Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour from Kathmandu

UNUSED – kailash-mansarovar-yatra-by-helicopter1496829334-785×400

Overview

The sacred journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar by road from Kathmandu. The Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour from Kathmandu (10 days) crosses into Tibet at Rasuwagadhi, climbs from the forested Kerung valley onto the vast Tibetan plateau past Peiku Tso and Shishapangma, and follows the upper Yarlung Tsangpo west through Saga and Paryang to the holy lake – a journey of nomad camps, turquoise lakes, sand dunes and endless sky. Private transport from Kathmandu and back, all Tibet permits including the special Kailash permit, China visa fee and service, 3-star hotels and guesthouses with breakfast, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees and oxygen in the vehicle are included.

Mount Kailash (6,638 m) is revered by four religions: Hindus see it as the abode of Lord Shiva, Buddhists as the home of Demchok, Jains as the place where Rishabhadeva attained liberation, and Bon followers as the seat of their founder. At Mansarovar (4,590 m) you perform puja and take a holy bath, explore the shore and the neighbouring Rakshas Tal, and then begin the three-day parikrama from Darchen – up the Lha Chu valley to Dirapuk beneath the north face, over the Dolma La (about 5,630 m) past Gauri Kund, and down to Zuthulphuk.

An acclimatisation day at Saga on the way out makes the high altitude easier, and the return follows the same scenic road back to Kerung and Kathmandu.

Why choose this yatra?

Kailash and Mansarovar by road – no flights needed.
Acclimatisation day at Saga and oxygen in the vehicle.
All Tibet and Kailash permits and China visa included.

Who is it for?

Pilgrims and adventurous travellers in good health. Grade: strenuous because of the altitude and long drives. Main season May to September.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF WITH LOCATION MAP

Trip Facts

Tour Code: PTT-TIBET-012
Duration: 10 Days
Program Type: Pilgrimage Trip
Maximum Altitude: 5630m
Minimum Pax: 1
Mode of Travel: Land Transport, Air Transport
Start Trip: Kathmandu
End Trip: Kathmandu
Program Grading: Moderate

Trip at a Glance

Day 01: Drive Kathmandu – Trishuli – Rasuwagadhi border – Kerung (about 170 km, 7–8 hours)
Day 02: Drive Kerung – Thong La – Peiku Tso – Saga (about 240 km, 5–6 hours)
Day 03: Acclimatisation day at Saga
Day 04: Drive Saga – Paryang – Lake Mansarovar (about 277 km, 6 hours) – first view of Mount Kailash
Day 05: Puja, havan and holy bath at Lake Mansarovar – parikrama of the lake by vehicle – drive to Darchen
Day 06: Kailash parikrama day 1: Yama Dwar (Tarboche) – Dirapuk (about 12–15 km, 5–7 hours)
Day 07: Kailash parikrama day 2: Dirapuk – Dolma La (5,630 m) – Gauri Kund – Zuthulphuk (about 18–22 km, 8–12 hours)
Day 08: Kailash parikrama day 3: Zuthulphuk – Darchen – drive to Saga (about 290 km)
Day 09: Drive Saga – Peiku Tso – Kerung (about 240 km, 5–6 hours)
Day 10: Drive Kerung – Rasuwagadhi border – Syabrubesi – Kathmandu (about 170 km, 7–8 hours)

Trip Highlights

Overland journey from Kathmandu via the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung border
Peiku Tso lake and views of Shishapangma (8,027 m)
Acclimatisation day at Saga
Puja and holy bath at Lake Mansarovar
Three-day Kailash parikrama over the Dolma La (about 5,630 m)
All Tibet permits, Kailash permit and China visa included

Itinerary in Details

Day 01Drive Kathmandu – Trishuli – Rasuwagadhi border – Kerung (about 170 km, 7–8 hours)
Drive about 170 km / 7–8 hours including the border crossing | Altitude: 2,700 m | Overnight: Kerung (Gyirong)

An early start from Kathmandu on a scenic road north via Trishuli Bazaar, Dhunche and Syabrubesi to the Rasuwagadhi border on the Bhote Koshi. After lunch on the way and immigration formalities, meet your Tibetan guide and drive about 25 km up the forested gorge to Kerung (Gyirong), a green valley town on the old trade route between Nepal and Tibet.
- OvernightKerung (Gyirong)
- CountryChina
- Travel ModeDrive: 145 km / 6 hr / 30 min · Drive: 25 km / 1 hr
- Places VisitedRasuwagadhi Border, Kerung (Gyirong)
Day 02Drive Kerung – Thong La – Peiku Tso – Saga (about 240 km, 5–6 hours)
Drive about 240 km / 5–6 hours | Altitude: about 4,600 m | Overnight: Saga

