Kathmandu to Kailash – 17 Days
The Journey of a Lifetime

This transformative 17-day pilgrimage from Kathmandu to the sacred Mount Kailash offers a rare chance to journey through the heart of the Himalayas, tracing a path trodden by sages, mystics, and seekers for centuries. Starting in Nepal’s vibrant capital, Kathmandu, you’ll explore ancient temples and immerse yourself in local traditions before crossing into Tibet, where the towering Mount Kailash awaits.

In Tibet, you’ll experience the incredible hospitality of local communities and share in the practices that have made this region a beacon of spiritual energy. Follow the ancient tradition of parikrama (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash, a journey that not only challenges the body but also nourishes the soul. Feel the mystical power of each step, as the mountain’s magnetic pull draws you closer to inner peace and spiritual clarity.

With carefully selected viewpoints, comfortable accommodations, and expert guides fluent in the region’s history and spirituality, this pilgrimage is designed to be a harmonious blend of adventure and reverence. Each night, reflect under the starlit sky, feeling the gentle rhythm of your heart as it synchronizes with the heartbeat of the Himalayas.

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.

We start our journey with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi in a comfortable 7 seater Scorpio Jeep,with four people for added comfort. As we travel through the lush Langtang National Park, we pass rolling hills, sparkling rivers, and charming villages. Along the way, there are checkpoints by police, army, and national park guards as we enter border regions.

We stop for lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying authentic Nepali flavors before continuing. After 6-7 hours on the road and covering 122 kilometers, we arrive in Syabrubesi for an overnight stay.

Today, we cross the border from Syabrubesi into Tibet, starting with immigration formalities at Rasuwagadhi. Once cleared, we continue with a short drive to Kyirong, a picturesque town where we’ll acclimatize to the altitude. Take some time to explore the local markets and experience the Tibetan culture. The drive covers 44 kilometers and takes approximately 3-4 hours, including border procedures. We spend the night in Kyirong, easing into the higher altitude.

Today is dedicated to rest and acclimatization in Kyirong to prepare for the journey ahead. You can spend the day exploring the quaint town, enjoying its peaceful surroundings, and soaking in the local atmosphere. With no driving involved, it’s a day to relax and let your body adjust to the altitude. Overnight stay in Kyirong.

We set off on a stunning drive through the Tibetan plateau, taking in the vast landscapes and majestic views of Mount Shishapangma. Along the way, we stop for lunch at a scenic spot overlooking the high-altitude plateaus. The journey covers 170 kilometers and takes 5-6 hours. As we reach Saga, we settle into the best available hotel on a twin-sharing basis and take time to acclimatize to the altitude.

Today, we drive to the sacred Lake Mansarovar, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. The drive, spanning 370 kilometers, takes around 7-8 hours and offers stunning views of Tibet’s serene landscapes. On arrival, we perform puja and other spiritual activities by the tranquil waters of the lake. Overnight stay at a standard hotel near Mansarovar with twin-sharing rooms (triple sharing during peak seasons).

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.

The final leg of the Parikrama starts with a 4-kilometer walk to the last tea house, where our luxurious vehicles (Volvo) will be waiting. After a short 20-minute drive, we return to Darchen, completing the spiritual trek. Covering a total of 13 kilometers in 4-5 hours, this is the easiest day of the Parikrama. We end the day with a comfortable overnight stay in Darchen.

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Our journey continues as we head back towards the Nepal border, driving 170 kilometers over 5-6 hours. We take a lunch break along the way and stop for some final shopping for Tibetan souvenirs. As we reach Kyirong, we settle in for an overnight stay, cherishing the last moments in Tibet.

We cross the border at Rasuwagadhi and begin our drive back to Kathmandu. Along the 166-kilometer route, we make scenic stops to enjoy the beautiful landscapes one last time. After 7-8 hours on the road, we arrive in Kathmandu, where a 4-star hotel awaits us for a relaxing overnight stay.

On the final day of our journey, we enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for departure. With hearts full of memories and a deep sense of fulfillment, we bid farewell, cherishing the experiences of this unforgettable pilgrimage.