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Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Yatra
The 10 Days Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Yatra is a journey that blends spiritual depth with high-altitude adventure. The trip combines a tour to two of the holiest locations in the world: Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. These two locations hold significant importance across various religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon.
The tour begins at the Tibet border and continues through dramatic landscapes and remote villages until you reach these two deeply revered sites. Mount Kailash, standing at 6,714 meters, is considered the abode of Lord Shiva. Walking the Kailash Parikrama (or Kora) around this sacred mountain is the highlight of the trip, offering not only a physical challenge but also a deeply personal spiritual experience. Just nearby lies Lake Mansarovar, a crystal-clear lake where pilgrims often take a ritual bath to purify their body and soul. The peaceful energy of the lake, combined with stunning Himalayan views, makes this part of the journey unforgettable.
Furthermore, our carefully designed 10-day itinerary provides you with the opportunity to explore Tibetan culture, visit ancient monasteries, interact with monks and locals, and even witness the renowned Kailash Saga Dawa festival, which takes place in May. With altitudes ranging from 2,700 to over 5,600 meters, this journey is both challenging and rewarding.
Max. Altitude
5,630M/18,471FT
Best Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug & Sept
Travel Distance
2,005KM/1,246Mile
Difficulty
Destination
Tibet
Transportation
Sharing Vehicle
Start / End
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Accommodation
Hotel during tour but tent during kora
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Language
English | Chinese
Route
KTM-Saga-Mansasovar-Darchen-Zutulpuk-KTM
Activities
6Hour/Day Drive
Trip Type
Religious Tour
Trek Distance
47KM/29Mile
Highlights of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Yatra
- Visit Mansarovar Lake, renowned for changing colors with the sky, making it a fascinating sight to behold.
- Take a bath in Manasarovar Lake to experience a profound sense of internal transformation in both spiritual and emotional aspects.
- Visiting Mount Kailash can serve as a physical, mental, and spiritual cleansing experience in one of the world’s most revered high-altitude landmarks.
- Since the trip is 10 days long, you will continue your journey gradually, which offers you the chance to rest in the most scenic locations each day, including Kyirung, Saga, Darchen, Dirapuk, etc.
- Enjoy the beauty of the Tibetan Tea ritual, where you will be served with authentic butter tea in a Tibetan teahouse.
- Explore top Tibetan monasteries, namely Chiu Monastery and Tarboche.
- The Tibetan inhabitants can be a great company if you want to hear stories about grazing animals in the Himalayas, historical events in the Kailash region, and more.
- Going on the Mount Kailash or “The Axis Mundi” tour allows you to closely observe the natural, sacred, and geometrical shape of the mountain.
How to Reach Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar?
The easiest and most popular way to reach Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake is by an overland trip starting from Kathmandu, Nepal. From Kathmandu, you travel north to Timure, cross the Rasuwagadhi border, and enter Kyirong, the first stop on the Tibetan side. After resting and getting used to the altitude, the journey continues through Saga, Paryang, and Lake Mansarovar, finally reaching Darchen, the starting point for the Kailash Parikrama (Kora) trek. If you have more days for travel you could also choose 15 days Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Similarly, pilgrims from India often use other routes to reach Kailash. This includes trekking from the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand or the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. These routes are organized by the Indian government. Another popular but longer option starts from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and goes to Saga and Darchen. While you won’t be reaching Kailash from Lhasa or spending days in Lhasa in our 10-day Kailash Tour package, it still covers the most important spiritual and natural sites of the Kailash Yatra.
The Spiritual Significance of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar
Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake are two of the most sacred sites for Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bonin. For Hindus, Mount Kailash, also known as Kailash Parvat, is the spiritual centre of the universe, the divine abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Whereas in Tibetan Buddhism, it is known as Mount Meru, the central pillar of the spiritual universe. Likewise, Jains believe it to be the site where their first Tirthankara attained liberation, and for Bon followers, it is the seat of spiritual power.
To date, the mountain remains untouched by human footsteps, not due to its difficulty, but out of deep reverence. Climbing is strictly prohibited. Instead of climbing it, pilgrims perform a ritual Kora (circumambulation) around the mountain. Completing one full circuit (approximately 52 km) is believed to cleanse one’s sins of a lifetime, while 108 Kora rounds are said to lead to enlightenment or salvation.
Similarly, holy Lake Manasarovar is equally spiritually significant. This high-altitude freshwater lake is considered the origin of purity and creation, and is often referred to as the “womb of the universe.” Hindus believe that taking a ritual bath in the holy waters can cleanse past sins. However, it’s discouraged to bathe directly in the lake, but pilgrims can still perform symbolic cleansing rituals using water drawn from a bucket. Many pilgrims also meditate or walk along its shoreline. Together, Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake offer a powerful spiritual journey that blends devotion, natural wonder, and inner reflection.
