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Kailash-Manasarovar Pilgrimage (Via-Lhasa)

Overview:

Beyond the towering Himalayas lies Mount Kailash, a celestial peak revered as the earthly abode of Lord Shiva and a sacred center of spiritual transformation. Untouched by human ascent, this divine mountain calls pilgrims from across the world to undertake the holy circumambulation (parikrama)—a journey believed to purify the soul, awaken the spirit, and bestow profound blessings. At its foothills rests Lake Manasarovar, a tranquil mirror of the heavens, offering seekers a moment of divine communion and renewal. Described in the Skandha Purana as the axis mundi—the point where the physical and spiritual realms converge—Mount Kailash is considered the earthly manifestation of Mount Meru, the cosmic pillar of the universe. Lake Manasarovar, situated in the heart of Jambudvīpa, is believed to be the source of four great Asian rivers—the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali—and is venerated for its ability to cleanse past karma and grant liberation (moksha). The Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra is more than a pilgrimage; it is a spiritual odyssey, deeply rooted in Vedic Sanatani traditions. Once regarded as a continuous sacrificial journey (Yat'-sattra), this sacred path has drawn seekers for centuries in pursuit of enlightenment and divine grace. Since 1997, Karnali Excursions has been a pioneering force in guiding pilgrims on this profound expedition. 

Tour Highlights

  • Journey to the sacred city of Lhasa and the holy Mount Kailash.
  • Darshan at the holy Pashupatinath Temple and perform Rudrabhishek Puja.
  • Visit to Doleshwar Mahadev, revered as the head of Kedarnath, located in the serene hills of Bhaktapur.
  • The sacred Lake Manasarovar Parikrama, holy Mount Kailash, and Tirthapuri.
  • Nandi and Asthapada Darshan with a close view of Mount Kailash (subject to local authority permissions).
  • Comfortable travel by tourist coach up to Lake Manasarovar and the base camp of Kailash (no trekking required).
  • Scenic drive/Heli flight from Kathmandu to the Nepal-Tibet border via Kyirong, followed by exit.
  • Muktinath Yatra via helicopter for a spiritually fulfilling experience.

Tour Facts

  • Journey Features
  • Total Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days
  • Maximum Elevation: 5,650m (18,532 ft)
  • Tour Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
  • Best Season: May to September
  • Starting & Ending Point: Kathmandu
  • Accommodation: Quality hotels in Kathmandu and Lhasa, and tourist-standard accommodations in Tibet.
Booking
Fixed Departure Dates
Download Detail Itinerary

Detail Itinerary

  • Arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.
  • Meet Karnali Excursions representatives holding a signboard at the arrival/exit lounge.
  • Transfer to the hotel (8 km, approx. 45 minutes).
  • Receive a tour briefing from Karnali Excursions team.
  • Rest of the day free to recover from jet lag.
  • Accommodation: 5-Star Hotel.
  • Pilgrimage toPashupatinath, Guheshwari and Rudrabhishek Puja
  • Darshan of Doleshwar Mahadev
  • Tour briefing and Tibet visa preparation.
  • Optional: Day trip to Muktinath Temple, Mustang via helicopter
  • Accommodation: 5-Star Hotel.
  • Early morning flight to Lhasa (1 Hour 20 minutes)
  • Scenic drive to the hotel by Bus (approx. 1 hour).
  • Rest and acclimatization.
  • Altitude: 3700 Meters.
  • Accommodation: Decent hotel with attached bath.
  • Visit major cultural and architectural sites of Lhasa, Tibet: 1. Potala Palace, 2. Jokhang Temple, 3. Sera Monastery, 4. Ganden Monastery, and 5. Barkhor Street and beyond.
  • Acclimatization: 3 Days stay for acclimatization to the sacred Mt. Kailash.
  • Accommodation: Decent hotel with attached bath.
  • Panoramic flight to Ali, the western headquarters of Tibet.
  • Drive 4 hours to the Kailash base camp in Darchen.
  • Altitude: 4,600 Meters
  • Accommodation: Hotel with attached bathroom.
  • Day 9 (2026 ) Drive to Darchen  continuing lake Mansarovar parikrama
  • Drive 4 hours from the Lake Mansarovar
  • Altitude: 4,600 Meters
  • Accommodation: Hotel with attached bathroom.
  • Drive to the base of Nandi Parvat, Asthapad, and Gayndrak Gompa.
  • Spiritual immersion and exploration.
  • Return to Darchen.
  • Accommodation: Comfortable hotel with attached bathroom.
  • Drive to Tharboche/Yam Dwar, the starting point of Parikrama.
  • Trek 10 km to Diraphuk, on a horse ride or on foot with a close view of Mount Kailash’s West and North faces.
  • Journey Distance and Time: 10 Km drive in rough road and 10 Km on foot or horse ride
  • Altitude: 300 Meters
  • Accommodation:Basic dormitory shared by four people.
  • Early morning trek to Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the journey.
  • Darshan of Gauri Kund near Dolma La.
  • Descend to Zuthulphuk Gompa and drive back to Darchen.
  • Journey Distance and Time: 32 KM approx. 10 hours walk on foot/ horse ride both and 10 km drive.
  • Altitude: 750 meters ascend and 850-meter descend.
  • Accommodation: Hotel with attached bathroom.
  • Drive Back to Saga
  • Overnight in Saga
  • Journey Distance and Time: 500 km (9 Hours)
  • Accommodation: Fairly good hotel with attached bathroom
  • Drive to Kyirong
  • Immigration formalities at the Border
  • Helicopter Flight to Kathmandu
  • Arrival in Kathmandu
  • Journey Distance and Time: Approx. 5 hours
  • Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Kathmandu
  • Morning Transfer to Airport
  • Time for Reflection
  • Departure

