5 days in Kathmandu, 8 days in Kailash - Total 13 days trip, minimum group size 4 travelers or join a group
Trip Style : Adventure Overland Tour
Trip Difficulty : Challenging
Trip Guide : Guided Pilgrimage Tour
Destination : Tibet, Kailash
Max Altitude : 5610 Meters (18,405Ft)
Daily Walking Hours : 5 to 6 Hours Drive
Accomodation: Hotel, lodge, basic guesthouse
Food : Hotel and Guesthouses on Bed and Breakfast
Start-End : Kathmandu - Kerung - Kathmandu
Transport : Bus, Van & Jeep
Best Season : May to Spetember
Kailash Overland Tour Overview
Kailash overland tour via the Kerung border is one of the most spectacular and thrilling journeys in Tibet. Most of our Mount Kailash tours including this amazing overland tour start and end in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. After three days of a continuous drive across the vast Tibetan plateau, we reach an exceptionally beautiful turquoise lake with floating swans and a spectacular Mount Kailash.
For Hindus, Mt Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva. Both Lake Mansarovar and Mt Kailash have religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. Four great rivers originate from Lake Mansarovar – the Indus, Karnali, Bramhaputra and the Sutlej.
The 52 km periphery is the trail for circumambulation around this holy mountain and takes 3 days. The Kora or circumambulation starts at Darchen some 40 Km from Lake Mansarovar. After the Kora, we drive back to Kathmandu. En route we enjoy a great view of the world’s highest mountains, meet the nomad sheepherders and enjoy the unique beauty of the Tibetan desert.
Who we are?
We are an independent Kailash overland tour operator in Nepal and Tibet who understands your physical needs and human nature in general. Our synchronized personalized services with reasonable prices prepare you mentally and spiritually for a difficult trip of this kind that blends the spiritual with challenging adventure, but then going forth to make our peace with the gods was never an easy venture.
Our in-depth experience in the Mount Kailash region has given us the ability to design highly organized itineraries that give you space to breathe, acclimatize and enjoy your spiritual journey to the sacred Mountain as you rendezvous with the gods.
We are a licensed operator for Mount Kailash tour from Kathmandu with a highly proactive crew who know the lay of the land around Mt. Kailash with fluency in several languages and these are people who enjoy their jobs, earning us superb recommendations on TripAdvisor.
No matter where your journey begins: from Kathmandu, Simikot, or Lhasa; it may be for a week or a month, we’ll be there to ensure your safety so you do your penance and holy Parikrama below Mt. Kailash or ‘Jewels of snow’’ so you may obtain the liberation of your soul and reach home to relish the peace of a whole lifetime.
During our Kailash overland tour, we travel on a deluxe Van or luxury Bus depending on group size and our belongings are carried on a truck. We sleep in guest houses wherever possible and in mud houses or fixed-tented camps while doing the holy Kora.
We are a specialized Kailash tour operator in Nepal, book your holy tour with us in 2023 and 2024, we are known for successful Kailash operations.
Accommodation during the Trip
Twin-sharing rooms (single rooms available for an additional cost) in a standard hotel in the heart of Kathmandu can be organized while in Nepal. In Tibet, very simple guest houses with shared rooms and basic toilet facilities (in case of heavy rush and emergency we do use tented camp as well) will be your accommodation.
Trip Highlights
Visit Pashupatinath Temple and other popular world heritage sites in Kathmandu
Enjoy the scenic drive from Kathmandu to the Kerung border
Explore classic Tibetan villages and beautiful surroundings in Kerung
Enjoy an adventurous overland drive with many stops to take pictures and meet the locals
Cross stunning high passes and explore the nomadic lifestyle
Visit the historical Saga; Tibetan Trading town
Visit the holiest Lake Mansarovar and take a holy dip
Enjoy an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform Havan/Puja on the banks of Lake Mansarovar
Enjoy an eco-bus tour around the Lake Manasarovar and visit Chu Gompa
Trek around the Mount Kailash - 3 Holy Days Kora 53km walking
Visit Dirapuk (North Face Viewpoint), explore Dolma La Pass, GauriKunda and Zuthulpuk Monastery
Enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime trip to the majestic Mount Kailash, the world's holiest destination
Upon your arrival at the Kathmandu airport, one of our team leaders from Alpine Eco Trek will come to the airport to greet you and transfer you to the selected hotel. In the evening, we invite you to join us on a short trip briefing. Overnight at the Hotel with breakfast.
