Kailash Mansarovar via Limi Valley

A Swotah representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu at 1,400 m. Your guide introduces the 25-day route over a welcome dinner and runs through the permit requirements for both Nepal and Tibet. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu is the processing hub for the Chinese group visa required for Tibet entry. The morning is spent at the Chinese Embassy or with Swotah's permit agent, submitting group passport details and photos for the group-visa application. Processing takes several working days, so documents are submitted today without delay. The afternoon is free for rest or sightseeing at Boudhanath or Swayambhunath. Overnight in Kathmandu.

A 45-minute domestic flight from Kathmandu reaches Nepalgunj at 150 m in the southern Terai plains, the main staging hub for flights into Humla district. Nepalgunj's airport handles mountain routes to Simikot and Dolpo. The afternoon allows time to check final permit documents and prepare gear for the trekking section ahead. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

Simikot (2,985 m) is the district headquarters of Humla and the highest airstrip served by scheduled mountain flights; the 40-minute flight from Nepalgunj on Twin Otter or similar aircraft follows the Karnali gorge into the far-western hills. After landing and collecting permits, the trek drops steeply from the airstrip down to Dharapori (2,360 m) along the Humla Karnali river, through oak and pine forest. Walking time is about 2 to 3 hours. Overnight in Dharapori.

Kermi (2,690 m) is a larger Humla village on the Karnali river, about 5 to 6 hours walk from Dharapori along the narrow river gorge trail. 3 hot springs are located just below Kermi village at the river's edge, and pilgrims and locals bathe in them throughout the season. The trail passes through terraced fields of barley and buckwheat, with the river roaring below. Overnight in Kermi.

Today's route leaves the main Humla Karnali and climbs the side valley of the Salle Khola to a camp at around 3,400 m, the first significant altitude gain of the trek. The climb takes 5 to 6 hours through forest and open grazing pasture, with views back down the Karnali valley. The temperature drops noticeably at camp. Overnight at the Salle Khola valley camp.

Dharmasala (4,200 m) is the last camp before the Nyalu La, a high stone shelter used by Humla traders and pilgrims. The 4 to 5 hour climb follows the Salle Khola up through dwarf juniper and open scree above the treeline, gaining 800 m. Views open out toward the high ridges of the Humla-Tibet border zone. Tonight is the first night well above 4,000 m; take it easy, drink plenty of water and eat a full meal. Overnight at Dharmasala.

The Nyalu La at 4,990 m is the main border ridge between Humla and the Limi Valley, a high open pass strung with prayer flags. The ascent from Dharmasala takes 3 to 4 hours on rocky switchbacks with widening views toward Tibet. After the pass, the route descends 600 m to the camp at Talung (4,380 m) on the upper edge of the Limi Valley. The descent is steep and loose in places. Total walking time is 6 to 8 hours. Overnight at Talung camp.

Jang (4,070 m) is the first of the Limi Valley's permanent villages, a compact settlement of flat-roofed stone houses with a small gompa and mani walls lining the entrance path. The 4 to 5 hour descent from Talung follows the Limi Khola downstream through open plateau landscape that already feels Tibetan in character. The valley floor at Jang is wide and grassy. Overnight in Jang.

Halji (3,670 m) is the main monastery village of Limi Valley and home to Halji Gompa, the oldest monastery in Humla and one of the most significant Drukpa Kagyu gompas in far-western Nepal. The walk from Jang takes 3 to 4 hours along the valley floor. The gompa complex holds ancient thangkas, a large Maitreya statue and historic murals; entry is with your guide, who arranges the visit respectfully. Overnight in Halji.

Halji at 3,670 m is the acclimatisation stop for the Nepal section of the route, giving the body time to adjust before the trek climbs back above 4,000 m toward the Tibet border. The day is free for a second visit to Halji Gompa, a walk to nearby mani walls and chortens, or simply resting and hydrating. A rest day here also provides a buffer for anyone who found the Nyalu La day hard. Overnight in Halji.

Til (3,600 m) is the second main monastery village in Limi Valley, about 3 to 4 hours walk from Halji along the valley. Til's gompa is smaller than Halji's but sits at the centre of a tight cluster of stone houses; the village follows the same Tibetan-Buddhist traditions as Halji, including a community vow of non-violence toward animals. The landscape between the two villages is open and dry, with the Tibetan plateau ridgeline visible to the north. Overnight in Til.

Manepeme (3,970 m) is a high camp above Til on the route toward the Nepal-Tibet border at Hilsa, a steady 3 to 4 hour climb on open hillside above the Limi Valley floor. The trail passes a series of mani stone walls and a small abandoned settlement. From Manepeme the Tibetan plateau and the upper Karnali drainage come into clear view. Tonight's camp is the last in Nepal before crossing into Tibet. Overnight at Manepeme.