Outline Itinerary of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Yatra
10 Days Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Yatra Itinerary
Day 01: Drive Towards Nepal Tibet Border
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 11:00-18:00 |
| Travel Duration: | 2Hour |
| Travel Distance: | 145KM/90Mile |
| Highest Altitude: | 1,762M/5,780FT Timmure |
- Attraction of the day: Nepal Tibet Border
On the first day of your trek, you will embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Timmure. Timmure is a quiet and authentic Tamang village located on the Rasuwa-Gyirong border. The drive passes through traditional villages and terraced fields. Along the way, you’ll travel through Syabrubesi, soaking in views of lush hills and rural Nepal. After 7 hours (154KM), you will arrive in Timure and settle into a tea house or guesthouse for the night.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | N/A |
| Accomodations: | Lodge |
Day 02: Drive And Rest Day In Kyirung
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 09:00-11:00 |
| Travel Duration: | 2Hour |
| Travel Distance: | 98KM/67Mile |
| Highest Altitude: | 2,700M/8,858FT | Kyirung |
- Attraction of the day: Kyirung Country and Himalayas
On day 2, after enjoying a hearty Nepalese breakfast, we will head to Rasuwagadhi for immigration formalities before crossing into Tibet. From there, it’s a short and scenic drive to Kyirong. With the rest of the day free, you can rest and explore the local Kyirung market and engage in conversations or explore the lifestyles of the inhabitants there.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | Hotel |
Day 03: Drive From Kyirung To Saga
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 09:00-15:00 |
| Travel Duration: | 6Hour |
| Travel Distance: | 230KM/143Mile |
| Highest Altitude: | 4,450M/14,600FT | Saga |
- Attraction of the day: Saga Country
Today, we will drive from Kyirong to Saga via Kyirong High Pass. The route offers sweeping views of the Himalayas, including peaks like Shishapangma and Langtang. Along the way, you’ll pass by Peiku Tso Lake and the mighty Brahmaputra River. The scenery showcases Tibet’s high-altitude plateaus and nomadic culture. You will spend the night at a guesthouse or a tea house in Saga.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | Hotel |
Day 04: Drive From Saga To Paryang To Lake Mansarovar
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 09:00-17:00 |
| Travel Duration: | 8Hour |
| Travel Distance: | 507KM/315Mile |
| Highest Altitude: | 4,600M/15,092FT | Mansarovar |
- Attraction of the day: First view of Mt. Kailash, Paryang and Lake Mansarovar
Begin a long but scenic drive from Saga to Lake Mansarovar, passing through Paryang and the Mayum-La Pass (5,211 m). Today offers your first glimpse of Mount Kailash and the sacred Lake Manasarovar. Travel near Lake Manasarovar shores and admire the peaceful surroundings before resting near Chiu Monastery.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | Hotel |
Day 05: Drive From Lake Mansarovar To Darchen
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 16:00-17:00 |
| Travel Duration: | 1Hour |
| Travel Distance: | 40KM/25Mile |
| Highest Altitude: | 4,650M/15,256FT | Darchen |
- Attraction of the day: Make Mansarovar and Darchen
You will spend the morning performing a holy bath and puja at beautiful Lake Manasarovar. While direct bathing may be restricted due to environmental concerns, you can fetch water from a bucket for a symbolic ritual bath to make the most of your Manasarovar travel. Later in the afternoon, you will drive to Darchen, the base for the Mount Kailash trek. Use the evening to rest or shop for essentials.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | Hotel |
Day 06: First Day Of Outer Kora - Trek To Dirapuk
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 08:00-15:00 |
| Trek Distance: | 12KM/7.5Mile |
| Ascent: | 290M/951FT |
| Trek Duration: | 7Hour |
| Travel Duration: | 15Min |
| Travel Distance: | 5KM/3Mile |
| Highest Altitude: | 5,080M/16,666FT | Dirapuk |
- Attraction of the day: Mt Kailash and the first day of Kora
Today marks the first day of the sacred Kailash Outer Kora, a 52-kilometre spiritual circuit around Mount Kailash. After breakfast, you will trek towards Yama Dwar, the starting point of the Kailash Kora. Then, we will move to Diraphuk, walking through rocky paths and open plains with breathtaking views of Mount Kailash. Travellers who prefer not to trek around Mount Kailash (Kora or Parikrama) can return to Darchen and wait for the rest of the group to complete the circuit. Once in Diraphuk,you will enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at a tented camp or tea house.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | Tented Camp |
Day 07: Second Day Of Outer Kora – Trek To Zuthulpuk Via Dolma La Pass
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 08:00-16:00 |
| Trek Distance: | 22KM/13.7Mile |
| Ascent: | 550M/1,805FT |
| Descend: | 840M/2,755FT |
| Trek Duration: | 9Hour |
| Highest Altitude: | 5,630M/18,471FT | Dolma La pass |
Today is the second day of the outer Kora, which is going to be the most challenging day of the Kailash Parikrama. You’ll start early from Dirapuk and begin the steep uphill walk towards the highest point of the trek, Dolma La Pass (5,670 meters). The first part of the day involves about two hours of climbing, passing through Yamasthal and Shiva-sthal, places of great spiritual meaning.
