Included Meals
- Breakfast: 9
- Lunch: 0
- Dinner: 0
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Mount Kailash Tour from Nepal
- Kailash
- Hiking/Sightseeing
This 10-day Mount Kailash Tour from Nepal starts in Kathmandu. You travel through the green valleys of Langtang National Park before entering the Tibetan Plateau.
You spend an acclimatization day in Kerung, where you observe daily Tibetan life, visit local monasteries, walk through markets, and gradually adjust to the altitude. This stop prepares your body for the higher elevations ahead.
You continue through Saga to reach Lake Mansarovar. Set against the Himalayan range, the lake’s clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks. You can participate in local rituals, enjoy the natural setting, and spend quiet time near one of the region’s most important pilgrimage sites.
Spiritual Highlight: Mount Kailash Kora Experience
The main highlight of the Mount Kailash Tour from Nepal is the Mount Kailash Kora, the sacred circumambulation around the mountain. You trek through valleys and rugged terrain and cross the Drolma La Pass. Along the way, you learn about the religious importance of Kailash Charan Sparsh and have the opportunity to touch the sacred mountain.
You return to Kathmandu, allowing time to reflect on the experience. A licensed English-speaking guide accompanies your group throughout the tour to ensure safety and smooth coordination. The tour arranges accommodation each night to provide proper rest after daily trekking. This itinerary combines high-altitude landscapes, cultural experiences, and spiritual focus in a well-paced schedule.
Kailash Tour Highlights
- Scenic Adventure: Enjoy a beautiful drive through Langtang National Park.
- Cultural Immersion: Discover the culture of Kerung.
- Spiritual Journey: Experience the sacred waters of Lake Manasarovar.
- Pilgrimage & Discovery: Complete the Kora around Mount Kailash, a journey of spiritual and personal discovery.
- Lasting Memories: Gain a lasting sense of achievement and unforgettable memories.
Trip staff
- Guide
- Driver
Transport
- VAN
- Jeep
Accommodation
- Normal Hotel
- Dormatory Teahouse
Trip Grade
- Moderate
Group Size
- Minimum 2
- Maximum 20
Mount Kailash Tour from Nepal Itinerary
Day 1 - Kathmandu to Kerung—Your Mount Kailash Tour from Nepal Begins
Your Mount Kailash Tour from Nepal begins with a pre-dawn pick up at 4 AM from your hotel. You should have your hotel details at least a week before departure to ensure smooth arrangements. We can arrange your hotel accommodation if you select the option while booking. Order a packed breakfast from your hotel the day before and have your meal while driving to Kerung.
You’ll go through the beautiful landscapes of Langtang National Park. As you drive, you can notice the shift in the scenery from Nepal’s lush greenery to the high-altitude terrain of the Tibetan Plateau. The route offers excellent views of the biodiversity and works as your introduction to the Mount Kailash adventure. You’ll travel in a comfortable bus accommodating up to 20 people. The drive is about 7 to 8 hours long, giving you enough time to enjoy the natural beauty.
Upon reaching the Kerung border, you can complete the immigration formalities to enter Tibet. Continue the drive to Kerung Town, which sits at 2,700m. With this initial ascent, you can acclimate to the higher altitudes on your tour. Check into your hotel in Kerung Town. You can rest and prepare for the adventure to come.
What to do today: You can wander through the streets of Kerung and experience the local Tibetan culture. Visit Kerung Monastery to learn about Buddhist traditions and for a personal space for reflection. In the evening, go to a nearby viewpoint to watch the sunset over Langbo Kangri Mountain.
Time & Distance 8 Hours Drive
Accommodation:
Normal Hotel
Difficulty
Transportation Jeep/VAN
Day 2 - Acclimatization in Kerung
Today is an acclimatization day in Kerung. Sitting at 2,700m, Kerung is a perfect setting to adjust to the higher altitude. Acclimating is a crucial step for a safe and enjoyable Mount Kailash tour.
