Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour from Nepal

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Duration16 Days
CountryTibet
Maximum Altitude5,650m at Dolma La Pass
StartsKathmandu, Nepal
EndsKathmandu, Nepal
ActivitiesTour, Walk, Sightseeing

The 16-day Kailash Mansarovar Tour from Nepal is a spiritually enriching and astonishing journey to the mystical land of Tibet. On this one of the most popular Himalayan Odysseys, travelers get to reach two of the sacred destinations in the world that carry significant cultural and religious values to four of the major prevailing religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Bon, and Jain, i.e., Mt. Kailash and the alpine lake of Mansarovar.

Commencing from the lively capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, the tour leads visitors through the unparalleled beauty of the Tibetan Plateau, characterized by a unique blend of rugged Himalayan beauty and its spiritual significance. Often referred to as the roof of the world, “Tibet” is a sacred land rich in history, cultural heritage, and strong religious beliefs dedicated to conserving their centuries-old authenticity miles away from rapid modernization.

Further, the overland tour to Kailash Mansarovar from Nepal includes visits to several holy sites all in the graceful presence of panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan giants, such as Langtang Range in the first half, Shishapangma in the middle, and Mt. Kailash in between and end; it hence caters to both pilgrims and adventurers alike. The highlight of this tour to Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour from Nepal is undoubtedly the holy Mount Kailash and the pristine Lake Mansarovar, offering a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience.

Therefore, the Mount Kailash Mansarovar Tour otherwise also called Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a spiritual journey that connects the mind and soul of an individual with divine energies, making it through Tibetan plains, monasteries, and the peaceful shores of Lake Mansarovar to the footstand of Mount Kailash, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, reaching where is considered to be touching the feet of Shiva himself.

Trip Highlights

  • In the Kathmandu Valley, explore the world's UNESCO World Heritage Sites to the fullest.
  • Drive to the remote Himalayan landscape of Nepal, crossing the Nepal-Tibet border in Rasuwagadi.
  • Capture the essence of the authentic Himalayan lifestyle of Tibet through several traditional markets, local delicacies, and towns like Kayrong, Kyirung, Kerung, and many others.
  • Catch never-before sight of Mt. Kailash, Gauri Kunda, and the surrounding mountain ranges from Dolma La Pass at 5,630 m.
  • Make way through historical Tibetan monuments, including centuries-old monasteries, gompas, and mani walls adorned with vibrant prayer flags.
  • Enjoy a seamless journey to the holiest mountain in Asia, Mt. Kailash, and the sacred Manasarovar Lake.
  • Take a dip into the divine Manasarovar Lake and circumambulate Mt. Kailash on foot.
  • An opportunity to receive an insider insight into the Tibetan culture, traditions, and way of life, etc.

What makes the Kailash Overland Tour from Nepal special?

Several reasons make the Kailash Mansarovar Tour an extremely special endeavor from Nepal. Beginning from a joyous drive from Kathmandu, the journey offers an incredible blend of spirituality, high-altitude adventure, and breathtaking natural scenery entering deep into the heart of Tibet.

For adventurers seeking an amazing spiritual and natural escape, hence this 16-day Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour from Nepal is a dream come true journey that also provides trekkers, travelers, and visitors with ample opportunities to immerse themselves in the historical land of Tibet boasting the freshwater of Mansarovar and Mt. Kailash considered to possess divine powers as briefed below:

The unmatchable scenic Himalayan beauty

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Nepal is through the remote Himalayas, untouched and unspoiled from massively commercialized trekking, tour, travel, and expedition routes. The towering Himalayan peaks framing the landscape are stunning to witness as you travel from Nepal into the Tibetan Plateau and remote valleys moving through Lhasa, Kerung, and other parts of Tibet.

It would be an out-of-this-world experience to make way through the dramatic and diverse lush green hills and verdant valleys of Nepal to the barren landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau, where the towering, snowcapped rises in stark contrast, dominated by mythical views of Mt. Everest and Shishapangma in the north and later on by the majestic Mt. Kailash itself, adding much to the mystical allure.

