Kathmandu to Kailash Kathmandu Overland Tour
- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Route:
- Kathmandu - Gyirong - Saga- Kailash Kora - Kathmandu
- Season:
-
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Tour Type:
- Private Tour
Overview
This adventurous pilgrimage from Kathmandu is customized for pilgrims looking forward to a spiritual journey. Starting from Kathmandu then drive to Rasuwagadi, you will enjoy the stunning natural scenery of the Himalayans in Nepal along the way. Then go cross the border of Gyirong and get into Saga, Tibet, where you will enjoy the panoramic view of Peikutso Lake and the majestic view of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Continue to move on, and finally arrive at Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, which is the destination of the world’s spiritual center. You can not only enjoy the scenic view of snowcapped mountains and alpine lakes but also clean your mind and purify your spirit.
Day | Route | Attractions & Activities |
---|---|---|
1 | Kathmandu to Gyirong, 210km | Pick up from hotel and drive |
2 | Gyirong Valley | Gyirong Valley |
3 | Gyirong Town - Zhongba, 344km, Approx. 7hrs | Drive from Gyirong Town to Zhongba |
4 | Zhongba - Darchen, 340km, Approx. 6hrs | Drive from Zhongba to Darchen |
5 | Mt Kailash Kora①: Darchen - Dirapuk(4700m), Drive 5km, Trek 15km, Approx. 7~11hrs | Mt.Kailash kora |
6 | Mt Kailash Kora②: Dirapuk - Zutulpuk(4790m), Trek 22km, Approx. 11~14hrs | Mt.Kailash kora |
7 | Mt Kailash Kora③: Zutulpuk- Darchen, Trek 9km, Approx. 2~5hrs; Drive from Darchen -Manasarovar-Zhongba, 340km, Approx. 5.5hrs | Manasarovar Lake |
8 | Zhongba - Gyirong Town, 344km, Approx. 7hrs | Drive from Zhongba to Gyirong Town |
9 | Gyirong to Nepal border | Send off to Gyirong border |
Daily Itinerary
CollapseOur local operator will pick up from your hotel in Kathmandu and get together around 6:00am, and then we will drive from Kathmandu to Rashuwaghadi (the border between China-Nepal), en-route, you’ll enjoy the marvelous scenery along the way, the rush green mountains, valleys, rivers, etc. After immigration formalities at Gyirong port, you will meet our Tibetan tour guide and driver, then continue drive to Gyirong town.
Stay overnight in Gyirong
Today we will have a day of rest in Gyirong Valley. Gyirong Town is only 2,800 meters above sea level, which is a relatively low-altitude place with dense vegetation and beautiful scenery. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains almost 360 degrees. Adapting to the altitude here will be helpful for our later trips to high-altitude areas.
Stay overnight in Gyirong Town
Starting from Gyirong Town, head north along the G219 National Highway, the altitude gradually rises, passing through Saga and finally arriving at Zhongba County. The road took us along the Yarlung Zangbo River, small villages and snow-capped mountains.
Today you will drive through the sandy and rocky land of Tibet, and have a far view of the natural scenery such as Pekutso Lake and Mt. Shishapangma(8020m), and see herds of yaks and sheep. In the afternoon, you will cross the Bhramha Purtra River to the typical Tibetan town of Zhongba.
Overnight at Zhongba.
Today's journey may be long, but the stunning scenery along the way makes it worth every minute. As we drive across the vast plains, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayas to the south and Trans-Himalaya to the north. This region is home to nomads, and you will have the chance to witness the wild grasslands and local villages. Don't forget to take in the magnificent sight of Mount Naimonanyi (7694m) while crossing the Mayomla Pass(5112m).
After the scenic drive, we will arrive at a small nomadic village, which is also the starting and ending point of Mount Kailash Kora. Here, you will be comfortably accommodated in a guesthouse. Upon arrival, you can take a stroll around the town and explore its unique charm. If you require porters and yaks for the kora, your tour guide will arrange them for you in advance for an additional fee.
Stay overnight in Darchen
In the morning, you will take an eco-bus (included in the cost) to Sarshung Valley and start the Mt. Kailash trek from there. Then you will meet your porters and yaks at Sarshung Valley(the cost of hiring yaks, horses, and porters are not included in the package). You’ll trek about 15 km from Sarshung Valley to Drirapuk Monastery along the Lachu River Valleys. During your trekking today, you can see both the west and north face of Mt.Kailash. Finally, you will visit Drirapuk Monastery and stay overnight here.
Stay overnight in Guesthouse, Dorm Bed
Today is the most challenging day of the trekking, you’ll climb over the highest pass of the Kailash Kora, the Dromala pass(5630m). After a short rest at the top, we will climb down into the long valley and stop for lunch at the Shabjay Dakpo nomadic tent. On the way, you can have a rest in a teahouse. Then you will continue to the Zultulpuk, built by two important religious figures, Milarepa and Naro Bonchung. At last, you will visit Zutulpuk Monastery. You will find the footprint and handprint of Milarepa inside the cave.
