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The 15-day Kailash Mansarovar Yatra offers a rare and deeply spiritual journey, beginning in Kathmandu, Nepal, and taking you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. The journey begins with a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, where you’ll explore iconic landmarks such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath, soaking in the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region. From there, the journey continues towards the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, where the highlight of the pilgrimage—the Parikrama (Kora)—awaits.
The Parikrama involves a sacred circumambulation of Mount Kailash, a practice believed to purify the soul and grant spiritual liberation. For many, the most profound moment of the Yatra is the rare opportunity to touch the holy Kailash, an experience that is said to bestow divine blessings and spiritual transformation. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not just a physical journey but a deeply moving spiritual quest, offering devotees the chance to connect with the divine and experience inner peace amidst the majestic beauty of the Himalayas.
Insurance: Medical insurance is not compulsory for visa processing; however, we strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance in case any health issues arise during your trip.
Oxygen Cylinder: Our company will provide an oxygen cylinder in case of emergency. While oxygen is typically not needed, some pilgrims prefer to carry their own portable cylinders. You may purchase a small, portable oxygen cylinder in Tibet for approximately 20-30 Yuan each.
Food During the Tour: Our experienced cooks will accompany you throughout the journey. They will carry all necessary cooking equipment and will prepare Indian vegetarian meals for you during the Yatra.
Clothing & Outerwear:
Footwear & Accessories:
Personal Items & Toiletries:
Other Essentials:
Money & Currency Exchange:
Weather & Temperature (May to September):
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you will receive a warm and heartfelt welcome with a traditional Rudraksha Mala (garland). Our team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for a comfortable stay.
Accommodation:
Stay at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu, such as Akama, Sambala, or a similar property, on a twin-sharing basis.
Meals: Enjoy a vegetarian buffet dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Overnight stay at the hotel. Elevation: 1400 meters.
Important Notes:
Kathmandu, a bowl-shaped mountain valley, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Known for its rich cultural heritage, the Kathmandu Valley is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and thousands of sacred Hindu temples, including the revered Pashupatinath Temple.
Sightseeing Points: (Starting at 7:00 AM)
After the sightseeing, we will have a short briefing about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, followed by final preparations and packing for the journey ahead.
Accommodation: Stay at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu, such as Akama, on a twin-sharing basis.
Meals: Vegetarian buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Elevation: 1400 meters
Sightseeing Duration: Approximately 4 hours.
On your free days, you have the opportunity to explore Kathmandu at your own pace. If you wish to enjoy additional sightseeing or shopping, please note that vehicle expenses for these activities will be at your own cost.
Extra Sightseeing Options (Not Included in Package):
Accommodation: Stay at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu, such as Akama, on a twin-sharing basis.
Meals: Vegetarian buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Elevation: 1400 meters
After breakfast, your holy pilgrimage Yatra begins with a Swastivachan (blessing) for a blissful journey ahead. We will then continue our drive to Syabrubesi/Timure, located near the Nepal-China border.
Transportation: Travel will be by a 4-wheel Scorpio Jeep (for 1-5 people).
Accommodation: Stay at a tourist hotel in Timure, on a twin-sharing basis.
Meals: Vegetarian buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overnight Stay: Elevation: 2000 meters.
Distance and Duration: Approx. 165 km, with a drive time of 7 hours.
Transportation: Travel by a comfortable 29-seater bus.
Accommodation: Stay at a standard hotel in Kyirong on a twin-sharing basis.
Meals: Enjoy a vegetarian buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, prepared by our own kitchen team.
Overnight Stay: Elevation: 2700 meters
Distance and Duration: Approx. 24 km, with a drive time of about 1 hour.
Spend the day in Kyirong to acclimatize to the higher altitude. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, Kyirong is a picturesque town where you can explore local temples, enjoy shopping, and taste authentic Chinese food.
As part of your acclimatization process, it is essential to take it easy and let your body adjust to the altitude. Take a short walk around the town and begin taking Diamox tablets (Acetazolamide 250mg), which will help you during the journey.
Accommodation: Stay at a standard hotel in Kyirong on a twin-sharing basis.
Meals: Vegetarian buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, prepared by our own kitchen.