Accommodation:Hotel
Meals:Bed and Breakfast
Place:Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude:1350 m- 4429 Ft
After breakfast, we will visit Visa center for visa applications and biometric. After completing visa applications we will do half-day sightseeing of Kathmandu valley including Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath Stupa. Overnight at hotel with breakfast.
Accommodation:Hotel
Meals:Breakfast
Place:Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude:1350 Meters - 4429 Ft
Leisurely wake-up, enjoy a delicious breakfast, today is completely free day, you can explore Kathmandu valley on your own, or final shopping for the holy trip. Overnight at hotel with breakfast.
Accommodation:Hotel
Meals:Bed and Breakfast
Place:Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude:1350 Meters - 4429 Ft
Final preparation for the Kailash Overland tour i.e. checking the equipment which will be used during the tour. If you would need to buy a few things or rent something, our staff will assist you. In the evening, a Chinese visa and Tibet permit will be handed over and brief you about the trip. Overnight at the Hotel.
Accommodation:Hotel
Meals:Bed and Breakast
Place:Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude:1350 Meters - 4429 Ft
Today is the first day of our holy and adventure overland journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. After an early breakfast at the hotel or pack breakfast, we start a scenic 6 to 7 hours journey to the Kerung border. We cross the friendship bridge and meet our Tibetan guide and drivers. After all the immigration and custom formalities at the Chinese check post here, we drive to Kerung village, our first night in Tibet will be in this beautiful village. We will spend the night at a simple guest house in Kerung.
Accommodation:Guest House
Meals:Breakfast
Place:Kerung
Maximum Altitude:3560m - 11, 679Ft
Breakfast at Kerung, we start our drive to Saga passing through many beautiful but traditional villages and camps of yak herders. We can see snow-capped mountain peaks on our far south. But most of the time, we will be driving on plains, hence a comfortable drive. We will enjoy hot tea after arriving in Saga. Overnight at guest house.
Accommodation:Guest House
Meals:Breakfast
Place:Saga
Maximum Altitude:4500m-14763Ft
After breakfast, we start an amazing drive to Mansarovar, en route we would be enjoying the first view of Holy Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. We drive further to holy Manasarovar, the highest lake of fresh water with turquoise complexion in the world is full of fishes and swans. Holy Mount Kailash, Mount Gurula-Mandala, Lake Rakshash are lying in its surrounding. Today is a special day for our holy and adventure journey. we will spend a full moon night on the banks of Lake Manasarovar to observe the full moon to get a glimpse of the moon high up in the sky, reflecting on Manasarovar, creating a divine silver Lake, Wow, it's breathtaking, it would be a great experience for the rest of our life. Overnight at a guest house near Mansarovar Lake.
Accommodation:Guest House
Meals:Breakfast
Place:Mansarovar Lake
Maximum Altitude:4,590m-15,060ft
After breakfast, explore the holy Manasarovar - the lake of compassion, tranquility, and bliss that may take in the real spiritual world. After the morning excursion, we will move towards the Holy Mansarovar circuit by Eco-Bus and continue the drive towards Darchen. If time permits, we visit Chui Gompa. Darchen is considered as a base camp for Holy Kailash Kora. During the auspicious pilgrimage time, this place will be flooded with pilgrims all around. Overnight at a guest house in Darchen.
Accommodation:Guest House
Meals:Breakfast
Place:Darchen
Maximum Altitude:4670m-15,321ft
Drive to Tarbuche (trek starting point) and trek to Dirapuk, north of Kailash. Total hiking: 18km (8km driving and 12 km walking), 6-7 hours. Our first day of trekking around Kailash begins at Tarbuche. As we make our way along the route we pass numerous chortens (stupas) as well as the sky burial site of the 84 Mahasiddas. We will drive through the Yama Dwaar – the Gate of the God of Death to start the Trek (Kora). We will also take in wonderful views of cascading creeks, streaming waterfalls, and the mighty west face of Kailash. We will pass the Chukku Monastery and arrive at the Dirapuk monastery about six hours later, where we will stay in a mud house. A short hike to see the awe-inspiring north face of Kailash will be done after some rest and a cup of tea. Overnight at a Mud House.
