The Classic Sacred Overland
Holy Mount Kailash Mansarovar Lake Regular Overland Tour — Zhangmu Border
The timeless overland route to the abode of Lord Shiva: drive north from Kathmandu through the Kodari–Zhangmu border into the hidden Nalyam valley, across the Tibetan plateau to Holy Lake Mansarovar and the sacred 3-day kora of Mount Kailash.
Yatra Overview
“Har Har Kailashpati Mahadev — the road to the sacred mountain is itself a temple, walked one prayer at a time. Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat”
Mount Kailash (22,028 ft / 6,714 m), the famed holy peak north of the Himalayan barrier in Western Tibet, draws pilgrims from across the world — Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bonpos alike. This regular overland tour offers the unique holy trekking experience of reaching Tibet’s mythical Mount Kailash Parvat and Lake Mansarovar via the hidden Nalyam valley, starting from Zhangmu at the Kodari border and travelling continuously overland along Tibetan valleys and cities over high passes.
The 14-day itinerary allows careful acclimatization at the border and Nalyam, then crosses Gongthang-La (5,236 m) past Shishapangma and Peiku Tso to Saga, on to sacred Lake Mansarovar at Chiu Gompa, and to Darchen — base camp of the holy mountain. There we take the time to make the kora (holy circuit) of Mount Kailash: the sacred 3-day, 52 km parikrama crossing Dolma-La Pass at 5,640 m, sharing the trail with pilgrims from many lands.
Managed strictly according to Sanatani (Hindu) traditions — Sankalpa Puja at Pashupatinath before departure and Rudri Puja on completion — with pure veg sattvik meals by our dedicated cook and assistance team, yaks and yak-men on the parikrama, portable oxygen support and an experienced spiritual guide, this extraordinary journey gives deep insight into local culture, traditional lifestyle and your own spiritual odyssey.
Why Pilgrims Choose This Yatra
- Classic Zhangmu / Kodari border route through the hidden Nalyam valley — the most traditional overland approach
- Staged acclimatization — border night, Nalyam rest day and gradual ascent for a safer journey
- Complete 3-day Kailash Parikrama — the sacred 52 km kora crossing Dolma-La Pass at 5,640 m
- Holy Lake Mansarovar — prayers and rituals at the water’s edge near Chiu Gompa Monastery
- High-pass panoramas — Gongthang-La (5,236 m), Mount Shishapangma (8,013 m) & Peiku Tso Lake
- Yaks & yak-men included to carry food and equipment during the parikrama
- Pure veg sattvik buffet meals in Tibet prepared by our Nepalese catering staff
- All five Tibet permits & China visa recommendation letter handled hassle-free
- Fixed monthly departures April–October — full-moon, festive and normal dates; private & group joining
Yatra Facts
Duration & Route
13 Nights / 14 Days overland (supplier fact sheet: 12 Night 13/14 Days): Kathmandu – Kodari/Zhangmu border – Nalyam – Saga – Mansarovar – Kailash kora – Kathmandu. Departure & arrival city: Kathmandu.
The Holy Parikrama
The Kailash Parvat Parikrama is a sacred 3-day walking journey of approximately 52 km, reaching 5,640 m at Dolma-La Pass. Vehicles access only up to Darchen base camp; beyond that pilgrims continue on foot.
Optional Shrawan Special
Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August) “Lord Shiva Holy” prayer month program — Shiv Maha-Puran Katha, Srimad Bhagwat Katha, Durga Saptashati Paath, Shiv Sadhana & Yoga, 31 days total — USD $6,800 per person (limited space).
Yatra Season
April to end of October. From mid-September temperatures drop significantly and travel becomes more challenging — carry appropriate warm clothing.
Group Size
Minimum 5 persons for the Tibet Travel Permit (minimum 7 for a private group); we generally combine travellers into groups of 21–25. Group leader FOC with 21+ paying pilgrims (government fees still apply).
Meals & Accommodation
Pure veg sattvik breakfast, lunch & dinner. Budget hotels & guest houses on twin sharing; dormitory-style rooms (3–4 persons) during the kora and possible dormitory/open-space at Mansarovar. Carry sleeping bag, warm clothing & personal toiletries.
Sacred Route Map
Day-by-Day Sacred Itinerary
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Day011,400 m
Receiving at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative greets and assists you after all customs and immigration formalities, then transfers you to the hotel for check-in. Rest and prepare your heart for the sacred journey ahead. Overnight at Kathmandu hotel.
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Day021,400 m
Kathmandu Temple Tour & Kailash Yatra Preparation
A day of darshan and preparation: enjoy a temple tour of Kathmandu, visiting some of the most famous cultural and religious sites of the city, including sacred Pashupatinath and Budhanilkantha temples. Afternoon yatra briefing and final preparation for the Kailash departure. Overnight at Kathmandu hotel.
