Shivadip Travels

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Overland

Country

Nepal and China

Duration

13 Nights 14 Days

Difficulty

moderate to challenging

Activity

Kailash Parikrama

Max. altitude

5,750m

Best season

April-August

Accommodation

Hotel, Resort & Tea House

Start/End Point

Kathmandu

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & dinner

OVERVIEW

Embark on a sacred journey of faith, devotion, and spiritual awakening with Shivadip Travels on the unforgettable Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Overland from Kathmandu. Regarded as one of the most revered pilgrimages in the world, this extraordinary journey takes you to the holy Mount Kailash and the divine Lake Mansarovar, two of the most sacred destinations for millions of devotees and spiritual seekers across the globe.

Nestled in the mystical landscapes of Tibet, Mount Kailash is revered as the eternal abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, while Lake Mansarovar is believed to be the holiest lake on Earth, symbolizing purity, peace, and spiritual enlightenment. Sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of the Bon religion, Kailash Mansarovar is far more than a destination—it is a profound spiritual experience that inspires devotion, self-discovery, and inner transformation.

This carefully crafted 13 Nights / 14 Days Overland Yatra offers the perfect balance of spirituality, comfort, adventure, and acclimatization. Beginning in Kathmandu, pilgrims visit some of Nepal’s most revered religious sites before embarking on a breathtaking journey through the Himalayan foothills and across the vast Tibetan Plateau. Along the way, travelers are treated to spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, pristine rivers, dramatic mountain passes, ancient monasteries, and the untouched beauty of Tibet’s high-altitude landscapes.

A defining highlight of the pilgrimage is reaching the sacred shores of Lake Mansarovar (4,550 meters), where devotees perform holy rituals, meditation, prayers, and spiritual ceremonies in an atmosphere of unparalleled serenity. Surrounded by majestic mountains and crystal-clear waters, the lake offers a deeply moving experience that many pilgrims describe as the spiritual highlight of their lives.

The journey then continues to Darchen, the gateway to Mount Kailash and the starting point of the sacred Kailash Parikrama (Kora). Considered one of the most powerful acts of devotion, the Parikrama takes pilgrims around the holy mountain through breathtaking valleys, ancient pilgrimage trails, and awe-inspiring Himalayan scenery. Crossing the revered Dolma La Pass (5,750 meters), the highest point of the journey, is both a physical achievement and a deeply spiritual milestone, symbolizing purification, renewal, and liberation from past karmas.

At Shivadip Travels, every aspect of the pilgrimage is meticulously arranged to ensure a smooth, safe, and meaningful experience. From comfortable accommodations, vegetarian meals, transportation, Tibet travel permits, and visa assistance to experienced guides, dedicated support staff, and emergency oxygen facilities, we take care of every detail so that you can focus entirely on your spiritual journey.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not just a pilgrimage—it is a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the heart of spirituality. It is a path where faith meets adventure, where prayers meet peace, and where every step brings you closer to divine blessings and inner fulfillment. Join Shivadip Travels on this sacred expedition and experience the timeless spiritual energy of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, creating memories and blessings that will stay with you for a lifetime.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • 13 Nights / 14 Days Sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Overland from Kathmandu
  • Visit the Holy Mount Kailash, revered as the divine abode of Lord Shiva and one of the world’s most sacred pilgrimage destinations
  • Holy Bath and Spiritual Rituals at Lake Mansarovar (4,550m), one of the highest and holiest freshwater lakes on Earth
  • Complete Mansarovar Parikrama and experience the serene beauty of the sacred lake
  • Undertake the Sacred Kailash Parikrama (Kora), a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey around Mount Kailash
  • Cross the Holy Dolma La Pass (5,750m), the highest and most spiritually significant point of the pilgrimage
  • Visit Yama Dwar, the traditional gateway to the sacred Kailash Kora
  • Witness Spectacular Views of the North Face of Mount Kailash during the Parikrama
  • Kathmandu Spiritual Sightseeing Tour including Pashupatinath Temple, Guhyeshwari Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Budhanilkantha Temple
  • Scenic Drive Through Nepal and Tibet, featuring breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, high mountain passes, rivers, valleys, and traditional Tibetan settlements
  • Dedicated Acclimatization Stay at Kerung for a safer and more comfortable high-altitude journey
  • View the Majestic Mount Shishapangma (8,027m) and the vast Tibetan Plateau
  • Cross the Sacred Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Tsangpo) during the journey
  • Comfortable Transportation by Tourist Coach and Tibetan Vehicles throughout the pilgrimage
  • Experienced Tibetan Guide and Professional Support Team for a smooth travel experience
  • Pure Vegetarian Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Throughout the Yatra
  • Tibet Travel Permit and Chinese Group Visa Assistance Included
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder and Basic Medical Support Available During the Journey
  • Comfortable Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu and Tibet with Guesthouse Arrangements During Parikrama
  • Ideal Combination of Spirituality, Adventure, Culture, and Himalayan Exploration
  • Organized and Managed by Shivadip Travels with Complete Ground Support
  •  A Once-in-a-Lifetime Pilgrimage Experience Filled with Faith, Devotion, Inner Peace, and Divine Blessings

