Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Road from Kathmandu
- Duration:
- 14 Days
- Price:
- From USD2596
- Route:
- Kathmandu - Kyrung - Saga - Darchen - Mt Kailash Kora - Manasarovar - Saga - Kyrung - Kathmandu
- Season:
-
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Tour Type:
- Group Tour
- Group Size:
- Max 20
Overview
This 14-day Kailash Mansarovar Yatra trip is customized to pilgrims who expect a spiritual journey. This route is considered to be one of the most devout pilgrimages for followers of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. The adventurous tour begins at Kathmandu with an homage to Lord Pashupatinath Temple & Lord Narayan Temple, then gets through Langtang National Park and crosses the Nepal-Tibet border via Kyrung. After that, you will drive across Saga, Darchen and finally reach Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, which are considered as the shrine of Lord Shiva by Hindus. You will see many believers during your Kora. On the trip, you will not only enjoy the beautiful scenery of the snow-capped mountains and the vast plains but also get spiritually inspired.
Day | Route | Attractions & Activities | Accommodation | Meals |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | Pick up from the airport | Kathmandu, 3★/4★/5★ | D |
2 | Sightseeing in Kathmandu | Pashupatinath, Gujeswari Shaktipith, Jalnarayan Temple | Kathmandu, 3★/4★/5★ | B,L,D |
3 | Kathmandu – Ghatte Khola, 130km, Approx. 8hrs | Ghatte Khola Village | Ghattekhola, Guesthouse | B,L,D |
4 | Ghatte Khola - Gyirong Town, 35km, Approx. 2hrs | Kerung Town | Kyrung, Guesthouse | B,L,D |
5 | Gyirong - Saga, 170km, Approx. 5hrs | Lake Peiku Tso, Yarlung Tsangpo River | Saga, 3★/4★ | B,L,D |
6 | Saga | Acclimatization in Saga | Saga, 3★/4★ | B,L,D |
7 | Saga - Manasarovar, 480km, Approx. 8~10hrs | Lake Mansarovar, Rakshash Taal | Manasarovar, Guesthouse | B,L,D |
8 | Mansarovar – Darchen, 35km, Approx. 1hr | Puja, Parikrama | Darchen, Guesthouse/4★ | B,L,D |
9 | Mt Kailash Kora①: Darchen - Dirapuk, Trek 10km, Approx. 6~7hrs | Mount Kailash Kora | Dirapuk, Guesthouse | B,L,D |
10 | Mt Kailash Kora②: Dirapuk - Zutulpuk, Trek 22km, Approx. 8~9hrs | Mount Kailash Kora | Zutulpuk, Guesthouse | B,L,D |
11 | Mt Kailash Kora③: Zutulpuk - Darchen, Trek 8km, 3hrs; Drive to Saga, 430km, Approx. 7hrs | Mount Kailash Kora | Saga, 3★/4★ | B,L,D |
12 | Saga – Kyrung, 170kms, Approx. 5hrs | Kyrung Valley | Kyrung, Guesthouse | B,L,D |
13 | Kyrung – Kathmandu, 170kms, Approx. 8hrs | Drive to Kathmandu | Kathmandu, 3★/4★/5★ | B,L,D |
14 | Kathmandu Departure | Send off | B |
Daily Itinerary
CollapseToday, we will visit several famous Hindu temples in the Kathmandu Valley, including Pashupatinath, Gujeswari Shaktipith, and Jalnarayan Temple, to seek blessings from Lord Shiva, the Shakti Peeth, and Lord Vishnu, respectively. Afterwards, you may purchase any items needed for the Yatra if necessary.
Stay overnight in Kathmandu
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
In the morning, we will drive to Ghattek Khola. The settlement of Ghattek Khola is located in the Langtang region, north of Kathmandu. We will reach Ghattek Khola after a 7 to 8-hour drive along the Pasang Lhamu Highway.
Stay overnight at Ghatte Khola
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Following breakfast, we will set out for the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border or the friendship bridge at the Nepal-Tibet border. In about one and a half hours, depending on immigration, we will reach Kerung (also known as Gyirung), the first town in Tibet.
Stay overnight in Kyrung
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
After breakfast, you will drive along thrilling mountain roads to Saga (4,640 meters). The scenery along the way is breathtaking! You will enjoy the panoramic view of Lake Peikutso and the majestic landscape of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. If you're lucky, you may even spot the unique Tibetan antelope, as well as witness the traditional Tibetan way of yak and sheep grazing.
