What is the best time for the overland tour?

The ideal window is from May to June and September to early October. During these months, the weather is stable, visibility is clear, and the mountain passes—specifically the challenging Dolma La Pass—are usually accessible. While July and August are monsoon months in Nepal, the Kailash region in Tibet sits in a rain shadow and remains relatively dry, though travel to the border may face weather-related delays.

How long does the overland journey typically take?

A standard overland tour starting from Kathmandu generally takes 13 to 16 days. This includes: 2–3 days in Kathmandu for sightseeing and permit processing. Driving to the Nepal-Tibet border (Kyirong). Mandatory acclimatization days in high-altitude towns like Kyirong or Saga. A 3-day trek (Kora/Parikrama) around Mount Kailash, covering approximately 52 km.

What permits and visas are required?

Because the journey involves crossing international borders into a restricted region of Tibet, you cannot apply for permits individually. A registered tour operator must arrange: Tibet Travel Permit: The primary document for entering Tibet. Chinese Group Visa: Issued by the Chinese Embassy (in Kathmandu for most foreign travelers). Additional Permits: Alien’s Travel Permit, Military Permit, and Foreign Affairs Permit for restricted border areas. Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your travel date.

How physically fit do I need to be?

You do not need to be an athlete, but “average fitness” with preparation is essential. The trek reaches altitudes of 5,630 meters (18,471 ft) at Dolma La Pass. Preparation: Experts recommend 2–3 months of cardiovascular training (brisk walking, jogging, or stair climbing). Requirement: You should be comfortable walking 6–8 hours a day. Medical Check: A medical certificate is often required, and those with severe heart or lung conditions are generally advised against the trip.

What is the accommodation and food like en route?

As you move further into the remote Ngari region of Tibet, facilities become more basic: Kathmandu: Standard 3-star or 4-star hotels. ibet Towns (Kyirong/Saga): Modern guesthouses or basic hotels. During the Kora (Trek): Very rustic, government-approved guesthouses or dormitories with shared facilities. Food: Most operators provide pure vegetarian meals (dal, rice, vegetables, rotis) designed to be easy to digest at high altitudes.

Kailash Mansarovar Overland | Classic Nepal Travel

Kailash Mansarovar Overland - 13 Days

Pilgrimage Tour Trekking

Package Facts

Duration 13 Days Days
Difficulty Level Moderate
Places to Visit Mount Kailash Mansarovar
Max Altitude 6,638m
Group Size 2-15
Starts Kathmandu
Ends Kathmandu
Activity Trekking
Best Season Spring/Autumn

Overview

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is more than a pilgrimage — it is a life-transforming spiritual experience at the sacred abode of Lord Shiva, the majestic Mount Kailash, located in the remote region of Tibet. Standing at 6,638 meters, Mount Kailash is revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers as the center of the universe and a powerful source of divine energy. Just beside the sacred mountain lies the pristine Lake Mansarovar, one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes. Pilgrims believe that a holy dip in Mansarovar cleanses sins of lifetimes and purifies the soul.

Highlights

According to Hindu belief, circumambulating Mount Kailash once washes away the sins of a lifetime. Completing 108 parikramas leads to ultimate liberation (moksha).

Home of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
Sacred “Kora” (Parikrama) around Mount Kailash
Holy bath in Lake Mansarovar
A journey of spiritual awakening and inner peace
Breathtaking Himalayan landscapes

Itinerary

Arrival in Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal. Our representative will be at the airport to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, attend a briefing about Kailash Yatra at your hotel.

Visit of Pashupatinath and Budhanilkantha; Yatra preparation

Our day begins with a visit to Pashupatinath and Budhanilkantha temples. Pashupatinath is one of the most important Hindu shrines in the world, and a major deity of Nepal. The main pagoda temple dedicated to Lord Shiva sits on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. There are temple of different other gods and goddesses on the temple premises. After this visit to Budhanilkantha Temple which is about 8 kms away made of single stone of huge sleeping Vishnu. Then we return to hotel for lunch. In the afternoon prepare for the Yatra.

Drive to Syabrubensi (1,950m)

Today, we will drive to Syabrubensi (154 Kms) in Rasuwa district in a private coach, which will take about 6-7 hours. The drive is pleasing as it passes through the beautiful Nepali countryside before finally climbing up the mountains. The drive offers you an insight into the daily life of local Tamang people as well as offer you a peek of high Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival in Syabrubensi, you will be transferred into a local lodge.

