Kailash Manasarovar Tour
Mount Kailash is the one of holiest mountains in the Himalayas. Located in Tibet province of China, the snow-capped rocky peak of Mt. Kailash or Kangri Rimpoche is believed to be a sacred place of the founders of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bonpo religion. Different religions attach different name, meaning, and purpose to holy Mount Kailash (6,714m/22,028 ft). Hindus and Buddhists all over the world worship this peak as the exact "Center of the Universe" whereas Jains believe that their first Saint obtained Liberation/Freedom meditating on the mountain. Hindus believe Mount Kailash/Kangri is the abode of supreme Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati. For a Hindu, the arduous pilgrimage to Kailash help one rid of all sins and attain salvation. Buddhists regard the pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash/Manasarovar as a pious deed to achieving enlightenment and spreading world peace. Vajrayana Buddhists in particular refer Mt. Kailash as Mount Meru, the home of Demchok, who represents supreme bliss.
Om Namah Shivay, meaning, I honour the divinity that resides within me.
Overview
- Destination: Tibet
- Departure: Kathmandu, Nepal
- Google Map Co-ordinates: 31.0675° N, 81.3119° E
- Highest Altitude: Dolma La Pass (5,630 m/18,471 ft)
- Nearest City (Airport): Bhuntar (Kullu)
- Nearest City (Railway Station): Joginder Nagar
- Duration: 13-15 Days
- Months: June to September
- Level: Difficult due to high altitude
- Guide: Available
- Price: On request
Experience
Manasarovar Lake, called Mapam Yumtso by Tibetans, lays just beside the sacred Mount Kailash. The Sanskrit word “Manas” means mind or consciousness and “Sarovar” means Lake. Hence this lake is defined as the Lake of consciousness. Similarly Buddhists believe Mapam to be the Lake of Anavatapta where Buddha was conceived by his mother Maya. Along the lake’s shore is perched the ancient Chiu Monastery which is a revered spot for meditation. Like Kailash it also holds deep spiritual influence and wide religious belief among the four faiths.
The annual trip to Kailash Manasarovar is a popular one taken by many for various reasons – religious or for adventure and travel purposes. We have a few itineraries that caters to different needs and the way you would like to travel – by road or air with a mix of walking/trekking.
Since you will be in Tibet you could also extend your journey and visit the beautiful capital of Tibet – Lhasa and as well.
Important highlights:
1. 53 km Kailash Parikrama (Kora) includes walk/trek from Yamdwar to Chongdo, which is 38km. No car/bus/jeep Service will be available however pony and local porter can be hired for 3 days.
2. One should adjust to basic accommodation in guest house, lodge/mud houses during Kailash tour in Manasarovar and Kailash Parikrama.
3. Passport must be valid for at least 6 month or more from the proposed travel date.
4. In Kailash region, there is no temple of Lord Shiva but there is one Ram / Sita / Laxman temple in Khojarnath on the way to Manasarovar Lake which is 15 km far from Hillsa border between Nepal and China.
5. The journey route is Hillsa – Chiu Gompa – Darchen – Yamadwar – Darchen – Hor – Manasarovar Lake. Ecologically sound blue buses are available from Ngari Tourism of Bureau in Darchen.
6. Visit World’s famous monasteries and Potala palace in Tibet and historical cities of Lhasa, Shigatse, and Saga as per Itinerary 1 option.
7. Crossing highest pass Dolma La /Dorma La (5,630 m).
Please Note:
Fitness
1. Please consult your doctor and get yourself examined before you start for the Kailash Manasarovar tour.
2. As Mount Kailash & lake Manasarovar are situated at high altitude please start exercises like walking, jogging, yoga meditation and other breathing exercises in order to make a successful holy tour
Insurance
Kindly get yourself a Travel medical insurance for Kailash Manasarovar tour. Please make sure you cover yourself for emergency evacuation (helicopter), road transportation and hotel accommodation in the insurance. This is mandatory.
Health Precaution
Oxygen is less at higher altitudes. The inclement weather and high altitude induces certain illness generally not encountered in the plains. Headache, nausea, lassitude, lethargy, breathlessness, general uneasiness [malaise], high irritability, light loss of balance, disorientation, incoherence and insomnia are a few. It is common to all irrespective of the age, gender and physical fitness. Gradual acclimatization is the best answer. Tranquilizers, sleeping dose and strong anti-biotic must be avoided. The best idea is to deliberately slow down all the activities. Climb gradually.
Itinerary
- Day 1 / ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU (1,300 M / 4,265 FT.)
- Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, where our representative will receive you with a warm welcome and a traditional Rudraksha mala. You will then be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is kept free to relax, recover from your journey, and prepare for the yatra ahead. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
- Day 2 / KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING & YATRA BRIEFING
- After breakfast, proceed for a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s sacred landmarks including Pashupatinath Temple, Guheshwori Devi Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Budhanilkantha Temple. The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping and packing. In the evening, attend a detailed yatra briefing conducted by the tour leader, covering altitude safety, trekking guidelines, and logistics. Distribution of down jackets will also take place. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
- Day 3 / DRIVE TO SYABRUBESI / TIMURE (1,800 M / 5,905 FT.): 145 KM/7-8 HRS
- Early morning departure by road towards Syabrubesi or Timure. The scenic drive follows the Trishuli River and passes through lush hills, terraced farmlands, and mountain villages. The journey takes approximately 6–8 hours, with comfort stops en route. On arrival, check in to a basic hotel and rest. Overnight stay Syabrubesi or Timure. Note: If the Kyirong border does not open in 2026, then we will be using the Kodari/Zhangmu border, so we will stay at the Tatopani or Kodari border.
- Day 4 / CROSS RASUWAGADHI – DRIVE TO KYIRONG (2,900 M / 9,515 FT.): 100 KM/3-4 HRS
- After breakfast, Drive to Rasuwagadhi (1,950 m/ :15 km / 45 min from Syabrubesi), then complete immigration & custom formalities in Nepal & Tibet side at Rasuwagadhi, then meet with Tibetan guide and driver and continue further drive to Kyirong town (2,900 m/1hr – 35km). Note: 1) If the Kyirong border remains closed in 2026, then we will stay in Nyalam after crossing the Kodari/Zhangmu border. 2) The hotel in Upper Kyirong is budget type and as per information from Lhasa, that those hotels has not yet taken the permission & Contract from FEC/CIPSC to keep Indian Yatris so we have to wait for the final decision to make our group stay in Upper Kyirong. If the Government did not allow, then we have to stay back in Lower Kyirong Town only.
- Day 5 / ACCLIMATIZATION DAY AT KYIRONG (2,900 M / 9,515 FT.)
- This day is reserved exclusively for acclimatization. Pilgrims are advised to take short walks around the town, stay hydrated, and avoid exertion. This gradual adjustment to altitude is crucial for a safe and comfortable Kailash Parikrama. Overnight stay in Kyirong.
- Day 6 / DRIVE TO NEW DONBA VIA SAGA (4,400 M / 14,435 FT.): 270 KM/6-7 HRS
- Post breakfast, drive to Saga or New Donba via the Kyirong high pass and Saga Town, following the course of the sacred Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Tsangpo). The drive offers expansive views of the Tibetan plateau. A hot packed lunch will be provided enroute. Evening arrival at New Donba. Overnight stay in New Donba.
- Day 7 / DRIVE TO LAKE MANSAROVAR – CHIUGOMPA (4,600 M / 15,092 FT.): 375 KM/7-8 HRS
- Drive from New Dongba to Chiu Gompa (4,600M/15,092FT.) via the Mayum La Pass to reach the holy Lake Mansarovar and driving around it, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. On a clear day, pilgrims get their first majestic view of Mount Kailash. Time is given to walk along the lakeshore and absorb the spiritual energy of the place. Overnight stay at a basic guesthouse near Chiugompa.
- Day 8 / MANSAROVAR PUJA – DRIVE TO DARCHEN (4,700 M / 15,420 FT.): 40 KM/1 HR
- Early morning, pilgrims may take a holy dip in Lake Mansarovar (subject to weather conditions) followed by puja and prayer rituals. After lunch, drive to Darchen (4,700M/15,420FT.), the base town for Kailash Parikrama. The rest of the day is free for acclimatization, rest, and final preparation for the trek. You can stroll around market in Darchen for shopping of any useful things for Kailash Kora or for Souvenir. Overnight stay in Darchen.
- Day 9 / TREK TO DIRAPHUK – PARIKRAMA DAY 1 (4,950 M / 16,240 FT.)
- After Breakfast, get pack lunch and drive to Yama Dwar (8km/30mins), Do the darshan of closest view of Kailash (south face), the traditional starting point of the Kailash Parikrama. Begin trekking along the Lha Chu valley towards Diraphuk (4,950M/16,240FT.) The route is gradual and offers stunning views of the north face of Mount Kailash. • Trek Distance: 14 km/ 5-6hrs • Difficulty Level: Moderate (gradual ascent) Pilgrims not undertaking the parikrama will remain in Darchen. Overnight stay at Diraphuk guesthouse.
- Day 10 / TREK TO ZUTHULPHUK (4,850 M / 15,912 FT.) VIA DOLMA LA (5,600 M / 18,372 FT.) – PARIKRAMA DAY 2
- Early morning wake up to have darshan of Golden Kailash on clear weather day. By the same time have early breakfast and start trekking, this is the most demanding yet spiritually rewarding day of the yatra. The trek ascends to Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the parikrama, followed by a descent past the sacred Gauri Kunda to Zuthulphuk. • Trek Distance: 22 km • Difficulty Level: Difficult (high altitude, steep ascent & descent) Extreme caution and steady pacing are advised due to altitude and terrain. Overnight stay at Zuthulphuk guesthouse.
