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Kailash Mansarovar Tour

Kailash Mansarovar Tour

Trip Facts

Duration:

14 Days

Highest access:

5,630 Meters

Group Size:

Minimum 4 people

Location:

Tibet

Grade:

Easy- Classic

Best season:

Spring / Autumn

Culture:

Hinduism

Transportation:

Land

Accommodation:

Tourist Standard Hotel

Meals:

BLD

Arrival:

Kathmandu, Nepal

Departure:

Kathmandu

Overview – Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour 14 Days

Welcome to the sacred journey of the Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour 14 Days, an unforgettable pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, two of the world’s most revered spiritual destinations. Located in the remote western region of Tibet, Mount Kailash — known as Kang Rinpoche in Tibetan — holds deep religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of the Bon religion. This overland adventure offers not just breathtaking Himalayan landscapes but also a profound spiritual experience, making it one of the most sought-after journeys for pilgrims and travelers alike.

In Hinduism, Mount Kailash is believed to be the divine abode of Lord Shiva, where He resides with Goddess Parvati and their sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya. Ancient scriptures such as the Ramayana describe how Ravana, the demon king, attempted to uproot Kailash, only for Lord Shiva to press his toe upon the mountain, trapping Ravana beneath — a form known as Ravananugraha. The Mahabharata recounts how the Pandava brothers and Draupadi journeyed here on their path to liberation, as Kailash is considered the gateway to Swarga Loka (Heaven).

Surrounding Mount Kailash is a land of unmatched natural and spiritual beauty. The region is home to two pristine high-altitude lakes — Lake Mansarovar (Mapam Yumco) and Lake Rakshas Tal — both turquoise-blue jewels of the Himalayas. Mansarovar, regarded as the highest freshwater lake in the world, is believed to cleanse the soul of sins, while Rakshas Tal has its own mythical significance.

Adding to its sacred status, Kailash is the source of four of Asia’s great rivers: the Sutlej, Karnali, Brahmaputra, and Indus. Despite flowing in different directions for thousands of kilometers, all originate within 100 km of this holy peak. The surrounding landscapes are rich in wildlife, unique Himalayan flora, and rare bird species, making the journey appealing for nature lovers as well as pilgrims.

For devotees, the ultimate act of reverence is the Kailash Kora (circumambulation), a 52-kilometer trek around the mountain believed to bring immense spiritual merit. Most pilgrims complete the circuit in three days, but some undertake the arduous ritual of full-body prostration along the entire route — a practice that can take weeks and requires extraordinary physical endurance.

Per religious tradition, climbing Mount Kailash itself is forbidden; setting foot on its slopes is considered a grave sin. From afar, its snow-capped, pyramid-shaped summit stands majestic between the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges, often called the Center of the Universe in spiritual texts. The mountain is so revered that it is believed the stairways on its face lead directly to heaven.

Embarking on the 14-Day Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour from Nepal is more than just a journey — it’s a lifetime experience that combines spirituality, cultural heritage, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. From the scenic drive via the Kerung border to the holy dip in Lake Mansarovar, every step of this pilgrimage offers both inner peace and unforgettable memories.

Trip Highlights

  • Experience Authentic Tibetan Life – Interact with locals in remote highland villages and witness their unique traditions, culture, and hospitality.
  • Sacred Lake Mansarovar – Admire the crystal-clear waters of one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes and take part in a soul-cleansing holy dip.
  • Majestic Mount Kailash – Behold the awe-inspiring snow-capped peak revered by four major religions as the center of the spiritual universe.
  • Kailash Kora (3-Day Circuit) – Complete the sacred 52 km trek around Mount Kailash, a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual pilgrimage.
  • Cross Dolma La Pass (5,630 m) – Conquer the highest point of the journey with panoramic views of the Tibetan plateau.
  • Soothing Himalayan Landscapes – Travel across vast open plains, turquoise lakes, and rugged Himalayan peaks in the heart of Tibet.
  • Cultural & Spiritual Immersion – Visit monasteries, ancient prayer sites, and sacred landmarks along the overland route.

Important Note

According to the latest guidelines issued by the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, a minimum of four travelers is required to form a group for the Tibet Group Visa. The visa process in Kathmandu involves submitting your original passport and generally takes about three official working days to complete. In addition, all applicants must personally visit the China Visa Application Centre in Kathmandu to provide their biometric details as part of the visa application procedure.