Cost Includes:

  • Ground Transport: All airport pickups, transfers, and transportation in Nepal and Tibet.
  • Accommodations: Five-star hotels in Kathmandu and Lhasa; good standard hotel in Darchen as per the itinerary.
  • Sightseeing: Guided tours in Kathmandu as outlined in the itinerary.
  • Permits and Visa: Tibet Travel Permit and Visa.
  • Meals: Pure vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day as per the itinerary.
  • Transport in Tibet: Travel by tourist coach or 4WD Land Cruiser with a supporting truck and emergency jeep.
  • Guides and Staff: Knowledgeable guides and experienced supporting staff.
  • Essential Gear: Tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, down jackets, rain ponchos, and all necessary kitchen equipment.
  • Medical Support: High-altitude emergency equipment, including Gamow bags, oxygen cylinders, and necessary medical tools.
  • Logistics: Yaks to carry food and supplies during Kailash Parikrama.
  • Flights and Helicopter Services: Helicopter flight from the Nepal-Tibet border to Kathmandu or Kathmandu-Lhasa-Ali flight as applicable.
  • Optional Muktinath Trip: Helicopter day trip to Muktinath with all necessary permits (optional).
  • Optional Muktinath and Damodar Kunda Trip: Helicopter day trip to Muktinath and Damodarkunda with all necessary permits (optional).
  • Optional Kagbhusundi Trip: Helicopter day trip to Kagbhusundi (Tilicho Lake) with all necessary permits (optional).

Cost Excludes:

  • ⁠International Travel: International flight fares and Nepal Visa fees.
  • Unforeseen Circumstances: Extra nights in Kathmandu in case of trip cancellations, unforeseen delays, early arrivals, or late departures.
  • Insurance: Medical, evacuation, travel cancellation, and rescue insurance.
  • Personal Expenses: Bar bills, bottled drinks, mineral water, telephone calls, laundry services, etc.
  • Personal Gear: Clothing and equipment.
  • Optional Rides and Porters: Horse rental for personal rides during Kora (Parikrama) – approx. USD 550-650 ,it varies. Porter for carrying personal bags during Parikrama – approx. USD 200-250
  • Tips: Gratitude for staff (tips) – approx. USD 350
  • Unlisted Costs: Any other costs not mentioned in the “Cost Includes” section.

  1. Karnali Excursions offers a seamless and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience enriched with unique services designed for comfort and well-being:

    • Holistic Preparation: Guided Yoga and Pranayama sessions to support your high altitude acclimatization.
    • Spiritual Immersion: Morning and evening prayers, along with soul-stirring Bhajans and Kirtans to create a holy and sacred atmosphere.
    • Guided Support: Practical demonstrations of walking, trekking, eating, and sleeping techniques to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
    • Personalized Care: Dedicated escorts provide tailored assistance to senior citizens and those requiring extra support.
    • Expert Leadership: Medically trained senior leaders guide and facilitate the pilgrimage, ensuring safety and professional care.
    • Culinary Excellence: Nutritious and delicious pure vegetarian meals, including North Indian, Gujarati, South Indian, and Chinese cuisines, cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

Pilgrimage Extension

Do you wish to extend your trip to include more time, additional destinations, or both? Let us know and we’ll help you plan it out.

(These trips can also be extended or modified to fit your schedule.)

hyper-arrow To view our Trip Extension options, please take a quick look at our Trip Extensions menu.

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