KATHMANDU-& MT KAILASH PILGRIMAGE KORA TOUR

9DAYS-KATHMANDU-& MT KAILASH PILGRIMAGE KORA TOUR

Overview

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that takes you from the vibrant streets of Kathmandu to the spiritual and breathtaking landscapes of Tibet. This carefully designed trip combines adventure, culture, and natural beauty, offering an unforgettable experience for both seasoned travelers and first-time explorers.

Traverse majestic mountain passes, visit sacred sites like Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Tibetan culture. Along the way, enjoy stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and lush valleys, all while experiencing the warm hospitality of local communities.

Whether you’re seeking spiritual fulfillment, cultural insight, or an escape into nature, this incredible 9-day adventure promises to leave you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the wonders of the Himalayas and Tibet.

Days Trip HighlightActivityAccommodation
01kathmandu-Rasuwa Gadi [170km ] Drive to Sino-Nepal Border Rasuwa Gadi
02Arrival at Kyirong Pick up and Acclimitize the altitute Phuntsok Kangsar hotel or similar
03Kyirong– Saga [300Km, 4490m] Peiku tso Lake Yarlung Tsangpo grand hotel or similar
04Saga -Darchen [490Km, 4670m] Manasarovar Lake ,Chiu Monastery, Prepare for trekking Local Hotel
05Mt. Kailash Kora [52Km, max. 5630m] Trek to Dira-Puk [20Km, 5-6h, 5080m. 200m ascent] Guesthouse
06Mt. Kailash Kora Trek to Zutul Puk [18Km, 6-8h, 4820m 600m ascent]. Guesthouse
07Mt. Kailash Kora -Saga [495Km, 4490m] Trek to Darchen [14Km, 34h, 4670m 600 descent] Sand dune’s view Yarlung Tsangpo hotel or similar
08Saga – Kyirong [220km, 2700m] Snow-capped mountains and dense forests and canyon landscapes. Phuntsok Kangsar hotel or similar
09Depart Tibet Drop to Border

Day 1: Kathmandu to Rasuwa Gadi

Embark on a scenic drive to the Sino-Nepal border along the southern Himalayas. We’ll pick you up from your Kathmandu hotel in the morning and travel approximately 130km, taking about 7 hours to reach Rasuwa Gadi. Enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and lush forests along the way. Keep an eye out for wildlife as we pass through Langtang National Park. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax.

Stay overnight in Rasuwa Gadi.

Insider Tips:

  1. Arrive in Kathmandu ahead of time and visit our office at least 4 working days before departure.
  2. Bring your original passport and funds to cover visa and service fees for the Chinese Group Visa application.

 

Day 2: Arrival at Kyirong – [45Km, 2800m]

After breakfast, embark on a 15-km drive to the Gyirong border for entry into China. Upon arrival, a Tibetan guide will greet you and drive you to Gyirong town, which takes approximately an hour. En route, enjoy the picturesque scenery of forests, waterfalls, and canyons at an altitude of 2800 meters. Following lunch, in Gyirong town we can explore historic Phagba Lhakhang temple, offering insight into Tibetan culture and spirituality. Afterward, we’ll continue to the charming Kepu village, where we’ll engage with locals, learn about their traditions,

Overnight at Phuntsok Rabsel hotel or similar

 

Day 3: Kyirong– Saga [449Km, 4600m]  

Get ready for another day of stunning landscapes as we leisurely drive from Kyirong to Saga. Pass through Gongtang la Pass at an elevation of 5236 meters, marking your entrance into the plateau region. As you ascend, marvel at the changing landscapes, including Mt. Shishabangma (8027m) and Peiku Tso Lake. As we continue, be prepared to be mesmerized by the changing scenery. From rolling hills to vast grasslands, each twist and turn of the road offers a fresh view to admire. clear waters, reflecting the mountains around it, invite us to take a moment to soak in the tranquility of the Tibetan countryside. Enjoy the crisp mountain air and the serene atmosphere of this remote gem. we’ll continue our journey to Saga, where more adventures await. Whether it’s spotting wildlife or simply marveling at the vastness of Tibet, every moment of the trip promises to be unforgettable. Relax and enjoy the wonders of Tibet as we make our way to Saga.

