Deep Spiritual Pilgrimage · Road Trip
The Sacred Pashupatinath, Muktinath with Mt. Kailash Mansarovar Lake Deep Spiritual Pilgrimage Adventure Yatra 2027/28
One divine road journey uniting Nepal’s holiest dhams — Pashupatinath and Muktinath — with the sacred overland kora of Mount Kailash and Holy Lake Mansarovar in Tibet.
Yatra Overview
“Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat”
Kailash (22,028 ft / 6,714 m), the famed holy peak, sits north of the Himalayan barrier in Western Tibet. This legendary snow-shrouded rock dome is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bonpos, drawing pilgrims from across the world. From the slopes of Kailash, a stream is said to pour into Mansarovar — and from this holy lake flow four of Asia’s great rivers: the Indus, the Brahmaputra, the Karnali and the Sutlej. For well over a thousand years pilgrims have journeyed here to pay homage to the mountain’s mystery, circumnavigating it in a ritual that continues to this day.
Muktinath Temple is the god of salvation and holds great significance for all spiritual people of the South Asian sub-continent. Thousands of devotees flock here seeking moksha — bathing in the 108 waterspouts of “Muktidhara” and the holy Mukti Kunda in front of the temple, believing it brings salvation. This yatra unites both sacred worlds: darshan at Pashupatinath and Muktinath in Nepal, then the overland journey through the hidden Kerung valley of Tibet to perform the holy ‘kora’ of Mount Kailash, sharing the trail with fellow pilgrims.
Yatra Facts & Pricing
Duration & Route
17 Nights / 18 Days. Kathmandu – Pokhara – Jomsom – Muktinath – back to Kathmandu, then overland Kathmandu – Kerung/Nyalam – Kailash – en route back to Kathmandu.
The Holy Parikrama
The Kailash Parvat Parikrama is a sacred walking journey of approximately 52 km around Mount Kailash, reaching 5,640 m at Dolma-La Pass. For Muktinath Temple, it is approximately a 300 m walk from the vehicle drop-off point.
Puja Rituals
The yatra begins with Sankalpa Puja at Pashupatinath Temple and concludes with Rudri Puja at Pashupatinath, marking the completion of the program — managed strictly under Sanatani (Hindu) traditions.
Departures & Groups
Private and group-joining departures every month April–October, including full-moon and festive departures. Minimum 5 persons for the Tibet permit; private groups require 7+. We generally combine travellers into groups of 21–25.
| Group Size | Per Person (All Nationalities) |
|---|---|
| 1 – 2 Pax | USD $9,150 |
| 3 – 4 Pax | USD $5,550 |
| 5 – 9 Pax | USD $3,900 |
| 10 – 12 Pax | USD $3,400 |
| 13 – 16 Pax | USD $3,150 |
| 17 – 21 Pax + 1 FOC | USD $2,600 |
Private group costs may differ from group-joining packages — please inform us clearly in advance for an accurate quotation. Group leader FOC applies with a minimum of 21 paying pilgrims (government fees still payable).
Sacred Route Map
Day-by-Day Sacred Itinerary
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Day011,400 m
Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative greets and assists you after customs and immigration formalities, then transfers you to your hotel for check-in.
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Day021,400 m
Kathmandu Temple Tour & Yatra Preparation
Muktinath with Holy Mount Kailash Yatra preparation day — enjoy a temple tour in Kathmandu visiting the most famous cultural and religious sites of the city: Pashupatinath Temple and Jal Narayan Temple.
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Day03820 m
Morning Flight to Pokhara — Sightseeing Tour
Take an early morning flight to Pokhara. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and breakfast. After a short refreshment, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Pokhara including Davis Falls and a serene boating experience on beautiful Phewa Lake. Evening at leisure in the peaceful ambiance of Pokhara.
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Day043,710 m
Early Flight to Jomsom — Darshan at Sacred Muktinath Temple
Early morning flight to Jomsom, transfer to your hotel for check-in and breakfast. After a short refreshment, proceed on a scenic jeep drive to the sacred Muktinath Temple. Perform Darshan and Narayan Puja at the temple, experiencing its divine spiritual atmosphere — including the holy Muktidhara waterspouts. In the evening, return to your hotel in Jomsom.
