Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Overland Journey
- 17 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- March to December
We journey across the Tibetan Plateau to holy Mount Kailash and turquoise Lake Manasarovar, undertaking the traditional three-day Kora.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our Mount Kailash Tour is a traditional pilgrim journey into the high-altitude desert Himalayas of western Tibet. Starting from Kathmandu, our overland route carries us across the vast expanses of the Tibetan Plateau, taking us to the shores of turquoise Lake Manasarovar and the sacred black mass of Mount Kailash at 6741 m. For both Hindus and Buddhists, this remote region holds profound religious significance, being the mythical abode of Lord Shiva and the source of major Asian rivers including the Indus, Karnali, Brahmaputra, and Sutlej.
This expedition is designed for travelers prepared for remote conditions, long vehicle journeys across unpaved tracks, and significant physical exertion at high altitudes. We travel by four-wheel drive vehicles with our gear carried by support trucks, staying in basic guesthouses where available and establishing tented camps during the circumambulation, or Kora, around the mountain. Our camp cooks provide hearty meals while our experienced guides manage the logistics of this demanding landscape.
The physical challenge of this itinerary centres on the high altitudes and consecutive days of walking over rough terrain, peaking at the Drolma La pass at 5367 m. Acclimatisation stops in places like Nyalam (3300 m) and Saga (4450 m) are built into our schedule to help our teams adjust safely to the thin air before we reach the holy circuit.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Mount Kailash Circuit
We complete the 55 km circumambulation around the holy 6741 m peak, traversing high mountain passes alongside Tibetan pilgrims.
Lake Manasarovar
We spend time beside the pristine turquoise waters of Lake Manasarovar at 4558 m, observing floating swans and distant peaks.
Nomadic Culture
We encounter Tibetan nomad sheepherders and rural communities across the remote expanse of the western plateau.
Trans-Himalayan Overland
We drive across high altitude passes and desert terrain from Kathmandu through border towns deep into western Tibet.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team welcomes you upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfers you to your hotel. You have time to rest from your flight or independently explore the surrounding streets before our evening briefing.
Day 2
Guided Tour in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Guided Tour in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Our expert guide leads a cultural sightseeing tour of key heritage sites across the Kathmandu Valley. We handle all entry fees and transport as you prepare for the remote journey ahead.
Day 3
Kathmandu to Nyalam (3300 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Kathmandu to Nyalam (3300 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We depart Kathmandu early for a 150 km drive to the Tibet border and onward to Nyalam. The road climbs steadily through dramatic river gorges into the Tibetan borderlands.
Day 4
Rest Day at Nyalam (3300 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Rest Day at Nyalam (3300 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We spend today resting at 3300 m to allow our bodies to begin the essential process of acclimatisation to the rising elevation of the Tibetan Plateau.
Day 5
Nyalam to Saga (4450 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Nyalam to Saga (4450 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our vehicle journey continues across 232 km of high plateau terrain, passing through sweeping valleys and small settlements before reaching Saga at 4450 m.
Day 6
Saga to Paryang (4600 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Saga to Paryang (4600 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We travel 230 km over 7 to 8 hours towards Paryang, surrounded by high desert vistas and distant snow-capped ranges under expansive skies.
Day 7
Paryang to Lake Manasarovar (4558 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Paryang to Lake Manasarovar (4558 m)
Meals: B / L / D
A scenic 8-hour drive covering 277 km brings our vehicles to the shores of Lake Manasarovar, where we take in views of the turquoise waters and Mount Kailash.
Day 8
Lake Manasarovar to Darchen
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Lake Manasarovar to Darchen
Meals: B / L / D
We make the short 30 km drive from the lake to Darchen, the small settlement that serves as the starting point for our circumambulation of Mount Kailash.
Day 9
Trek to Dira Puk (5000 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Trek to Dira Puk (5000 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our Kora begins with a steady walk alongside pilgrims, ascending towards Dira Puk at 5000 m where we camp beneath the north face of the holy mountain.
Day 10
Dira Puk to Zuthul Puk
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Dira Puk to Zuthul Puk
Meals: B / L / D
We trek 18 km over 6 to 7 hours, tackling a 550 m ascent followed by a 600 m descent through rugged terrain to reach Zuthul Puk.
Day 11
Cross Cho La to Dzongla
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Cross Cho La to Dzongla
Meals: B / L / D
Our team navigates the demanding terrain and high crossing of the Cho La pass at 5367 m before descending towards Dzongla over a 7-hour walking day.
