Kathmandu to Kailash – 15 Days
The Journey of a Lifetime

In the remote southwestern region of Tibet, China, lies a pyramid-shaped mountain called and prayed to as Mt. Kailash. Mt. Kailash, along with Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal, possesses a unique magnetic force that has attracted billions of religious followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon for centuries. Hindus believe it to be the home of Lord Shiva, while Tibetan Buddhists call it Kangri Rinpoche, meaning “precious snow mountain,” and Bon practitioners believe their master, Tirhankara Rishabhanatha, got enlightened in this place. It stretches two thousand kilometers from India in the west to China in the east and four thousand kilometers from Nepal in the south to China’s Turkestan province in the north, with an average elevation of four thousand meters above sea level. It is believed that Lord Shiva transformed his knowledge and transmitted the science of evolving human consciousness and well-being to Shapta Rishi (seven sages).

Circumnavigating Mount Kailash on foot is not considered easy, but it is believed to bring good fortune to the pilgrims and their loved ones. Those who cannot make it by foot have the choice of riding a horse, which is still considered a lifetime achievement. Lake Manasarovar is a holy lake, and it is believed that a dip in the lake purifies oneself of all sins committed over a hundred lifetimes. Drinking water from the lake is said to take oneself to the abode of Lord Shiva after death. It is also believed that Lord Shiva comes to bathe in the lake every day early in the morning from 2 am to 4 pm. Lake Manasarovar is the source of four great rivers of Asia: the Brahmaputra, Ghaghara, Sindhu, and Sutlej. Every year, thousands make a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and take a dip in the holy Lake Manasarovar following a religious tradition that goes back thousands of years. It is considered the center point of the Earth.

These days, the journey is much more comfortable compared to the past. You can choose from one of our popular itineraries below or speak to us to tailor your own itinerary and get ready to experience a life-changing journey.

Meet our representative from Trip to Kailash.Pvt.ltd at TIA Airport Kathmandu. Airport pick up and drive to the hotel.Overnight Kathmandu. Briefing of the tour.

The day begins with applying Chinese visa at the embassy, followed by a guided tour of Kathmandu’s spiritual and cultural highlights. We will visit the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, one of Nepal’s largest and most sacred landmarks, and the revered Pashupatinath Temple, situated along the Bagmati River. Nearby, explore the Guhyeshwari Temple, a Shakti Peeth with deep spiritual importance.

Covering a distance of approximately 20 km, the sightseeing tour takes 2-3 hours, including time navigating the vibrant city traffic.

Today, we start early, for a refreshing journey to the tranquil Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple. We trip through a beautiful forested trail, where we’ll pass by quaint local villages and terraced farms that feel like scenes from a postcard. After 4-5 hours of hiking, we’ll arrive at the serene Shiva temple, a perfect spot to pause and connect with the peaceful energy of the place. As the day winds down, we head back to Kathmandu, where we’ll spend the night, resting and cherishing the day’s adventures together.

Today, we head out to explore the charming city of Bhaktapur, known for its stunning Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we walk through its ancient streets, we’ll feel like we’ve stepped back in time, surrounded by beautiful temples and traditional architecture. Next, we visit the peaceful Doleshwor Mahadev Temple, marvel at the world’s tallest Shiva statue, a sight that’s sure to leave us in awe.

In the evening, we return to Kathmandu to collect our Chinese visa, an important step for our journey ahead. After covering around 40 kilometers on road and spending 3-4 hours on the road, we’ll settle in for a cozy overnight stay in the city.

Today we will fly from Kathmandu’s domestic airport to Nepalgunj. After arriving in Nepalgunj, we will have a free day to explore. Before flying to Nepalgunj, we can also visit the famous Pashupatinath temple. Overnight at a 4-star deluxe hotel at Nepalgunj.

We start early today with a flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot, a remote mountain town accessible only by air. The day is dedicated to acclimatization, allowing our bodies to adjust to the altitude. Meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—will be provided, and accommodations will be comfortable yet simple, with twin or triple sharing rooms featuring attached bathrooms, suited to the remote nature of this location. We settle in for the night, preparing for the adventure ahead.

