The journey, Kathmandu to Mt. Kailash & Mansarovar: 16-Day Tour star and close in Kathmandu. It is necessary to stay in Kathmandu for a minimum of 4 to 5 days at the beginning of the journey to secure the Tibet group visa from the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu Nepal. The standard process for acquiring a visa from the Chinese embassy requires 3 working days. The embassy processes visa applications from Monday through Friday.
[Note: For Indians, the itinerary will be reduced by two days; it will be 13 days instead of 15 days. Indians should secure their Tibet group visa from the Chinese embassy in Delhi prior to their arrival in Kathmandu. They can enjoy a stay of two nights in Kathmandu at the beginning and one night at the conclusion.]
This section outlines a comprehensive 16-day tour itinerary. This itinerary has been carefully designed to ensure that every participant can complete the tour without facing health issues or complications arising from inadequate acclimatization to the high altitude. Nonetheless, the duration of the excursion can be modified to accommodate your schedule.
The hotel in Kathmandu can be customized to meet your preferences. This will guarantee that the pricing aligns easily with your budget.
NOTE: May might not be the most suitable month for those who intend to complete a full Parikrama (KORA)/ Circumambulation. This is because the entire parikrama requires passing through one of the high passes, Dolma La Pass, which is 5,650 meters (18,532 feet) in elevation. The Dolma La Pass will frequently be snowbound during monthof May, rendering it impassible and posing a significant risk. However, if you intend to observe Mount Kailash from Deraphuk and not engage in a full parikrama, May is an appropriate month. We highly recommend the month of June for the most comprehensive parikrama experience.]
The Tibet group visa can only be issued by the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu, as no Chinese embassy outside Nepal provides this service. Per the current Chinese government regulations, a group must have at least five members to be eligible for the Tibet group visa. Groups with fewer than five individuals do not qualify for a group visa.
Step 1: Registering Your Trip with a Tibet Tour Operator
To begin the process, you must register your trip with a registered Tibet tour operator, either in Kathmandu or Lhasa (e.g., our company, “The Trekkers’ Society P. Ltd.”). During the registration process:
Step 2: Applying for the Tibet Travel Permit
After completing the registration, your documents will be submitted to the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) in Lhasa to obtain your Tibet travel permit. The approval process generally takes 10–15 days.
Step 3: Applying for the Group Visa in Kathmandu
Once the TTB travel permit is received, the group visa application will be submitted to the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu. This process begins upon your arrival in Kathmandu and usually takes five business days to complete.
By following these steps, you can secure the necessary permits and visas for your trip to Tibet and Mount Kailash.
For millennia, Mount Kailash has stood as a beacon of spirituality, attracting pilgrims from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. Revered as sacred by Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and followers of the Bon religion, this 6,714-meter-high peak is regarded as the spiritual epicenter of the universe. Known as Kang Rinpoche or “Precious Jewel of Snows” in Tibet, Mount Kailash is a symbol of purity, divinity, and ultimate enlightenment.
To Hindus, this mountain is the abode of Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer, who meditates eternally with his consort Parvati by his side. For Jains, it is Astapada, the site where their first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, attained liberation. Buddhists consider it the home of Demchok (Chakrasamvara), representing supreme bliss, while the Bon tradition venerates it as the axis of the universe and the seat of spiritual power.
Legends Surrounding Mount Kailash
The mountain’s significance is deeply interwoven with ancient legends. One of the most famous involves the great Tibetan Yogi Milarepa, a master of Tantric Buddhism, and Naro-Bonchung, a Bon grandmaster. In a spiritual contest to determine the superiority of their beliefs, the two agreed to race to the summit of Mount Kailash at dawn.
Naro-Bonchung, riding his ritual drum (damaru), surged towards the peak, confident of his victory. However, Milarepa, using his mastery of mantras, overtook him in an instant and reached the summit first. In shock, Naro-Bonchung dropped his drum, which tumbled down the mountain, leaving a deep vertical scar that remains visible on the south face of Mount Kailash to this day.
Pilgrimage and Spiritual Practices
Each year, thousands of pilgrims undertake the Kora (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash, walking the 52-kilometer sacred path in a clockwise direction (Hindus and Buddhists) or counterclockwise (Bon and Jains). Completing the Kora is believed to erase lifetimes of sins and bring spiritual liberation. Some devout pilgrims perform the Kora through full-body prostrations, a deeply humbling and arduous ritual of faith.
