Kathmandu Mount Kailash tour

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Overview

Kathmandu Mount Kailash tour is a comprehensive package with an itinerary of 10 days. The Kathmandu Mount Kailash tour itinerary starts and ends in Kathmandu via Gyirong port. This is the unique part of the itinerary that makes this package differ from the regular Kailash Manasarovar yatra from Kathmandu. 

Every year, a large number of devotees do the Mount Kailash tour from Kathmandu. Kathmandu itself is a spiritual and religious place where there are a large number of sacred and religious places. And starting the journey to the home of Lord Shiva from the city of the gods and goddesses is a great achievement for the devotees. 

The journey starts with the arrival in Kathmandu. The journey then continues with the drive to the Nepal-Tibet border. Then the immigration formalities are completed before entering Tibet. Then, you will pass through various destinations, including Gyirong, Saga, Lake Manasarovar, and Darchen. 

In addition, from Darchen, you will start the circumambulation of Kailash Mountain. After completion of the kora, you will return via the same route. The whole tour is a combination of trekking and driving. The popular trek during the tour is the Kora (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash, which takes 3 days to complete. 

Talking about the difficulty of the tour, it is physically demanding. You have to be physically fit for this tour. The most difficult part of the tour is the Kora of Mount Kailash. You have to walk 52 kilometers in three days. Also, the altitude on the western slope of Mt. Kailash is approximately 5600 meters above sea level, which is the highest point of the Kora. 

Even though there is a high difficulty level, the pilgrims still go for the 10-day Kailash Pilgrimage Tour from Kathmandu. It is because, according to Hindu mythology, whoever completes the home of the Lord Shiva (Mt. Kailash) purifies their soul and gets spiritual merit. 

Mount Kailash not only holds special importance to Hindus but also to Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. Lake Manasarovar is also considered sacred among Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon religion followers. 

Kathmandu to Kailash Manasarovar distance by road is approximately 1400 km, but the journey is amazing and you will get to see the amazing scenes from the window. The maximum journey is in the Tibet autonomous region of China so it can also be called the Tibet Yatra. 

The best time to buy the Kathmandu Mount Kailash tour packages is during the months of April to October. During these months, the weather is favorable and the harsh winter months  and snowy conditions can be avoided.

Physical fitness is necessary for this tour. People with heart problems or respiratory problems cannot go for this trek. The trek involves high-altitude trekking through challenging terrain. Also, the majority of the journey is between 4000 and 5500 m so acclimatization is necessary. 

The Kathmandu-Mount Kailash tour cost includes and excludes sections that are helpful in budgeting your trip. There are many miscellaneous expenses that you need to plan before going for the tour. You may want to buy souvenirs or any extra things that you want to buy. 

Kathmandu Mount Kailash tour package price is around $1,850 USD per person. The price also depends on the services included and the types of accommodations chosen. We have a limited-time offer for group travelers with a discounted Kathmandu Mount Kailash tour price. 

Also check out our other Tibet packages: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour, and Kailash and Guge Kingdom Tour. 

Tour Highlights

  • Panoramic views of the Himalayan range and expansive wetlands
  • Visit to the running Pelku Tso Lake
  • Experience the serene beauty of Lake Manasarovar
  • Participate in the circumambulation (kora) of Mount Kailash
  • Crossing the Dolma La Pass at 5600 meters
  • Visits to the monasteries and interactions with tibetan monks
  • Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the saga dawa festival if tour is planned at right time

Key Destinations of the tour

  • Rasuwa Gadi

Rasuwa Gadi is a historical fort located in the Rasuwa district of Nepal. It is the gateway for trade between Nepal and China. This fort has a long history and is an important place of the Rasuwa district. This fort was constructed in 1855 during the Rana Dynasty, when Jung Bahadur Rana invaded Tibet. At that time, Tibet was under the rule of King Qing. 

This place is considered the most reliable border crossing in Zhangmu Kodari. The Rasuwa Gadi fort is preserved and protected by the Nepalese government and the local authority of the Rasuwa district. 

  • Lake Manasarovar

Lake Mansarovar is a sacred lake located near Mount Kailash in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It is situated at an altitude of 4,590 meters and has a maximum depth of 90 meters. It is believed that if pilgrims take a holy dip in the water of the lake, then their sins are washed away.  According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma built Lake Mansarovar as a location for his sons to perform religious ceremonies. The water of the lake is considered as sacred water. 

  • Saga

Saga is a town located in Shigatse prefecture. It is situated at an elevation of 4640 meters. This town is an important stop for the pilgrims going for the Kailash Manasarovar yatra 2025. This town is the last one with hotels, restaurants and stores. Some of the saga’s nearby hot destinations are Rujiao Hot Spring, Darjyeling Monastery, and Budza Monastery. The population of this town is 13000 peoples. 

  • Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash is the main attraction of the yatra. It stands at an elevation of 6638 m above sea level. This mountain is the most sacred destination of the pilgrimage and is believed to be the home of the shiva. The circumambulation around Mount Kailash is the main part of the yatra. As of now, there have been no successful summits of this peak. It is due to its pyramid-like structure and harsh weather conditions. The Chinese government forbids climbing Mount Kailash due to religious beliefs and a number of failed attempts.

  • Darchen

Darchen is a small village located in Purang County, of the Tibetan autonomous region of China. It lies at an altitude of  4,575 meters (15,000 feet) above sea level. It serves as an important gateway for pilgrims visiting the sacred Mount Kailash and is the starting point of Kora around Mount Kailash. Drachen is an important hub for tourists as well as pilgrims.  

  • Gyirong Port

The Gyirong port is an important border crossing between Tibet and Nepal. This port is also known as Kyirong port and is located in Gyirong county, Tibet. This port has been an important trade route for Nepal and Tibet since ancient times. Gyirong port features immigration and customs facilities. 

  • Kathmandu City

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, situated at an altitude of 1400 meters. This city is in the Kathmandu valley and has more than 1.4 million. The city is rich in cultural and historical heritages. There are several temples, palaces, stupas, and many more. There are numerous rivers and beautiful landscapes all around Kathmandu.

Some of the popular sites are Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa and so on. The bustling streets and lively market make the city an interesting place to visit and shop. The city is not only the capital of the nation but also an important center of learning, commerce, and cultural heritage. 

WHY CHOOSE MYSTIC ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS FOR THE KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA?

3S: Safety, Success, and Satisfaction

Booking a Kailash Mansarovar Yatra package with Mystic Adventure Holidays offers superior service and benefits. Here's why:

Planning your trip with Mystic Adventure Holidays means paying the lowest cost with no commission fees. Additionally, you'll benefit from:

  • Client Safety: Our trips are organized with the utmost safety in mind.
  • Best Price Guarantee: Ensuring you get the best value.
  • Free Transfers: Complimentary airport-to-hotel and return transfers in a private vehicle.
  • Expert Guides: Trained, government-licensed local guides with extensive route knowledge.
  • Support for Locals: Helping local communities earn a living through tourism.
  • Health Monitoring: Oximeters to monitor oxygen levels during high-altitude treks.
  • Medical Preparedness: Guides equipped with medical kits to handle any situations that may arise. 
  • Essential Gear: Arrangements for sleeping bags and down jackets.
  • Free Storage: Secure storage at our office for extra luggage during your tour.
  • Convenience: Duffel bags for transferring items to be carried during the journey.
  • Porter Service: A free porter to help carry your heavy bags.

By choosing Mystic Adventure Holidays, you ensure a safe, successful, and satisfying adventure in the Himalayas.

Itinerary

At Mystic Adventure Holidays, our intention is always to follow the Kathmandu Mount Kailash tour itinerary. However, due to the nature of travel, we may need to make slight changes because of unforeseen circumstances such as weather-related cancellations or delays of domestic flights, natural disasters like landslides, newly enacted laws, political unrest, or trekkers' health issues, including altitude sickness. While the itinerary is brief and fixed, it also includes flexible areas. Therefore, we advise travelers to allow a few extra days in Nepal.

We highly recommend that you arrive one day before the trip starts to rest and purchase any necessary clothing, gear, and equipment for the hike. You can also use this extra day for a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, acclimatizing, or rescheduling international flights in case of potential weather delays or domestic flight cancellations.

We appreciate your flexibility and look forward to providing you with an unforgettable adventure!

It is our regular day-to-day itinerary if you are looking for a customized itinerary. Don't hesitate to contact us.

Trip PlanExpand all

We will pick you up from your hotel. Then, we will begin our drive to the Araniko Highway. Along the way, you can see the transition from the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the quiet rural areas of the Dhading district. 

The roads to Rasuwagadhi are mostly paved and take you through the hilly terrain and small villages. Along the way, you will get to see the terraced fields and local settlements. The road becomes more rugged and narrower on the way to Rasuwagadhi. 

We can see the transformation of landscapes into a mix of lush greenery and rocky terrain. The drive will go through dense forests and climb higher into the hills. As we approach Rasuwagadhi, we can see the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Upon reaching Rasuwagadhi, we will straight away go to the pre-booked guesthouse, check in, and rest in the evening. 
 

Max Altitude: 1800m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Standard HotelDuration: 6-7 hrsDistance: 125 km

Following breakfast, we will drive to the Sino-Nepal border. The road from Rasuwagadhi to the border area is rugged. But the scenery along the way is like a mix of views of lush greenery and rocky landscapes. 