Day 12
End of Kora and Drive to Manasarovar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
End of Kora and Drive to Manasarovar
Meals: B / L / D
We complete the final section of our Kailash Parikrama and reunite with our vehicles to drive back to the shores of Lake Manasarovar.
Day 13
Drive to Paryang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Drive to Paryang
Meals: B / L / D
We retrace our route eastward across the plateau, driving 277 km over 7 to 8 hours back to Paryang.
Day 14
Paryang to Saga
Meals: B / L / D
Day 14
Paryang to Saga
Meals: B / L / D
Another sustained driving day of 230 km spanning 7 to 8 hours brings our convoy back to Saga for the night.
Day 15
Saga to Nyalam or Zhangmu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 15
Saga to Nyalam or Zhangmu
Meals: B / L / D
We cover 245 km over 6 to 7 hours through the highway landscape, descending towards the border region of Nyalam or Zhangmu.
Day 16
Zhangmu to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 16
Zhangmu to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Our vehicles make the final 150 km return drive across the frontier and through the river valleys back to Kathmandu.
Day 17
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 17
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team provides a private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home or onward destination.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport arrival and departure transfers on private vehicle
- Transfer to and from Tibet border to Kathmandu on private vehicle
- Tibet visa and all necessary permit arrangements
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on twin-share bed and breakfast basis
- Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with entry fees
- Highway accommodation in best available guesthouses
- Tented camps for three days during the Kora with full-board meals cooked by our camp crew
- English-speaking Tibetan guide, driver, and land cruiser
- Yaks and yak helpers to carry luggage during the Kailash Kora
Not included
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency evacuation
- Personal expenses such as bottled drinks, laundry, and Wi-Fi
- Tips for guides, drivers, and camp staff
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
This tour reaches significant elevations, peaking at 5367 m during the Kora. We build rest days and gradual elevation gains into our itinerary at places like Nyalam and Saga, but all participants must monitor themselves for symptoms of altitude sickness and communicate immediately with our guides.
Accommodation & meals
We accommodate you in three-star hotels on a bed-and-breakfast basis in Kathmandu. Along the highway in Tibet, we utilise the best available local guesthouses. During the three days of the Kora, we set up tented camps where our dedicated crew prepares full-board meals.
Physical fitness
The journey requires robust physical endurance due to long hours in vehicles over unpaved roads and multi-day trekking at high altitudes. Regular cardiovascular training and stamina conditioning in the months prior to departure are strongly recommended.
Transport & logistics
We travel in four-wheel drive land cruisers across the Tibetan Plateau, accompanied by support trucks that carry our camping gear and luggage. Experienced Tibetan drivers navigate the remote highway routes under the direction of our lead guide.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Well-broken-in boots with ankle support for rough terrain and scree.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for sub-zero temperatures encountered at high plateau camps.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms for cold nights.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Rated to at least -15°C for tented camps on the Kora.
UV-protection sunglassesEssential
Safety
Essential for high-altitude glare on the plateau and snow.
Water purification tabletsEssential
Safety
For treating drinking water along the route.
Valid passport and visa documentsEssential
Documents
Must be carried securely at all checkpoints.
Duffel bagEssential
Camping
To be carried on support trucks during the overland journey.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Tibet Travel Permit
PermitRequired for all foreign travelers entering the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Chinese Group Visa
VisaObtained in Kathmandu prior to crossing into Tibet.
Aliens' Travel Permit
PermitRequired for travel to restricted prefectures including Ngari and Mount Kailash.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum altitude reached on this tour?
The highest elevation on this trip is 5367 m at the Cho La pass during the Kailash Kora.
What kind of accommodation is provided during the trip?
We stay in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu, local guesthouses along the highway in Tibet, and set up tented camps for the three days of the Kora.
Are meals included throughout the entire tour?
Bed and breakfast is provided in Kathmandu and along most of the highway guesthouses, while full-board meals are provided by our camp cook during the three days of camping on the Kora.
How do we travel across Tibet?
We travel in four-wheel drive land cruisers with a driver and Tibetan guide, while our luggage and camping equipment are transported on support trucks.
Do I need a special visa for Tibet?
Yes, entering Tibet requires a Chinese Group Visa and specialized travel permits, which our team arranges in advance from Kathmandu.
What is the best season for the Mount Kailash Tour?
The tour operates from March to December, with spring and autumn offering the most stable weather conditions for travel across the plateau.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 17 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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