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Day031,400 m
Drive Kathmandu → Kodari / Zhangmu Border
Today a 5–6 hour drive through terraced hills and river valleys brings you to the Nepal–China border at Kodari (Zhangmu port). Check in at the border and rest early — tomorrow you cross into the high country of Tibet.
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Day043,800 m
Cross into Tibet — Drive to Nalyam
After breakfast, complete Nepal and China immigration and customs formalities and enter Tibet, where your Tibetan guide and driver welcome you and accompany you throughout the journey. Drive approximately 25 km to the hidden-valley town of Nalyam (3,800 m); the afternoon is free to rest and acclimatize.
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Day052,800–3,800 m
Acclimatization Day in Kerong / Nalyam
After breakfast, spend the day exploring the local area to help your body acclimatize to the altitude. Visit a traditional Tibetan village and experience the unique lifestyle and culture of the region, enjoying colourful flowers, diverse trees and picturesque waterfalls.
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Day064,500 m
Drive Kerong / Nalyam → Saga via Gongthang-La
Begin the scenic journey to Saga, covering approximately 220–300 km in 4–5 hours through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes and over the first high pass, Gongthang-La (5,236 m). Enjoy panoramas of Mount Shishapangma (8,013 m) and the turquoise Peiku Tso Lake, encounter wild donkeys and antelopes, and cross the mighty Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo).
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Day074,600 m
Drive Saga → Chiu Gompa (Holy Lake Mansarovar)
Today’s approximately 550 km journey takes you to sacred Lake Mansarovar through the most stunning and remote landscapes of the Tibetan plateau, passing Paryang and Dongba with a packed highway lunch provided by our team. Upon arrival at the lake (4,590 m) near Chiu Gompa Monastery, pilgrims offer prayers and rituals at the water’s edge of this lake revered by Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Bon traditions.
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Day084,900 m
Chiu Gompa → Darchen — Mansarovar Exploration & Spiritual Activities
A morning of exploration and spiritual activities at Kailash–Mansarovar, one of the most revered spiritual destinations in the world and a powerful site for meditation and practice. Around 2:00 pm leave the holy lake for Darchen (4,900 m), the base camp of Mount Kailash. Overnight at Darchen.
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Day095,150 m
Kora Day 1 — Yamdwar / Sarchung → Diraphuk Gompa
A short eco-bus trip to the Sarshung valley / Yama Dwar where the holy parikrama begins and yaks, yak-men and porters await. Walk approximately 13 km (5–6 hours) through the beautiful Lhachu river valley to Diraphuk Gompa, with amazing panoramic views of the west and north faces of sacred Mount Kailash and a beautiful golden sunset on the north face.
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Day10Dolma-La 5,640 m
Kora Day 2 — Diraphuk → Dolma-La Pass → Zuthulphuk → Darchen
The most challenging section of the entire Holy Mount Kailash journey: hike from Diraphuk crossing the Dolma-La Pass at 5,640 m, offering prayers at the ultimate point of the yatra. After conquering the high pass, descend through rugged terrain to Zuthulphuk and continue onward to Darchen, completing the sacred circuit. Overnight at Darchen hotel.
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Day11≈ 500 km
Drive Darchen → Saga
After breakfast, begin the return journey from Darchen to Saga covering approximately 500 km. Enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Tibetan plateau, retracing the pilgrimage route through high-altitude villages and mountain passes.
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Day12≈ 300 km
Drive Saga → Kerong / Nalyam
After breakfast, the return journey covers approximately 300 km to Kyirong/Nalyam. Travelling down through the Kerong/Nalyam valley you will feel more comfortable, enjoying the scenery of wild flowers and waterfalls with snow-capped mountains surrounding the valley.
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Day131,400 m
Cross the Border → Drive to Kathmandu
The last day’s drive of 25–35 km back to the Rasuwa Gadhi / Tatopani border of Nepal and China, where our guide helps you complete customs and immigration formalities. Continue approximately 7 hours to Kathmandu, transferring to the hotel for check-in, refreshment, dinner and rest.
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Day14Departure
Yatra Completion Ceremony & Airport Transfer
After breakfast at your hotel, a small token yatra-completion certification program is held, marking the end of the Holy Mount Kailash Mansarovar Lake yatra service. As per your international flight schedule you will be transferred to the airport. Om Namah Shivaya — Har Har Kailashpati Mahadev!
