The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Kathmandu – 13 Days is one of the most sacred pilgrimage journeys in the Himalayas. This spiritual expedition takes pilgrims from Kathmandu to the holy Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in the remote Tibetan plateau.
For centuries, devotees from India, Nepal, and around the world have traveled to Mount Kailash (6,638 m), believed to be the divine home of Lord Shiva. Completing the sacred Kailash Parikrama (Kora) around the mountain is considered a powerful act of devotion that symbolizes spiritual purification and the release of past karma.
The journey also includes time at Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m), one of the highest and most sacred lakes in the world. Pilgrims gather at the lake to perform prayers, meditation, and traditional rituals.
This 13-day Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage from Kathmandu is carefully designed with gradual altitude gain and proper acclimatization. With experienced guides and organized travel arrangements, pilgrims can complete this sacred journey safely while experiencing the spiritual beauty of the Himalayan region.
| Trip Name | Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Kathmandu – 13 Days |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 Nights / 13 Days |
| Maximum Altitude | 5,630 m – Dolma La Pass |
| Mount Kailash Elevation | 6,638 m |
| Lake Mansarovar Elevation | 4,590 m |
| Kailash Parikrama Distance | Approx. 52 km |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to Challenging (High-Altitude Pilgrimage) |
| Trek Start / End | Darchen – Mount Kailash Circuit |
| Tour Start / End | Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Accommodation | Hotels in Kathmandu & Guesthouses during Yatra |
| Meals Included | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the Yatra |
| Transportation | Overland drive by tourist vehicle (Kathmandu – Tibet – Kathmandu) |
| Region | Mount Kailash & Lake Mansarovar, Tibet |
| Group Size | Fixed Departure Pilgrimage Group |
| Best Season | May – September |
| Permits | Tibet Travel Permit & China Group Visa |
✔ Airport transfers in Kathmandu (arrival and departure)
✔ 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
✔ Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with private vehicle
✔ Overland transportation from Kathmandu to the Tibet border and return
✔ Tibet Travel Permit and China Group Visa arrangement
✔ Accommodation in hotels and guesthouses during the Yatra
✔ Vegetarian meals during the pilgrimage journey
✔ Experienced English-speaking Tibetan guide
✔ Nepali guide fluent in English and Hindi throughout the trip
✔ Entrance fees for temples and monasteries during Kathmandu sightseeing
✔ Special puja ceremony at Lake Mansarovar
✔ Rudra Abhishek and visit to Pashupatinath Temple
✔ Down jacket, sleeping bag, and trekking poles for use during the journey
✔ Holy water from Lake Mansarovar and pilgrimage completion certificate
✔ All government taxes and official service charges
✗ International airfare to and from Nepal
✗ Nepal entry visa fees
✗ Travel and medical insurance
✗ Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, phone calls, tips, etc.)
✗ Pony, porter, or yak hire during the Kailash Parikrama
✗ Additional hotel nights in Kathmandu outside the itinerary
✗ Emergency evacuation or medical costs
✗ Costs due to weather delays, border closures, or political situations
Altitude: 1,350 m / 4,430 ft
Transfer Duration: 30–45 minutes
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you can relax and recover from your journey. In the evening, there will be a short briefing about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and preparation for the pilgrimage ahead.
Altitude: 1,350 m / 4,430 ft
Duration: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will visit important religious sites in Kathmandu, including the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most important temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pilgrims often perform prayers and spiritual rituals here before starting the Kailash pilgrimage. Final travel preparations and document checks are completed today.
Altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Driving Duration: 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, begin the overland journey from Kathmandu toward the Nepal–Tibet border. The drive offers beautiful views of mountain landscapes and river valleys. After immigration procedures at the border, continue driving to Kerung in Tibet where you will stay overnight.
Altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This day is reserved for acclimatization. Resting at this altitude helps your body adjust before traveling to higher elevations. You may take a short walk around the town and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery.
Altitude: 4,450 m / 14,600 ft
Driving Duration: 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue the journey across the vast Tibetan plateau toward Saga. The landscape becomes more dramatic with wide open plains, high mountain passes, and distant snow peaks.
Altitude: 4,590 m / 15,060 ft
Driving Duration: 8–9 hours
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you arrive at the sacred Lake Mansarovar, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas. Pilgrims gather here to perform prayers, meditation, and spiritual rituals while enjoying stunning views of Mount Kailash.