To be able to notice these visual retreats is both humbling and awe-inspiring, as you are surrounded by a sky-perching peak in the serene Lake Mansarovar, where the pristine turquoise water reflects the skies, offering a sense of adventure, achievement, and divinity in the sacred Tibet Himalayan region.

Easy access from Nepal

In comparison to routes starting from India or Tibet directly, the trail to Kailash Mansarovar is more accessible from Nepal. For international travelers, obtaining a group visa is also very convenient, added much by the well-established infrastructure along the way, including seamless flight connections and roadways.

If one wants to avoid complex flight arrangements or extensive leg days from India, an overland tour to Kailash Mansarovar from Nepal is the best seamless alternative that progresses through the scenically rich Kerung after a border crossing at Rasuwa Gadi. Allowing gradual acclimatization to high altitudes mitigates the risks of acute mountain sickness (AMS); hence, the Kailash Mansarovar Tour is best done from Nepal for a smoother logistic, immersive cultural experience, and spiritual journey with an extra dose of adventure.

The Adobe of Lord Shiva, Mt. Kailash

Located at an altitude of 6,638 m in the remote Tibetan Plateau, Mount Kailash holds a special place in the hearts of Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers alike. As mentioned in the holy Hindu scriptures of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, Mt. Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva, where he resides with his spouse, Goddess Parvati. In Buddhism, the peak is revered as the symbol of enlightenment.

Every year, thousands of pilgrims across the globe participate in Kora (circumambulation) around the mountain with a strong faith in getting rid of human sins and miseries of life committed unknowingly or knowingly. While the mountain’s distinct, pyramid-like structure adding much to its mystical aura keeps it almost unconquerable, the government of China itself has forbidden any sort of ascent honoring the sanctity and sentiments of millions of pilgrimages across the world.

The divine water body of Mansarovar

At the foot of Mount Kailash lies a sacred alpine lake at an altitude of 4,600 m/15,100 f above sea level called Mansarovar. Regarded as one of the highest lakes in the world, the freshwater lake bears deep spiritual significance in multiple religions, especially in Hinduism.

Hindus believe that Lord Brahma created the lake, and a dip in its sacred waters of crystal clear water cleanses one’s sins. Pilgrims perform various rites and rituals, make offerings, and bathe here before officially beginning Kora (the circumambulation) around Mt. Kailash amidst the tranquil snow-capped peaks granting ultimate serenity in the central part of pilgrimages to the region embodying purity and spirituality.

Even if you are not that religious or your religious faith differs from where Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar are treasured as holy sites, you might not be able to hold yourself from involving in self-finding through meditation, mindfulness, and transformative exploration of the area to fall in love with the real person inside you and people around you.

The perfect combination of Nature, culture, spirituality, historical exposure, and adventure

During the Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour from Nepal, the landscape transits swiftly from lush green valleys and the panoramic Himalayan vistas into the vast, rugged landscape of the Tibetan Plateau, far away from increasing modernization. Pilgrims and travelers get to catch an insider insight into the unique and rich cultures of both Nepal and Tibet, majorly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.

En route, it will be memorable to mark your journey through Buddhist temples, monasteries, mani gompas, and stupas where locals perform their daily rites, rituals, and offerings as a part of life. In addition, the crossing of Dolma La Pass (5,630 m), the highest altitude you will reach, adds much to the adrenaline-rushing experience, equally rewarding you with more refined views of the surrounding peaks.

Similarly, the feel of serene, crisp air as soon as you arrive at Kailash Mansarovar Area is impeccable, adding a spiritual element to the adventurous journey where adventurers are challenged by high-altitude trekking and mesmerizingly remote terrain and also offering a historical look out into ancient religious practices, making it at least once a must-set journey in a lifetime that seamlessly merges the physical and the divine in one single tour.

Why is the 16-day itinerary for the Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour from Nepal the best route?

Even though there are several ways to plan the Kailash Overland Tour and it can be combined and adjusted as per your wish, time available, and interests, the 16-day tour is regarded to be the most ideal for the following reasons: it is less steeped and therefore offers better chances for a gradual ascent to the altitudes.

