Mount Kailash Tour
Trip Duration
17 Days
Group Sizes
2-16 People
Destination
Tibet
Max. Altitude
5700m
Activities
Difficulty
Easy
Meals
Accommodation
A paradise view trek, heaven of rock and ice, we present you our Mount Kailash Tour- an almost unreasonably exciting cultural journey through the Himalayas of Tibet and Nepal.
Our Mount Kailash tour from Kathmandu is in short not trekking but a cultural and spiritual expedition that will take you to one of the most coveted destinations in life.
Those who have already been there are the only ones who can confirm how well-placed this strong desire is. Usually, everyone finds an answer to the inspiration that pushes them to go to such a remote place, overflowing with spiritual energy.
Hindus, Buddhists, and followers of the Bon-po cult recognize Kailash as the navel of the most powerful geomantic point on our planet- an area of Ngari county in the western Tibetan plateau.
Kailash for Hindus is the reflection of Mount Meru. The 6638 m high world column around which everything revolves is rooted in the deepest abysses of hell and its top kisses the vault of heaven. The most revered god by Hindus, Shiva, lives on the top of the mountain with his wife Parvati.
According to the Purana, a sacred text of Hinduism, the four faces of the mountain are made of rubies, crystal, gold, and lapis lazuli. The northern face of Mount Kailash is in the shape of the Shiva Linga while on the southern slope, geological processes have created the shape of a natural swastika thus referring to this peak as Swastika Mountain.
The extraordinary nature of this mountain however is not in its height but in its isolated position. Over time it has become an important place of pilgrimage, every year thousands of faithful come here from all over the world (especially Nepal, Tibet, and India) to make the Kora or Parikrama- the circular itinerary around the mountain. To do this, they encompass the peak in a clockwise direction. Only Bon followers do it in counterclockwise.
The trekking route is 53 km long and takes 3 days to complete for the outer Kora and 4 days when part of the Inner Kora is included. For the devoted Yatris, each lap made on foot around Kailash is a further step towards eternal liberation and Nirvana.
We will also respect this traditional pilgrimage route in our Mount Kailash tour package itinerary and will reach Kailash by mingling with the believers.
The winding route between the mountains of Nepal will take you through Kerung to Tibet crossing numerous small monasteries. Then the Mount Kailash tour route will take you to the Holy Mother of Lake Mansarovar before reaching Kailash. Rested at the base of Kailash, this lake soars up to 4485 m altitude into the sky.
Referred to as Lake Mapam-Yumtso by the locals, it has often been believed that those who immerse themselves in its sacred waters will ascend to the heavenly realms of Brahma after they depart from this world.
Then the middle phase of our Mount Kailash tour package will guide you to the Darchen Village situated on the northern edge of the Barkha Plain. The lap around Kailash then commences as we progress to Dirapuk.
Here, we like to emphasize that in our Mount Kailash tour, we have received exclusive permission to lead all our participants on the Inner Kora around the majestic Kailash. This presents a rare chance for you to explore the breathtaking North, West, and South faces (only a momentary glance) of this sacred mountain.
The onward stage of this esoteric journey will then involve overcoming the 5630 m high Dolma La Pass (The highest height of our Mount Kailash tour) leading to Zhutulkuk monastery. Back in Darchen, a road travel through Saga along the road of the plateau will lead you to Kathmandu via Kerung.
All in all, Mount Kailash Tour from Kathmandu is not a journey like many others but it’s an experience worth living. For some of you, the tour may not carry the profound meaning of spirituality. However, it can be an extraordinary opportunity to evoke a sense of infinity and the supernatural that goes beyond the common perception of time and space.
The Mount Kailash tour does not involve any particular difficulties (except for the Inner Kora which may present some challenges). However, the stages have a sustained pace and reach very high altitudes above 5000 meters. Therefore, being in outstanding physical shape is essential.
