China, Nepal · Religious & Spiritual

16-Day Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Tibet and Nepal

16 Days Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 Moderate pace
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Embark on the sacred Kora around Mount Kailash, revered as the centre of spiritual energy
  • 02 Experience a holy dip in the divine waters of Lake Mansarovar for spiritual purification
  • 03 Explore ancient monasteries, sacred caves, and timeless Tibetan landscapes
  • 04 Enjoy scenic high-altitude drives across mountain passes with breathtaking Himalayan views

Embark on a 16-day spiritual adventure to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar through the sacred landscapes of Tibet and Nepal. Experience divine serenity at ancient monasteries, perform the holy Kora around Mount Kailash, and take a purifying dip in Lake Mansarovar. Along the way, enjoy scenic drives across high mountain passes, cultural encounters, and moments of deep reflection. This transformative pilgrimage blends faith, nature, and breathtaking Himalayan beauty into a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience.

Embark on a 16-day spiritual adventure to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar through the sacred landscapes of Tibet and Nepal.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 16 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Premium
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Kathmandu, Patan, Manasarovar, Mount Kailash, Darchen
Languages English, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Pre-Trip Briefing

  • Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel.
  • Attend a pre-trip briefing with the trekking guide or tour leader.
  • Explore Thamel for dinner and light sightseeing.
2
Day 02

Visa Formalities and Kathmandu Heritage Sightseeing

  • Submit your passport and photos for the Chinese Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit.
  • Visit Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath Stupa.
  • Enjoy a local Nepali lunch and return to the hotel.
3
Day 03

Sacred Temples and Stupas of Kathmandu

  • Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Budhanilkantha Temple.
  • Optional meditation or participation in morning rituals.
  • Return to the hotel and prepare for the journey to Tibet.
4
Day 04

Drive to Syabrubesi or Timure

  • Drive via Prithvi Highway, passing rivers, hills, and terraced landscapes.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Overnight stay in Syabrubesi or Timure, depending on travel conditions.

5
Day 05

Cross the Nepal-Tibet Border and Drive to Kerung

  • Complete Nepalese and Chinese immigration at Rasuwagadhi.
  • Drive from the border to Kerung Town, Tibet.
  • Rest for acclimatization and enjoy short local walks.

Overnight stay in a hotel.

6
Day 06

Acclimatization and Cultural Exploration in Kerung

  • Visit Kyirong Monastery and Peikucuo Lake.
  • Explore local Tibetan culture and village life.
  • Hydrate, rest, and acclimatize for the higher-altitude journey ahead.
7
Day 07

Milarepa Cave Hike and Drive to Dzongba and Saga

  • Hike to Milarepa Cave.
  • Drive across dramatic landscapes to Dzongba and Saga Town.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
8
Day 08

Drive to Lake Mansarovar and Half Kora

  • Drive across high-altitude plains and over Mayum La Pass (5,216m).
  • Catch your first glimpse of Mount Kailash and the shores of Lake Mansarovar.
  • Perform a half circumambulation (Kora) of Mansarovar by vehicle.

Overnight at the Chu Gompa Monastery area.

9
Day 09

Holy Dip at Mansarovar and Drive to Darchen

  • Participate in a spiritual bath and rituals at Mansarovar Lake.
  • Visit Chiu Gompa Monastery for meditation and reflection.
  • Drive to Darchen, the base camp for the Kailash Kora.
  • Optional Ashtapad excursion if permitted.
10
Day 10

Begin Kailash Kora and Trek to Diraphuk

  • Drive to Yamadwar, the starting point of the Kailash Kora.
  • Trek along the trail to Diraphuk, passing chortens and stupas.

Overnight in a guesthouse at Diraphuk.

11
Day 11

Cross Dolma La Pass and Trek to Zuthulphuk

  • Cross Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the Kora.
  • Descend to Lam Chu Valley and visit Gauri Kund.

Overnight at Zuthulphuk near Milarepa's Miracle Cave.

12
Day 12

Complete Kailash Kora and Drive to Saga

  • Trek back to Darchen via Mani prayer walls.
  • Board your vehicle for a scenic drive to Saga Town.

