Details
Kathmandu (1,340m) to Gyirong Border (2,600m) — 183 km, 7–8 hrs
The tour begins with a morning departure from Kathmandu for the long drive to the Nepal–Tibet border crossing at Gyirong, a journey of roughly 7 to 8 hours. Once you clear customs on the Tibetan side, your Tibetan guide and driver will be waiting to greet you and take you onward to Gyirong town. The rest of the day is left free for you to rest and begin adjusting to the higher elevation before the trip continues deeper into the plateau.
Accommodation: Gyirong Town
Acclimatization Day at Gyirong Town (2,600m)
With Gyirong sitting near the Friendship Bridge that connects Tibet and Nepal, this second day is built entirely around acclimatization. Rather than pushing further into higher terrain right away, you’ll spend the day resting in town, drinking plenty of water, and doing light exercise to help your body adjust. This pause is an important safety step before the drive to significantly higher altitudes over the coming days.
Accommodation: Gyirong Town
Gyirong Town to Saga (4,450m) — 170 km, 4.5 hrs
Today’s drive carries you across Tibet’s sandy, rock-strewn high plateau, a landscape that shifts dramatically from the greener valley around Gyirong. Along the way, you’ll pass Pelku Tso Lake and take in distant views of Mount Shishapangma, which rises to 8,020 meters. It’s also common to see nomadic herders moving yaks and sheep across the open land. By the afternoon, the route crosses the Brahmaputra River as you make your way into Saga, a small town with a mix of Chinese and Tibetan character.
Accommodation: Saga Hotel
Saga (4,500m) to Lake Manasarovar (4,558m) via Paryang (4,700m) — 506 km, 7–8 hrs
This is one of the longer driving days of the trip. Leaving Saga, the route crosses windswept, open terrain dotted with small villages and the seasonal camps of yak herders, with snow-capped peaks visible in the distance. After a lunch stop in Paryang — traditionally used by nomads as summer grazing ground for their herds — the drive continues for roughly four more hours toward Lake Manasarovar. This stretch passes through remote territory where, with some luck, you may spot a herd of kyang (Tibetan wild ass). The most memorable moment comes at Mayum La Pass (5,280m), which offers your very first view of Mount Kailash, followed by your arrival at Lake Manasarovar in time to watch the sunset over its waters.
Accommodation: Local Guesthouse
Rest at Lake Manasarovar, then Onward to Darchen (4,600m) — 60 km, 1.5 hrs
The morning is left open to spend time at Lake Manasarovar itself. Considered one of Tibet’s three holy lakes, it is regarded — together with Mount Kailash — as a spiritual center of the world, revered by more than a billion Buddhists and Hindus. You may also pass or visit the White Stupa near Chiu Monastery on the lake’s shore. In the afternoon, you’ll drive to Darchen, the small settlement that serves as the starting and finishing point of the Mount Kailash trek. This is where final trekking preparations happen, including arranging yaks or porters if you need them.
Accommodation: Darchen
TibetTrip Notice:
Porters, yaks, or horses for the Mount Kailash trek are available in Darchen. Let your guide know if you wish to arrange these services in advance.
Trek from Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery Day 1 — 6km Driving+14km Trekking
After breakfast, board an eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung Valley, the starting point of your sacred Mount Kailash trek. Today’s journey is relatively gentle, perfect for acclimatizing to the high altitude while soaking in the majestic views of Mount Kailash’s southern, southwestern, and western slopes.
Along the kora route, you’ll encounter several key sacred stops:
Sacred Stops Along the Way
Tarboche (Prayer Flag Square): Witness the spiritual heart of the Saga Dawa Festival, where hundreds of pilgrims gather to raise the ceremonial flagpole.
Yam Dwar (Chorten Kangnyi or Two-Legged Stupa): A unique double-legged stupa, symbolizing devotion and Tibetan architectural ingenuity.
Choku Monastery (Qūgǔ Sì): The first monastery on the Mount Kailash kora, home to a sacred silver-embossed conch shell and teapots, revered by pilgrims for centuries.
Your trek culminates at the Dirapuk Monastery (Zhire Monastery or Zhǐrè Sì), a renowned site offering unparalleled views of the western face of Mount Kailash. Spend some time exploring this ancient monastery, capturing the beauty of the sacred stupas and the dramatic cliffs surrounding you.