You can spend the day exploring the lively markets of Kerung and learn about the Tibetan culture. You can see the colorful textiles, handcrafted souvenirs, and try local delicacies. You can glimpse the daily life and transitions by talking to the locals and sharing greetings.
Walk around the town to help your body acclimate while enjoying the beautiful mountain views. Go to the nearby monasteries and temples to learn about Tibetan Buddhism. These peaceful visits to monasteries add a spiritual experience to your Mount Kailash trek, complementing the physical challenge of the trip.
Return to your hotel in Kerung to rest in the evening. A healthy breakfast and a peaceful hotel stay help you relax and prepare for the day.
Activities: Light walks, cultural exploration, market visits, and monastery tours
Accommodation:
Normal Hotel
Meals Breakfast
Maximum Altitude 2,700m/8,858ft (Kerung)
Difficulty
Day 3 - Drive to Saga
You’ll continue your trip across the vast Tibetan plateau on day 3. You’ll cross the Thong La and La Lung passes and see endless mountains and deep valleys while driving to Saga. The beautiful views along the way to Saga make the drive memorable.
The drive is 5 to 6 hours long, gradually rising to 4,650m. As the terrain shifts, you’ll see Tibet’s rugged and dramatic scenery, making your drive a memorable part of your Kailash Mountain Tour.
Check into a comfortable hotel in Safa so you can rest and acclimate. Have a nutritious breakfast before starting the day and recharge for the coming days.
What to do today: You can trek to Milarepa cave. The hike takes about two hours and takes you to the meditation site of Tibetan sage Milarepa. Near the cave is a small sacred pond with holy water believed to have purifying properties. These activities add a spiritual layer to your Kailash Mountain Tour.
Time & Distance 6 Hours
Accommodation:
Normal Hotel
Meals Breakfast
Maximum Altitude 4,640m/15,223ft (Saga)
Difficulty
Transportation Van
Day 4 - Drive to Lake Mansarovar
Today, you’ll reach the Lake Mansarovar at 4,590m. Lake Mansarovar is deeply religiously significant in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Many believe that bathing in its pure water cleanses the soul and brings enlightenment. You get to connect with both nature and spirituality in this lake. This holy lake attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world annually. Its crystal-clear water reflects the towering Himalayas and creates an ideal place for meditation and spiritual reflection.
After arriving, you can check into a guesthouse near the lake. Have a nutritious breakfast before beginning your day. Rest and prepare for your coming days.
What to do in Lake Mansarovar: You can visit the nearby Paryang Desert and see the contrasting landscape with the vast sand and surrounding mountains. Many believe that bathing in the lake water helps purify the soul. You can relax by the nearby hot springs to soothe tired muscles. If you have time, you can explore the Rakshas Tal, another sacred lake with its own legends. End the day under the clear night sky, away from the city lights. The place offers a blanket of stars perfect for stargazing.
Time & Distance 6 Hours
Accommodation:
Dormatory Teahouse
Meals Breakfast
Maximum Altitude 4,590m/15,059ft (Lake Mansarovar)
Difficulty
Transportation Van
Day 5 - Drive to Darchen—Preparing for the Kora on Your Mount Kailash Tour from Nepal
Begin the day with a sacred puja at Lake Mansarovar. This ceremony deepens your spiritual connection and offers a calm and reflective start between the lake and the mountain.
After the puja, begin your two-hour drive to Darchen, a small town serving as the starting point of the Kora. Darchen is a high-altitude town at 4,670m, so rest and acclimate upon arrival. Spend the evening in Darchen to prepare for the trek. You can recognize your gears, consult with your guides, and rest. You need enough sleep and a calming for the physically demanding trek.
Check into a comfortable hotel in Darchen. Before dating the day, have a nourishing breakfast and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
What to do today: You can participate in a ritual bathing at Lake Mansarovar, which involves Vedic chanting and Hawan ceremonies. These practices deepen your spiritual essence of the Kailah tour. You can gather holy water from the lake as a blessed souvenir. You can also purify your rudraksha beads in the sacred water.
