14 Nights/15 Days
Challenging
Nepal
Tour
5,600 M
B & B Plan
Hotel/Guest House
May, April, June, July, August, September
Min 4-30pax
Private Vehicles
You begin the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with a heart full of reverence and anticipation. This spiritual journey with Trek Me Nepal leads you through remote Tibet. Moreover, it will not only test your physical endurance but also guide you inward on a profound journey of self-discovery.
The tour begins in Kathmandu, a land of ancient traditions and spiritual blessings. Leaving Kathmandu behind, you will notice the landscape transform into higher hills. Moreover, you will catch occasional glimpses of the majestic Himalayan peaks. These are the same peaks that guard the sacred lands of Kailash and Mansarovar in the plateau of Tibet. We come to the end of the long and winding road in Kerung, our gateway into Tibet past Nepal.
The spiritual path ahead calls us. Once we cross Rasuwagadhi, the border village of Nepal and Tibet, we will immediately see a land that is distinct and separate. Moreover, the Tibetan plateau stretches before us, vast and austere. Its stark, sublime beauty at the roof of the world is undeniable. The thin air carries faint whispers of ancient pilgrims along this historic route.
When we arrive in Tibet, our first stop is the town of Gyirong, where we will pause to acclimatize. Here, some travelers claim to feel the mystical aura of ancient pilgrims and countless others who have taken this journey before us. Or maybe it’s just the excitement building up. We understand one thing at Gyirong the challenges of high altitude like thin air and harsh climate take a physical toll on the body. But later in the journey, you will understand that the hardship pales in comparison to the rewards that await.
As you undertake the Parikrama (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash, your faith and endurance face a true test. The celestial peak pierces the sky and is impossible to ascend on foot, not only due to legal restrictions but also out of divinity. You trek the 32-mile circuit at over 5,000 meters altitude, enduring one of the toughest walks of faith on Earth. With thin air, bitter cold, rocky paths, desolate valleys, and treacherous passes, this journey challenges even the most determined pilgrims. Each breath is a mark of labor and each step a seemingly impossible feat; however, in the end, the spiritual awakening makes Kailash Mansarovar Yatra completely worth it.
Pilgrims chant mantras, cross high passes, and endure exhaustion, cold, and altitude sickness. They are all driven by the desire to reach their innermost core. The hardships humble and inspire, making everyday life feel like a luxury. As you follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims, you realize we’re just a speck in the vast cosmos. This journey brings profound transformation, reminding us of our humanity and connection to something far greater.
Highest Altitude
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1,350m |
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Once you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport, you’ll be received by our staff and transported to your hotel. After some rest and refreshments, we’ll provide you a brief about your upcoming tour to Kailash and Mansarovar. At night you will have a welcome dinner of Nepali cuisine before heading on your epic adventure in the coming days.
Hotel
welcome dinner
ou will begin the day with visa application and biometric registration at the Chinese Embassy. All visitors to Kailash and Mansarovar require a visa. So we will check all the required documents for submission, and do an application before noon. After lunch, we will explore Kathmandu with a half-day sightseeing tour. First we’ll visit Pashupatinath, the revered temple of Lord Shiva and then the iconic Bauddhanath Stupa. In these cultural landmarks you will see a bit of ancient architecture of this mountain nation. Later in the evening you will return to the hotel and spend the night.
Hotel
Breakfast
Today you’ll explore Kathmandu, its cultural & culinary highlights, and some of the more popular activities to make the most of your day here. You’ll begin the day by visiting Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its palaces, temples, and mediaeval architecture. Around mid-day you’ll have lunch in a Nepali eatery, enjoying a traditional Nepali lunch. Try Dāl-Bhāt, Nepal’s staple dish, that includes lentil soup, rice, pickles, and various vegetables. In the afternoon you’ll visit Swayambhunath Stupa, from where you can have panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and city as a whole. Climb the stairs to the top and explore the surroundings adorned with prayer flags. In the evening, you’ll have dinner where you can try out the more popular mo:mo, or anything that you want. Return to the hotel for the night.
Hotel
Breakfast
An early morning visit to the mediaeval town of Bhaktapur is a good way to start the day. After breakfast, you will drive to Bhaktapur, explore the well-preserved squares, and see beautiful temples with their intricate wooden artwork. From there you will go to collect your visa and travel permits to Mansarovar. Around mid-day, you will have lunch, and if you prefer, you can do some shopping around town. Collect souvenirs, handicrafts and local spices to take back home. Ason is the old bazaar with its spices, haggling buyers, and bustling markets, but you can also visit one of the upscale malls if you prefer quiet shopping. Later in the day you’ll return to your hotel and pack for the exciting journey ahead that begins tomorrow.
