Kailash Mansoravar Overland Tour

The Kailash Mansarovar overland tour is a spiritual journey and a dream come true for devotees worldwide. This Yatra leads you to the holy territory of Mt. Kailash through the newly opened Nepal-Tibet border at Rasuwagadhi-Kerung. This route offers a pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash, allowing you to pray and traverse the sacred region.

The tour will leave you in awe as it takes you through Tibet's stunning natural beauty, fascinating culture, and breathtaking vistas. The journey involves driving across high mountain passes, lodging in remote locations, and passing by expansive rivers. The rewards, however, are immense.

This alternative route to Mount Kailash, the Kailash overland tour via the Kerung border, commenced in September 2017, making Mt. Kailash more accessible from the edges of Nepal.

The escorted holy Mount Kailash and Mansarovar tour begins with a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We then enter through Langtang National Park and cross the Nepal-Tibet border before arriving at Kerung. We will then proceed to the towns of Saga and drive to Darchen via Mansarovar Lake.

Along the way, you will witness spectacular views of the sacred Mt. Kailash, Mt. Gurla-Mandala, Rakshash Lake, and Lake Mansarovar. On the eighth day, we will begin our three-day Kailash Kora (circumambulation). The highlights of the Kailash Parikrama include the sacred circumambulation of Kailash, the holy Lake Mansarovar Parikrama, and crossing the highest pass, Drolma La.

The 14-day Kailash and Mansarovar overland tour from Kathmandu is the best way to visit the holy Mt. Kailash. The best seasons to visit the holy Mt. Kailash via the overland route are May and August. 

Holy Mansarovar Lake and Cursed Rakshas Tal

Mansarovar Lake, at an elevation of 4,590 meters, is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. It is located in China's Tibetan Autonomous Region. Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon adherents all consider Lake Mansarovar sacred, making it a popular pilgrimage destination. According to Hindu legend, Lord Brahma created Mansarovar Lake as a place for meditation and spiritual purification.

Rakshas Tal, also known as Ravana Tal, is a saltwater lake situated about 3 kilometres from Mansarovar Lake. Named after the evil lord Ravana from the Hindu epic Ramayana, legend has it that Ravana atoned at this lake to appease Lord Shiva.

In contrast to Mansarovar Lake, Rakshas Tal is thought to be cursed and regarded as a place of evil. The lake's water is dark and foreboding, surrounded by craggy cliffs and desolate hills.

Kailash Kora

The spiritual Kailash Kora encircles the revered Mount Kailash. On the first day of the Kora, you will pass through Derapuk Monastery at 5210 meters, with views of the South Face of Mt. Kailash initially and then the West Face.

On the second day of the Kora, you will pass by several sacred locations, including the Dolma La Pass, considered the psychological and spiritual pinnacle of the journey. This day presents the challenge of the walk, involving a steep ascent symbolizing the struggles and difficulties one must overcome to achieve spiritual enlightenment.

As pilgrims travel, they can feel the spiritual force of Mount Kailash and its surroundings. The journey serves as a metaphor for the spiritual path of life and the need to keep moving forward on the road to enlightenment. During the Kora, pilgrims can see all four faces of Mount Kailash.

The Kailash Kora is a profound spiritual trek that connects travellers to Mount Kailash's divine energy. The journey symbolizes the spiritual journey through life and the challenges one must face to reach enlightenment.

Chinese Visa / Tibet Permit

The Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour requires obtaining a group Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit, both mandated by the Chinese government. The process begins with submitting passport copies via email to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit. We will handle the application for the Tibet permit one month prior to the departure date. For visa processing, applicants are required to submit their original passports to our Kathmandu office three working days before the fixed Kailash dates. 

Once the group Chinese visa is issued, you can collect your passport from our office. It’s important to note that if you already hold a Chinese visa, it will be cancelled upon arrival in Kathmandu when applying for the group visa to enter Tibet. We recommend booking early to ensure your yatra commences on your desired departure date.

Note: Please note that the rules and regulations for obtaining a Tibet permit are subject to frequent changes. We recommend contacting us for the most up-to-date information.

Parikrama Details

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra includes both Inner and Outer Parikrama. The Inner Parikrama involves the circumambulation of Nandi Parvat, which is currently closed due to restrictions from the Chinese government. The Outer Parikrama, which is easier to complete, involves the circumambulation of Kailash Parvat and is included in the regular overland and helicopter tours. If you prefer not to walk during the Parikrama, you can hire a horse, a horseman and a porter for three days at an approximate cost of $200 per day.  Rates may vary, and even if you hire a horse, a 2-3 hour walk is still required. Please note that you cannot hire a horse for a single day. Even if you hire for only one day, you have to pay for the entire parikrama (3 days).

 Alternatively, you can opt out of the Parikrama and stay at Darchen base camp, where our staff will provide accommodation and meals until the rest of the group returns.

Money and Personal Items

When travelling to Tibet, it’s essential to carry the Chinese Yuan, as foreign currencies are not accepted. Currency exchange services are available upon arrival in Nepal. For the trip, pack warm clothes such as sweaters, trousers, thermo-coats, monkey caps, trekking shoes, high-neck garments, and gloves. It’s crucial to prepare for the cold climate at high altitudes, so we recommend carrying thermo-coats, monkey caps, comfortable shoes, masks, walking sticks, sunscreen lotions, and sunglasses.

Staying connected with family and friends during the yatra is essential. Nepali SIM cards do not work in Tibet, but participants can purchase SIM cards at phone centers along the yatra route to maintain communication.

Food and Fitness

In Tibetan guest houses, you will find pure vegetarian food and local drinking water readily available. If you prefer, you can also purchase mineral water in Tibet. Be prepared for meals that often include a lot of potatoes and rice.

Given the high altitude and cold climate, warm clothing and accessories are essential. Recommended items include thermo coats, monkey caps, comfortable shoes, masks, walking sticks, sunscreen lotion, and sunglasses.

Physical fitness is crucial for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Although a medical checkup is recommended, it is not mandatory. Those with back pain may find the jagged roads challenging, and individuals with asthma or dust allergies should wear masks. Regular walking, exercise, and yoga are recommended to ensure physical fitness. For those considering horse riding, it must be hired for the entire three-day kora at a cost of around $200 per day.

Tipping Recommendation

We recommend allocating 10-15% of your total tour cost to tipping guides, drivers, and other hardworking staff who ensure your experience is unforgettable. While tipping is not mandatory, it is a meaningful way to support the seasonal workers who dedicate themselves to making your trip extraordinary.

By booking with us and participating in the tipping culture, you are directly contributing to Nepal’s local economy and helping sustain the tourism workforce. This support is crucial in retaining talent within the country and addressing challenges like brain drain.

Your generosity makes a lasting impact—thank you!