Sacred Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage and Trek
- 16 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Apr–Jun) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We lead a 16-day overland journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in remote western Tibet.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our 16-day expedition takes you deep into the remote terrain of western Tibet to visit the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. This journey is designed for travelers seeking both cultural immersion and a demanding high-altitude trek around one of the world's most revered peaks. We begin with necessary preparations in Kathmandu before crossing the border into the Tibetan Autonomous Region via Kerung.
The route requires careful acclimatization as we ascend to the high plateau, passing through Saga and reaching the shores of Lake Mansarovar at 4,590 m. Our trek proper involves the three-day kora or circumambulation of Mount Kailash, starting from Tarboche and navigating rough trails past Dirapuk and Zutulpuk. The physical centerpiece of our route is the crossing of the Dolma La pass at 5,700 m, where conditions demand strong physical conditioning and resilience against cold temperatures and low oxygen levels.
Throughout the tour, we stay in local guesthouses and basic teahouses where dormitory accommodations are standard. Our support team handles logistics, meals, and border formalities, ensuring our groups navigate this austere high-altitude landscape safely and methodically.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Mount Kailash Kora
We complete the traditional three-day circumambulation on foot, witnessing all four faces of the holy peak.
Lake Mansarovar
We spend time by the azure shores of this sacred high-altitude lake at 4,590 m under the shadow of snowy summits.
Dolma La Crossing
We traverse the high mountain pass at 5,700 m, passing Shiva Sthal and the sacred lake of Gaurikunda.
Tibetan Plateau Overland
We drive across high desert landscapes, remote farming settlements, and mountain passes from Kerung to Saga.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu (1,350 m)
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu (1,350 m)
Meals: B
Our team meets you at Kathmandu airport and transfers you to your hotel. We use this arrival day to collect documents for your Chinese visa application and allow you to settle in.
Day 2
Kathmandu to Sundarijal Drive and Trek to Chisapani (2,150 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu to Sundarijal Drive and Trek to Chisapani (2,150 m)
Meals: B / L / D
After breakfast, we drive to Sundarijal and begin our first day of walking through Shivapuri National Park. The trail climbs through wooded hills and river valleys for about 5 hours before we reach Chisapani.
Day 3
Chisapani to Nagarkot (2,195 m) and Return to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Chisapani to Nagarkot (2,195 m) and Return to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We hike through local farm villages and ridge forests for roughly 6 hours, catching early morning mountain views along the hills. Upon reaching Nagarkot, our vehicle meets us for the return drive to Kathmandu.
Day 4
Kathmandu Cultural Sightseeing and Briefing
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Kathmandu Cultural Sightseeing and Briefing
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the day touring key heritage sites around the Kathmandu Valley, including Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. In the evening, our lead guide conducts a thorough briefing regarding the upcoming Tibet crossing.
Day 5
Drive from Kathmandu to Kerung (2,700 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Drive from Kathmandu to Kerung (2,700 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We leave Kathmandu by private vehicle, descending towards the Friendship Bridge at the Nepal-Tibet border. After completing immigration checks at Rasuwagadhi, we meet our Tibetan crew and drive onward to Kerung.
Day 6
Acclimatization Day in Kerung (2,700 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Acclimatization Day in Kerung (2,700 m)
Meals: B / L / D
To help our bodies adapt to the rising elevation, we spend today on a short acclimatization hike in the hills surrounding Kerung village. We rest in the afternoon to prepare for the Tibetan plateau.
Day 7
Drive from Kerung to Saga Town (4,450 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Drive from Kerung to Saga Town (4,450 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our 6-hour drive takes us across the high Tibetan plateau, traversing mountain passes with views of distant Himalayan ranges before arriving in Saga Town.
Day 8
Drive from Saga to Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Drive from Saga to Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We continue across the plateau past small nomadic settlements, arriving at the shores of Lake Mansarovar. We spend the afternoon resting by the water and taking in the surrounding peaks.
Day 9
Lake Mansarovar to Darchen (4,800 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Lake Mansarovar to Darchen (4,800 m)
Meals: B / L / D
After a morning by the lake and a brief stop near Chui Gompa, we drive 40 km to Darchen, the primary staging point and base camp for the Mount Kailash kora.
Day 10
Kailash Trek Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk (4,920 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Kailash Trek Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk (4,920 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We take a short morning transfer to Tarboche and begin our circumambulation. Passing Yama Dwar, we follow the trail alongside rushing streams and waterfalls beneath the steep west face of Mount Kailash until reaching Dirapuk.
Day 11
Kailash Trek Day 2: Dirapuk to Zutulpuk (4,850 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Kailash Trek Day 2: Dirapuk to Zutulpuk (4,850 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Today is our most demanding stage as we climb towards the high Dolma La pass at 5,700 m. We pass Gaurikunda and descend along a rocky river valley to reach Zutulpuk monastery.