Overnight stay in Saga.

13
Day 13

Drive from Saga to Kyirong with Optional Shopping

  • Descend through the Tibetan plateau to Kyirong.
  • Optional shopping for Tibetan handicrafts and souvenirs.

Overnight stay in a hotel.

14
Day 14

Return to Kathmandu via Rasuwagadhi

  • Drive across the Nepal-Tibet border back to Kathmandu.
  • Arrive and rest at the hotel.
15
Day 15

Farewell Dinner and Cultural Evening

  • Attend a special farewell dinner with traditional Nepali music and dance.
  • Receive an Adventure Certificate and a Namaste Nepal memento.
  • Meals: Dinner included.
16
Day 16

Departure from Kathmandu

  • Private airport transfer for your international flight.
  • Take home spiritual blessings, memories, and experiences of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 5 cities · 16 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All airport and hotel transfers by private tourist vehicle
  • 5 nights stay at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu
  • Pashupatinath Darshan and sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley
  • All necessary paperwork for the Tibet Travel Permit or Group Visa
  • China Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit applied through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu upon arrival
  • Kathmandu to Rasuwagadhi (Tibet-Nepal border) by tourist vehicle
  • Rasuwagadhi (Tibet-Nepal border) to Kathmandu by tourist vehicle
  • All ground transportation in Tibet by comfortable tourist vehicle (5-25 seats according to group size)
  • All meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, during the tour in Tibet
  • 3-star hotel accommodation in Tibet (Kyirong, Paryang, Darchen, and Saga)
  • Best available guesthouse and lodge in Tibet (Manasarovar Lake, Diraphuk, and Zuthulphuk)
  • Experienced English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide
  • Nepalese group escort or leader throughout the tour from Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Necessary support crew members, including cook and helpers
  • Big oxygen bottle in the vehicle for emergency purposes
  • All necessary government taxes and service charges
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • Personalized virtual consultation before finalizing your Kailash and Mansarovar Lake tour
  • Online pre-trip briefing after booking confirmation
  • Free excess luggage storage facilities at our office store
  • Down jacket and seasonal sleeping bag to be returned after completion of the trip
  • Duffle bag to be returned after completion of the trip
  • T-shirt
  • Self-sufficient medical first aid kit containing vital medications
  • Tour completion certificate
  • Oximeter to check pulse oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily
  • Hand sanitizer and face mask

What's Not Included

  • Nepal visa fee (the lowest available is a 15-day visa costing USD 30 per person)
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Extra porters and yaks for carrying luggage during the Mount Kailash trek
  • Extra night accommodation in case of early return from the tour before the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, bar bills, personal drinks, battery charging, bottled or boiled water, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and internet
  • Tips for guides, porters, and drivers

What to bring

  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Warm fleece hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Undergarments
  • Hiking shorts
  • Lightweight cotton long pants
  • Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)
  • Waterproof pants
  • Thin lightweight inner socks
  • Thick warm wool hiking socks
  • Hiking boots with spare laces
  • Camp shoes such as sneakers or sandals
  • T-shirts
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
  • Fleece wind-stopper jacket (optional)
  • Waterproof breathable shell jacket
  • Down jacket #
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Heavyweight gloves
  • Sleeping bag #
  • Headlamp
  • Trekking bags
  • Duffle bag #
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Regular medication
  • Daypack (approximately 2500-3000 cubic inches)
  • Trekking poles #
  • Water bottles
  • Medium-sized quick-drying towel
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Multipurpose soap
  • Deodorant
  • Nail clippers
  • Face and body moisturiser
  • Female hygiene products
  • Wet wipes (baby wipes)
  • Tissue or toilet roll
  • Anti-bacterial hand wash
  • Reading book
  • Trail map or guidebook
  • Journal and pen
  • iPod or music device
  • Pencils and small notebooks
  • Travel games such as Uno, playing cards, or dice

