The Mount Kailash Overland Yatra is one of the most sacred spiritual journeys in the Himalayas, undertaken by pilgrims and seekers from Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon religion. This 10-day journey begins in Kathmandu and travels overland through the Nepal–Tibet border at Rasuwagadhi, gradually ascending to the vast Tibetan Plateau.
The route is carefully designed for safe acclimatization, passing through Kerung and Saga before reaching the holy Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash. The highlight of the journey is the three-day Kailash Kora (circumambulation), where pilgrims walk around the sacred mountain, crossing the high Drolma La Pass at 5,630 meters.
This itinerary combines spiritual depth, dramatic high-altitude landscapes, remote Tibetan culture, and physical challenge. It is ideal for spiritually motivated travelers who are physically fit and mentally prepared for high-altitude trekking and simple accommodation conditions.
Mount Kailash Overland Yatra – 10 Days Highlights
Overland journey from Nepal to Tibet
Sacred bath and rituals at Lake Mansarovar
Complete Mount Kailash Kora (3 days)
Cross Drolma La Pass (5,630 m)
Visit Charan Sparsh & Gauri Kunda
Remote Tibetan landscapes and culture
Life-changing spiritual experience
Outline Itinerary
- Drive from Kathmandu to Rasuwagadhi to Kerung (2,800m | 7–8 hrs)
- Rest & Acclimatization Day in Kerung (2,800m | Easy walks)
- Drive from Kerung to Saga (4,350m | 5–6 hrs)
- Drive from Saga to Lake Mansarovar (4,500m | 7–8 hrs)
- Drive from Mansarovar to Darchen (4,600m | 2–3 hrs)
- Trek from Darchen to Dirapuk (5,100m | 5–6 hrs)
- Trek from Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk via Drolma La Pass (5,630m | 7–8 hrs)
- Trek from Zuthulpuk to Darchen, Drive to Saga (4,400m | 2 hrs trek + drive)
- Drive from Saga to Kerung (2,800m | 4–5 hrs)
- Drive from Kerung to Kathmandu (1,350m | 7–8 hrs)
Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Rasuwagadhi to Kerung (2,800m | 7–8 hrs)
Your journey begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Kathmandu. The drive follows winding mountain roads through rivers, waterfalls, deep gorges, and forested hills of northern Nepal. After reaching Rasuwagadhi, complete Nepal–Tibet border immigration formalities. Meet your Tibetan guide and continue driving into Tibet to Kerung town. This day is crucial for gradual altitude exposure and mental preparation for the journey ahead.
Day 02: Rest & Acclimatization Day in Kerung (2,800m | Easy walks)
This is a rest and acclimatization day to allow your body to adjust to altitude. You may take light walks around Kerung town, observe Tibetan daily life, and explore local surroundings. Proper hydration and slow movement are essential today, making this one of the most important days for a safe Kailash journey.
Day 03: Drive from Kerung to Saga (4,350m | 5–6 hrs)
After breakfast, drive across the Tibetan Plateau via Ghantula Pass (5,226m). The scenery opens into vast plains with distant snow peaks, yak herds, and nomadic settlements. You also see sections of the Brahmaputra River. Saga is a major transit town for pilgrims heading toward Kailash.
Day 04: Drive from Saga to Lake Mansarovar (4,500m | 7–8 hrs)
Today you travel toward the sacred Lake Mansarovar, crossing Dongpa Mahim La Pass. This day offers the first clear view of Mount Kailash, a deeply emotional moment for pilgrims. Upon arrival, the calm blue waters of Mansarovar create a powerful spiritual atmosphere ideal for prayer and reflection.
Day 05: Drive from Mansarovar to Darchen (4,600m | 2–3 hrs)
After completing holy bathing rituals and puja at Lake Mansarovar (weather permitting), drive to Darchen, the base camp of Mount Kailash. The afternoon is reserved for rest, packing, and preparation for the Kailash Kora.
Day 06: Trek from Darchen to Dirapuk (5,100m | 5–6 hrs)
After breakfast, drive to Yamadwar, the official starting point of the Kailash Kora. Begin trekking along a wide trail following rivers and valleys with breathtaking views of Mount Kailash’s north face. The trail is gradual but steady, allowing pilgrims to walk at a spiritual pace. Reach Dirapuk by afternoon.
Day 07: Trek from Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk via Drolma La Pass (5,630m | 7–8 hrs)
This is the most challenging and sacred day of the journey. Start before sunrise and ascend toward Drolma La Pass, the highest point of the Kailash Kora. Along the way, pass the holy Gauri Kunda lake. After crossing the pass, descend carefully to Zuthulpuk Monastery.
Day 08: Trek from Zuthulpuk to Darchen, Drive to Saga (4,400m | 2 hrs trek + drive)
Complete the final section of the Kailash Kora with a short walk back to Darchen. After breakfast, drive back to Saga. This day brings deep reflection and a strong sense of spiritual accomplishment.
Day 09: Drive from Saga to Kerung (2,800m | 4–5 hrs)
Drive back toward Kerung, gradually descending to lower altitude. The return journey offers peaceful scenery and a sense of closure after completing the sacred pilgrimage.
Day 10: Drive from Kerung to Kathmandu (1,350m | 7–8 hrs)
After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu via Rasuwagadhi border. Arrive in Kathmandu by evening, marking the completion of your Mount Kailash Yatra.
What's Included
- Twin-sharing accommodation (attached bathroom except Mansarovar, Dirapuk & Zuthulpuk)
- Daily breakfast as per itinerary
- English-speaking licensed Tibetan guide
- All ground transportation by van or bus
- All monastery entrance fees
- All necessary permits including Tibet Travel Permit
- Kerung border to Kathmandu transfer by jeep
What's Not Included
- Lunch and dinner
- Travel or rescue insurance
- Costs due to natural or political disturbances
- Personal expenses (drinks, tips, porter/horse charges, etc.)
- Any service not mentioned under “Cost Includes”
General Trek Information
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in tea houses during the trek and 3-star hotels in Mount Kailash Overland Yatra – 10 Days.
Meals
Three freshly prepared meals daily during the trek including Dal Bhat, pasta, rice, soups, and vegetables.
Drinking Water
Safe drinking water is provided using filters or purification tablets. Reusable bottles are recommended.
Guide & Porter
Licensed English-speaking guides and local porters ensure safety, navigation, and cultural insights.
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