Kailash & Mansarovar Tour

Day 1: Arriving in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel — overnight at hotel

Once you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport, you'll be received by our staff and transported to your hotel. After some rest and refreshments, we'll provide you a brief about your upcoming tour to Kailash and Mansarovar. At night you will have a welcome dinner of Nepali cuisine before heading on your epic adventure in the coming days.

Day 2: Visa application (including biometric identification); half-day sightseeing (Pashupatinath and Bauddhanath) — overnight at hotel

You will begin the day with visa application and biometric registration at the Chinese Embassy. All visitors to Kailash and Mansarovar require a visa. So we will check all the required documents for submission, and do an application before noon. After lunch, we will explore Kathmandu with a half-day sightseeing tour. First we'll visit Pashupatinath, the revered temple of Lord Shiva and then the iconic Bauddhanath Stupa. In these cultural landmarks you will see a bit of ancient architecture of this mountain nation. Later in the evening you will return to the hotel and spend the night.

Day 3: Waiting for visa, rest and relax; or explore the city on your own — overnight at hotel

Today you'll explore Kathmandu, its cultural & culinary highlights, and some of the more popular activities to make the most of your day here. You'll begin the day by visiting Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its palaces, temples, and mediaeval architecture. Around mid-day you'll have lunch in a Nepali eatery, enjoying a traditional Nepali lunch. Try Dāl-Bhāt, Nepal's staple dish, that includes lentil soup, rice, pickles, and various vegetables. In the afternoon you'll visit Swayambhunath Stupa, from where you can have panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and city as a whole. Climb the stairs to the top and explore the surroundings adorned with prayer flags. In the evening, you'll have dinner where you can try out the more popular mo:mo, or anything that you want. Return to the hotel for the night.

Day 4: Visa collection, more exploration, packing — overnight at hotel

An early morning visit to the mediaeval town of Bhaktapur is a good way to start the day. After breakfast, you will drive to Bhaktapur, explore the well-preserved squares, and see beautiful temples with their intricate wooden artwork. From there you will go to collect your visa and travel permits to Mansarovar. Around mid-day, you will have lunch, and if you prefer, you can do some shopping around town. Collect souvenirs, handicrafts and local spices to take back home. Ason is the old bazaar with its spices, haggling buyers, and bustling markets, but you can also visit one of the upscale malls if you prefer quiet shopping. Later in the day you'll return to your hotel and pack for the exciting journey ahead that begins tomorrow.

Day 5: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (2,380m) | 7 hrs — overnight at hotel

Early in the morning, our representative will come to your hotel to pick you up for the journey ahead. From Kathmandu, a scenic drive to Syabrubesi ensues — reaching near the China-Nepal border. Along the road you will enjoy the sight of lush forests, waterfalls, and rivers. At Rasuwagadhi, you'll meet your Tibetan guide and driver after completing immigration formalities. Continuing on, you'll head to Kerung town for an overnight stay.

Apart from picturesque landscapes, breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks like Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Langtang will captivate you. Driving through cultivated valleys and mountain villages, you'll reach Syabrubesi. Syabrubesi is a busy town, especially because it's a popular gateway to the Langtang region.

Day 6: Drive to Kerung border for immigration formalities and drive to Kyirong (2,850m) | 2-3 hrs — overnight at hotel

After breakfast in Syabrubesi, we will drive towards Kerung Border in Rasuwagadhi. After about an hour's winding drive, we will arrive at the border of Nepal and Tibet. Upon completing passport and visa formalities at both Nepal and Tibet sides, we officially cross into China on foot. From there we will continue in comfortable Tibetan vehicles until we reach the town of Kyirong, located in Gyirong County of Shigatse Prefecture. Here, we will spend our first night at the southern side of Ganesh and Langtang peaks of Nepal — enjoying refreshments, proper food, and rest. Due to high altitude, you should stay the entire day hydrated with soups and plenty of fluids.

Day 7: Drive from Kyirong to Saga (4,550 m) | 220 km | 5-6 hrs; overnight at hotel

After breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive towards Saga. Crossing the high Lalung-La pass (5,000m), we'll witness real beauty as we marvel at the splendid views of Gaurishankar, Langtang, and Shishapangma mountains. Driving through the Tibetan plateau, we'll even see yak and sheep grazing in endless pastures. With brief stopovers along the way, we drive along the Brahmaputra River before arriving at Saga. Saga is a happening town at an altitude of 4,640m, known for its welcoming lodges, friendly people, and its many restaurants. You deserve a good meal tonight after a long drive through the endless desert. And as we settle in Saga for the night, we will even enjoy the sights of Mt. Shishapangma in the distance.

Day 8: Drive from Saga to Mansarovar; overnight at hotel

Today is a pivotal day because on this day you will be reaching Lake Mansarovar, and also catch your first glorious glimpse of Mount Kailash itself. Starting from Saga after breakfast, you will pass through the village of Paryang and cross the Mayum-La pass at a whopping 5,211 metres. From there you will descend towards Chu-Gompa on the western shore of Mansarovar where you will stop for the night with views of the sacred Mt. Kailash. At night you can visit the lake under serene moonlight but make sure you stay within your group for safety. The night is spent in tents or a guesthouse if available, where you'll mentally prepare for the trek to Mount Kailash.

