Simikot to Mount Kailash and Kerung Overland Journey
- 19 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (April–June) & Autumn (September–November)
We guide an extensive trans-Himalayan expedition from Simikot to the holy Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar, and Kerung.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our nineteen-day expedition connects the remote western ridges of Nepal with the high-altitude expanses of the Tibetan Plateau. We take a lesser-travelled trail that follows ancient trade and pilgrimage routes towards Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, before looping south through Zhangmu and Kerung back to Kathmandu. This journey is designed for experienced travellers and pilgrims who are comfortable with rugged logistics, basic teahouse accommodations, and significant altitude gains.
The route begins with flights to Nepalgunj and Simikot (2985 m), followed by a multi-day trek through the Humla district along the Karnali River. We pass through settlements like Dharapori, Kermi, Yalbang, and Tumkot before climbing past Yari over the Nara La pass to reach Hilsa at the Tibetan border. From there, our journey continues by vehicle to the turquoise waters of Lake Mansarovar (3772 m) and Tarchen, the starting point for the sacred Kailash Kora.
Walking the Kora brings us past Dirapuk (4860 m) and over the Dolma La pass at 5600 m, before descending to Zuthulpuk. This section requires careful pacing and robust acclimatisation, as we spend multiple nights above 4500 m. Our experienced team manages all border documentation, TTB permits, and support logistics, allowing our group to focus entirely on the physical and spiritual demands of the trail.
We complete the pilgrimage by driving across the Tibetan plateau to Saga and Kerung, eventually returning to Kathmandu via land transport. Expect variable weather, remote terrain, and basic guesthouse facilities once we cross into Tibet. We recommend prior high-altitude trekking experience and thorough physical preparation for every participant joining this departure.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Sacred Mount Kailash
We complete the demanding Kora around the base of Mount Kailash, passing close to its north and west faces.
Lake Mansarovar
We spend time at the shores of Lake Mansarovar at 3772 m, a high-altitude turquoise lake of profound spiritual significance.
Nara La Crossing
We ascend over the Nara La pass on our way from Yari to Hilsa near the Tibetan border.
Dolma La High Point
We cross our highest point of the journey at Dolma La pass, situated at 5600 m during the Kailash Kora.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Meals: B
We welcome our team members upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer you to our city hotel. The remainder of the day is unscheduled, allowing you to rest or check your gear.
Day 2
Kathmandu Preparation and Briefing
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Preparation and Briefing
Meals: B / L / D
Today we complete final permit formalities, conduct a detailed trek briefing, and offer an optional guided sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu Valley.
Day 3
Fly to Nepalgunj
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Fly to Nepalgunj
Meals: B / L / D
We catch a domestic flight southwest to Nepalgunj, a bustling lowland city near the Indian border where we prepare for the remote mountain flights of the following morning.
Day 4
Fly to Simikot and Trek to Dharapori
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Fly to Simikot and Trek to Dharapori
Meals: B / L / D
An early morning mountain flight brings us to Simikot (2985 m) in the Humla district. After meeting our local porters, we begin our initial walking descent and undulating trail alongside the Karnali River to reach Dharapori (2360 m) after 4 to 6 hours.
Day 5
Dharapori to Kermi
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Dharapori to Kermi
Meals: B / L / D
The trail continues along the river valley through terraced fields and pine forests, taking us 5 to 6 hours to reach the village of Kermi (2860 m), known for its nearby natural hot springs.
Day 6
Kermi to Yalbang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Kermi to Yalbang
Meals: B / L / D
We walk for 5 to 6 hours today, traversing suspension bridges and rocky bluffs above the Karnali River before arriving at the large monastic settlement of Yalbang (2879 m).
Day 7
Yalbang to Tumkot
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Yalbang to Tumkot
Meals: B / L / D
Our route climbs gradually through increasingly arid terrain, passing small stone hamlets and chortens as we hike for 5 to 6 hours to reach Tumkot (3073 m).
Day 8
Tumkot to Yari
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Tumkot to Yari
Meals: B / L / D
Today we tackle a longer 6 to 7 hour push as the landscape opens up into high alpine pasture, bringing us to our overnight stop in Yari (3663 m) just below the border range.
Day 9
Yari to Hilsa via Nara La Pass
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Yari to Hilsa via Nara La Pass
Meals: B / L / D
We climb steadily to cross the windswept Nara La pass, then descend steeply into the Humla Karnali river valley to reach the border outpost of Hilsa (3647 m) after 5 to 6 hours of walking.
Day 10
Hilsa to Lake Mansarovar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Hilsa to Lake Mansarovar
Meals: B / L / D
We complete immigration formalities at the border and board our transport vehicles for a 3 to 4 hour drive across the Tibetan plateau to the shores of Lake Mansarovar (3772 m).
Day 11
Mansarovar to Tarchen
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Mansarovar to Tarchen
Meals: B / L / D
After spending time by the lake, we drive approximately 40 km over 2 to 3 hours to reach Tarchen (Darchen), the permanent base settlement beneath Mount Kailash.
Day 12
Tarchen to Tarboche and Dirapuk
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Tarchen to Tarboche and Dirapuk
Meals: B / L / D
We take a short 13 km drive to Tarboche and begin the first leg of the Kailash Kora, trekking 7 km over 5 to 6 hours up the Lha Chu valley to reach Dirapuk at 4860 m.