Overnight at Yarlung Tsangpo grand hotel or similar

 

Day 4: Saga -Darchen via Lake Manasarovar [465km,4556m]

After breakfast we drive to the Darchen, a small town at foothills of Mt Kailash, which is Base camp for Mt Kailash kora trek, though it’s long drive today You’ll have stunning landscape views of the great Himalayans to the south and Trans-Himalayan to the north as we drive across the nomadic vast plains and its sand dunes. At about 50km from today’s destination Darchen, we will make a small detour to Lake Manasarovar The holy lake for Hinduism. We can visit Chiu monastery and relax around the lake shore and experience the natural beauty of the lake. In late afternoon, we will reach out destination Darchen, our guide will help to arrange yaks and potter for Kailash trek if there is need.

Overnight at Local hotel (Facilities in this area is not good as Lhasa and Shigatse)

 

Days 5: Mt. Kailash Kora [52km (whole kora), max. altitude 5630m]
We begin the Pilgrimage Kora of Mount Kailash, most sacred mountain in Asia. Tibetans and Hindu pilgrims from all over the World come here for religious reasons.

Trek to Dira-Puk Monastery [20Km, 5-6h, 5050m]. First day of the trek from Darchen to Dira puk monastery. It takes 6 hours walk. Further ahead, verdant meadows and picturesque streams lie en route to Lha Chu Valley. The trail overlooks turquoise river cascading over a narrow canyon with high steep cliffs. En-route, north face of Kailash comes into vision. The trail will approach 13th century monastery of Dira-Puk. We recommended you visit the Dira-Puk monastery and from there you can have nice view of Mt Kailash. Eventually, you will conclude the trek of the day at Dira-Puk after memorable Mount Kailash tour and trek.

Overnight at Guesthouse dorm bed without bathroom during trekking, sleeping bag recommended.

 

Days 6: Trek to Zutul Puk Monastery, [18Km, 6-8h, 4820m]. 
Today is the most challenging day of the trekking, we will cross highest Dolma la pass (5630 M) and Gauri Kund Lake (5608 m). From the top of the Dolma la pass you can have view of Thukpe Dzingbu Lake, known as the Lake of Compassion, at the summit, you realize that this tough and challenging ascent has indeed been very worthwhile and fruitful. Further on, the trail descends to the flat fields of Zutul-Puk monastery, several fascinating caves. The caves at this locale are most popular for meditation; Milarepa’s cave being one of them with Milarepa’s footprints and elbow prints believed to be imprinted all over this cave of Mani stones.  

Overnight at Guesthouse dorm bed without bathroom during trekking. Sleeping bag recommended

 

Day 7:Trek to Darchen-– Saga [14Km, 3-4h (walk), 495Km, 4490m]
The third and final trek of Mt Kailash it is an easy 2-3hrs walk down you follow the trail through Bharkha plain leading to Darchen crossing several streams along the picturesque gorge. Enchanting view of Mount Kailash accompanies through this Mount Kailash tour and trek and finely reach to Darchen. After the Circumambulating of Kailash Kora,

We will take long driving road back as rest time after 3 days of the incredible trek. We will make some stops along the way to take photos of the natural scenery, rural cattle and sheep, wild animals, and unknown flowers all over the mountains all the way.

Overnight at Yarlung Tsangpo grand hotel or similar 

 

Day 8: Saga -Kyirong [135km, 2800m]

Embark on a day of exploration as we journey from Saga to Kyirong. Our first stop in Gyirong town will be the historic Phagba Lhakhang temple, offering insight into Tibetan culture and spirituality. Afterward, we’ll continue to the charming Kepu village, where we’ll engage with locals, learn about their traditions, and admire the unique architecture. Explore the village’s narrow streets lined with colorful prayer flags, surrounded by majestic mountains and lush greenery. Whether you’re capturing scenic photographs or simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere, Kepu promises a memorable experience.

