Kailash Mansarovar Tour

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Kailash Mansarovar Tour

    The Kailash Mansarovar tour is the ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus all over the world. Even for Buddhists and Jain pilgrims, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra holds a huge significance. Apart from the religious side of this tour, it is one of the most adventurous journeys in the Tibetan Himalayas.

    Highlights

    • An ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains in the Himalayas
    • One of the most adventurous journeys in the Tibetan Himalayas
    • Traverse the Tibetan highlands and enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas and arid landscapes
    • An overland tour mixed with three days of Kora around Mt. Kailash
    • The tour is adventurous, intriguing, and religiously enticing
    • Visit Qiangdui Monastery and Paba Temple in Kerung
    • Witness mountains like Annapurna, Langtang Range, Manaslu, Shishapangma, Gaurishankar, etc
    • See beautiful lakes such as Sinling, Karru Ongchen, Khunmen Tso, and Peiku Tso
    • Explore Mansarovar Lake and engage in three days of Kora around Mt. Kailasha
    • See Gauri Kunda and Rakshastal Lake

     

    You will traverse the Tibetan highlands and enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas and arid landscapes. The Kailash Mansarovar tour starts from Kathmandu, Nepal. The proximity of the Tibetan border from Kathmandu allows you to begin this trip seamlessly.It is an overland tour mixed with three days of Kora around Mt. Kailash. Mt. Kailash Kora is considered one of the holiest koras, and completing it will help you get rid of your sins and be blessed by Lord Shiva.

    According to Hindu beliefs, Mt. Kailash is the center of the Universe and home to Lord Shiva. Given its significant value, climbing it has been banned. The location, challenges, environment, and aura around Mt. Kailash will help you transcend to a higher state of consciousness.

    Overall, the Kailash Mansarovar tour of 10 days combines a perfect harmony of adventure and faith. We have multiple fixed departures for the Kailash Mansarovar tour 2025 trip. Book your seat now and prepare to embark on a true lifetime adventure that will rejuvenate your body and soul.

     

    What is it like doing the Kailash Mansarovar yatra?

    The Kailash Mansarovar yatra is adventurous, intriguing, and religiously enticing. Whether you are a pilgrim or just an adventure enthusiast, you will enjoy this tour to the fullest. We use comfortable four-wheelers to drive from Kathmandu to Kerung.

    At the Tibetan border, our Nepali representative will help you complete the border formalities and hand you over to our Tibetan team. During the tour, you will travel with a local Tibetan guide. A comfortable four-wheeler and experienced driver will also accompany you.

    We have an acclimatization day in Kerung. It is important to spend a rest day here before traveling further to avoid altitude sickness. You will visit an old Buddhist monastery called Qiangdui that dates back to the 13th century.

    Likewise, you will visit the Paba Temple, built by the 33rd Tibetan King, to honor Bhrikuti, his wife. From Kerung, you will drive to Saga and relish vast Tibetan landscapes and mountains like Shishapangma, Gaurishankar, and Langtang Himal.

    You will also see beautiful yak herds and lakes like Sinling, Karru Ongchen, Khunmen Tso, and Peiku Tso during the drive. After Saga, the tour continues to Paryang, where the holy Mansarovar Lake is located. On the way, you will cross Mayomla Pass (5,122m), from where you can see striking views of Mt. Naimonanyi and vast pastures.

    Explore the Mansarovar Lake and Chui monastery on the northern shore of the lake and Rakshastal Lake on the west side. From Paryang, you will reach Darchen in just 2 to 3 hours' drive. Get ready for the Kora. You will start waking early the next day.

    If you want more support, hire a porter to help you with your bags. You will hike from Darchen to Dira-Puk, ascend to Dolma La Pass (5,670 m/18,602 ft), and descend to ZuthulPhuk. The trail descends to the end point of the Kora from ZuthulPhuk, from where you will drive back to Saga and then to Kerung and Kathmandu.

     

    Which mountains will you see during the Kailash Mansarovar tour?

