Situated in the Ngari Prefecture in western Tibet, Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are easily accessible from Kathmandu, the lively capital of Nepal. Whether you start a Kailash Mansarovar tour by road, plane, or helicopter, you can enjoy an unforgettable travel experience on the Tibetan Plateau. At Tibet Horizon, we have designed diverse tour routes that meet your various needs on an unforgettable trekking adventure starting from Kathmandu. Keep reading for detailed information regarding each travel route.

Top1: 10 Days Kathmandu Gyirong Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour

Route: Kathmandu - Gyirong - Saga - Lake Mansarovar - Darchen - Mount Kailash - Darchen - Lake Mansarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Kathmandu
Distance: 817 km
Duration: 10 days
Highlights: Paba Monastery, Jipu Village, Mount Shishapangma, Pelkhu Tso Lake, Saga Valley, Mayum La Pass, Lake Mansarovar, Mount Kailash, Gyirong Valley
Cost: from $1750
Comfort Level: 5 stars
Itinerary Details: 10 Days Kathmandu Gyirong Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour

Day 1-5 Kathmandu to Darchen via Gyirong and Mansarovar

The journey commences in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, Nepal. On the morning of Day 1, our dedicated staff will greet you at your hotel and then escort you on a 7-8 hour drive to Gyirong town, a Tibetan village with beautiful scenery near the China-Nepal border.

On Day 2, you will go sightseeing in Gyirong and acclimate to the high altitude as well. During the Gyirong tour, you can visit the serene Paba Monastery and the charming Jipu Village, which offer a glimpse into traditional Tibetan life and culture.

The following day, set off for Gyirong to Saga, a scenic drive that provides stunning views of Mount Shishapangma and Pelkhu Tso Lake, a prelude to the natural wonders that await.

Day 4 takes you from Saga to the sacred Lake Mansarovar, revered for its spiritual significance in both Hinduism and Buddhism. You'll pass through the Saga Valley and cross the Mayum La Pass. After arriving at the lake where you check into a hotel nearby, you can take in the beauty of the lake and feel its holy and tranquil atmosphere.

The following day offers a chance to enjoy a short trek around Lake Mansarovar and spend some peaceful hours at the shore of the holy lake. Later in the day, we drive you to Darchen, the starting point of your Kailash Kora.

Day 6-8 Mount Kailash Trek

From Day 6 to 8, the focus is on exploring the wonders of Mount Kailash. Day 6 is the start of the trek around Mount Kailash. You begin by driving 7km and then trekking 13km (with an altitude range of 4675-5080m) towards Dirapuk Monastery. The trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In the evening, we reach the monastery and check into the guestroom for a well-deserved rest and dinner.

Mount Kailash is shining under the sunlight.

On Day 7, depart from Dirapuk Monastery and continue your adventure. After a challenging 762-meter ascent (with an altitude range of 5080-5648m), you will arrive at the highest pass of the Kora -- Dolma La Pass, which offers amazing views of the Himalayan range and gives you a sacred sense of fulfillment. Then on your descent, you'll encounter the pristine Cibei Lake (Gauri Kund), an emerald gem believed to cleanse one's sins. You check into the guestroom of Dzultripuk Monastery in the evening.

On Day 8, trek 6 km and then drive 4 km back to Darchen. The trek provides a final opportunity to soak in the beauty of Mount Kailash. Upon returning to Darchen, you continue a drive to Saga, during which you can enjoy the stunning view of Lake Mansarovar once again. In the evening, arrive in Saga and stay overnight there.

Day 9-10 Darchen to Kathmandu

Finally, on Day 9, leave Saga and head back to Gyirong and then Kathmandu. This marks the end of the 10-day pilgrimage tour. You will have memories to cherish for a lifetime, having witnessed the changing landscapes of the Himalayas, completed the trek around the sacred lake and mountain, and experienced the unique culture and spirituality of the region.

Top2: 13 Days Kathmandu Lhasa Kailash Mansarovar Flight Tour

Route: Kathmandu - Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Mansarovar - Darchen - Kailash - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Kathmandu
Distance: 2491 km
Duration: 13 days
Highlights: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Tashilunpo Monastery, Mount Everest Base Camp, Rongbuk Monastery, Lake Mansarovar, Mount Kailash, Gyirong Valley
Cost: from $2028
Comfort Level: 5 stars
Itinerary Details: 13 Days Kathmandu Lhasa Kailash Mansarovar Flight Tour

Day 1-3 Kathmandu Lhasa Tour

The tour starts with a transfer from Kathmandu to Lhasa by flight. In Lhasa, you can acclimatize to the high altitude, and then visit the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple on the second day to experience Tibetan culture and religious charm. On the third day, drive to Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery to explore the architecture and monastic life.

