Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland - 13 Days

Good to Know
  • Duration 13 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Starts/Ends Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Group Size 4-30
  • Max. Altitude 4890 M.
  • Best Season May, April, June, July, August, September

Highlights

  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley, including the Pashupatinath Temple and Budhanilkantha Temple (the sacred temple with the statue of sleeping Vishnu).
  • A scenic drive through the Himalayas of Nepal to the Tibet border passes by deep green valleys, terraced hills, and distant views of snow-capped peaks via the Langtang National Park of Nepal.
  • Cross the Nepal-Tibet border at Kerung.
  • Explore the ancient cities of Tibet, sharing centuries of enriching history, including the unique Buddhist monasteries and sites, such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Palcho Monastery, and others.
  • Marvel at the beauty of the holy lakes of Manasarovar, Rakshesh Lake, and Mount Kailash Lake.
  • Trek to the holiest and most majestic mountain in Asia, Mt. Kailash (6,638 m).
  • Take part in Kalisa Kora, Parikrama, and many others.

Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland is a life-changing one of the most fascinating adventures in the Tibetan landscapes, passing through some of Tibet’s most spiritual regions and untouched Himalayan wilderness to Mt. Kailash, believed to be one of the holiest mountains in South Asia, believed to be the abode of one of the Hindu supreme lords, Shiva. Therefore, Mt. Kailash is also considered the land of Lord Shiva, blessed with natural beauty, cultural significance, and profound spiritual energy in serenity.

Located far away from major cities in a remote area of Tibet, Mt. Kailash and its infamous pristine lake of Mansarovar are the soul of Tibet, where the locals majorly following Vajrayana Buddhism also treasure it as the Kang Rimpoche (paths of the soul) circumnavigation, which even for a single time is believed to wash away the sins of a lifetime while 108 rounds provide you with the blessing of enlightenment. Hence, the Kailash is also the center of four religions: Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon Pa.

Starting in Kathmandu, passing by Kerung, the Nepal-Tibet border, as you experience the striking transition in landscape from verdant valleys to the bleak, high-altitude plains of the Tibetan plateau gradually leading you to the footstand of Mt. Kailash, the Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland is a pilgrimage that comes once in a lifetime to explore and discover the unseen and unspoiled Himalayan landscapes and scenery, eventually resulting in spiritual renewal like never before as you stop at several historic towns like Saga, Paiku TSo Lake, and numerous holy monasteries dating back to centuries.

What can you expect during the Overland Tour to Kailash Mansarovar?

The Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland is equally rewarding as it is physically challenging. It offers unparalleled spiritual fulfillment, cultural immersion, and breathtaking natural beauty while taking you through Nepal’s lush landscapes to the most remote and scenic regions of Tibet’s high-altitude plains.

The journey includes visits to Tibetan monasteries, usually going through rugged and high-altitude areas with a potential risk of altitude mountain sickness (AMS) or mountain sickness, especially while crossing the Dolma La Pass at over 5,600 m above sea level, providing a deeper connection with nature, spirituality, and the bounty of ancient monuments, traditions, and culture still thriving.

A spiritual journey with personal growth on the way to Kailash Mansarovar Tour

The Kathmandu Valley, as the starting point of the Kailash Mansarovar Tour itself, is the spiritually enriching capital city of the country, filled with a greater number of temples than houses, which led to the city’s name as the city of temples, some of which are also registered in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath, Swyambhuath, and Changu Narayan, along with the trilogy of ancient kingdoms of then Nepal interconnected to each other, including Basantapur, Bhaktapur, and Patan.

Mt. Kailash, at an altitude of 6,638 m, holds immense spiritual significance not only to Hindus but also to Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers circumnavigating, which is believed to wash individual sins, bringing blessings, and direct connection to divinity, along with a dip into the serene lake of Mansarovar, which is also believed to possess divine power of healing and rejuvenation, leaving one with a profound sense of immeasurable gratification.

Once you step into the land of Tibet, the entire journey is marked by vibrant prayer flags, mani walls, gompas, and monasteries, including in the encompassing area of Mt. Kailash and Mansarover Lake, to witness pilgrims, visitors, travelers, and trekkers to witness one of the grandest rites and rituals, puja (worship), and chanting of mantras during the kora, filling you with a strong connection to one’s faith, beliefs, and appreciation for regions that enrich cultural encounters, making the Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland extremely memorable.