    During the Kailash Mansarovar tour from Kathmandu, you will see many Himalayan mountains in the Nepali and Tibetan ranges. While driving to the Tibetan border, you will see mountains like Annapurna (8091 m), Manaslu (8,163 m), and Langtang (7,234 m).

    Similarly, as you traverse the Tibetan highlands, mountains like Shishapangma (8,027 m), Gurla Mandhata (7,694 m), Nandi Parvat, Ashtapad, Mt. Kailash, etc, will come into your perspective.

     

    What is the difference between the Inner Kora and the Outer Kora of Mount Kailash?

    Inner Kora is shorter and less challenging than Outer Kora. This package includes Outer Kora, Which involves three days of walking along a well-defined trail.

    Inner Kora is short but involves technical sections and glacier crossings. To do it, you need special permission from the Tibetan government and an expert guide.

    • Outer Kora: You will explore sites likeDira-Puk, Dolma La Pass, and ZuthulPhuk.
    • Inner Kora: You will explore sites like Nandi Parvat, Kailash Charan Sparsh, and the Ashtapad.

     

    Kora difficulty

    The Kailash Mansarovar tour is not difficult. Moreover, it is an overland tour, so you will enjoy a very comfortable ride in a private four-wheeler. However, the Kora, or what we call the parikrama of Mt. Kailash, is a bit challenging.

    It is three days of hiking, during which you will walk around 53 kilometers. The hiking route is well-established, but the terrain is rugged and steep. Likewise, you will ascend to 5,670 meters (Dolma La Pass) above sea level, which is very high and can trigger altitude sickness.

    Descending from the Dolma La Pass is also tough because the terrain is steep and involves loose rocks. In addition, you will face a cold climate and limited infrastructure.

    So, if we have to rate the Kailash Kora difficulty, we would rate it 5.5 out of 10. This implies that Kora is moderate. We highly suggest participants do some exercises and improve their strength and stamina for a better experience.

     

    Altitude sickness and why do the Kailash Mansarovar tour from Nepal?

    As we mentioned above, the Kailash Mansarovar tour takes you up to 5,670 meters above sea level. Also, Kerung, where you will spend your first night during the tour, is situated 2,900 meters above sea level. So, from the very first day of the journey, you will be exposed to high altitude, which can trigger altitude sickness.

    You have to acclimatize to avoid it. First, starting the tour from Kathmandu allows you to have a better acclimatization opportunity because you will experience a 1,400 metres elevation gain in this city.

    From Kathmandu to Kerung, the elevation increases to 1,500 meters, which is also not great but not as bad as traveling directly from sea level. To make acclimatization more manageable for you, we have added two nights in Kerung.

    From Kerung to Saga, the next destination on the Kailash Mansarovar yatra, the elevation rises to 4,640 meters. It is also a very big jump from 2,900 meters. Therefore, an acclimatization day in Kerung is a must if you want to lower the risk of altitude sickness further on the way.

    Below, we have mentioned altitude sickness symptoms and some suggestions that will help you acclimatize:

    Symptoms:

    • Dizziness
    • Headache
    • Vomiting
    • Nausea
    • Difficulty in breathing
    • Insomnia
    • Loss of appetite

     

    Tips:

    • Drink plenty of water and warm soups and teas throughout the journey. Avoid overconsumption of caffeine and alcoholic drinks. Anything that will dehydrate you is not recommended.
    • Eat high-carbohydrate meals and eat in moderation.
    • Listen to your body and look for signs of discomfort. Inform your guide if you notice symptoms or feel uneasy.
    • While the Kora walks slowly, maintain your pace and do not exert yourself.

     

    Kailash Mansarovar tour best time

    The best time to do the Kailash Mansarovar tour is from May to September. November to April is the coldest time of the year, with snowfall and unstable weather. So, Kora is very challenging and risky. You might be wondering about the rainfall during the monsoon season.