Hotel
Breakfast
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Highest Altitude
|
2380m |
|---|---|
Trek Duration
|
7 hrs Drive |
Early in the morning, our representative will come to your hotel to pick you up for the journey ahead. From Kathmandu, a scenic drive to Syabrubesi ensues — reaching near the China-Nepal border. Along the road you will enjoy the sight of lush forests, waterfalls, and rivers. Apart from picturesque landscapes, breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks like Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Langtang will captivate you. Driving through cultivated valleys and mountain villages, you’ll reach Syabrubesi. Syabrubesi is a busy town, especially because it’s a popular gateway to the Langtang region.
Hotel
Full Board Meal
|
Highest Altitude
|
2,850m |
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After breakfast in Syabrubesi, we will drive towards Kerung Border in Rasuwagadhi. After about an hour’s winding drive, we will arrive at the border of Nepal and Tibet. Upon completing passport and visa formalities at both Nepal and Tibet sides, we officially cross into China on foot. From there we will continue in comfortable Tibetan vehicles until we reach the town of Kyirong, located in Gyirong County of Shigatse Prefecture. Here, we will spend our first night at the southern side of Ganesh and Langtang peaks of Nepal — enjoying refreshments, proper food, and rest. Due to high altitude, you should stay the entire day hydrated with soups and plenty of fluids.
Guest House
Full Board Meal
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Highest Altitude
|
4,550m |
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After breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive towards Saga. Crossing the high Lalung-La pass (5,000m), we’ll witness real beauty as we marvel at the splendid views of Gaurishankar, Langtang, and Shishapangma mountains. Driving through the Tibetan plateau, we’ll even see yak and sheep grazing in endless pastures. With brief stopovers along the way, we drive along the Brahmaputra River before arriving at Saga. Saga is a happening town at an altitude of 4,640m, known for its welcoming lodges, friendly people, and its many restaurants. You deserve a good meal tonight after a long drive through the endless desert. And as we settle in Saga for the night, we will even enjoy the sights of Mt. Shishapangma in the distance.
Guest House
Full Board Meal
|
Highest Altitude
|
4,550m |
|---|
Today is a pivotal day because on this day you will be reaching Lake Mansarovar, and also catch your first glorious glimpse of Mount Kailash itself. Starting from Saga after breakfast, you will pass through the village of Paryang and cross the Mayum-La pass at a whopping 5,211 metres. From there you will descend towards Chu-Gompa on the western shore of Mansarovar where you will stop for the night with views of the sacred Mt. Kailash. At night you can visit the lake under serene moonlight but make sure you stay within your group for safety. The night is spent in tents or a guesthouse if available, where you’ll mentally prepare for the trek to Mount Kailash.
Guest House
Full Board Meal
Trek Distance
|
35 km |
|---|---|
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Highest Altitude
|
4,650m |
Begin the day with a Kora or “Parikrama” around Manasarovar Lake. The peaceful morning, having spent by the lake, you can further take part in a puja at the lake or have a holy bath with magnificent sights of Mt. Kailash. Please be advised that taking a dip in the lake is prohibited. After spending peaceful time at Lake Mansarovar, you will embark on a drive to Darchen. Still charged with the spiritual experience and filled with the ambience of Lake Mansarovar, you will proceed towards Rakshasa Taal from where you’ll continue on to Darchen, the starting point of the 52 km Parikrama (Kora or circumambulation) of Mt. Kailash. Arriving at the busy village of Darchen in the afternoon, you’ll rest and relax and gather energy — for you’ll be starting on a tough three-day walk around Mt. Kailash.
Guest House
Full Board Meal
|
Trek Distance
|
12 km |
|---|---|
|
Highest Altitude
|
4,860m |
|
Trek Duration
|
5 to 6 hrs |
Immediately after breakfast at Darchen, you’ll drive to Tarboche, the actual starting point of the Kailash Parikrama. Tarboche is also the place of the popular festival of Saga Dawa. Here, you can hire local ponies if you want to ride during the circumambulation. First you’ll come to Yama Dwār, a believed gateway to Yama, which when you cross it, is believed to cleanse all negative energy surrounding you and bless you with a purified aura. From here you’ve officially entered Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. Today the walking distance is 12 kilometres until you’ve reached the hamlet of DiraPuk, lying on a flat trail of gravel and rocks. Stay overnight in a guesthouse below the 13th century Buddhist monastery of DiraPuk, after having a simple vegetarian dinner.
