14-Day Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Pilgrimage from Kathmandu

14 Days Round trip from Airport Moderate pace

View all 8 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Overland Himalayan crossing from Kathmandu into Tibet via Zhangmu/Nyalam
02 Acclimatization rest day in Nyalam before continuing to higher altitudes
03 Visit the sacred Lake Manasarovar at 4560m
04 Complete the 3-day Mt. Kailash Kora from Darchen via Diraphuk and ZutulPuk
05 Travel across the dramatic landscapes of the Tibetan plateau

Embark on a 14-day overland pilgrimage from Kathmandu into Tibet, following a classic Himalayan route to the sacred landscapes of Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. This journey balances long scenic drives with crucial acclimatization, including a rest day in Nyalam before continuing deeper onto the Tibetan plateau. The spiritual heart of the tour is the 3-day Mt. Kailash Kora (Parikrama), completed from Darchen via Diraphuk and ZutulPuk. After visiting Lake Manasarovar, you retrace the overland route through Prayang, Saga, and Nyalam before returning to Kathmandu.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 14 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Kathmandu, Manasarovar, Mount Kailash, Darchen, Nyalam, Zhangmu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Hotel Transfer

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel.

Day 02

Drive from Kathmandu to Zhangmu/Nyalam

Today, drive from Kathmandu to Zhangmu/Nyalam (3750m).

Day 03

Rest Day in Nyalam

Nyalam rest day.

Day 04

Drive from Nyalam to Saga

Drive from Nyalam to Saga.

Day 05

Journey from Saga to Prayang

Travel from Saga to Prayang.

Day 06

Drive to Lake Manasarovar

Travel from Prayang to Lake Manasarovar (4560m).

Day 07

Lake Manasarovar to Darchen

Travel from Manasarovar to Darchen (4560m).

Day 08

Kailash Kora from Darchen to Diraphuk

Begin the Kailash Kora / Parikrama from Darchen to Diraphuk.

Day 09

Kailash Kora from Diraphuk to ZutulPuk

Continue the Kailash Kora / Parikrama from Diraphuk to ZutulPuk.

Day 10

Kailash Kora from ZutulPuk to Darchen

Complete the Kailash Kora / Parikrama from ZutulPuk to Darchen.

Day 11

Darchen via Manasarovar to Prayang

Travel from Darchen via Manasarovar to Prayang (4750m).

Day 12

Drive from Prayang to Saga

Drive from Prayang (4750m) to Saga.

Day 13

Drive from Saga to Nyalam

Drive from Saga (4600m) to Nyalam (3750m).

Day 14

Return from Nyalam to Kathmandu

Travel from Nyalam to Kathmandu (1400m) via the Araniko Highway.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Airport 6 cities · 14 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu by private vehicle.
Hotel stays in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast.
Guesthouse or lodge accommodations during the journey in Tibet (Zhongmu or Kerung, Saga, Lake Mansarovar, Darchen, and Zuthulpuk).
Pure vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) along with tea and coffee during the trip.
All ground transport by private vehicle, coach, or land cruiser as per the itinerary, plus a support truck for luggage in Tibet.
Tibet/China Group Visa and border/customs clearance taxes.
Tibet Travel Permit, Kailash entry permits, and restricted area permits.
Experienced English-speaking Tibetan/Chinese guides and Nepali tour leaders.
Supporting local crew, cooks, and assistants.
Portable oxygen cylinders and comprehensive first-aid medical kits for high-altitude safety.
Complimentary items like a down jacket and duffel bag.
All government taxes and company service charges.

What's Not Included

International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
Nepal entry visa fees (obtainable on arrival at Kathmandu airport).
Personal travel insurance and emergency evacuation, including helicopter rescue if needed.
Personal expenses such as tips for guides and drivers, bottled drinks, extra snacks, laundry, or Wi-Fi.
Extra cost for hiring personal horses or porters during the 3-day Kailash Kora (Parikrama).

What to bring

Thermal innerwear
Down jacket
Waterproof outer shell
Sturdy waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support
Woolly hat
Gloves
UV-protection sunglasses
High-SPF sunscreen
Reusable thermos
First-aid kit with personal medications
Cash in Chinese Yuan

Know before you go

Permits and documents required: You need a valid passport, a Chinese visa, a Tibet Travel Permit, an Alien Travel Permit, and specific regional permits for Kailash.
Copies: Carry multiple printed and digital photocopies of your passport and permits, as checkpoint inspections are frequent along the overland route from Kathmandu via the Kerung border or Kodari Border.
Altitude and health - high altitude risk: The journey peaks at over 5,000 meters, notably during the crossing of the Dolma La Pass (5,636 meters). Low oxygen levels can cause acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Physical fitness: Build cardiovascular endurance 4 to 5 weeks prior through regular walking, cardio, and light hiking. Consult a doctor beforehand, especially if you have heart or lung conditions.
Packing and gear - clothing: Pack thermal innerwear, down jackets, waterproof outer shells, sturdy waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support, and woolly hats or gloves.
Essentials: Bring UV-protection sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, a reusable thermos, a first-aid kit with personal medications, and enough cash in Chinese Yuan since ATMs are rare in remote western Tibet.
Seasons: Plan your trip between May and mid-October. June to August offers milder daytime temperatures, while September provides clear skies and stable visibility. Avoid November through April due to heavy snow and severe road closures.