    Well, Kailash Mansarovar's route is inside the rain-shadow area of the Himalayas. Because of that, rainfall is light to moderate and also less frequent. It will not affect your yatra at all. However, while traveling from Kathmandu to the Tibet border, you may experience significant rainfall. It will not affect the journey either.

    Once you reach Kerung and drive to Saga and Darchen, the climate gets arid, and there is less chance of rainfall. At most, you may experience light, occasional rain showers. The weather is mostly dry and windy. Likewise, around Mansarovar Lake and Mt. Kailash Kora, the rainfall is even lower and non-existent even during the monsoon season.

     

    Who can do the Kailash Mansarovar tour from Kathmandu? Are you fit for this trip?

    The Kailash Mansarovar tour is easy, so people of all ages can do it. Because it is a pilgrimage tour, we see even old people visiting here. There are no age restrictions on this tour. However, travelers under 18 must be accompanied by an identified guardian.

    The driving part of the tour is not difficult at all. However, Kora is challenging. You will walk for three days on rugged, steep trails. High altitude makes you tired easily, so hiking can get quite exhausting. During the Kora, you will walk 6 to 7 hours a day.

    Therefore, it is important that the participants be able to walk this long. If you do not have a long walking habit, we recommend you wait two months before starting the tour and build your walking habit during this duration. It will help you improve your stamina and endurance, which is important, too.

     

    Why should you do the Kailash Mansarovar tour with Top Of The World Adventure?

    We have the best Kailash Mansarovar tour package and cost. Our team will organize the tour and help you obtain a Tibet travel visa. We have been organizing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for several years, so we know what we are doing. We are professional tour operators in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan, so you do not have to worry about anything.

    For an immersive experience, we will provide you with a local Tibetan guide who is knowledgeable about Kailash Kora and Mansarovar Lake. Our input will make your journey very meaningful. If you have questions about Kailash Mansarovar's yatra price or booking, contact us anytime.

     

    Kailash Mansarovar Tour Itinerary

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    You will leave Kathmandu early in the morning and drive to Kerung, the Nepal-Tibet border town on the Tibet side. The highway is scenic and well-made, and you will have a comfortable ride.

    At the border, our team will help you complete the immigration formalities and hand them over to our Tibetan representatives.

    They will accompany you during the tour in Tibet. Upon reaching Kerung, check in at your hotel, and you can rest for the remaining day. Explore your surroundings later in the evening.

     

    • Max Altitude: 2900
    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel

    Spend one more day in Kerung. It will help you acclimatize, and you will also have a full day to explore. Have a delicious breakfast, and get ready to go on a tour with your guide. You will visit an old Buddhist monastery called Qiangdui.

    It dates back to the 13th century. Likewise, you will visit the Paba Temple, built by the 33rd Tibetan King to honor Bhrikuti, his wife. She was a Nepali prince. During the tour, you will see beautiful peaks and mountains like Yangrankangri and Langbangkanri.

     

    • Max Altitude: 2900
    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel

    Today, you will continue the tour from Kerung to Saga. Start the day with a big breakfast and get ready to leave your hotel. During the drive, you will enjoy the vast Tibetan landscaping and stunning views of mountains like Shishapangma, Gaurishankar, Langtang Himal, and yak herds.

    Likewise, you will also see many lakes during the ride, such as Sinling, Karru Ongchen, Khunmen Tso, and Peiku Tso. Cross the holy Brahmaputra river before arriving at Saga. It is a beautiful city in Shigatse province.

     

    • Max Altitude: 4640m
    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel

    From Saga, you will drive to Mansarovar. It will be another fantastic ride across high Tibetan plateaus. The road goes past Zhongba, a small town. Ascend from here to Mayomla Pass (5,122m) and descend to Paryang.

    The mountain views and landscapes are heavenly along the way. You will see striking views of Mt. Naimonanyi and vast pastures. From Paryang, continue the ride to Mansarovar Lake.

    Enjoy the divine view of Mt. Kailash. At the northwest shore of the lake, you can visit the Chui monastery. Similarly, the Rakshastal Lake is situated on the west of Mansarovar Lake.

