Kailash and Manasarovara
Experience a profound Himalayan pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar on a carefully planned overland journey from Kathmandu through the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung border. After completing the necessary visa and Tibet travel formalities in Kathmandu, travel through the Himalayan foothills into the vast Tibetan Plateau. Visit sacred Lake Manasarovar, Tirthapuri, and Darchen, then undertake the three-day Kailash Kora, including the challenging crossing of Dolma La Pass. With scenic landscapes, spiritual landmarks, high-altitude experiences, and dedicated local support, the journey concludes with a return to Kathmandu via Kerung and Rasuwagadhi.
TOUR ITINERARY
A day-by-day breakdown of your journey through Kailash and Manasarovara.
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. After check-in, take time to rest and recover from your journey. In the evening, attend a pilgrimage briefing covering the itinerary, border-crossing procedures, visa and permit arrangements, high-altitude travel, and important preparations for the Mount Kailash Kora. Meet your fellow pilgrims and the journey team before enjoying a relaxed evening in Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2
Kathmandu Sightseeing & Document Submission
After breakfast, visit two of Kathmandu’s most important spiritual landmarks, Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa. While enjoying these sacred sites, our authorized operator will coordinate the China Group Visa application and required Tibet travel documentation. All necessary passport and supporting documents will be checked and submitted according to the applicable procedures. Return to the hotel in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxed evening. Overnight at the hotel.
COST DETAILS
What is Included
Transportation: Private tourist transportation will be arranged according to group size for all services included in the itinerary. This covers airport transfers, Kathmandu sightseeing, Kathmandu–Syabrubesi transportation, the Kyrung border transfer, and all transportation in Xizang (Tibet), China, including Saga, Lake Manasarovar, Tirthapuri, Darchen, and the return to Kyrung. Vehicles are subject to group size, road conditions, local regulations, and operational requirements.
Accommodation: Fifteen nights' accommodation are included as specified in the itinerary. Accommodation includes a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu and suitable hotels, lodges, or local guesthouses in Syabrubesi, Kyrung, Saga, Lake Manasarovar, Darchen, Dirapuk, and Zuthulpuk. Remote Tibetan accommodation is basic and may have limited facilities. Rooms are generally based on two adults sharing a twin or double room. Properties may be substituted with accommodation of a similar category.
Guide and Tour Leader Service: An experienced English-speaking Nepali guide or group leader will assist throughout the Nepal portion, while a licensed local Tibetan guide will accompany the group in Xizang (Tibet). Guide services include sightseeing, transportation coordination, accommodation arrangements, border formalities, pilgrimage procedures, and general logistical support.
Food and Beverages: Breakfast is included throughout the itinerary as specified in the confirmed package. Where full board is confirmed, breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided during the Tibetan journey and pilgrimage. Drinking water will be provided according to the confirmed package. Special dietary requirements should be advised in advance and are subject to availability.
China Visa / Group Visa Processing: Assistance with the applicable China visa or China Group Visa process in Kathmandu is included according to the traveler's nationality, eligibility, and prevailing procedures. The operator will coordinate document checking, submission arrangements, and collection where applicable. Visa requirements, fees, processing procedures, and eligibility remain subject to the relevant authorities.
Tibet Travel Permits: The Tibet Travel Permit and other required permits for the confirmed Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, and Ngari itinerary are included and will be arranged through the authorized travel agency. Permit approval remains subject to government regulations and operational conditions.
Kathmandu Sightseeing: Sightseeing specified in the itinerary, including Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa, is included together with transportation and guide assistance. Additional sightseeing and optional excursions are excluded unless separately arranged.
Tirthapuri and Lake Manasarovar: The planned visit to Tirthapuri and sightseeing and pilgrimage activities around Lake Manasarovar and Rakshas Tal are included, subject to local regulations, weather, road conditions, and site accessibility.
Mount Kailash Kora: The three-day Mount Kailash Kora is included, including transportation from Darchen to Yamadwar and support transportation after completing the trekking section. The route includes Dirapuk, Dolma La Pass, Gauri Kund, and Zuthulpuk. Standard accommodation during the Kora is included, although facilities are basic.
Entrance Fees and Government Charges: Entrance fees and applicable local service charges for sightseeing and pilgrimage activities specifically mentioned in the itinerary are included. Applicable government taxes, border-related charges, environmental or tourism fees, and mandatory charges relating to included services are covered based on prevailing official rates.
Pre-Departure Briefing and Support: A pre-departure briefing in Kathmandu is included, together with document checking, itinerary coordination, border assistance, accommodation arrangements, transportation coordination, and general logistical support throughout the pilgrimage.