ITINERARY

Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival (1400m) - Overnight in Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by the representative of Shivadip Travels. After completing airport formalities, you will be transferred to your hotel.

This day is reserved for rest and relaxation after your journey. In the evening, a short briefing about the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route, safety guidelines, packing, and altitude awareness will be provided.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2: Kathmandu Spiritual Sightseeing Tour & Yatra Briefing

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day spiritual tour of Kathmandu Valley’s most sacred sites:

  • Pashupatinath Temple – Most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
  • Guhyeshwari Temple – Powerful Shakti Peeth
  • Boudhanath Stupa – One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world
  • Budhanilkantha Temple (Jal Narayan) – Sacred reclining Vishnu statue

In the evening, detailed Kailash Yatra briefing, permit explanation, route overview, and health preparation session will be conducted.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche / Syabrubesi or Timure

Today begins the overland journey. Drive through scenic hills, rivers, waterfalls, and Himalayan landscapes towards the Nepal–Tibet border region.

The road gradually transitions from urban valley to remote mountain terrain, offering beautiful views of rural Nepal.

Drive to Dhunche (127 km / 6 hrs) or Syabrubesi (141 km / 7 hrs) or Timure ( / 152 km / 8 hrs) . Overnight stay Lodge.

Altitude: 1800 M

Day 4: Border Crossing - Kerung (2700m)

Drive to Rasuwagadhi Nepal–China border. Complete immigration and customs formalities on both sides.

After border clearance, enter Tibet and continue drive to Kerung (2700m).

Kerung is a beautiful Himalayan town surrounded by mountains, marking the first step into high-altitude Tibet.

Overnight: Hotel in Kerung

Day 5: Acclimatization Day in Kerung (2700m – 4100m)

This is a very important rest day for high-altitude acclimatization. Your body will adjust to reduced oxygen levels before moving higher.

Optional short excursion to higher altitude areas may be arranged.

During this day:

  •       Rest properly
  •       Drink plenty of water
  •       Avoid overexertion
  •       Prepare mentally and physically for upcoming journey

Overnight: Hotel in Kerung

Altitude : 4100 M

Day 6: Drive to Saga / New Dongba

From today, our journey will be precious in every minute. After Lunch, drive towards New Dongba for about 4-5 hours( 200 KM). En route you will pass Lalung La pass (5,300m), can view great Himalayas range and wide Tibetan dry landscape that make you feel travelling in mountains and deserts .Beside that you can also see Mt. Shisha Pangma (8,000m). On the way to Saga city you will cross the Holy Brahmaputra River. Overnight at Hotel

Stay : Hotel

Altitude : 4300 M

Day 7: Drive to Mansarovar Lake (4550m)

08:00 AM – Drive towards Manasarovar Lake (370 Km / 8 hrs) crossing beautiful places and stay at the shore of the Lake. Fill spiritual water.

Today we will do a half day Parikrama of Mansarovar Lake by  another vehicle( Local vehicle).