Elevation: 4,670 meters (15,321 feet)
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours
Accommodation: Hotel stay in Darchen
Meals: Breakfast provided; rest and prepare for the Kora
Time & Distance 2 Hours
Accommodation:
Normal Hotel
Meals Breakfast
Maximum Altitude 4,670m/15,322ft (Darchen)
Difficulty
Transportation Van
Day 6 - First Day of Kailash Kora—Reach Dirapuk
The day begins with a short 30-minute drive to Yamdwar, also known as Tarboche. According to Tibetan culture, this sacred site, often called the Valley of Gods, is the entrance to the realm of the God of Death. Getting to Yamdwar marks the true beginning of your Mount Kailash pilgrimage.
From Yamdwar, you can begin your Kailash Kora, the sacred circumambulation of Mount Kailash. The trail takes you through a unique landscape filled with spiritual energy. You can see the majestic views of the mountain and surrounding peaks with this physically demanding and enriching experience.
After trekking for about 4 to 5 hours, you’ll arrive at Dirapuk at 5,210m. From here, you can perform Kailash Charan Sparsh, a sacred ritual of touching the feet of Mount Kailash. Believed to cleanse the soul, this ceremony makes your Kora deeply personal. If you want to perform Charan Sparsh, the trek extends to about 7 to 8 hours, but the rewards are worth it. Check into a guesthouse in Dirapuk and rest to prepare for the next day’s trek.
What to do today: Spend time meditating at the basecamp of Mount Kailash to deepen your spiritual connection and inner calm. Participate in the Charan Sparsh ritual and enjoy the sunset coloring the mountain in gold.
Note: Charansparsh is not included in our package; you can go there by yourself, if time, your fitness, and the Chinese Government permit you to go there.
Time & Distance 3 Hours
Accommodation:
Dormatory Teahosue
Meals Breakfast
Maximum Altitude 5,210m/17,093ft (Dirapuk)
Difficulty
Transportation Van/Hike
Day 7 - Second Day of Kora—Crossing Drolma La Pass
Today is the most challenging part of your Mount Kailah Tour. You’ll trek to Drolma La Pass at 5,634m, the highest and most sacred point of the Kora.
After crossing the Drolma La Pass, begin descending to Zutulpuk. You’ll ascend through the beautiful Himalayan landscape and see the surrounding mountains. The atmosphere is quiet and perfect for reflection and appreciation. Arrive in Zutulpuk after 8 to 9 hours of trekking and settle into a cozy guesthouse.
What to do today: Begin your day early to watch the sunrise over the mountains. You’ll challenge yourself to cross the highest point of the Kora. While descending, visit the sacred Gauri Kund Lake and the famous Zutulpuk Monastery.
Elevation: 5,634 meters (18,484 feet) at Drolma La Pass
Travel Time: 8–9 hours of trekking
Accommodation: Guest house in Zutulpuk
Meals: Breakfast provided; rest and rejuvenate
Time & Distance 9 Hours
Accommodation:
Dormatory Lodge
Meals Breakfast
Maximum Altitude 5,630m/18,471ft (Dolma La Pass)
Difficulty
Transportation Hiking
Day 8 - Complete the Kora and Return to Saga
On Day 8 of your Mount Kailash Tour, you’ll complete the final part of the Kora around Mount Kailash. Finish the sacred circumambulation to get a sense of accomplishment and spiritual enlightenment. As you descend, you can reflect on your personal growth and inner calm gained during the kora. After completing your Kora, you’ll drive back to Saga. You’ll descend to an elevation of 4,640m and can ease the physical strain after the Kora. Check into your hotel and rest early. Completing the Kora is a defining moment of your Mount Kailash Tour.
What to do today: You’ll finish the sacred circumambulation and take in our final views of Mount Kailash. When returning, you’ll drive past Lake Mansarovar and visit holy sites linked to Guru Padmasambhava.