An unmatchable Nepalese to Tibetan Himalayan and natural views

The Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland begins in Kathmandu. As you start the journey, visitors and travelers pass through lush greenery, hills, and terraced fields, which get as spectacular as you can imagine driving to Rasuwa Gadi in a grateful watch of the snow-capped peak of Langtang Lirung dominating the skyline. In contrast, the Shishapangma (8,027 m), the 14th largest mountain peak on the planet, leads the way upon crossing the border and arriving at Gyirong Valley, also referred to as the “Valley of Happiness.”

En route, one can also relish the distant sight of the top of the world, Mt. Everest (8,848 m), which you will leave behind pursuing the everlasting, unique, glowing vows of Mount Kailash and the turquoise gem of Tibet, Lake Mansarovar. Nestled in the heart of the snow-clad mountain giants in the vast Tibetan Plateau, with sweeping landscapes and high-altitude deserts, Lake Mansarovar is one of the tour’s highlights.

The challenge, adventure, and achievement of Dolma La Pass

The Kailash Kora (circumambulation) of Mt. Everest presents you with various perspectives of the sacred mountain, where the Dolma La Pass is the highest point of Kora at 5,636 m, offering exceptionally close-up views of the rugged terrain, glaciers, and sheer vertical walls of the mountain range and that of the surroundings. Himalayan landscapes are usually adorned with colorful prayer flags tied to seek blessings, showcasing the mystical aura.

In between, you might have to tackle steep ascents and descents, which particularly might not be arduous, but high altitude does add to the difficulty level, where it is important that you maintain pace, remain hydrated, and be cautious with the route so you can mitigate the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) or mountain sickness.

However, the peak above in the sky and the Gauri Kund, a sacred glacial lake that just below set against the stray and rocky terrain, creating a mesmerizing contrast, do add a lot to the area’s spiritual and natural beauty. Each step, unveiling something new to discover, makes the entire Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland worth it, granting you a true sense of achievement and adventure in conquering the challenge.

Cultural and historical insight of both Nepal and Tibet

The Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland is not only a spiritual journey but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural and historical landmarks of both Nepal and Tibet, renowned for their sky-preaching snow-capped Himalayan ranges, as you make your way through the Kathmandu Valley, home to at least seven of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each showcasing the cultural and historical legacy of the valley, mostly dating back over 2,000 years.

As the journey progresses to Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar through Rasuwa-Kerung, you will pass through the rural villages, still conserving their distinctive local culture, tradition, and customs, where Hinduism and Buddhism coexist in such harmony that it makes you wonder if they have always been part of each other.

Throughout the journey, you will follow the ancient trade routes between Nepal, Tibet, and beyond, also called the Silk Road, where the Gyirong Valley showcases Tibetan Buddhist culture deeply rooted in the region, housing several monasteries and religious sites. The region is also noted for its nomadic lifestyle, marking your proximity to Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar and giving you access to timeless traditions, practices, and historical legacies that have shaped Nepal and Tibet.

The rare accessibility to Tibet

The primary destinations Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are situated in one of the world's most remote and inaccessible regions, characterized by their difficult geography, cultural significance, restricted transportation alternatives, and political sensitivities. These factors lead to tightly controlled access, requiring special permits to enter the land, which is largely composed of rugged terrain and high-altitude passes. This adds an element of adventure and exclusivity to the Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland journey.

Therefore, the 13-day overland Tour Kailash Mansarovar is a rare and coveted experience that nonetheless rewards pilgrims, travelers, and visitors with an incredible spiritual and cultural experience in the middle of some of the world’s most serene and secluded Himalayas, where the region’s mysticism and attractiveness make it a truly exceptional and unforgettable travel destination to be set for, especially for individuals seeking to find themselves, their goals, and their aims in life.

The best 13-day itinerary and route for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland

The finest 13-day Kailash Mansarovar Tour by overland begins upon your arrival in Kathmandu, where you will spend two days preparing for touring of Tibet as you explore several cultural and historical monuments of the Kathmandu Valley, some of which are also listed as the world’s UNESCO Heritage Sites, such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath, Swaymbhunath, and many others, not less than seven in total.

Then this itinerary of a 13-day Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland will drive you to the gateway to Tibet, Rasuwa Gadi, through Syabrubesi, leading you to Kerung, where you will rest and acclimatize before directly heading to the main destination that proceeds through the Tibetan Plateau to Saga to reach Lake Manasarovar.