Stay : Mud House

Altitude : 4550M

Day 8: Drive to Darchen (4650m) Most of the day

Perform Puja (prayer ritual) at Manasarovar Lake

After Lunch – We will do rest of Mansarovar parikrama & drive to Darchen (35 km – 1hrs)

Stay : Hotel

Meals: Breakfast; Lunch & Dinner

Altitude : 4550 M

Day 9: First Day of Outer Kora - Trek to Dirapuk .10:00AM

After a short drive, we will reach Tarboche and visit Yama Dwar. This is the starting point for Kora. We will trek to Dirapuk (4950 m) which is a 12 km trek (5-6 hrs). You will visit the North face of Mt. Kailash.Travelers who do not want to trek around (Parikrama) Kailash can go back to Darchen and wait for the rest of the group to arrive from Parikrama.

(If you are not doing Parikrama, then you will be waiting at Darchen – Mud Guest House multiple sharing (if using hotel Himalaya /any Chinese Hotel with attached bathrooms then Cost Difference INR. 6000/- per person for 2 nights to be paid directly by guest) till Group return from Parikrma; we will arrange accommodation & Meals.)

Stay : Mud Guest House

Meal: Breakfast at Darchen, Packed Lunch, Dinner.

Altitude : 4950 M

Day 10: Second Day of Outer Kora - On to Zuthulphuk (4670m) with Trek to Dolma La Pass

Today is the most challenging day in our Yatra. Who would like to go for Charan Sparsh / 4 Km one way. ( If the Chinese government allows it. Scins august 2024 they have closed charanspars ) Can go Early in the Morning or can go the previous day  Day 12  after reaching Diraphuk.

07:00AM –  Trek from Dirapuk to Dolma La Pass and proceed to Zuthulphuk (22 km trek for 10-12 hours trek). This is the most difficult journey throughout the yatra since you have to trek up to 5750M.

Stay : Mud Guest House

Meal: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Altitude : 4850 M

NOTE: If you are not doing Parikrama, then you will still be waiting at Darchen

Day 11: Drive Back to Saga (4550m)

08:00AM – After a short Trek (8kms – 2 – 3hrs) and reach the point where the coach will be waiting, we will drive to Darchen and merge with other members who were waiting and drive to Saga. (480 KM – 9-10 hrs)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Drive back to Kerung (2850m - 220 km – 5 to 6 hrs). or Nyalam

Back journey, drive to Kerung County. Overnight stay at Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Drive Back to Kathmandu (1400m)

Drive from Kerung to the border (40 kms – 1hrs) and completing immigration formalities drive back to Kathmandu – around 7-8 hr / 152 km.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: If there is any change in the schedule (one day earlier or later), the guest will have to pay the additional hotel charges directly at the hotel. 

( RATE PER PERSON: INR.2500/-)

Day 14: Transfer to Kathmandu Airport

You will be free till your flight time. We will drop you at the Airport 3 hours before flight time (30 Mins Drive).

Meal: Breakfast Only

Note

  • Passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of departure.
  • age limit for yatra is 10–70 years (for Indians, must not exceed 70 years at the time of entering Tibet).
  • recommendation for indian travelers: air tickets to kathmandu should be issued as per the name on your voter id. you must carry the original voter id for boarding the flight to Kathmandu.
  • for indian passport holders: original passport must be submitted at the Delhi office 8–10 working days prior to the travel date.
  • keep your return ticket open, as weather conditions may sometimes delay the return journey. It is advisable to book insured air tickets that allow date change and cancellation.

ROUTE MAP

INCLUSIVES

  • 3 Night accommodation at Kathmandu on 3 star hotel  on Double/Twin/Triple Sharing basis As per itinerary.
  • 1 night at Dhunche or Syabrubesi or Timure
  • Tibet Side Accommodation in  Hotel / Guest House with Attached Bathroom- Except Mansarovar and Kailash Parikrma where Mud Guest Houses multiple Sharing Basis  & Common Toilet Available.
  • Sightseeing of Kathmandu city
  • Kathmandu – China Border (Timure ) – Kathmandu by Bus.
  • Chinese visa Fee
  • All vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • Transportation in Tibet Side  by Luxury A/C Coach /VAN
  • Supporting truck to carry equipment
  • English speaking Tibetan guide
  • All necessary travel & trekking permit as per our Itinerary
  • Supporting crew members (Cooks, Helpers & Sherpas)
  • Oxygen cylinders for emergency use & medical kit bag
  • One duffle bag, One backpack, One cap, One passport holders, & Escort for airport pick up & drop off
  • Kailash Yatra completion certificate.
  • All Taxes

