Kailash Mansarovar Yatra - Overland Ex - Kathmandu tour packages

KMY - Overland Ex - Kathmandu

Kailash Mansarovar

Duration

13 Days & 12 Nights

Tour type

Any

Group size

Any

Location

Kailash Mansarovar

Overview

The Kailash Mansarovar trip presents a challenging yet fulfilling adventure, guiding you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas to the revered Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar—two of the most sacred sites in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon.

The trekking trail passes through the Sagarmatha National Park which has been inscribed as the country’s first national park to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. If one is lucky enough, a rare glimpse of Himalayan Fauna and Flora can also be spotted.

The journey typically commences in the quaint town of Darchen, situated in western Tibet, following a circular path around Mount Kailash that spans roughly 52 kilometers. This trek requires navigating high-altitude passes, rugged terrain, and icy streams, demanding good physical fitness, acclimatization to altitude, and appropriate gear and equipment.

Throughout the trip, travelers are treated to some of the world's most spectacular natural scenery, including snow-capped mountain peaks, glacial valleys, and the shimmering turquoise waters of Lake Mansarovar. Additionally, trekkers have the opportunity to explore ancient monasteries, temples, and other sacred landmarks that are scattered throughout the region.

The Kailash Mansarovar Trip transcends physical challenge; it also serves as a spiritual journey, offering moments for reflection, self-discovery, and a profound connection with nature and the divine. This once-in-alifetime experience necessitates meticulous planning, preparation, and the guidance of knowledgeable trekking operators and guides.

Highlights

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu: Arrive at Kathmandu airport, meet our representative, transfer to hotel, evening at leisure, veg dinner and overnight stay in Kathmandu (1400m).
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing: Visit Pashupatinath, Budhanilkantha (Sleeping Vishnu) and Guheshwari Temple, optional shopping in Thamel, evening briefing, veg meals and overnight at Kathmandu hotel.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Kyirong via Syabrubesi: Drive Kathmandu to Syabrubesi and Rasuwagadhi border, complete immigration, cross into Tibet and continue to Kyirong, check in and overnight stay with veg meals (2700m).
Day 04: Kyirong to Saga: Scenic drive across Tibetan mountains and plains, cross the Yarlung Zangpo (Brahmaputra) and continue to Saga, evening free to acclimatise with veg meals and hotel stay (4640m).
Day 05: Acclimatisation in Saga: Full day in Saga for high‑altitude acclimatisation with short walks or bhajan/katha, veg meals and overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Saga to Lake Mansarovar: Long but beautiful drive via Mayumla Pass to Lake Mansarovar with first darshan of Mount Kailash, check into lakeside guesthouse, veg meals and overnight dormitory stay (4590m).
Day 07: Lake Mansarovar to Darchen: Morning pooja and rituals at Mansarovar (no bathing in lake), partial parikrama by vehicle via Rakshas Tal and Chiu Gompa, then drive to Darchen, check into hotel, rest and prepare for kora.
Day 08: 1st Day Kora (Darchen–Yama Dwar–Dirapuk): Drive to Tarboche/Yama Dwar, optional pony/porter hire, then 13km trek to Dirapuk with first close views of Mount Kailash, veg meals and overnight in guesthouse (5210m).
Day 09: 2nd Day Kora (Dirapuk–Dolma La–Zuthulpuk): Early start for the toughest 19km trek over Dolma La Pass (5630m) via Shiva Tsal and down past Gauri Kund to Zuthulpuk, veg meals and dormitory overnight.
Day 10: 3rd Day Kora and drive to Saga: Trek about 6km to end of kora, meet vehicles, return to Darchen, complete remaining Lake Mansarovar parikrama by road and continue drive back to Saga, veg meals and hotel stay.
Day 11: Saga to Kyirong: Drive from Saga towards Kyirong with views of Shishapangma and Pieko‑Tso Lake, cross Brahmaputra again and reach Kyirong, veg meals and overnight hotel stay (2700m).
Day 12: Kyirong to Kathmandu via Rasuwagadhi: Drive to Kyirong/Rasuwagadhi border, complete China and Nepal immigration, change to Nepal vehicle and continue 7–8 hour drive to Kathmandu, dinner and overnight hotel.
Day 13: Fly back home: After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, for your onward flight back home or next destination.