Altitude: 4,575 m / 15,010 ft
Driving Duration: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, pilgrims perform special puja ceremonies at Lake Mansarovar. Many devotees collect holy water from the lake as a symbol of blessings. After the spiritual activities, drive to Darchen, the starting point of the Kailash Parikrama.
Altitude: 5,000 m / 16,404 ft
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today begins the sacred Kailash Parikrama (Kora). The trail gradually leads toward Dirapuk along the north face of Mount Kailash. Pilgrims enjoy incredible views of the holy mountain during the walk.
Altitude: 5,630 m / 18,471 ft
Trek Duration: 8–9 hours
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is the most challenging day of the pilgrimage as you cross Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the Kailash Parikrama. After the pass, the trail descends toward Zutulpuk where pilgrims rest for the night.
Altitude: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Driving Duration: 8–9 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After completing the final section of the Kailash Parikrama, return to Darchen and continue driving toward Dongba across the Tibetan plateau.
Altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Driving Duration: 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The return journey continues toward the Nepal border with scenic views of Tibet’s high-altitude landscapes.
Altitude: 1,350 m / 4,430 ft
Driving Duration: 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After completing border formalities, drive back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening.
Altitude: 1,350 m / 4,430 ft
Transfer Duration: 30 minutes
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Your sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra concludes with unforgettable spiritual memories.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash (6,638 m) and Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m) located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The journey holds deep spiritual significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of the Bon religion. Pilgrims visit this holy region to perform the Kailash Parikrama (Kora) around the mountain and offer prayers at Lake Mansarovar.
Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are located in western Tibet (China) near the border of Nepal and India. The area lies on the Tibetan Plateau at an altitude of over 4,500 meters and is considered one of the most sacred regions in the Himalayas.
Mount Kailash is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva in Hinduism. Buddhists consider it the home of Demchok (Chakrasamvara), Jains believe their first Tirthankara Rishabhadeva attained liberation here, and followers of the Bon religion regard it as a spiritual center. Because of this shared significance, the mountain is revered by multiple religions.
The journey is considered moderate to challenging due to the high altitude and long travel distances. The most demanding part is the three-day Kailash Parikrama trek, which crosses Dolma La Pass (5,630 m). Proper preparation, acclimatization, and a steady walking pace help pilgrims complete the journey safely.
The best time to undertake the pilgrimage is from May to September. During these months, the weather in Tibet is relatively stable and trekking conditions around Mount Kailash are more suitable for travel.
Most organized tours take 12 to 14 days, depending on the route and travel arrangements. This includes travel from Kathmandu, acclimatization days, the Kailash Parikrama trek, and the return journey.
The Kailash Parikrama is a sacred circumambulation around Mount Kailash performed by pilgrims. The trek covers approximately 52 kilometers and usually takes three days to complete, starting and ending in the town of Darchen.
The highest point of the Kailash Parikrama is Dolma La Pass, located at an altitude of 5,630 meters (18,471 ft). Crossing this pass is considered the most physically demanding part of the pilgrimage.
Travelers from most countries can join the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through an organized tour operator. Indian, Nepali, American, European, Australian, and other international pilgrims regularly participate in this sacred journey. Travel requirements may vary depending on nationality.
Yes. Visitors must obtain a China Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit to enter the Mount Kailash region. These documents are arranged in advance through an authorized tour operator as part of the pilgrimage package.
Yes. Most itineraries include acclimatization days, usually in places like Kerung, to allow travelers to gradually adjust to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Pilgrims stay in comfortable hotels in Kathmandu and major Tibetan towns, while accommodation during the Kailash Parikrama is usually in basic guesthouses or pilgrim lodges. Facilities in remote areas are simple but suitable for travelers.
Yes. Most Kailash Mansarovar Yatra tours provide fresh vegetarian meals throughout the journey, especially during the Tibet portion of the trip.
Yes. Pilgrims often perform puja ceremonies, meditation, and prayers at Lake Mansarovar. Many devotees also collect sacred water from the lake and bring it back home as a blessing.
Most pilgrimage programs allow participants between 15 and 65 years old, provided they are medically fit for high-altitude travel. A medical certificate may be required before joining the trip.
Yes, single private rooms may be available for travelers who prefer individual accommodation in Kathmandu and certain towns along the route. A single room supplement applies, and availability should be confirmed with the tour operator before booking.