Day 9: Perform puja at Manasarovar Lake and around 4:00 pm drive to Darchen — overnight at hotel

Begin the day with a Kora or "Parikrama" around Manasarovar Lake. The peaceful morning, having spent by the lake, you can further take part in a puja at the lake or have a holy bath with magnificent sights of Mt. Kailash. Please be advised that taking a dip in the lake is prohibited. After spending peaceful time at Lake Mansarovar, you will embark on a drive to Darchen. Still charged with the spiritual experience and filled with the ambience of Lake Mansarovar, you will proceed towards Rakshasa Taal from where you'll continue on to Darchen, the starting point of the 52 km Parikrama (Kora or circumambulation) of Mt. Kailash. Arriving at the busy village of Darchen in the afternoon, you'll rest and relax and gather energy — for you'll be starting on a tough three-day walk around Mt. Kailash.

Day 10: First day of Kora — drive to Tarboche, visit Yama Dwār and trek to DiraPuk (4,860 m) | 5-6 hrs; overnight at hotel

Immediately after breakfast at Darchen, you'll drive to Tarboche, the actual starting point of the Kailash Parikrama. Tarboche is also the place of the popular festival of Saga Dawa. Here, you can hire local ponies if you want to ride during the circumambulation. First you'll come to Yama Dwār, a believed gateway to Yama, which when you cross it, is believed to cleanse all negative energy surrounding you and bless you with a purified aura. From here you've officially entered Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. Today the walking distance is 12 kilometres until you've reached the hamlet of DiraPuk, lying on a flat trail of gravel and rocks. Stay overnight in a guesthouse below the 13th century Buddhist monastery of DiraPuk, after having a simple vegetarian dinner.

Day 11: Second day of Kora via Dolma-La pass; trek to ZuthulPuk (4,870m) | 8 hrs - overnight at hotel

Today is the toughest day of your Kailash Parikrama, because you will be arriving at the highest point of the route — the Dolma-La pass at 5,630 metres. Begin well before dawn in order to catch a splendid sunrise over Mt. Kailash. The golden glow over this holy peak is indescribably miraculous, and truly feels like a cosmic sight on Earth. After this breathtaking sunrise and a homage to Lord Shiva, you will embark on the challenging trek. The rocky trail winds steeply up until the pass of Dolma-La, which then gradually descends to a place called Shivasthal. It's a unique place where pilgrims leave personal items to symbolise a spiritual renewal of the body and soul — like a reincarnation of the self. Descending further, you'll pass the sacred pond of Gaurikunda.

You'll trek further with frequent stopovers before reaching ZuthulPuk for a well-deserved rest. Today's leg of the journey concludes at Zuthul Puk Gompa named after the meditation cave of the revered saint Milarepa. With a tough route behind you, you can look forward towards a successful Parikrama at the end of the day tomorrow.

Day 12: Last day of Kora - a short trek later (2-3 hrs), reach a point where coach will be waiting to drive to to Saga via Darchen — 7-8 hrs — overnight at hotel

Today is the third and last day of our spiritual Kailash Kora. We begin in the morning with a leisurely walk along the riverbank, before stopping at the end of the Parikrama near Darchen. With about three hours of trek, we have arrived at the end of our holy journey. Once at Darchen we will rest for a bit, basking in the newfound sanctum of the self. A nice lunch ensues before we embark on a drive to Saga. Along the way, we complete around a third of the Parikrama of Mansarovar again and if you wish, you can carry some holy water from the holy lake to take back home. Arriving in Saga in the evening, we'll check into a comfortable hotel for the night and spend the time in rejuvenation and sleep.

Day 13: Drive from Saga to Kyirong (2,850m) | 5-6 hrs; overnight at a hotel

Arriving at the end of this trip, you'll start the day with breakfast in Saga and begin the 7-hour drive to Kyirong. Retracing the excellent route on the Tibetan plateau, you'll once again cross the Brahmaputra River and enjoy views of Mt. Shishapangma and several large lakes. Lunch will be served en route. As you come near Nepali border, you'll have fresh panoramic views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Kyirong, you can explore the town and its beautiful surroundings that contrast with the high-altitude landscapes of earlier days. The distinctive climate and landscape will give you a feeling of wholesome welcome. Check into a guesthouse in Kyirong for a well-deserved rest.

Day 14: Short drive to border for immigration formalities and drive to Kathmandu; overnight at hotel

This being your last day on Tibetan soil on this trip, you will certainly feel a sense of nostalgia, especially having completed a difficult trip of your life in Kailash Kora. You begin the day with breakfast in the village of Kyirong before driving an hour away to the Kerung border. At this border, you will bid farewell to your Tibetan guides & drivers. Then walk for a few minutes across the border to enter Nepal where your chauffeur and your vehicle will be waiting for you on the spot.

Continue the journey to Kathmandu, enjoying scenic views along the Pasang Lhamu Highway. Lunch will be served en route. The winding drive takes approximately seven to eight hours crossing lush hills and farmlands. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and later enjoy a farewell dinner sharing your inspiring stories of one of the hardest treks of your lifetime.

Day 15: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast or depending upon your flight schedule we will transfer you to the airport. As your plane takes off from the runway in Kathmandu, your journey comes to an end for this time — until you decide to visit again for some memorable and soul-searching trip in the Himalayas.