Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour

Trip Overview

The Kailash Mansarovar overland tour offers a transformative spiritual adventure to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, nestled in the remote wilderness of western Tibet. Revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers, these sacred destinations are among the most significant pilgrimage sites in the world.

Mount Kailash is considered the divine dwelling of Lord Shiva, known as Bholenath, one of the most powerful deities in Hinduism. In Jainism, the mountain is identified as Ashtapada, where Rishabdeva, the first Tirthankara, achieved liberation. Buddhists see Kailash as Mount Meru, the axis of the universe, while the Bon religion regards it as the mythical nine-tiered Swastika Mountain, symbolizing immense spiritual force.

Your journey begins in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, where you'll take part in a puja and aarti at the sacred Pashupatinath Temple. The tour also includes spiritual visits to the Boudhanath Stupa and Buddhanilkantha Temple (Narayanthan). After the blessings, you'll travel by road to the Nepal-Tibet border, entering Tibet at Kerung, a small town on the other side.

To adjust to the high-altitude environment, two days are spent in Kerung for acclimatization. The pilgrimage then continues across the stark, highland terrain of western Tibet, leading to the holy Lake Mansarovar. Here, pilgrims perform rituals, havans, and prayers to purify the soul before embarking on the sacred parikrama (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash.

Detail Itinerary Expand All

Day 01: Arrival in Nepal, Pick you up from the international airport by our representative

Transfer to the Hotel and overnight in Kathmandu

Day 02: Drive towards Nepal Tibet border and overnight (145 km – 7 Hours) Meal: B

Nepali guide will assist you during driving till immigration cross.
Guide will look after immigration formalities, your big bag will transfer by our team
It is only 40-kilometer drive to Kerung (First Tibetan town)
Meet Tibetan guide and driving with Tibetan transportation
Overnight in Kerong (Tibetan town)

Day 03: Rest day in Kerong for acclimatization. Meal: B

Breakfast including in the Hotel
Overnight in the altitude of 2900 meters
Spend full day there for acclimatization with small hiking with your our Tibetan guide

Day 04: Drive to Saga town (230km – 6 Hours) Meal: B

Breakfast including in the Hotel
It is 8 hours driving (230km) crossing through high passes, scenic Himalayas and beautiful Tibetan plateau
Overnight at altitude of 4450 meters
Cross Brahmaputra River before reaching Saga

Day 05: Drive to Lake Mansarovar (400km – 9 Hours) Meal: B

Breakfast including in the Hotel
Scenic Tibetan plateau, beautiful Lakes and Himalayan views from on the way
High altitude sickness can affect today – Keep drinking water, eat properly, focus to eat liquid. Minor headache, nausea or even vomiting can be symptoms of high altitude. It will go out after spending night in Mansarovar altitude of 4580 meters
Dipping in Mansarovar Lake is prohibited. You can fill the water in bucket and take a bath.
Mount Kailash south face can clearly see from here
Accommodation around Mansarovar is simple and it is only available in group sharing
Very simple foods will be available with help of Guide

Day 06: Morning in Lake Mansarovar, option to high in Chui Gompa (monastery) at the hillside of Lake Mansarovar. Later drive to Darchen (40km) for overnight Meal: B

Provide you a simple breakfast
Enjoy morning view of Mount Kailash south face
Enough time around Lake Mansarovar, Bath or Deep or any Puja
It is only 1 hour driving time to reach Darchen (Base camp of Mount Kailash) 4575 meters
Preparation of Kailash parikrama (Kailash Kora) is 3 days walking around mount Kailash through Dolma La pass (5,600m)
If you need personal helper or horse for Kailash Kora, you can pay and order with the help of your guide (Personal helper for to leave your hand bag – Horse and Helper to ride horse and handover your hand bag)
You can buy favorite dry foods, fruits in Darchen for 3 days Kailash Parikrama. You also can buy trekking stick.