After breakfast drive up and over the Thong La and La Lung passes onto the plateau, passing Peiku Tso lake beneath Shishapangma and the traditional grazing lands of Tibetan yak and sheep herders, to Saga on the Yarlung Tsangpo.
- OvernightSaga
- CountryChina
- Highest PointPeiku Tso
- Altitude4,590m / 15,059ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 240 km / 5 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedPeiku Tso, Saga
- MealsBreakfast
Day 03Acclimatisation day at Saga
Rest day | Overnight: Saga

Take a gentle walk along the Yarlung Tsangpo and rest to prepare your body for the higher altitudes ahead.
- OvernightSaga
- CountryChina
- Places VisitedSaga
- MealsBreakfast
Day 04Drive Saga – Paryang – Lake Mansarovar (about 277 km, 6 hours) – first view of Mount Kailash
Drive about 277 km / 6 hours | Altitude: about 4,558–4,590 m | Overnight: Mansarovar guesthouse

Drive west along the upper Yarlung Tsangpo past Paryang, nomad camps, sand dunes and grazing yaks, until the snow dome of Mount Kailash appears on the horizon above the sacred Lake Mansarovar and its sister lake Rakshas Tal.
- OvernightLake Mansarovar
- CountryChina
- Highest PointLake Mansarovar
- Altitude4,590m / 15,059ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 277 km / 6 hr
- Places VisitedLake Mansarovar, Mount Kailash
- MealsBreakfast
Day 05Puja, havan and holy bath at Lake Mansarovar – parikrama of the lake by vehicle – drive to Darchen
Drive around the lake (about 72–110 km) and 40 km to Darchen | Altitude: about 4,670 m | Overnight: Darchen guesthouse

Wake early to watch the sun rise over the sacred waters of Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m), created according to Hindu belief from the mind of Lord Brahma. Perform puja and havan, take a holy dip (or sprinkle the holy water), and drive around part of the lake – one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world – with views of Kailash, Gurla Mandhata and the Chiu Gompa. Continue to Darchen, the base for the kora.
- OvernightDarchen
- CountryChina
- Travel ModeDrive: 110 km / 3 hr
- Places VisitedLake Mansarovar, Darchen
- MealsBreakfast
Day 06Kailash parikrama day 1: Yama Dwar (Tarboche) – Dirapuk (about 12–15 km, 5–7 hours)
Trek about 12–15 km / 5–7 hours | Altitude: about 4,900 m | Overnight: Dirapuk guesthouse

Drive a short way to Yama Dwar at Tarboche, the "Gate of Yama", where the parikrama begins. Walk (or ride a pony, at own cost) up the Lha Chu valley beneath red cliffs and waterfalls to Dirapuk, facing the awe-inspiring north face of Mount Kailash (6,638 m) – the most dramatic view of the holy mountain.
- OvernightDirapuk
- CountryChina
- Highest PointDirapuk
- Altitude4,900m / 16,076ft
- Travel ModeDrive: 7 km / 20 min · Trek: 13 km / 6 hr
- Places VisitedYama Dwar (Tarboche), Dirapuk, Mount Kailash
- MealsBreakfast
Day 07Kailash parikrama day 2: Dirapuk – Dolma La (5,630 m) – Gauri Kund – Zuthulphuk (about 18–22 km, 8–12 hours)
Trek about 18–22 km / 8–12 hours | Highest point: Dolma La about 5,630 m | Overnight: Zuthulphuk

The hardest and most sacred day. Climb steadily past Shiva Tsal to the prayer-flag-covered Dolma La, the high point of the pilgrimage, where pilgrims leave offerings to the goddess Tara. Below lies the emerald Gauri Kund lake, where Parvati is said to have bathed. A long, steep descent leads into the Lham Chu Khir valley and on to Zuthulphuk, associated with the yogi Milarepa.
- OvernightZuthulphuk
- CountryChina
- Highest PointDolma La
- Altitude5,630m / 18,471ft
- Travel ModeTrek: 20 km / 10 hr
- Places VisitedDolma La, Zuthulphuk
- MealsBreakfast
Day 08Kailash parikrama day 3: Zuthulphuk – Darchen – drive to Saga (about 290 km)
Trek about 3 hours, then drive about 290 km | Overnight: Saga