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Day051,400 m
Flight Jomsom → Pokhara → Kathmandu
Early morning flight to Pokhara, then your return flight to Kathmandu. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. Evening Kailash yatra preparation.
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Day062,800 m
Drive to the Nepal–China Border & Enter Tibet — Kerong
A 5–6 hour drive brings you to the Nepal–China border at Rasuwa Gadhi (Kerung/Nyalam border). After immigration and customs formalities you enter Tibet, welcomed by your Tibetan guide and driver. Drive approximately 25 km to Kerong (2,800 m); afternoon free to rest and acclimatize.
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Day072,800 m
Acclimatization Day in Kerong / Nyalam
After breakfast, explore the local area to help your body acclimatize. Visit a traditional Tibetan village and experience the unique lifestyle and culture of the region, with colourful flowers, diverse trees and picturesque waterfalls.
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Day084,500 m
Drive Kerong / Nyalam → Saga via Gongthang-La Pass
A scenic journey of approximately 220–300 km (4–5 hours) through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, crossing Gongthang-La (5,236 m) with panoramic views of Mount Shishapangma (8,013 m) and the turquoise Peiku Tso Lake. En route you may encounter wild donkeys and antelopes, and you cross the mighty Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Tsangpo).
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Day094,590 m
Drive Saga → Holy Lake Mansarovar (Chiu Gompa)
Today’s approximately 550 km journey takes you to sacred Lake Mansarovar through stunning, remote landscapes of the Tibetan plateau, passing Paryang and Dongba. Enjoy a packed highway lunch, and watch for glimpses of snow-capped Mount Kailash. At the lake (4,590 m), near Chiu Gompa Monastery, pilgrims offer prayers and rituals at the water’s edge.
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Day10Darchen
Mansarovar Spiritual Activities → Darchen
Morning exploration and spiritual activities at Kailash Mansarovar Lake — at 4,590 m one of the most revered spiritual destinations in the world, a powerful site for meditation for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon traditions. Leave for Darchen around 2:00 pm.
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Day11Acclimatize
Acclimatization Day in Darchen
Spend time walking around the town to adjust to the altitude and make the necessary preparations for tomorrow’s trek to Diraphuk.
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Day1213 km · 5–6 hrs
First Day Parikrama (Kora) → Diraphuk Gompa (4,900 m)
In the morning, an eco-bus short trip to Sarshung valley / Yam Dwar where the parikrama begins — meet your yaks, yak-men and porters. Trek approximately 13 km (5–6 hours) to Diraphuk Monastery along the beautiful Lhachu river valley, with panoramic views of the west and north faces of sacred Mount Kailash. In the evening, a golden sunset view of the north face.
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Day13Dolma-La 5,640 m
Diraphuk → Dolma-La Pass → Zhuthulphuk → Darchen
The most challenging section of the entire journey: crossing the Dolma-La Pass at 5,640 m. After conquering the high pass, descend through rugged terrain to Zhuthulphuk and continue onward to Darchen for the overnight stay.
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Day14≈ 500 km
Drive Darchen → Saga
After breakfast, begin the return journey to Saga covering approximately 500 km, enjoying the scenic landscapes of the Tibetan plateau through high-altitude villages and mountain passes.
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Day15≈ 300 km
Drive Saga → Kerong / Nyalam
The return journey covers approximately 300 km. Travelling down through the Kerung/Nyalam valley you will feel more comfortable, enjoying wild flowers, waterfalls and snow-capped mountains surrounding the valley.
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Day161,400 m
Cross the Border → Drive to Kathmandu
After breakfast, drive 25–35 km back to the Rasuwa Gadhi border. Our guide helps you complete customs and immigration formalities, followed by an approximately 7-hour drive to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel, refreshment and dinner.
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Day17Leisure
Leisure Day in Kathmandu — Shopping & Relaxation
Enjoy a leisurely, relaxing day in Kathmandu at your own pace. Explore the vibrant Thamel tourist market for souvenir shopping and experience the local culture.
