-afternoon. Soaring, resplendent, above it is the famous north face of Kailash. Peoples are keen to view Kailash north face view at sunset and sunrise. Another option is to climb foot of Kailash, Charansparsa from north face by walking another one full day which is also part of Kailash Inner Kora.   

The second day Mount Kailash kora involve trudge painfully through rough high valleys, past the Shivastal charnel ground, where pilgrims undergo a symbolic death, leaving an item of clothing (or hair, teeth or blood) to represent their renounced life, and heading to the Dolma-La pass, festooned in prayer flags, at altitude of 5,630m. The Kailash kora then drops steeply past a turquoise sacred lake to a long, beautiful valley. Most hikers have a pleasant trudge in thickening air down to a campsite at the heavily grazed meadow of Zuthulpuk, below a recently rebuilt monastery and some tea houses. Next day or third day of Kailash kora easily walk at flat land and reach at Darchen. Kailash Tour than end back with same way till Nepal Tibet boarder.

Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Tour Itinerary
  • Day 01:Arrive at Tribhuban International Airport Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel and Overnight 1350m
  • Day 02:Day in Kathmandu. Sightseeing in Major highlight. Trip preparation and Overnight at Hotel
  • Day 03:Day in Kathmandu, waiting for final Tibet visa. Overnight at Hotel
  • Day 04:Third day of waiting for visa in Kathmandu. Overnight in the Hotel
  • Day 05:Day of visa receive, drive to Nepal Tibet border (7 Hours) site and overnight in local guest House
  • Day 06:Drive to Kerung Tibet (1 Hour -40km/ 3,700m) Overnight at local guest house
  • Day 07:Drive to Saga (230km – 6 hours) 4450m. Overnight at guest house
  • Day 08:Saga another day for acclimatization
  • Day 09:Drive to Manasarovar 4,580m (400km - 9 Hours) Overnight at Guest house in group sharing
  • Day 10:Explore Lake Manasarovar and drive to Darchen 4,575m (40km - 1 Hour) Overnight at Hotel
  • Day 11:First Day Kailash Parikrama. Drive to Tarboche valley and start Kailash Kora. First day of Kailash Kora is 40 minutes driving and 6 hours walking. Overnight at Guest house in Derapuk (4,900m)
  • Day 12:Second Day Kailash Parikrama. Walking to Dolma La pass (5,645m) and trek down to Juthulpuk (4,760m / 21km - 10 Hours) Overnight at Juthulpuk
  • Day 13:Third day of Kailash Parikrama, and drive back to Saga. 10 Hours journey drive and 3 hours easy trekking. Overnight at Hotel
  • Day 14:Drive back same way to Kerung. Overnight at guest house
  • Day 15:Drive back to Kathmandu (7/8 Hours). Overnight at Hotel
  • Day 16:Departure
  • Day 01:Arrive at Tribhuban International Airport Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel and Overnight 1350m

    Representative from Nepal Highland Treks pick up you from airport and transfer to hotel. it is about 7 kilometer from airport to the hotel. Hotel normally at heart of touristic area Thamel. We need your original passport, a photograph and few your information for Chinese embassy visa form for final group visa of Tibet/ Kailash. It is full day rest here in Kathmandu. We will collect your original passport 

  • Day 02:Day in Kathmandu. Sightseeing in Major highlight. Trip preparation and Overnight at Hotel

    It is day to visit major highlights in Kathmandu valley. Visit Bauddhanath Stupa, Pashpatinath temple and Bhaktapur Durbar squire. come back to Hotel. It is group tour with prefesional tour guide inside the heritage sites. about 8 hours tour starts from the hotel after your breafakst at around 8am. We will apply your Kailash visa to embassy with your original passport and other dociments. You do not need to present there.  

  • Day 03:Day in Kathmandu, waiting for final Tibet visa. Overnight at Hotel

    We have to wait total 4 days working days in Kathmandu for final Kailash visa. Today is the second day of waiting. You have day free in Kathmandu valley. Do not plan to moove out of valley. In case of any calling from the Embassy, it will be easy to present immidiately. You have option to make any extra tour insite the monuments. Late afternoon stay in the group briefing. We invite you to Nepali dinner with cultural dance. 