     

    • Max Altitude: 4590
    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel

    Leaving Mansarovar Lake, you will drive to Darchen. Kora (parikrama) starts from here. The ride from Mansarovar to Darche does not last that long, so you will have more than half the day to rest, explore, and get ready for the Kora. Enjoy the tranquility and heavenly scenery. Darchen is the base of Mt. Kailash, where pilgrims engage in holy Kora.

    • Max Altitude: 4670
    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Lodge

    You will start Kora from today onwards. It is going to be 53 kilometers long, and you will complete this distance in three days of walking. Follow rocky cliff sides and gradually ascend to Dira-Puk. You can see beautiful waterfalls and lovely landscapes along the way.

    Pilgrims/travelers can hire a porter to carry their backpacks. It will cost you a few extra bucks. Do not underestimate the Kora. The uphill climbing, offbeat terrain, and high altitude make it quite challenging.

     

    • Max Altitude: 5210
    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Lodge

    Wake up early and get ready for the second day of the Kora. You will cross the Dolma La Pass on this day. Today will be much more demanding than the last day, so make sure to have a big breakfast for ample energy throughout the way. The trail ascends to Shiva Tsal and ascends for two more hours to reach Dolma La.

    You will see a breathtaking view from the top of the pass. It is the closest you will get to Mt. Kailash on this tour. Perform your puja here and continue descending to ZuthulPhuk. You can see Gauri Kunda at the base of Mt. Kailash. Visit the ZuthulPhuk monastery.

     

    • Max Altitude: 4760m
    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Lodge

    It is the last day of the Kora. From ZuthulPhuk, you will walk the final few kilometers to reach the end of the Kora. Explores caves, monasteries, and shrines on the way. Later, you will drive back to Saga, enjoying a comfortable, scenic ride. Spend the evening exploring the local market in Saga.

    • Max Altitude: 4670m
    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Lodge

    Today, you will drive back to Kerung. After breakfast, leave your hotel and follow the same highway back to Kerung. Enjoy beautiful views on the way.

    • Max Altitude: 2700m
    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel

    Our Nepali representatives will pick you up from the border. You will complete the immigration process and enjoy a comfortable ride back to Kathmandu. The guide will drop you at the hotel. Spend the rest of the day as you wish.

    • Accommodation: Hotel
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    Additional Info

    Accommodation

    The accommodation during the Kailash Mansarovar tour is a basic guesthouse or lodge. We will provide comfortable, clean accommodations during the Kora.

    Note that amenities in guesthouses and lodges are limited. Private rooms and hot water are usually not available in these accommodations. You will get a simple room with cozy bedding and a blanket.

    We highly recommend that travelers carry a sleeping bag. Similalry, charging is also a limited service, so pack spare batteries and a solar power bank for the trip. In Kerung and Saga, you will spend the night in tourist-standard hotels.

    Meals

    Our Kailash Mansarovar tour package includes three meals a day. It doesn't cover bar bills, and travelers have to pay for additional snacks and teas by themselves. You will get breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a day. Tibetan food is the main highlight of the menu, but you will also get many Nepali dishes, Indian dishes, Western breakfasts, etc.

    Some local Tibetan dishes are thukpa, tsampa, momo, Tibetan bread, sha balep, phingsa, laping, yak meat dishes, butter tea, etc. Rice with veggies, lentil soup, and curries will be widely available, too. You will get ample vegetarian and nonvegetarian dishes to indulge in.

    In addition, options like noodles, sandwiches, pasta, mashed potatoes, French fries, soups, stews, stir-fries, bakery items, eggs, pancakes, pudding, porridge, etc., are also available.

    Travel Insurance

    You can buy travel insurance for the Kailash Mansarovar tour. We highly recommend it because it takes you to a remote region at a high altitude. There are potential risks of altitude sickness, bad weather, injuries, political issues, etc.

    These things are beyond our control, and with the help of travel insurance, we can instantly evacuate you from the trail. Make sure your travel insurance has high altitude coverage, which includes emergency helicopter evacuation and medical bills.

