Kailash Mansarovar 15 Days Trek

Tour Info

trip code

EN-039

Starting Point/ End Point

Kathmandu

Accommodations

Lodge/ Tea House

Max Altitude

5545m

Duration

15 days

country

China

Trip grade

Easy

Activities

Trekking

Best Season

March, April, May, September, October, November

Overview

One of the most significant religious trips in the Himalayan area is the pilgrimage of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. The route is in the remote region of western Tibet and traverses through the high mountain roads, border towns, and expansive Tibetan terrain. The tour will involve driving, brief hiking, and acclimatisation because of the elevated altitude. Pilgrims traverse such destinations as Kerung and Saga to arrive at the sacred lake and start the Kailash circuit. This trip is a blend of religious significance, mountainous landscape, and a guided route of traveling throughout Nepal and Tibet.

Details 

The trip is aimed at tourists who would like to explore Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar by a well-organized overland trip with simple comfort and logistic support. Roads there enable a slow increase in altitude with an acclimatization rest at Kerung. Tourists go through Tibetan towns, mountain passes, and mountain plateau landscapes before accessing the pilgrimage sites. Accommodation will be organized in the regular hotels or guesthouses in the towns and plain yet comfortable accommodation during the trek part. The road also covers the Kailash Kora, a three-day walk around the mountain. Adventures in this trip involve road adventure, walking paths, religious places, and coordinated assistance for the easier high-altitude adventure.

Highlights

  • Tour the holy Mount Kailash, which is a significant pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers.
  • Explore the sacred Lake Mansarovar with an altitude of 4,500 m.
  • Land trip between Kathmandu and Tibet by the Rasuwagadhi Border Crossing.
  • Stay at Kerung to acclimatize to the altitude.
  • Cross the Tibetan plateau and pass through such towns as Soga.
  • Three-day Kailash Kora trek, Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk with high mountain pass view.
  • The trek across the high Dolma La Pass (5,630 m).
  • Arranged transportation, service, and accommodation in the overland trip.

Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival

You will arrive at the international airport in Kathmandu, the main gateway for travel in Nepal and Tibet. Once you are through with the immigration and airport formalities, you will be met by our representative and handed over to the hotel in the city. The hotel is approximately 20-30 minutes away by road. Kathmandu is situated at approximately 1,350m, and it is the central point of departure in the Kailash pilgrimage. The rest of the time is at liberty after check-in to prepare the trip. In the evening, a briefing session concerning the journey and travel plans can be done in the hotel.

  • Max Elevation: 1,350 m
  • Travel Distance: 6 km (approx.)
  • Travel Hours: 20 to 30 minutes drive
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
  • Meals Included: Dinner 

Day 02: Tour in Kathmandu

On the second day of the trip, you will spend time on some of the significant cultural and religious sites in Kathmandu. These places may be Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most significant Hindu temples, which is devoted to Lord Shiva, and Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist pilgrimage sites. These places provide a short insight into the religious practices of Nepal before the Kailash expedition. The tour is carried out through personal transport with convenient transfers between the destinations. The sightseeing will be followed by returning to the hotel to rest and prepare for the next route of travel.

  • Max Elevation: 1,350 m
  • Travel Distance: 15 to 20 km (approx.)
  • Travel Hours: 4 to 5 hours sightseeing
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 03: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

You will visit Kathmandu in Nepal to Nepalgunj, a city in western Nepal near the Indian border and a major transit center on flights to the remote Himalayan areas. It is normally a short domestic flight of approximately an hour. Nepalgunj is located at a lower altitude, and the climate is warmer than Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will move to the hotel and have some time to rest and prepare for the mountain flight the following day.

  • Max Elevation: 1,350 m
  • Travel Distance: 365 km (approx.)
  • Travel Hours: 1 hour flight
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Nepalgunj
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 04: Nepalgunj to Dunai/Simikot

Today you are going to have a mountain flight in Nepalgunj to Simikot or Dunai, according to the route of traveling and the schedule of the flight. The flight goes through remote Himalayan valleys and small settlements to the destination. Main access to remote trekking routes and pilgrimage paths in the Nepal-Tibet area is Simikot and Dunai. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the lodge or guesthouse where you will spend the day preparing to move on to the next part of the trip.

  • Max Elevation: 2,910 m (Simikot)
  • Travel Distance: 190 to 200 km (approx.)
  • Travel Hours: 1 to 1.5 hours flight
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse / Lodge
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05: Simikot to Hilsa / Border Crossing / Drive to Purang

After breakfast, you continue your journey from Simikot toward Hilsa which is the key Nepal–Tibet border point on this route. Depending on weather and logistics, this travel may be by helicopter or combined overland transfer. After completing immigration formalities, cross into Tibet and meet your local guide and driver. Continue by road to Purang (Taklakot), an important town for pilgrims and traders in western Tibet. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and rest after the journey.

  • Max Elevation: ~3,900 m
  • Travel Hours: 4 to 6 hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06: Kathmandu - Rashuwagadhi - Kerung

On day six, the trip starts by driving in the morning from Kathmandu to the Nepal-Tibet border at Rasuwagadhi Border Crossing. Road cuts across the mountain trails, crossing rivers, forests, and small settlements on the hillsides. Upon arrival at the border, immigration procedures are done, and then you will be introduced to the Tibetan guide and driver. There, a short 20km drive takes us to Kerung. On arrival, receive a welcome to the hotel and have a night's sleep.

  • Max Elevation: 2,800 m
  • Travel Distance: 168 km
  • Travel Hours: 7 to 8 hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Kerung
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 07: Kerung: (2800 m)

This is a rest and acclimatization day at Kerung, and then on to the higher altitude regions. Kerung is a small border town located in the southern part of Tibet and is a major destination for travelers who are heading to Mount Kailash. The day here is beneficial in enabling the body to adapt to the altitude, and it minimizes the chances of altitude sickness. One can spend the day doing some light walking around the town and doing the last-minute preparation for the journey.

