Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your 5-star hotel in the city centre.

The hotel is located at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level, so it is important to take it easy and acclimatise.

You will enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel in the evening, followed by a tour orientation program.

The tour orientation program will provide information about your upcoming trip, including the itinerary, logistics, and safety information.

Note:

• Accommodation: 5-Star Hotel.
• Place: Kathmandu.
• Altitude: 1,400 m.
• Meals Included: Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Visa & Biometric Processing

Today is an important day for paperwork. After breakfast, get ready with all the documents for processing and preparing your Biometrics and VISA from the Chinese Immigration Department to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. After all the necessary work and the paperwork, it’s the free time for the group.

Biometrics are usually done in the morning. We will do a half-day sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur (Old City) after biometrics, depending on the time given by the Chinese embassy.

In the evening, spend the time at par your leisure.

Note:

• Accommodation: 5-Star Hotel
• Place: Kathmandu.
• Altitude: 1,400 m.
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 3: Day Trip to Manakamana Temple.

Today is a free day. We will wait for the VISA & Biometric Works to be completed. Our team will take care of all the official aspects of the Kailash Manasarovar Overland Trip in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Meanwhile, you can enjoy your free time having a sightseeing tour of Manakamana Temple.

Manakamana Temple:

Manakamana Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Gorkha district of Nepal. It is dedicated to the goddess Manakamana Devi, an incarnation of Parvati, the consort of Shiva. The temple is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) above sea level. It is approximately 105 kilometres (66 miles) west of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from Nepal and India. It is believed that the goddess Manakamana Devi grants the wishes of her devotees. The temple is also a popular tourist destination, offering stunning views of the Annapurna, Himalchuli, and Manaslu mountain ranges.

The Manakamana Temple can be reached by cable car. The cable car ride takes about 10 minutes and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The cable car station is located at Kurintar, about 105 kilometres from Kathmandu.

The cable car was built in 1998 and has helped to make the Manakamana Temple more accessible to pilgrims and tourists. The cable car ride is a popular way to experience the beauty of the Nepali countryside and visit one of Nepal’s most sacred temples.

Note:

• Accommodation: 5-Star Hotel
• Place: Kathmandu.
• Altitude: 1,400 m.
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 4: Sightseeing Tour within Kathmandu

After breakfast, you will set off on a full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley.

Your first stop will be Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples in the world. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and regeneration.

Next, you will visit Guheshowri Mata Temple, a popular Hindu pilgrimage site. The temple is dedicated to Guheshwari Devi, a manifestation of the goddess Durga.

After lunch, you will visit Budhanilkantha Temple, a Hindu temple located on the banks of the Bagmati River. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the god of preservation.

Your final stop will be Swayambhunath Temple, a Buddhist stupa on a hilltop overlooking Kathmandu Valley. The stupa is one of the world’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

If time permits, you may visit the Monkey Temple, a sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists. The temple is home to a large population of monkeys.

This is just a suggested itinerary; your tour guide may adjust the schedule as needed.

We hope you enjoy your sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley!

Note:

• Accommodation: 5-Star Hotel.
• Place: Kathmandu.
• Altitude: 1,400 m.
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 5: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubeshi

Today, you will set off early in the morning for a drive to Syabrubesi, a small town 170 kilometres north of Kathmandu. Syabrubeshi is a quaint town nestled along the border of Kyirong in Tibet/China.

The drive to Syabrubesi takes approximately 8 hours, and the scenery along the way is quite beautiful. You will pass through several small villages and towns, and you will have the opportunity to see some of the local people and their way of life.

The road to Syabrubesi is narrow and winding in some places, so it is important to drive slowly and carefully. There are also a few steep hill areas to cross, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the views.

Lunch will be served along the way, and you will arrive in Syabrubesi in the early evening. You will spend the night in a guesthouse/hotel in Syabrubesi.

Here is some additional information about Syabrubesi:

• Altitude: 1,450 meters (4,756 feet)
• Population: approximately 1,000 people
• Main activities: agriculture, tourism
• Nearby attractions: Everest National Park, Langtang National Park

We hope you enjoy your drive to Syabrubesi!