Photos & Videos

Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary : Kathmandu to Kailash Mansarovar Tour (14 Days)

Food
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Standard Hotel, Guest House

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,310 m)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative from Himalayan Magic Treks. A private transfer will take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, you can rest and recover from your journey or explore nearby markets.
Overnight: Hotel Vaishali (4★) or similar.


Day 02: Visa Processing for Kailash Journey

Today is dedicated to processing your Tibet Group Visa at the China Visa Application Centre in Kathmandu. Our team will handle all paperwork and guide you through the requirements. In the evening, enjoy a briefing session on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Overnight: Hotel Vaishali (4★) or similar.


Day 03: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Final Preparations

Visit two important pilgrimage sites in Kathmandu:

  • Pashupatinath Temple – the most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

  • Budhanilkantha (Sleeping Vishnu) – a large stone statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on a bed of serpents.

The afternoon is free for final packing, last-minute shopping, and yatra preparation.
Overnight: Hotel Vaishali (4★) or similar.


Day 04: Drive Kathmandu to Timure (1,750 m) – 140 km / 7 hrs

After breakfast, begin your overland journey towards the Nepal–Tibet border. Drive through scenic hills, terraced farmlands, and riverside valleys along the Trishuli River to Timure.
Overnight: Hotel River View or similar.


Day 05: Cross Nepal–Tibet Border, Drive to Kerung (2,800 m) – 26 km / 1.5 hrs

Early morning, complete immigration formalities at the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung border and enter Tibet. Drive to the small town of Kerung, where you will start acclimatizing to the altitude.
Overnight: Pilgrims Inn Kerung or similar.


Day 06: Drive Kerung to Saga (4,600 m) – 240 km / 5 hrs

Continue the scenic drive through the vast Tibetan plateau, passing small settlements and grazing yak herds. Arrive in Saga, an important stop for acclimatization.
Overnight: Hotel Saga or similar.


Day 07: Acclimatization Day in Saga

Spend the day in Saga to adapt to the high-altitude environment. Gentle walks and rest are recommended.
Overnight: Hotel Saga or similar.


Day 08: Drive Saga to Lake Mansarovar (4,560 m) – 478 km / 9 hrs

Drive through the breathtaking landscapes of Tibet, with views of snow-capped mountains. Upon arrival, perform a parikrama (circumambulation) of Lake Mansarovar by vehicle. This holy lake is believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual merit.
Overnight: Parmarth Ashram or similar.


Day 09: Morning Puja at Mansarovar, Drive to Darchen (4,670 m) – 40 km / 1.5 hrs

Morning is dedicated to a holy bath, puja, and havan on the shores of Lake Mansarovar. Later, drive to Darchen, the base camp for Mount Kailash Kora.
Overnight: Kailash Himalaya Hotel or similar.


Day 10: Drive to Yamdwar, Trek to Dirapuk (4,860 m) – 15 km / 7–8 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Yamdwar (the Gateway of the God of Death), marking the start of the sacred Kailash Kora. Trek to Dirapuk Monastery, with spectacular north face views of Mount Kailash.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Dirapuk.


Day 11: Trek Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La Pass (5,630 m) – 18 km / 10–12 hrs

Today is the most challenging part of the pilgrimage. Ascend to Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the journey, adorned with prayer flags. Descend towards Gauri Kund, a sacred lake, before continuing to Zuthulpuk Monastery.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Zuthulpuk.


Day 12: End Kora, Drive to Saga (4,600 m)

A short trek completes the Kailash Kora, followed by a drive back to Saga through the wide-open plateau.
Overnight: Hotel Saga or similar.


Day 13: Drive Saga to Kerung, Cross to Nepal, Continue to Kathmandu

Drive from Saga to Kerung, cross the border back into Nepal, and continue to Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel Vaishali (4★) or similar.


Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu

Our team will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, marking the end of a life-changing spiritual journey to Mount Kailash & Lake Mansarovar.

What are included in my Package?

The Trip cost will very depending on the group size duration of days and services required please contact us via Email:himalayanmagictreks3@gmail.com with your details to obtain a quote

  • Arrival / Departure Transfers by AC Coach
  • 4 Nights at Hotel Vaishali (4 Star Category)  or Similar on Twin Sharing Basis  with Half  Board Meals to cover the visa processing time
  • Sightseeing Tours with monumental entrance fees
  • Kathmandu / Timure / Kathmandu by JEEP
  • Luxury Bus on Tibet Side
  • One Support Truck
  • Best available accommodation at Kerung, Saga, Lake Manasarovar, Darchen, Dirapuk and Zhuthulpuk during Kailash Sojourn
  • Full Board Vegetarian Meals
  • Complimentary 2 Bottle Mineral Water per day
  • English Speaking Tibetan Guide
  • One  Nepali Team Leader & Experienced Support Staff 
  • All Permits
  • Tibet / China Visa Fee
  • Complimentary Himalayan Magic Treks Duffel Bag 
  • Complimentary Shoulder Bag 
  • Dawn Jacket on returnable basis
  • First aid-kit, Medical Oxygen and  Pulse Oxymetre
  • A Qualified  Medical Doctor stationed at Lake Manasarovar
  • Himalayan Magic Trek’s Appreciation Certificate after the successful trek

What are Excluded from my Package?