  • Day 04:Third day of waiting for visa in Kathmandu. Overnight in the Hotel

    Today is the third day of waiting Kailash visa. Today you have option to plan some other visit inside the Kathmadnu valley or some of the hill station very nearby Kathmandu. Day hiking program can be also the good option which also help you to fit in the Kailash Parikrama. We will provide you accommodation in the same hotel for overnight 

  • Day 05:Day of visa receive, drive to Nepal Tibet border (7 Hours) site and overnight in local guest House

    Today, we get Kailash visa in between 12-2. We immediately start driving towards Nepal Tibet border TIMURE for overnight. We do not get enough time today to cross the border but overnight in the Timure is good for tomorrow to enter earlier. It is about 7 hours driving from Kathmandu. Reach there by late evening.  

  • Day 06:Drive to Kerung Tibet (1 Hour -40km/ 3,700m) Overnight at local guest house

    It is very near in the walking distance to cross Nepal Tibet friendship bridge. Our guide will finish custom formalities in Nepal site and meet Tibetan guide other site. After proper formalities in Tibet Part, we enter to Tibet and transfer to Tibetan bus. Drive to Kerung from friendship bridge and check in Guest house. You have full day there to stay at the altitude of 2700 meter from 1100 meters altitude of Timure. 

  • Day 07:Drive to Saga (230km – 6 hours) 4450m. Overnight at guest house

    It is driving via high passes with panoramic Mountain View. Decorative Buddhist praying flags at the top of passes are so unique and picturesque. Stop and view several lake views on the way. Reach at saga by crossing Brahmaputra River and overnight at guest house. Saga is small town having basic and deluxe guest house as accommodation an plenty of Chinese restaurants 

  • Day 08:Saga another day for acclimatization

    In this 4450 meters altitude, altitude sickness to the peoples are normal in the first day. Second day stay overnight in this altitude again will help your body to acclimatization for further movement. There is no any activities special today but can make small hiking around and visit the small city. Saga is second biggest city in Kailash region. 

  • Day 09:Drive to Manasarovar 4,580m (400km - 9 Hours) Overnight at Guest house in group sharing

    Day is again a long driving through beautiful landscape. The road is well paved throughout the tour. Driving today is again interesting with wide grazing field, local Tibetan settlements. we love to stop many places to take good pictures. Today is also a day to view first view of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Drive to Hore for overnight stay. It is only basic guest houses available at bank of the Lake. 

  • Day 10:Explore Lake Manasarovar and drive to Darchen 4,575m (40km - 1 Hour) Overnight at Hotel

    It is day to explore around and rest to be ready for Kailash Kora. We almost spend hald day at lake Mansarovar. Deep in to the Lake, Take holy bath, hike to Tsui Monastery or visit natural hot spring those are near the Lake. Drive to Darchen for Lunch, Dinner and Overnight. We make final preparation for 3 days Kailash kora from here. 

  • Day 11:First Day Kailash Parikrama. Drive to Tarboche valley and start Kailash Kora. First day of Kailash Kora is 40 minutes driving and 6 hours walking. Overnight at Guest house in Derapuk (4,900m)

    From Darchen, we need to prepare early in the morning. Drive with our car to Tarboche valley. We start walking from here. Yamadwar, Ruins valley with clear view of Mount Kailash can be see from here. If you have taken your personal horse and helper, you will meet those here. It is walking almost flat land entirely. At the end of the day, it is a bit uphill to reach Derapuk. Enjoy view of North Face Kailash. 

  • Day 12:Second Day Kailash Parikrama. Walking to Dolma La pass (5,645m) and trek down to Juthulpuk (4,760m / 21km - 10 Hours) Overnight at Juthulpuk

    It driving back to Kerung same way from Saga. Stay overnight at Tibetan site and wait for tomorrow morning to drive immigration. It also have option to cross Nepal Tibet boarder and stay overnight at Nepal side which is comfortable for next day driving back Kathmandu. Accommodation at Nepal part is not enough if there are many tourist groups. 

  • Day 13:Third day of Kailash Parikrama, and drive back to Saga. 10 Hours journey drive and 3 hours easy trekking. Overnight at Hotel

    Final day of Kailash Parikrama. we start quite early in the morning. It is 3 hours easy walking at flat land to reach near Darchen. All the way of walking is via bank of River from Kailash North face. We meet our driving crew ahead of Darchen and drive to Saga town today. We may reach Saga late afternoon. Check in Hotel 

  • Day 14:Drive back same way to Kerung. Overnight at guest house

     It driving back to Kerung same way from Saga. Stay overnight at Tibetan site and wait for tomorrow morning to drive immigration. It also have option to cross Nepal Tibet boarder and stay overnight at Nepal side which is comfortable for next day driving back Kathmandu. Accommodation at Nepal part is not enough if there are many tourist groups.  