Day 07: Start to walk around Mount Kailash (Kailash Parikrama), reach at Derapuk – views of Kailash North face (20 km) Meal: B

Breakfast in Hotel (early breakfast)
Leave your main luggage in Darchen, start walking only with your handbag with few goods
It is about 7 hours easy walking to reach Derapuk (4,900m)
Kailash South face, Kailash West face and Kailash North face can be seen today
Closer view of North face in sunset
Accommodation in Derapuk is in mud house which is only available in group sharing
Simple foods are available in tent houses – you can order with the help of guide

Day 08: Second day of Kailash Parikrama, Hardest day of the tour (21 km) Meal: B

Provide you simple breakfast from the tent houses
9 Hours of walking
Cross 5645 meters Dolma La pass
Street uphill for 3 hours, another 2 hours for downhill, andthe  rest for flat walking
Have to bring enough water and food for the day daytime
Stay overnight at an altitude of 4760 meters
Only group sharing mud houses are available in Juthulpuk
There is no other option; overnight accommodation is only available in Juthulpuk
During the day, there are 2 tent houses on the way to buy hot water, noodles, or water

Day 09: End of Kailash Parikrama. Walking to Darchen and driving back to Saga for the overnight Meal: B

Provide a simple breakfast from the guest house
Only 3 hours of easy walking on flat land
Meet your car in Darchen and continue driving to Saga town again
Overnight in much comfortable hotel in Saga (comparatively from Kailash parikrama days)

Day 10: Drive back to Kerung town Meal: B

Breakfast in the Hotel or from a restaurant
The same way driving back today to reach Kerung town, the last Tibetan town bordering Nepal

Day 11: Drive back to Nepal Immigration, and drive back to Kathmandu Meal: B

It is an hour's drive to Nepal Tibet immigration after an early breakfast in the Hotel
Custom formalities with the help of guides
Say bye to the Tibetan guide and further drive to Kathmandu with a Nepali guide
transfer to the Hotel and overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu

Day 12: Day of Departure Meal: B

Breakfast at the Hotel
Free time till your departure
We arrange airport transportation 3 hours before your flight time

What's Included?

  • Arrival/departure transfers from airport to hotel in Kathmandu.
  • Private Vehicle Transportation for all the sightseeing
  • 3 Nights’ Accomodation in Kathmandu in Apsara Boutique Hotel in BB plan in twin/double sharing basis.
  • Hotel/Guest House Accommodation as per program (BEST available Hotel in town)
  • Private Transportation by Van / Mini coach
  • All necessary Tibet Travel and Trekking permit
  • English speaking Tibetan Guide
  • All Sightseeing and Entrance fee as per the itinerary (Tibet side).
  • Kathmandu sightseeing in a private vehicle along with licenced tour guide
  • Meal plan on Bed and Breakfast Basis
  • Kathmandu to Border to Kathmandu transportation by Jeep
  • Yak Or porter while on Kora to carry your baggage


 


What's Not Included ?

  • Nepal Arrival Visa
  • Insurance of any kind.
  • Hiring personal porter, / horse for 3 days Kailash kora
  • Cost of emergency evacuation in case of need
  • Any Additional cost due to Nature calamity and Unforeseen Circumstances etc.
  • Cost of Nepal visa (visa on arrival – and visa cost is USD 30 for 15 days multiple and 50 per person for a month multiple) 

Useful Information

IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION

Topic

Details

Important Note

These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary and may supersede any information in the brochure. This itinerary may change due to weather, natural forces, government policy, or other circumstances beyond our control.

Currency

Major currencies like USD can be exchanged in Chinese airports and major cities. ATMs are limited outside of Lhasa and Shigatse. Exchange adequate cash in advance for personal expenses. Guides will assist with currency exchange upon arrival.

Plugs and Adapters

Tibet uses Type A, C, and I plugs; voltage is 220V/50Hz. Remote areas may only support Type I. Carry a universal adapter, power bank, and USB charger to ensure your devices stay powered throughout the trip.

Visa and Permit

Package includes Tibet Travel Permit, Everest Base Camp Permit, and Kailash Permit. Visa-free travel available for select countries.

Internet and SIM Card

WiFi is available in most hotels but is often slow. Buy a local SIM card at airports. YouTube, Gmail, and social media are blocked. Recommended providers: China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom. VPNs may not work effectively.