Day 4-7 Lhasa to Darchen via Everest Base Camp

After leaving Lhasa, the journey heads towards Darchen with stops at Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, and then Everest Base Camp where you admire the world's highest mountain. After this exciting stop, you continue to Darchen, enjoying the diverse landscapes along the way.

Everest Base Camp

Day 8-10 Mount Kailash Trek

The Mount Kailash Kora is a three-day trek, where you'll encounter both physical challenges and profound spiritual experiences. You'll start with an initial relatively easy day, followed by a more challenging second day with higher ascents to Dolma La Pass. On the final day, the trek is completed and you'll return to Darchen, reflecting on the sights and feelings encountered during your journey.

Day 11-13 Back to Kathmandu

The final leg of the adventure leads you back to Kathmandu, passing through various landscapes along the China-Nepal border. After arriving in Kathmandu, there's free time for shopping or sightseeing before being transferred to the airport to conclude the 13-day tour.

Top3: 19 Days Kathmandu Flight to Lhasa Namtso Guge Kailash Mansarovar Big Loop Tour

Route: Kathmandu - Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Bange - Wenbu South Village -Shiquanhe Town - Zanda - Darchen - Mount Kailash - Darchen - Lake Mansarovar - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Kathmandu
Distance: 3517 km
Duration: 19 days
Highlights: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Namtso Lake, Serling Tso Lake, Wenbu South Village, Tangra Yumco Lake, Zhari Namco Lake, Qiangtang Grassland, Shiquanhe River, Zanda Earth Forest, Guge Kingdom Ruins, Tholing Monastery, Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar, Saga Valley, Gyirong Valley
Cost: from $3040
Comfort Level: 5 stars
Itinerary Details: 19 Days Kathmandu Flight to Lhasa Namtso Guge Kailash Mansarovar Big Loop Tour

Day 1-5 Kathmandu Lhasa Tour

On the first day, upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be greeted by the iconic Durbar Square and the religious sites of Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath Stupa, where you can get a taste of the Nepalese culture. After flying to Lhasa, the "Roof of the World," you'll get to know more about Tibetan Buddhism through visiting landmarks such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, and Drepung Monastery. These visits will immerse you in the rich history, culture, and religious traditions of Tibet.

Day 6-11 Lhasa to Darchen via Namtso Lake

Departing from Lhasa, your overland adventure leads you through the breathtaking landscapes of Tibet, with the spectacular Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains and the serene Namtso Lake offering a visual feast. The journey continues through the vast Qiangtang Grassland, where you'll encounter the region's unique flora and fauna. As you approach Darchen, the pilgrimage center of Mount Kailash, you'll traverse the dramatic Zanda Earth Forest and the historic Guge Kingdom Ruins, each site narrating tales of ancient civilizations and natural grandeur.

Namtso Lake

Day 12-14 Mount Kailash Trek

Days 12 to 14 are your Kailash trek time. The route of the Kailash Kora is the same as the first two tour packages.

Day 15-19 Darchen to Kathmandu

The final leg of your journey takes you from Darchen back to Kathmandu. Passing through the Saga Valley and the lush Gyirong Valley, you'll experience a dramatic shift in landscapes as you descend from the Tibetan Plateau to the Nepalese lowlands. Upon returning to Kathmandu, you'll have the opportunity to explore the city at leisure, revisiting its historic sites or discovering new facets of its vibrant culture before your departure. This comprehensive tour leaves you with a deep appreciation for the diverse cultural and natural wonders of the Himalayan region.

Top4: 20 Days Kathmandu Overland to Kailash Guge Namtso Lhasa Everest Loop Tour

Route: Kathmandu - Rasuwa Gadhi - Gyirong - Saga - Lake Mansarovar - Darchen - Mount Kailash - Darchen - Zanda - Guge Kingdom - Shiquanhe Town - Wenbu South Village - Serling Tso Lake - Namtso Lake - Lhasa - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu
Distance: 3312 km
Duration: 20 days
Highlights: Paba Monastery, Jipu Village, Lake Mansarovar, Mount Kailash, Zanda Earth Forest, Tholing Monastery, Guge Kingdom Ruins, Qiangtang Grassland, Zhari Namco Lake, Tangra Yumco Lake, Serling Tso Lake, Namtso Lake, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Tashilunpo Monastery, Mount Everest Base Camp, Rongbuk Monastery
Cost: from $3200
Comfort Level: 5 stars
Itinerary Details: 20 Days Kathmandu Overland to Kailash Namtso Lhasa Everest Loop Tour