Starting from Kathmandu after a complete exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Valley such as Pashupatinath Temple, Swambhunath, Boudhnath, and three ancient cities with interesting local markets, alleyways, and several remarkable monuments, the overland route via the Kerung border provides spectacular Himalayan views, cultural experiences, and easy access to remote Tibetan landscapes.

The 16-day route also offers more than enough time for a stopover at the sacred Lake Mansarovar and at least three days dedicated to Mount Kailash Kora, which in a way provides equal proportions of adventure, stunning views, and spirituality in a perfect, standard, manageable, and less tiring way; therefore, the 16-day itinerary is considered the best Kailash Mansarovar Tour Route from Nepal.

Kailash Mansarovar Tour from Nepal Cost for 2024/2025

The cost for a Kailash tour from Nepal can vary significantly based on the level of service inclusion and exclusion, the type of tour operator you have chosen for yourself, the specific area of interest, and any other additional services provided. On average, the Kailash Mansarovar Standard Tour package from Nepal can cost you anywhere from USD 3,500 to USD 5,000 per person.

The luxury package for Kailash Kora or Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Cost can range from USD 5,000 to USD 7,000 per person even for 2024/2025, where Happy Land Treks offers you the best of the best price and typically covers expenses for transportation, accommodation, meals, permits, visas, guides, and other support staff.

Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand all

Welcome to the Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the terminal gate of the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be picked up by airport representatives of Happy Land Treks, who will also transfer you to your respective hotel in a private vehicle.

After a few hours of checking in at the hotel is a briefing session about the trip; make sure all your concerns are answered by then. Further, if you schedule your flight landing time for the afternoon, you can spend the rest of the evening unwinding around the bustling town of Thamel.

Max Altitude: 1,400m Meals: Welcome-DinnerAccommodation: Standard-Hotel

Generally, it takes 4 working days to process a Tibet Group Visa; therefore, on this day the first thing you will do is complete the necessary visa formalities and paperwork for entering Tibet.

A team member from Happy Land Treks submits your passport and other essential documents to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, allowing you to take a seamless roundtrip of the UNESCO World Heritage in the Kathmandu Valley, such as the three cities of the ancient royal palaces and courts called the Patan, Bhaktapur, and Basantapur Durbar Squares.

Max Altitude: 1,400m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Standard-Hotel

Though your tour operator and organizer handle most of the formalities, you may need to provide some additional documentation or attend to the final checks while you can use your spare time to visit some of the most notable temples and stupas in Kathamandu city. The city is believed to consist of more temples than houses giving its name, the city of temples.

It will be culturally, spiritually, and historically enlightening to take a stroll around Pashupatinath, one of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world. Boudhanath and Swayambhunath are treasured by both Hindus and Buddhists, showcasing the unique harmony of the coexistence of two of the largest religions to marvel at the fullest.

Max Altitude: 1,400m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Standard-Hotel

Although fully allocated for rest, the fourth day of the Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour from Nepal is also the time when your Tibet Travel Permit and Chinese Visa are finalized. This process is also handled by your tour operator, Happy Land Treks, so you can use this day to prepare for the overland journey or unwind one more time exploring the interesting alleyways of the Kathmandu Valley.

Make sure you have all your essentials packed!

Max Altitude: 1,400m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Standard-Hotel

It is the day when the Overland Tour to Kailash Mansarovar from Nepal officially begins with a drive to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu that covers approximately 140km in 8–9 hours by road through the scenic countryside featuring scenically rich terraced fields, rural villages, and lush green hills along the bank of the Trishuli River.

As you move closer and closer to Syabribesi, also called the gateway to the Langtang Valley, there is a noticeable change in the landscape, with a more rugged section with hills and rivers framing the trail.

Max Altitude: 2,380m Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Local-Hotel

Today, you will cross the Nepal-Tibet border at Rasuwagadhi, where necessary immigration and customs formalities are completed to enter Tibet (China) and make it to Kerung, also called the gateway to Tibet (China) from Nepal.

The driveway to reach Kerung is scenic, with sweeping views of the Tibetan plateau and surrounding mountains that look more enhanced from Kerung.