Note:

• Kathmandu to Syabrubeshi: 170 km | 8Hrs drive (approx.).
• Accommodation: Guest House.
• Place: Syabrubeshi.
• Altitude: 1,450 m. | 4,756 ft.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch and Dinner.

Day 6: Cross Kyirong Bridge, then Drive To Kyirong Town

After breakfast, start your day in the morning by embarking on a scenic drive of approximately 10 kilometres to reach the renowned ‘Friendship Bridge’ on the border of Nepal and China. After crossing the bridge, you’ll undergo the necessary immigration formalities before continuing your journey towards the beautiful Kyirong Valley. This picturesque valley awaits you just 22 kilometres away from the Friendship Bridge.

Travelling from Syabrubeshi to Kyirong Bridge will take around 45 minutes to cover a distance of 18 kilometres. Expect an additional hour of driving from the border to reach the vibrant town of Kyirong. Your accommodation for this leg of the journey is a comfortable 3-star hotel.

Note:

• The drive from Syabrubesi to Kyirong Valley is on a winding mountain road. The drive can be bumpy and slow, so please be prepared.
• The immigration formalities at the Friendship Bridge can take some time. Please be patient and allow plenty of time for this process.
• Kyirong Valley is a beautiful and peaceful place. Enjoy your time here!
• Syabrubeshi to Kyirong bridge: 18km | 45 minutes (approx.).
• Border to Kyirong town: 22km | 1 hr.
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel.
• Place: Kyirong.
• Altitude: 2,600m. | 8,528 ft.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 7: Rest Day at Kyirong - Explore and Preparation Day

Enjoy a well-deserved rest day in the enchanting town of Kyirong or Gyirong in Tibet and Jilong in Chinese. Our staff will be busy preparing for your next destination. So this is a great opportunity to relax and explore Kyirong at your own pace.

Kyirong Village is the deepest valley among the five other valleys in the shadow of Mount Everest. Due to its remote location, the valley is naturally well-preserved in the Himalayan region.

Here are a few tips for things to do in Kyirong:

• Visit the Kyirong Monastery, a Buddhist monastery over 1,000 years old. Qiangdui Monastery, located in Bangxing Village in Gyirong County, western Tibet, is one of the oldest monasteries in the region. It was founded in the 8th century during the reign of the 33rd King of Tibet.
• Visit Peikucuo Lake, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains – Pelkutso Lake, also known as Lake Piku, lies between Gyirong Country and Nyalam Country. As the largest lake within the expansive Chomolungma Nature Reserve, spanning 300 km, it sits at an impressive elevation of 4590m (15070 ft.) above sea level. With a sprawling area of approximately 2820 square kilometres, the lake’s northern region holds saline water, while the southern boasts fresh and drinkable water.
• Also, visit the Local Market. In Kyirong market, you can buy souvenirs and local handicrafts. After that, enjoy a traditional Tibetan meal at one of the many restaurants in town.

Note:

• Accommodation: 3-star hotel
• Place: Kyirong
• Altitude: 2,600m. | 8,528 ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 8: Drive from Kyirong to Saga County

After having the delicious local breakfast, we will leave Kyriong town in the morning. We will drive for approximately 6.5 hours to reach the first Tibetan town of Saga County. Saga is situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, which originates from Mount Kailash. The river flows from Kailash to Lhasa and then down to the plains of Assam, crossing vast areas of Arunachal Pradesh.

Here are some additional details about Saga:

• Saga is a small town with a population of around 5,000 people.
• The town is home to some Buddhist monasteries and temples.
• Saga is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists travelling to Mount Kailash.
• The town is also a major trading centre for the region.

Note:

• Kyirong to Saga: 154 km | 4 hrs drive (approx.).
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel
• Place: Saga
• Altitude: 4,640 m. | 15,223ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 9: Drive from Saga to Lake Mansasarovar (Chiu Gompa)

Today is a long journey, so we must leave the hotel very early in the morning. We will arrive at Lake Mansarovar in the afternoon.

On our way to Mansarovar, we will stop at Old Dzongba, a village inhabited by Tibetan herders. We will then continue to Paryang, a small town with a Chinese military base. We will have lunch after a quick stop at the security check post in Horchu River.