Stay overnight in Guesthouse, Dorm Bed
It's an easy day of the trek. You'll trek 9km to complete the Kora then take the eco bus back to Darchen. According to Buddhist theory, doing a kora around a holy mountain for one circle can get rid of sins and miseries for the whole life. Only after going through lots of hardships, you can feel the happiness and gratification brought by Kora. Then you take the shuttle bus back to Darchen, about 3km. We will drive you from Darchen to Mansarovar(4560m), the top holy lake in Tibet. It’s 40km to the southwest of Darchen. If the weather is good, you can see the splendid scenery of the lake Manasarovar. If you feel good, you can do a trek along the shore of the lake for a while. And then you'll head to Zhongba.
Stay overnight in Zhongba
Today we will drive to Gyirong town from Zhongba. In the afternoon, you will pass through Gyirong Valley, which is regarded as the backyard garden of the Himalayas. You will see the forest and breathe fresh air. You will be amazed by the creator's masterpiece that 4 seasons exist in such a narrow valley. Gyirong, in the Tibetan language, means comfort or happiness. It's said Gyirong was named by Padma Sambhava Buddha when he entered Tibet from here.
Stay overnight in Gyirong
Typically Asked Questions from Our Clients
Asked by RAVI***
Hi, looking for Kailash trip. USA passport. Looking for 9- 11 day trip khatmandu to khatmandu or any other that fits this time frame .
I see for US passport, China visa is issue that requires me to be in Khatmandu 3 days before trip begins. This is not possible for me due to limited time I will be in India. Is it possible to plan China visa from US embassy?
Prefer helicopter rides to save sometime if possible.
Dear Ravi***,
For 9 Days Kathmandu to Kailash Kathmandu Overland Tour, we don't have any confirmed departure dates in August. Tourists from Kathmandu to Tibet overland need a China Group Visa which requires 5 applicants to present together for an interview and have their fingerprints collected. For tourists on the same Group Visa, they should exit China at the pre-arranged city together, as the exiting city listed on the group visa should be exactly as same as their export city. The helicopter to Mt. Kailash is not available either.
Since you travel alone, I suggest you consider a Kailash tour departing from Lhasa. We have 12 days Lhasa Mt Everest & Mt Kailash Kathmandu Group Tour departing on 8/14 August. Are you joining? You can apply for a China visa in your city. Then take a connecting flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa via Chengdu or Chongqing.
Asked by Erik***
I 'am interesting in the 9 days Kathmandu to Kailash Kathmandu Overland tour. Is it possible in November. to do this tour
Dear Erik****,
The weather in November in Mt.Kailash is cold and close to tourists. We can arrange the Lhasa Mt.Kailash Kathmandu tour for you from May to early October
Asked by Chri***
I am looking for a tour to See Mount Kailash starting from Kathmandu and ending in Kathmandu.
what would the price for 2 adults and one 8 year old.
The dates are flexible, I would like a rough price.
maybe the trip could be 5-6 days.
thanks.
Dear Chri****,
Thanks for your inquiry!
I'm afraid that 5 or 6 days is not enough to arrange a Kathmandu to Kailash tour. It takes at least 3 days to drive from Kathmandu to Kailash, and usually, we will arrange one more day to acclimatize to the altitude at Gyirong Port. Otherwise, it's very likely to cause abrupt altitude sickness. Also, the time to do kora around Mt.Kailash takes 3 days. In total, it takes 10 days.
Asked by Hong***
Hi,
I am an American who lives in New York. I am interested in visiting Mountain Kailash this spring. I will be by myself.
I work virtually. So I have to be able to work through online Zoom at night while in Asia. I can be off the grid (without any internet or electricity) for about 3 - 4 days.
I would appreciate it if I could get more info about the travel.
Dear Hong,
The hotels in the itinerary have WIFI of China. Is it ok for your online work?
Asked by Mr S***
I am keen to go for Mt Kailash pilgrimage in June 2024 via India or Nepal. However I have only 13 days of window period to travel (1 to 13 June). Please lt me know the feasibility and the cost involved.
Dear Mr Subr****,
Currently the overland trip from Nepal to Tibet is not applicable for travelers less than 4, as the authority only issues one China Group Visa per 4 participants and the travelers need to exit China together from the same port, which increases the difficulty of forming a group of 4. And now the Kathmandu - Lhasa direct flight has resumed but only one per week, on Monday. It still requires a China Group Visa. Hopfully after April, the related policy will loose and there will be more flights.
If you only have 13 days and start your trip from Nepal, I suggest you take a flight to Chengdu then to Lhasa, which takes 2 days. After visiting Lhasa, you can fly to Ngari to visit Kailash and then fly back to Lhasa and get back to work, but the cost is high as you need to pay for round-trip flights from Lhasa to Kunasha and there's no discount ever.
Alternatively, you can go overland from Lhasa to Kailash but it might exceed to 13 days.
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