Kailash Mansarovar Tours and Trek
At a Glance
- DestinationTibet
- Duration16 days
- Trip DifficultyStrenuous
- ActivitiesTrek/Tours
- AccommodationHotel/Guesthouse
- MealsB.L.D
- Max. Elevation20m.
- Group SizeMin. 4 Pax
- BEST TIMEApril - June & Sept - Nov
Trip Overview
Kailash Mansarovar Tours takes you to the holy Mount Kailash and the sacred Mansarovar Lake in remote western Tibet. A sacred pilgrimage destination of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Bons, Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are revered and worshipped by followers of these faiths.
Mount Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva, one of the three major gods in the Hindu religion. According to the Hindu religious texts, he stays at Kailash with his consort (goddess Parvati), sons, and followers.
For Jains, the mountain is sacred because the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabadeva, attained enlightenment here. Buddhists consider Mount Kailash as Mount Meru - the center of the universe. It is also the place where Milarepa (a Buddhist saint) meditated. Practitioners of Bon religion regard the mountain as the 'axis mundi' or the point connecting the earth to the heavens.
The beautiful Lake Mansarovar stands under the shadow of Mount Kailash. It is fed by the glacier of Mount Kailash, Surrounded by brown hills and frozen peaks; this heavenly lake is said to have originated in Brahma's (the Hindu god of creation) mind. Before getting to Mount Kailash, you stop by this lake to worship or soak in the views.
Your Kailash Mansarovar Tours begins from Kathmandu with a sightseeing tour to the city's world heritage sites. Drive to the Nepal-Tibet border on a private vehicle and after completing the immigration formalities, enter Tibet. You meet your Tibetan driver and guide in Kerung, the border town on the Tibetan side.
Tibet, also known as the Roof of the World, the average elevation in Tibet is 4,380 meters. As you will be traveling to places above 5000 meters, it's important to allow your body to adapt to the rarefied air. From Kerung, you head to Saga and onward to Lake Mansarovar.
Like a blue jewel surrounded by snowcapped peaks, the crystal clear water of Mansarovar appears spellbinding. After meditating and taking pictures of the holy lake, you move towards Darchen.
Your Kailash trek or kora begins from Tarboche, which lies a short drive away from Darchen. It takes three days to circle the sacred mountain. You can complete the kora or circumambulation on foot or hire a pony or a horse to take you around. Enjoy views of all four faces of Mount Kailash's summit while walking around the mountain.
The final leg of the trek involves crossing a high mountain pass, the Dolma La. Situated at an elevation of 5630 meters, this is the highest point of your trip. Close to Dolma La is Shiva Sthal, a place where pilgrims leave behind a personal item to signify leaving behind their old life and starting anew.
After the kora is complete, you descend to Darchen and drive to Saga via Mansarovar. Then you will be driven to Kerung and return to Kathmandu via the same route.
The best months for Kailash Mansarovar Tours are May, June, July, August, and September. During these months, the days are warm and the nights cold. Most sections of the trail remain free of snow and ice, making it easier to navigate.
The duration of the trip is thirteen days. The overland journey from Kathmandu to the base of Mount Kailash and back will be on a private vehicle. If you plan to complete a kora around Mount Kailash, then it will take three days. The trek starts from Tarboche. There are not many steep ascents, but the trail is gravely and filled with loose stones. The most difficult part of the trek is the crossing of Dolma La.
You will be staying overnight at local lodges or guesthouses. During the trek, you may have to stay in dormitories due to the lack of accommodation around Mount Kailash. Vegetarian meals are available at all stops. As this tour takes you to one of the remotest corners of Tibet, the facilities en route will be basic.
Kailash Mansarovar Tours is for those who are physically fit and healthy. You will be traveling through places where oxygen levels are low and nighttime temperatures dip below freezing point. Those with respiratory and heart ailments should consult their physicians before booking this tour.
