Plan Mount Kailash Tour from Nepal

Nepal, a land of ancient spirituality and breathtaking Himalayan vistas, serves as a natural gateway to some of the world's most revered pilgrimage sites. Among them, Mount Kailash holds unmatched mystique and spiritual significance. This sacred peak, nestled deep within the Tibetan plateau, is a revered pilgrimage destination for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of Bon. While its remote location has long made it a challenging journey, Nepal offers some time-saving and unique accessible routes for those embarking on a transformative Mount Kailash tour.

This guide will help you with route planning, visa procedures, cost estimates, and essential tips for high-altitude travel—ensuring you begin your sacred journey to Mount Kailash from Nepal with confidence and peace of mind.

Where is Nepal and Mount Kailash? How Far are They?

Nepal is a landlocked country nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, bordered by India to the south and China (Tibet Autonomous Region) to the north. Known for its stunning mountain scenery and rich cultural heritage, Nepal is home to Kathmandu, a common gateway for pilgrims and travelers heading to Mount Kailash. In fact, many travelers from Europe, South Asia and Southeast Asia also prefer entering Tibet from Nepal, as it offers a more direct route compared to traveling through mainland China.

Mount Kailash, on the other hand, lies in the far west of Tibet, China, near the sources of some of Asia’s major rivers. Though geographically close, the journey from Nepal to Mount Kailash spans over 1,000 kilometers and involves crossing the China-Nepal border, typically at the Gyirong Port. From there, travelers follow a well-established overland route through the Tibetan plateau, gradually ascending in altitude before reaching the sacred mountain.

Nepal to Mount Kailash Overland Tour: The Time-saving Route via Gyirong/Zhangmu

Starting from Kathmandu, Nepal, the overland journey to Kailash is ideal for those who want to focus on experiencing Mount Kailash.

The first leg of the journey takes you from Kathmandu to the Gyirong/Zhangmu border, a drive of 160km, for approximately 7 hours, as the road is bumpy and muddy. You can choose to take a local bus to Rasuwa Gadhi/Kodari (with a ticket price of about 1,500 Nepalese Rupees) or arrange for a private vehicle. Upon arrival at the border, you will complete Nepalese exit formalities, cross the bridge into China on foot, and meet your guide in Gyirong town to assist with entry procedures. Gyirong town is situated at a high altitude, so you will spend a day here to acclimatize to the altitude.

From Gyirong, the journey continues through the Tibetan Plateau. The next stops include important supply points like Saga and Zhangmu, with scenic highlights such as the famous Pekutso Lake and Mount Shishapangma along the way. Accommodation is comfortable and provides a good rest before the Kora trek. Finally, you will reach the small village of Darchen, the starting point for the Mount Kailash pilgrimage. Here, you will embark on a three-day trek around the sacred mountain, with the option of staying in temples or guesthouses. For those seeking a more comfortable experience, it is recommended to bring your own sleeping bags.

√ 9 Days Kathmandu Kailash Kathmandu Tour

Nepal to Mount Kailash via Lhasa: The Classic Route for Exploring Tibet

If you prefer not to travel overland both ways, you can choose to fly directly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and then continue your journey to Mount Kailash. This route offers you more opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty and unique culture of Tibet.

Nepal is the only country with direct international flights to Tibet. The flight takes about 90 minutes, and you’ll fly over Mount Everest, offering spectacular aerial views. During peak season (May to October), there are four flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa per week. Upon arrival in Lhasa, it’s recommended to spend a few days exploring the city and acclimatizing to the high altitude. Afterward, you will drive towards Mount Kailash.

From Lhasa, you’ll travel along the G318 Friendship Highway towards Shigatse, and then switch to the S214 Provincial Road, heading directly to Darchen. Along the way, you will experience stunning scenery, including Yamdrok Lake, the ancient city of Gyantse, and Tibet’s second-largest city, Shigatse. Next, you will visit the Everest Base Camp (EBC) and Rongbuk Monastery to worship the world’s highest peak and Buddhist monastery. From there, you’ll head west to Saga, and eventually reach Darchen, the starting point for the three-day Kora trek around Mount Kailash.

Tips: From Lhasa, you can return the same way to Lhasa or cross the border at Gyirong/Zhangmu and head back to Kathmandu.

√ 15 Days Lhasa Everest Kailash Group Tour

√ 12 Days Lhasa Everest Kailash Kathmandu Group Tour

Nepal to Mount Kailash Helicopter Tour: The Fastest but Most Expensive Option

This is a special route that combines multiple flights and overland travel, making it ideal for those who wish to reach Mount Kailash quickly and have a higher budget.

The journey typically begins with a regular flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj in western Nepal. The next day, you will board a small helicopter to the remote town of Simikot. This flight is unique, as the plane flies through mountains and valleys, offering spectacular views, though weather conditions may cause delays or even cancellations. And then you will take a helicopter from Simikot to Hilsa, which is a Nepali village at Nepal-Tibet border. Please note, helicopters are only used for the previous 2 sections, and helicopter flights are not permitted within Tibet for international tourists.