    Additional expenses

    Check out the cost includes and excludes section for detailed information on all the things included in our Kailash Mansarovar tour package.

    For instance, travelers have to pay Nepal travel visa fees, shopping, tips, bar bills, porters (if they hire them), meals in Kathmandu, travel insurance, etc.

    Likewise, this package only includes one night's stay in Kathmandu on the last day of the journey. Any expenses not mentioned in our cost include list must be paid by the participants themselves.

    Nepal travel visa

    The Nepal travel visa fee is not included in our Kailash Mansarovar tour package. Foreigners must obtain visas themselves.

    If you are not from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, or Syria or are a refugee with a travel document, you can get an on-arrival visa upon landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at any land border.

    Travelers from the mentioned countries must obtain a Nepal travel visa from their country's Nepali Embassy or Consulate Office. On-arrival visas only take 15 minutes to process. Make sure your documents and visa fee are ready on hand.

    Visa fee:

    15 Days – 30 USD

    30 Days – 50 USD

    90 Days – 125 USD

    Please check the official Nepal travel visa page for more information.

    Visa information for Indian travelers

    Thanks to the friendly bilateral relationship between Nepal and India, Indian citizens do not have to obtain a visa to enter Nepal. Indian travelers need a valid passport and their voter ID card.

    If you are an underage traveler (below 18 years old), you will need to show your school's ID card or birth certificate with proof of relationship (like a parent's passport or Aadhaar card). An identified guardian must accompany underage travelers.

    So, if you are an Indian traveler joining us for the Kailash Mansarovar tour, you do not have to worry about a Nepal travel visa, and we will help you obtain a Tibet travel visa.

     

    Kailash Mansarovar Tour FAQs

    This tour is a unique blend of spiritual pilgrimage and adventurous exploration in the Tibetan Himalayas. It's sacred for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains alike, offering a deep cultural and religious experience alongside stunning mountain vistas and remote landscapes.

    The Kora is moderately challenging, rated about 5.5 out of 10. It involves three days of hiking on rugged and steep trails, covering roughly 53 kilometers, including ascending to 5,670 meters at Dolma La Pass. Preparing physically with some stamina and strength training is highly recommended.

    The itinerary includes a rest and acclimatization day in Kerung (2,900m), which helps your body adjust before ascending to higher altitudes like Saga (4,640m) and Dolma La Pass (5,670m). Starting from Kathmandu (1,400m elevation) also helps ease the altitude gain gradually.

    The best time to visit is May to September. While the route is mostly in the Himalayas' rain-shadow area, you may experience light to moderate rainfall, especially before reaching Tibet. Once in the Tibetan highlands and near Mansarovar, the climate is dry, windy, and cold, with very little rain.

    Pack layered clothing for fluctuating temperatures, sturdy hiking boots for the Kora, warm jackets for cold nights, and rain gear just in case. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and personal medications. A good walking stick and a small daypack for the Kora are also very helpful.

    While the driving parts are comfortable and accessible to most, the three-day Kora trek requires a moderate fitness level with the ability to walk 6-7 hours daily on steep terrain at high altitude. Older travelers and beginners can do it with proper preparation and stamina building beforehand.

    You'll visit ancient monasteries like Qiangdui and Paba Temple, the holy Mansarovar Lake, and sacred spots during the Kora like Dira-Puk and Dolma La Pass. These sites hold deep significance in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, enriching your spiritual journey.

    The Kailash Mansarovar tour costs USD 2,200 to USD 2,800 per person or more. The package cost is determined by your itinerary and the services included. It is one of the most expensive tours in Asia.

    Traveling to Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar Lake from Nepal is not difficult at all. You can enjoy a comfortable and scenic drive to these places. It will be a multiple-day tour.

    Kailash yatra or parikrama usually takes 12 days to travel from Kathmandu, Nepal. Our itinerary is 10 days because we do not include arrival and departure days. The Kora is three days long, and you will travel in a comfortable car for the rest of the trip.

