Kathmandu-Kyirong-Kailash Yatra
Overview:
Nestled beyond the majestic Himalayas, Mount Kailash stands as a celestial beacon, revered as the earthly abode of Lord Shiva. This sacred peak, untouched by human ascent, invites seekers on a profound pilgrimage—one that transcends the physical realm and offers spiritual awakening, purification, and divine transformation. The ritual of circumambulation around Kailash is an age-old tradition, deeply embedded in Hindu, Buddhist, Bon, and Jain beliefs, symbolizing the soul’s journey toward liberation. At its base lies the pristine Lake Manasarovar, a shimmering mirror of the heavens, believed to cleanse the spirit and bestow enlightenment. Considered the source of Asia’s great rivers—the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali—this sacred lake is a place of deep reverence and renewal. Ancient scriptures, including the Skandha Purana, describe Kailash as the axis mundi, where the physical and spiritual worlds converge, making it a destination of unparalleled sanctity. Since 1997, Karnali Excursions has been a pioneer in organizing transformative Kailash Yatras, guiding pilgrims on this soul-stirring journey. With deep expertise and a commitment to spiritual enrichment, we ensure a seamless and meaningful experience for every traveler. Embark on this timeless pilgrimage with us and embrace the divine energy of Shree Kailash Parvat.
Tour Highlights
- Journey to the holy Mount Kailash.
- Darshan at the holy Pashupatinath Temple and perform Rudrabhishek
- 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 Kyirong via Timure, followed by exit.
Yatra Facts
- Total Duration: 16 Nights / 17 Days
- Maximum Elevation: 5,650m (18,532 ft)
- Tour Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
- Best Season: May to September
- Tour Starting & Ending Point: Kathmandu
- Accommodation: Hotels in Kathmandu and Kyirong, and basic guest houses in the rest of the parts of Tibet.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)
- 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).
- Accommodation: 5-Star Hotel.
Days 2-5: Guided Sightseeing, Yatra Briefing & Visa Preparation for Shree Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
- Pay homage to Pashupatinath, Holy Bagmati Ganga, perform Rudrabhishek puja and and Guheshwari Shaktipeeth
- Pay homage to Budhanilkantha andDoleshwar Mahadev.
- Explore Hanuman Dhoka Palace (Kathmandu Durbar Square) and get bllesseed at the Kumari Temple
- Tour briefing and Tibet visa preparation
- Tour Briefing
Your tour leader will provide a comprehensive briefing about the daily itinerary and preparations to ensure a smooth journey. - Visa Processing
- Visa applications will be submitted to the Chinese Embassy, Kathmandu.
- Processing typically takes 3–4 working days (Monday to Friday).
- Optional: Historic city tour of Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar square, famous for spectacular art, architecture and traditional Newari culture.
- Optional: Day trip toMuktinath Temple and Damodar Kunda, Mustang via helicopter.
- Muktinath Temple (3,810m, Damodar Kunda, located in Mustang
- Accommodation: 5-Star Hotel.
- Tour Briefing
Commencement of Shree Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra
Day 6: Kailash Yatra Begins, Fly or Drive to Nepal-Tibet Border via Timure, Arrive Kyirong (2800m)
- Heli Flight Kathmandu-Timure (45 minutes) or Road Trip to Kyirong
- Overnight in Kyirong
- Accommodation:: Simple Hotel
- Meals: BLD
- Travel Distance: Approx. 130 km (by road)
- Flight Duration: 45 minutes/ Travel Time: 8 Hrs (Road)
- Elevation Change: 1,500m
Day 7: Journey to Saga (4,500m)
- Scenic Drive Kyirong-Saga
- Overnight in Saga
- Accommodation: Fairly Good Hotel
- Meals: BLD
- Travel Distance: 250 km
- Duration: 6–7 hours
- Altitude Gain: Up Hill – 1,700m
Day 8: Acclimatization Day at Saga (4500m)
- Rest Day at Saga
- Relax and Explore
- Hydration and Short Walks
- Overnight in Saga
- Accommodation: Fairly Good Hotel
- Meals: BLD
Day 9: Journey to Holy Mansarovar Lake (4,588m)
- Scenic Drive to Mansarovar Lake
- First Darshan of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake from Horchu Pass
- Mansarovar Parikrama (Circumambulation)
- Overnight at Mansarovar
- Accommodation: Fairly Good Hotel
- Meals: BLD
- Travel Distance: 500 km
- Duration: 8–9 hours (smooth roads) + 1 hour rough terrain
- Altitude Gain: Up Hill – 100m
Day 10: Havana Ritual at Mansarovar Lake and Journey to Darchen (4,700m) via Tirtha Puri
- Morning Havan and Puja ceremony at Mansarovar
- Drive to Tirtha Puri, a revered pilgrimage site located on the banks of the Sutlej River
- Tirthpuri Parikrama (circumambulation)
- Drive to Darchen
- Overnight at Darchen
- Accommodation: Fairly Good Hotel with Attached Bathroom
- Meals: BLD
- Travel Distance: 250 km
- Duration: 6 hours
- Altitude Gain: Up Hill – 100m
Day 11: Kailash Parikrama Begins: - Trek to Deraphuk (4,900m)
