This 14-day Kailash Mansarovar Yatra trip is customized to pilgrims who expect a spiritual journey. This route is considered to be one of the most devout pilgrimages for followers of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. The adventurous tour begins at Kathmandu with an homage to Lord Pashupatinath Temple & Lord Narayan Temple, then gets through Langtang National Park and crosses the Nepal-Tibet border via Kyrung. After that, you will drive across Saga, Darchen and finally reach Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, which are considered as the shrine of Lord Shiva by Hindus. You will see many believers during your Kora. On the trip, you will not only enjoy the beautiful scenery of the snow-capped mountains and the vast plains but also get spiritually inspired.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will be greeted at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transferred to the hotel. It’s only 6km from the airport to the downtown area.
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, you will leave for pilgrimage sightseeing to Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Budhanilakanth Temple, for seeking blessings from Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu respectively. Then you will return to your hotel to have lunch. In the afternoon, there's a briefing about the preparation for the yatra where you will be introduced to all your group members. It's important to have a good rest in the comfort of your room.
Our local operator will pick up from your hotel in Kathmandu and get together around 9:00-9:30 am, and then we will drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, which is a beautiful resident village inside the Langtang National Park(a famous trekking region in Nepal). En-route, you’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way such as green hills, deep valleys and Trisuli River.
Day 4 Syabrubesi To Kyrung, 40km, Approx. 5hrs
After breakfast, we will drive to the border to enter Tibet. After immigration formalities at Kyrung Port, you will meet our Tibetan tour guide and driver. Then continue driving to Kyrung Town. Gyirong has conserved many famous temples, such as the Nepali-style Paba Temple (2800m). It was said to be built by Songtsan Gambo when he married the Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. In the afternoon, you can rest in the hotel or take a short walk to visit the temple. Stay overnight in Kyrung, Guesthouse
Today is the only day when can you get ample sleep and rest. You are free to acclimatize yourself. Freshly cooked breakfast, lunch, dinner and sufficient tea/coffee will be served. Our experienced trip leaders are very pleased to take you around the place on a short hike in preparation for the Kailash trek, which will help you adapt quickly to the highland environment.
Overnight stay at hotel in Kyrung.
After breakfast, you will drive along thrilling roads to Saga(4,640 meters, 105km, 3/4hrs drive)/ New Dongpa(4,462 meters, 182km, 4/5hrs drive). The scenery all the way is amazing! You will be able to enjoy the panoramic view of Peikutso Lake and the stunning view of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. If you're lucky, you can even see the unique wild animal-Tibetan antelope.
After approx. 3/4hrs' drive you will reach Saga. Arrive in Saga and stay overnight
Manasarovar, 410km, Approx. 7/8hrs
It's the longest driving day today. After breakfast, drive to Mansarovar(4,556m). Go all the way west. En route, you will be able to have the first view of the holy mountain Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. Mansarovar is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world with a turquoise surface. When arriving at Mansarovar, you may take a holy bath; perform Puja, Hawan, and Devtarpan, etc. Freshly cooked dinner will be served at the edge of Mansarovar lake. Stay overnight at the guesthouse
After a short 45-minute drive, you will reach Darchen(4,664m). En route, you can visit Chiu Gompa Monastery as well the hot spring behind it. Finally, you will arrive in Darchen, which is situated on the foothill of Mount Kailash and considered as the base camp for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. From Darchen, you can see the mighty west face of Mount Kailash. During the auspicious pilgrimage time, this place will be flooded with pilgrims with hundreds of tents all around.
Stay overnight in Darchen
Mt Kailash Kora①: Darchen - Dirapuk, 10km, Approx. 6~7hrs
Today, you will start the sacred circumambulation around holy Kailash. A light breakfast will be served before your departure. Then drive 6km to Tarboche, which is the starting point of the Yatra. In Yama Dwar, also known as the Gates of the Lord of Death, you will meet with your porter, horses and yaks and then set off together to trek to Diraphuk. After 6 kilometers, you will get to Chukku monastery, usually, people will have lunch with their packed meal boxes here.
Then, continue trekking to Dirapuk (4,765m). It stands at an elevation of 4,920m. This is the only place where you can see up close the mighty north face of Mt. Kailash. Overnight stay at a guesthouse
Today is the longest, hardest but holiest day of your pilgrimage Yatra and you will continue your Parikrama. After leaving Dirapuk for 3km, you will go uphill and see the sky burial platform. Keep moving 2 kilometers, you will reach the highest point of this divine trip - Droma La Pass (5,585m), full of fluttering prayer flags. After a short break, you will make a gentle descent from this pass, you will spot a tiny glacial lake on the right side of the trail. This is Gauri Kunda. The legend of this pool is connected with Mata Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.
After Gauri Kunda, you will be lead downward along a steep and stony trail and eventually reach your campsite at Zulturpuk Monastery(4,790m). Overnight stay at camp/ guesthouse.
Mt Kailash Kora③: Zutulpuk - Darchen, 8km, 3hrs; Drive to New Gongpa/Saga
Today is the last day of this divine circumambulation. You will follow an easy and flat trail, which takes about 3-4hrs in the morning to complete your Kailash Parikrama. Packed lunch will be served on the way.
In Darchen, your vehicle will be waiting for you and take you and the group to New Dongpa (350km, 6-7hrs, drive 4,464m) or Saga (4,640m, 430km, 7/8hrs drive). Overnight stay at hotel.
Drive to Kyrung/ Skabrubesi, 145kms, Approx. 5hrs
Drive to Kyrung(2,700m, 105km, 3/4hrs drive). You will have lunch after arriving in Kyrung Town and further drive to Nepal/China border (20km, 30mins drive). After completion of immigration formalities, you will be picked up and drive to Syabrubesi (20km, 30mins drive). Stay overnight at your hotel in Syabrubesi.
After Breakfast, you will drive back to Kathmandu, which will take about 7-8 hours. This is the best time to recollect every moment spent on the trek and new inspiration you've gained during your time here. On the way, your Lunch will be arranged. After arriving in Kathmandu, check into the hotel directly. Evening certificate distribution program will be organized which is followed by dinner. Then relax and enjoy the comforts of your hotel in Kathmandu. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Breakfast and proceed to Pashupatinath Temple for a Holy water offering. Return to your hotel and pack up your luggage. You will have free time until your departure. Transfer to the International airport for your onward flight with fresh energy and a refreshing perspective on life.