Elevation: Return to 4,640 meters (15,223 feet)
Activities: Complete the Kora, drive back to Saga
Accommodation: Hotel in Saga
Meals: Breakfast provided; rest and rejuvenate
Time & Distance 8 hours
Accommodation:
Meals Breakfast
Maximum Altitude 4,640m/15,223ft (Saga)
Difficulty
Transportation Van
Day 9 - Return Drive to Kerung
Begin your drive back to Kerung on Day 9 of your Mount Kailash tour. The drive goes through rolling hills and quiet valleys with the dramatic views of the mountains. You get a final chance to soak in the peaceful beauty of the sacred region before returning to Kerung.
As you travel back, you can reflect on your experiences of the Kailash Mountain Tour. Upon arriving at Kerung at 2,700m, you’ll notice a significant change in the temperature. Settle into a guest house and explore the town’s streets and markets. You can interact with the residents and absorb the culture to conclude your pilgrimage.
What to do today: Stop by the Brahmaputra River and admire the vast river and the serene surroundings. You can conclude the day by visiting the nearby waterfall.
Elevation: 2,700 meters (8,858 feet)
Activities: Drive back to Kerung, rest, and explore the town
Accommodation: Guest house in Kerung
Meals: Breakfast provided; rest and rejuvenate
Time & Distance 8 Hours
Accommodation:
Normal Hotel
Meals Breakfast
Maximum Altitude 2,700m/8,858ft (Kerung)
Difficulty
Transportation Van
Day 10 - Return to Kathmandu via Syabrubesi—Concluding Your Mount Kailash Tour from Nepal
Today is your final day of the Mount Kailash Tour from Nepal. Begin the day with the descent from Kerung to Kathmandu via the beautiful route through Syabrubesi. The 7 to 8-hour drive goes through lush valleys, terraced hillsides, and peaceful countryside. The drive offers a reflective backdrop for the final moments of your pilgrimage.
The drive is a gentle transition from beautiful mountains to bustling Kathmandu. The landscapes and rivers help ease your return and process the spiritual and emotional experience. You’ll descend to almost 1,400m in Kathmandu, making the drive more comfortable. We’ll drop you off at your hotel upon reaching Kathmandu. If you book the accommodation with us, we arrange your stay; if not, please share your hotel details about a week before departure. You can settle in and enjoy a peaceful evening.
Elevation: 1,310 meters (4,297 feet)
Travel Time: Approximately 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Hotel stay in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast provided; rest and rejuvenate
Time & Distance 9 Hours
Meals Breakfast
Maximum Altitude 1,400m/4,593ft (Kathmandu)
Difficulty
Transportation Van/Jeep
Includes & Excludes
What is included?
- Accommodation: You’ll stay in carefully selected hotels and guesthouses that offer clean, cozy rooms and warm hospitality. We provide twin-sharing rooms according to the itinerary. You can rest in a comfortable environment after each day of trekking and exploration.
- Meals: We offer a nourishing breakfast each morning to energize you. We cater to various dietary preferences and provide local and familiar options for your tour.
- English-Speaking Tibetan Guide: An experienced English-speaking Tibetan guide will accompany you throughout the tour. They’ll share insights into local culture, history, and spirituality. Guides make your tour richer and deepen your connection to the sacred site.
- Transportation: We arrange all transportation according to the itinerary. We provide comfortable vans or buses with all essential amenities, depending on your group and size. A professional driver will drive to all places, ensuring safe and reliable travel. We also provide a jeep transfer from Kerung to Kathmandu.
- Permits and Entrance Fees: As per the itinerary, the package covers all entrance fees for the monastery and temples. It allows you to explore the sites freely without worrying about extra costs. We also handle all necessary permits, including the Tibet Travel Permit.
- Basic First Aid Kit: We provide bandages, antiseptics, and blister care. Guides have training in basic first aid and will assist you whenever needed.
What is excluded?
- Meals: We don’t provide lunch and dinner for the trip. You are free to arrange meals locally throughout the tour.
- Insurance: You are responsible for personal travel or medical insurance.
- Unforeseen Events: Extra costs from natural disasters, political disturbances, or other unexpected events are at your expense.