Cost Includes & Excludes
✓Included in the Yatra
- Tibet Travel Permit & China visa recommendation letter
- Nepal permits (Langtang / Gaurishankar National Park Permit)
- Kathmandu sightseeing: Pashupatinath Temple & Budhanilkantha Temple (one half-day tour)
- Land transportation: Kathmandu to border (Rasuwagadhi/Kerung) by Nepalese mini tourist bus; border to Kailash Mansarovar by Chinese mini tourist bus
- Accommodation in Tibet: twin-sharing budget hotels & guest houses; dormitory-style rooms (3–4 persons) at 3 locations during the kora; dormitory or open-space arrangements may be required at Lake Mansarovar
- Accommodation in Kathmandu: twin-sharing budget hotel on bed & breakfast plan
- English-speaking Nepalese tour manager/guide & English-speaking Tibetan tour guide
- Necessary supporting crew from Nepal (cook, helpers & Sherpas)
- All vegetarian (sattvik) buffet meals in Tibet — breakfast, lunch & dinner — prepared by Nepalese staff
- 1 portable oxygen bottle, company duffel bag & down jacket (returnable)
- Yaks & yak-men during the parikrama to carry food and equipment
- Daily drinking water bottle served during the trip
- Horse/pony arranged from Diraphuk to Dolma-La Pass (upon request — extra cost)
- Nepalese medical health assistant (for groups of 40+); porters upon request (extra cost)
- All applicable taxes & service charges
- Kailash Yatra completion certificate from the organizing local company
✕Not Included
- Travel insurance — mandatory for all participants
- International airfare (to/from Kathmandu)
- Yoga & meditation master — USD $60 per person (optional, confirm in advance)
- Divine Shiv Guru / Mata ji guidance — USD $150 per person (optional, confirm in advance)
- Pandit / priest service — USD $60 per person (optional, confirm in advance)
- Stay-back at Darchen if unable to complete the kora — USD $50 per person per night
- Medical emergency / rescue & evacuation expenses — traveller’s responsibility; comprehensive high-altitude insurance strongly recommended
- China group single-entry visa fee & multiple Nepal entry visa fees
- Yak / horse services during the parikrama — arranged with local herders, payable on the spot (horse approx. CNY 4,000–4,500)
- Porter services for personal belongings — payable directly to the porter at local rates
- Hotel & related expenses during the 9–10 nights visa waiting period in Kathmandu (visa-free nationalities exempt)
- Mailing / cargo fees & international telephone calls
- Astapad Darshan (if permitted) — USD $80 per person, payable on the spot
- Mansarovar Lake parikrama by eco vehicle (optional) — RMB 530 per person, payable at the lake
- Tips for staff: Nepali tour leader & kitchen staff approx. USD $200 per staff member (or approx. 15% of package cost); tips for Tibetan guide & driver
- Beverages & meals outside the package
- Optional private vehicle upgrade — SUV/Jeep in Nepal & Toyota Land Cruiser in Tibet: USD $450 per person
- Additional expenses from natural calamities, political situations or events beyond the local organizer’s control
Important Information
Booking & Advance
Book well in advance; last-minute bookings accepted at least 40 days prior to departure from Kathmandu. A 20% non-refundable advance (or INR 20 thousand per person before processing) confirms your booking; all dues are cleared before departure. Special-offer bookings remain valid for 10 days from the start of the conversation.
China Group Visa
The China single-entry group visa is issued only through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu and takes 9–10 working days from submission of your original passport — plan to be in Kathmandu in time. You may also apply from your own country with our visa-supporting documents (Tibet Travel Permit, itinerary and China visa recommendation letter), which takes approximately 3 weeks.
Tibet Travel Permits
Five permits are required: Chinese Group Visa, Tibet Travel Permit, Alien’s Travel Permit, Military Area Entry Permit and Foreign Affairs Permit — all handled hassle-free by our team under the rules of the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB).
Passport & Documents
Send colour passport copies with the name list 45 days prior to departure for road-permit processing. A 6-month valid ordinary passport is required (diplomatic passports not allowed). Original passports of NRI / other citizens are collected on arrival in Kathmandu.
Age & Health Rules
Kora permitted above 8 years and up to 80 years. Pilgrims 70+ submit a government-hospital medical report (within 6 months) and deposit USD $1,000 with the Chinese authorities (Indian passport holders). A health examination by Tibetan doctors is done before the parikrama — only on their approval may you walk the kora.
High Altitude & Oxygen
The Kailash–Mansarovar region is remote high altitude with significantly less oxygen. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and heavy meals in the first days and rest frequently. We carry hand-portable O2 bottles for emergencies; small portable bottles can be bought in Tibet for approx. 30–40 RMB. Pilgrims with serious heart or respiratory conditions must consult a physician first.
Horse Assistance
If you cannot complete the kora by walking, horses are available: approx. CNY 4,500 for the personal 3-day ride (on-the-spot arrangement from Darchen/Diraphuk approx. CNY 4,000), payable directly to the horse owner. No vehicle rides and no helicopter flights are allowed on the kora route due to the holiness of the mountain. If you stay back at Darchen until the group returns, 2 nights’ hotel is payable by the client per Tibetan tourism policy.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation 90+ days prior to departure: no charges. After processing of the Kailash road permits: USD $500. Within 7 days before departure: USD $700. Same day of departure: 70% of the total tour cost. If the itinerary changes due to unavoidable or uncontrollable circumstances, all additional expenses are borne by the pilgrim.
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