Welcome to the exciting Kathmandu where the snowy ridges along with our competent correspondent will be present at your service. The half-hour drive by private transport will give you stunning glimpses of amazing Nepal.
Take a moment to rest and gather your energy after the journey. In the evening, you can wander through the bustling tourist and mountaineering hub of Kathmandu. In the evening, a delightful healthy vegetarian dish will be ready for you at dinner.
Early in the morning, our tour guide will organize an information meeting regarding our Mount Kailash tour package. We will then move on to complete the entry formalities to Tibet by visiting the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.
We will hand over our fingerprints for biometric verification along with passports and photographs. The officials will keep our passports for about 2 to 3 business days while they finalize our Chinese Group Visa.
We will then continue with a visit to the Pashupati temple; one of the seven groups of monuments that allowed the Kathmandu valley to be inscribed as a UNESCO heritage site.
Here, a Brahmin will organize a Rudravishek Puja for Lord Shiva and for the divine blessings for our pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash. Additionally, we will explore the entire Pashupati complex and engage in worship and puja at the Guheswori Temple, dedicated to the goddess Parvati.
We will have the whole day in Kathmandu where we will experience the great vibe of this special city. We will focus on the Buddhist areas as well as the classic Newar culture, for which Kathmandu is especially famous.
Our itinerary for today includes a visit to the Buddhist monastery of Boudhanath, the largest stupa in Nepal, and to the Monkey Temple where a mix of Hinduism and Buddhism can be seen.
Our adventure in Kathmandu will then take us to the southeastern section of the historic town of Bhaktapur, where we will discover the important Doleswor Mahadev Temple, a sacred site for Lord Shiva. Within its walls lies a Shiva Lingam, believed to represent the head of Lord Kedarnath in India.
We will receive our Chinese Group Visa today which means it’s time to gear up for our Mount Kailash tour from Kathmandu. Our team will manage the Visa logistics while we will examine for any missing gear.
After we are fully equipped, we will head over to the Budhanilkantha Temple, where the tranquil Lord Vishnu keeps sleeping over Shivapuri Hill. We will return early to our hotel for enough rest before the long journey ahead tomorrow.
From Kathmandu, we will drive across the hilly countryside to reach the Rasuwa District at the Nepal-Tibet border. Our four-wheel will lead us along the Pasang Lhamu Highway with the Trishuli River constantly flowing beside us.
The Trishuli Bazaar will be our momentary resting place. Continuing on, the beautiful green hills of Rani Pauwa and Dhunche will be traversed. don’t forget to look out for Manaslu, Ganesh, and Annapurna heads meeting the sky.
The route will then gracefully go down towards Syabrubesi from where our four-wheel will continue on to Timure and Ghatte Khola- the first mountain village for the first mountain night.
At the threshold of Ghatte Khola, the office of Nepal Immigration will review our documents. Once we clarify this formality, we will cross the Sino Highway (Friendship Highway) for 15 minutes to Rasuwagadhi.
Once again, after arranging the formalities, we will be taken to the Tibet border where our local Tibetan guide will join our Mount Kailash tour. We will drive along the road in beautiful scenery to the town of Kerung where another overnight stay will take place.
In just one day, we have achieved an elevation increase of almost 1500 meters. So we will take a restful day off here to acclimatize to the altitude and the unique climate of the Tibetan Plateau.
We will head out to walk in the illustrious Pakpa Monastery, located in the town’s heart. This Gompa, built in the 7th century AD, is home to a beautifully crafted statue of Nepali Princess Bhrikuti, who was united with a Tibetan king.
We will also take time to admire the Railway Bridge of Kerung and wander through the quaint border villages that overlook the magnificent Kerung Gorge.
After breakfast, we continue along the Friendship Road, crossing the spectacular Thong La and Lalung La pass (5120 m.), from where an incredible panorama opens up over Shishapangma, Gaurishankar, Langtang, and Cho Oyu.