  • Max Elevation: 2,800 m
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Kerung
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 08: Kerung – Saga : ( 4350 m) 160 km [5 to 6 hr]

Following breakfast, the road proceeds to Saga, starting at Kerung. The path crosses the Ghantula Pass at 5,226 m and goes along the Brahmaputra River roads. Saga is a small town located in the Tibetan plateau, which is a transit station for travelers who are heading to Mansarovar and Mount Kailash. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and take a rest for the night to get ready for the next phase of the trip.

  • Max Elevation: 4,500 m
  • Travel Distance: 160 km
  • Travel Hours: 5 to 6 hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Saga
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 09: Saga – Mansarovar : (4500 m) 466 km [7-8 hr]

After breakfast, the travel proceeds towards the holy site of Lake Mansarovar from Saga. It may take some time, but it promises to be an adventurous trip across the wide Tibetan plateau with scenic open spaces, high mountain passes, and snow-capped mountains in the distance. During the trip, you will see small settlements, streams, dry areas, and even desert-like lands until the destination point comes into view at the end of the pilgrimage route leading to Mount Kailash. Lake Mansarovar, which is considered to be one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, is of great religious importance for several religions.

  • Max Elevation: ~4,500 m
  • Travel Distance: Approx. 450–470 km
  • Travel Hours: 7 to 8 hours
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse / Lodge near Mansarovar
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Mansarovar – Darchen : (4500 - 4600 m) 40 km [ 2-3 hr ]

The trip goes on by road after the holy bath and ritual puja at Lake Mansarovar to Darchen, the base camp of Mount Kailash. This drive is approximately 40 km, and it takes 2-3 hours via plateau roads that have few settlements in between. After arrival, register at the guesthouse or lodge and sleep to make ready for the start of the Kailash Kora trek.

  • Max Elevation: 4,600 m
  • Travel Distance: 40 km
  • Travel Hours: 2 to 3 hours
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse / Lodge in Darchen
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 11: Darchen – Dirapuk

Yamadwar, which is located at a distance of 7 km, is a short drive that follows breakfast at Darchen. From there, the walk starts off to Dirapuk, by hillside paths, with little cascades, and a panoramic view of Mount Kailash. The hike will span 18km in 5-6 hours and will culminate in the high altitude settlement of Dirapuk, where you will spend the night in a guesthouse or a basic lodge.

  • Max Elevation: 5,100 m
  • Travel Distance: 18 km (trek)
  • Travel Hours: 5–6 hours
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse / Lodge in Dirapuk
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Dera puk- Zuthul puk

On day 12, the walk starts before sunrise with the walk from Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk. The route goes to the top of the Kailash Kora, Dolma La Pass at 5,630 m, where the view of the surrounding mountains is broad. On the way, another important sacred site is Gauri Kunda. The walk is 22 km and approximately 78 hours, and is mainly on stone and dirt roads with slow downward slopes after the pass. In the afternoon, you will arrive at Zuthulpuk, where you will spend the night in a small guesthouse or lodge, and can rest before returning.

  • Max Elevation: 5,630 m (Dolma La Pass)
  • Travel Distance: 22 km (trek)
  • Travel Hours: 7 to 8 hours
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse / Lodge in Zuthulpuk
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Zuthul puk –saga

The trek part of the trip ends with a 10 km walk out of Zuthulpuk after breakfast. After this, you will proceed by bus over the rest of the distance to Saga. The daily traveling distance amounts to approximately 479 km, and the time taken is approximately 7-8 hours, which is mostly on plateau roads with small settlements in between. Arrival in Saga and check in to the hotel or guesthouse, and have a rest.

  • Max Elevation: 4,400 m
  • Travel Distance: 479 km (bus) + 10 km (trek)
  • Travel Hours: 7 to 8 hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouse in Saga
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Saga – Kerung

After breakfast, the journey continues by road from Saga back toward Kerung. The distance is about 160 km, and it is covered by plateau and mountain roads, taking 4 to 5 hours. The gradual falling of the elevation enables the body to acclimatize. Arrive in Kerung, stay in the hotel, and have a night's rest before the last drive to Kathmandu the following day.

  • Max Elevation: 2,800 m
  • Travel Distance: 160 km
  • Travel Hours: 4 to 5 hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Kerung
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 15: Kerung – Kathmandu : (1350 m) 168 km [7 - 8 hr]

The last part of the trip involves a drive through Kerung to Kathmandu via Rasuwagadhi Border Crossing after breakfast. The overall journey has a distance of approximately 168 km, and the trip can be completed in 7-8 hours using mountain roads, rivers, and forests. This journey ends after reaching Kathmandu in the evening. Guests will be transferred to their hotel or airport according to their further plans.

  • Max Elevation: 1,350 m
  • Travel Distance: 168 km
  • Travel Hours: 7 to 8 hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

What's included

  • Twin-sharing room according to the itinerary on a bed and breakfast (BB) basis.
  • A Tibetan guide who speaks English throughout the trip.
  • Itinerary transportation by van or jeep.
  • Monastery entrance fees and all the documents required for the Kailash trip.
  • Tibet Travel Permit
  • Kerung border to Kathmandu pick-up by jeep.

What's excluded

  • Lunch and dinner
  • Travel or health insurance
  • Any losses or delays due to natural incidents or political circumstances that are outside our control.
  • Personal expenses during the Kora. This includes drinks, tips, or hiring helpers and yaks to carry your luggage while walking around Mount Kailash.

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