Itinerary

Day 1

Start your trip from Kathmandu today as you arrive at Kathmandu international airport. Upon arrival our representative will greet you outside the airport and will provide you transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. Rest of the time is free. Dinner and night stay will be at the hotel.
Meals included: Veg Dinner at the hotel
Max. Elevation: 1400m
Distance Covered: 20 kms / 01 hour
Accommodation Style: Double sharing basis
Nepal Tourist Visa: The Indian passport holders do not require a visa to visit Nepal. However, while travelling to Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu from any international airport in India, an Indian citizens require to show a valid Indian passport OR Voter Identity Card (Indin Electrol Card). Kindly take a note that Aadhaar Card and Driving Licence are not valid documents to board a flight to Kathmandu from Indian airports. On the other hand Nepal visa for all non Indian passport holders is available on arrival at Kathmandu international airport. Non-Indian passport holders may also apply such Nepal entry visa online to save their time at the Kathmandu airport.
Tibet Group Travel Visa: In order to obtain Chinese visa, the Indian passport holders, irrespective to their country of residence and geographical location, have to present their original passport in China embassy New Delhi through the tour Company who has obtained the necessary Tibet entry permit and invitations for them. The China Embassy in Delhi takes minimum 4-5 working days to give a decision on such visa. All other travellers holding a non-Indian passport (Including NRIs with non Indian passport, OCI card holders and Green Card holders) require to go through biometrics in China Visa Center Kathmandu for submission of their China entry visa application. The original passport with visa application documents and coloured recent photographs (in a prescribed size and format) are to be the provided to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. The Chinese Embassy takes minimum 3-4 working days to give decision on such visa.

Day 2

At around 08.00 am the temple visit will start. We will try to reach Pashupatinath Temple before 09.00am to attend aarti in the main temple. Also visit many small and big temples in the complex. After visiting Pashupatinath Temple visit Budhanilkantha Temple also known as the ‘Sleeping Vishnu’ Temple (Jal Narayan Temple) and Guheshwari Mata Temple. After visiting temples, drive back to your hotel and spend time in preparing for the next day travel to Nepal-China border. If you want to do shopping for your trip you may pay a visit to the popular market of Thamel. Here you may get almost every item related to trekking and adventure activities. In the evening, we will have short briefing program followed by introduction of all group members. Overnight stay and dinner at the hotel.
Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 1400m
Distance Covered: 40 kms within the city / 04 hours
Accommodation Style: Double sharing basis
Optional Tour: An hour mountain flight over the world’s highest mountain peaks can be a feast for the eyes of the travelers. The flight departs at around 06.30am from domestic airport. If you want to take this trip, please book in advance to avoid non-availability of seats.

Day 3

After breakfast, the group will drive to Syabru Besi (2380m) in a bus and from there it is a short drive to the Nepalese border Rasuwagadhi (1850m) which is about 15 kms 01 hour) from Syabru Besi. After completing immigration formalities, the group will cross the border on foot to reach China side. The pilgrims are then transferred on their Chinese bus for onward 110 kms drive to Kyirong (2700m). Travel in sturdy and comfortable vehicles that are controlled and guided by Tibetans. The accompanying Nepalese Sherpas get into the coaches after loading your luggage, necessary food materials, water supply etc and the onward journey into the Tibetan/Chinese region continues toward the town of Kyirong (also spelled as Gyirong or Kerung or Keyrong sometimes). On arrival, check into your guesthouse and take rest. Our kitchen crew will serve hot tea or coffee with light snacks within short interval of time, after setting their kitchen. Then you can stroll around hotel vicinity or go for a walk in nearby markets. Dinner will be prepared by our Nepalese chef and serve between 7 to 8 PM (local time). Overnight stay will be in a guesthouse at Keyrong in dormitory style.
Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 2700m
Distance Covered: 265 kms / 7-8 hours approx
Accommodation Style: Sharing basis
Important Remark: As you are staying now travelling in high altitude, there might be some consequences of uneasy feeling with your health, therefore it is advised to all travelers that they drink liquid more as possible that may be in any form of soup, juice, tea, coffee or hot water etc. This will help them in rehydration as well as in improving the breathing system.

