Mount Kailash Overland tour
Trip Duration
15 Days
Group Sizes
2-16 People
Transportation
Bus, Flight
Destination
Tibet
Max. Altitude
5,630m. / 18,471ft.
Nature of Trip
Tour
Best Season
Spring: April – May ,Autumn: September – early October
Difficulty
Easy
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Start & End Point
KathmanduTrip Highlights
- Introduction tours of Kathmandu and its monasteries and temples
- Glimpses of rural Nepal mountains
- Kerung stop with a short excursion around town
- Lake Mansarovar stay and puja ceremony
- Optional Chiu Gompa tour
- Himalayan sights from Mayum La, Lalung La, and Thong La
- 53 km long Kailash Outer Parikrama
- Darshana of North Rocky Face of Kailash
- Face the glacial heights of Dolma La
- Pilgrimage tour with locals and same-minded devotees
Overview of Mount Kailash Overland tour
Some mountains challenge you with their height, some captivate you with their beauty but some stand radiating such powerful energy that can change your entire existence and perspective. You are right, our Mount Kailash overland tour will guide you to the pristine emblem of Kailash, the source of the Universal energy, still untouched, and unclimbed.
However, our Mount Kailash overland tour is not only a pilgrim trip. It is also a thrilling sightseeing touring and hiking along Tibet’s stunning landscape.
During our Kailash Mansarovar tour 15 days trip, you will experience Kerung, Saga, and Lake Peiku Tso, conquer the high Tibetan passes of Mayumla La, Thong La, and Lalung La, and gaze at Gaurishankar, Shishapangma, and Cho Oyu.
The greatest adventure however lies in crossing the 5630 m Dolma La glacial pass on foot. Thus, our Mount Kailash overland tour not only fulfills the spiritual needs of pilgrims but also the desire of nature and thrill seekers.
Yes, this trip requires extra physical and mental resilience but Hill Walkers Home has come with the Mt. Kailash tour via Kerung, the most wallet-friendly option to reach Kailash where we have equally prioritized your acclimatization and rest.
Kailash, 6638 m Peak of Western Tibet is the focal point of worship of Hindus, Bons, Buddhists, and Jains. For Hindus, Kailash is the embodiment of Lord Shiva’s energy and thus his fond home.
Its four rocky and snowy walls are the faces of the Lord himself pointing to the four main directions of the Universe. Near, Lake Mansarovar is said to house the essence of Lord Brahma and Goddess Parvati’s blessings.
Tibetans call and lregard Kailash as Kang Rimpoche and Jains honor and respect it as Mount Ashtapada. Bonpos take Kailash as the sacred mountain from which their founder Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche descended Earth from Heaven.
No wonder, the Mount Kailash overland tour represents the ultimate pilgrimage destination for each one of these faithful. The 53 km long circuit route around Kailash is the major route for the Parikrama or kora where one parikrama can cleanse a lifetime of sins, and 108 laps can lead to salvation.
The year 2026 will be particularly special, as it is the Year of the Horse when one parikrama means the merit of 13 parikramas of Kailash.
We are proud and delighted to present our Mount Kailash overland tour for this year and the next. Choose us as your travel companion, and together we will take this profound spiritual and natural journey, returning with renewed energy and a revitalized life story.
Itinerary of Mount Kailash Overland tour
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival
In TIA, a Hill Walkers Home representative will graciously receive you and guide you to your selected accommodation. You will know your traveling companions and our tour guide in the evening and together you will learn about our Mount Kailash overland tour travel program.
Accommodation
Hotel
Max Altitude
1350mDay 02: Chinese Group Visa Preparation and Pashupatinath Temple Tour
A Chinese group visa preparation will be underway today. All will head to the Chinese Embassy for the biometric verification and provision of original documents.
Then, the Pashupatinath Temple tour is on the list where we will also engage in Rudravishek Puja.
Accommodation
Hotel
Max Altitude
1350mDay 03: Temple Tour of Kathmandu Continues
Today, we will see other main temples and shrines of Kathmandu where our focus will be on Budhanilkantha Temple beneath the hill of Shivapuri. We may also have darshana of Doleswor Mahadev, Suryabinayak, and Kailash Mahadev in Sanga.
Accommodation
Hotel
Max Altitude
1350mDay 04: Chinese Group Visa collection and brief Swayambhunath and Boudhanath Tour
We will get our Chinese Group Visa today so we can finally continue on our Mount Kailash overland tour. Till the early afternoon, we will continue to see the Buddhist Swayambhunath and Boudhanath shrines of Kathmandu then we will get on with the preparation of our Kailash Mansarovar tour 15 days trip.