Accommodation:Mud House
Meals:Breakfast
Place:Dira-Puk
Maximum Altitude:4920m-16,141ft
Total hiking: 18km, 8-9 hours. The hardest day of the pilgrimage tour is also the holiest. We cross a rocky uphill dotted with stone cairns draped with the clothes left as offerings by pilgrims who have come before us. Further hiking ascents up to Dolma-La pass and a marvelous sight of Gaurikunda, after a short break at the top of the pass we will head down the steep trail (two and half hours) and walk on a flat river valley (two and half hour) to our eventual campsite at Zuthulpuk monastery, site of the cave of miracles where the greatest Tibetan yogi Milarepa meditated and developed the powers of flying. Along the way, we will be having wonderful sights of high peaks, streams, waterfalls, and mountain caves. Overnight at a Mud House.
Accommodation:Mud House
Meals:Breakfast
Place:Zuthul-Puk
Maximum Altitude:4760m-15616ft
Total Hiking: 14km (3 to 4 hours). On the last day of Kailash Kora, a three-hour gentle downhill walk along the river brings us to where it emerges onto the Barkha plain. Our Vans/buses will be waiting for us there, then drive back to Saga following the same route. Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Saga.
Accommodation:Guest House
Meals:Breakfast
Place:Saga
Maximum Altitude:4500m-14763Ft
On the way, we will see the beautiful Pigutso Lake, enjoy a good view of the Himalayan range including Shisapangama. Overnight at Guesthouse in Kerung.
Accommodation:Guest House
Meals:Breakfast
Place:Kerung
Maximum Altitude:3560m - 11, 679Ft
Drive to Kathmandu via Shybrubensi / Dunche. Immigration formalities will be done at Kerung (Chinese Immigration office) and at the Nepalese Immigration office and then transfer to Kathmandu. Overnight at the Hotel.
Accommodation:Hotel
Meals:Breakfast
Place:Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude:1350 m- 4429 Ft
After breakfast, we will drop you at the Kathmandu International Airport to board your flight back home or if you would like to extend your journey to visiting Pokhara, Jomsom, and Muktinath Temple then let us know we would be happy to organize as per your requirement.
Note:
If the above-set departure dates are not suitable for you, you may choose your own departure date. These types of departures are best suited for couples, families and small groups of travelers.
Trip Cost for INDIAN PASSPORTS
INR 130,000 Per Person for Tibet Part and INR 40,00 for Nepal Part: a Total of INR 170,000 Per Person.
Minimum Group Size: 16 Yatries
Group Joining dates are available and we have a special offer for group leaders, contact us now. +977 98510 36844 Whatspp
Trip Cost Includes for India Passports:
All necessary airport arrival and departure, drop, and pick up to/from Kerung transfers by a private coach.
Three nights' accommodation in Kathmandu in a 3/4 star standard hotel twin-sharing room with full-board meals.
Half-day guided tour in Kathmandu as per mentioned in the itinerary.
Nine nights accommodations in Tibet on a private room-sharing basis using a guesthouse / Hotel.
Freshly cooked vegetarian meals 3 times a day.
Supporting Nepali crew including our own cooks.
Permits for Manasarovar Prikarma and Kailash Kora (round).
Tibet Tourism Board (TTB) approved guide.
Private transportation in an eight-seated deluxe van for clients and a small truck for staff and food during the trip.
Camping equipment for the kitchen, Shower
Sleeping bag/ Down Jacket if needed on a returnable basis.
Duffle bag (big bag for keeping personal clothes and equipment) & day carry a handbag
Experienced tour leader / co-coordinator
ENOUGH Oxygen cylinders for the entire tour
Yaks and Yak-men to carry baggage, food, fuel etc while making round of Mt. Kailash.
Manasarovar Parikarma by Vehicle.
Have a question ?
Please call us on +977 98510 36844 to talk about your adventure or chat with Ram Kumar on WhatsApp (Available 24hrs) for best quote and detailed information.