Here, the road changes its course and enters a beautiful area near the deep blue Lake Peiku Tso. As we continue our adventure, we will also make a stop at the remarkable cave of the Tibetan Sage Milarepa.
Next, a long well-built strong bridge will lead us over the Brahmaputra River ending us at Saga.
Accompanied by the unforgettable views of the Himalayan chain, and Brahmaputra River, we will drive by the yak herders camp at Old Dzongba. The colorful Dargyeling monastery will certainly grab our attention.
Now the arid zone of Tibet will escort us to the Horchu River, with Paryang as our waypoint. Don’t forget your documents, as the check post here will carefully inspect each of our permits.
After crossing the 5211 m Maylum La pass, the spectacular scenery of the Barkha plain with the splendid sacred lakes Mansarovar and Rakshas Tal with Naimonanyi Peak/Gurla Mandhata (7,694 m) appears before our eyes.
The two-hour winding journey will eventually lead us to Mansarovar which finally unveils the Kailash before us.
After a cleansing dip with the blessed waters of the Lake, we will have a Puja ceremony to pay tribute to the timeless peace of our forebears. According to your faith, you can also follow the shores of the sacred lake clockwise on foot.
Those who do not feel up to it can use the jeeps or buses for at least part of the journey. The views are fantastic, and the colors of the lake continue to vary. You will have the mass of Gurla Mandhata in front and, if it is clear, the view of Kailash to the northwest beyond the waters of the lake.
Those who like can also ride for about an hour to Chiu Monastery and explore the Guru Rinpoche Cave. If you wish, you can also take a dip in the nearby hot springs (optional – payment on-site).
Now, a brief sandy dirt road of remote Tibet will take us to Darchen, the starting point for the Kora at the foot of Mount Kailash. It is a destination for large communities of pilgrims from all over the Tibetan area and from Nepal and India.
In the evening, our guide will share comprehensive details about the four-day Kora pilgrimage set to start the following day.
Key Point
Local porters, yaks, and horses are available for hire this afternoon for carrying your luggage and for parikrama around the Peak. Please, keep in mind that the costs for these services are separate from our Mount Kailash tour package price. Our guide will manage the advance bookings for both porters and horses.
From Darchen, after a short transfer by our four-wheel, we will reach the Tarboche plain, at the entrance to the western valley of Kailash, the place where Saga Dawa takes place.
Tarboche for Hindu Yatris is Yamadwar, a portal said to be under the watchful eye of Lord Yama, the revered God of Death and the eldest son of Lord Surya (SUN). This sacred entrance is believed to be only passable by genuinely pure souls.
Now, we will pass the Sky Burial Site vastly covered by the swaying prayer flags. A gradual ascent along the Lha Chu River from here will eventually end up in front of the spectacular north face of Kailash, where the small monastery of Dirapuk Gompa is located.
We are the few chosen ones to undertake the part of Inner Kora of Kailash. Stretching to only 30 km from Darchen, we should not take lightly the obstacles that await us on the path.
The path of the Inner Kora is tough, yet the spiritual gains are invaluable. By traversing this route, we will unlock profound insights about ourselves and break free from the bonds of materialism.
From Dirapuk, we will start walking along the northern face of Kailash, marching towards Charan Sparsha. Here, we will arrive at the foot of this holy mountain, allowing us to touch and experience its sanctity firsthand.
If you find it challenging to move on after Charan Sparsha, you can still enjoy the stunning views of Kailash up close. After we finish the Inner Kora, we will return to the comfort of Dirapuk Monastery. Those Yatris who opted out of this section can take their time to relax and discover the beautiful surroundings of the monastery.
Today we will face the most challenging stretch of our Mount Kailash tour with the climb towards the Dolma La pass, passing by some delightful lakes and a place.
After Dirapuk, the trail rises sharply toward the Jarok Donkhang, followed by a steep ascent leading to the revered Shiva Tsal burial site (5330 m).
