Kailash Mansarovar Trip 16 Days

Trip Overview

Kailash Mansarovar is the holiest journey a Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, or Bon practitioner can undertake. Crossing the lush middle hills of Nepal, you enter Tibet's high plateau, circle the sacred pyramid of Mount Kailash (6,638 m), and bathe mind and spirit in Lake Mansarovar. Our 16-day program maximises acclimatisation, keeps drive segments reasonable, and includes a three-day Kailash Parikrama for those fit enough to complete it.

• Style: Overland 4×4, teahouse / guest-house lodging
• Trip length: 16 days Kathmandu – Deperture from Kathmandu
• Max altitude: 5,645 m (Dolma-La Pass)
• Group size: 2 – 18 pilgrims

Best season: May – September

Trip Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,300 m) 
Day 02: Visa formalities & Kathmandu heritage tour 
Day 03: Biometric session at Chinese Visa Centre & Thamel travel
Day 04: Buffer day 
Day 05: Collect Tibet group visa 
Day 06: Travel from Kathmandu to  Kerong (2,750 m)
Day 07: Kerong Acclimatisation Walk — A light hike above town to 3,200 m; visit the Kerong monastery.
Day 08: Kerong → Saga (4,450 m)
Day 09: Saga → Lake Mansarovar (4,580 m)
Day 10: Mansarovar puja & onward to Darchen (4,575 m) — Sunrise rituals, holy dip (optional). 2-hr drive to Darchen, base camp town of Mt Kailash.
Day 11: Parikrama Day 1: Darchen → Derapuk (5,050 m)
Day 12: Parikrama Day 2: Dolma-La Pass (5,645 m)
Day 13: Parikrama Day 3 & drive back to Saga — Easy 3-hr walk to pickup point; Jeep retraces route to Saga.
Day 14: Saga → Kerong — Relaxed return, hot shower, last night in Tibet.
Day 15: Kerong → Kathmandu — Cross border, change vehicle, 7-hr drive to Kathmandu—farewell dinner.
Day 16: Depart from Nepal 

DETAILED ITINERARY

Details Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal – Passport Collection
Arrive in Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport). Our team will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Passport collection will be done by our team for visa processing. Evening free to rest.
 Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Visa Preparation and Kathmandu Sightseeing
After breakfast, begin exploring the cultural wonders of Kathmandu. Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Return in the evening.
 Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Biometric at the Chinese Visa Section – Free Day
We'll take you to the Chinese Visa Section for biometric and fingerprint procedures. The rest of the day is free to explore Thamel or relax.
 Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 04: Visa Follow-Up and Additional Sightseeing
Our team continues to follow up on visa processing. If you wish, visit Patan Durbar Square or Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
 Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 05: Receive Tibet Visa – Final Briefing Session
A Chinese group visa will be issued, and passports will be returned to you by the Embassy. Enjoy a free day for shopping or final gear checks. Attend an evening trip briefing with your Tibetan guide.
 Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 06: Drive to Nepal-Tibet Border (Kerung) – 7 hrs Drive
Leave early for the Rasuwagadhi border. After immigration formalities, cross into Tibet where your Tibetan guide awaits. Continue driving to Kerung (2,900m).
 Overnight at the Guesthouse in Kerung.

Day 07: Rest Day for Acclimatisation in Kerung
Take a light acclimatisation hike around Kerung with your guide. Hydration and rest are crucial for preparing for higher elevations.
 Overnight at the Guesthouse in Kerung.

Day 08: Drive to Saga (4,450m) – 6 hrs
Travel through stunning Tibetan landscapes en route to Saga. View snow-capped mountains and vast plateaus.
 Overnight at the Hotel in Saga.

Day 09: Drive to Lake Mansarovar (4,580m) – 9 hrs
Cross the Mayum La Pass (4,800m) to reach the sacred Lake Mansarovar. Take in the serene beauty of this high-altitude lake revered in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
 Overnight at the Guesthouse near Lake Mansarovar.

Day 10: Lake Mansarovar Exploration – Drive to Darchen
Morning puja (ritual) and spiritual dip at Lake Mansarovar. Optional visit to Chiu Gompa monastery. Then drive to Darchen, the base camp of Mount Kailash.
 Overnight at the Guesthouse in Darchen.

Day 11: Trek to Derapuk (4,920m) – 7 hrs Walk
Start your Kailash Parikrama Trek along the Lha Chu valley with views of Kailash's North Face. Reach Derapuk after a moderate climb.
 Overnight at the Guesthouse in Derapuk.

Day 12: Cross Dolma La Pass (5,630m) – Trek to Juthulpuk – 9 hrs Walk
This is the most challenging yet spiritually powerful day. Cross the Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the trek. Visit Gauri Kund before descending to Juthulpuk.
 Overnight at the Guesthouse in Juthulpuk.

Day 13: End Parikrama – Drive Back to Saga
Short walk to end the Parikrama. Drive back to Darchen and then retrace your route back to Saga.
 Overnight at the Hotel in Saga.

Day 14: Return to Kerung
Scenic drive back through the Tibetan plateau to Kerung, last night in Tibet.
 Overnight at the Guesthouse in Kerung.

Day 15: Return to Kathmandu (Nepal)
Cross the border and drive back to Kathmandu in a private vehicle. Rest and relax after your epic journey.
 Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 16: Departure Day
Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on flight time, enjoy a short walk in Thamel, and we will provide an airport transfer for your departure.
 End of Tour.

What’s Included
🟢Tibet group visa & Kailash permit
🟢Private Nepali Jeep (Kathmandu–Border–Kathmandu)
🟢Tibet-plated 4×4 with Tibetan driver & English-speaking guide
🟢Full-board meals in Tibet (breakfast, simple packed lunch, hot dinner)
🟢Hotels/guesthouses twin-share; sleeping bag provided for higher camps
🟢Down jacket & duffle bag (returnable)
🟢Oxygen cylinder & pulse oximeter carried by the guide
🟢All monastery entry fees en route
🟢Kathmandu heritage site permits are available on sightseeing days.
🟢Airport transfers, pre-departure briefing, and  government taxes

Not Included
🔴International flights to/from Kathmandu
🔴Nepal visa on arrival (USD 30/15 days)
🔴Lunch/dinner in Kathmandu (allow USD 8–12 per meal)
🔴Personal horse or porter on Kailash circuit (approx. USD 300 total if hired)
🔴Tips for Nepali & Tibetan crew (customary)
🔴Travel insurance covering 5,700 m & helicopter evacuation
🔴Personal gear, snacks, beverages, laundry