- Day 11 / COMPLETE PARIKRAMA – DRIVE TO SAGA / DONBA (4,400 M / 14,435 FT.): 480 KM/8 HRS
- Complete the final stretch of the parikrama and trek back towards Darchen, where all group members regroup. After breakfast, get hot pack lunch then continue the journey by vehicle towards Saga or Donba. • Trek Distance: 8 km • Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (gradual descent) Overnight stay in Dongba or Saga.
- Day 12 / DRIVE BACK TO KYIRONG (2,900–3,800 M / 9,514–12,467 FT.)
- Begin the return journey retracing the route back to Kyirong from New Dongba (335km/6-7hrs drive) or from Saga (170km/4-5hrs drive). The long drive offers one last view of the vast Tibetan landscapes. Overnight stay in Kyirong.
- Day 13 / DRIVE TO KATHMANDU (1,300 M / 4,265 FT.): 145KM/7-8 HRS
- After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu via the Rasuwagadhi border, completing immigration formalities. Evening arrival in Kathmandu. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
- Day 14 / DEPARTURE
- After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. The yatra concludes with sacred memories of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar
Inclusions
Inclusions
- All necessary transfers in Kathmandu (arrival / departure).
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on twin/triple sharing with vegetarian meals.
- Hotel accommodation in Syabrubesi or Timure with vegetarian meals (basic hotel).
- Deluxe hotel (twin / triple sharing room) in Kerung with attached bathroom.
- Deluxe hotel (twin / triple sharing room) in Saga & in Darchen with attached bathroom.
- Basic tourist guesthouse (clean dormitory room) in Manasarovar, Diraphuk & in Zuthulphuk.
- Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu as per itinerary.
- Kathmandu – Rasuwagadhi – Kathmandu transfers by private bus (a/c).
- All necessary Tibet travel permit including Parikrama of Kailash & Manasarovar.
- Tibet group visa.
- Entry fees (Kailash & Manasarovar).
- All vegetarian meals in Tibet (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
- Transportation in Tibet by deluxe bus & supporting truck to carry logistics.
- English Speaking Tibetan Guide.
- Necessary supporting crew (Tour Manager & Sherpa staffs).
- Medical kit bag & oxygen for emergency use.
Exclusions
- International Air Ticket to Kathmandu & return.
- Nepal entry visa fee for NRIs.
- Express Tibet Group Visa (Extra Express Fee, if applicable due to any reason).
- Travel insurance for personal life / loss of baggage / flight tickets.
- Insurance for emergency rescue & evacuation expenses.
- All personal nature expenses, Bottled drinks (juice, alcoholic drinks, beverages, etc.).
- GST & TCS for Indian citizens.
- If any guest stays back in Darchen being unable to go trekking to Kailash kora or if any guest returns back on second day from kora to Darchen then those guests have to pay extra supplement cost for the difference rates of the hotel in Darchen and guesthouse in kora (approx. RMB 250-400 RMB per person depending upon the hotel in Darchen).
- Asthapad Darshan (Govt. prohibited to enter this region, if permitted can be arrange by Jeep on extra cost directly payable to Guide i.e approx. RMB 800 per person based on minimum 4 people group).
- Personal riding Pony & Porter to carry your bagpack during the Kailash Kora (Approx. RMB 5000 per person).
- Porter only to carry your bagpack for walking guest during the Kailash Kora (Approx. RMB 2000 per person.
- Rescue Jeep from Diraphuk to Darchen or Zuthulphuk to Darchen: RMB 2000 approx. (4 people in one Jeep).
- In case of emergency evacuation, the extra cost will incur for Rescue Jeep + Hotel on the way + Guide fee + Visa Split Charge + Medical report fee as per below: a) From Saga to Kerung Border (without hotel stay): RMB 5000 approximately. b) From Lake Manasarovar or Darchen to Kerung border (with hotel stay): RMB 8000 approximately.
- Extra cost for accommodation, meals, visa splitting charge, transfers, hospital expenses, flight changes in case of early return from Kailash.
- Extra night accommodation & meal cost in Kathmandu or border due to delay in permit & visa by Chinese Government or any other uncontrolled reason.
- Any additional expenses cost due to natural calamity, rescue, political unrest and unforeseen circumstances.
- Tips for Nepali tour leader, Tibetan guide, sherpa staffs & drivers (expected by them so you can collectively show your gratitude for the appreciation of their services) – Tibetan guide – RMB 800 / Tibetan bus & truck drivers RMB 500 each / Nepali Tour Leader – RMB 1000 / Nepali support staff team – RMB 500 each / Nepali city bus driver & helper – NPR 3000 each bus / Nepali border bus driver & helper (might be different bus for drop & pick up) – NPR 3000 + NPR 3000 each bus (these are all general hint from my best knowledge with minimum tipping amount).
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