Complete the kora with an easy walk down the valley to the road, then drive back east across the plateau to Saga.
- OvernightSaga
- CountryChina
- Travel ModeTrek: 8 km / 3 hr · Drive: 290 km / 6 hr
- Places VisitedDarchen, Saga
- MealsBreakfast
Day 09Drive Saga – Peiku Tso – Kerung (about 240 km, 5–6 hours)
Drive about 240 km / 5–6 hours | Altitude: about 2,700 m | Overnight: Kerung

Drive past Peiku Tso, with views of Shishapangma, over the Thong La and La Lung passes and descend into the green Kerung valley.
- OvernightKerung (Gyirong)
- CountryChina
- Travel ModeDrive: 240 km / 5 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedPeiku Tso, Kerung (Gyirong)
- MealsBreakfast
Day 10Drive Kerung – Rasuwagadhi border – Syabrubesi – Kathmandu (about 170 km, 7–8 hours)
Drive about 170 km / 7–8 hours including the border crossing | End of yatra in Kathmandu

Drive down to the border, complete Chinese and Nepali immigration at Rasuwagadhi, and continue via Syabrubesi, Dhunche and Trishuli to Kathmandu.
- CountryNepal
- Travel ModeDrive: 25 km / 1 hr · Drive: 145 km / 6 hr / 30 min
- Places VisitedRasuwagadhi Border, Syabrubesi
- MealsBreakfast

Altitude Chart of Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour from Kathmandu

Total Hiking Time: 19h Total Driving Time: 26h 20m Total Travel Distance: 1,164 km

Driving distance & time shown here are approximate — for city tours the exact distance/duration can vary and isn't always measurable.

Highest point: 18,471 ft / 5,630 m — Day 07 · Kailash parikrama day 2: Dirapuk – Dolma La (5,630 m) – Gauri Kund – Zuthulphuk (about 18–22 km, 8–12 hours)

Services Included

Airport transfer
Private transport Kathmandu to Kathmandu
All necessary Tibet travel permits/road permits/Kailash special permit etc.
3 star hotel/Guest house accommodation with daily breakfast.
English speaking Tour guide.
Entrance ticket fees for monasteries and temples.
Oxygen tanks in the vehicle
China visa fee and service

Services Excluded

Personal Expenses such as laundry, Telephone and table Drinks
Daily Lunch and Dinner
Hotel tours in Nepal
Your Travel Insurance
Cost of Hiring Horse / Pony / Porter
Evacuation Cost in the event of emergency
Tipping (Not Mandatory)

Additional Visa Fee for below Citizens
United State of America : USD 90 per person
Romanian passport holder: USD 24 per person
Canadian passport holder: USD 24 per person
Brazilian Passport Holders : USD 55 per person

Trip Notes

Notes for this tour

Altitude: the yatra climbs to the 4,500–4,700 m plateau within a few days and crosses the Dolma La at about 5,630 m. An acclimatisation day at Saga is included and oxygen is carried in the vehicle; walk slowly, drink 4 litres of water a day and descend if symptoms worsen. A medical check-up before travel and insurance covering evacuation are strongly recommended. Ponies and porters for the parikrama are paid locally.
Visa and permits: you need a Chinese group visa issued in Kathmandu – please arrive 4–5 working days before departure – plus the Tibet Travel Permit, road permits and the special Kailash permit, all arranged by us. Indian passport holders follow separate rules; please ask.
Guide and rules: foreigners in Tibet must travel with a licensed Tibetan guide on a fixed itinerary. Photography is not allowed inside most chapels, and permits can occasionally be suspended at short notice by the authorities.
Climate: days are sunny and dry but nights are cold, even in summer; bring layers, a warm jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm. April–October is the main season.
Accommodation: simple guesthouses on the plateau and around Kailash; bring a warm sleeping bag, down jacket, thermals, rain gear and trekking boots. Only breakfast is included – other meals are bought locally.
Flexibility: the order of visits may change because of monastery opening times, festivals, weather or permit conditions.

You need to arrive Kathmandu at least 4-5 working day before for China visa. China embassy working days are Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu/Fri except Chinese Govt. holiday. During these free day, you can buy tours from us or can stay on your own. China visa taken in your home country is not enough to travel Tibet from Nepal. We have to apply for Tibet group tourist visa here in Kathmandu.
Visa fee, entrance fee, hotel rate subject to increase without prior information.
We need your passport copy by email 35 days before the travel date to make travel permit(Invitation letter).
Our private tour price is based on 2-3 star standard hotel.
Private tour need at least 4 person.