  • Travel Insurance
  • Extra nights in Tibetan lodges and Kathmandu Hotels (except mentioned in itinerary)
  • Evacuation Cost in the event of emergency
  • Cost of Hiring Horse / Pony / Porter during the 3 days Kailash Parikarma
  • Expenses Of Personal Nature such as purchase of beverages etc.
  • Any additional cost due to natural calamities and unforeseen circumstances such as landslides, road blockage, etc.
  • SPECIAL NOTES: - For the Full Moon Departure dates of July 03 & 01 , participants shall be required to arrive 2 days early to Kathmandu in order to complete the Visa application procedure . 
     

Route Map

Kailash Mansarovar Tour Permits and Visa Requirements

Traveling to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet requires specific permits and visas due to the region’s political sensitivity and remote location. For most travelers, obtaining these documents is a crucial part of the tour preparation.

Tibet Group Visa

To enter Tibet from Nepal, travelers must secure a Tibet Group Visa, also known as a Chinese group visa, which is issued through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. This visa is only available for group travelers, and as per current regulations, a minimum group size of four people is required to apply. Solo travelers or smaller groups typically cannot obtain this visa directly.

Tibet Travel Permit

In addition to the visa, a Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory for all visitors. This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and is arranged by your tour operator. It grants access to restricted areas including Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

Visa Application Process

The visa application process is conducted in Kathmandu, Nepal. Travelers are required to submit their original passports and provide biometric data in person at the China Visa Application Center. The process typically takes 3 to 5 working days for approval.

Best Time to Visit Kailash Mansarovar

The optimal period to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar overland tour is during the spring (May to June) and autumn (September to October) seasons. These months offer the most favorable weather conditions, including clear skies, moderate temperatures, and minimal rainfall, ensuring safer travel and spectacular panoramic views of the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

Springtime brings blooming wildflowers and relatively mild temperatures, while autumn provides crisp air and stable weather, which is ideal for trekking and high-altitude driving. Traveling during these seasons also helps avoid the extreme cold of winter and the heavy rains of the monsoon, which can make roads impassable and increase the risk of altitude sickness.

Planning your journey within these windows enhances your overall experience, allowing for comfortable acclimatization, smooth transit across the Dolma La Pass (5,630 meters), and a more enjoyable pilgrimage around the Kailash Kora.

Airport Reception

Upon your arrival at the airport, our representative holding a Himalayan Magic Treks signboard will warmly welcome you at the exit gate. You will be assisted throughout your arrival process and safely transferred to your hotel. Before your journey to the mountains begins, we provide a comprehensive briefing on the itinerary and important program details. Please note, for security reasons, our staff cannot enter the interior of the airport terminals, as only ticketed passengers are permitted beyond the security checkpoints.


Accommodations

We prioritize providing our clients with comfortable and high-standard accommodations throughout the tour. In Kathmandu, we arrange stays at reputable 4-star or equivalent hotels. During the trekking and overland segments, guests will stay in well-maintained mountain guesthouses and lodges selected for their hygienic conditions and peaceful environment. Our accommodations ensure a restful and healthy experience even in remote regions. The Everest region and other trekking areas now offer significantly improved lodging facilities compared to earlier times, enhancing overall guest satisfaction.


Meals

Kathmandu valley is a culinary paradise offering a diverse range of delicious foods and international cuisines. Throughout the trek, you can enjoy a variety of dishes including Continental, Indian, and Nepali cuisine such as pasta, pizza, momos, soups, dal bhat, and hot beverages like tea and coffee. Our knowledgeable guides will assist you in selecting meals that suit your preferences and dietary needs, ensuring you are well-nourished and satisfied throughout the journey.