Here, pilgrims leave something personal: a piece of clothing, a lock of hair, a tooth, as a symbol of their death and rebirth to a new, more spiritual life.
Shortly after, we will reach the pass, where an infinite number of prayer flags flutter in the wind and from where the summit of Kailash can no longer be seen. This Pass is honored as the sacred home of Goddess Dolma, or Tara. In Hindu belief, she represents the divine manifestations of Goddess Gauri or Parvati.
From the Pass, we will descend steeply, immediately passing by the Tara Lake (Gaurikunda Lake), where you may happen to see Hindu devotees performing an ablution in the icy water, at about 5608 meters above sea level.
The vertically rising path will then guide us to the Axe of Karma (5670 m), a significant place for releasing our negative karma. One more effort down and here we are at the monastery of Zhutulpuk, built on the site where Milarepa came to meditate.
The last Kora walk will travel us back to Darchen. At Darchen, our private vehicle will be awaiting us taking us once more through Lake Manasarovar, gazing for one last time at the white dome of Mount Kailash. Small monasteries survive the test of time and are nestled against the slopes of the rocks.
We will once again drive over the Mayum La pass and come through the small old towns of Paryang, and Dzongba to reach Saga.
After Saga, the road dances through the wide-open plains, slowly gaining elevation until we stand at the stunning Lalung La Pass. The majestic Shishapangma and Gaurishankar will be once more in our sights. We will now journey through the twisting routes, ascending and descending, until we finally set foot in the picturesque Kerung.
As we near the border between China and Nepal, we will take care of the customs formalities and say our goodbyes to our Tibetan crew. With hearts full of gratitude for the warm reception from our Nepali team, we will journey through Syabrubesi to Kathmandu.
Once you arrive back at your hotel room in Kathmandu, take a moment to relax, recharge your spirit, and revel in the blessed journey of Mount Kailash.
Every remarkable journey reaches its end, and our Mount Kailash tour from Kathmandu is no different. As you prepare to board your flight home today, why not embrace your adventurous spirit? Extend your trip by an additional 2 or 3 days to uncover the breathtaking beauty of Pokhara or the wildlife wonders of Chitwan.
The Kora or Parikrama season for the Mount Kailash tour lasts from May to mid-October. July and August are the time when followers from Nepal and India make the Mount Kailash tour.
At this time, it is warm, but there can also be frequent rainfall with a probability of snow on the Pass and the view of the mountains may be obscured by thick fog.
The best time therefore would be in September and October with beautiful, sunny weather, excellent visibility, and no snow or ice on Dolma La.
However, if you are a genuine believer looking to share the experience of the Kora with other devotees, plan your Mount Kailash tour around the full moons of April, May, June, and July (a time considered extremely auspicious by Hindus).
This timing will allow you to immerse yourself in the lively festivities of the Saga Dawa Festival celebrated across Tibet. However, you may then come across crowds on the trails and a lack of places in the shelters.
The weather takes turn in late October, with powerful winds and snow. The roads can be impassable, and guesthouses along the route are closed.
The Mount Kailash tour from Kathmandu is certainly not an easy walk in the park. Starting at an elevation of 1,350 meters in Kathmandu, you will quickly find yourself at 2,950 meters in Kerung.
From there, the ascent continues, reaching 4,664 meters in Darchen and peaking at a prominent 5,630 meters at Dolma La Pass. With an average altitude gain between 4,500 and 4,700 meters, the Mount Kailash tour is therefore one of the most demanding treks you can undertake.
Your body needs time to acclimatize to such a great altitude that generally requires 3 days. This is why our itinerary includes a stop in Kerung, giving you the chance to slowly adjust to the thinner air.
On the other hand, we will also be taking the Inner Kora which is undeniably the most strenuous part where the track steeply rises over the slippery icy, and hard rocky grounds.
The harsh and changeable weather also makes this tour more difficult. While days can be scorching with sun, nights can bring biting winds and plummeting temperatures.