Payment Mode & Options
30% of the amount to be deposited at the time of booking confirmation.
50% of the amount to be wired to Touch Kailash 15 days prior to yatra date.
Remaining 20% of the amount on Day 1 of this trip.

Equipment List

Equipment

Medical Kits
First Aid
Oximeter daily check (Pulse and Oxygen Level)
Enough Oxygen Cylinders
Other Necessary Equipment
Stick for Parikrama

Clothing

Down Jacket
Duffle Bag
Day backpack

FAQ

10 days. It starts in Kathmandu and ends there. Overnight stops: Kerung (Gyirong), Saga, Lake Mansarovar, Darchen, Dirapuk, Zuthulphuk. The day-by-day itinerary above shows travel times, places visited and meals for each day.

Please see the overview for the best season for this destination – we can advise on weather, festivals and peak periods for your travel dates.

The grade is moderate, with a maximum altitude of about 5,650 m. Most healthy travellers manage well, but please take care at high altitude and consult your doctor if you have heart or breathing problems. Children and seniors are welcome with sensible precautions.

Yes. Your guide can help you arrange puja, offerings or special rituals with the temple priests. Please tell us your wishes in advance so we can allow enough time.

Foreign visitors need a Chinese group visa (when entering from Nepal) and a Tibet Travel Permit, plus additional permits for areas outside Lhasa. We apply for all of them – please send a clear passport copy at least 3–4 weeks before departure. You must travel with a licensed Tibetan guide.

Airport transfer; Private transport Kathmandu to Kathmandu; All necessary Tibet travel permits/road permits/Kailash special permit etc; 3 star hotel/Guest house accommodation with daily breakfast; English speaking Tour guide; Entrance ticket fees for monasteries and temples; Oxygen tanks in the vehicle; China visa fee and service.

Personal Expenses such as laundry, Telephone and table Drinks; Daily Lunch and Dinner; Hotel tours in Nepal; Your Travel Insurance; Cost of Hiring Horse / Pony / Porter; Evacuation Cost in the event of emergency.

This package includes 9 breakfasts, as marked on each day of the itinerary. Other meals are at your own cost; your guide will recommend good local restaurants, and vegetarian, vegan and other dietary needs can be catered for.

Yes. We run this tour privately for your group on the dates you choose, and we can tailor it – add extra nights, change or upgrade hotels, add activities, flights or a guide in your language (Russian, German, French, Spanish, Chinese or Hindi on request). Just send us your wishes.

Tour Programs booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows. a. Before 90 days no charge. b. within 60 days of start of program ~ 10 %. c. within 35 days ~ 15% of rate. d. within 15 days ~ 50% of rate. e. within 7 days ~ 75% of rate. f. less than 7 days or without notice ~ 100% of rate. Please see the Cancellation Policy section for full details.

Cancellation Policy

CANCELLATIONS
Tour Programs booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows:
a. Before 90 days no charge
b. within 60 days of start of program ~ 10 %
c. within 35 days ~ 15% of rate
d. within 15 days ~ 50% of rate
e. within 7 days ~ 75% of rate
f. less than 7 days or without notice ~ 100% of rate

Booking Policy

A deposit of 20–30% is required to confirm your booking, with the balance due before or on arrival. Visa invitation letters, where required, are issued only after the deposit has been received.

Child Policy

Children under 5 travel free, sharing with parents. Children aged 5–11 receive a discounted rate. Children 12 and above are charged the full adult rate.

Fixed Departure

Start Date	End Date	Price(USD)	Price(NPR)	Booked	Availability	Inquiry
28/08/2024	11/09/2024	2550			Seats Available	Enquire Now
10/09/2024	24/09/2024	2550			Seats Available	Enquire Now
30/09/2024	14/10/2024	2550			Seats Available	Enquire Now
08/10/2024	21/10/2024	2550			Seats Available	Enquire Now

Excellent rating
Based on 30 reviews

Pigeon Travel is easily one of the best travel companies I have dealt with! I don’t know how busy Mr Min Katri is, but i think he has many clients on the go, but he made me feel like I was his only customer. He was so conscientious. The guides he organised for my travels in Nepal: Pokhara, Kathmandu, and the Everest flight, Lumbini and then in India at Kushinara for a few days, was well organised with excellent guides, good drivers and cars and a good choice of hotels. They accommodated me with the places I wanted to visit and were very flexible and everything went smoothly, including navigating across the Sunoli border to India, which is chaos at another level. These guys are really excellent. Totally recommend Pigeon Travel. 👍👍