Detail Itinerary
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Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu Airport (1,350M)
Upon arrival, our team will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day settling in and enjoying free time to explore the vibrant streets of Thamel or relax at the hotel. Our team will collect all necessary documents for the Chinese visa application and handle the submission on Monday. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu – Sundarijal Drive and Trek to Chisapani (2,150M) – 5 Hours, 10 KM
After breakfast, take a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Sundarijal to begin your trek. The trail passes through the lush Shivapuri National Park, offering beautiful views of the Bagmati River, diverse flora and fauna, and a serene environment perfect for acclimatization. Arrive at Chisapani in the evening and rest at a local guesthouse. Overnight at the guesthouse. (Lunch and dinner included)
Day 03: Chisapani to Nagarkot (2,195M) – 15 KM Hike, 6 Hours – Drive Back to Kathmandu
Start your day with a hike through dense forests and charming villages. Along the trail, enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, and observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. Upon reaching Nagarkot, take in its breathtaking scenery before driving back to Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 04: Sightseeing Tour of Kathmandu
Spend the day exploring the cultural and historical highlights of Kathmandu Valley. Visit iconic landmarks such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath Temple. In the evening, attend a comprehensive briefing for the Mount Kailash tour to finalize all preparations. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast included)
Day 05: Drive from Kathmandu to Kerung (2,700M) – 155 KM, 8 Hours
After breakfast, begin your journey towards the Nepal-Tibet border. Enjoy scenic views of lush green hills, terraced farmlands, and the snow-capped peaks of the Langtang range during the drive. Upon reaching the border at Rasuwagadhi, complete immigration formalities and meet your Tibetan guide. Cross the Friendship Bridge and continue to Kerung Village. Overnight at a guesthouse. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Day 06: Acclimatization Day in Kerung (2,700M)
Spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude. Take a short hike in the surrounding hills to enjoy breathtaking views of the Tibetan plateau and prepare for the journey ahead. This rest day helps ensure a smooth transition to higher altitudes. Overnight at a guesthouse. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Day 07: Drive from Kerung to Saga Town (4,450M) – 230 KM, 6 Hours
Drive through the stunning Tibetan plateau, crossing high mountain passes and witnessing panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. Along the way, stop at several viewpoints to capture the beauty of the landscape. Arrive in Saga Town in the evening. Overnight at a guesthouse. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Day 08: Drive from Saga to Lake Manasarovar (4,590M) – 450-500 KM, 6-7 Hours
Continue your journey across the Tibetan plateau, passing through small Tibetan villages. Upon reaching the sacred Lake Manasarovar, take a holy dip or meditate by its tranquil shores, revered for their spiritual significance. Enjoy the serene beauty of the lake surrounded by majestic peaks. Overnight at a guesthouse. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Day 09: Lake Manasarovar to Darchen (4,800M) – 40 KM, 2 Hours
In the morning, explore the holy Lake Manasarovar and its surroundings, including Chui Gompa (if time permits). Afterward, drive to Darchen, the base camp for the Mount Kailash trek. During pilgrimage season, this area is filled with vibrant activity as it serves as the starting point for the Kailash kora. Overnight at a guesthouse. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Day 10: Start Kailash Trek (Day 1) – Trek to Dirapuk (4,920M), 16 KM, 6-7 Hours
After breakfast, take a short drive to Tarbuche, the trek's starting point. Begin the first day of your holy kora (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash. Pass through Yama Dwar (Gate of the God of Death) and witness the west face of Mount Kailash. Trek alongside cascading streams, waterfalls, and prayer flags until you reach Dirapuk Monastery.
Overnight at a guesthouse. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Day 11: Kailash Trek (Day 2) – Trek to Zutulpuk (4,850M), 22 KM, 8-9 Hours
This is the most challenging day of the trek as you ascend to Dolma-La Pass (5,700M), the highest point of the journey. Pause at the pass to enjoy the views and visit Gaurikunda, a sacred lake. Descend through steep trails and continue along a river valley to Zutulpuk Monastery, famous for its cave where Milarepa meditated.
Overnight at a guesthouse. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Day 12: Kailash Trek (Day 3) – Trek to the Valley’s End and Drive to Saga, 15 KM Trek, 4-5 Hours
Complete the final stretch of your kora with a gentle descent through the valley. Meet your vehicle at the endpoint and begin the drive back towards Saga. Stop briefly at Lake Manasarovar to collect holy water and reflect on the spiritual journey.