Before reaching the top, you’ll find a few small tea shops where you can take a break and enjoy some hot drinks. After crossing the pass, the trail becomes steep as you descend. On the way down, you’ll also catch a beautiful view of Gauri Kunda, a sacred lake connected to Goddess Parvati. Once the descent is over, the path becomes flatter and easier for the next 2 to 3 hours, leading you to Zuthulphuk, where you’ll rest for the night in a basic tea house or tented camp.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | Tented Camp |
Day 08: End Of Kailash Parikrama - Drive To Saga
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 08:00-17:00 |
| Trek Distance: | 13KM/8Mile |
| Descend: | 230M/755FT |
| Trek Duration: | 4Hour |
| Travel Duration: | 7Hour |
| Travel Distance: | 470KM/292Mile |
| Highest Altitude: | 4,790M/15,715FT | Zutulpuk |
- Attraction of the day: Mt.Kailash, Saga country
Today marks the final part of the trek. You will finish the last stretch of your circumambulation. This is a great accomplishment. This day will give you a sense of reflection. Having taken a round in Mount Kailash, you will return as a different and better person than you were when you started the journey.
After finishing the last stretch of your circumambulation or Kailash charan sparsh, you will return to Darchen and continue driving to Saga. Reflect on your pilgrimage as you pass through Tibet’s serene landscape and the shrinking view of Mount Kailash, which still serves as an aesthetic highlight of the day.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | Hotel |
Day 09: Drive Back From Saga To Kyirung
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 09:00-15:00 |
| Travel Duration: | 6Hour |
| Travel Distance: | 230KM/143Mile |
| Highest Altitude: | 4,450M/14,600FT | Saga |
- Attraction of the day: Kyirung Country
Today’s journey will begin in the late morning after having a filling breakfast at your guesthouse or teahouse in Saga. Then you will leave Saga behind and drive back to Kyirong, retracing your path through the open Tibetan highlands. En route, enjoy scenic photo stops and take in one last look at Tibet’s vast landscapes. Overnight at Kyirung.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | Hotel |
Day 10: Drive Back To Kathmandu
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Time: | 09:00-16:00 |
| Travel Duration: | 7Hour |
| Travel Distance: | 243KM/151Mile |
| Highest Altitude: | 2,700M/8,858FT Kyirung |
- Attraction of the day: Kyirung, Timmure
The tenth day of your journey marks the end of your journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Yatra. By this time, you will have explored the major holy sites of the Tibet Autonomous Region. This pilgrimage tour in Tibet will leave you with spiritual success as well as memories of an adventure along the Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar routes.
You will arrive in Kathmandu by evening and check into a guesthouse in Thamel, a popular tourist hub. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, pubs, and souvenir shops for you to explore here.
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner |
| Accomodations: | Hotel |
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Weather and Temperature in Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Yatra
The weather and temperature at Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar change with the seasons and are generally cold throughout the year due to their high elevation. Both places sit above 4,500 meters, so the air is thinner and temperatures are usually 5 to 10°C lower than in nearby lowland areas. Also, the sun’s UV rays are stronger.
The following table summarises the year-long temperature per month on average in the Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake Yatra:
| Month | Daytime Average Temperature (°C) | Night time Average Temperature (°C) |
| January | -8°C to -6°C | -21°C to -18°C |
| February | -5.1°C | -16.6°C |
| March | -2.2°C | -12.8°C |
| April-June | 8°C to 15°C | -2°C to 5°C |
| July-August | 10°C to 18°C | 0°C to 6°C |
| September | 6°C to 14°C | -3°C to 3°C |
| October | 2°C to 10°C | -5°C to -2°C |
| November-December | -5°C to5°C | -15°C to -25°C |
Challenges of Visiting Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar
Oxygen Deficiency
It is no joke for a pilgrim to reach an elevation of 5,630 meters above sea level. The oxygen deficiency will be a challenge for you if you are not an advanced trekker or a traveler who has previously visited high-altitude regions. It’s essential to go slow on your journey and take measures as soon as you see symptoms of oxygen deficiency or altitude sickness. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping.