All ground transportation by private vehicle
Kathmandu – Kerung – Kathmandu By Tourist Bus
Airport Pick up and drop off by private vehicle
3 star-standard hotel accommodations in Kathmandu with daily breakfast
Half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu with a tour guide and private transportation
Twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu, Kerung, Saga and group sharing in Manasarovar, Darchen, Dirapuk, and Juthulpuk with daily breakfast
Tibet Travel Permits and PSB fees
All necessary entrance fees during the tour in Tibet
Special Kailash Mansarovar Eco-Bus Permit
Applicable entrance fees to visit Monasteries and temples
An English speaking Tibetan Guide and experience drivers
Medical kits which Tibetan guide will be carrying
Enough oxygen cylinder, Other necessary equipment for guides and drivers
yaks or porters for carrying luggage only for 3 days Kailash kora (1yak for every 2 clients)
Custom formalities at Nepal Tibet immigration, Kerung
Government licensed English speaking Tibetan guide
Our Service charges, Tax and vat
Lunch, Dinner and drinks throughout the tour
Any kind of personal expenses
Air and any other expenses from your home location to Kathmandu airport
Pony / Porter expenses in Kailash Parikrama
Any kind of insurance
Any kind of Medical expenses
Any kind of donation or tip to Guide / Sherpa / Drivers /Cooks / Porter / Priest / or any crew member
Extra days accommodation at any place due to bad weather or any other reason.
TIBET VISA fee (US passports 185 for Americans and USD 85 for others)
Any evacuation / rescue / additional charges / losses due to natural calamities / unforeseen circumstances.
Kailash overland tour fixed departure dates for the months of May, June, July, August, and September 2023. We have both Full Moon and Non-Full Moon departure dates for the Kailash overland tour in 2023.
The price we have offered on our website is based on a group joining tour.
The price of this 13 Days Kailash Overland Tour is USD 2090 per person based on a minimum group size of 10 people, If you are traveling alone or with your parents, family or friends, please let us know, We have a special offer for travelers looking for a private tour.
Transportation for Kailash tour package from Nepal
A Luxury bus or van will be your transportation throughout the tour. During the trek, we provide yaks to carry your personal gear. Extra yak, horse, and yak, horseman can be provided (for an additional cost).
Visa and Documentation
Clients must have a current passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining. We will take care of all the Tibet Travel permits, Tibet visa, and entry permit procedures, once we receive a copy of your passport and advance deposit.
And, as per the latest rules put in place by the Tibet Tourism Corporation and the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, clients have to arrive in Kathmandu at least 3 working days prior to departure in order to obtain a visa.
Insurance for Kailash Overland Adventure
We recommend that all clients obtain proper medical and travel insurance prior to the trip. Make sure travel insurance includes emergency and rescue coverage.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude is a major factor on the Kailash overland tour We often reach altitudes of over 5000m. This can have mild or severe effects on the body no matter what your level of health. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping. The best way to prevent this is to stay extremely hydrated and conscious of how your body is functioning. We also have rest days to help the body acclimatize.
Diamox is a prescription altitude medication (consult your doctor) that can help prevent symptoms. We also carry oxygen tanks and portable altitude chambers. Be sure each of you is traveling on your own risk. It is recommended to have a file with your medical history on this type of trip with a recent medical report.
Physical Fitness
Although most of the trip will be done in vehicles, it is important that clients be in relatively good health. The Kora/trek around Kailash requires some demanding hiking and altitude can take a physical challenge on the body. We suggest you start an exercise routine prior to the trip that includes hiking or jogging for a least an hour 3-4 days a week. If you have any concerns about the physical demands of the trip feel free to contact us, please. If you have any chronic health problems please consult your doctor.
The extra Costs that you will have to pay on your own
Renting a horse for Kora: Our guide will arrange a horse and porter while on Kora, if you would like to hire a horse with a horseman it would cost you USD 600 to 650 for 3 days Kora which you would be able to pay to guide directly on the spot.
Meals in Kathmandu and during the tour in Kailash: Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu, there are so many options, you can choose any kind of restaurant like a purely vegetarian or a vegan in Kathmandu to enjoy your lunch and dinner.
During the tour in Kailash, each and every guesthouse in Tibet they have its own restaurant so you can order vegetarian meals from those restaurants and our guide will help you to find the best meal items. And the cost for lunch and dinner in Tibet will be about USD 20 per person per day.
The following is a list of the personal gear required for the above tour. Some items might be available for rental in Kathmandu. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the gear.
1 large duffel bag or backpack (we provide each of you one duffel bag of Alpine Eco Trek)
1 small backpack or day pack
2 pair of warm synthetic or cotton pants
1 pair light hiking pants
2 pair long underwear tops and bottoms
1 fleece, wool jacket, pants
1 down jacket
1 Sleeping bag
1 set of light rain gear tops and bottoms
1 warm hat and 1 sun hat
6 pair of warm socks
1 pair of comfortable waterproof hiking boots
I pair comfortable shoes (for wearing around camp)
2 pair long sleeve cotton shirt
1 pair warm gloves or mittens
1 pair of sunglasses (100% UV protective)
Sunscreen, lip salve (at least SPF 25)
1 silk or polyester scarf (to protect neck from the sun)
1 towel
Water bottle 2 liters
1 flashlight (with extra batteries)
Toilet items:
Towel, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb/brush, razor, shaving cream, women’s items, toilet paper, etc.