Amal Karunaratna

We spent 4 days in Nepal, visiting different places with the Pingeon Travel Agency, Mr. Min Khatri was very friendly, helpful and was attentive to us at all times, with 24-hour service. for anything we needed and was attentive to us via WhatsApp every day. We booked everything from Spain, they picked us up at the airport and at the end they took us, including a driver, guide in Spanish, visits and hotels, and we had no problem, they complied with everything agreed and we were able to visit everything. The driver (Mr. Pawan) is a very good driver, friendly and kind, and the guide (Mr. Giri) is friendly and helpful. Punctual, helpful and attentive. We were in 2 different hotels, and both were very good, highlighting the one in Kathmandu, Hotel Hyatt Place Kathmandu, a new hotel, excellent service and very friendly. The Pingeon Travel agency is highly recommended and they have everything from tours to complete packages. We were happy with the services.

Maite Sanchez

Fantastic

JagdishMan Rajbhandari

Pigeon Travel has been an exceptional ressource for me in both travel support to and from Nepal, India, and Bhutan. Min Katri is simply always there onnecway or another, checking fright and other arrangements, hotel schedules and in Bhutan excellent ( required) tour guides. As well, he and Pigeon Travel are exceptional in meeting last minute changes to my plans and really are “there” 24/7. I thinking now about next trips and highly recommend Min and Pigeon travel for your trips— as in planning my next trip to India and Nepal and am using Pigeon Travel the whole way. Highly recommend!

Jay Luboff

Wonderful tour with brilliant and knowledgeable guide. Highly recommended!

Frances Wingate

Min is very trustworthy and very easy to speak to. Tour guide and drivers are great and finally arrangement for Everest flight and Nagarkot Mountain View stay didn’t disappoint and we had wonderful time

Chip Yi

Best place to book ticket and travel.

Pratik Khadka

I contacted them via Facebook messenger and asked them for a price estimate for two people to Dubai. The representative told me I will receive the quote tomorrow and it’s been three days I haven’t heard from him yet. I will remove my one star rating once I hear back.

Krishna Giri

It was a well organised trip. The guides were very hospitable and cooperative.Overall it was a wonderful and memorable trip.

puneetha Kunimbedu

It was a memorable trip to Nepal. Thanks to pigeon travels. The hospitality is great and they took good care of us. I would highly recommend this to my mates.

Kavya K

Adults	—
Child With Bed	—
Child Without Bed	—
Single room supplement	—
Taxable Amount	—
Non Taxable Amount	—
Grand Total Incl. Taxes	Loading price…

Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour from Kathmandu

Overview

Why choose this yatra?

Who is it for?

Trip Highlights

Itinerary in Details

Altitude Chart of Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour from Kathmandu

Services Included

Services Excluded

Trip Notes

Equipment List

FAQ

Cancellation Policy

Booking Policy

Child Policy

Fixed Departure

Vehicle We Use

Recommended Tours

13 Days Kailash Heli Tour from Kathmandu

3 Days Beijing Essential Short Tour

3 Days Mumbai Tour

7 Days Tibet Overland Tour from Kathmandu

8 Days Lhasa – EBC- Kathmandu Overland Tour

8 Days Tibet Overland Group Tour Drive In & Out

Kailash Tour Fly in Drive out

Singapore 4 Days Tour

customer reviews

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Quick links

Adventure Activities

Payment Option

Contact us

Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour from Kathmandu

Overview

Why choose this yatra?

Who is it for?

Trip Highlights

Itinerary in Details

Altitude Chart of Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour from Kathmandu

Services Included

Services Excluded

Trip Notes

Equipment List

FAQ

1. How long is the Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour from Kathmandu and where does it start and end?

2. When is the best time to do this tour?

3. How difficult is it, and is it suitable for children or seniors?

4. Can I perform puja or special rituals during the tour?

5. What permits are needed for Tibet?

6. What is included in the price?

7. What is not included?

8. Which meals are included?

9. Is this a private tour? Can I customise it?

10. What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation Policy

Booking Policy

Child Policy

Fixed Departure

Vehicle We Use

Recommended Tours

Nepal Trending Tour

International Trending Tours

Multi Country Trending Tours

customer reviews

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Share this trip