Pilgrimage Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Your spiritual journey begins as you arrive in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal, nestled in a valley surrounded by the Himalayas. Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative with a warm welcome, marked by the traditional Rudraksha mala, symbolizing peace and devotion. A comfortable transfer to your hotel follows, where you can relax after your journey. Kathmandu, known as the "City of Temples," offers a unique blend of spirituality, history, and culture. You may choose to rest or explore the surroundings at leisure. The day is kept free for you to acclimate to the new environment and prepare for the upcoming adventure. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel.

Today, after breakfast, you embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, visiting some of the most revered Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Your journey begins at Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, where devotees gather for prayers and rituals. Next, you visit Guhyeshwari Devi Temple, a powerful Shakti Peeth associated with Goddess Parvati. Moving ahead, you reach Bouddhanath Stupa, a massive Buddhist monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site, revered as one of the largest stupas in the world. The final stop is Budhanilkantha Temple, where a giant stone-carved Vishnu statue rests on a serpent bed in a sacred pond. The afternoon is kept free for personal preparations and last-minute shopping for the journey ahead. In the evening, a detailed tour briefing takes place in the hotel meeting hall, where essential information is provided, and down jackets are distributed to all participants.

Early morning, after breakfast, you set out on a scenic drive towards the Nepal-Tibet border. The journey takes approximately 6-8 hours, covering a distance of 115 to 125 km, depending on the final stop. The route follows the Trishuli River, offering stunning views of lush valleys, terraced fields, and rolling hills. The drive includes both paved and off-road sections, especially as you near the border region. You pass through small towns and villages, experiencing the rural beauty of Nepal. Upon arrival in Syabrubesi (1600m) or Timure (1800m), you check into your accommodation and rest for the night. The day ends with a traditional Nepali dinner, preparing you for the border crossing the next day.

After an early breakfast, a short 15 km drive takes you to Rasuwagadhi (1950m), the Nepal-China border. Here, you complete immigration and customs formalities on both the Nepalese and Tibetan sides. Once formalities are completed, you meet your Tibetan guide and driver, marking the beginning of your journey in Tibet. From Rasuwagadhi, a 35 km drive (about 1 hour) takes you to Kyirong Town (2900m). The landscape changes dramatically, with lush greenery giving way to high-altitude plateaus and rocky terrain. Kyirong, also known as "Gyirong," is a beautiful town with breathtaking mountain views. The rest of the day is for rest and acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the higher altitude.

After breakfast, you begin the journey towards Saga (4400m), covering a distance of 170 km in approximately 4 hours. The drive passes through the Kyirong High Pass, offering spectacular Himalayan views. Along the way, you stop at Peiku Tso Lake, a stunning turquoise alpine lake reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The journey continues along the mighty Brahmaputra River, one of the most significant rivers in Tibet. The vast, barren Tibetan plateau unfolds before you, creating an otherworldly landscape. You receive a hot packed lunch on the way. By late afternoon, you arrive in Saga, where you check into a hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Today’s journey is long but rewarding, covering 510 km over approximately 9 hours. You drive through the vast Tibetan plateau, crossing Mayum-La High Pass, which stands at an elevation of over 5000 meters. The road leads you towards the sacred Lake Manasarovar (4600m), one of the holiest lakes in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. As you drive around the lake, you witness its pristine blue waters set against the backdrop of Mount Kailash. According to Hindu mythology, Lake Manasarovar was created by Lord Brahma and is believed to cleanse one’s sins upon taking a holy dip. You arrive at Chiu Gompa, a small monastery overlooking the lake, where you check into a guesthouse for the night. Dinner is served at the guesthouse, and you spend the night in this sacred location.

The morning begins with a sacred bath in Lake Manasarovar, a deeply spiritual experience believed to purify the soul. Devotees perform puja (prayers and rituals) by the lake, seeking divine blessings. After lunch, you embark on a short 40 km drive (about 1 hour) to Darchen (4700m), the base town for the Kailash Kora (parikrama). The rest of the day is free for acclimatization and preparing for the upcoming trek. You may explore the local market, where you can buy any last-minute essentials or souvenirs.