Day 4

The enjoyable drive through the mountains terrain and then the plains of Tibet provides us a marvelous view as we travel to Saga from Keyrong. Cross the Yarlung Zangpo (Brahmaputra River) and then turn for the northern route, and arrive at beautiful town of Saga (4640m). Saga is a beautiful Tibetan town with some fairly good hotel or guesthouses, some good local restaurants and market where you can spend good time while acclimatizing. Meals and night stay will be at Saga.
Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 4640m
Distance Covered: 175 kms to Saga / 300 kms to Saga
Accommodation Style: 3* equivalent hotel sharing basis

Day 5

This day is reserved for acclimatization in Tibet’s tough climatic conditions. Our tour manager might take you for short hike in and around Saga for warming up your body to adjust with Tibet’s high altitude. Also, you can enjoy the day with chanting Bhajan or Katha in the guesthouse.

Day 6

Today is an important day of your drive as today you will not only reach the holy Lake Mansarovar but will also get the first glimpse of holy Mount Kailash. The drive starts early as we have to travel a long way to Lake Mansarovar and there are several check points on the way which will make the journey tiring and time taking. It is estimated to start the drive by 07.00 am. Before Mayumla Pass (4900m) we will stop at the check post. From here we continue our drive to Lake Mansarovar and get the first darshan of Mount Kailash. Though the drive today is long but the road conditions are good and surrounded with scenic beauty. Reach Lake Mansarovar and check into a guesthouse. Dinner and stay will be at the guesthouse.
Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 4590m
Distance Covered: 480kms
Accommodation Style: Guesthouse Dormitory Style
Night view of Lake Mansarovar: In the night the travelers may pay a visit to Lake Mansarovar to witness its beauty under the moon light. Though visiting lake in the night is completely safe but it is advisable to go in a group and if possible take a Nepalese Sherpa with you for any required help. Cover yourself properly with warm clothes or blanket as the temperature outside will be cold. Also don’t forget to carry a torch and a whistle.

Day 7

Early morning visit the Mansarovar lake for performing puja, hawan and other rituals as per your own customs. The lake looks stunning in the morning and the beautiful sight of Mount Kailash makes it even more delightful. It is to be noted carefully that the recent change in the law of Tibetan Govt has restricted dip bath in the lake and has categorized it as a punishable offence. So kindly refrain from going inside the lake and for the bath, our sherpas will collect and distribute the water. After prayer the group is ready to drive to Darchen and will travel through Rakshasa Taal and Chiu Gompa by performing 70% parikrama of the holy lake. Remaining part of parikrama will be performed while coming back from Darchen after kora of Mt. Kailash.
On reaching Darchen check into the hotel and spend rest of the time relaxing and preparing for the next day kora of Mount Kailash. Dinner and night stay at the hotel.
Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 4575m
Distance Covered: 40kms
Accommodation Style: 3*-4* equivalent hotel sharing basis