Accommodation
Hotel
Max Altitude
1350mDay 05: Drive through Syabrubesi to Timure
Hill Walkers Home private 4WD will take you through Thankot to Trishuli. The Pasang Lhamu Highway will continue to guide our travel onward via Rani Pauwa, Dhunche, and Syabrubesi before we rest ourselves in Timure.
Duration
8/9 hours
Distance
150 km
Accommodation
Hotel
Max Altitude
1762mDay 06: Drive to Kerung
Right after Timure, we will meet the tiny Nepal Immigration office at Ghatte Khola. After the needed verification, we will drive slightly further to Rasuwagahdi.
Before we get into Tibet, our border formalities will be overseen by our team on the Nepal and Tibet sides. Then, hailed and received by a Tibetan guide and driver, our driving journey will resume for 2 hours till we are at Kerung.
In the evening after making sure you have adequately rested and hydrated, we may go to Pakpa Monastery in the town center.
Duration
4/5 hours
Distance
35 km
Accommodation
Hotel
Max Altitude
2900mDay 07: Drive to Saga
Breathtaking 5153 m Thong La and 5030 m Lalung La will appear in our vision right after Kerung eventually advancing us to Peiku Tso. Next, we will travel along the soothing edges of Brahmaputra, the Yarlung Tsangpo River to reach Saga.
Duration
5/6 hours
Distance
270 km
Accommodation
Hotel
Max Altitude
4640mDay 08: Drive to Lake Mansarovar
Traversing the Old Dzongba, the monastery of Dargyeling, and the green lands of Paryang, we will drive over 5211 m Mayum La Pass and reach Lake Mansarovar in the late afternoon. Kailash along with Gurla Mandhata/ Naimonanyi Peak will display their magnificence in the copper light of the settling sun.
Duration
6/7 hours
Distance
370 km
Accommodation
Hotel
Max Altitude
4600mDay 09: Puja and Havan on the Mansarovar Lake Shore, optional Lake Parikrama on bus or jeep, then drive to Darchen
Following a sacred ritual bath, we will participate in a yagya, puja, and havan by the pious shore of Lake Masarovar. If you like, you can then travel around the lake on a bus available in situ.
Then, we will prepare to head to Darchen, a tiny sandy town beneath Kailash, and the starting location for all types of Kailash trips. We like to notify you that yak men, yaks, horses, and helpers are available here for hiring.
Our Tibetan guide will handle the advanced organization for this service if you like. Payment is again in situ not part of our Mount Kailash overland tour package cost.
Duration
1 hour
Distance
40 km
Accommodation
HotelDay 10: 1st Day of Kailash Outer Parikrama, Drive to Tarboche/Yamdwar(4740 m/ 5 km), trek to Dirapuk
Mount Kailash overland tour is now heading its way to a very crucial and religious day. Following a brief drive, we will reach up to the flagpole of Tarboche which annually on Saga Dawa occasion is erected new.
This is the very Yamadwar, overseen by Yama, Lord of Death who gives access only to the pure souls. We will circle this sacred gate and meet our rented yak and helpers.
Navigating the old Tibetan Sky Burial site, we will keep trekking deep inside the Valley of Lhachu. In the bluest sky possible, we may even see the momentary vision of the south and west walls of Kailash.
Dirapuk Monastery will be reached eventually ending our first Kailash Parikrama day. The sleeping arrangement here will be pretty modest but fulfilling.
Duration
5/6 hours
Distance
14 km
Activity
Drive, Trek
Accommodation
Hotel
Max Altitude
4765mDay 11: 2nd Day of Kailash Outer Parikrama, Trek via Dolma La (5630 m) to Zutulpuk
The biggest, toughest, and longest day of our Kailash Mansarovar tour 15 days trip is today. Steadily marching upward through Jarok Donkhang, we will arrive at the point where following the custom, we will leave behind our old possessions.
The site is called the Shiva Tsal cemetery (5330 m) and old possessions could be anything from old clothes, hair, jewelry, etc indicating the act of releasing the past.
Now a vertical sparsely grassy glacial slope will advance us up to the summit of the pass, the Green Tara Goddess’ home. We will now walk carefully further down and make a small stop to collect Gauri Kunda Lake Water (5608 m).