Upon reaching the border area, we will go through customs and immigration at the Rasuwa Gyirong border. After completing the necessary formalities, we will resume our drive to the Gyirong. The roads to Gyirong are well maintained, with some twists and turns. 

As we approach Gyirong, you will get to see the beautiful traditional Tibetan architecture and lush green surroundings. After reaching the guesthouse in Gyirong, check in and rest in the room.
 

Max Altitude: 2800 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse or campDuration: 3-4 hrsDistance: 60 km

After having breakfast, we will drive towards our destination, Saga. The road from Gyirong to Saga is relatively smooth and passes through the more challenging terrain. Along the way, you will get to see stunning views of the lush green landscapes and rugged mountains. 

As we enter the Tibetan plateau, the altitude increases and the roads become rougher and windier. The views along the way are dramatic. The route passes through high-altitude grasslands, yak herds, and several small Tibetan towns and villages. 

We will cross through the Yarlung Tsangpo River before approaching the Saga. On arrival at the saga, we will check into the guest house where we are staying and take a rest. 

Max Altitude: 4600 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse or campDuration: 7-8 hrsDistance: 240 km

We will wake up early in the morning and have breakfast. Then, we will head towards Lake Manasarovar. The roads are challenging, with some sections being rough and unpaved. The route goes through the Tibetan plateau with spectacular views of the vast landscape. 

Upon reaching Lake Manasarovar, we stop for a while to enjoy the stunning scenery of the clear blue waters surrounded by mountains. After the break, we will resume our journey. We will then drive to Darchen. 

The conditions of the road from Lake Manasarovar to Darchen are usually better and well maintained, with some rough sections. After arriving at the guesthouse in Darchen, you will check in and rest in the room. The dinner is at the same guest house where we are staying overnight.
 

Max Altitude: 4600 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse or campDuration: 8-9 hrsDistance: 450 km

Following breakfast, we will trek to Dirapuk. This is the first day of the Mount Kailash circumambulation. You can see a transition from the flat ground with rocky sections to the steeper sections with uneven, rugged paths. 

Along the way, you will get to see the panoramic views of Mount Kailash and its surrounding peaks. The journey also presents vistas of the Tibetan landscape stretching around you. In addition, the lush green forests make nature enthusiasts' souls happy. Upon reaching Dirapuk, we will go to the pre-booked guesthouse. We will have dinner in the same guest house and rest overnight. 
 

Max Altitude: 4900 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse or campDuration: 6-7 hrsDistance: 20 km

We will start our day with a tasty breakfast and begin our hike to the western slope of Mt. Kailash. The initial hike begins with a steady climb through the rugged and rocky paths. The climb is a little more challenging than other normal treks on this Kathmandu Mount Kailash tour package. 

On the way, you will be blessed with the stunning vistas of Mount Kailash and its surrounding peaks. And also the views of the high altitude plateau. We may have to cross small ridges and navigate rocky paths to reach the western slope of Mt. Kailash. 

As we approach the western slope, the paths become steeper. As it is at a high altitude, there is a possibility of snow and ice. From there, we can see the close-up views of Mount Kailash's western face. After that, we will retrace our steps back to the guest house at Dirapuk via the same route. 
 

Max Altitude: 5000 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse or campDuration: 8-9 hrsDistance: 22 km

After having breakfast, we will resume Mt. Kailash Kora (circumambulation). Initially, we will descend through the valley. The paths are rocky. Then we will do a challenging ascent to the Dolma La pass and then descend towards Zuthulphuk. 

The descent towards Zuthulphuk is steep and challenging, with loose rocks and rubble. The trails near Zuthulphuk are less rugged. After our arrival in Zuthulphuk, we will check in at the guesthouse and take a rest. In the evening, we will have a tasty dinner and rest in the room overnight.
 

Max Altitude: 5600 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse or campDuration: 8-9 hrsDistance: 22 km

Following breakfast, we will begin our final trek of the Mt. Kailash circumambulation to Darchen. This part of the trek is less difficult than the previous treks. Initially, we descend through the inclined path and then trek back to the Darchen through the flat path. 

Upon arrival at Darchen, we will stop for a while to rest and refresh. After some time, we will drive to Saga from Darchen. The path to the saga goes through rugged terrain and remote areas. After reaching the guest house in Saga, we will take a rest. The dinner is prepared in the same guesthouse we are staying in. 
 

Max Altitude: 4600 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse or campDuration: 4-5 hrs trek + drive to SagaDistance: 14 km

After having breakfast, we will leave for Gyirong. The route begins with a descent from the Tibetan plateau and passes through several small Tibetan towns and villages. Before reaching the Gyirong, we will cross the Brahmaputra River via bridge. We will further descend into the lower altitudes. 