Overnight at Phuntsok Rabsel hotel or similar

 

Day 9: Depart Tibet

Your tour guide will accompany you to exit China and bid farewell at the Gyirong border. We can arrange a jeep for your transfer from Gyirong to Kathmandu, but please note that this service is not included in the package. Alternatively, you have the option to take a bus to Kathmandu, which typically costs around 40 US$ depending on your negotiation with the driver. However, it’s important to consider that the road conditions are subpar, and the journey from the border to Kathmandu city takes approximately 10 hours. Therefore, taking a bus may not be the most recommended option.

INCLUDED √

  1. PERMITS: –Tibet travel permit and other all necessary permits for Tibet (excluding the Chinese L visa)
  2. ATTRACTION:–All entrance fee for the itinerary listed
  3. TRANSPORTATION: –Travel-licensed vehiclebus 16 – 29 seaters for whole group travel to Kailash tour /    Yatra (depends upon size) during whole trip including and cost related to the vehicle including gasoline, repair or fixed vehicle, parking fee.
  4. SHUTTLE BUS:-Shuttle Bus fee get to and back from Kailash kora.
  5. MEALS: -Breakfast during whole trip at hotel
  6. GUIDE/DRIVER: –Services of your English-speaking Tibetan guide and driver and their lodge and meals.
  7. PORTER:-Salary of Guide & Porter. Insurance of all staff including porter and guide.
  8. OXYGEN TANK: – Oxygen tank for the emergency use
  9. WATER: –Mineral water during whole trip
  10. ACCOMMODATION: – Twin Sharing basis Hotel, Guesthouse/Tent.
  11. YAK AND HERDER: –Yak and its herder for round kora (Parikrama) Mt. Kailash Yatra for luggage transfer, kitchen items.

 

We will arrange for you as we mentioned the itinerary. Double room with bathroom and breakfast are included when you stay in Kyirong, Saga, Darchen. At Mt. Kailash Kora -Guesthouses (dorm bed, no shower)

In Kyirong, Phuntsok Rabsel Hotel 2**

In Saga, Yarlung Tsangpo or similar 3***

In Kailash Darchen and kora- Local Guesthouse 

 

 

EXCLUDED X

  1. VISA: -Chinese Visa and Tibet Group Visa (if enter from Nepal)
  2. PORTERS: -Horse or Yak for personal use during Kora
  3. MEALS: -Lunch and dinner during whole trip
  4. PERSONAL EXPENSES: –Telephone call, shopping, souvenir, fax, laundry, drinks, snacks, and   any optional activities, etc.
  5. TICKETS: –Train and flight tickets in or out of Tibet.
  6. GRATITUDE: -Tips for the tour guide and driver.
  7. UPGRADE: – Extension of itinerary or upgrade the hotel or additional transportation cost.
  8. FORCE MAJEURE: – Expenses cause by irresistible objective reasons and non-travel agency reasons (natural disasters such as landslide, road wash, snowfall, wars, delays, strikes, sudden changes of govt policy etc.

 

 

 

Explore More Adventures

Looking for a Private Tour?

Tailor your Tibetan adventure to suit your preferences! Private tours offer: Flexible itineraries customized to your needs. Personalized service with your own guide and driver. Pricing based on group size, hotel category, transportation, and travel dates.

Prefer a Group Tour?

Join a group and enjoy: Pre-set itineraries with fixed departures. Lower costs by sharing services with fellow travelers. A chance to connect with like-minded adventurers.

Upcoming Group Tour

Check our schedule for upcoming departures and book your spot today! By offering these options clearly, you empower clients to choose the travel style that best fits their preferences and budget.