Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Overland Ex Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu and check in. Proceed for morning darshan at Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati, followed by the Guhyeshwari Shakti Peetha nearby and Budanilkantha Temple with its reclining Vishnu image. In the afternoon attend a comprehensive briefing covering health precautions, packing, altitude behaviour, documentation and border procedures for the journey into Tibet. Balance of the day free to organise luggage and rest. Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast drive north out of the Kathmandu valley towards the Nepal-Tibet frontier. The road passes through forested hills, terraced farmland, river valleys and small roadside settlements, following the Trishuli river for much of the way. The final stretch is narrow and winding. Arrive at Syabrubesi or Timure, the last overnight stop in Nepal before entering Tibet, and check in to simple accommodation. Overnight in Syabrubesi or Timure.

Proceed the short distance to the Rasuwagadhi border on the Bhote Koshi. Complete Nepal exit formalities and Chinese immigration and customs procedures, which can take several hours, then enter Tibet. Continue by road up the gorge to Kerung, where the journey begins its gradual ascent and the landscape changes from forest to open mountain country. Check in and rest to help the body adjust to the altitude. Overnight in Kerung.

Leave Kerung and climb onto the vast Tibetan Plateau, crossing high passes with views of wide valleys, barren hills and distant snow peaks. The route passes nomad camps, grazing yaks and occasional small settlements along the way. Short stops are planned during the drive to stretch, drink water and support gradual acclimatization. Arrive at the town of Saga in the afternoon, check in and rest. Overnight in Saga.

Spend a dedicated acclimatization day in Saga, at approximately 4,640 metres. No long drive today. Undertake only light walks around the town and the riverside, drink sufficient fluids through the day, eat warm meals and rest as much as possible. This pause is important preparation for the higher-altitude stages at Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash that follow. Overnight in Saga.

A long day's drive west across the plateau, passing high passes, open grassland and small Tibetan villages, to sacred Lake Mansarovar at approximately 4,590 metres. On arrival, enjoy views of the turquoise lake with the distant peak of Mount Kailash beyond. Time is provided for prayer, quiet reflection and a holy dip, subject to weather and local conditions. Check in to the guest house beside the lake. Overnight at Lake Mansarovar.

Spend a calm morning beside Lake Mansarovar, with time for sunrise views, prayer and rituals on the shore. Later drive the short distance to Darchen, situated at approximately 4,575 metres at the foot of Mount Kailash. Darchen serves as the base for the three-day Kailash Kora. Check in, rest and prepare trekking equipment, warm clothing and essentials for the Parikrama. Overnight in Darchen.

Begin the sacred Mount Kailash Parikrama today. A short drive to Yama Dwar is followed by a trek through the western valley of Lha Chu, between high rock walls and open meadows. The north face of Mount Kailash becomes increasingly visible while approaching Dirapuk. Ponies and porters may be arranged locally. Overnight near the Dirapuk monastery area at approximately 4,900 metres in basic guest house accommodation.

Undertake the most difficult and most sacred day of the Parikrama. Start early and ascend steadily to the Dolma-La Pass at approximately 5,636 metres, the highest point of the Kora, marked by prayer flags. Descend past Gauri Kund and follow the valley towards Zuthulpuk. This demanding day requires strong fitness and careful attention to altitude symptoms. Overnight in simple accommodation at Zuthulpuk.

Complete the final approximately 12-kilometre section of the Mount Kailash circumambulation on foot, walking out of the valley to the endpoint of the trail. The three-day Kailash Parikrama is completed here. Lunch is taken at Darchen, after which you continue by road across the open Tibetan plateau, passing lakes, grazing land and small settlements, to Saga. On arrival, check in at the guesthouse and rest after the exertion of the circuit. Overnight in Saga.

A long driving day back across the plateau. Drive from Saga to Kerung, where border and immigration formalities are completed, then enter Nepal and continue down through the river gorges and green hill country towards the Kathmandu Valley. On arrival in Kathmandu, check in at the hotel for the final overnight stay of the journey, with time to rest or walk in the nearby streets. Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast at the hotel, and according to your flight schedule, check out and transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your onward flight. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra concludes here. If time allows before the transfer, the area around the hotel can be explored on foot for last purchases. End of services.