In the tranquility of the freshwater lake of Mansarovar near the glacial, one can witness holy ceremonies, take part in them that also involve dipping in the lake, and head to Darchen, which serves as the starting point for the three-day kora (circumambulation) around Mt. Kailash that also possess challenging Dolma La Pass.

In between the Kora days, you will get to take breaks at popular spots like Diraphuk and Zuthulphuk, from where the retracing of the route begins, firstly to Saga, Kerung, and ultimately to Kathmandu after finishing the Kora, which lets you appreciate Mt. Kailash from various unique perspectives.

As this 13-day itinerary and route allows impeccable pace, seamless journey, and ample acclimatization, one whole day at Kerung is allocated for rest and exploration so your body gets to adjust to the comparatively low level of oxygen in the high altitude while still promising a comprehensive experience, hence it is considered the best itinerary and route for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland. At Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, we can further customize this route and itinerary for you.

Contact us now and tell us your preferences and what you wish for, so we can craft an amazing tailor-made journey for you in the beautiful corners of the Himalayas around the world, including India and Bhutan, or on the excellent Himalayan routes within Nepal, such as the Annapurna Base Camp Expedition, the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Everest Base Camp, and many more.

Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland Group Cost for 2024/2025

Though the overall trip cost to Overland Kailash Mansarovar Tour can observe a massive fluctuation based on the type of tour operator, local or international, the level of services you have chosen, the size of your group, and other additional services of your preferences, we at Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks offer you the most affordable group package cost and the services that match the international tour, treks, and travel organizers, including Overland Tour Kailash Mansarovar Cost which is as given below even for the year 2024/2025:

  • USD 2,325 for 4-6 pax
  • USD 2,275 for 7–10 pax
  • USD 2,225 for 11–14 pax
  • USD 2,175 for 15-20 pax
Itinerary
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Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, Nepal, you will be greeted and transferred to your designated hotel. If you arrive by morning or afternoon, it would be lovely to watch the nightlife in the hustling and bustling tourist hub of the capital city itself, Thamel.

At the end of the day, it would be lovely to enjoy a complimentary dinner hosted by ATH&T, where you will also receive a briefing on the entire journey, packing list, essential gear, and permits.

  • AccommodationStandard-Hotel
  • MealsComplimentary-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,400m

Early in the morning, after a quick breakfast, you will visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath Stupas, and Budhanilkantha, the starting point of the trek to Shivapuri National Park. These are three of the major holy sanctuaries of Hindu lords Shiva and Vishnu, including Boudhanth, which is revered by Hindus, as well as the 10th manifestation of Lord Vishnu.

After a full-day exploration of the Kathmandu Valley, it would be seamless to return to your hotel for the final preparation for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra!

  • AccommodationStandard-Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude1,400m

Today is the day when you will officially head for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour through the lush Himalayan valleys, river shores, and traditional settlement that begins with a filling breakfast, keeping you full of spirit throughout the journey where you might encounter bumpy and hassling roadways passing by Syaprubesi.

In a total of 8–9 hours of driving from Kathmandu, you would have made it to Kerung, passing through Rasuwa Gadi, the border town to Tibet from Nepal.

  • AccommodationLocal-Tea-House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,900m

Your body must be well adapted to a higher altitude level before you begin traversing to Kailash Mansarovar. Understanding this specific importance of acclimatization, ATH&T has allocated this day fully for rest, light exploration of the surrounding areas, and the small town of Kerung itself.

Follow the footsteps of your guide as they lead you to the most amazing viewpoints, local specialties, and other highlights. Lastly, spend overnight in a local lodge, tea house, or guest house in Kerung.

  • AccommodationLocal-Tea-House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,900m

The journey of the day is long, but equally enjoyable when passing through the stunning landscapes, including high passes and striking views of snow-capped peaks from Kerung to Dongba/Saga, covering approximately 250 km.

The views of Gauri Shankar and others are panoramic, specifically from Gurung La Pass at 5,050 m, before calling it a day at Donga or Saga for overnight.

  • AccommodationLocal-Tea-House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,640 m

On this day, you will wake up slightly earlier than usual as it is one of the major tour days when you will have made it to Manasarovar, one of the holiest lakes in Tibet, with glimpses of Mt. Kailash from Horchu Pass.

At Lake Mansarovar, you can take a holy dip in the lake and perform rites, rituals, and prayers, ending the day at a lodge in Chhu Gompa, on the shore of Mansarovar Lake.