Mount Kailash is not just a geographical marvel but a profound symbol of spiritual unity and the ultimate goal for seekers on their path to enlightenment. Its eternal snow-clad peak and mystical aura continue to inspire awe and reverence across cultures and religions.
Given Tibet’s unpredictable weather and significant temperature variations, it is crucial to pack accordingly. Bring clothing suitable for various conditions, including gear for wet weather.
Due to the high UV levels in Tibet, sunglasses and ample sunblock are essential to protect against the bright sunlight. Pack sufficient sunscreen, as it may be difficult to find in Tibet. A wide-brimmed hat is also recommended for extra sun protection.
Use a duffel bag to pack your belongings, and carry a backpack with a waterproof cover for your essentials, such as your passport, personal medicine, toothpaste, toothbrush, and other daily necessities. Duffel bags will typically be stored in the bus or truck, while your backpack will stay with you for immediate access.
Most persons at high elevations (over 2,500 m / 8200 ft) suffer from oxygen shortage. When altitude is raised, it takes time for the human body’s physiological systems to adjust to lower oxygen levels. This procedure is known as acclimatization.
Acetazolamide, often known as Diamox, is required to treat altitude sickness. Your doctor’s prescription is necessary since you must begin taking these drugs three days before your journey to Tibet/Mount Kailash & Lake Mansarovar. It is essential to take this medicine the whole way while going up and stop when you start descending. People allergic to sulfite-containing medications may choose to use Gingko Biloba over Diamox. Participants will pick up tried-and-true, easy-to-use methods for acclimating faster throughout the trip.
Our organization provides a team of personnel who are both experienced and professional. Throughout the voyage, they will accompany you to ensure a smooth journey. We establish our kitchen in each residence and prepare hygienic, fresh meals for the group. We offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals according to the client’s preferences. Most of the food is sourced from Kathmandu, and a separate vehicle transports the food and other necessary supplies to ensure freshness.
During the morning and evening, we provide boiled water at the camp for drinking. Throughout the day, we also supply bottled mineral water, which is safe to drink during the trip. We bring enough water for you throughout the tour, and we recommend that you drink at least 3 liters of water daily to stay hydrated and healthy during your journey.
Trip planned by Race Alpine Treks and Tours
Banasthali, Kathmandu, Nepal
for more info
whatsapp : 977-9851356748, 977-9851356749
website : www.racealpine.com
email : contact@racealpine.com
#nepaltrekking #nepalcamp #nepaltourism #nepalifood #nepalwaterfall #nepaltrekking #tsumvalleytrek #nepaltrending #bungynepal #bungyjumping #bungykushma #tsumvalleytrek #mustangtourpackage #manaslu #ghorepanipoonhilltrek #poonhilltrek #pokhara #kathmandunepal #shorttrek #hikingadventures #annapurnacircuit #abcbasecamp #annapurnabasecamp #kathmandu #chitwan #pokhara #NepalHimalayan #racealpinenepal #racealpinetrek #race_alpine #phewalake #boating
Upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our staff and escorted to your hotel. We’ll collect your passport and necessary documents for the Chinese visa process. The evening is yours to explore freely.
After breakfast, you will drive from Kathmandu to Timure Village, a Nepal-China border town. This small village is located about 1 kilometer from the Friendship Bridge. The journey covers a distance of approximately 159 kilometers and takes around seven hours.
The route to the border features a narrow and rugged highway, with small landslides common during the monsoon. Due to challenging road conditions, comfortable tourist vehicles are not suitable for this route, so local buses are used for transportation.
Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Timure Village.
After breakfast, begin your day with a short walk from Timure Village to the Kyirong Gadhi (Friendship Bridge). The term “Gadhi” signifies a fortress, and “Kyirong” refers to the location. Timure is located approximately one kilometer from the Friendship Bridge. Once immigration formalities are completed on both the Nepali and Chinese sides, you will drive to Kyirong Town, located 26 kilometers inside Chinese territory, a journey that takes about an hour. Overnight stay in Kyirong Town.
-Timure to Friendship Bridge: 1 km, approximately 45 minutes.
-Friendship Bridge to Kyirong Town: 26 km, 1 hour.
-Elevation of Kyirong: 2,774 m.