    The Kailash Mansarovar tour from Nepal starts in Kathmandu. You will then drive to Kerung from Kathmandu. At the border, you will complete the immigration formalities and continue driving in Tibet.

     

    You have to join a local Nepali travel company like us for the tour. We will help you obtain visas and permits and arrange all logistics. Our Tibetan representatives will be with you during the Kailash Mansarovar tour.

    No, foreigners are not allowed to enter Tibet on their own for travel purposes. You have to join a group tour to go to Kailash Mansarovar. We can help you with that.

     

    We organize many Kailash Mansarovar tours every year. Join one of our departure dates and travel freely and safely to Kailash Mansarovar.

    The best month for the Kailash Mansarovar tour is May to September. June and July have the best weather and clear skies. As the region is at a high altitude, you must wear warm clothes even during the summertime.

    There is no scientific evidence showing that people age faster at Kailash, but it is a religious belief. However, the extreme environment and high altitude do put physical strain on the body.

    No, you cannot join the Kailash Mansarovar yatra without a visa. The good news is that we will help you obtain the visa, so you do not have to worry.

    During the Kailash Mansarovar tour, you can use USD, Indian Rupee (INR), Nepalese Rupee (NPR), and Chinese Yuan (CNY). Chinese Yuan (CNY) is the local currency used all over Tibet. Nepali and Indian citizens visit the Kailash Mansarovar area frequently, so NPR and INR are also acceptable.

    Yes, you need a passport to enter Tibet for the Kailash Mansarovar tour.

    There is no age limit for Kailash Mansarovar yatra. However, note that it is one of the very difficult pilgrimages, and participants must face high altitudes and cold environments.

     

    So, make sure your child can adjust to them. Likewise, the Kora is also challenging and requires around 6-7 hours of walking each day for the three days.

    From Nepal, you can drive to the Tibet border. It takes around 8 hours to ride from the capital, Kathmandu. Likewise, you can also fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and drive to Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. Another alternative is helicopter flight, which is the most expensive one.

    During the Kora, you will hike for three days, covering 53 kilometers. The hiking will be uphill, following steep, rugged terrain, and you will gain high altitude.

     

    Therefore, good fitness and willpower are required. You do not have to be super fit to do the Kailash Mansarovar yatra, but you must be able to walk 6 to 7 hours a day to complete the Kora.

    During the Kailash Mansarovar tour, drink plenty of water and eat warm soups. Keeping yourself hydrated will help you avoid acclimatization. Likewise, our Kailash Mansarovar tour itinerary has an acclimatization day in Kerung, which will also greatly help to acclimate.

    It depends on your budget, interests, and available time. A helicopter tour is definitely the easiest, shortest, and most expensive way to do the Kailash Mansarovar yatra.

     

    The overland journey from Kathmandu is budget-friendly but takes at least 12 days. Trekking is the longest way to do the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

    Yes, we organize Kailash Mansarovar tours for families with kids and elderly members. We highly recommend that you assess the fitness and health of all the participants before joining the tour. If possible, take some time to exercise to improve your walking habit and stamina. It will help you a lot during parikrama.

    The total Kailash Mansarovar Kora distance is 53 kilometers. You will cover this area in three days of walking.

    Yes, there are many lesser-known spiritual sites around Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar Lake to explore. We have mentioned them below:


     

    • Ashtapad
    • Tirthapuri Hot Springs
    • Kyunglung Valley (Kingdom of Zhang Zhung)
    • Lake Rakshastal
    • Gauri Kund
    • Saptarishi Caves
    • Langka Cave
    • Chiu Gompa Monastery
    • Serlung Monastery
    • Tholing and Tsaparang Monasteries
    • Yam Dwar (Gateway of the Gods)

    Even if you plan a private pilgrimage for Kailash Mansarovar, it has to be a group tour. On the pro side, in a private group tour, only your friends and loved ones will be there. In our standard Kailash Mansarovar group tour, 8 to 12 travelers from any part of the world can join.

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