10 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Group Tour from Kathmandu by Overland

In the morning, our Kathmandu staff will escort you onto a jeep bound for the Nepal-China border, Rasuwa Gadi. The distance from Kathmandu to Rasuwa Gadi is approximately 130 kilometers and usually takes about 7 hours.

Rasuwa Gadi provides basic hotel accommodations and breakfast. We'll stay here, awaiting entry into Tibet, China, the following day.

The road from Kathmandu to the border is quite bumpy, but the scenery almost makes you forget the rough journey. Along the way, you'll see numerous magnificent snow-capped mountains along the southern foothills of the Himalayas. These mountains sit atop vast forests, towering into the sky.

As the jeep passes through Langtang National Park, you'll encounter a particularly rugged section of the road, with the vehicle swaying wildly on muddy terrain. However, the exciting part is the possibility of encountering some interesting wildlife along the way.

Stay overnight in Rasuwa Gadi.

Warm Tips:
Before heading to the China-Nepal border, please visit our office in Kathmandu at least 3 business days in advance. Submit your passport and pay the visa and service fees. Our Kathmandu staff will assist you in processing your Chinese Group Visa.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Rasuwa Gadi

In the morning, our Nepal border staff will escort you into Tibet to meet your Tibetan guide. You will cross the boarder to the Gyirong town in Tibet.

After that, you'll depart from Gyirong and ascend towards Mount Everest region above 4500 meters. This 380-kilometer journey offers a varied landscape, transitioning from low valleys to high plateaus.

Initially, you'll be enchanted by forests, waterfalls, and seemingly bottomless gorges before traversing the Kong Tang Lamu Mountain Pass (5236 meters) into the plateau. Along the way, you'll pass by Shishapangma Peak (8027 meters) and the serene Lake Paiku Tso, witnessing their tranquil and harmonious beauty.

Finally, you will arrive in Saga.

Stay overnight in Saga.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Saga

Today's journey will take you through the valleys between the Himalayas and the Gangdise Mountains, to reach the foot of the sacred Mount Kailash.

Along the way, you will have the chance to witness herds of yaks and sheep leisurely grazing on the broad grasslands at the foot of the snow-capped mountains. And the beautiful green lake, Gongzhuo Lake, will come into view at the same time.

After crossing 5211-meter-high Mayum La Pass, you will officially enter the Ngari region. Crossing this pass feels like entering a kingdom of wild animals. What unfolds before you is the sacred Lake Manasarovar with the majestic Mount Kailash towering in the distance.You can take your time to fully enjoy the scenery at Lake Manasarovar.

Stay overnight at Lake Manasarovar.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Lake Manasarovar

Today, you can first enjoy a short trek around the beautiful Lake Manasarovar. Located at an altitude of over 4,500 meters, Lake Manasarovar is believed to be the source of four of Asia's major rivers, making it not only a sacred site but also a crucial ecological hub.

Continuing along the lakeshore, you'll reach the destination of this journey, the starting point for the Mount Kailash kora trek - Darchen. Upon arrival, you can rest at the hotel, preparing and gathering strength for the forthcoming four-day trek.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

Warm Tips:
If you require porter services during the trek, please inform the guide in advance for arrangements. Note that porter services during the trek are not included in the tour cost and will require an additional fee.

Accmodation:

overnight in Darchen

Today is the first day of your Mount Kailash kora trek. During this journey, you'll marvel at the stunning scenery along the southern, southwestern, and western slopes of Mount Kailash.

To begin, you'll board an eco-friendly bus from Darchen to Sarshung village, where your 13-kilometer trek around Mount Kailash begins. This initial leg of the trek is relatively moderate, following the valley at the mountain's base and offering clear vistas of its southern and western slopes.

Upon arrival at the Dirapuk Monastery guesthouse situated at the western slope's base, you'll check in and store your luggage. Then you will follow your guide to explore the ancient Dirapuk Monastery. One of the most awe-inspiring moments here is witnessing the sunset over Mount Kailash. As the sun gently descends, you can patiently wait for the afterglow to illuminate the steep cliffs of the western slope.

After nightfall, you'll have the opportunity to admire the mesmerizing sight of the moon hanging over Mount Kailash's peak.

Stay overnight in Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse

Today marks one of the most crucial and remarkable days of your trek around Mount Kailash. You'll take a longer trek, crossing glaciers and ice rivers, with a chance to get up close and touch the rock faces of this sacred mountain.

In the early morning, begin your ascent from Dirapuk Monastery until you reach the glaciers on the west slope of Mount Kailash, at an altitude of around 5800 meters. Here, you'll witness the magnificence of the sacred mountain up close. Your guide will lead you in meditation at this center of the world, allowing glimpses into your past, present, and future.

