Mount Kailash Tour
Mount Kailash Tour Overview
The Mount Kailash Tour is a combined pilgrimage package to the two prime sacred attractions of Tibet: holy Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. This journey is a lifetime experience, taking you through places like Paryang, Mansarovar, and the base camp at Darchen, and is considered a lifetime achievement in travel and tours.
Mount Kailash (6,638m) is revered as the spiritual center of the universe in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bon tradition. In Hindu belief, it is the eternal abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The nearby Lake Mansarovar (4,590m) is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, and bathing in its pure waters is believed to wash away sins.
The tour's core is the Kailash Parikrama (Kora), a 3-day, 52-kilometer circumambulation trek around the mountain. This challenging journey reaches its highest point at the Dolma La Pass (5,630m) and is believed to help devotees attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Trekkers will visit sacred monasteries like Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk along the way.
The journey begins in Kathmandu with a guided tour of sacred sites like Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa. It then continues with a scenic drive across the Tibet border, through Nyalam and Saga, to the holy lake and mountain. After completing the Kora, the return journey follows a similar route back to Kathmandu.
This tour is ideal for spiritual seekers, adventure travelers, and pilgrims who wish to experience one of the most sacred and remote destinations in the Himalayas.
Things That You Need to Know
Duration & Difficulty:
This is a 13-day tour that includes a challenging 3-day Kora (circumambulation) trek around Mount Kailash at altitudes over 5,600m. It requires excellent physical fitness, mental strength, and proper acclimatization.
Best Season:
The best time is from May to September, when the weather is relatively stable and the routes remain open for the Kailash Parikrama.
Accommodation & Meals:
The package includes 4 nights in a Kathmandu hotel, 1 night in Nyalam (local guesthouse), and 9 nights in Kailash (local guesthouse/camping). All meals are provided throughout the journey.
Permits & Cost:
The cost starts from approx. $1800. It includes all necessary permits, accommodation, meals, transport, guides, and support staff. International flights, travel insurance, and personal expenses are extra.
Note on Climbing:
Climbing Mount Kailash is strictly prohibited out of respect for its religious significance. Pilgrims perform the Kora (Parikrama), a sacred walk around the mountain.
Highlights
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Evening free to relax and acclimatize. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu Sightseeing & Briefing
Guided tour of Kathmandu, visiting Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Boudhanath Stupa. Afternoon meet with your trekking guide for an itinerary briefing. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Drive to Nyalam (Tibet Border)
Scenic drive from Kathmandu to the Nepal-Tibet border and on to Nyalam (approx. 6-7 hours). Complete border formalities. Stunning mountain views. Overnight in Nyalam.
Acclimatization Day in Nyalam
Rest day for acclimatization to the high altitude. Light activities or leisurely walks around Nyalam to help your body adjust. Overnight in Nyalam.
Drive to Dongba/Paryang
Continue the journey with a scenic drive to Dongba/Paryang (approx. 5-6 hours), enjoying breathtaking Tibetan landscapes. Overnight in Dongba/Paryang.
Drive to Lake Mansarovar
Drive to the sacred Lake Mansarovar (4,590m). Participate in rituals and enjoy the serene beauty of this holy lake. Overnight camping near Mansarovar.
Mansarovar to Darchen (Base Camp)
Morning rituals at Lake Mansarovar. Drive to Darchen (4,660m), the base camp for the Kailash trek. Explore the town and prepare for the Kora. Overnight in Darchen.
Kailash Parikrama Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk
Start the Kailash Kora. Trek approx. 12 km to Dirapuk Monastery (4,910m), enjoying stunning views of Mount Kailash. Overnight camping at Dirapuk.
Kailash Parikrama Day 2: Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La
Trek from Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk Monastery (4,790m), crossing the highest point of the Kora, the Dolma La Pass (5,630m). A challenging 6-7 hour day with breathtaking scenery. Overnight camping at Zuthulpuk.
Kailash Parikrama Day 3: Zuthulpuk to Darchen
Finish the circumambulation with a trek from Zuthulpuk back to Darchen (4,660m). Reflect on your spiritual journey. Overnight in Darchen.
Drive to Saga
Depart Darchen and drive back towards Saga, enjoying the beautiful Tibetan landscapes. Check into your accommodation. Overnight in Saga.
Drive to Nyalam
Continue the return journey back to Nyalam (approx. 5-6 hours). Enjoy more stunning views of Tibet's unique scenery. Overnight in Nyalam.