Continuing with the descent, we will meander through the Axe of Karma which will cut off our ties with our past actions. The route onward is now leveled till we are at the humble setting of Zutulpuk.
Duration
9/10 hours
Distance
22 km
Activity
Trek
Accommodation
Hotel
Max Altitude
4700mDay 12: 3rd and Final Day of Kailash Outer Parikrama, trek to Darchen and drive to Saga
Meandering the grassy ans sandy terrain of Barkha Plain, we will circle on foot back to Darchen bringing a conclusion to the Kailash Parikrama. Then driving renewed via Lake Mansarovar, Mayum La, and Paryang, we will be eventually at Saga.
Duration
7/8 hours
Distance
30 km
Accommodation
Hotel
Max Altitude
4640mDay 13: Drive to Kerung
The sandy yellowish edge of the Brahmaputra River will drive us further upward and then downward over the Lalung and Thong La Passes before we are at Kerung.
Duration
4 to 5 hours
Accommodation
Hotel
Max Altitude
2900mDay 14: Drive to Kathmandu
After crossing the threshold of Rasuwagadhi, our Nepali team will guide us further through Syabrubesi to Kathmandu.
Duration
8 hours
Accommodation
Hotel
Max Altitude
1350mDay 15: Goodbye Nepal
Trip Information - Good to Know
When to go for the Mount Kailash Overland Tour?
The Mount Kailash overland tour operates yearly from March to early October but the vibrant months for the participation will be April, May, September, and early October.
March to May will be the outstanding months to see the green Tibet with the chance to experience the Saga Dawa celebration. Larger crowds will appear in July and August because of the religious significance of the full moon for Hindus and Tibetans. From late October to February, climatic conditions at Kailash become rougher and harsher to tolerate with strong winds and extreme cold.
How hard is the Kailash Mansarovar Tour 15 Days Trip?
Kailash Mansarovar tour 15 days trip is a profile III strenuous adventure that consists of three days of medium trekking portion. The hardest segment will occur on the second day of Kailash parikrama which involves the demanding hardships of facing the Dolma La Pass.
The other factors contributing to the toughness of the Mount Kailash overland tour are the humble setting around Kailash, limited food choices, altitude increase, harsher grounds, and climate.
How to Prepare for the Mt. Kailash Tour Via Kerung?
Aerobic strength and endurance-building activities such as swimming, stair exercises, running, walking, and jogging will to a greater extent help you to manage the three-day hikes of Kailash parikrama. We also advise you to look into Kailash, the personal vlogs that travelers have made, and learn about its environment and atmosphere.
Acute Mountain Sickness/AMS and Planned Acclimatization on our Mount Kailash Overland Tour
On high mountain trips, AMS is common and so is in our Mount Kailash overland tour. The low oxygen in the air, the high altitudes, harsh weather, and fast travel are some of the contributing factors to the rise of AMS in our Mt. Kailash tour via Kerung.
To lessen its effects, we advise all travelers to rest adequately, get enough sleep, and stay hydrated. Travelers may also take Diamox if there are no contraindications.
Kindly be aware of the signs like sleep problems, swelling, body pain, headaches, and nausea. Hot lemon and ginger water, garlic soup, and a slow pace can greatly assist in lessening the appearance of AMS.
Accommodation, Meals, and Transportation Arrangements during Kailash Mansarovar Tour 15 Days Trip
Hill Walkers Home team will look after your stay, meals, and travel for the Mount Kailash overland tour. A double bedroom room in a comfy pleasing and clean three-star hotel in Kathmandu with a vegetarian breakfast will be offered at first.
While in Timure, a clean double room of the mountain lodge with vegetarian breakfasts, dinners, and lunches will be available. In Tibet, three-star tourist hotels’ double bedrooms will be arranged with veg breakfasts, dinners, and lunches.
At Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk, you have to settle in well-arranged dormitory rooms with up to 5 beds. Our team will put on their whole energy to find you comfortable rooms in newly built establishments in these two locations.
For travel, only private 4WD will be utilized for all overland travels in Kathmandu and Tibet. Hiring buses or jeeps for Lake Mansarovar circle and helpers, horses, or yaks for the Kailash parikrama however, are the services included but our guide will assist in in situ payments.
Chinese Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permits Arrangement for the Mount Kailash Overland Tour
Remember traveling inside Tibet is restricted to an organized group or private trips only necessitating prearrangements of all your travel logistics for which you must team with a licensed travel partner like Hill Walkers Home.