Day 1-4 Kathmandu to Darchen

Set off from Kathmandu and immerse in a 6-7 hour scenic drive to Rasuwa Gadhi. On the next day, you cross the China-Nepal border at Gyirong, where you are greeted by our local guide and driver. The route includes visits to the Paba Monastery, Jipu Village, and the Gyirong Valley, offering diverse landscapes from pastoral terrains to dense forests. The trip continues to Saga, with an overnight stay. Day three leads you to the sacred Lake Mansarovar, with a route that showcases the majestic Saga Valley and Mayum La Pass. The fourth day involves a short trek around Lake Mansarovar before proceeding to Darchen, where preparations for the Mount Kailash trek begin.

Day 5-7 Kailash Trek

Days 5 to 7 are your Kailash trek time. And the route of the Kailash Kora is the same as the first two tour packages.

Day 8-14 Darchen to Lhasa via Guge Kingdom

From Darchen, the journey heads to Zanda County, passing through the Zanda Earth Forest and visiting the ancient Tholing Monastery and Guge Kingdom Ruins. Then the trip onwards to Shiquanhe Town, where the Shiquan River's beauty captivates the soul. Cross the expansive Qiangtang Grassland, a haven for wildlife, leading to Gaize. Further stops include the serene Tangra Yumco Lake and Wenbu South Village, offering insights into local Tibetan culture. The final leg to Lhasa concludes with a visit to the mystical Namtso Lake, one of the three “holy lakes” in Tibet.

Guge Kingdom Ruins

Day 15-18 Lhasa EBC Tour

In Lhasa, you can visit the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street, deeply diving into Tibetan history, culture, and spirituality. The city tour continues with explorations of the Sera and Drepung monasteries, where you can witness Tibetan monks' debates. Then a scenic route to Shigatse unfolds with breathtaking views of Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, and Simila Mountain Pass. In Shigatse, your visit to Tashilunpo Monastery is followed by a drive to Everest Base Camp (EBC), where you can experience the sunset view, the Milky Way, and monuments marking the elevation of Mount Everest.

Day 19-20 Back to Kathmandu

The final days involve a return journey to Kathmandu. Starting with a sunrise view of Mount Everest, you can visit Rongbuk Monastery and Pelkhu Tso Lake before heading back to Gyirong. The last day is a long drive back to Kathmandu, concluding the tour with a reflection on the diverse landscapes and cultural experiences of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, the tour service ends, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your Tibetan adventure.

Top5: 11 Days Kathmandu to Kailash Mansaovar Helicopter Tour

Route: Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Simikot - Hilsa - Purang - Lake Mansarovar - Darchen - Mount Kailash - Hilsa - Simikot - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu
Distance: 709 km
Duration: 11 days
Highlights: Pashupatinath Temple, Purang Town, Lake Mansarovar, Mount Kailash
Cost: from $3950
Comfort Level: 5 stars
Itinerary Details: 11 Days Kathmandu to Kailash Mansaovar Helicopter Tour

Day 1-2 Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

The journey commences in Kathmandu, and you have the opportunity to explore the city's rich cultural heritage, including a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath Temple. After experiencing the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, take a flight to Nepalgunj, a significant town in southwestern Nepal. This leg of the trip provides a chance to witness the transition from the urban landscape to more rural settings.

Day 3 Helicopter Tour

Day three swoops you from Nepalgunj to Simikot, launching you into an exhilarating helicopter ascent to Hilsa. This aerial voyage unveils panoramic vistas of the Himalayan grandeur and the sprawling Tibetan Plateau. Touch down for a scenic drive to Taklakot, where you'll rest for the night. It's a day of dynamic travel, leading you to the next chapter of your odyssey.

Helicopter Tour from Nepal to Kailash

Day 4-6 Taklakot to Darchen

Upon landing, proceed to Taklakot, a small town near the border with Tibet, and then continue to Darchen, the starting point for the Mount Kailash pilgrimage. These days are spent acclimatizing to the high-altitude environment and absorbing the serene beauty of Lake Mansarovar and the surroundings. You can engage with local culture and prepare for the physical and spiritual journey of the Kailash trek.

Day 7-9 Kailash trek

Days 7 to 9 are your Kailash Kora time. And the route of the Kailash Kora is the same as the first two tour packages.

Day 9-11 Back to Kathmandu

After the trek, retrace your steps back to Kathmandu. The return trip offers a chance to revisit the highlights of the helicopter tour and to process the deep impressions left by the landscapes and cultures encountered. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, the tour concludes.