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Day18Departure
Yatra Completion Ceremony & Airport Transfer
After breakfast, a small token ceremony and yatra completion certification program is held at the hotel, 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
- Arrival pickup and drop service
- Kathmandu – Pokhara – Jomsom return domestic flight tickets
- Annapurna Conservation permits & trekking management control cards
- Jomsom – Muktinath – Jomsom jeep transfer
- Hotel accommodation at Pokhara and Jomsom on twin-sharing BB plan
- Tibet Travel Permit & China visa recommendation letter
- Nepal permits (Langtang / Gaurishankar National Park)
- Temple tours: Pashupatinath, Budhanilkantha, Doleshower Mahadev & Dashinkali Bhagwati (2 half days)
- All necessary land transportation — Nepalese mini tourist bus Kathmandu–border and Chinese mini tourist bus border–Kailash–Mansarovar
- Twin-sharing hotels & guest houses throughout Tibet (dormitory-style 3–4 sharing during the kora and at Mansarovar)
- Twin-sharing hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on bed & breakfast plan
- English-speaking Nepalese tour manager/guide & Tibetan tour guide
- All pure veg sattvik meals in Tibet, cooked by our Nepalese kitchen staff (cook, helpers & sherpas)
- Yaks & yak-men during the parikrama to carry food and equipment
- 1 portable oxygen bottle, company duffel bag & down jacket (returnable)
- Nepalese medical health assistant (groups of 40+) & Vaidik Pandit ji (groups of 30+, on request)
- Horse/pony arrangement from Diraphuk to Dolma-La Pass top, if needed
- All applicable taxes & service charges · daily drinking water bottle
- Kailash Yatra completion certificate
✕Not Included
- Your travel insurance (necessary — medical emergency / evacuation cover)
- International airfare
- China group single-entry visa fee & multiple Nepal entry visa fees
- Yog & meditation master (USD $60 p.p.) and Divine Shiv Guru / Mata ji (USD $100 p.p.) — optional, on request
- Stay-back at Darchen if unable to complete the kora — USD $50 per person/night
- Rescue / evacuation expenses in medical emergencies
- Personal yak, horse or porter charges during the parikrama (payable on the spot at local rates)
- Hotel & expenses during the China visa waiting period (9–10 nights)
- Astapad Darshan (if government permitted) — USD $80 per person, payable on the spot
- Mansarovar Lake parikrama by eco vehicle (optional) — RMB 530 per person, payable at the lake
- Mailing / cargo fees & international telephone calls
- Tips — recommended USD $300 per Nepali staff member (or ≈15% of package cost); tips for Tibetan guide & driver
- Beverages of any type & meals outside the travel arrangements
- Optional private vehicle upgrade (SUV/Jeep in Nepal, Land Cruiser in Tibet) — USD $400 per person
- Additional costs from natural calamities or unforeseen circumstances
Important Information
Booking & Advance
A 20% non-refundable advance deposit confirms your booking; the balance is payable as per schedule before departure. Book at least 40 days prior to departure from Kathmandu for permits and logistics.
China Group Visa
Issued only through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu — processing takes 9–10 working days from submission of your original passport. Alternatively apply from your country with our supporting documents (approx. 3 weeks).
Documents Required
Colour passport copies with name list 45 days prior for Kailash road permits. 6-month valid ordinary passport (diplomatic passports not allowed). NRI / other citizens submit original passports 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. Tibetan doctors examine health before the parikrama.
Horse Riding & Extras
If unable to walk, a horse for the 3 kora days costs around CNY 4,500, payable directly to the horse owner on the spot. Astapad day trip USD $60–80 if government permitted. Extra Kathmandu day: USD $55 hotel.
Muktinath Segment
Includes two nights in Pokhara and one night in Jomsom with round-trip flights, meals and transport (USD $680 per person value). If weather grounds domestic flights, the overland Muktinath route takes 4–5 days.
Sharawan Special Program
Mid-July to mid-August: 31-day Shree Shiv Maha-Puran Katha, Bhagwat Katha, Durga Saptashati Paath, Shiv Sadhana & Yoga at Kailash Mansarovar — USD $6,800 per person. Limited space; book before end of January 2027.
Cancellation Policy
90+ days prior: no charges. After road-permit processing: USD $500. Within 7 days of departure: USD $700. Same day: 70% of tour cost. Extra costs from unavoidable changes are borne by the pilgrim.
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