Overnight Stay: Elevation: 2700 meters.
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Saga, located 169 km away (approximately 4 hours). En route, you’ll pass the majestic Ghungtang-La Pass (5236 meters), offering stunning views of ancient monasteries, cascading waterfalls, winding rivers, and dense alpine forests. Along the way, you’ll also catch a glimpse of the sacred Brahmaputra River.
Saga is a small town nestled on the banks of the Brahmaputra River and lies in the shadow of the towering Great Himalayas. Known as a cold desert Tibetan plateau, it is often referred to as the “Roof of the World” due to its unique position at the heart of the Tibetan Plateau. The journey to Saga is a true immersion into the natural beauty and spiritual significance of this high-altitude region.
Accommodation: Stay at a standard hotel in Saga on a twin-sharing basis.
Meals: Vegetarian buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, prepared by our own kitchen.
Overnight Stay: Elevation: 4500 meters.
After breakfast, continue your journey towards the sacred Lake Mansarovar. This day holds immense spiritual significance, as you will have your first glimpse of the holy lake and catch sight of the majestic Mount Kailash from Horchu.
Upon completing the necessary local immigration formalities, you will proceed to complete the Lake Mansarovar Parikrama (circumambulation) by vehicle. Along the way, stop at a scenic spot to capture memorable group photos featuring the breathtaking views of Kailash, Mansarovar, and the Rakshas Tal (Lake of Demons).
This is the moment that every pilgrim eagerly anticipates—the awe-inspiring sight of Lake Mansarovar and the surrounding grandeur of Mount Kailash, creating an unforgettable memory to cherish for a lifetime.
Accommodation: Stay in a mud house or guest house at Lake Mansarovar, on a dormitory-sharing basis.
Meals: Vegetarian buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overnight Stay: Elevation: 4500 meters
Distance & Drive Time: 500 km, approximately 7 hours of driving.
Today is a highly auspicious day for all Yatris, as you are in the presence of divinity. Start the day with a sacred bath at the banks of the holy Lake Mansarovar, followed by a Puja and Havan ceremony, along with meditation and other spiritual activities. This is a momentous occasion, as being at the abode of the gods is a lifetime achievement.
After a spiritually enriching experience and lunch, we will continue our journey towards Darchen.
Accommodation: Stay at a standard hotel in Darchen on a twin-sharing basis.
Meals: Vegetarian buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overnight Stay: Elevation: 4700 meters
Distance & Drive Time: Approx. 40 km, with a drive time of 1 hour.
After breakfast, we begin with a short drive to Yamdwar (7 km), the starting point of the Kailash Parikrama. After offering prayers and performing a brief darshan at Yamdwar, all pilgrims will begin the trek towards Diraphuk (12 km). You can choose to walk the entire distance or hire a horse and porter to carry your backpack.
As you trek, immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the surroundings—flowing rivers, alpine meadows, and the stunning view of Nandi Kailash along the way. Upon reaching Diraphuk, you will get your first glimpse of the North Face of Mount Kailash, a breathtaking sight that will leave you in awe. Don’t miss the spectacular view of the Golden Kailash at sunrise—the first rays of the sun touching the mountain’s snow-capped peaks is a once-in-a-lifetime visual treat.
For those not doing the Parikrama, you will have darshan at Yamdwar and return to Darchen to rest until the Parikrama pilgrims return.
Accommodation: Stay at a guest house in Diraphuk on a dormitory-sharing basis.
Meals: Vegetarian buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overnight Stay: Elevation: 5000 meters
Distance & Trek Time: 12 km, approximately 4-6 hours of walking.
Rise early and have a light breakfast as you continue your second day of the Kailash Parikrama, trekking from Diraphuk to Zuthulphuk (22 km). This is considered the most challenging and important day of the entire journey.
The trek begins with a steep ascent to Dolma La Pass (5620 meters), a grueling 6-7 km climb. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment. Afterward, you will descend steeply into the valley below, passing Gaurikunda, before continuing another 3-4 hours to Zuthulphuk.