Hilsa (also called Sher, at about 3,720 m) is the Nepal border post on the Karnali River where the bridge leads directly into Tibet. The 2 to 3 hour walk from Manepeme reaches the border by mid-morning. Passport and permit checks are completed on both sides before the group crosses. In Tibet, a convoy of Land Cruisers and the Tibetan licensed guide are waiting at Taklakot (Purang, 3,930 m), the first Tibetan town, about 30 minutes drive from the border. The afternoon is free to explore Taklakot's market and its hilltop monastery ruins. Overnight in Taklakot.

Darchen (4,558 m) is the base town for the Kailash Kora, a 3 to 4 hour drive from Taklakot across the Tibetan plateau on rough roads. At Darchen the first close views of Mount Kailash (6,638 m) open to the north, the mountain's distinctive pyramid shape rising above the plateau. The afternoon allows time to check permits for the Kora, arrange yak and porter loads if required, and rest before the three-day circuit begins. Overnight in Darchen.

Lake Mansarovar (Mapam Yumco) at 4,590 m lies about 30 km southeast of Darchen on the plateau. 4 sacred bathing ghats are used by Hindu pilgrims who complete a ritual bath in the lake's cold, clear water. The drive takes about 45 minutes each way. The morning is spent at the lake for prayer, bathing and time on the shore; the southern bank gives the best views of both Kailash and the Gurla Mandhata (7,694 m) massif across the water. Return to Darchen in the afternoon for a final equipment check before the Kora begins. Overnight in Darchen.

Yamadwar (about 4,700 m), the traditional start gate of the Kailash Kora, is a short drive from Darchen. The clockwise circuit begins here, following the Lha Chu river valley north along the western face of Kailash. The 22 km walk to Derapuk Monastery (4,890 m) takes 5 to 7 hours, climbing gradually with the first full views of Kailash's imposing north face emerging at around kilometre 15. Derapuk is a small monastery and pilgrim guesthouse; the dormitory beds here are basic but give shelter at nearly 4,900 m. Overnight at Derapuk (4,890 m).

Kora day 3 completes the eastern section of the circumambulation, walking about 8 km from Zuthul Puk back to the Kora finishing point near Darchen in 3 to 4 hours, following the Dzong Chu valley south. The final kilometres return to the plateau at Darchen, closing the 52 km clockwise circuit of Mount Kailash. The afternoon allows rest and a celebratory meal in Darchen. Overnight in Darchen.

Saga (about 4,600 m) is a Tibetan plateau town on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) river, the main waypoint on the road east toward the Nepal border at Kyirong. The drive from Darchen covers approximately 460 km on the plateau highway and takes 7 to 9 hours. The road crosses wide, flat grassland at consistent elevation above 4,400 m, with distant views of the Himalayan chain to the south. Overnight in Saga.

Kyirong (Gyirong, about 2,700 m) is the border town where the Tibet-Nepal highway descends sharply from the plateau into a deep river valley before reaching the Rasuwagadhi border crossing back into Nepal. The drive from Saga takes 6 to 8 hours. The descent into Kyirong is dramatic, dropping roughly 1,900 m from the plateau within a short distance, and the valley's lower altitude and warmer air come as a noticeable relief after two weeks above 3,500 m. Overnight in Kyirong.

Kyirong at 2,700 m gives the body a full day at lower altitude before the final crossing back to Nepal and the drive to Kathmandu. The town has a small market, guesthouses and several cafes. Permits and passports are checked in preparation for tomorrow's border crossing at Rasuwagadhi. The rest day also provides a contingency buffer for any minor delays at the Kyirong checkpoint. Overnight in Kyirong.

The Rasuwagadhi border crossing (about 1,900 m) connects Tibet to Nepal's Rasuwa district, where the road descends through the Trishuli river valley to Kathmandu. Total drive time from Kyirong to Kathmandu is approximately 6 to 8 hours depending on the border queue. The final stretch enters Kathmandu from the north through Nuwakot and Trishuli Bazar. A Swotah vehicle meets the group at the border and drives through to the hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu at 1,400 m offers the first full rest at low altitude since the trip began 22 days earlier. The day is free for recovery, shopping in Thamel, a final visit to Boudhanath or Pashupatinath, or simply sleeping and eating well. Your guide is available for any last-minute questions about the pilgrimage. Swotah arranges a farewell dinner if the group wishes. Overnight in Kathmandu.

A Swotah representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward international flight. Departure time permitting, the morning is free in Kathmandu. Swotah can arrange extensions to Pokhara, the Annapurna region, Chitwan or a shorter Nepal trek if you wish to add time before flying home.