Unpredictable Weather Conditions
The weather in the Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Yatra, especially in the Kailash region, is unpredictable. In the higher altitudes, you never know when the sunshine can change into a snowstorm. It is common for temperatures to shift from +15 degrees Celsius to -10 degrees Celsius. Always check the weather forecast before your trip begins.
Demanding Trails
Kailash Parikrama will take you through steep pathways, whether it needs you to ascend upwards or descend downwards. The roads are not paved and mostly remote. On top of that, the high altitude can make it harder to breathe, and many travelers may feel tired, dizzy, or even nauseous due to the lower oxygen levels. Proper acclimatization and physical fitness are important to handle these demanding conditions.
Limited Medical Facilities
Medical support along the Kailash trail is very limited. In case of illness or injury, help may not be available right away. That’s why every traveller needs to carry essential medications and a basic first-aid kit. In rare but serious cases, helicopter evacuation may be needed, so it’s wise to arrange travel insurance that covers high-altitude emergencies before your journey begins.
Basic Amenities
The accommodation conditions at Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Yatra may not always be luxurious. Most remote locations, which are the landmarks of your journey, will have basic amenities that are comfortable enough to accommodate you and serve you overall. Also, you have to share rooms, toilets, and other facilities. You may not always enjoy a hot water facility, either.
Required permits and permissions for the Tour
Like any other long-day trek, the Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar tour requires collecting some necessary permits to touch the foot of Mount Kailash. These permits and permissions include:
Chinese Visa
To visit Mount Kailash in Tibet, international tourists must obtain a Chinese visa, as Tibet is part of China. Tourists from Australia, New Zealand, Poland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, and Singapore can now enter China without a visa for 15 to 30 days. If you’re unsure about whether you need a Chinese visa, contact us for more information.
Tibet Travel Permit
Another document you need for the Tibet tour is a Tibet Travel Permit, also known as the Tibet Visa. This permit is required for any travel within Tibet, and without it, you can’t board a train or plane to get there from mainland China. Thankfully, obtaining the permit is easy with our assistance. Simply book your Mount Kailash tour with us and send us copies of your passport and Chinese visa. We’ll then take care of the permit application for you.
How to Prepare for Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Yatra?
It is a requisite for one to prepare for the Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Yatra before their trip begins. This journey involves high altitudes and physically demanding terrain, so building your fitness is key. Focus on daily cardio exercises like walking, jogging, or cycling for 1-2 hours to improve stamina. Also, do some exercises to make your legs and core stronger. You can practice hiking nearby with a backpack to get used to walking for hours.
Another thing you need to learn is proper altitude acclimatization. Take rest days and don’t rush, so your body can adjust. Bring any medicine your doctor recommends and drink plenty of water. Furthermore, make sure you have all the permits and travel insurance before you leave. Also, check the currency requirements and exchange money in advance to avoid inconvenience. Last but not least, be mindful of the culture of the location you are traveling to. Stay respectful and ethical throughout your journey.
Questions Asked by Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Yatra
Will the tourists reach Lhasa during Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Yatra?
How long is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra on average?
What is the best time for the Kailash tour with Manasarovar Lake?
What currency is required for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour?
What is the weather and temperature of Mount Kailash during this time of year?
What is the elevation of Sacred Mount Kailash?
Can I Travel to Mount Kailash by Myself?
What is the significance of Mount Kailash?
What is the importance of Lake Manasarovar for the religions?
How Can I Get to Mount Kailash from Kathmandu?
Is Mount Kailash Kora Tour Difficult?
Can you complete the Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar tour without a tour operator?
What kind of ritual does it take place in Mount Kailash?
How about the Accommodations around Mount Kailash?
What are the popular foods of Tibet you can eat during the Mount Kailash Tour?
Puskar Khadka, May, 2025, Nepal
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was unlike any other trip I’ve ever done. We started with a drive from Kathmandu to Timmure, and I could already feel how different this journey would be. Crossing into Tibet and arriving in Kyirung felt like I was in a different world. By the time we reached Saga and then Lake Mansarovar, the altitude was kicking in but the beauty of the surrounding made it worth every second. The first view of Mount Kailash gave me goosebumps.
The kora days were tough. I won’t lie, the altitude made it hard, and it took everything out of me. But something about walking in the shadow of Kailash shifted something inside me. When we completed the circuit and made our way back to Kathmandu through Saga and Kyirung, I felt different. I was physically drained but spiritually lifted. It’s not an easy trip, but I’d do it all over again to get that inner relief.
USD 2,788 per person
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