  • AccommodationTea-House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,640m

It is time to immerse yourself fully in the religious and spiritual hues of Lake Mansarovar and spend the morning and early afternoon strolling around the holy natural formation whose water is found to have health-benefactor properties.

Almost in the late afternoon, you will get to enjoy yet another short drive to the base camp for the Mt. Kailash Kora called Drachen to prepare for the kora along with sparse settlements in front to speed night and grab meals.

  • AccommodationTea-House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,670m

The three-day Kora (circuit) around Mt. Kailash begins this day, for which you will drive 28 km in the first half to reach Tarboche and later on begin trekking upwards for about 4-5 hours until arriving at Diraphuk overnight.

Throughout the journey, you will be rewarded with the breathtaking sight of Mt. Kailash summiting, which is strictly prohibited to this day!

  • AccommodationLocal-Tea-House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4890m

It is relatively the most challenging day of the Kora as you cross the strenuous Dolma La Pass (5,645 m) that takes about 8–10 hours to reach the destination of the day, Zuthulphuk, passing through the vibrant and serene ambiance of Mt. Kailash, adorned with prayer flags.

Though the majority of the path is ascending, the descending trek to Zuthulphuk balances the trip to spend a cozy night at a local guest house.

  • AccommodationLocal-Tea-House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4890m

The Kailash Kora/Parikarma/Circuit comes to an end as you spend the morning visiting caves and temples around Zuthulphuk. After an 8-kilometer trek that may take three to four hours, you will get to ride a jeep for the return trip to the Tibetan town of Dongba.

In between, you can catch lunch at Darchen, passing via Manasovar Horchu, and dinner at the tea house, local lodge, or guest house of Dongba.

  • AccommodationLocal-Tea-House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,500m

The returning journey continues as you ride back at a leisurely pace to Kerung or Nyalam from Dongba, crossing the border and enjoying the scenery along the way. On reaching Kerung, you can enjoy your free time by engaging in the activities that you prefer, such as enjoying the local delicacies and drinks, or a simple stroll around the town and resting for the night in a nearby tea house or lodge.

  • AccommodationTea-House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,500m

It is the day when you will formally leave the holy place of Kailash behind, so it is important that you complete the customary formalities, taking in all the natural scenery that the untouched part of Nepal has to offer.

You will catch lunch along the way and enjoy the farewell dinner in Kathmandu upon arrival to spend the rest of the night at a comfortable three-star hotel, recalling the tour days, which can be extremely overwhelming, leaving you with deep appreciation towards life, people, nature, and maybe the mighty god himself or herself.

  • AccommodationThree-Star-Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude2,900m

Three hours earlier than your scheduled flight to your home country or another destination, an airport representative from Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks (ATH&T) will transfer you to the TIA, before which, in your spare time, you can head to lively Thamel to buy souvenirs or unwind for the last time.

Thank you for choosing Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks! We wish you a safe journey and are eager to host you on yet another journey.

  • MealsBreakfast

This itinerary is not suited for you? Plan your own trip.

Route Map
Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland - 13 Days Map
What's Included
Includes
  • Arrival Kathmandu airport, transfer to hotel, welcome drink
  • Arati Darshan for Pashupatinath temple
  • Sightseeing to Pashupatinath & Budhanilkantha, Jal Narayan
  • 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu (double-bed room sharing basis)
  • 3 meal a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) pure vegetarian food
  • Drive Kerung-Tibet border-Kathmandu by private tourist coach
  • Tibet side for less 15 persons, provide air - condition mini bus
  • We serve guesthouse, Lodge, Kailash- Manasarovar Yatra
  • Nepali team leader with fluent speak English/Hindi language
  • Cook (who can prepare Indian-dishes as per your requirement)
  • Cook, cook helper and full support professional Nepali staffs
  • Support truck for carry food- Kailash-equipment, Nepali staff
  • Yak and yak man for round Kora (Parikrama) to the Kailash Yatra
  • Oxygen cylinder with mask and regulator for emergency use
  • Basic first aid kit box and altitude sickness medicine Diamox
  • Life medical insurance for Nepali Kailash staff and team leader
  • A duffel bag and day pack for Kailash- Manasarovar tour/Yatra
  •  Kailash travel permit for Kailash-Manasarovar tour
Excludes
  • Tips for guides/porters
  • Tibet visa fee is US$:-125.00(If American and Canadian Passport Holder extra US$:-90.00)
  • Personal expenses, beverage, cold drinks, phone call, etc.
  • Rescue and emergency cost, medical and hospital expenses
  • Travel insurance, personal riding horse, personal use porter, and international flight tickets.
  • Down Jacket, Rain coat or umbrella
  • Visa and re - entry visa for Nepal