From here, we will drive for about two hours to reach Mansarovar. The holy bath and puja can be performed today or tomorrow, depending on our arrival and the weather conditions. The decision will be made after a discussion between the guide, group manager, and tour leader.

In the evening, we will drive to Chiugompa (the West shore of Lake Mansarovar) and circumambulate the lake clockwise.

Note:

• Accommodation: Guest house
• Place: Mansarovar
• Altitude: 4,550 m. | 14,924 ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 10: Lake Mansarovar to Darchen (Mansarovar – Darchen - 35km | 45 Min)

After breakfast, we will take a 45-minute drive to Darchen, the gateway to the trekking around Mount Kailash. We will stop here overnight. Darchen is at the foothill of Mount Kailash, 35 kilometres from Lake Mansarovar. We can enjoy the close-up views of Mount Kailash and Nandi Parvat.

Darchen is a small village at the foot of Mount Kailash with about 1,000 people. It is a popular destination for pilgrims from all over the world. Darchen experiences its busiest time during the Saga Dawa festival. The festival is a time of great spiritual significance. During this time, numerous pilgrims embark on a sacred journey to Mt. Kailash.

The villagers of Darchen are known for their hospitality and generosity. They welcome pilgrims with open arms and provide them with food and lodging. The village is home to a variety of hostels and family guesthouses, which offer simple but affordable accommodations. These guesthouses are popular with pilgrims, who appreciate the opportunity to rest and refuel before continuing their journey to Mount Kailash.

The Saga Dawa Festival is a time of great joy and celebration for the people of Darchen. It is a time to come together and share in their common faith. The festival is also a time to reflect on the importance of compassion and kindness. The villagers of Darchen are an inspiration to us all, and they remind us of the power of community and love.

Note:

• Accommodation: 3-star hotel
• Place: Darchen
• Altitude: 4,664m. | 15,364 ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 11: Drive to Yama Dwar, then Start Trekking to Dhirapuk

Today is the first day of our sacred journey as we begin the circumambulation around Mount Kailash. We will meet our porters, horses, and yaks at Yama Dwar and then trek together to Diraphuk.

Yama Dwar is a beautiful vantage point that offers stunning views of the south and west faces of Mount Kailash. It is the perfect place to start our journey and to get a close-up look at this sacred mountain.

The entire circumambulation around Mount Kailash takes about two and a half days. The first day’s trek from Yama Dwar to Diraphuk is about 10 kilometres long and takes about five to seven hours to complete.

The trail to Diraphuk is mostly flat with gentle ascents, but the region’s high altitude can make it tiring, so it is important to take breaks often. The final leg of the journey is a challenging ascent that takes about half an hour.

Diraphuk is located at an altitude of 16,142 ft (4,920 metres) and offers a close-up view of the north face of Mount Kailash. It is a beautiful place to spend the night and to reflect on the journey that we have just begun.

Note:

• Those who choose not to participate in the Parikrama will proceed to Darchen, where they will await the return of the remaining group members after completing the circumambulation.
• It is essential to abide by the rule in China: “Entry Together And Exit Together.”
• Distance: Tarboche (Yama Dwar) to Diraphuk – 10 km | Walking time: 5 to 7 hours (approximate).
• Accommodation: Guest house, dormitory bedroom with common toilet
• Place: Diraphuk
• Altitude: 4,920m. | 16,138ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 12: Trek to Shivasthal, Gaurikunda (5,620 M), then Continue to Zutulphuk

Today is the most physically demanding day of the trek. You will depart from Dhiraphuk at 5 am and trek approximately 22 kilometres to Zutulphuk. The rugged trail that traverses high altitudes requires hikers to prepare for a challenging day.

The first two hours of the trek will be uphill. The terrain will become more manageable after that, but you will still be hiking at high altitudes, so it is not uncommon to experience breathlessness or headaches. Hence, the group will maintain a slow and steady pace to ensure everyone’s well-being.

After about four hours of hiking, you will reach Dolma La pass, which stands at an impressive altitude of 5,800 meters. This picturesque high pass is adorned with fluttering Tibetan prayer flags, signifying its spiritual significance. And it marks the pinnacle of this divine journey.