We will start early today and drive toward Saga, a village located at an altitude of 4,600 meters on the vast Tibetan Plateau. Saga lies along the banks of the sacred Brahmaputra River, which originates near Mount Kailash. The river flows east through Lhasa before descending into the Assam plains, carving through the Namche Barwa region in Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh. During the drive, we will cross several high mountain passes. Overnight stay in Saga.
It is always recommended to spend time at a lower altitude to allow the body to acclimatize before ascending further. This helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness. We will take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Brahmaputra River and explore the surroundings. There are no specific activities planned for today.
This is the day we’ve been eagerly waiting for. After breakfast, we head towards Lake Manasarovar. The journey takes us westward across the vast and arid Tibetan plateau. Along the way, we pass through Tibetan towns like Dongba and Paryang. Covering a distance of about 362 kilometers, we stop briefly at the Mayum-La checkpoint, where the Chinese authorities verify our travel documents and permits.
After clearing the checkpoint, we enjoy a picnic lunch on the grasslands or by the riverbed before continuing our journey. Crossing the Mayum-La pass (5220 meters), we arrive at the eastern shore of Lake Manasarovar and stop at an environmental checkpoint nearby. Once formalities are complete, we drive clockwise to Chiu Gompa on the western shore. Our camp is located here, offering scenic views of the monastery near the lake.
In the morning, we will perform religious rituals, including a holy bath. After lunch at Lake Manasarovar, we will head to Darchen, located 37 km away, a 45-minute drive.
-Lake Manasarovar to Darchen: 37 km | 1 hour approx.
-Elevation of Darchen: 4690 m | 15,010 ft
-Expected temperature: Daytime: 22°C to 32°C; Nighttime: -3°C to -4°C
-Climatic condition: Windy
Today, we face the most demanding and longest day of the trek. Our goal is to cover a distance of 22 kilometres to Zutulphuk. The path from Deraphuk to Dolma La (5630 m) involves a steep, strenuous ascent through challenging terrain, which takes about five hours to cover the six kilometres.
On the descent from Dolma La, after around 400 meters, you can view the frozen Gaurikunda Lake on the right, located about 140 meters off the main trail. The route then continues down to a Tibetan tea shop situated at the valley floor. The three-kilometre section between Dolma La and the tea shop requires careful navigation due to ice and scree covering the trail.
Following this, the path flattens out for a 13-kilometre stretch to Zutulphuk, which will take approximately four more hours to complete.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Some trekkers may find it difficult to continue after the second day due to the increased difficulty and the risks of high-altitude sickness. In such cases, it is advisable to descend to Darchen instead of pushing further.
Trekking back to Darchen or hiring an ambulance is an option for those who wish to discontinue the journey and join others waiting in Darchen.
Today is the final day of the Kailash circumambulation. After breakfast, we begin our trek to Darchen, covering around 7 kilometers in 3-4 hours. Upon reaching the endpoint at Zongdou, all members will regroup and take a short 20-minute drive back to Darchen. After meeting up with the remaining group members in Darchen, we will head to Saga.
The journey from Darchen to Saga is approximately 491 kilometers, taking about 8 hours. We will reach Saga by evening.
-Zutulphuk to endpoint: 7 km | 3 hrs -Darchen to Saga: 491 km | 7 hrs approx.
After breakfast, we drive to the Friendship Bridge, about 26 kilometers away, taking around 45 minutes. After completing immigration procedures on both sides, lunch will be served at Hotel Norling in Nepal. Post-lunch, we return to Kathmandu and arrive in the evening.
After breakfast, we drive you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. Please arrive three hours before the flight for check-in, and we will manage the transfer.
Start | Finish | Availability | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
06/04/2025 06/04/2025 | 21/04/25 20/01/2025 | Trip Status guaranteed |
price starts$ 0 /pp |
Book Now |
13/04/2025 13/04/2025 | 28/04/25 20/01/2025 | Trip Status guaranteed |
price starts$ 0 /pp |
Book Now |
20//04/2025 20/04/2025 | 05/05/2025 05/05/2025 | Trip Status guaranteed |
price starts$ 0 /pp |
Book Now |
04/05/2025 04/05/2025 | 19/05/2025 19/05/2025 | Trip Status guaranteed |
price starts$ 0 /pp |
Book Now |
Enter a recent customer’s contact info and we’ll ask them to leave you a review.