Mount Kailash Yatra – 16 days
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Trip Information
The Mount Kailash Yatra is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey that takes travelers to the sacred lands of Tibet, surrounding the holy Mount Kailash and the sacred Lake Mansarovar. Revered in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon, Mount Kailash is considered the abode of Lord Shiva, while Lake Mansarovar is believed to purify sins and grant spiritual blessings.
This 16-day journey combines pilgrimage, high-altitude trekking, and breathtaking landscapes, providing both spiritual fulfillment and an unforgettable adventure. The yatra covers major sites such as Lake Mansarovar, Darchen, Dirapuk, Zutrulpuk, and the Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation), with opportunities to experience Tibetan culture, monasteries, and nomadic life along the way.
Over sixteen days, travelers will undertake moderate to challenging treks, enjoy scenic drives across the Tibetan plateau, and immerse themselves in the serene and spiritual atmosphere of the region. This itinerary is ideal for pilgrims and adventure travelers seeking both spiritual enlightenment and the raw beauty of Tibet’s high-altitude landscapes.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will pick you up and assist you every step of the way. You will then be transferred to your hotel. You can either rest to combat jet lag or explore the town. This day is also a passport collection day. We will collect your original passport and fill out the embassy form. You will need to provide a photograph for your visa—please ensure your photos have a white background, both ears visible, and no glasses.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to immerse yourself in Kathmandu’s stunning sights. You will visit various monuments and temples, rich in intricate wood carvings and history, such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, and more.
Meanwhile, our Dream Tibet team will begin processing your Tibetan visa. We will submit the passports to the embassy, which takes four working days to finalize. During this period, you can explore Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan.
Today, we continue the visa process, including the biometric step at the embassy. You will also enjoy a sightseeing tour of Nepal’s religious and historical sites, such as Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Pashupatinath.
With time on your hands, today is a great opportunity to engage in various activities such as hiking, yoga, additional sightseeing, or anything else you find enjoyable.
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Today marks an exciting milestone as we collect your Tibetan visa, usually ready by 2 PM. This is also the perfect time to purchase any last-minute items for the trip. In the evening, we will hold a tour meeting.
Your Mount Kailash Mansarovar adventure begins! We’ll leave Kathmandu early for a scenic drive to the Nepal-Tibet border. Our Nepali guide will assist you throughout the journey and handle all immigration formalities. Your luggage will be transferred by our team.
At the border, you will meet your Tibetan guide and continue the journey with Tibetan transportation. From here, it is a 40-kilometer drive to the first Tibetan town, Kerung. After a long but rewarding journey, we will overnight in Kerung.
Today is a well-deserved rest day to acclimatize after yesterday’s drive. After breakfast, you will hike to Milarepa Cave with our Tibetan guide, allowing your body to adjust to the high-altitude environment. Overnight at 2900m.
After breakfast, we continue our journey deeper into Tibet, driving through scenic mountain passes with breathtaking views of the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas. We will also cross one of Asia’s largest rivers, the Brahmaputra, before reaching Saga. The drive is long but filled with stunning landscapes. Overnight at 2900m.
Today’s drive takes us to the sacred Lake Mansarovar, where you will get your first view of Mount Kailash’s south face. The journey offers stunning views of the Tibetan plateau, beautiful lakes, and the Himalayas.
At this altitude, you may experience minor symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, nausea, or dizziness. Staying hydrated and eating proper meals is essential.
Overnight at Mansarovar (4580m). Note: Avoid bathing in the cold water of Mansarovar, as it can be harmful at high altitudes. Accommodation will be in simple, group-sharing houses made of mud, with basic meals provided by the guide.
Wake up to the serene views of Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash’s south face. After breakfast, enjoy the peaceful surroundings—meditate, worship, or simply soak in the beauty.
We will then take a short drive to Darchen, the base camp for Mount Kailash (4575m), where we prepare for the Kailash Parikrama (a three-day trek around Mount Kailash via Dolma La Pass at 5600m).
If needed, you can arrange a personal helper or horse for the trek. Stock up on dry foods, fruits, and trekking essentials in Darchen. Overnight in Darchen.
The trek begins! Carry only a small day pack, as your main luggage will stay in Darchen. Today’s moderate trek takes approximately seven hours, leading to Derapuk, where you will witness the stunning north face of Mount Kailash at sunset. Overnight at Derapuk in a simple, group-sharing mud house. Meals are available at a tent house.
Today is the most challenging day of the trek, starting early with an ascent to Dolma La Pass (5645m), the highest point of the Kailash Mansarovar journey. After a three-hour steep climb, you’ll descend into Zuthulpuk Valley.
This day consists of three hours of uphill hiking, two hours of descent, and then a relatively flat walk. Carry enough water and snacks. Basic hot water and noodles are available at two tent stops along the way. Overnight in Zuthulpuk in simple, group-sharing mud houses.
We conclude the Parikrama with a gentle three-hour trek back to Darchen, where we reunite with our vehicle and drive back to Saga. After days of basic accommodations, you will appreciate the comforts of a cozy hotel room in Saga. Overnight in Saga.
Today, we retrace our route back to the border town of Kerung, where we spend one last night in Tibet before crossing into Nepal.
After breakfast, we complete immigration formalities, bid farewell to our Tibetan guide, and drive back to Kathmandu (8-hour journey). Overnight in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, enjoy free time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping until your airport transfer. We arrange transportation three hours before your flight. Safe travels and farewell!
If the provided schedule isn't suitable for you, we are able to create personalized travel arrangements according to your preferences and requirements.
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From
Duration
Tour Location
Tour Type
Price Inclusion
- 6 nights in Kathmandu at a deluxe hotel.
- 1 night at Timure Border at Sonam Guest House or similar standard.
- 2 nights in Kyirong at Phuntsok Khansang Hotel or similar standard (attached bathrooms).
- 2 nights in Saga at Xibuyizhan Hotel or similar standard (attached bathrooms).
- 1 night each at guesthouses in Mansarovar, Dirapuk, and Zuthulpuk on a shared basis (Tibetan-style toilets).
Price Exclusion
- Entrance fees during sightseeing in Nepal.
- Chandragiri Cable Car fare.
- Airfare to Kathmandu and return flight home.
- Travel insurance, rescue, and evacuation services.
- Multiple-entry Nepal visa fees for foreigners.
- Horse and porter hire during the Parikrama (approx. 3,800 CNY for both, or 1,200 CNY for porter only).
- Tips for guides, drivers, or staff and personal expenses.
- Extra hotel charges in Kathmandu if returning early from Tibet or for extended stays.
- Additional accommodation charges due to flight cancellations from bad weather or delays in obtaining Tibet permits/visas (ensure flexible tickets).
- Penalty of USD 100 per person per day if pilgrims leave the Tibet side early for non-medical reasons; additional costs for visa splitting, accommodation, and transportation will apply.