Drive to Kerung (2,800m)

After a short drive we will reach the Nepal / Tibet border at Kerung (Rasuwagadhi). After completing immigration and custom formalities, enter Tibet and met by Tibetan Guide and drivers, who will remain with us for the entire journey in Tibet. After crossing the border, drive for about 25 Kms to reach the small town of Kerung (Kyirong) (2,800m). Rest and relax for acclimatization. Spend the day exploring the beautiful marketplace of Kerung.

Drive to Saga / Dongba (4,250m)

We will continue driving towards Saga (4,250m) today (268 Kms). Enroute, we will come across the Brahmaputra River which originates in Tibet and flow through Arunanchal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya of India and then to Bangladesh before draining into the Bay of Bengal. We continue our drive and reach Saga where we meet the main highway coming from Lhasa.

Morning Hawan Pooja; and drive to Darchen in the afternoon

Morning is free time for you to perform Hawan and Pooja on the banks of the Lake Mansarovar. After the Pooja and lunch, we will drive toward Darchen (53 Kms). Darchen is the gateway to Mount Kailash. We take ample rest today as our Kailash Parikrama will begin from tomorrow.

Drive to Yama Dwar and trek to Diraphuk (4,800m)

We continue our drive to Yama Dwar from where our Parikrama begins. We start walking from Yama Dwar toward Diraphuk. The distance is about 10 kilometers and the trail is generally flat and easy. We walk enjoying the rugged Tibetan landscape.

Trek to Dolma La Pass (5650m); and continue to Zhuthulpuk (4,790m)

This is going to be a long and difficult day as we will be crossing a high pass Dolma La (5650m). Weather at the high Himalayan pass is unpredictable and can change anytime. Dolma Pass is the ultimate point of this Yatra. We start the journey as early as possible as the weather can change in the second half of the day. This day, we can have darshan of Gaurikunda. But the way down the lake is very difficult. Upon arrival in Zuthulphuk, we check into our lodge after a long day of walk of 20-22 Kms taking 10-11 hours.

Trek to Zhongdo and drive to Saga (4,250m)

We continue our trek till Zhongdo (5 Kms) where our Yatra and ends successfully. At Zhongdo, we board our waiting vehicle and start driving toward Saga. It is a beautiful drive and as we will be descending to lower altitude, we will feel much easier and comfortable.

Drive to Kerung; and continue to Syabrubensi

Today, we will leave Tibet and enter Nepal. The day begins with a drive to Kerung – the Tibetan town near Nepal-China border. From here, the Nepal-Tibet border is only about 25 kilometers away. After completing customs and immigration formalities at the border, we enter Nepal and continue driving till Syabrubensi where we stop for the night.

Drive back to Kathmandu

A drive of around 7 hours will take us to Kathmandu (172 Kms) today. The road is narrow and winding in the beginning. But it’s an easy drive in the latter half. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. We will celebrate the success of the Yatra by organizing a farewell dinner for you in the evening.

Departure

Your last day in Nepal! Our representative will transfer you to the airport some three hours ahead of our flight time so that you do not have to rush through customs and immigration formalities. You will have plenty of time to reflect on your successful Yatra and plan for your next holiday.

Cost Details

What's Included

Accommodation sharing twin / double at 4 star standard Hotel in Kathmandu with meals as indicated in the itinerary.
Arrival / departure transfers in Kathmandu.
Sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath and Budhanilkantha.
Transportation Kathmandu / Tibet Border / Kathmandu as per program by private vehicle.
Transportation inside Tibet by Tourist Bus up to Lake Mansarovar and Eco Buses from Mansarovar to Darchen and Yamdwar as per group size with transfer of luggage by Truck.
Nepali Team Leader and supporting Sherpa staff.
English speaking Tibetan Guide throughout the trip in Tibet.
Tibet / China visa fee for Group members and support staff.
Accommodation at local Guest Houses in Tibet as per program with Vegetarian Indian meals.
Duffel Bag (a large bag to keep Yatris personal clothing and belongings) and Gore-Tex Jacket (returnable basis).
Applicable Travel Permit and Entry fees for Tibet.
First aid kit, Gammow Bag, Oxygen & Oxy-meter.

What's Excluded

International flight ticket to / from Kathmandu.
Nepal entry / re-entry visa fees.
Personal clothing and personal trekking gear.
Travel / Medical Insurance. Rescue evacuation in case of emergency.
Riding Horse and personal porter or Sherpa for Parikrama.
Extra expense for transport & visa splitting cost for any member leaving the main group and exiting border before the main group.
Expenses of personal nature i.e. tipping, bottled drinks etc.

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Kailash Mansarovar Overland