If your physical condition permits, there's an opportunity to traverse the glaciers, getting closer to Mount Kailash and attempting to touch its steep and rugged rock surfaces.

Afterward, you'll retrace your steps back to the Dirapuk Monastery guesthouse.

Warm Tips:
The conditions of the glaciers vary depending on the season, and the feasibility of touching the rock faces of Mount Kailash will depend on specific circumstances.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse

Are you ready for the most demanding day of your Mount Kailash trek? Today, you'll trek over the 5630-meter-high Dolma La Pass, joining devout pilgrims on this sacred journey.

Early in the morning, you'll depart from Dirapuk Monastery to start today's hiking adventure. After advancing 4 kilometers and steadily ascending to 5430 meters, you'll witness the magnificent sunrise over Mount Kailash's northwest slope.

Continuing for another 2 kilometers leads you to the pinnacle of the Mount Kailash trek - Dolma La Pass (5630 meters). Standing there amidst fluttering prayer flags, it feels like the guardian spirits of the sacred mountain are present.

Throughout your journey, you'll witness devout pilgrims prostrating themselves, measuring the sacred grounds with their bodies, whether on boulders or rocky terrain, showing unwavering devotion.

After successfully crossing Dolma La Pass, the vivid green Lake of Compassion (also known as Guri Kund) comes into view. It's believed that bathing in this lake cleanses a lifetime of sins. Here, you'll also catch sight of the thick glaciers on Mount Kailash's northwest slope.

Continuing down from Lake Guri Kund, a lengthy descent follows until you reach the valley at the southeast base of Mount Kailash. Within the valley, you may encounter charming wildlife and find a resting site on the grassy plains for relaxation.

Stay overnight in Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse.

Warm Tips:
Due to the high altitude of Dolma La Pass, even in summer, the path might be icy and scattered with loose stones, so extra caution is required to prevent slipping during the hike.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse

Today marks the finale of your Mount Kailash trek.

In the early morning, you'll depart from Zutulpuk Monastery, returning to the starting point of the Mount Kailash trek, Darchen.

Later in the afternoon, your guide will accompany you on a 30-kilometer drive to visit the sacred Lake Manasarovar. The lakeside offers an ideal spot for meditation, where you can listen to the gentle waves of the sacred lake and immerse yourself in a serene atmosphere.

At the lakeside of Lake Manasarovar, there are also hot springs available for foot baths and soaking. If the trek has left you feeling tired, consider spending some time in the hot springs to relax and soothe your weary body (additional cost applies).

After the tour, return to Darchen, concluding today's fulfilling journey.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Darchen

Today, you'll retrace your steps back to Saga, rediscovering the beauty of the Ngari Plateau, the Himalayas, and the Gangdise Mountains. Along the way, you can pause at lush green pastures and lakes, getting up close to appreciate the natural scenery of Ngari and its wildlife.

Stay overnight in Saga.

Accmodation:

Overnight in Saga

In the morning, you'll leave the Ngari Plateau and journey toward the Tibetan border, exploring the snowy mountains and lush forests of the Gyirong Valley, nestled on the edge of the Himalayas.

After arrive at Gyirong border, you will bid farewell to your Tibetan guide and driver. Our staff at the Nepal border checkpoint will welcome you, assist in arranging the handling of your large luggage (additional fee required), help with your Nepalese visa procedures, and ensure your safe transfer in our private car, all the way to your hotel in Kathmandu.

After entering Nepal, you'll encounter numerous snow-capped mountains along the southern Himalayan foothills, such as Gaurishankar Himal (7,134 meters), Ganesh Himal (7,422 meters), Annapurna Range's Annapurna III (7,555 meters), Lamjung W (6,983 meters), Mount Kanguru (6,981 meters), Himchuli West (6,441 meters), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 meters), and Gaurishankar (7,181 meters).

Due to challenging road conditions, we won't make many stops along the way. But you will feast your eyes on the breathtaking landscape along the way, and enjoy the final gift the Himalayas have in store for you.

The tour service ends.

Notes:
1. The private transfer service from Gyirong border to your hotel in Kathmandu is not included in the Tibet tour package. Each client may expect to pay 60 USD for this transfer.

2. As there are local buses available from Gyirong to Kathmandu at less than 50% of the cost of the private car transfer, you also have the option to use public transportation. It will take you to a bus station near Kathmandu city, from where you can take a taxi to your hotel (approximately 5 USD). The private car service is optional and not mandatory.