Flight Ticket & Tibet Travel Permit

Tibet Travel Permit required to board flights to Lhasa. For mainland China departures, permit will be sent to your hotel or airport (additional fee for airport). For Kathmandu departures, the permit will be handed to you upon arrival by our representative.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Topic

Details

Charan Sparsh

Yes, possible on the day you trek to Dirapuk Its depend on Local security and law.

Outer Kora

Included as part of the itinerary

Inner Kora

Can be done on the day you drive to Darchen

Bathing at Lake

Not allowed directly in the lake; bring water outside and perform rituals

Puja at Mansarovar Lake

Yes, you can perform a puja at the lake

Carry Jal from the Lake

Yes, you can carry sacred water from the lake

Pony Hire

Available from Darchen to Dolma-La Pass (not beyond)

Porter Hire

Available in Darchen

Can Pony Man Act as Porter?

Yes, but he charges separately for porter service

Oxygen Availability

Portable oxygen cylinders available throughout the Yatra route

Drinking Water

Boiled and bottled water available throughout the Yatra

Food

All freshly cooked vegetarian meals provided

Hospitals

Available in Kerung, Saga, and Darchen. Not available in Mansarovar, Dirapuk, and Zutulpuk

COUNTRY & CLIMATE INFORMATION

Known as the 'Roof of the World,' Tibet is an autonomous region of China, situated on the high Tibetan Plateau, with an average altitude of over 4,500 meters. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, Tibet features snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, and sacred lakes such as Yamdrok and Mansarovar.

It is a spiritual haven for Buddhists, with iconic landmarks like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Mount Kailash. Tibetan culture is deeply intertwined with Buddhism, reflected in its festivals, monasteries, and traditional practices. Despite its rugged terrain, Tibet is accessible via scenic overland routes and the remarkable Lhasa railway, offering travelers an unforgettable journey into this mystical land.


Month-by-Month Climate

Month

Temperature (Day/Night)

Conditions & Notes

April

5–10°C / Below 0°C

Cold with possible snow, challenging but peaceful trekking.

May

8–12°C / Below 0°C

Improving weather, scenic transformations, good for Parikrama.

June

10–15°C / -2 to 2°C

Peak season with clear skies and better comfort.

July

12–18°C / Variable

Monsoon begins; trails may be slippery, stay prepared.

August

10–15°C / Chilly

Moist, vibrant landscapes; relatively dry at high altitude.

September

8–12°C / Down to -5°C

Clear skies, crisp air, fewer crowds—ideal trekking conditions.

Route Map

Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour routemap

Departure dates and price

The given cost are per person and exclude international flights. Given below are the departure dates available for online booking. If the given date is not favorable then please contact us and we will happily customize your trip on dates more appropriate for you.

Note: If your group size is of more than 1 pax then you can set your own departure date.

All the available dates for the trip

Please Select Month And Year :

Start Date Trip Price Discount Discounted Price Action

Clients Reviews

review image Kama L

Kama L

2025-08-28

Awesome Mt. Kailash Trip

I recently (Oct 2013) visited Nepal and Mt Kailash. Birendra was recommended through a friend of mine who also owns a travel company.

Originally I was apprehensive as I was traveling alone but his prompt replies and willingness to respond to my concerns ensured I felt safe during all parts of my trip. Safely was his utmost concern. He was also exceptionally helpful when things didn't quite go to plan.

I would recommend this company to anyone looking to tour Nepal, Tibet and surrounding areas. I also plan to use them again in the future.

Extra5%Off

USD1525pp

92% Based on 21 reviews

Duration : 12 Days

  • This trip is fully customizable
  • Have a big group ? We can help.
  • We can help you make it fit your budget.
  • You can schedule your own departure dates
Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour
Duration 12 Days
Group Size minimum 4 pax
Difficulty Moderate to Challenging
Max Elevation 5,630 meters (18,471 ft)
Meals Bed and Breakfast
Accomodation Teahouse/Lodges
Best Season June, July, August and September
Trip Start/End Kathmandu/Kathmandu
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