Stay overnight in Saga
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
We will spend the day in Saga County to acclimatize to the altitude, as it's already 4,400 meters here. There are options to go on short hikes and roam around the Saga throughout the day.
Stay overnight in Saga
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
After breakfast, we will depart westward from Saga and drive toward the world’s highest freshwater lake—the sacred Lake Mansarovar. Along the way, you will have your first glimpse of the holy Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. Sitting at an altitude of 4,558 meters, the lake stretches wide and shimmers in a pristine blue-green hue. Upon arrival, you may take a holy bath, recite prayers, and perform religious rituals such as Hawan and Devtarpan by the lakeside.
Lake Mansarovar is believed to be the resting place of Lord Bishnu. It is surrounded by Mt. Kailash, Mt. Gurula-Mandata, and Lake Rakshasha (also known as Rakshash Taal). According to legend, Rakshash Taal was created by the demon king Ravan, and locals believe its water is poisonous and unfit for drinking.Stay overnight at a guesthouse
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
We will get into our spiritual selves, and perform some rituals (puja) at the bank of the holy lake Mansarovar. Our staff will provide a bucket of hot holy water for each yatri from Lake Mansarovar for bathing. After our puja and prayers, we will complete the Parikrama of the Mansarovar Lake by jeep and continue to Darchen, situated on the foothills of Mount Kailash and considered the base camp for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. From Darchen, you can see the mighty west face of Mount Kailash.
Stay overnight in Darchen
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
We will begin the sacred three-day Kailash Parikrama. After breakfast, we will drive about 6 km to the small settlement of Tarboche, also known as Darboche. This is the starting point of the Kailash Kora, and is often referred to as the “Valley of Gods.” The legendary Yama Dwar, the “Gate of the Lord of Death,” is also located here.
From this point, you will begin your trek toward Diraphuk. After about 6 km, we will reach Chukku Monastery. We then continue our trek and eventually arrive at Diraphuk village, which sits directly beneath the north face of the sacred Mt. Kailash. Then, continue trekking to Dirapuk , standing at an elevation of 4,920m. This is the only place where you can see up close the mighty north face of Mt. Kailash.
Stay overnight stay at a guesthouse
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Today is the longest, hardest, but holiest day of your pilgrimage Yatra, and you will continue your Parikrama. After leaving Dirapuk for 3km, you will go uphill and see the sky burial platform. Keep moving 2 kilometers, you will reach the highest point of this divine trip - Droma La Pass (5,585m), full of fluttering prayer flags. After a short break, you will make a gentle descent from this pass, and you will spot a tiny glacial lake on the right side of the trail. This is Gauri Kunda. The legend of this pool is connected with Mata Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.
After Gauri Kunda, you will be led downward along a steep and stony trail and eventually arrive at Juthulpuk village. This place is named after the renowned Juthulpuk Cave, also known as the “Miracle Cave” (Zruthulpuk Cave). Along the way, you will also see the legendary Buddha’s Footprints.
Stay overnight stay at a guesthouse
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
In the morning, we will visit the famous Milarepa Cave along with its surrounding caves and temples. After breakfast, we will trek about 7 kilometers along an easy and gentle trail, taking approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete the Kora and return to the Darchen settlement. After having lunch in Darchen, we will drive back to Saga (4,640m).
Stay overnight in Saga
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
We will enjoy a comfortable ride along the smooth Tibetan roads back to the border town of Kerung (2,700m), located between Nepal and Tibet. Today is a rest day, so you can relax and unwind.
Stay overnight in Kyrung
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
After breakfast, you will drive back to Kathmandu, which will take about 7 to 8 hours. This is the perfect time to reflect on your entire journey, recalling the memorable moments from the trek and the new insights gained along the way. In the evening, you may enjoy some free time for souvenir shopping.