Max Altitude: 2,774m Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-DinnerAccommodation: Guest-House

You must keep your body prepared for the high altitude, especially when you are heading to the highly elevated Mt. Kailash (6,638 m) and Lake Mansarovar (4,600 m); hence, this day is dedicated to full exploration and acclimatization.

You can engage in short hikes or walks from Kerung to catch stunning views of nearby mountains and the Tibetan landscape or explore the surrounding areas and village. It would be fun to interact with locals immersed in their daily lives, which are simple yet enriching and well-connected to Mother Nature and the Himalayas.

Max Altitude: 2,774m Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-DinnerAccommodation: Guest-House

After a whole one-day rest at Kerung, the overland tour to Kailash Mansarovar continues through a wide, stretched Tibetan plateau with everlasting sights of snow-capped Himalayan ranges, high-altitude plains, and remote Himalayan villages.

In between, you will come across several high mountain passes, including Lalung La Pass (5,050 m), featuring stunning views of Gauri Shankar and other Himalayan panoramic snow-clad mountain peaks, eventually leading you to Saga for the night.

Max Altitude: 5,022m Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-DinnerAccommodation: Local-Hotel

The driveway of this day from Saga to Mansarovar is exceptional due to the first glimpse of the sacred mountain of Kailash which looks more expansive for various high mountain passes such as Horchu and Mayam La. En route, you will pass by remote villages and barren landscapes before finally making it to sacred Mansarovar Lake.

If you begin early in the morning, you will have enough time to take a holy dip in the lake, perform rites, rituals, and prayers if you wish to, or simply admire the beauty of the turquoise lake, taken as one of the holiest lakes both in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Max Altitude: 5,022m Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-DinnerAccommodation: Local-Hotel

It is a time to set yourself free in the spiritual ambiance of the serene sacred lake of Mansarovar, watched over by the majestic peak of Mansarovar. Be at ease to practice mindfulness, meditation, and other sacred rites and rituals you have been wishing for before leaving the lake behind and driving to Darchen.

Drachen is renowned as the base camp for Mt. Kailash Kora, used for last-minute preparation before finally beginning the Kora (circumambulation) of holy Mt. Kailash.

Max Altitude: 4,670m Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-DinnerAccommodation: Local-Hotel

As usual, the day begins earlier with a short drive to Yamadwar, the starting point of the Kailash Kora Trek. The journey goes through notable Tarboche, rugged Himalayan terrain, and the north face of Mt. Kailash.

The journey to Derapuk from Drachen lasts for 5-6 hours to end the day at a locally available lodge, marking the beginning of not only a physically but also a spiritually immersive Himalayan voyage

Max Altitude: 4,950m Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-DinnerAccommodation: Local-Hotel

This day is considered the most demanding part of the Kailash Kora when you will cross the high altitude Dolma La Pass to proceed to Juthulpuk in about 8–9 hours, covering 22 km descending to Gaurikund that involves trekking along the river Zuthulpuk.

Both the ascend and descend provide you with dramatic changes in the landscape before a pleasing night at a local guest house, granting you a profound sense of spirituality and adventure as well as the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Max Altitude: 5,650m Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-DinnerAccommodation: Local-Hotel

The Kailash Kora/Circuit/Parikarma concludes this day with a visit to caves and temples around Zuthulphuk that lasts for at least 2-3 hours, embarking at least 8 km before driving back to Saga/Dongba for the night.

You will get to enjoy the spectacular sights of the Tibetan plateau one more time that passes via Darchen, Manasovar Horchu, and lastly to Saga for the night.

Max Altitude: 5,022m Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-DinnerAccommodation: Local-Hotel

On the fourteenth day, you drive back to Kerung from Saga through a huge lake, Paigu-Tso, with the mesmerizing sight of Mt. Shishapangma in the background, Mt. Everest, as you pass through Lalung La and Tong La along with the Brahmaputra River.

At the Kerung before crossing the border back to Nepal, feel free to catch an insider insight into the daily life of locals from the Himalayas sharing close cultural, traditional, and historical ties with the Nepalese people from the Himalayan region.