- Drive to Tharboche/Yam Dwar
- Trek to Deraphuk
- Mesmerizing view of Mt. Kailash and spiritual immersion
- Overnight at Deraphuk
- Accommodation: Basic Guest House
- Meals: BLD
- Travel Distance: 10 km (Drive)+10 km (Trek/Horse Ride)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Altitude Gain: Up Hill – 300m
Day 12: Rest Acclimatization—Kailash Parvat Charan Sparsha
- Morning Rest and Acclimatization
- Charan Sparsha (touching the feet of Mount Kailash)
- Spiritual trek to the Kailash Glacier
- Overnight at Deraphuk
- Accommodation: Basic Guest House
- Meals: BLD
- Travel Distance: 10 km (Drive)+10 km (Trek/Horse Ride)
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Altitude Gain: Up Hill – 400m
Day 13: Cross Dolma La Pass (5,650m) and Trek to Zuthulphuk Gompa (4,850m)
- Early Morning Start
- Trek to Dolma La Pass (5,650m)
- Descend to Zuthulphuk Gompa (4,850m
- Overnight at Zuthulphuk Gompa
- Accommodation: Basic Monastery Guesthouse
- Meals: BLD
- Travel Distance: 22 km
- Altitude Gain: Up Hill – 750m
- Down Hill – 850m
Day 14: Parikrama Ends, Trek to Zongdu, Drive to Saga via Darchen
- Trek to Zongdu
- Drive to Darchen for Lunch
- Drive Back to Saga
- Overnight in Saga
- Accommodation: Fairly Good Hotel with Attached Bathrooms
- Meals: BLD
- Travel Distance: 6 km
- Drive Distance: 500km
- Duration: 9 hours
- Altitude Loss: Down Hill – 350m
Day 15: Drive to the Nepal-Tibet Border via Kyirong, Fly to Kathmandu by Helicopter
- Drive to Kyirong
- Immigration formalities at the Border
- Helicopter Flight to Kathmandu
- Arrival in Kathmandu
- Accommodation: 5-Star Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meals: BLD
- Travel Durantion: 8 hour Drive from Saga to Kyirong/
- 25 minutes Helicopter Flight Timure-Kathmandu
- Altitude Loss: Down Hill – 1700m
Day 16: Contingency Day
- Flexible Plans
- Suggestions for Exploration
- Buffer for Delays
- Suggestions for Exploration of Cultural Heritage sites of Kathmandu valley
- Preparations for Departure
- Accommodation: 5-Star Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meals: BLD
Day 17: Kailash Yatra Ends, Trip concludes (Return to home)
- Morning Transfer to Airport
- Time for Reflection
- Departure
- Accommodation: 5-Star Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meals: BLD
Cost, Includes & Excludes
Cost Includes
The following services are included in the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra package:
- All Ground Transport: Including airport pickup and transfer in Nepal and Tibet.
- Five Star Hotel Accommodations: In Kathmandu as per the itinerary.
- Guided Sightseeing: In Kathmandu, covering significant attractions as per the itinerary.
- Tibet Travel Permit and Visa: Necessary permits and visas for travel to Tibet.
- Hotel Accommodation: As outlined in the itinerary.
- Pure Vegetarian Meals: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner served as per the itinerary.
- Travel by Tourist Coach in Tibet: With a supporting truck and emergency jeep for safety and comfort.
- Knowledgeable Guide and Supporting Staff: Experienced team to assist and guide you throughout the journey.
- Camping Equipment: Includes tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, down jackets, rain ponchos, and all necessary kitchen equipment for the journey.
- High Altitude Medical Emergency Equipment: Such as Gamow bags, oxygen cylinders, and other essential medical tools to ensure safety at high altitudes.
- Helicopter Flight: From the Nepal-Tibet border (Timure) to Kathmandu, offering a scenic and comfortable return journey.
Cost Does Not Include
The following are not included in the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra package:
- International Flight Fares: To and from Nepal, as well as Nepal Visa.
- Extra Night’s Hotel in Kathmandu: In case the trip is shortened or canceled due to unforeseen circumstances or if your arrival/departure differs from the itinerary.
- Medical/Evacuation, Travel Cancellation, and Rescue Insurance: These are not included and are highly recommended for safety and security.
- Personal Expenses: Such as bar bills, bottled drinks, mineral water, telephone bills, laundry service, and other incidental costs.
- Personal Clothes and Equipment: Including items such as personal trekking gear.
- Horse for Personal Ride During Kora (Parikrama): Please allow up to USD 900 for personal ride arrangements during the Kailash Parikrama.
- Porter for Personal Handbag: Please allow up to USD 300 for a porter to carry your personal handbag during Parikrama.
- Gratitude to the Staff (Tips): Please allow up to USD 250 for tips to the supporting team and guides.
- Any Other Costs: Not explicitly mentioned above in the Cost Includes section.
Trip 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.)
To view our Trip Extension options, please take a quick look at our Trip Extensions menu.