By Road – Kathmandu to Kathmandu (Premium)

Arrive in the City of Temples and the capital city of Nepal. Transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is kept free for rest after your journey.

In the evening, yatris can visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience the powerful Sandhya Aarti performed on the banks of the Bagmati River.

Just beside the temple lies the ancient Aryaghat cremation ground. Here, life’s deepest truth unfolds – while one side echoes with the sacred hymns and rituals of worship, the other reminds us of the impermanence of existence through the rituals of farewell. This moment beautifully captures the essence of the Kailash journey – a blend of devotion, reflection, and realization.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

The day begins with a sacred Rudra Yagna at Pashupatinath Temple, performed to invoke Lord Shiva’s blessings for a safe and successful pilgrimage. Later, visit Jal Narayan Temple (Sleeping Vishnu), Guhyeshwari Shakti Peeth, Ling Bhairavi Devi Temple, and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). Each shrine adds spiritual depth to the journey. In the evening, attend a detailed yatra briefing covering route, safety, and preparation. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, begin a scenic drive by Scorpio from Kathmandu to Timure, a small Nepali town near the Nepal-China border, located at an altitude of about 6,400 ft. The journey passes through winding mountain roads, rivers, and traditional villages, offering beautiful Himalayan views. Timure is the last stop in Nepal before entering Tibet. The evening is kept relaxed for rest and acclimatization in a peaceful mountain setting.

Overnight stay in Timure.

Early morning, walk to the Rasuwagadhi Immigration Centre (about 15 minutes) to complete Nepal exit formalities. After crossing the Friendship Bridge into Tibet, complete Chinese immigration and customs procedures with assistance from our team. Continue the drive by authorized vehicle to Kyirong (8,900 ft). The landscape gradually changes from green hills to the vast Tibetan plateau. Rest well on arrival to begin altitude acclimatization.

Overnight stay in Kyirong.

This day is reserved entirely for acclimatization, essential for adjusting to higher altitudes. Take short, relaxed walks around Kyirong town, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and serene valleys. Explore the local Tibetan market, observe monasteries, prayer flags, and experience Tibetan culture and cuisine. Focus on hydration, rest, and light movement. This gradual adaptation helps prepare the body and mind for the higher regions of the Kailash Mansarovar journey.

Overnight stay in Kyirong.

Drive toward Saga, located at an altitude of about 15,220 ft. The route passes through wide river valleys, vast open plateaus, and the scenic Ghungtang Pass (17,060 ft). En route, witness the sacred Yarlung Tsangpo River, known in India as the Brahmaputra. The expansive Tibetan landscape offers a sense of stillness and grandeur. Arrive in Saga by evening and rest to further acclimatize to the altitude.

Overnight stay in Saga.

Today’s journey leads to the sacred Lake Mansarovar (14,800 ft). As you travel across the Tibetan plateau, experience your first divine darshan of Mount Kailash – a deeply emotional and spiritual moment for pilgrims. On arrival, perform Mansarovar Parikrama by vehicle and spend time near Lake Mansarovar and Rakshas Tal. According to belief, even a sight of the lake purifies the soul. Absorb the serene and powerful spiritual energy.

Overnight stay near Mansarovar.

Begin the day with a holy bath near Lake Mansarovar, followed by Puja, Havan, and Meditation on its sacred banks. With Mount Kailash in the backdrop, this ritual is one of the most spiritually significant moments of the yatra. After lunch, drive to Darchen, the base town of Mount Kailash and starting point of the parikrama. The remainder of the day is for rest and preparation for the upcoming trek.

Overnight stay in Darchen.

Drive to Yamdwar, the sacred gateway marking the beginning of the Kailash Parikrama. After prayers, start the trek toward Diraphuk, either on foot or by horse. The route follows the river valley with Mount Kailash’s north face gradually revealing itself.
If time, weather, and local conditions permit, pilgrims may take an optional evening walk toward the North Face, believed to be the closest accessible point to the holy mountain’s base.

Overnight stay at Diraphuk.
(Yatris not undertaking the Parikrama will return to Darchen and stay there until the group returns.)

This is the most challenging and spiritually transformative day of the yatra. Trek from Diraphuk to Zuthulphuk via the revered Dolma La Pass (18,500 ft), symbolizing spiritual rebirth. After crossing the pass, descend past the sacred Gauri Kund, believed to be associated with Goddess Parvati. The descent includes a long valley walk and requires stamina and focus. Even horse riders must walk approximately 5-6 km during this stretch.

Overnight stay at Zuthulphuk.

After breakfast, walk from Zuthulphuk to the pick-up point (about 6 km, approx. 2 hours). This marks the completion of the sacred Kailash Parikrama – a deeply fulfilling spiritual milestone. Drive back to Darchen to rejoin fellow yatris, followed by a long yet scenic drive to Saga (approx. 9 hours). The evening is free for rest and quiet reflection on the divine journey just completed.

Overnight stay in Saga.

Drive back from Saga to Kyirong, retracing the beautiful Tibetan plateau and mountain passes. The journey offers a final opportunity to absorb Tibet’s vast landscapes, silence, and spiritual atmosphere. Arrive in Kyirong by evening. The rest of the day is free for relaxation and recovery after the long drives and trekking days, preparing for the return to Nepal.

Overnight stay in Kyirong.

After completing exit formalities at the Tibet border, cross back into Nepal and continue the scenic drive to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and relax. In the evening, attend a Certificate Distribution Ceremony, commemorating the successful completion of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. This moment celebrates not just the journey covered, but the spiritual transformation experienced along the way.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for departure. As you return home, carry with you the divine blessings of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, along with memories of a journey that nurtures faith, resilience, and inner peace. The spiritual essence of this sacred yatra continues to guide and inspire long after the journey ends.