Max Altitude: 5,022m Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-DinnerAccommodation: Guest-House

Today, you will formally bid farewell to Tibet, paving the way all back to Kathmandu, crossing the Tibet-Nepal border at Rasuwagadhi. The 7-8-hour drive after completing the necessary immigration formalities passes through incredibly beautiful hills, terrains, and rural villages.

It would be lovely to catch lunch along the way and call it a day at the Kathmandu Valley. In the evening, Happy Land Treks hosts a farewell dinner; any sort of advice, reviews, and recommendations are much appreciated!

Max Altitude: 2,774m Meals: Breakfast-DinnerAccommodation: Standard-Hotel

Based on the 16-day itinerary for the Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour from Nepal, it’s time for your final departure from Kathmandu, or you can choose yet another alluring Himalayan journey to not only in our homeland but also to Bhutan and different parts of Tibet.

Depending on your flight time, a team member from Happy Land Treks will assist you with packing and transferring to the TIA three hours before your scheduled flight. We wish you a safe journey and hope to see you soon!

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Essential Information

Free Airport pickup and Drop

At Happy Land Treks, we provide free pickup and drop services at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Nepal. Our service includes a private vehicle transfer from the airport to your designated hotel upon arrival and from the airport at the end of your journey.

At the terminal gate of TIA, you will be greeted warmly by our airport representative with a placard who will also help you with the necessary packing of gear and equipment both before the beginning of the tour and after the ending of the spiritually rejuvenating journey to the Kailash Mansarovar Tour from Nepal.

What is the altitude of Kailash Kora?

Though the altitude of the Kailash Kora (circumambulation) varies along the route, the average elevation of the kora around Mt. Kailash is about 5,000m, ranging from around 4,675m/15,340ft at the starting point in Darchen to 5,630m/17,471ft at the highest point, the Dolma La Pass.

Equipment list for Kailash Overland Tour

High-quality trekking gear and equipment are crucial for the Himalayan voyages, including in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, or India. You must be well aware of the changing patterns of the Himalayan weather and pack accordingly suited for high-altitude hiking and cold conditions.

Though all the essential trekking and climbing gear can also be purchased, rented, or even borrowed upon landing in Nepal, there are greater chances that you can find more good-quality gear in your home country; therefore, we suggest you pack from your locality. Visit the link for the necessary trekking gear and equipment list.

When is the best time for the Kailash Yatra Tour?

The Kailash Yatra Tour is feasible all year round. Different months boast their unique beauty, scenery, and celebrations alongside the weather in the Himalayas, which are crowded at certain times of the year, and sometimes they are not depending on the months you are embarking on the journey.

However, it is especially best done from May to September. Coinciding with the spring and summer seasons, the Himalayan trail to Kailash Mansarovar in the trans-Himalayan region rarely receives rainfall, usually at its best of self, added much by the stable weather conditions, clear skies, crisp air, and unparalleled vistas of the surrounding hills and Himalayas.

Further, these months of May to September also coincide with some of the major Nepalese festivals, such as Dashanin and Tihar, followed by blooming nature, including that of the national flower of Nepal, the rhododendron, teeming with nectar lovers of bees and butterflies to observe during your drive to the Nepal-Tibetan border from Kathmandu Valley.

Is insurance necessary for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour?

Though not mandatory, travel insurance is a must-have companion for a high altitude to any sort of adventurous activity so you are financially secure against unforeseen medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellations, delays, and other unpredictable incidents. Given the challenging terrain and remote location, we at Happy Land Trek suggest our valuable clients buy comprehensive travel insurance from local agents for better peace of mind and overall safety for every trip you do with us, such as Annapurna Treks, Langtang, and Everest, including the Kailash Mansarovar Tour. Here are the names and details of some of the insurance companies.

Accommodation during the Kailash Tour in Tibet

Accommodation during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Tibet is generally basic, and the quality can differ from place to place. Commonly the rooms are simply furnished, consisting of twin, triple, or four-sharing dormitory style once you cross the Nepal-Tibet border in Rasuwagadi.

These places where you stay dotted in between the routes also offer daily meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with other amenities such as charging of electronic devices (phones, cameras, power banks, and others), internet access, and drinking water to expect modest conditions, especially at high altitudes and around Mt. Kailash during Kora.

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