In addition, lodgings will be basic, especially from Darchen to Zhutulpuk, in simple hostels and shared outdoor toilets.
We strongly advise those who are not accustomed to high altitudes above 4,000 meters or who lack physical fitness to carefully consider their ability to join this trek.
When planning your Mount Kailash tour, please consider viewing some educational videos about the tour in Tibet especially in Ngari County. This will help you understand what to expect and prepare for the 4-day trek around Kailash, which includes both the outer and inner kora.
Please note that the outer kora can be done on yaks or horses, but you will need to walk for the inner kora.
It is also vital to prepare your body for the Tibetan air, so being active before your trip is key. To build your endurance and walking strength, try aerobic activities such as jogging, running, swimming, or biking.
A wonderful way to get ready is to hike in the mountains, reaching altitudes of up to 3000 meters near your area. Don’t forget to include meditation in your schedule to create a positive mindset that encourages teamwork and cooperation.
It is the altitude that causes the kora around Mount Kailash to be considered the most difficult pilgrimage route. The highest elevations to be reached on our Mount Kailash tour are at Darchen, Dirapuk, and Dolma La Pass where altitude is no joke.
The basis is proper acclimatization that’s why the Mount Kailash tour from Kathmandu – a little longer route- will be the best version where a rest day is planned at Kerung.
Still, there is a possibility for minor altitude sickness symptoms with slightly shortened breathing and accelerated heart rate, as well as a generally much weaker condition than in the lowlands.
Taking Diamox will protect against serious consequences and accelerate acclimatization. However, it does not necessarily eliminate the symptoms.
You can also take dexamethasone, which is used both to prevent altitude sickness and to treat its symptoms. However, you should not use it on your own as it is a strong medicine.
In addition to acclimatization and medications, adequate hydration is equally important. You can get hot drinkable water in your lodgings and other drinks en route in tea houses.
In Kathmandu, a welcoming three-star hotel will host you where rooms with two beds, private bathrooms, and a hot shower await your arrival. In Ghatte Khola, a local guesthouse offers a comfortable spot to spend the night, also designed for two.
In the Tibetan town of Saga, excellent hotels will be available. From Darchen to Zhutulpuk, large newly built government shelters with coeducational sleeping rooms are available.
However, toilets are located outside, 100 or even more meters away with tanks with cold water. During the busy Kora season, expect to see lodging set up under tents on the peaceful grounds of a monastery.
Our Mount Kailash tour package will offer you a delightful selection of vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), all paired with hot tea and fresh fruits after dinner.
As you traverse through Tibet to Saga, a combination of Chinese, Nepali, Indian, and Tibetan vegetarian dishes will be served for your meals.
On the Kora journey, you can expect your meals to be simple and somewhat repetitive. The staple menu includes Tibetan bread, noodle soup, tofu, rice, and tea.
You can also load up on extra snacks in Kathmandu with energy bars, dried fruits, chocolates, etc. If we need to set up camp, our kitchen staff will manage the meals for you.
Our private transportation service will collect you from TIA and when the Mount Kailash tour concludes, you will be returned to TIA in the same vehicle. Transport in Kathmandu for document processing and temple excursions will be provided in a private vehicle.
For the trip to and from Kerung, private transport (size and type depend on how many are traveling in a group) will be at your service. On the Tibetan side, all transport will be carried out in a spacious jeep or tourist bus.
During your time in Kathmandu, you can choose between the NCELL and NTC networks for your communication. Once you are on the Tibetan side, simply ask our Tibetan Guide for assistance in getting a local SIM card from choices like China Telecom, China Mobile, or Unicom.
WIFI is widely accessible at no charge in the majority of restaurants and hotels across Kathmandu. In Ghatte Khola, a small fee will be required for internet access.