Guest House
Full Board Meal
|
Highest Altitude
|
4,870m |
|---|---|
|
Trek Duration
|
6-8 hrs |
Today is the toughest day of your Kailash Parikrama, because you will be arriving at the highest point of the route — the Dolma-La pass at 5,630 metres. Begin well before dawn in order to catch a splendid sunrise over Mt. Kailash. The golden glow over this holy peak is indescribably miraculous, and truly feels like a cosmic sight on Earth. After this breathtaking sunrise and a homage to Lord Shiva, you will embark on the challenging trek. The rocky trail winds steeply up until the pass of Dolma-La, which then gradually descends to a place called Shivasthal. It’s a unique place where pilgrims leave personal items to symbolise a spiritual renewal of the body and soul — like a reincarnation of the self. Descending further, you’ll pass the sacred pond of Gaurikunda.
You’ll trek further with frequent stopovers before reaching ZuthulPuk for a well-deserved rest. Today’s leg of the journey concludes at Zuthul Puk Gompa named after the meditation cave of the revered saint Milarepa. With a tough route behind you, you can look forward towards a successful Parikrama at the end of the day tomorrow.
Guest House
Full Board Meal
|
Highest Altitude
|
4,550m |
|---|
Today is the third and last day of our spiritual Kailash Kora. We begin in the morning with a leisurely walk along the riverbank, before stopping at the end of the Parikrama near Darchen. With about three hours of trek, we have arrived at the end of our holy journey. Once at Darchen we will rest for a bit, basking in the newfound sanctum of the self. A nice lunch ensues before we embark on a drive to Saga. Along the way, we complete around a third of the Parikrama of Mansarovar again and if you wish, you can carry some holy water from the holy lake to take back home. Arriving in Saga in the evening, we’ll check into a comfortable hotel for the night and spend the time in rejuvenation and sleep.
Guest House
Full Board Meal
|
Trek Distance
|
470 km |
|---|---|
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Highest Altitude
|
2,850m |
Arriving at the end of this trip, you’ll start the day with breakfast in Saga and begin the 7-hour drive to Kyirong. Retracing the excellent route on the Tibetan plateau, you’ll once again cross the Brahmaputra River and enjoy views of Mt. Shishapangma and several large lakes. Lunch will be served en route. As you come near Nepali border, you’ll have fresh panoramic views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Kyirong, you can explore the town and its beautiful surroundings that contrast with the high-altitude landscapes of earlier days. The distinctive climate and landscape will give you a feeling of wholesome welcome. Check into a guesthouse in Kyirong for a well-deserved rest.
Guest House
Full Board Meal
This being your last day on Tibetan soil on this trip, you will certainly feel a sense of nostalgia, especially having completed a difficult trip of your life in Kailash Kora. You begin the day with breakfast in the village of Kyirong before driving an hour away to the Kerung border. At this border, you will bid farewell to your Tibetan guides & drivers. Then walk for a few minutes across the border to enter Nepal where your chauffeur and your vehicle will be waiting for you on the spot.
Continue the journey to Kathmandu, enjoying scenic views along the Pasang Lhamu Highway. Lunch will be served en route. The winding drive takes approximately seven to eight hours crossing lush hills and farmlands. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and later enjoy a farewell dinner sharing your inspiring stories of one of the hardest treks of your lifetime.
Full Board Meal
After breakfast or depending upon your flight schedule we will transfer you to the airport. As your plane takes off from the runway in Kathmandu, your journey comes to an end for this time — until you decide to visit again for some memorable and soul-searching trip in the Himalayas.
Full Board Meal
A duffel bag will be provided to you to put your goods. This bag stays separately on the bus, and you will get it every evening. This is your main bag. Apart from this, the following are some items to pack for your Kailash-Mansarovar trip:
Documents: Passport, photocopies of your passport, passport-size photographs, identity card, diary with important contacts and addresses, pen and notepad, a copy of your travel insurance, a waterproof backpack to put in your personal belongings.
Clothing: Get a woollen cap, a woollen scarf or muffler, insulated gloves, thermals, t-shirts, down jacket (check with us for availability), water and windproof jacket, undergarments, quick-drying towels (large, small, and hand), warm shawl, woollen and cotton socks, sturdy non-leather hiking shoes with grip, chappal (flipflop), comfortable trekking pants, warm sleeping bag.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, wet wipes and facial tissues, soaps and toilet paper rolls, sunscreen, moisturiser, lip-balm, hand-sanitizer.