Know before you go

  • Comfortable and safe lodging is provided throughout the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
  • 3-star hotel accommodation in major towns such as Saga and Darchen includes oxygen support, room heating systems, electric blankets, comfortable beds, and clean shared rooms.
  • Single-room upgrades are available at an additional cost, subject to availability.
  • Basic guesthouses or mud houses are used in remote areas like Mansarovar, Diraphuk, and Zuthulphuk, with shared accommodation for 3-5 people, electric mattresses or mats, and beds or wooden platforms.
  • Public toilets are used in remote areas; carrying your own toilet paper, wet wipes, and hygiene kit is recommended.
  • Hygienic, freshly prepared, and balanced vegetarian meals are provided during the Yatra.
  • Breakfast includes tea, coffee, hot chocolate, butter toast, jam, honey, cornflakes, muesli, and Indian-style options like puri bhaji, paratha, chana gravy, and upma.
  • Packed lunch includes lemon rice, rajma gravy, chana masala, pulau, veg biryani, butter roti, plain paratha, aloo kebab, mixed vegetable fry, pickles, fresh salad, mixed fruits, local sweets, and beverages.
  • Dinner includes soup, popcorn, papad, dal makhani, green gram curry, veg fry, plain rice or masala roti, idli, aloo dum, seasonal vegetables, salad, and pickles.
  • Full-board meals are provided for groups of 10 or more; smaller groups dine at reputable restaurants.
  • The Nepali team manages all logistics, including permits, transportation, accommodation, and meals.
  • Native Tibetan guides provide insight into local customs, traditions, and spiritual significance.
  • The best time for the Yatra is late spring (April to early June) or early autumn (September to October).
  • Spring temperatures range from -5°C to 15°C, with clear skies and blooming flowers.
  • Summer temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, with occasional rainfall, so carry rain gear.
  • Autumn temperatures range from 0°C to 15°C, with clear skies, scenic views, and ideal conditions for photography.
  • Winter temperatures range from -10°C to 5°C and are not recommended for travel.
  • The Kailash Kora trek is moderately to highly challenging, reaching 5,600 meters at Dolma La Pass.
  • Prior hiking experience is recommended.
  • Daily pre-departure walking and cardio training for 8-10 weeks is advised.
  • Physical preparation should include cardio exercises, stair climbing, and strength training.
  • Mental preparation can include meditation or yoga.
  • Gear preparation should include lightweight clothing, trekking poles, warm gloves, and hiking boots.
  • A medical checkup is recommended to assess suitability for high-altitude trekking.
  • Acclimatization is essential; rest days are scheduled in Saga and Darchen.
  • Stay hydrated, eat light nutritious meals, walk slowly, and consult a doctor about Diamox if needed.
  • Basic first-aid kits and oxygen cylinders are provided; evacuation may involve travel by jeep to Saga or the Nepal border.
  • Helicopter rescue is unavailable in remote areas.
  • Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, emergency evacuation, medical care, trip cancellation, and baggage loss is mandatory.
  • Required permits: Chinese Group Visa, Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens' Travel Permit, Military Permit, and Kailash Trekking Permit.
  • Mount Kailash is sacred; do not climb it, walk clockwise, greet locals respectfully, and ask permission before taking photographs in monasteries.
  • A Nepal Tourist Visa is required; the Chinese Group Visa is processed in Kathmandu.
  • Overland travel to Tibet is via the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border in private vehicles; the return journey follows the same route.
  • Internet access in Tibet is limited; Wi‑Fi may be available in Saga or Darchen.
  • Carry sufficient cash in Chinese Yuan and Nepalese Rupees; card payments and ATMs are unavailable in remote areas.
  • A duffel bag plus daypack system is recommended; porters or yaks carry duffel bags (10-12 kg).
  • Pack high-altitude gear, a down jacket, thermal layers, gloves, sun protection, reusable water bottles, hygiene items, toilet paper, wet wipes, and a headlamp.
  • Group size: 8-20 travelers accompanied by experienced Nepali and Tibetan guides, kitchen crew, and support vehicles.
  • Oxygen and first aid are always available during the journey.
  • Respect sacred places and local traditions, avoid littering, avoid loud conversations near holy sites, and support local communities.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Tour start
Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 16 days finish where they began, in Kathmandu 44600.

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