Once in Hilsa, you will walk through the immigration checkpoint to enter Tibet. Afterward, you will drive to Puran (Taklakot). To acclimatize to the high altitude, you will usually stay an additional day in Puran. Following that, you will continue by car to the sacred Lake Manasarovar and then to Mount Kailash. After completing the Kailash Kora trek, you will return to Kathmandu via the same route.

Tips: You can also start and end this trip in Lucknow, which takes one less day.

√ 11 Days Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter from Kathmandu

√ 10 Days Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter from Lucknow

Permits Needed for Going to Mount Kailash

Tourists going from Nepal to Mount Kailash and the Lake Manasarovar region must hold the Tibet Travel Permit, the Alien's Travel Permit, and the Military Permit. The Tibet Travel Permit is an essential document for all foreign tourists entering Tibet. All tourists getting to Tibet must book a tour through a registered Tibet travel agency, which will handle all the documents and paperwork for you. The application and approval process typically takes about 20 working days. Therefore, it is recommended to book your tour in advance.

To depart from Kathmandu or other cities in Nepal to Tibet, a Chinese Group Visa is also required. Before applying, you must obtain an official invitation letter from the Tibet Tourism Bureau through your travel agency. With this invitation letter, your passport, and two passport-sized photos, you can apply for a group visa at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. The visa processing usually takes three working days. Please note: a minimum of four people is required to apply for a group visa.

If you are an Indian passport holder, please book at least 45 days in advance, and the original passport should be sent to our office in Delhi 15 days before your departure.

Tips: China tourist visa holders can be exempt from the China Group Visa currently.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Kailash from Nepal?

The cost of a Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar tour from Nepal varies depending on factors like accommodation choice, group size, and travel season. Below is a general cost estimate for different itineraries. The final price may fluctuate depending on your travel dates, flight preferences, hotel choices, and any additional services you select.

For those traveling overland from Nepal to Mount Kailash and returning to Kathmandu the same way after completing the pilgrimage with a limited budget, you can join our 10-day Kathmandu-Mount Kailash-Lake Manasarovar-Kathmandu group tour. During the ordinary season, the basic group tour package starts at $1,850 per person. If you prefer a more flexible independent tour, the price is approximately $2,980 per person, assuming double occupancy (2 pax) in the ordinary season. Generally, the more people in the group, the cheaper the price.

For travelers who have more time, flying from Nepal to Lhasa is a great option. You can choose to join our 12-day Lhasa-Everest-Mount Kailash-Kathmandu group tour, which starts at $2,100 per person during the ordinary season. For an independent tour, the price is approximately $3,300 per person, assuming double occupancy (2 pax) in the ordinary season.

For those choosing to fly from Kathmandu to Purang (Taklakot) in Nepal and return the same way after completing the Mount Kailash pilgrimage, the group tour price is $3,200 per person. If you want a private tour, please contact us to quote for you.

Best Time for Kailash Manasarovar Tour

The best time to visit Kailash Manasarovar is from May to October, when the weather is mild and temperatures are comfortable—ideal for trekking and pilgrimage.

Spring (May to June): Temperatures gradually warm up, ranging from 5°C to 15°C during the day and dropping below freezing at night. The clear air offers excellent visibility, allowing you to fully enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains and lakes.

Summer (July to August): The region is lush and green with abundant oxygen. Although there may be occasional rain, it mostly occurs at night and rarely affects travel plans.

Autumn (September to October): The weather is dry and sunny, with temperatures similar to spring. With fewer tourists than in spring and summer, this season is considered the best for trekking and photography.

Packing List for Kailash Tour from Nepal

Packing for your Mount Kailash trip from Nepal requires careful consideration, as you will encounter varying terrain, significant altitude changes (from Kathmandu’s 1,400m to Gyirong’s 2,300m, and finally to the 4,700m Kailash Kora trails), and unpredictable Himalayan weather. Essential items include layered clothing suitable for temperatures ranging from mild to extreme cold, a warm, waterproof, and windproof jacket, and comfortable, well-broken-in high-top hiking boots. Don't forget high-altitude necessities, such as a down jacket (rated for at least -10°C), sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection. A first-aid kit with altitude sickness medication (e.g., Diamox) is crucial.

Due to the high altitude and significant temperature fluctuations at Mount Kailash, especially at night when temperatures can drop drastically, it is advisable to minimize the weight of your pack during the Kailash Kora. Opt for a small, lightweight backpack to carry only the essentials and leave the majority of your luggage in the vehicle. Tibet’s intense UV rays require strong sun protection, so ensure you bring a hat, lip balm, sunscreen, moisturizer, and sunglasses. Additionally, it is recommended to carry ample water, snacks, high-energy food, and a backup power source to ensure your devices stay charged in the remote areas. Lastly, consider wearing a wristband to monitor your heart rate and oxygen levels, so you can keep track of your health throughout the journey.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Kailash Trip

As a local Tibet travel agency recommended by Lonely Planet, Great Tibet Tour offers expert guidance to ensure your smooth Kailash Mansarovar tour from Kathmandu. Our travel consultants can design itineraries and activities based on your needs, ensuring a worry-free journey. Contact us now!