Stay overnight in Kathmandu
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Our Service
Inclusions
Documentation
- Tibet Permits
- Tibet Visas
- Special Kailash Mansarovar Permit
- Applicable Entrance Fees to above mentioned places
Transportation
- All ground transportation in private vehicles
- Airport Pickup and Drop Off Service
- Support and Crew
- Nepali Guide and Tibetan Guide
- Nepali Crew Members in Kailash Region
Accommodation
- 3/4 star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and other best available
- Twin Sharing Basis in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Tibet, Group Sharing in Kailash Region
Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (VEG)
- Drinking Water (3 bottles per day)
Sightseeing
- KATHMANDU: Pashupatinath Temple, Guheshwori Shaktipeeth, Jalnarayan (Sleeping Vishnu) Temple
- TIBET: Lake Mansarovar, Holy Mount Kailash, Milarepa Cave, Drolma La Pass, Yamadwar, Gauri Kunda
Equipment
- Medical Kits
- First Aid
- Oximeter daily check (Pulse and Oxygen Level)
- Enough Oxygen Cylinders
- Other Necessary Equipment
- Stick for Parikrama
Clothing
- Down Jacket
- Duffle Bag
- Day Backpack
EXCLUSIONS
- The cost for hiring ponies and horsemen and the porters
- Items of personal nature as trekking equipment, bar bills, landry, telephone, calls internet, SIM card, extra mileage, personal gratuities such as tips to the staff at hotels, guide, driver, porter, Horse / Pony ride, etc.
- Expenses incurred by re-routing, inclement weather, floods, famine, political disruptions, strikes, riots and other disturbances;
- International Airfare
- Extra costs that may arise due to delay to receive Tibet Travel Permit and Visa, prolonged delays or postponement of flights due to technical reasons;
- All the obligations and fines like the death penalty of USD 1,000.00 and early return expenses, etc
- Personal insurance policy - suggested comprehensive travel insurance covering tour and flight cancellations, loss of valuables, thefts, illness, accidents and hospitalization
- Insurance that covers Trekking/ Travel/ Accident /Medical/Emergency evacuations, [Helicopter rescue]
- Emergency Circumstances
- Personal Expenses
- Extra Nights
- Any items and services not mentioned in the PRICE INCLUDE section;
Typically Asked Questions from Our Clients
Asked by Mura***
We are travelling from Australia (Sydney) and we both are Australian passport holders. We want to do this yatra in comfort and without any hassles.
Dear Murali****,
We can arrange the Kathmandu Gyirong Mt.Kailash tour for you. Since you're Australian passport holders, you can enjoy the 30-day China-Visa-Free policy. We can apply for your Tibet Travel Permit with your passport. If you plan to have a stop at Syabrubesi, you can consider to save one day acclimatization at Kyrung.
Asked by Megh***
I am intrested in Mt.Kailash tour with family. Do we have permission for people with INDIAN passport??
Also please share me the cost of the tour..
Dear Megh****,
Mt.Kailash and Mansarovar have not yet opened to Indian citizens. There may be an update in April. I can update you if there's any change. In addition, Mt. Kailash usually opens in late April or early May.
Asked by Tim ***
Hello. I am interested in Kailash kora over the time of Saga Dawa festival from and returning to Kathmandu. Please advise availability and cost. Thank you.
Dear Tim****,
We can arrange the Kathmandu to Kailash Kathmandu Overland Tour during the time of the Saga Dawa Festival. The Saga Dawa Festival falls on 11th June, so you can begin the tour on 6th June. Travelers from many countries can enjoy the China-Visa-Free policy.
Asked by Thev***
We will arrive in Kadmandu. We like take a Yatra from Kathmandu to Mansaruvar lake and visit Chiu Gompa Monastery as well the hot spring behind it. Two of us are above 76 therefore we all decided to stop up to 4600m. Could you arrange us by land. Also the cost approximately.
Dear Thev****,
We can arrange the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Road from Kathmandu for you on 15 August. You said you would stop at the location of 4600m, so we won't arrange the Mt.Kailash trek for you.
Here below is my suggested itinerary according to your schedule & preference. If you agree, I will quote you. If not, I will tweak it until your satisfaction.
Asked by Mr. ***
Am planning on 14-day Kailash Mansarovar Yatra trip June - July of 2024. Could you please let me know the cost and the specifics about getting a travel visa for China. We are US passport holders
Dear Mr. Sann****,
According to the policy of the authority, all international tourists enter Tibet by air or land from Nepal, they need to apply for a China group visa at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. It's difficult to apply for a China Group Visa because it requires at least 4 travelers on the same itinerary together and all applicants from one list must come to the Visa Center for application. If some of them will not come then the application will not be accepted.
To make it applicable, I suggest you apply for a China visa at your nearby Chinese Embassy. And we can provide you with supporting documents after you book with us. Then you can fly to Lhasa via other cities in China.
We can arrange a Lhasa Mt.Kailash Kathmandu overland tour for you from June to July 2024. Please let me know your idea.
Read More ...