In terms of the permits and visas, the Chinese Group Visa and Tibet travel permit aka Tibet Visa will be organized by us (related price included) while the Military Permit, Foreign Affair Permit, and Public Security Bureau permit/Alien Travel Permit will be managed by our affiliated Tibet agency.
Thus, you must confirm your place on the Mount Kailash overland tour 15 days in advance and provide us with:
- Passport Digital colored copy with residual active time 6 months after Tibet departure
- Passport Photo sized 51 mm by 51 mm: white backdrop, plain, most recent, no makeup and glasses
Travel Insurance
There is quite a difference in various locations of Tibet. While the central part is very much modern and facilitated, the western part is not which still lacks good medical infrastructure.
Should any accident or injuries occur while crossing over the Dolma La, helicopter rescue and transport will be needed immediately. On your own, the cost will be too much heavy for you that can range up to 6000 US Dollars.
Thus, travel insurance is a compulsion and also an obligation for your safety. Add the heli rescue coverage to 5700 m minimum and mention that you will be involved in hiking actions in the mountains.
Also, add the medical and accidental support for the Mount Kailash overland tour which with heli rescue coverage should be active through the entire duration of the Kailash Mansarovar tour 15 days trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the Mount Kailash overland tour been reopened for Indians?
Yes, after the consultation between two governments (India and China), the Mount Kailash overland tour has again been reopened for the Indians this year.
How old should a traveler be to be eligible for your Mount Kailash overland tour?
An eligible traveler for any Mount Kailash overland tour should be between 10 to 75 years old. As for Indians, they should be between 18 to 70 years old.
What is the cost per member for a Chinese Group Visa?
The Chinese Group visa per member costs varies based on the country, and the mode you choose. If you select to apply through the normal method, the visa price per member will be US Dollars 70 to 170 for other citizens and US Dollars 175 for Americans. If you select to apply through the express method, the visa price per member will be US Dollars 90 to 180.
Why is the express method pricier than the normal method of Chinese Group Visa Application?
It is because the express Visa application takes only two to three work days while the normal way will consume four work days.
Can you tell me the difference between a China Individual visa and a Chinese Group Visa?
China individual visa is granted for one person while a group visa is granted for all the members of a particular group as one. This system in place will necessitate all the members of a group to leave and get inside Tibet on the same date.
Do I need to tent in Zutulpuk and Dirapuk?
No, there were two guesthouses run by each monastery but now even government-operated lodgings have been established. So as much as possible, tent sleep won’t be necessary but if needed (at the time of very crowded parikrama time), tents will be from the company and our crew will be responsible for setting up and organizing the tents.
How can I get a cellular network when on your Mt. Kailash tour via Kerung trip?
For the most hassle free and cost friendly option, we suggest you get the national SIM Cards from local mobile provider both in Kathmandu and in Tibet. In Kathmandu, NCELL and NTC SIM Cards are easy to get on your own or with the assistance of our team. In Tibet, your assigned Tibetan guide will assist you in getting the national SIM Cards of either China Telecom, China Mobile, or UNICOM.
Can I have mobile internet when in Kathmandu and Tibet?
Yes, the same SIM Cards upon activation will offer you 4G in Kathmandu and 5G in Tibet which can also be accessible in Kailash.
Is Instagram permitted freely to operate in Nepal and Tibet?
In Nepal, there is no political ban on any social networks but in Tibet, you can neither use Instagram nor any other social platforms. VPN can allow you to get unrestricted access to these social sites in Tibet.
Can I go other ways to Kailash from Nepal?
Yes, you can choose the other overland route through Lhasa instead of Kerung. The Kailash Helicopter tour via Simikot is also another luxurious option to get to Kailash.
What will be easier and more advantageous for me, changing the money into Chinese Yuan in Kathmandu or in Tibet?
Changing your money into Chinese Yuan in Kathmandu will not only be easier but also more profitable as you will get better rates with cheap service fees. In western Tibet, you will not find much money changing facilities like in central locations.
If I book your Mount Kailash Overland tour, will I be charged any extra fee?
No, unless you prefer a private tour or if you select to sleep in a single room.
Is Kailash a safe destination to travel for foreign tourists?
Yes, perfectly it is a safe tour where you will find security personnel looking after your security and people happy to lend help when needed. However, you should not go on clicking the photos of the security personnel and monasteries without getting any permission and you should certainly not talk about the Dalai Lama (exiled one) openly.
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