Day 12
Kailash Trek Day 3: Zutulpuk to Valley End and Drive to Saga
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Kailash Trek Day 3: Zutulpuk to Valley End and Drive to Saga
Meals: B / L / D
We finish the final stretch of the kora with a gentle walk down the valley floor. Our vehicle meets us at the endpoint for the drive back toward Saga, stopping briefly at Lake Mansarovar.
Day 13
Drive from Saga to Kerung
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Drive from Saga to Kerung
Meals: B / L / D
We retrace our route across the high plateau, passing Pigutso Lake and descending back through mountain terrain to reach Kerung by afternoon.
Day 14
Drive from Kerung to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 14
Drive from Kerung to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We cross back over the Friendship Bridge at Rasuwagadhi, complete border formalities, and take our private vehicle back to Kathmandu for a relaxing evening.
Day 15
Free Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 15
Free Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
This flexible buffer day allows for rest, souvenir shopping in Thamel, or accommodating any unexpected transport delays from the border.
Day 16
Final Departure
Meals: B
Day 16
Final Departure
Meals: B
After breakfast, our team transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight home.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in private vehicle
- Twin-share hotel accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu
- Guided Kathmandu valley sightseeing tours and entry fees
- All ground transportation in private vehicle as per itinerary
- Tibet travel visa and border entry permits
- Teahouse and guesthouse accommodation during trek
- Full-board meals prepared by our kitchen team in Tibet
- Experienced Tibetan guide and local support crew
Not included
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee obtained on arrival
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency evacuation above 5,000 m
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Bottled drinks, snacks, and extra hot water on trek
- Tips for guides, drivers, and kitchen staff
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & Acclimatisation
We spend multiple days crossing high-elevation terrain where oxygen levels are significantly reduced. Our itinerary builds in deliberate stops in Kerung and Saga to help your body adapt before reaching Lake Mansarovar and the high mountain passes.
Mild headaches or fatigue can occur above 3,500 m. Our lead guides monitor everyone closely, carry pulse oximeters, and maintain emergency protocols for rapid descent if altitude sickness symptoms worsen.
Accommodation & Facilities
Accommodations outside Kathmandu consist of basic local lodges and guesthouses. Along the Kailash kora, facilities are particularly rudimentary, often requiring multi-bed dormitory stays with shared, external washing amenities.
Electricity and hot water are limited or unavailable in remote Tibetan outposts. We recommend bringing a portable power bank and wet wipes for daily personal hygiene.
Fitness Expectations
This trek is classified as strenuous due to the sustained high altitudes and rocky, uneven trails during the three-day kora. You should maintain a regular cardiovascular training regimen for several months prior to departure.
Long walking hours combined with sub-freezing night temperatures require strong mental resilience and physical stamina.
Meals & Water Safety
Our support team prepares vegetarian meals during the Tibet tour to suit local conditions and dietary restrictions. Staple items include rice, noodles, potatoes, and basic soups.
Tap water is unsafe to drink without treatment. We advise carrying water purification tablets or a filter system to treat municipal or stream water throughout the trek.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy waterproof hiking bootsEssential
Footwear
Must be broken in prior to the trip to prevent blisters.
Down jacket rated for sub-zero temperaturesEssential
Clothing
Essential for cold nights in Tibet and crossing Dolma La.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Warm fleece hat and glovesEssential
Clothing
Windproof outer gloves are recommended.
Four-season sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Rated to at least -15°C for guesthouse stays.
UV-protection glacier sunglassesEssential
Safety
Category 3 or 4 lenses to prevent snow blindness on the plateau.
Valid passport and passport photosEssential
Documents
Required for visa processing in Kathmandu.
Water purification tablets or filterEssential
Safety
Necessary for treating drinking water along the route.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Tibet Travel Permit
PermitRequired for all foreign nationals entering the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Chinese Group Visa
VisaSpecial group visa stamped in Kathmandu for entry into Tibet from Nepal.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest altitude reached on this trip?
The highest point is the Dolma La pass, situated at an elevation of 5,700 m during the second day of the Kailash kora.
Do I need a special visa for Tibet?
Yes. Entering Tibet requires a Chinese Group Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit, both of which our team processes in Kathmandu using your original passport.
What are the sleeping arrangements like near Mount Kailash?
Accommodations near Kailash are basic guesthouses with dormitory-style rooms, shared bedding, and minimal heating facilities.
Can I hire a horse or pony during the kora?
Yes. If you feel fatigued or experience altitude discomfort, horses and handlers can be hired locally in Darchen for the circumambulation.
What kind of food is provided on the tour?
We provide simple vegetarian meals prepared by our crew, consisting of rice, noodle dishes, lentils, eggs, and hot tea.
How do we handle emergencies at high altitude?
Our guides carry basic medical kits and pulse oximeters. In severe cases of altitude sickness, we arrange immediate descent and emergency evacuation.
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 16 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
Ready to book Sacred Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage and Trek?
Talk to a Himalaya Treks planner about departure dates, group discounts, or a customised private departure.