After breakfast, we board a helicopter from Simikot to Hilsa, the Nepali border town next to Tibet. Once all group members arrive, we cross the border on foot, taking a short 10-minute walk into Tibet. Here, we meet our Tibetan and Nepali team members who will accompany us for the rest of the journey. From the border, we drive 30 kilometers by jeep or bus to reach Purang (Taklakot), a charming Tibetan town at an altitude of 3,900 meters.

The day’s experience offers breathtaking views and a sense of excitement as we transition into Tibet. Meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are provided, and we settle in for the night at Hotel Himalaya in triple-sharing rooms with attached bathrooms. The climate here is windy and cold, so a warm jacket is essential for comfort as we prepare for the next leg of the sojourn.

This day will be a rest day for all yatris (pilgrims) and our working team. It is important to rest before going to higher altitudes. You can walk around to make your body comfortable with the environment. You will stay overnight at Taklakot, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided.

After breakfast, we will drive and make the Mansarovar Lake Parikrama, during which we will find a good spot for spiritual pooja, havan, worship, meditation, holy bath, etc. We will pass Rakshas (Demon) Lake, where it is believed that King of Lanka Ravana performed penance for Lord Shiva. This will be a lifetime achievement. Overnight stay in Darchen.

We begin the day with a vehicle circumambulation of part of Lake Mansarovar before driving to Darchen, the base for the Kailash Parikrama. This is the day to rest, acclimatize, and make final preparations for the trek. Temperatures will begin to drop significantly here, ranging from 5°C during the day to sub-zero at night. If you require a pony or porter for the trek, let the trip leader know today. The 40-kilometer drive takes 1-2 hours. Overnight stay in Darchen as we gear up for the adventure ahead.

We start the first day of the Mount Kailash Parikrama with a 30-minute drive from Darchen to Yam Dwar, the Gate of the God of Death. From Yam Dwar, the 12-kilometer trek to Diraphuk begins. Those who pre-booked ponies or porters will have their support throughout the journey.

The trek offers two tea house stops—at 2 km and 8 km—where we can refill warm water, interact with local Tibetans, and enjoy some respite. This day is considered the easiest part of the Parikrama and provides stunning views of Mount Kailash’s north face. After 6-7 hours of trekking, we reach Diraphuk for an overnight stay.

This is the most challenging day of the Parikrama as we cross the steep Dolma La Pass at 5,600 meters. Those with ponies will ride until the Dolma La Pass, while porters provide assistance throughout. The trek includes steep ascents and descents, with two tea house stops before the pass and four after.

On the descent, we’ll catch a glimpse of the sacred Gauri Kund, a stunning emerald lake. The trail then takes us across a glacier—simple yet thrilling, requiring cautious steps. Covering 22 kilometers over 10-12 hours, we finish this demanding day with an overnight stay at Zuthulphuk.

After breakfast, we begin a 3-hour trek to Chongdo, marking the end of the Parikrama. At Chongdo, we meet our vehicles and drive to Darchen, reuniting with pilgrims who did not participate in the Kailash Parikrama. After lunch in Darchen, we continue our journey with a scenic drive to Mansarovar Lake and then onward to Taklakot. Crossing into Nepal, we proceed to Hilsa. If weather permits, we fly to Simikot; otherwise, we stay overnight in Hilsa. Meals for the day include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with accommodations in a standard hotel.

After breakfast, we begin a 3-hour trek to Chongdo, marking the end of the Parikrama. At Chongdo, we meet our vehicles and drive to Darchen, reuniting with pilgrims who did not participate in the Kailash Parikrama. After lunch in Darchen, we continue our journey with a scenic drive to Mansarovar Lake and then onward to Taklakot. Crossing into Nepal, we proceed to Hilsa. If weather permits, we fly to Simikot; otherwise, we stay overnight in Hilsa. Meals for the day include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with accommodations in a standard hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the airport for your onward journey. With cherished memories of an unforgettable adventure and a token of love, we bid you farewell and look forward to traveling with you again.

This Kailash Package includes of 2 packages: Nepal & Tibet package