The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in the world, revered by followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. The journey takes pilgrims deep into the remote reaches of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, where they visit two of the most spiritually significant sites on Earth – Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. You will be picked up from Tribhuvan International Airport and transferred to a 4-star hotel (Hotel Crystal Pashupati or similar). Upon arrival, your passport will be collected for processing the Tibet travel permit. In the evening, attend a group orientation where the leader will explain the itinerary, important do’s and don’ts, and safety tips for the Kailash Yatra.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
Today is dedicated to exploring some of Kathmandu’s most sacred and historic sites. You will visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Shiva shrines in the world, situated along the Bagmati River. Next is Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest stupas in Asia. The final stop is Jal Narayan Temple, home to a large sleeping Vishnu statue submerged in water. This day allows for light walking and gentle acclimatization at 1,400 meters.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Drive to Timure via Syabrubesi (1,800 m | 135 km | 7–8 hrs).
After breakfast, drive through hilly roads alongside the Trishuli River. En route, pass Dhunche and Syabrubesi with views of the Ganesh and Langtang ranges. Reach Timure, a small village near the Nepal-China border. Stay at a guest house with shared rooms.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Cross Border and Drive to Kyirong, Tibet (2,950 m | 40 km | 1 hr)
Walk to the border post (20–25 min walk) to complete immigration formalities. After crossing the Friendship Bridge, meet your Tibetan guide and continue by vehicle to Kyirong. This peaceful town is surrounded by pine forests and Himalayan peaks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Rest Day in Kyirong (2,700 m)
A rest and acclimatization day. Enjoy light walks, visit local monasteries, and explore the natural beauty of Kyirong. This day is crucial for adapting to higher altitudes before proceeding deeper into Tibet.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Drive to Saga via Kyirong La Pass (4,500 m | 270 km | 4–5 hrs)
Drive across scenic Tibetan landscapes and high mountain passes like Kyirong La (4,930 m). You may spot wildlife and traditional Tibetan villages on the way. Reach Saga, a key town along the Kailash route.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Drive to Lake Manasarovar (4,558 m | 320 km | 7–8 hrs)
This is the longest driving day. En route, see snow-capped peaks and nomadic settlements. By afternoon, you’ll catch your first glimpse of sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, believed to hold the purest water on Earth. Stay at a basic guest house (4–5 sharing).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Full Moon Puja at Manasarovar, Drive to Darchen (4,555 m | 40 km | 1 hr)
On the full moon day, take a spiritual bath in Lake Manasarovar and perform special puja and havan. If time permits, visit Rakshas Tal before driving to Darchen, the base for the Kailash Kora. Stay at a hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Begin Kailash Kora – Trek to Dirapuk (4,950 m | 12 km | 5–6 hrs)
Drive to Yam Dwar (Tarboche), the gateway of the trek. Begin the first leg of the Kailash Parikrama. Trek to Dirapuk, with breathtaking views of the mountain’s north face. Overnight in a basic guest house or dormitory.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Trek to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La Pass (5,636 m | 22 km | 9–10 hrs)
This is the toughest and highest point of the Kora. Cross Dolma La Pass and visit Gauri Kund, associated with Goddess Parvati. Descend steeply to Zuthulpuk, where Milarepa meditated. Stay in a guest house.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Complete Kora and Drive to Saga (4,450 m | 450 km | 6–7 hrs)
Finish the last stretch of the Parikrama (2–3 hr walk). Rejoin the group in Darchen, then drive to Saga. This concludes the sacred circumambulation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Drive to Kyirong (2,700 m | 5–6 hrs)
Return toward the border. On the way, enjoy views of Lake Peiku Tso and the Himalayas, including Shishapangma. This is your last night in Tibet.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Cross Border and Drive to Kathmandu (1,300 m | 7–8 hrs)
After completing formalities at the border, return to Nepal. Drive via Syabrubesi and reach Kathmandu in the evening. Check into your hotel and relax.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home. Depart with blessings from Mount Kailash and cherished memories of a spiritually and physically fulfilling journey.