Top6: 13 Days Kathmandu to Kailash Mansarovar Guge Kingdom Helicopter Tour

Route: Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Simikot - Hilsa - Purang - Darchen - Kailash - Zanda - Shiquanhe Town - Purang - Hilsa - Simikot - Kathmandu
Distance: 1495 km
Duration: 13 days
Highlights: Pashupatinath Temple, Lake Mansarovar, Mount Kailash, Zanda Earth Forest, Tholing Monastery, Guge Kingdom Ruins, Shiquanhe River
Cost: from $4270
Comfort Level: 5 stars
Itinerary Details: 13 Days Kathmandu to Kailash Mansarovar Guge Kingdom Helicopter Tour

Day 1-2 Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

After arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you are met by our professional tour guide and transferred to a hotel. Then you can take a city walk to explore Nepalese daily life. The following day, a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu commences. The tour includes a visit to the famous Pashupatinath Temple, which is one of the most significant Hindu temples in the world. After the tour, you are taken to the airport to catch a flight to Nepalgunj.

Day 3 Helicopter Tour

Today's itinerary is the same as the top5 package. The journey starts from Nepalgunj and the first stop is Simikot. From there, embark on a helicopter tour flying to Hilsa. Here, you have to go through the necessary immigration and border formalities. After that, you are driven to Taklakot and then check into a local hotel. The helicopter ride offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayan landscapes.

Day 4-5 Purang to Darchen

Day 4 is for acclimatization. Staying in Purang, which is at an altitude of 3700m, you can relax and get used to the high altitude. During a day tour in Purang, you may explore Purang International Market, a seasonal market opening from mid-July 15 to mid-Oct every year. You can buy spices, clothes, coffee, and jewelry from Nepalese and Indian sellers. The next day, travel from Purang to Lake Mansarovar. Along the way, you'll pass Lake Rakshastal, known as the “Demon Lake”, whose waters reflect the surrounding snow-capped mountain, offering the captivating charm of this lake.

Day 6-8 Kailash Trek

Days 6 to 8 are your Kailash Kora time. And the route of the Kailash Kora is the same as the first two tour packages.

Day 9-13 Darchen to Kathmandu

From Day 9, the journey back towards Kathmandu begins. Along the way to Zanda, you'll explore the Zanda Earth Forest's striking canyons, the Tholing Monastery's exquisite murals, and the Guge Kingdom Ruins' royal palace complex. On Day 10, head to Shiquanhe Town to hike the river canyon, admire the waterfall, and enjoy the Earth Forest Mountains' unique landscape, with an overnight stay in town. The following day takes you to Purang, crossing into Nepal, and flying to Simikot by helicopter if time allows. If it is too late to fly to Simikot, you'll take a helicopter ride the next day. Then take a flight to Nepalgunj and back to Kathmandu for the night. Finally, on Day 13, depart from Kathmandu after a warm farewell from your guide and driver, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure with Tibet Horizon.

Zanda Earth Forest

Visa and Permits for Kailash Tour from Nepal

To embark on a journey to Mt. Kailash from Nepal, a set of specific travel documents is essential:

Chinese Group Visa: This visa, issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, is mandatory for international travelers planning to enter Tibet from Kathmandu, Nepal. It's a single-entry visa, and most visitors outside of visa-free countries must secure it before the trip.
Tibet Travel Permit: Obtaining this permit is indispensable to enter Tibet.
Aliens' Travel Permit: When venturing beyond Lhasa to destinations such as Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, foreigners must procure an Aliens' Travel Permit to legally visit these areas.
Military Area Entry Permit: Access to Ngari Prefecture, which includes the sites of Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, is restricted and necessitates a Military Area Entry Permit for foreign travelers and Taiwan compatriots.
Border Permit (Frontier Pass): This permit is crucial for Taiwan compatriots, as well as Chinese citizens including residents of Hong Kong and Macau, who intend to explore areas near the China-Nepal border, such as the Kailash Mansarovar region.

Conclusion

To start a journey to Kailash Mansarovar from Nepal, there are various routes you can choose: travel by road via Gyirong Port, take flight via Lhasa, or soar by helicopter via Purang Port. Each path offers a unique gateway to the sacred Kailash trip. Tibet Horizon offers carefully tailored packages catering to your needs. Our comprehensive support ensures you're free to immerse in the sacredness of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, handling all logistics, permits, dining, and stays. With us, you're not just traveling; you're embarking on a soulful odyssey through one of the world's most revered landscapes.