Following a gentle descent from the pass, you will come across a small glacial lake on the right side of the trail known as “Gauri Kunda.” Also, legend has it that this pool is associated with Mata Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.

From Gauri Kunda, the trail swiftly descends through icy terrain for a while before leading through a path strewn with boulders and loose pebbles. Descending can be more challenging than ascending, so it is crucial to exercise caution while making your way down. Please note that horses cannot be used beyond the Dolma La pass.

After trekking downhill for approximately 90 minutes from Gauri Kunda, you will reach the valley floor. From this point onwards, the trail becomes flat and easy, allowing for a comfortable two-hour walk to Zutulphuk, where you will spend the night.

Tips for the day:

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Take breaks often to rest and refuel.
• Listen to your body, and don’t push yourself too hard.
• Be aware of the altitude and its effects on your body.

Note:

• Participants who decide to discontinue the parikrama from Dhiraphuk will return to Darchen on the second day of the trek (Day 09).
• Kindly be aware that returning to Darchen at this point may not guarantee accommodation in the same place for the non-parikrama members, depending on availability. Our team will try to arrange accommodation in the same location, but it is subject to availability.
• Distance: Deraphuk to Zutulphuk – 22 km | 9 hours (approx)
• Accommodation: Dormitory without attached bathroom
• Place: Zutulphuk
• Altitude: 4,820 m.| 15,810 ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 13: Trek, Zutulphuk to Trek Ending Point (Zongdau), & Return to Dongba

Today marks the culmination of your sacred circumambulation of Mount Kailash. You will depart from Zutulphuk in the morning and trek for approximately 3 hours to Darchen. The trail is flat and easy, so it is a great opportunity to relax and reflect on your journey.

Upon reaching Darchen, you will reunite with the members of your group who did not participate in the parikrama. You will then board a vehicle and drive over the Mayum La pass, which stands at an altitude of 5,400 meters. The drive takes approximately 8 hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

After crossing the Mayum La pass, you will stop for a picnic lunch at a scenic spot. From there, you will continue driving to Dongba, where you will spend the night.

Tips for the day:

• Enjoy the beautiful scenery and the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing your circumambulation of Mount Kailash.
• Stay hydrated and take breaks often to rest your legs.
• Be aware of the altitude and its effects on your body.
• Enjoy the picnic lunch!

Note:

• Distance: Zutulphuk to Darchen – 8 km | 3 hours
• Distance: Darchen to Dongba – 400 km | 7 hours (approx)
• Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel
• The altitude of Dongba: 4500 m| 14764 ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 14: Dongba to Kyirong

After enjoying a hearty breakfast in the morning, you will gather your belongings and begin your journey from Dongba to Kyirong. The drive takes approximately 8 hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

You will pass through several small villages along the way, and you will have the opportunity to interact with the locals. You will also have the chance to see some of the traditional Tibetan architecture that is found in this region.

Upon reaching Kyirong, you will check into your hotel and have some time to relax. In the evening, you will enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.

Tips for the day:

• Enjoy the beautiful scenery and the local culture.
• Stay hydrated and take breaks often to rest your legs.
• Be aware of the altitude and its effects on your body.

Note:

• Dongba to Kyirong – 370 km | 8 hours (approx)
• Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
• Place: Kyirong
• Altitude: 2,600m. | 8,528 ft
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 15: Drive to Kyirong Bridge, Cross Border and Drive to Kathmandu

After enjoying a hearty breakfast in the morning, you will embark on a 22-kilometre drive to Kyirong Bridge. Once there, you will complete the necessary immigration formalities and cross over to the Nepal side. From there, you will continue your drive towards Kathmandu.

The drive takes approximately 6 hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will check into your hotel and have some time to relax. In the evening, you will enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.

Note:

• Kyirong to Nepal China border: 22 km | 45 mins
• Distance: Kyirong to Kathmandu: 175 km | 8 hours (approx)
• Accommodation: 5-Star Hotel
• Place: Kathmandu
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner.

Day 16: Departure

It’s time to say goodbye. After breakfast, transfer to Airport, Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, for your flight home. You have had a wonderful pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar, and it’s time to memorise your travel days while returning home.

Note:

• Airport drop-off.
• Meals Included: Breakfast.