Day 13
Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La Pass
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La Pass
Meals: B / L / D
This is our most challenging day on the trail. We trek 18 km over 9 to 10 hours, ascending past Shiva Tsal to cross the high Dolma La pass at 5600 m before descending to our lodge at Zuthulpuk (4760 m).
Day 14
Complete Kora and Drive to Saga
Meals: B / L / D
Day 14
Complete Kora and Drive to Saga
Meals: B / L / D
We finish the final stretch of the Kailash Kora near Tarchen, regroup with our vehicles, and drive eastward across the plateau to spend the night in the town of Saga.
Day 15
Drive to Kerung
Meals: B / L / D
Day 15
Drive to Kerung
Meals: B / L / D
Our journey continues by road southward through high desert valleys and mountain passes, bringing us down towards the border town of Kerung.
Day 16
Drive to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 16
Drive to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We cross the Friendship Bridge border back into Nepal and travel by private vehicle along winding mountain roads to return to Kathmandu.
Day 17
Leisure Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 17
Leisure Day in Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
A free day in Kathmandu for resting, personal shopping, or catching up on any delayed logistics from the overland route.
Day 18
Farewell Dinner
Meals: B / L / D
Day 18
Farewell Dinner
Meals: B / L / D
We host a farewell dinner in Kathmandu to celebrate the successful completion of our trans-Himalayan journey and review our expedition photos.
Day 19
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 19
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our transport vehicle picks you up from the hotel and transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure flight.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in private vehicle
- Four nights 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Domestic flights between Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Simikot
- Twin-share teahouse and lodge accommodation during the Nepal trek
- All standard meals during the trekking and tour portions
- Experienced lead trekking guide and porters for Nepal
- Tibet Tourism Bureau approved guide for Tibet touring
- Tibet entry travel permit and Chinese group visa fees
- Yaks and yak-men to carry baggage during the Kailash Kora
- Emergency oxygen cylinder during Kailash Kora
Not included
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee obtained upon arrival
- Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue up to 5600m
- Personal expenses such as bottled drinks, snacks, laundry, and Wi-Fi
- Tips for guides, porters, drivers, and support staff
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude and Acclimatisation
This itinerary reaches a maximum altitude of 5600 m at the Dolma La pass, with multiple nights spent above 3500 m in both Nepal and Tibet. We design our daily elevation gains conservatively and include rest periods to help our team members adapt.
Our lead guides monitor every participant daily for signs of acute mountain sickness. We carry portable oxygen cylinders for emergency use during the Kailash Kora section.
Physical Preparation
This is a strenuous multi-week expedition combining remote trekking in Nepal with high-altitude vehicle touring and walking in Tibet. Participants should engage in rigorous cardiovascular training, running, or stair-climbing for several months prior to departure.
Comfort with walking on rocky trails for 6 to 8 hours daily while carrying a daypack is essential for enjoying the trek safely.
Accommodation and Facilities
In Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, we accommodate you in standard 3-star hotels on a twin-sharing basis. During the trekking section in Nepal, we use the best available teahouses and lodges.
Once inside Tibet, accommodations transition to basic guesthouses and government lodges where amenities are sparse and running water can be limited.
Travel Documentation
All participants must hold a valid passport with at least six months validity remaining. Our office manages the collection of documents required for Chinese group visas, Tibet entry permits, and Nepalese regional trekking permits.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Well-broken-in waterproof boots with good ankle support.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for sub-zero temperatures (down to -20°C).
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Four-season rating for cold teahouse nights.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Collapsible poles with reliable locking mechanisms for steep descents.
Passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Carried in a secure waterproof pouch.
UV-protection glacier glassesEssential
Clothing
Category 3 or 4 lenses for high altitude glare.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Useful for early morning starts across the passes.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Tibet Entry Travel Permit
PermitRequired for all foreign nationals entering the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Chinese Group Visa
VisaGroup visa processed through our agency for entry into Tibet from Nepal.
Simikot Restricted Area Permit
PermitSpecial restricted area entry permit for the Humla region of western Nepal.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest altitude reached on this tour?
The highest elevation on our itinerary is the Dolma La pass at 5600 m, which we cross during the second day of the Kailash Kora.
Are the Tibet travel permits included in the package cost?
Yes, our package includes the Tibet entry travel permit, Chinese group visa fees, and the services of a TTB-approved guide for the Tibet portion of the tour.
What kind of physical fitness is required?
Participants should have prior multi-day trekking experience at altitude and maintain a strong cardiovascular fitness level, as daily walking stretches from 5 to 10 hours over rugged terrain.
How are luggage and heavy items transported during the trek?
During the Nepal trekking days, porters carry your main duffel bags at a ratio of one porter for every two travelers. During the Kailash Kora in Tibet, yaks and yak-men are employed to transport group baggage.
What lodging standards should we expect in Tibet?
Accommodations in Tibet consist of basic guesthouses and local lodges where rooms are twin-share and bathroom facilities are frequently shared and primitive.
Is travel insurance mandatory for this trip?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance that explicitly covers high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter or ground evacuation up to 6000 m is mandatory for all participants.
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 19 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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