TibetTrip Advice:
The best photos of Mount Kailash are often captured during late afternoon or sunset from Dirapuk, when the western slopes glow with warm light.
Accommodation: Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse
Trek from Dirapuk Monastery to Zutulpuk Monastery via Drolma La Pass Day 2 — 20 km Trekking
Prepare for the most challenging day of your Mount Kailash trek as you cross the highest point along the kora and walk alongside devoted prostrating pilgrims.
Morning: Ascent to Dolma La Pass
Rise early and begin your trek from Dirapuk Monastery, gradually ascending 4 km to reach 5,430 meters. Here, enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over the northwest slope of Mount Kailash, painting the cliffs with golden light.
Continue another 2 km to Dolma La Pass (5,630m), the highest point on the kora. Thousands of prayer flags flutter here, creating a colorful and sacred spectacle. Take a moment to soak in the spiritual significance and snap memorable photos.
Descent: Gauri Kund & Glaciers
Descend toward the emerald-green Gauri Kund (Tuoji Cuo, Lake of Compassion, or Cibei Lake), a serene lake believed to purify a lifetime of sins. Marvel at the glaciers cascading down the northwest face of Mount Kailash as you soak in the tranquil beauty.
Afternoon: Toward Zutulpuk Monastery
The trek then continues with a gentle descent to the valley beneath the southeast foot of Mount Kailash, arriving at Zutulpuk Monastery (Dzutripuk Monastery, Zūnzhū Sì, or Zǔchǔ Sì). Here, the peaceful grasslands provide an ideal resting spot, and you may spot local wildlife along the way.
Spend the night at the monastery guesthouse, reflecting on a day filled with spiritual and natural wonders.
Accommodation: Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse.
Trek back to Darchen , then to Saga— 7km Trekking + 4km Driving+344 km (6 hr driving) to Saga
Depart from Zutulpuk Monastery and begin a gentle 6.5-kilometer trek to Zongto (Zongdui). Along the way, take in your last close-up views of Mount Kailash and the surrounding grasslands dotted with prayer flags. At Zongto, board an eco-bus for a short ride back to Darchen, completing your sacred kora around the mountain.
After reaching Darchen, begin the drive back toward Saga, passing the serene Lake Mansarovar once again. Enjoy the striking contrast of the turquoise lake against the distant snow-capped peaks of Mount Kailash, a final opportunity to capture its spiritual beauty in your memory and photographs.
Continue to Saga and enjoy a well-earned rest.
Accommodation:Saga Hotel
Saga to Gyirong Town — 170 km, 4–5 hrs
The journey continues back toward the Nepal border, arriving in Gyirong town by the afternoon. This is your last night in Tibet before crossing back into Nepal the following day.
Accommodation: Gyirong Town
Gyirong to Kathmandu — 40 km, 6–9 hrs
After breakfast, your guide and driver will escort you to the Gyirong Border, where you will be formally sent off. On crossing into Nepal, Nepali staff will meet you and transfer you to Kathmandu in comfortable local vehicles.
The drive takes around 6–9 hours, offering scenic views of rivers, valleys, and the foothills of the Himalayas. Take this time to relax, reflect on your Tibet journey, and enjoy the changing landscapes.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our services conclude. Thank you for choosing TibetTrip—we look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable Tibetan adventure!
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul | 2026-07 | $ 1435 | Book now |
| Aug | 2026-08 | $ 1435 | Book now |
| Sep | 2026-09 | $ 1435 | Book now |
| Oct | 2026-10 | $ 1435 | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 10-Day Mount Kailash Tour from Kathmandu: Sacred Kora & Lake Manasarovar
Fee Description
What’s Included
- All required government taxes and fees
- Meal allowance for your guide and driver
- Necessary oxygen and medicine for acute high-altitude sickness
- 2 bottles of mineral water provided daily
- All required Tibet permits and domestic travel documents
- Airport and/or train station pick-up and drop-off
- Comfortable 9-17 seat tourist vehicle
- Nepal border transfer service to your hotel in Kathmandu
- Admission tickets for all attractions included in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking local Tibetan guide
- Standard 4-star hotels (upgrade available on request); where unavailable, local budget hotels or guesthouses (e.g., dormitory bed, no private bath) will be provided
What’s Excluded
- Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, internet access, fax, and telephone calls
- Tips for your guide and driver
- Optional activities during the trip, such as personal horse or yak riding
- Optional attractions not specified in the itinerary
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