  • Day 15:Drive back to Kathmandu (7/8 Hours). Overnight at Hotel

    Early in the morning, drive to immigration from Kerung which is 24 kilometers. After crossing formalities in immigration, you will meet Nepali transportation and Nepali guide. driving back to Kathmandu via scenic hilly road. Transfer and overnight at Hotel  

  • Day 16:Departure

    Departure or stay in Nepal as much as your want. Representative from Nepal highland treks drop you to International airport. It is important to start three hours before from Nepal. Hotel to airport distance is 7 kilometers and it take about 25 minutes to reach. 

Mount Kailash and Mansarovar tour itinerary is for foreigners and Nepali passport holders. Totally 16 days plan is with enough time to get trip preparation, acclimatization on the way and visa preparation day in Kathmandu. If you are in the private tour and want to customize the plan, we will design a suggested plan. For Nepali passport holders, it will be 11 days itinerary and tour cost will be also lesser than mentioned here. 

Route Map

Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Tour map
Cost Details
Includes
  • All arrival and departure arrangement
  • 3 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu on twin sharing, three star category hotel
  • Private transportation, guide and entrance fees in one day sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
  • Private transportation drop and pick up from and to Kathmandu – Nepal Tibet boarder
  • Custom formalities at immigration
  • Tibet/ Kailash travel permit and Tibetan visa
  • Transportation in Tibet / Kailash part
  • Truck to keep your goods and put kitchen/ food stuff
  • Accommodation in guest house on group sharing
  • All the vegetarian foods during your tour
  • Drinking water and other hot drinks
  • Duffel bag to and small bag for your personal use
  • Warm jacket in returnable based
  • Entrance fees of Lake Mansarovar
  • Government license holder English speaking Tibetan guide
  • Nepali crew member, coordinator, kitchen and helper team
  • Bathing tent, kitchen tents, kitchen cutleries and other needful equipment
  • Yak or helper to carry goods during Kailash kora
  • Emergency evacuation management
  • First aid kid 
Excludes
  • Personal equipment, personal insurance
  • Emergency evacuation charge and personal medical expenses in case of need
  • Personal horse and helper if you need in Kailash kora
  • Other activities mentioned than in itinerary
  • Tipping 
  • Your international air ticket
  • Cost of Nepal visa (visa is on arrival for foreigners on ther than Indian passport holders)  
  • Extra activities 
Useful Information

Documentation 

  • Nepal Highland treks look after all the documentation, visa, permit and other necessary preparation of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar tour. Visa and permit are different procedure for Indian and foreigners passport holders 
  • We need at least 6 month valid passport for permit and visa in this tour.
  • Send your passport scan copy by email 
  • Digital picture by email (With white background) 
  • A form for personal details - we will send you the format by email)

Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Tour FAQs

  • Touching Mount Kailash is possible in Inner Kailash walking. Kailash Parikrama is outer and Inner. Outer Kora of 3 days from Darchen to Dirapuk, Dolma_la pass and Juthulpuk toute does not tourch Kailash Mountain but when you go for Inner Kailash, can touch the Kailash mountain. Walking to Charansparsa, Saptarishi cave is [ark of inner Kora can touch Kailash mountain. But it is all depend on the condition at present time. If there will be high level of icefall, we can be closer of Mount Kailash but can not touch it. 

  • Kailash Parikrama is 3 days walking trip and crossing 52 kilometers. Start the Parikrama from Darchen the altitude of 4575 meters. Due to the altitude, every one feel week and may not feel to eat properly. This is the main reason Kailash Parikrama may feel hard for peoples. The first day of the Parikrama is easy. Crossing about 7 kilometers by driving. From Tarboche valley, we start to walk about another 7 kilometers and reach about 4900 meters altitude. The second day of Kailash Parikrama is entirely walking and longest walking about 19 kilometers. Which takes about 9-11 hours. Also have to cross Dolma- La pass (5600 meters) Serious uphill and serious down hill after pass. This kind of hiking routes makes much tired in the less oxizen region. Second day overnight st Juthulpuk altitude of 4760 meters. Third day of the Parikrama is about 11 kilometer walking in the flat land which is easier than other days. Rest of the kilometers in the third day is driving. 

    For the peoples who are not used to of hiking and trekking, Kailash parikrama is difficult. Peoples who are from the low altitude, it is hard. But the peoples who are phygically fit having some hiking habits and trekking experience is not much difficult of doing Kailash Parikrama. It is suggested to prepare this kind of habits from at least 3 month before of Kailash Parikrama plan. 

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