 

Dates and Prices
Date PriceAvailability 
Start DateStarts: FridayMay 09, 2025End DateEnds: WednesdayMay 21, 2025PricePriceUS$2275StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: MondayMay 12, 2025End DateEnds: SaturdayMay 24, 2025PricePriceUS$2275StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: FridayMay 23, 2025End DateEnds: WednesdayJun 04, 2025PricePriceUS$2275StatusStatusAvailable
Useful Info

When is the best time to do Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland?

The overland Tour Kailash Mansarovar is best done throughout the year, explicitly during late spring, summer, and early autumn, while winter does add an extra layer of packing, preparation, gear, and equipment.

The weather during the spring and autumn months from March to May and September to November is generally stable with clear visibility, mild temperature, and good trail conditions, along with the monsoon seasons of Nepal from July to August due to Tibet’s location in the rain shadow area, which rarely observes rainfall.

Similarly, if you are looking for a seamless cultural experience, you would love to align your trip with one of the greatest Tibetan festivals, Saga Dawa, which generally coincides with May or June and celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Therefore, the best time to go on the Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland is largely dependent on what you are most keen to experience.

Can you get an all-vegetarian diet during the Kailash Mansarovar Tour?

Absolutely! Although trekkers, pilgrims, visitors, and travelers ought to find more meat options as you cross the Sybrubesi, upon arriving in Tibet, you can still keep up your vegetarian diet as a part of religious practices heading to the sacred nature of the journey to Kailash Mansarovar Tour.

Along the way to Kailash and Mansarovar Tour from Kathmandu, you are likely to find a varying level of vegetarian menus such as soups, rice, noodles, vegetable stir-fries, and Tibetan bread, where Dal-Bhat-Tarakri (the staple Nepalese food with rice, lentil soup, and seasonal vegetables) has proven to be a reliable meal choice for lunch and dinner: nutritious as well as filling!

However, it is important that you inform your tour operator and organizers about your dietary requirements in advance, such as with Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, so we can ensure the appropriate meals for you even in remote areas where food choices can be limited.

What are the permits for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland?

Although the Kailash Mansarovar Tour begins and ends in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, the journey involves crossing international borders and traveling through restricted areas in both Nepal and Tibet (China); hence, you will need at least three mandatory permits, which are the Langtang National Park Permit, the Chinese Group Visa, and the Tibet Travel Permit beside the Nepal Entry Visa.

Usually, these permits are pre-arranged by several tour organizers and operators beforehand as part of the package once you book the tour from a government-authorized agency such as Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks. However, you have to make sure you have a valid passport and all other required documents beforehand so you can experience the Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland smoothly.

Who can go for an Overland Trip to Kailash Mansarovar?

Undoubtedly, the Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland is an extraordinary pilgrimage and is usually considered a moderate to strenuous adventure journey to the roof of the world, Tibet, featuring challenging route conditions, high altitudes, and a remote location with relatively limited access to health, transportation, and other facilities.

Though the maximum number of traversing days you will be driven to the destination, travelers, visitors, and pilgrims must be in good shape regardless of age and experience levels in terms of being well prepared, acclimatized, hydrated, nutrition, and mentally prepared. It is advised that children be over 12 years old while elders are well-consulted with specialists.

Why choose a guided Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland?

First of all, Tibet does not allow solo backpackers where you must be at least under the guidance of government-authorized guides, who also aid a lot in ensuring your safety and a more organized and enriching experience as they provide you with their expert knowledge, and logistical support, and enriching cultural and historical insights.

Further, given the challenging nature of the route to Tibet from the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, it is recommended to be accompanied by local guides who can also bridge the language and cultural gap between you and the locals so you get the best out, along with travel insurance for better financial protection.

Therefore, although not mandatory, guides and travel insurance are a must-have for a holistic Kailash Mansarovar Tour by Overland experience when you are in safe hands, while the travel insurance provides you with coverage in case of trip cancellations, delays, accidents, other unforeseen circumstances, and emergency helicopter evacuations.

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