Not Included
International Airfare: International airfare to Kathmandu and onward or return airfare from Kathmandu are not included. Airfare will be quoted separately according to airline, travel dates, booking class, fare conditions, and availability.
Nepal Tourist Visa: The Nepal Tourist Visa fee is not included. Eligible travelers may obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, subject to current immigration regulations and nationality-specific requirements.
Travel Insurance: Travel, medical, cancellation, interruption, baggage, and emergency evacuation insurance are not included. Comprehensive insurance covering high-altitude travel, medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and the Mount Kailash region is strongly recommended.
Personal Medical Expenses: Medical consultations, medicines, hospitalization, oxygen, emergency treatment, and other personal medical expenses are not included and remain the responsibility of the traveler unless covered by insurance.
Horse, Yak, Porter, and Trekking Assistance: Horse, yak, porter, or personal trekking assistance during the Kailash Kora is not included. These services may be available locally at additional cost, subject to availability and local regulations.
Emergency Rescue and Evacuation: Helicopter evacuation, ambulance services, emergency rescue, specialized transportation, and related expenses are not included. Such costs are payable by the traveler or their insurance provider where applicable.
Personal Expenses: Personal expenses, including beverages not specified in the meal plan, laundry, telephone, internet, room service, minibar, snacks, shopping, souvenirs, donations, religious offerings, and other incidental expenses, are excluded.
Optional Services: Optional sightseeing, excursions, religious ceremonies, special rituals, bathing facilities, additional transportation, accommodation upgrades, and services not specifically listed under inclusions are excluded and charged separately.
Tips and Gratuities: Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel staff, porters, and other service providers are not included and are at the traveler's discretion.
Unforeseen Expenses: Additional expenses caused by flight delays or cancellations, roadblocks, landslides, adverse weather, natural disasters, political disturbances, strikes, border closures or delays, permit restrictions, government regulations, or other circumstances beyond the operator's control are excluded. Any additional accommodation, meals, transportation, permits, or related expenses will be payable by the traveler.
Border, Permit and Government Changes: Border operations, Tibet permits, restricted-area permits, and other travel arrangements are subject to the relevant Nepalese and Chinese/Tibetan authorities. Any additional mandatory charges resulting from changes in border procedures, permits, taxes, government regulations, fuel costs, transportation fees, or other official charges after booking confirmation may be payable separately.
Important Note: The itinerary and services are subject to local conditions, weather, road access, border operations, permit approvals, and applicable government regulations. Final operational arrangements will be confirmed before departure. Where unavoidable changes occur, the operator will make reasonable efforts to provide an alternative arrangement of similar standard and value.
Book Your Tour
This trip is available year-round — complete your details below and our team will contact you to confirm your preferred travel dates.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Comfortable overland journey from Nepal to Tibet via the Kyrung Border.
Visa processing stays in Kathmandu with accommodation in a fine Hotel.
Guided sightseeing of Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Scenic drive through Langtang National Park.
Visit the sacred Lake Manasarovar and Rakshas Tal.
Excursion to the holy site of Tirthapuri.
Three-day Mount Kailash Kora (Parikrama).
Cross the revered Dolma La Pass (5,630 m).
Spectacular views of Mount Kailash, Gurla Mandhata, and the Tibetan Plateau.
Experienced Tibetan guide and full logistical support throughout the pilgrimage.
PRETRIP ESSENTIALS
Tour FAQs
Yes. All travelers entering Tibet from Nepal must obtain a China Group Visa, which is issued only in Kathmandu. Himalayan Shangrila arranges the visa application and all necessary Tibet travel permits on your behalf.
You should allow at least four nights in Kathmandu for China Group Visa processing. During this period, you'll stay at Mila Hotel and can enjoy sightseeing while the travel documents are being prepared.
The three-day Kailash Kora is considered moderately challenging due to the high altitude rather than technical difficulty. The highest point is Dolma La Pass (5,630 m). Good physical fitness and proper acclimatization are strongly recommended.
Yes. Horses, yaks, and local porters can be hired in Darchen to assist during the Kailash Kora. These services are subject to availability and are not included in the tour cost.
Guests stay at Mila Hotel in Kathmandu, while accommodation in Tibet consists of clean local guesthouses and simple hotels. Facilities are basic in remote areas but provide a comfortable place to rest during the pilgrimage.
The best season is from May to September, when road conditions are generally favorable and temperatures are more comfortable. This period also coincides with the main pilgrimage season.
Pack warm layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, comfortable trekking boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, reusable water bottle, personal medications, and travel insurance documents. Weather in Tibet can change quickly, so being prepared for cold, wind, and strong sunshine is essential.