- Personal Expenses: The package doesn’t include items like alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone calls, tips, and other personal expenses. You can also get small oxygen cylinders for USD 5 for extra help. Any costs not explicitly listed in the inclusions are personal expenses for which you’re responsible.
- Porters: We don’t hire porters or yak services for the Kailash Kora. You can hire them and pay about USD 150 for three days to your porter who’ll carry 8kg of baggage. You can also get pony services for USD 225 for three days.
- Helicopter Transfers: A private helicopter from Kathmandu to Rasuwagadhi costs USD 1,700, and a shared helicopter costs USD 600 per person. These are optional and not part of the standard package.
- Tipping: We don’t include tips for your guides, drivers, and other staff. How much you want to tip your service providers is up to you.
Accommodation Details
The accommodations in Zutulpuk provide fundamental facilities. If you prefer more comfort on your trek, you can stay in Darchen instead of Zutulpuk on your second night of the Kora. For this, you need to hire a vehicle from the base of the Drolma La Pass or from a point further ahead that will take you directly to Darchen.
The vehicle to Darchen ranges from CNY 500 to 1,500, depending on the pick-up point. You also need an additional payment of USD 60 for the accommodation to stay in Darchen. If you want to select this option, you can inform our guide during the tour. Your guide will assist you with all necessary arrangements.
By customizing your transportation and accommodation, you can adjust your Mount Kailash tour to match your preferences and comfort level. We ensure your Mount Kailash Yatra from Nepal is both fulfilling and enjoyable.
Trip information
Packing List
Footwear: Bring good trekking boots with solid ankle support for the rough and uneven trails around Kailash. You also need camp shoes or sandals for evenings at the guesthouse. Bring multiple pairs of warm wool or synthetic socks to avoid blisters and keep your feet warm.
Trekking Gear: Carry a 30-40L daypack with a rain cover to carry essentials like snacks, water, and extra layers within reach. Bring adjustable trekking poles for stability and to reduce pressure on your knees during steep ascents and descents.
Clothes: You need thermal tops and bottoms for warmth and a waterproof/windproof down jacket for protection against unpredictable weather. Wear waterproof pants to stay dry across the varied terrain. You need quick-dry t-shirts to keep fresh during daytime hikes and trekking pants for long walks. Wear a headcap to shield you from the sun and wind, and insulated gloves to keep your hands warm. Remember, layering is the key.
Hygiene: Maintaining hygiene is essential. Pack biodegradable soap, shampoo, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and hand sanitizer. Toilet paper is a must-have for personal convenience.
Health and Safety: Bring enough personal medications and consult your doctor about high-altitude medication to prevent altitude sickness. You must wear sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes from the snow glare. You also need sunscreen with SPF 50+ and SPF lip balm to shield your skin from the harsh sun. Pack a headlamp with spare batteries for visibility in the dark and a small first aid kit. You can carry badges, antiseptic wipes, and blister care items in your kit to help with minor injuries.
Electronics: Electricity can be scarce in remote areas, so carry a portable charger or power bank. You can bring a universal adapter to charge your electronics in different regions.
Other Essentials: Keep a copy of your travel insurance details and carry enough cash in small denominations. Take high-energy snacks like nuts, dried fruits, and energy bars for a quick energy break during the trek. You can bring a compact camera or smartphone with extra memory to take pictures.
Guides on Your Mount Kailash Tour from Nepal
Experienced guides make your Mount Kailash tour rewarding and memorable. Most guides are fluent in English, making the communication easier along the route. Many guides are sincere, supportive, and provide excellent services. Build a positive relationship with your guide for an enjoyable and meaningful tour.
Guides also know the region’s culture, history, and spiritual significance. Their stories and insights give you a deeper understanding of Mount Kailash and add depth to your experience. Choosing a guide who matches your needs ensures a smoother and fulfilling adventure. A supportive and dedicated guide greatly influences the success of your tour.