For pilgrims who have hired horses, it’s important to note that they too must climb the steep path to Dolma La and descend towards Gaurikunda. Once this strenuous section of the trek is completed, you will reach local tea stalls where you can take a well-deserved rest with a hot cup of tea or noodles.
On your way to Zuthulphuk, you’ll catch a glimpse of the East Face of Mount Kailash, adding a spiritual and visual highlight to the day’s journey.
Accommodation:
Stay at a guest house in Zuthulphuk on a dormitory-sharing basis.
Meals: Vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Maximum Elevation: Dolma La Pass at 5620 meters
Overnight Stay Elevation: Zutrulphuk at 4790 meters
Distance & Trek Time: 22 km, approximately 10 hours of walking.
Today marks the final day of the Kailash Parikrama trek. After an early wake-up, enjoy a light tea/coffee with cookies to fuel up for the day. The trek today is approximately 7 km and will take around 2 hours to complete. As you reach the endpoint of the Parikrama, our bus will be waiting to take you back to Darchen, where you’ll rejoin the group and conclude the Parikrama circuit.
After a brief rest and breakfast, we will begin our return journey to Saga, where you can reflect on the unforgettable experiences and spiritual memories you’ve gathered during this remarkable journey.
Accommodation: Stay at a 3-star standard hotel in Saga on a sharing basis.
Meals: Vegetarian buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overnight Stay Elevation: 4500 meters
Distance & Drive Time: 7 km of walking (2 hours) + 500 km of driving (approximately 7 hours).
After breakfast, we begin our return journey to Kyirong or Timure Border. The scenic drive offers a chance to reflect on the spiritual experiences of the past days as we head back to Kyirong for rest and relaxation.
Accommodation: Stay in a standard hotel in Kyirong on a twin-sharing basis.
Meals: Vegetarian buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overnight Stay Elevation: 2700 meters
Distance & Drive Time: 169 km, approximately 4 hours of driving.
After breakfast, we begin our drive back to the China-Nepal border. Upon arrival at Rasuwa Gadhi, you will complete the immigration and customs formalities before taking a short walk to our hotel in Timure. After lunch, we continue the scenic drive back to Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Stay at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Akama, Sambala, or similar) on a twin-sharing basis.
Transportation: Travel by 4-wheel Scorpio jeep (1 vehicle for every 5 passengers).
Meals: Vegetarian buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Overnight Stay Elevation: 1400 meters
Distance & Drive Time: 165 km, approximately 5-6 hours of driving.
After completing the sacred Mt. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, each pilgrim will receive a certificate from the tour organizer, acknowledging the successful completion of this spiritual journey. Afterward, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Vegetarian breakfast only.
The best time to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is during the summer months, typically from May to September. During this period, the weather is more favorable, and road access to the pilgrimage sites is generally open. However, it is important to note that the region is subject to unpredictable weather conditions, so proper preparation is essential.
Yes, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is physically demanding, especially the Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation of Mt. Kailash). The trek involves high altitudes (up to 5,600 meters), steep climbs, and long hours of walking. Pilgrims should be in good health, physically fit, and ideally acclimatized to high altitudes. Many travelers take Diamox (acetazolamide) tablets to help with altitude sickness.
Yes, pilgrims require a Tibet Visa and a Chinese Entry Permit to visit Kailash Mansarovar, as the pilgrimage passes through Tibet (China). The visa process is typically handled by the tour operator, and you’ll need to provide a valid passport and other documents for processing. Nepal Visa can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu for most nationalities.
Accommodation varies based on the location. In Kathmandu, you’ll stay in 4-star hotels, and in Tibet, you’ll find a combination of guest houses, mud houses, and simple hotels on a twin-sharing basis or dormitory-style rooms. For more remote locations, such as near Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash, the accommodation can be basic but functional.
During the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Indian vegetarian food is provided. Meals are typically prepared by an Indian cook traveling with the group. You will have a buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Special dietary requirements should be communicated in advance, and it’s advisable to carry some dry snacks for the journey, especially during the trek.
For those who are unable to trek or prefer not to, the Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation) can be completed by vehicle on certain days. However, the Parikrama around the northern face of Mount Kailash (via the Kora route) is considered a spiritual and physical journey, and some pilgrims prefer to do it on foot to experience the full spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.