Drive to Kathmandu & Departure
Depart early morning for the scenic drive back to Kathmandu. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward destination.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Comprehensive arrival and departure arrangements in Kathmandu
- 4 nights' accommodation in a twin-sharing room at a hotel in Kathmandu
- 9 nights' accommodation in Kailash (local guesthouse/camping)
- 1 night's accommodation in Nyalam (local guesthouse)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the entire journey
- All necessary transportation during the tour
- Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu as per the program
- English-speaking guide throughout the journey
- All necessary permits for Tibet and Kailash region
- Yak & yak man for carrying belongings during the Kailash Kora
- Support staff (kitchen crews, etc.) during the Kora
Excluded
- International flights and airport taxes
- Nepal visa fee and Tibet/China visa fee
- Travel insurance (mandatory, highly recommended)
- Emergency evacuation costs
- Expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic drinks, phone, laundry, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mount Kailash Tour?
The Mount Kailash Tour is a spiritual pilgrimage to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. It includes the 3-day Kailash Parikrama (Kora) circumambulation trek, visits to ancient monasteries, and cultural immersion, offering a transformative journey of faith and self-discovery.
What is the significance of Mount Kailash?
Mount Kailash is revered as the spiritual center of the universe in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bon tradition. Hindus believe it is the abode of Lord Shiva, while Buddhists consider it the dwelling place of Demchok. Circumambulating it (Kora) is believed to bring spiritual merit and liberation.
What is the Kailash Parikrama (Kora)?
The Kailash Parikrama is a 52-kilometer circumambulation trek around Mount Kailash. It typically takes 3 days and involves crossing the high Dolma La Pass (5,630m). It is a profound spiritual and physical challenge undertaken by pilgrims.
What is the significance of Lake Mansarovar?
Lake Mansarovar, located near Mount Kailash, is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world and is deeply sacred in Hinduism. Bathing in its holy waters is believed to wash away sins and bring spiritual merit.
How much does a Kailash trip cost?
The cost varies depending on the route, duration, and mode of travel. Overland tours from Nepal typically range from $1,800 to $3,500+. Helicopter-assisted tours from Nepal are more expensive. Costs usually include permits, accommodation, meals, transport, guides, and support staff.
Can we go to Mount Kailash from Nepal?
Yes, Nepal is one of the most popular and convenient gateways to Mount Kailash. Most yatras begin in Kathmandu and enter Tibet via overland routes through border crossings.
Can we visit Mount Kailash?
Yes, visitors can travel to Mount Kailash as part of an organized Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. However, climbing Mount Kailash is strictly prohibited. Pilgrims and travelers perform the Kora (Parikrama) – a sacred walk around the mountain.
What is the cost of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Nepal?
Typical costs from Nepal range from $1,800 for basic overland tours to over $4,500 for luxury or helicopter-assisted routes. Final pricing depends on group size, hotel category, itinerary length, and seasonal conditions.
Can a helicopter fly over Mount Kailash?
No. Helicopters cannot fly directly over Mount Kailash. Aerial sightseeing over the sacred peak is not permitted. Helicopters are only used to shorten travel on the Nepal side (up to Hilsa), from where all travelers must continue by road.
Can Indian citizens go to Mount Kailash?
Yes, Indian citizens are allowed to visit Mount Kailash. They can travel via the Government of India–organized Kailash Mansarovar Yatra or through registered private tour operators via Nepal. Independent travel is not allowed.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Kailash?
Mount Kailash cannot be climbed. Climbing is banned due to its religious importance. Instead, the Kailash Kora (Parikrama) takes 2–3 days. The entire Kailash Mansarovar Yatra typically takes 9–16 days.
Why is Kailash Yatra costly?
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is expensive due to its extremely remote and high-altitude location, complex permits for restricted regions, the limited travel season, long-distance transportation over rough terrain, and the requirement of experienced guides, medical backup, and support staff.
What is the Dolma La Pass?
Dolma La is the highest point on the Kailash Kora, at approximately 5,630 meters. Crossing this pass is the most challenging part of the circumambulation and holds immense spiritual significance, especially for Buddhists.
What is the best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar?
The best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar is from May to September, when the weather is relatively stable and the routes for the Kailash Parikrama remain open. Winter months are extremely cold with heavy snowfall.
What should I pack for the Kailash Tour?
Essential items include sturdy and comfortable hiking boots, warm layers for extreme cold, a good sleeping bag, sun protection (high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, hat), personal medications, a refillable water bottle, and all necessary travel documents.