Medicines: Electrolytes or ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) sachets, Diamox, anti-diarrhea pills, pain-killers, band-aid strips, a tiny first-aid kit, muscle pain-relief cream or spray (like Moov or Voltarol), Betadine, your regular medicines (if any), Vicks or Sancho, etc.
Miscellaneous: Snacks, dried-fruits, chocolate bars, reusable water bottle, water purification tablets, small vacuum flask (~1 litre), raincoat or umbrella, facemask, trekking poles, sunglasses with ultraviolet-protection, powerbank and charger, head-torch with sufficient batteries, large polythene bag to keep your dirty clothes, zip-lock bags to keep your electronic gadgets and snacks dry in case of rain, utility knife (preferably Swiss knife), scissors, nail cutter, plastic mug, cameras and batteries.
Tibet is the world’s highest plateau, with an average altitude surpassing 4,000 m (13,120ft). Located vastly between southern China and Nepal, Tibet is known for its vast landscapes teeming and ancient cultures.
Temples, monasteries, sacred lakes, rivers, and majestic snow-capped peaks are the essence of Tibet. Buddhism, with its deep-rooted history, is blended with Tibetan culture and Tibetan religious arts lures visitors with its distinctive style, creating influences around the world — even in movies and the media. Tibet, with its diverse ethnic groups, has been able to preserve its distinct traditions in several aspects of a person’s life such as birth, burial, marriage, and other ceremonies. While festivals are part of a Tibetan lifestyle, visitors can partake in celebrations in this land rich land of mountains and monks.
Tibet is a remote part of the world, situated at an average elevation above 4,000 metres (16,500ft). It has limited facilities for tourists, and travelling can be difficult and often unpredictable. Due to high altitude travellers with a history of heart, lung or anaemia should consult a doctor before considering a visit. While every effort will be made to ensure a smooth and pleasant trip, please keep in mind that even basic amenities and ease might not be available during the tour.
Clothing Accessories: Unsuitable clothing is discouraged. Warm clothes are required during early winter to early spring, while light clothes are required in the summer and autumn. A jacket can be carried at any time, as the weather may change unexpectedly at any given time.
Declaration: Cameras for commercial use should be registered beforehand with a customs official. Export of art objects or souvenirs in excess amounts should be declared beforehand.
Food & Drinks: Tibetan cuisine is not exactly the most varied in the world; so it’s handy to carry anything that can be prepared using hot water. Examples are instant noodles, instant coffee, drinking chocolate, teabags, soup powders and cubes, nuts and raisins, and biscuits among others.
Business Hours: Government offices are closed starting Saturday midday and reopens on Monday morning.
Currency: Mainstream Chinese currency, the RMB. The paper notes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 yuan; the coins are for 0.1 (1 jiǎo), 0.5 (5 jiǎo), and 1.0 RMB (10 jiǎo).
Air Travel: Lhasa Gonggar Airport is approximately 96 km away from Lhasa. Visitors have to pay airport tax, and the air ticket should be reconfirmed before travelling if you want to fly in.
Health & Altitude Issues: Travelling in Tibet means travelling strenuously in high-altitude environments where the air is always thin. People with heart and lung issues should consult their doctor before considering the trip. Cases of altitude sickness are often reported — with symptoms of simple headache, fever, loss of appetite, or stomach disorders. Acclimatization can help you adjust. It’s advised to drink more than three litres of water per day and it’s advised to move slowly, breathe deeply, and take regular rests.
Kailash-Mansarovar tour is accessible throughout the year. However, for the best experience, choose either spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant and the temperature is mild. There’s no need to worry about rainfall or heavy snowfall.
Kailash-Mansarovar tour is mostly done on vehicles (except during a part of Kora or Parikrama). So it’s relatively not that difficult. However, the altitude and endless barren landscapes and the thin air will definitely pose a hardship on visitors, especially the first-timers. This tour is more of an adventurous journey due to its high altitude and rugged terrain. The risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) during the tour is very real. So, take measures to mitigate AMS, and you’ll be fine throughout the tour. If you do not feel like it, you can choose not to walk the Kora, entirely circumventing the circumambulation.
The success of Kailash-Mansarovar depends on how well you have prepared your body and mind for the challenging terrain, and how fit you are. Your physical fitness and stamina are keys to a safe journey. Here are some things to note regarding physical preparation for the tour:
Accommodations will usually be at the hotel. Guest houses and lodges are available too at several stoppages along the road to Mount Kailash. Hotel provides a shared room with a shared bathroom and basic facilities. If available, private rooms will be provided too.
