Welcome to Kathmandu, the gateway to the Himalayas and your pilgrimage journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative from Sky Treks and Pilgrimages will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and acclimatize to the altitude. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and briefing about the tour, where your guide will explain the schedule and what to expect over the next few days. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, you will explore on a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, exploring some of the most significant cultural and religious landmarks. You will visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple, which are all important places of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists. These sites will give you a glimpse of the spiritual heart of Nepal and allow you to connect with the region's rich cultural heritage. After the tour, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Today marks the start of your overland journey towards Tibet. After an early breakfast, you'll drive through the scenic landscapes of Nepal, crossing the border at the Friendship Bridge into Tibet. The journey from the border town of Rasuwagadhi to Kerung (2800m) takes about 8 to 9 hours, including immigration formalities and lunch en route. The road gradually climbs up through picturesque villages, lush valleys, and the majestic Himalayan backdrop. Upon reaching Kerung, a small Tibetan border town, you’ll check into your hotel and have the evening to rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude.
Today is a vital rest and acclimatization day in Kerung. Although the altitude is moderate, it’s important to allow your body to adjust to the thinner air. You can spend the day exploring the town, visiting local Tibetan monasteries, or simply resting. Your guide will provide tips for staying hydrated and avoiding altitude sickness as you prepare for the journey ahead. Overnight in Kerung.
After breakfast, you will continue your overland journey to Saga, located at an altitude of 4600 meters. The drive will take around 6 to 7 hours, passing through vast open plains, Tibetan villages, and nomadic settlements. As you move deeper into Tibet, the terrain becomes more rugged and barren, giving you the first real glimpse of the Tibetan Plateau’s unique beauty. Saga is a small town with basic facilities, and it's an important stop for pilgrims. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and rest for the night.
Today is a long but scenic drive from Saga to Darchen, the base camp for your Kailash Kora (circumambulation). The road gradually ascends, and as you approach Darchen, you’ll be able to see the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kailash in the distance, a sight that will inspire awe and reverence. Darchen itself is a small, bustling town and the starting point for the trek around Mount Kailash. After arriving in Darchen, check into your hotel and take some time to relax and prepare for the trek ahead.
This is a significant day of your journey. After breakfast, you’ll drive to Lake Manasarovar, one of the most sacred lakes in Hinduism and Buddhism. It is believed that taking a holy dip in the lake will cleanse your sins and bring spiritual purification. You will spend some time reflecting by the lake, taking in the pristine beauty and serenity of the area. After the excursion, you’ll return to Darchen for an overnight stay, where you can prepare for the trek around Mount Kailash, which begins the following day.
Today marks the start of your sacred Kailash Kora trek. After breakfast, you’ll drive to Yamadwar, the “Gateway to Yama,” the Hindu God of Death, where the trek officially begins. From Yamadwar, you’ll begin your journey on foot toward Derapuk, which lies at an altitude of 5060 meters. The trek takes approximately 6 to 7 hours and involves gradual ascents with stunning views of Mount Kailash and the surrounding landscape. Derapuk is a small monastery and campsite at the foot of Kailash, offering a truly breathtaking view of the north face of the mountain. After the day’s trek, settle into your guesthouse in Derapuk for a well-deserved rest.
On the second day of your Kailash Kora, you will trek from Derapuk to Zuthul Puk, located at an altitude of 4790 meters. This day is challenging as you will cross the Dolma La Pass (5630 meters), which is the highest point on the Kailash Kora. The trek involves steep ascents and descents, but the effort is rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the pristine landscape. Zuthul Puk is a beautiful and peaceful place, and the evening will be spent reflecting on the spiritual significance of the trek. Overnight at a guesthouse in Zuthul Puk.
On the final day of the Kailash Kora, you will complete the trek by walking from Zuthul Puk to the final point of the pilgrimage, where you will be picked up and driven back to Saga. The trek from Zuthul Puk to the end of the Kora is about 10-12 kilometers and will take 4 to 5 hours. Once you finish the trek, you’ll return to the vehicle for the long drive back to Saga. This drive offers a chance to reflect on your incredible spiritual journey. Overnight stay in Saga.
After a restful night in Saga, you will begin your drive back towards the Tibetan border. The journey takes around 6 to 7 hours as you retrace your route from Saga to Kerung. Upon reaching Kerung, check into your hotel and relax for the evening, knowing that the high-altitude journey is nearly complete. This is your last opportunity to reflect on your experiences and the significance of the Kailash pilgrimage.
Today, you will cross back into Nepal and head back to Kathmandu. The drive will take approximately 8 to 9 hours, passing through the picturesque landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau and the beautiful countryside of Nepal. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and take the rest of the day to relax, freshen up, and reflect on your journey. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your group and guide, marking the end of an extraordinary spiritual journey.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home. We hope you have had a transformative experience on the Kailash Manasarovar Overland Tour with Sky Treks and Pilgrimages. Safe travels, and may the blessings of Mount Kailash stay with you always.