Overnight at a guesthouse. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Day 13: Drive from Saga to Kerung – 230 KM, 6-7 Hours
Retrace your steps back to Kerung, enjoying views of Pigutso Lake and the Himalayan range.
Overnight at a guesthouse. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)
Day 14: Drive from Kerung to Kathmandu – 155 KM, 7-8 Hours
Cross the Friendship Bridge and complete Nepal immigration formalities. Drive through the scenic countryside back to Kathmandu. Relax at your hotel upon arrival.
Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast included)
Day 15: Free Day in Kathmandu
Spend the day exploring Kathmandu at your leisure. You can shop for souvenirs, visit additional landmarks, or relax at the hotel. This buffer day also accounts for any potential delays in the trip.
Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast included)
Day 16: Final Departure
After breakfast, our team will transfer you to the airport for your final departure. We hope you leave with cherished memories of your Mount Kailash journey. (Breakfast included)
Cost Includes
- All ground transfers by private vehicle in Nepal and during the Tibet tour.
- Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu.
- Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tours, including a professional tour guide and entry fees to all sites.
- One night’s accommodation at teahouses with full-board meals in Chisapani.
- Hotel/guesthouse accommodation during the Tibet tour as per the itinerary, including basic guesthouses during the Kailash Parikrama/Kora.
- Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the Tibet tour, prepared by our dedicated kitchen team.
- Tibet travel visa and visa fee.
- All entry fees to monasteries and sites in Tibet.
- All necessary Tibet entry permits and road permits.
- One local Tibetan English-speaking guide for the entire tour.
- Yaks to carry trekking luggage during the Kailash Kora.
- All applicable taxes and service charges.
Cost Excludes
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu.
- Travel insurance.
- International airfare.
- Nepal entry visa.
- All cold drinks, including alcoholic beverages, mineral water, soft drinks (Coke, Fanta, juice, etc.).
- Shopping, laundry, internet, and phone bills.
- Personal trekking equipment.
- Use of supplemental oxygen at teahouses in case of emergency.
- Extra costs for transportation, porters, or other services caused by landslides, snowfall, or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Services other than those specified in the itinerary.
- Additional stays in Kathmandu or any other place not listed in the itinerary.
- Tips for trekking crew members, guides, and drivers.
Good to Know
Tibet Visa Process
You need to arrive in Kathmandu in advance to allow sufficient time for the Tibet travel visa process. The visa application will be submitted to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, which operates only on weekdays (Monday to Friday). The processing requires three working days, after which the visa will be ready for collection.
During the processing period, you will follow the planned activities, including sightseeing in Kathmandu and a short trek to nearby areas, as outlined in your itinerary. Our team will handle the entire visa application process on your behalf, so you will not need to visit the embassy.
Documents for Visa Application
Original passport: Must be valid for at least six months.
Passport-sized photographs: Must meet the Chinese Embassy's requirements.
Visa form: This will be provided for you to complete at our office or hotel upon arrival.
Passport copy: Required at the time of booking your trip.
This process ensures the visa is ready on time, allowing your journey to Tibet to proceed as planned. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or for additional assistance.
Cost and Date
Start Dates refer to your arrival date in Nepal. End Dates correspond to your return date from Nepal.
The Kailash Mansarovar Tours and Trek set departure dates are tailored for the group joining option. If the 16 days Kailash Mansarovar Tours and Trek departure dates don’t fit your schedule, we can include alternative dates that better suit your needs.
February, 2025
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Travellers‘ Reviews
Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.
Amazing experience thanks to our 5-star guide/porter team
We had the best time in Nepal. The beautiful views and warm hospitality of the Nepali people are truly unparalleled.
Instrumental to our amazing experience were our guide, Netra, and porter, Vasu.
We were super well taken care of. Netra was quick to assess our physical abilities and was able to effectively set the pace for our hikes. He had very good knowledge of the route and terrain. Importantly, this was our first time attempting a hike at a high altitude, so he took extra care to check on us regularly.
On a personal note, proper gear, including a powerful down jacket for -20 degrees Celsius and a proper hiking backpack, is super essential.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team and Netra/Vasu for your Nepal adventure!