Day 8

Today, we wake up early and after taking light breakfast, we head to Tarboche. Do not forget to fill your water bottle before leaving for the trek. All pilgrims have the opportunity to visit Yama Dwar before trek (kora) starts. Tarboche is the point (towards the South face of Mount Kailash) where one can hire horse/pony to ride on the trek during the kora. The price and availability of horse/pony and porter is controlled by the local Union and Kailash yatra trip operators and our team will have no control over it. From Tarboche we proceed to Yama Dwar which is considered to be the start point of Kailash kora. From Yama Dwar we start 13 kms trek to Dirapuk slowly and gradually. The trek to Dirapuk Gompa today is fairly easy but as you walk in high altitude lack of oxygen in the air makes the trek little difficult, as you feel short of breath on the trek. We will take a stop in the middle of the trek where we find some small shops and tea stall and then again continue to Dirapuk. On reaching Dirapuk the pilgrims will see the majestic Mount Kailash standing high on right side of their trek. Take some beautiful photos and then continue to your guesthouse near Dirapuk Monastery. The night will be too cold below zero degree temperature so we will have quick and light dinner (Khichdi, soup etc) and rest in the bed.
Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 5210m
Distance Covered: 06 kms drive + 13 kms hiking
Accommodation Style: Guesthouse Dormitory Style
Important remark: Group members who want to make change in their schedule and do not want to go for trekking may visit Yam Dwar and come back to the hotel at Darchen.

Day 9

Wake up very early morning before dawn and witness the first sunlight on Mt. Kailash offering amazing view of the ‘Golden Kailash’. Take a quick light breakfast, fill hot water in your flask and carry your snacks for the lunch and get ready to begin the trek towards Zuthulphuk. This day is considered as the toughest day of this entire trip as the trek goes steep up continuously up to Dolma-La pass (5630 m) and then steep down to Gauri Kunda. Near Dolma La pass you will witness colourful flags around and belongings of people spread nearby. This place is called Shiva Tsal (Shiva Sthal). It is said that people performing parikrama must leave something behind here may be a used cloth or ornament or a drop of blood or a lock of hair which symbolizes the act of leaving this life behind and wishing for the end of a miserable life. The total trek today we have to cover is about 19 kms to reach Zuthulpuk Gompa for night stay.
Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 5630m
Distance Covered: 19 kms challenging trekking
Accommodation Style: Guesthouse Dormitory Style
Important remark: If at Dirapuk you do not feel for continuing trek further to Zuthulpuk and wish to change your schedule and go back to Darchen for night stay, you must inform the guide for additional arrangement for you. All additional expense for the change including accommodation and meals at Darchen are to be taken care by the traveler(s) changing their schedule.

Day 10

This is our last day on Mount Kailash trek. Wake up and after light breakfast we continue our trek down to reach Darchen. We walk on gradual trek for about 6 kms and reach at a point where the vehicles are waiting for us. The vehicles will take us to Darchen where other group members are waiting. And then drive to Saga by completing the remaining course (approx. 30%) of Lake Manasarovar parikrama by vehicle.
Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 4640m
Distance Covered: 492kms
Accommodation Style: 3* equivalent hotel sharing basis

Day 11

After breakfast we begin our journey towards Keyrung. We cross the bridge over beautiful Brahmaputra River and continue our journey across the vast open Tibetan plains. The journey offers stunning Himalayan views, particularly of Shishapangma and the Pieko-Tso Lake. Driving on well-pitched roads and mountainous terrain we reach Keyrung for night stay.
Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 2700m
Distance Covered: 175kms
Accommodation Style: 3* equivalent hotel sharing basis

Day 12

After breakfast, drive towards Keyrong border. Here we walk to the Nepalese immigration control in Rasuwagadi, complete the Nepal entry formalities and get transferred to your vehicle standing in Nepal side. Drive further to Kathmandu. This drive may take about 7-8 hours or more by bus depending on road and traffic conditions. Dinner and night stay will be in the hotel at Kathmandu.
Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 1400m
Distance Covered: 265kms
Accommodation Style: 5* hotel sharing basis

Day 13

Intime you will be transferred to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International airport to board your flight back to your hotel/next destination
Meals included: Veg Breakfast

Note: The itinerary is subject to change under unavoidable circumstances such as weather conditions.

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