Today marks the start of the Kailash Parikrama. After breakfast, you drive 8 km (30 minutes) to Yama Dwar, the gateway to the divine trek. Here, you get the closest darshan (view) of Mount Kailash’s south face. From Yama Dwar, you begin the 14 km trek to Diraphuk (4950m), which takes approximately 5-6 hours. The trail follows the Lha Chu River, offering incredible views of Kailash’s north face. Those unable to do the trek return to Darchen and stay at the hotel.

Day 9 is the most challenging and spiritually significant part of the Kailash Parikrama, as you trek from Diraphuk (4950m) to Zuthulphuk (4850m) via the Dolma La Pass (5600m). The trek begins early in the morning, as you ascend steeply towards Dolma La, the highest and most sacred point of the journey. At the pass, fluttering prayer flags and the serene Gauri Kunda lake mark this sacred spot, believed to be where Goddess Parvati bathes. After offering prayers, you begin the steep and rocky descent, which requires careful footing on loose stones and ice patches. The landscape shifts from snow-covered ridges to a barren valley, leading towards Zuthulphuk, where you visit the famous Milarepa Cave, associated with the Tibetan saint. After nearly 22 km of trekking over 9-10 hours, you arrive at your guesthouse in Zuthulphuk, where you rest after an exhausting but deeply fulfilling day.

Today, you complete the final stretch of the Kailash Kora, marking the end of your sacred trek around Mount Kailash. The morning begins with a short and relatively easy 8 km trek (1.5 hours) from Zuthulphuk (4850m) to Darchen (4700m), passing through rocky terrain and barren landscapes. Upon reaching Darchen, you reunite with the rest of the group and enjoy a well-deserved breakfast. After refreshing, you board your vehicle and begin the return journey, driving through the vast Tibetan plateau towards Saga (4400m), covering around 490 km in 8 hours. Along the way, you pass stunning views of the Brahmaputra River, high-altitude deserts, and snow-capped peaks, reflecting on the profound spiritual experience of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. A packed lunch is provided during the journey, and by evening, you arrive in Saga for an overnight stay at a hotel, enjoying a hot meal and much-needed rest.

On Day 11, you begin your return journey from Saga (4400m) to Kyirong (2900m), covering approximately 170 km in 4-5 hours. After breakfast, you depart from Saga, retracing the scenic route through the vast Tibetan plateau, passing breathtaking landscapes of rugged mountains and high-altitude lakes. The drive takes you alongside the Brahmaputra River, offering mesmerizing views of its deep blue waters winding through the barren terrain. As you descend towards Kyirong, the scenery gradually changes, with the arid landscapes giving way to lush green valleys and dense forests. You reach Kyirong Town, a picturesque border settlement near Nepal, by afternoon and check into your hotel for an overnight stay. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax or explore the local Tibetan markets before your final return to Nepal the next day.

On Day 12, you leave Kyirong (2900m) and drive back to Kathmandu (1300m), covering approximately 155 km in 7-8 hours. After an early breakfast, you proceed towards the Rasuwagadhi border (15 km, 45 minutes), where you complete the necessary immigration and customs formalities on both the Tibetan and Nepali sides. Crossing the border, you enter Nepal and continue the scenic drive through the Trishuli River valley, passing beautiful terraced farmlands, rolling hills, and traditional villages. The journey involves winding mountain roads, with some off-road sections near the border, making it both adventurous and picturesque. En route, you stop for lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying authentic Nepali cuisine before resuming the drive towards Kathmandu. By evening, you reach the capital and check into your hotel, where you can rest or explore nearby markets for last-minute shopping. After completing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, this final evening in Kathmandu is an opportunity to reflect on your spiritual journey before your departure the next day.

On Day 13, your incredible Kailash Mansarovar Yatra comes to an end as you prepare for your departure from Kathmandu. After breakfast at the hotel, you have some free time to relax or do any last-minute shopping for souvenirs and spiritual items. Depending on your flight schedule, a representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport with warm farewell gestures. As you drive through the bustling streets of Kathmandu, you can reflect on the unforgettable journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience. Upon arrival at the airport, you complete the necessary check-in and immigration formalities before boarding your flight home. As you depart, you carry with you the blessings of Lord Shiva, the sacred energy of Mansarovar, and cherished memories of this deeply spiritual and adventurous pilgrimage.