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Mount Kailash Overland from Kathmandu – 16 Days

Mount Kailash Overland from Kathmandu – 16 Days

Drive across the Himalaya to the sacred mountain and walk the kora

5.0/5 · 6 reviews From $3,100 per person
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Duration
16 Days / 15 Nights
Region
Tibet
Max altitude
5,630 m (Dolma La)
Difficulty
Challenging
Best season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Group size
Up to 12

Overview

A journey through the Himalayas

The shortest road route from Nepal to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, with no flights. It is the most popular way for pilgrims from Nepal and India to reach the mountain.

Three days in Kathmandu for the Chinese group visa, then drive to the Rasuwa border and Kerung, with an acclimatisation day there. Cross the plateau via Saga to Manasarovar and Darchen, walk the three-day kora over the Dolma La (5,630 m), and drive back the same way.

Fit travellers and pilgrims who prefer the road to flying, and can handle one hard walking day at 5,630 m.

Why book with us: Our Kathmandu team runs the visa, permits and border crossing, with a Spanish-speaking guide in Nepal and a Spanish-speaking tour leader in Tibet on request.

Highlights

What you will see and experience along the way

  • Overland Himalayan crossing from Kathmandu toward western Tibet
  • Sacred Lake Manasarovar beside Mount Kailash
  • Full three-day Kailash kora including Dolma La
  • Remote plateau roads and high mountain passes
  • Pilgrimage atmosphere around one of Asia’s holiest mountains
  • Views of Kailash’s distinctive pyramid form
  • Return journey linking Tibet’s far west with Nepal
Difficulty & fitness Challenging

Long days and high passes. Some previous hiking experience recommended.

Day By Day

Your itinerary

Trek route Tap a pin for the day stop
Altitude profile Highest point: 5,630 m
0 2,000 4,000 6,000 Day 1: 1,400 m 1 Day 2: 1,400 m Day 3: 1,400 m 3 Day 4: 1,460 m Day 5: 2,700 m 5 Day 6: 2,700 m Day 7: 4,600 m 7 Day 8: 4,590 m Day 9: 4,670 m 9 Day 10: 4,900 m Day 11: 5,630 m 11 Day 12: 4,600 m Day 13: 2,700 m 13 Day 14: 1,400 m Day 15: 1,400 m 15 Day 16: 1,400 m 5,630 m

Highest point reached each day, taken from the itinerary. Gradual gains give your body time to acclimatize.

Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel. We collect your passport for the Chinese group visa.

  • 1,400 m
  • Hotel in Thamel

Guided visit to Nepal’s holiest Hindu temple and the great Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath.

  • 1,400 m
  • Hotel in Thamel
  • B

Free morning; we collect your visa and hold the trip briefing and gear check in the afternoon.

  • 1,400 m
  • Hotel in Thamel
  • B

Drive north along the Trishuli river to Syabrubesi, near the border. 7–8 hours.

  • 1,460 m
  • Lodge in Syabrubesi
  • B, L, D

Short drive to Rasuwa Gadhi, cross into Tibet and meet your Tibetan guide, then on to Kerung. 3–4 hours plus border time.

  • 2,700 m
  • Hotel in Kerung
  • B

Short walks around the valley and its old monastery before climbing onto the plateau.

  • 2,700 m
  • Hotel in Kerung
  • B

Climb onto the plateau past Peiku Tso lake and Shishapangma to Saga. 5–6 hours.

  • 4,600 m
  • Hotel in Saga
  • B

Cross the Mayum La to the shore of Manasarovar and the first view of Kailash. 6–7 hours.

  • 4,590 m
  • Guesthouse at Manasarovar
  • B, D

Sunrise by the lake, time for prayers or a ritual bath, then a short drive to Darchen. 1 hour.

  • 4,670 m
  • Guesthouse in Darchen
  • B, D

Start at Tarboche and walk up the Lha Chu valley to Dirapuk, facing Kailash’s north face. 6–7 hours.

  • 4,900 m
  • Guesthouse at Dirapuk
  • B, L, D

Steep climb to the Dolma La (5,630 m), past Gauri Kund, then a long descent to Zutulpuk. 8–10 hours.

  • 5,630 m
  • Guesthouse at Zutulpuk
  • B, L, D

A 3-hour walk to finish the kora, then drive back to Saga. 6–7 hours by road.

  • 4,600 m
  • Hotel in Saga
  • B

Drive back past Peiku Tso and down to the Kerung valley. 5–6 hours.

  • 2,700 m
  • Hotel in Kerung
  • B

Cross the Rasuwa Gadhi border and drive back to Kathmandu. 7–8 hours.

  • 1,400 m
  • Hotel in Thamel
  • B

Spare day for road or border delays. Farewell dinner in the evening.

  • 1,400 m
  • Hotel in Thamel
  • B, D

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

  • 1,400 m
  • B

Good To Know

What's included

Included

  • Airport and border transfers
  • Hotels with breakfast as listed in the itinerary, twin sharing
  • Private vehicle with driver for all road travel in Tibet
  • Licensed Tibetan guide (English); Spanish-speaking tour leader on request
  • Chinese group visa when entering Tibet from Nepal
  • Entrance fees to monasteries and sites in the itinerary
  • Oxygen cylinder in the vehicle and first-aid kit
  • Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, military permit for Ngari and Kailash–Manasarovar entrance fees
  • 4 nights in a Kathmandu hotel with breakfast
  • Yak or porter for your bag on the kora

Not included

  • International flights
  • Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance with evacuation cover (required)
  • Lunch and dinner unless listed in the itinerary
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Single room supplement
  • Extra costs from permit delays, road closures or border changes

Best Time To Go

When to trek

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec
  • Best
  • Possible
  • Monsoon, not ideal

Recommended: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. We run this trek on the dates you choose. Tell us when you would like to go and we will check conditions for you.

Make It Yours

Tailor this trek to you

This itinerary is a starting point. Tell us what matters to you and we will shape the trip around it.

  • Private departure on the dates you choose
  • Extra rest or acclimatization days
  • Your choice of hotel level in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • A guide who speaks Spanish or English
Customize this trek

On The Map

Full route map

Day stops and the trail overview for this package. Exact paths on high trails can vary with conditions.

Open in Google Maps →

Questions

Before you go

Overland is shorter, cheaper and acclimatises you gradually. Via Lhasa adds the Potala and Gyantse but costs more because of flights.
Tibet permit rules for Indian citizens differ and change often. Contact us before booking and we will check the current rules.
Yes. You can wait in Darchen or at the lake while the group walks; the price stays the same.
Landslides sometimes close the Nepal side in the monsoon. We use the spare day, wait for the road to clear or arrange a helicopter at extra cost.

Reviews

What our travellers say

Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 6 travellers

My trekking experience in Nepal was absolutely incredible. From arriving in Kathmandu to the mountains of the Himalaya, everything was perfectly organised. The guides were professional, attentive and very knowledgeable about the region. I felt safe at all times, even travelling alone. Without a doubt, I recommend this...
C Carlos Martínez Spain
I went on a solo trekking adventure to the Everest region with Unique Nepal Treks and Expedition, and it was life-changing! The itinerary was perfectly planned, and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. From arranging flights and hotels to transportation and trekking support, everything was seamless. I felt safe...
R Rohan Sharma Delhi, India · Everest Region
From the moment I landed in Nepal, everything was taken care of with professionalism and warmth. As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe and supported throughout the trek. The landscapes were breathtaking, and the experience was life-changing. I highly recommend this agency — they are truly the best in Nepal...
Sophie Laurent Sophie Laurent France
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