You can see the transition of the landscape from the stark high-altitude plateau to greener. The roads to Gyirong are generally maintained. You can see the change in vegetation as you approach Gyirong town. Upon reaching the town, we will go to the guesthouse and rest there. We will have dinner in the guest house and rest overnight. 
 

Max Altitude: 2800 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Guesthouse or campDuration: 7-8 hrsDistance: 240 km

This is the final journey of the tour. We will begin our journey early in the morning after having breakfast. We will then drive to the border crossing at the Gyirong port and complete all the necessary formalities, including customs and immigration checks. You will then say goodbye to the Tibetan guide and our company’s representative will pick you up from the border. 

After the completion of the formalities, we will then drive back to the kathmandu. The route from the Sino-Nepal border to Kathmandu goes through mountainous terrain with both ascents and descents.  Along the way, you will get to see the terraced fields, small villages, and rivers. Upon reaching Kathmandu, we will drop you off at the hotel. From here, the official tour service ends. 
 

Max Altitude: 1400 m Meals: Breakfast and lunchAccommodation: Standard HotelDuration: 7-8 hrsDistance: 160 km
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Essential Info

Accommodations and Foods

The accommodations in Kathmandu are 3- to 4-star hotels with important services and a variety of dining options. As we enter the Kailash region, the accommodations shift to basic guest houses and tea houses with shared rooms and basic amenities. Due to the remote nature of the areas, the bathrooms and toilets are shared in those teahouses and guesthouses. 

In terms of the foods, the meals are mostly vegetarian, especially during the kora. The meals in the Kailash region are prepared by the dedicated kitchen crews offering traditional Tibetan and Indian cuisine. Some of the popular cuisines are Tsampa, Thukpa, and momos. 

You will get packed lunches during the circumambulation of Mt. Kailash. The cooked meals are later served in the evenings. Breakfast will be in the teahouse daily. For dinner, you have the choice of choosing the local restaurants or teahouses. The options may be limited in remote areas. 

Difficulty of the trek

The Kathmandu to Mount Kailash tour is considered to be moderately difficult. It is due to the trekking in the high altitude areas and exposure to the altitude between 4000 m and 5500 m for a longer time. The physical demand is high, especially during the Kora of Mount Kailash. 

A walk for about 5 hours daily on the rugged terrain is what you should be able to do. The weather conditions on the Dolma La Pass are unpredictable and there are steep inclines waiting for you on the way. There is also a possibility of snowstorms, especially at higher altitudes. 

Permits and passes

The permits required for the Mount Kailash tour from Kathmandu are listed below. 

  • Chinese Visa

A Chinese visa is a must when entering China from another country. You can get the visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. The documents required for this visa application processing are the original passport, a completed application form, and a passport-size photo. 

  • Tibet Travel Permit

The Tibet travel permit is necessary for entering the Tibet autonomous region. You will need a local tour operator to process the permit. It will take 7–14 working days to obtain the permit. The operator will submit your application to the Tibet Tourism Bureau on your behalf and send the permit to you once it is issued. 

  • Alien’s Travel Permit

It is an important document needed to travel to specific areas of Tibet, especially Mount Kailash. You can get the permit once you arrive in Tibet. It is arranged by your Tibetan guide. The processing time for this permit is 1-2 hours. 

  • Military permit

This permit is necessary while going to the sensitive areas of Tibet. This permit is arranged by your tour operator. The processing time for this permit is 10–15 working days. 

Altitude sickness and acclimatization

Altitude sickness is a major concern when traveling to higher altitudes. Those who are not experienced with or used to the higher altitude atmosphere are likely to get altitude sickness problems. Rapid ascents and rushiness are the main things that one can quickly get from altitude sickness symptoms. 

The key is to prevent altitude sickness. Insert the acclimatization days in your 10-day Kathmandu-Mount Kailash tour itinerary. Ascend gradually and slowly.  Stay hydrated and have a good sleep. And if symptoms appear, then immediately inform your guide or your friends. Carry Diamox; it will help prevent altitude sickness. 

Tips to make the journey successful

  • Build your endurance by getting involved in cardio and strength-training exercises
  • Try small hikes and walking around nearby hill stations
  • Gradual ascent and staying hydrated to prevent altitude sickness
  • Pack warm, layered clothing suitable for varying weather conditions
  • Pack all the required trekking gears in your backpack
  • Carry basic toiletries and a first aid kit with medications for altitude sickness, pain relief, and any personal health needs
  • Respect local culture, customs and people
  • Obtain necessary permits in advance and carry the necessary permits required for the journey
  • Tip to the porters and guide at the end of the trip
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