First Aid and Medical Kits
We provide basic 1st aid items but we highly recommend that please bring a well-stocked personal medical kit. The suggested items are below. Consult your doctor for all prescription medicine.
1. Band-aids, bandages, medical tape, Neosporin, and other wound dressings
2. Blister dressings, moleskin, spenco, 2nd skin
3. Cold and flu tablets, nasal decongestant
4. Antihistamine (for allergies)
5. Aspirin or ibuprofen
6. Imodium or Lomotil (anti-diarrhea)
7. Hydration powder
8. Throat lozenges, cough medicine
9. Small pof air scissors, tweezers, thermometer
10. Antibiotics (consult a doctor)
11. Full supply of all current prescription medications.
In late September this year (2023) I took a 15 day overland trip from Nepal to Tibet…and return, including EBC and Mt. Kailash kora .
As I had previously visited Tibet in 2018, I was initially planning to go with the same Tibetan agent I had then used, but unfortunately their trip dates didn’t suit my schedule.
Therefore, I randomly searched here on TA for some Nepal based agencies with excellent reviews, as I could then combine my regular trip to Nepal with another visit to Tibet.
Ram Adhikari’s agency ‘Alpine Eco Trek & Expedition’ really stood out against the others and I contacted him via his Whats App phone number.
I also noted the itinerary they offered gave additional days for acclimatisation in Tibet, and the price was very reasonable.
Some regular conversations over several months followed, where Ram would address all my questions in a very prompt and informative manner, either by phone call on WhatsApp or email.
I particularly liked the itinerary Ram and his agency provided, allowing our small group of 6 to experience the full moon at Lake Manasarovar before driving on to do Mt Kailash kora. The late September/early October dates delivered us perfect weather throughout our trip of 15 days.
When I returned to Nepal and met Ram in person I immediately felt at ease and confident with my choice of agents.
As a regular to the country, and therefore wishing to make my own arrangements for accommodation and time spent in Kathmandu, Ram was more than happy to adjust my tour price accordingly.
All aspects of the visa and permit process for China/Tibet were handled by Ram in a smooth, stress free and efficient manner.
We drove in 2 jeeps from Ktm and were met at the border on Tibet side by our wonderful kind, gentle, caring and knowledgeable Tibetan guide Tashi and safe and careful van driver Mingma.
At all times I felt safe in our van as Mingma expertly negotiated winding high passes and 1,000’s of km’s of good roads within Tibet.
Tashi was absolutely amazing and so fun to be with, patiently dealing with personalities and anything that came up along the way.
Ram followed our progress closely from Kathmandu, available at all times if anyone needed to contact him.
Our group had mixed fitness levels, and some chose the option to ride a horse on the kora. Tashi would one minute be up the front checking on the fastest walkers, the next checking on those behind……..to make sure everyone was doing, and more importantly… feeling well. He must have walked at least double, if not triple the 52km kora route. lol
We had some flexibility in our itinerary along the way and everyone was happy with the arrangements and adjustments we made as a group.
We saw and did so much without feeling too rushed, and the accommodation choices that Ram had made for us exceeded our expectations.
In Lhasa I personally wished to stay at the hotel I had stayed in on my previous visit and Ram respected my choice and organised that option for me.
Without hesitation I can thoroughly recommend Ram Adhikari and his agency…… ‘Alpine Eco Trek & Expedition’.
Susan Richardson
Australia
December 27, 2022
Kailash Overland tour with good agency
Ram Kumar remains in my memory for his ability to organize Kailash overland tour according to my desires at a reasonable price with an impeccable accompaniment. No unpleasant surprises from the beginning to the end of the trip. I used to organize myself, which was not possible for Kailash. His team is very caring. I recommend him and his agency alpine eco trek for any trips in Mount Kailas.
Our goal at Alpine Eco Trek is to deliver the most unforgettable and epic journeys to our clients. We create memories that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Memories you can be proud of and can share with everyone around you...
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