As you travel into Tibet, WIFI is available, but not in every room. You will have to head to the lobby or book a deluxe room to get online. Keep in mind that popular social media platforms like Gmail, Instagram, Facebook, Google, WhatsApp, and YouTube are blocked, though you can easily download a supportable VPN app to access them without any trouble.
The Chinese authorities are continually updating and implementing new rules for international travelers. Currently, all excursions to Tibet must be coordinated through an authorized travel agency, which is the exclusive means to obtain the necessary permits for travelers. The permits required for visiting Tibet vary according to the selected itinerary.
For our Mount Kailash tour, it is vital to secure the Chinese Group Visa, TTP (Tibet Travel Permit), Foreign Affairs Permit, Alien’s Travel Permit, and Military Permit.
To visit the military-protected Ngari region of Tibet, you will need to allow a minimum of 15 business days for permit processing. Therefore, we kindly ask you to confirm our Mount Kailash Tour package at least one month ahead of your travel date.
Once your trip is confirmed, please send us a scanned color copy of your passport and a 51 mm by 51 mm photo that is devoid of makeup and glasses. The background of the photo must be white, and please ensure that your passport scan is complete without any cropped edges.
We will then take care of applying for the Tibet travel permit through a government-authorized travel agency, which will issue an invitation letter once our application is successfully approved.
To journey into Ngari, foreign travelers must obtain the Tibet travel permit, an important document issued by the Tibetan Tourism Office. This permit features two pages filled with your personal information and travel itinerary.
Once your application is submitted, you cannot alter your route or travel plans. Our Tibetan guide will keep the permit safe and will show it at the Chinese checkpoint at the Nepal-China border.
When we finally have the invitation letter, we can start the process for your Chinese Group Visa. Since you must be in person at the Chinese Embassy, we will wait for all our group members to arrive. Once everyone is in Kathmandu, we will go to the Chinese Embassy to provide our fingerprints, photos, and original passports which they will retain for two nights.
When applying for a Group Visa, you have two choices: the regular application, which takes 4 office days, or the faster express application, which only takes 3 office days.
The group visa will be provided as one white document for the entire group, so all members must enter and exit Tibet simultaneously on the same date and time.
Ngari is a military-protected zone in Tibet which necessitates securing a Foreign Affairs permit. The Lhasa Foreign Affairs Office is in charge of granting this permit.
We will hand over our Chinese Group Visa and passports to our Tibetan Guide. After obtaining the Tibet Travel permit, he will take the next steps to apply for the required permit on our behalf while in Tibet.
Aline’s travel permit is not a necessity for gaining entry into Tibet. The Tibetan Local Public Security Bureau will grant us this permit immediately after we provide them with our original passport along with a valid Chinese visa.
Another essential entry requirement for our journey to Ngari is a military permit, which can be obtained from the military office in Lhasa. Just like the foreign affairs permit, our Tibetan guide will take charge of obtaining this permit.
Typically, an average of 200 Chinese Yuan per day is enough to manage your personal expenditures, which include local payments to porters during the Mount Kailash tour, entrance fees for various attractions, laundry services, shopping, beverages, and gratuities for the driver and local guide.
According to traditional beliefs, doing the Parikrama or Kora on a full moon greatly increases the benefits. This practice helps to overcome the negative effects of past actions and offers a chance for rebirth in a better place.
The most affordable way to reach Mount Kailash is through Nepal. A Mount Kailash tour from Kathmandu in a group typically costs around $ 2500. This price covers an English-speaking guide, meals, suitable transportation, permit fees, and accommodation.
Mount Kailash tour is a tough journey in a remote part of Tibet that reaches amazing heights. We recommend getting insurance to help you with costs if your tour or flight is canceled if your baggage is lost, or if you need medical help, evacuation, etc.
If you are unable to do the inner kora around Kailash, you must stay in Darchen until the others return from the Inner Parikrama. You cannot finish the Outer Kora by yourself, and you cannot go home alone. Everyone in the group must leave Tibet together.
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