The Kailash Manasarovar Overland Tour is a guided pilgrimage and adventure journey to one of the most sacred sites in the world—Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, located in Tibet. This overland tour involves traveling from Nepal to Tibet via the scenic and rugged route, allowing pilgrims and travelers to witness breathtaking landscapes while visiting important spiritual landmarks. The tour typically involves a mix of driving and trekking, covering a variety of terrains, including mountainous roads, high-altitude passes, and remote villages.
Mount Kailash is revered in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon as the abode of Lord Shiva and is considered the center of the universe. It is believed that circumambulating the mountain will purify the soul and bring spiritual enlightenment. Lake Manasarovar, located nearby, is one of the holiest lakes in the world, and its waters are believed to have the power to cleanse sins. For devotees, the journey to Kailash is a deeply spiritual experience, often involving rituals, prayers, and pilgrimages that span multiple days.
The best time to undertake the Kailash Manasarovar Overland Tour is during the months of May to September. During this period, the weather is relatively mild, and roads are more accessible due to the absence of heavy snowfall. The months of June and July are particularly popular as they coincide with the Tibetan pilgrimage season. However, the weather at high altitudes can still be unpredictable, so it's important to be prepared for sudden changes in conditions.
The Kailash Manasarovar Overland Tour is a physically demanding journey, especially due to the high altitudes (over 4,500 meters or 14,763 feet at some points) and rugged terrain. Travelers should be in good health and physically prepared for long days of travel, including road journeys and short treks. It's recommended that participants have a moderate level of fitness, especially if planning to complete the Kailash Kora (the circumambulation of Mount Kailash), which is a challenging trek around the mountain at high altitudes. Prior acclimatization to high altitudes is essential to avoid altitude sickness.
Since the tour involves traveling to Tibet, which is a region of China, participants will need to obtain a Chinese visa. Additionally, a special permit for entering Tibet is required, which is arranged by the tour operator. Pilgrims typically enter Tibet via Nepal, and a separate permit for the Nepal-Tibet border crossing is also necessary. It is important to apply for these permits well in advance as they can take several weeks to process.
The Kailash Manasarovar Overland Tour typically lasts around 10 to 15 days, depending on the specific itinerary and the tour operator. The journey involves several days of driving through remote regions, with time allocated for acclimatization and rest. The actual circumambulation of Mount Kailash takes around 3 days, and travelers will also spend time around Lake Manasarovar for spiritual rituals and exploration.
Accommodations during the Kailash Manasarovar Overland Tour are generally basic. In major towns, you can expect simple guesthouses or hotels, but in more remote areas, accommodation may be in monasteries, tents, or traditional Tibetan-style inns. While the facilities are modest, the focus of the tour is on the spiritual experience rather than luxury. However, tour operators generally ensure that the accommodations are clean and safe for travelers.
Food during the Kailash Manasarovar Overland Tour tends to be simple and vegetarian. Since the region is culturally and religiously sensitive, non-vegetarian food may not be available in many places, particularly around Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Typical meals include rice, vegetables, dal (lentils), chapati (flatbread), and some local Tibetan dishes like momo (dumplings). While food is generally safe, it is advisable to bring snacks and water purification tablets, as food options may be limited in more remote areas.
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended for the Kailash Manasarovar Overland Tour. Due to the high-altitude nature of the journey and the remote areas visited, travelers should have comprehensive insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellations, and loss of personal belongings. It’s also crucial to ensure that your insurance covers altitude-related illnesses, as emergency evacuation from high-altitude areas can be expensive.
Yes, the Kailash Manasarovar Overland Tour is open to everyone, regardless of religious background. While the primary draw of the tour is its spiritual significance, many travelers are also attracted by the stunning natural beauty of the region, the cultural experience, and the sense of adventure. Whether you are undertaking the journey for personal growth, cultural exploration, or simply as a unique travel experience, the tour offers something for all types of travelers.
Travelers embarking on the Kailash Manasarovar Overland Tour should take precautions to prevent altitude sickness, which can occur due to the high elevation. It's important to stay hydrated, avoid overexertion, and acclimatize properly by resting at certain points before continuing the journey. You should also consult with a healthcare provider before the trip, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. Carrying medications such as Diamox (a drug that helps prevent altitude sickness) and knowing the symptoms of altitude sickness is also highly recommended.
Preparation for the Kailash Manasarovar Overland Tour includes both physical and logistical steps. Physically, it’s helpful to engage in regular cardiovascular exercises (such as walking, hiking, or swimming) to build endurance and improve fitness. Acclimatization to high altitudes is crucial, so spending time in higher elevations before the tour can be beneficial. Logistically, you should ensure all travel permits and documentation are in order, pack appropriately for both hot and cold weather conditions, and bring essential items like sturdy trekking shoes, warm clothing, and a first-aid kit.