Trekking Team

Navigating the Himalayas involves challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, and altitude-related health risks that require expert guidance. Himalayan Magic Treks is proud to provide highly trained native guides and experienced support staff who have been successfully leading expeditions for many years. Our guides are certified by the Government of Nepal and have received comprehensive training in emergency response, evacuation procedures, and first aid. We never compromise on client safety; therefore, we provide necessary insurance and medical support throughout your trek, along with appropriate compensation if required.


Field Staff Rules

To ensure your safety and comfort on demanding routes, we deploy a well-structured team comprising guides, assistant guides, porters, and drivers. Typically, one guide accompanies every group, supported by one assistant guide for groups of 4 to 9 guests, and two assistants for groups of 10 or more. We assign one porter for every two guests, with a maximum load limit of 25 kg per porter. Our staff members are professional, fluent in multiple languages such as English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, among others. We can also arrange specialized staff as per your specific requirements.


Trekking Equipment

Proper equipment is essential for a safe and comfortable trekking experience. We strongly advise all clients to carefully review the recommended equipment checklist before departure. This ensures you are adequately prepared for varying weather and terrain conditions. Please refer to our detailed equipment guide [insert link] for comprehensive packing recommendations.


Safety & Security

Your safety is our highest priority from the moment you arrive until your final departure. Our professional staff will escort you from the airport to your hotel and provide continuous assistance throughout the trek. We maintain well-equipped first aid facilities and can arrange emergency oxygen and helicopter evacuation if necessary. Our itineraries include scheduled acclimatization days to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. You can rely on Himalayan Magic Treks to provide attentive care and secure travel services from arrival to departure.

Experience & Fitness:

Trekking can be challenging and exhausting. So you might need some fitness training and experience for some tough trial. Nepal Trekking in Everest Base Camp does not require past experience or extreme fitness even though we have more challenging routes in different region compared to that of Everest. Trekking in Himalayas always takes us to challenging altitudes and rocky routes. You could ask for proper rest time and acclimatization to sustain your strength. Mountains can never be achieved in a day. We always provide the detail in our itinerary. However certain training like running, skipping and other workouts will definitely be beneficial in such challenging routes.

Acclimatization:

Altitude sickness is a major risk when trekking. You might experience it on any trails above 2,500 m however; good health, proper care and drinking plenty of water will definitely help you to prevent from altitude sickness. Every trekkers needs to be familiar with the heights and altitude so, for this we have life saving appropriate acclimatization days during the trek, We also provide certain medical support for your relief and emergency rescue through helicopter whenever the situation gets worse.

Eco Friendly:

Our only goal in the Himalayas is to leave the memories and foot prints Himalayan Magic Treks is concerned on environment pollution issue and global warming. We are always serious and genuine about our garbage during the trek especially during camping. We collect the rubbish and dump it to the proper place to protect our environment and also appeal our clients to do the same. We partake in every program conducted in KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project) and other environmental conservation programs. We want to promote Safe environment act and stand against pollution & global warming.

Tailor-Made Itinerary:

Sometimes trekking in the Himalayan region passes through unexpected complication like natural calamity, health challenges and many other problems that might result to the changes of the itinerary. So, we kindly request you to cooperate with your guide and the team in such situation.

FAQs

The ideal time for the overland Kailash Mansarovar tour is from May to October, with May-June and September-October being the most favorable months due to clear skies and moderate temperatures.

The Kailash Kora is a 52 km circumambulation around Mount Kailash at high altitudes (up to 5,630 meters). It requires good physical fitness and acclimatization due to challenging terrain and thin air. Many pilgrims complete it in 3 days.

Travelers must obtain a Tibet Group Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. Our company assists with all permit processing, including the China Visa Application in Kathmandu.

As per Chinese embassy regulations, a minimum group size of four people is required to apply for the Tibet Group Visa through Nepal.

Accommodation ranges from comfortable hotels in Kathmandu and major towns like Saga and Kerung, to basic guesthouses or lodges near Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

The journey is primarily by private jeep or SUV, suitable for high-altitude roads. Some trekking sections during the Kailash Kora are on foot.

Yes, the tour reaches altitudes above 5,000 meters. We include acclimatization days and advise travelers on preventive measures. Medical oxygen and first-aid kits are carried by the team.

Essential items include warm layered clothing, sturdy trekking boots, sun protection, personal medications, and a good-quality sleeping bag. A detailed packing list is provided before departure.

Yes, the tour is open to both Indian and international travelers. However, visa and permit requirements differ slightly and will be handled accordingly.

The tour combines moderate driving, trekking, and acclimatization. While some trekking days require stamina, the itinerary includes rest days to help participants adjust. Prior fitness preparation is recommended.

US$2450pp
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