Travelling to Kailash does require permits. You are not allowed to enter Tibet without the necessary permits; and it applies to every visitor without exception. Permits require 3 working days to arrive after applying. Your presence in Nepal is required for the visa application to Tibet. Your travel operator will submit the application on your behalf. For the biometric application, you have to be present at the embassy in person. After your visa has arrived, you can start the journey. Please note that permits can only be obtained through travel operators and it is not possible for you to apply directly. Ensure that you provide valid documents for the process of application. Talk to us for any questions you have about the permission and visa regulations.
Do’s
Don’ts
Your passport should have at least a 6-month validity date from the date of travel. In all cases it is advisable to confirm your trip as early as possible. Medical insurance is necessary in cases of emergency, which should be obtained from your own country before travelling. Out of 53 km of Kora, 38 km must be done on foot. You can walk or ride a horse or pony during the Kora. As for your health condition, you need to be physically fit and have a level of stamina. On the tour, we provide a blood-pressure checker, a pulse oximeter, enough oxygen bottles, a mask-regulator, a hyperbaric Gamow bag (lifesaving chamber bag), and Diamox (broad-range AMS medicine).
It takes around two weeks to process the permit for Tibet. You need additional travel permits to travel to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar. So the processing time is longer. Please book your Mt. Kailash tour at least 30 to 45 days in advance to allow sufficient time for the application and paperwork.
No, there is no age limit for trekking around Kailash and Mansarovar. More important than age is the physical condition of your body, your strength, and your stamina. Individuals with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions are not recommended to visit Tibet. Additionally, it is not advised to bring children under 12 years old to remote reaches of the world such as the Kailash-Mansarovar region.
We suggest you book the tour 30 to 45 days before you take the actual trip. After your booking confirmation, we need to send the name list, passports, photos, and names of group leaders for applying the permit and visa. Please note that after you reserve the tour, we will send you a detailed checklist containing information on Kailash & Mansarovar tour, the permits & visa details, terms & conditions, safety regulations, itineraries, cultural information, do’s and don’ts, geographical information, inclusions & exclusions, and other essential information.
Personal photographs submitted for the tour application should have a uniform white background as photos with a visual background will not be accepted. Passport-sized photos are required where the forehead is clearly showing. Please use a passport name code in photos.
Last-minute booking (single or groups) is not accepted because of stringent permits and visa procedures of Tibet. So, we do not accept last-minute bookings.
Trek Me Nepal will take all the responsibilities for the permit and visa on behalf of you and your group.
Yes, all charges for the permits and visa are included in the package.
Usually, if you are going for Kailash and Mansarovar tour, the best day to arrive in Kathmandu is on Sunday. Mondays are the beginning of the work-week in Chinese Embassy where visa and permits are applied. At first we will process for Tibet permit; and only after that will we get the visa in the passport. When applied for a permit on Monday, it will arrive by Thursday. However, if you happen to arrive here on a Friday, you have to stay two more days in Kathmandu as Saturdays and Sundays are holidays in Chinese Embassy.
Usually, it takes four working days for visa stamps.
Yes, you need to submit an original passport to our staff in order to get a permit.
High-altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs at elevations typically above 2,500 meters (8,000 feet). It starts with symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue due to reduced oxygen levels at higher altitudes. If ignore, it can lead to life-threatening conditions.
Gradual acclimatization, staying hydrated, and recognizing symptoms early are crucial in preventing and managing this condition when travelling at high altitudes. At all times, you should follow all the instructions provided by your guides and leaders.
During the tour, we will use an 18-seater bus depending on the group size. Groups with less than 18 persons will use a private vehicle.
No, biometric application is not needed at the Chinese embassy. You are not required to go as our staff will manage it on your behalf.
– Arrival and departure transfers
– Three nights’ accommodation in a hotel in Kathmandu on twin-sharing basis
– Entrance fees for Langtang National Park
– A night’s accommodation in Kerung at Nepal-China border
– Nine nights of accommodation in Kailash and Mansarovar area in a local guesthouse
– Buffet foods (vegetarian) during the entire trip (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
– English-speaking Tibetan guide
– Nepali team leader/coordinator with experienced staff team
– Private transportation by bus
– Tibet travel permit and Tibet visa
– Entrance fees for Lake Mansarovar and Kailash
– Duffel bag to keep your goods during the entire tour
– Emergency evacuation management
– Expenses of personal nature, medical and health insurance, medical expenses, and costs for emergency rescue
– Personal pony/horse and helper during Kailash Parikrama
– More than three nights of hotel stay in Kathmandu, in case of unforeseen circumstances like a late permit.
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