Food Options on Your Mount Kailash Tour from Nepal
You can enjoy different kinds of food during your Kailash Tour. From a mix of Tibetan and Chinese dishes to some Indian options, you can have filling meals throughout the tour. Local cuisine adds authentic flavor to your tour and enriches your cultural experience.
Option 1– Local Hotels and Restaurants: You can dine at local hotels and restaurants. It is a more economical choice. You can ask your guides to help you choose the meals and recommend popular spots. This option lets you explore the authentic traditional foods and makes your Kailash Mountain Tour more adventurous and culturally rewarding.
Option 2 – Meals prepared by Nepali Sherpa Cook Team: If you prefer a wider variety of continental dishes, we offer meals prepared by an experienced Nepali Sherpa cook team. The Sherpa cooks prepare nourishing food and cater to diverse dietary needs. While more expensive, this option adds comfort and convenience to your tour.
Porter and Horse Services
You can hire a local porter to help you carry your belongings while on your Mount Kailash Tour. Each porter carries a person’s bag with a maximum weight of 8 kg. You can pay them about USD 150 for the course of three days. Hiring a porter makes your trip way more comfortable as you can focus on the spiritual tour and beautiful views instead of carrying a backpack.
If you want extra support on the steep parts of the trek, you can also hire horses. They can carry you to the top of the Drolma La Pass, the route’s most demanding section. However, the local authorities don’t permit horses to descend from the pass for safety reasons. They cost about USD 75 per day and are helpful options for those who find climbing challenging.
Transportation
We provide a bus or van for your Mount Kailash Tour up to Yamdwar and from Zutulpuk. It ensures a more comfortable trip during your Mount Kailash tour’s initial and final stages. Dedicated transportation lets you focus on the pilgrimage’s spiritual aspect and scenic views.
We can arrange additional transportation if you prefer to walk during the Kailash Mountain Tour. You can take a vehicle from Yamdwar and reach Dirapuk, stopping about 500-600m before the monastery. We arrange transportation to ease the return section when descending from the Dolma La Pass. This option is helpful for travelers who find specific sections of the travel more demanding.
Facilities and Rituals at Mount Kailash
- Oxygen Supply: The trek can be challenging since Mount Kailash base camp is at a high altitude. You can purchase small portable oxygen cylinders at around USD 6-7 each to enhance safety and comfort. These cylinders help reduce altitude-related discomfort and ensure a smoother experience.
- Hot Water Availability: Hot water is freely available throughout the tour. You can refill your thermos at various stops to enjoy warm drinks. You must stay hydrated to adjust your body to the cold climate.
- Purchasing Mineral Water: You can buy mineral water for about RMB 3-5 per bottle during the tour. Many travelers mix the bottled water with hot water for clean and warm water. You must stay properly hydrated for a successful pilgrimage.
- Medical Facilities: You’ll find hospitals like Kerung, Saga, and Darchen in key places. These facilities provide basic healthcare services and reassurance if you need medical attention during the trip.
- Collecting Sacred Water from Lake Mansarovar: You can carry the sacred water from the holy Lake Mansarovar. Pilgrims believe it holds great spiritual significance, making it a meaningful keepsake to share with family and friends.
- Sacred Bathing at Lake Mansarovar: Although you can fully immerse in the lake, you can take a bucket of water and pour it over yourself. You can also go for a hot water shower nearby to add comfort to your spiritual ritual.
- Hiring a Vedic Chanter from Nepal: For a deeper spiritual experience, you can hire a Vedic chanter from Nepal at approximately USD 2000. The chanter will perform traditional rituals and sacred chants to enrich your pilgrimage with cultural significance.
- Hawan Puja at Lake Mansarovar: Pilgrims may also choose to perform Hawan Puja, a sacred fire ceremony. You can do this ceremony at Lake Mansarovar, depending on the availability of the priests. This ancient ritual adds a powerful spiritual dimension to your tour.
- Purifying Rudraksha Beads: Before your trip, purchase rudraksha beads in Kathmandu. You’ll get a chance to purify them in the sacred waters. People believe this ritual enhances their spiritual energy and value.