EXCLUSIVES

  • Travel insurance / Rescue and evacuation service
  • Entrance fee of Monuments at Kathmandu
  • Nepal re-entry Visa fee for NRIs
  • Urgent visa fee if require
  • Any GOVT. TAXES / VAT INCREASED BY GOVT.
  • To Visit Ashtapad
  • Tips for guide & driver and Personal expenses
  • Horse riding (Around 3800 Yuan As per the year 2024 –Negotiable at the time of Booking ) during the Parikrama
  • Air ticket to Kathmandu & return back to home.
  • Extra Hotel charge in Kathmandu if early return from  Tibet or extra stay at Kathmandu
  • Addition cost due to any political disturbances
  • Last Moment if Tibet Entrée fee / Chinese Visa fee increase after making booking.
  • Extra accommodation charges if delay in Permit /Visa from Tibet (Please make sure your air ticket is flexible to change dates)
  • Extra Night Stay Due to Bad Weather if flight or Heli not operational.
  • If pilgrims leave the group early from the Tibet side for non – disease reasons then USD 100 per person per day has to be paid as penalty to the Tibet side – T.A.R. Foreign Exchange Center (FEC). (Visa splitting charge, accommodation, transportation charges will be extra).

EQUIPMENTS

Clothing

  • warm down jacket (high quality, windproof)
  • thermal inner wear (top & bottom)
  • woolen sweaters / fleece layers
  • waterproof jacket / raincoat
  • warm trekking pants
  • woolen gloves + inner gloves
  • woolen cap / monkey cap
  • sun cap for daytime use
  • scarf / neck warmer / dust mask
  • comfortable walking shoes (well broken-in)
  • light trekking boots (optional for snow conditions)

Personal Essentials

  • passport + photocopies + permits
  • cash (yuan / inr) in small denominations
  • sunglasses (uv protection)
  • sunscreen (spf 50+)
  • lip balm (cold protection)
  • wet wipes & tissues
  • quick-dry towel
  • basic toiletries kit
  • torch / headlamp + extra batteries
  • power bank + charging cables

Health & Medicines

  • personal prescription medicines
  • basic first aid kit
  • diamox (only after doctor consultation)
  • pain relief tablets
  • ORS / electrolyte powder
  • band-aids, crepe bandage
  • altitude sickness medication (as advised by physician)

Trekking & Travel gear

  • small daypack (light shoulder backpack)
  • reusable water bottle (strong, insulated if possible)
  • water purification tablets
  • high-energy snacks (chocolates, dry fruits, glucose, energy bars)
  • walking stick / trekking pole (very helpful at altitude)
  • binoculars (optional)
  • camera + extra memory cards

Cold Weather Safety Items

  • extra thick woolen socks (multiple pairs)
  • hand warmers (optional but useful)
  • emergency thermal blanket
  • light sleeping liner (optional)

Important Notes

  • this is a high-altitude journey with extreme weather conditions
  • nights and early mornings can be freezing even in summer
  • keep luggage compact but prioritize warmth and safety
  • bring all essentials from home as supplies are limited on route

FAQS

Where does the journey start?

The pilgrimage starts from Kathmandu and ends back in Kathmandu after completion of the overland route.

What are the main sacred sites visited?

The main spiritual destinations are:

  • Mount Kailash
  • Lake Manasarovar

These are considered highly sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon religion.

How long is the trip?

The journey is 13 Nights / 14 Days by overland route, including travel through Nepal and Tibet with the Kailash Parikrama.

How difficult is the journey?

It is a high-altitude and physically challenging pilgrimage. The toughest part is crossing Dolma La Pass at 5,750 meters.

Where is acclimatization done?

Proper acclimatization is done at Kerung for 1–2 days to help the body adjust to high altitude conditions.

Is the journey safe?

Yes, it is generally safe with proper arrangements like oxygen support, medical kits, experienced guides, and structured acclimatization. However, it requires good physical fitness due to high altitude conditions.

PRICE PER PERSON

INR

240000

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