Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (Overland ) Ex. Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal

Begin your journey in Kathmandu today as you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. Upon arrival, a representative from Vibame Tours and Travels will welcome you outside the airport and arrange your transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Kathmandu Sightseeing

At around 08:00 AM, the temple visit will begin. We will try to reach Pashupatinath Temple before 09:00 AM to attend the morning Aarti in the main temple. We will also explore the many small and large temples within this complex.

After visiting Pashupatinath Temple, we will proceed to the Jal Narayan Vishnu Temple (Sleeping Vishnu Temple) and Guheshwari Mata Shaktipeeth Temple. Following the temple visits, we will drive back to the hotel, where you will have time to prepare for the next day’s journey to the Nepal-China border. In the evening, there will be a short briefing session, followed by an introduction of all group members. Dinner and an overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Kathmandu to Timure / Syaburbensi

After breakfast, the group will drive to Timure (1,900m) or Syaburbensi (1,950m) in a non-air-conditioned bus. The drive to Timure covers 135 km, while Syaburbensi is 120 km from Kathmandu. However, due to road conditions and traffic, the journey can be tiring, uncomfortable, and time-consuming. The estimated driving time is approximately 5 to 7 hours to cover the 135 km distance. Upon reaching Timure, accommodation will be arranged in a local lodge. Dinner and an overnight stay will be provided at either Timure or Syaburbensi.

Timure / Syaburbensi to Kerung

Today, the group will be crossing into China, and due to the high volume of tourists at the border, immigration formalities may take some time. To avoid delays, the guide may announce an early wake-up and breakfast so that we can reach the border ahead of the rush. We begin our short drive from Timure to the Nepal-China border at Rasuwagadhi (1,950m), which takes approx 30 minutes (around 5 km). If departing from Syabru Besi, the journey takes about an hour (15 km). Upon arrival at Rasuwagadhi, we will complete Nepalese immigration formalities before crossing the ‘Friendship Bridge’ on foot to enter China. On the Chinese side, the group will go through immigration and customs procedures. Once cleared, travelers will board their designated Chinese buses for a scenic 35 km drive to Kerung (also spelled Kyirong or Gyirong) at an altitude of 2,780m. The journey is conducted in sturdy and comfortable vehicles controlled by Tibetan authorities. Meanwhile, the accompanying Nepalese Sherpas will handle the loading of luggage, food supplies, and water before joining the group in the coaches. Upon arrival in Kerung, check into your hotel and take time to rest. Shortly after, our kitchen crew will serve hot tea or coffee with light snacks. Once they have set up their kitchen, you may explore nearby markets. Dinner, prepared by our Nepalese / Indian chef and his team, will be served between 07:00 and 08:00 PM (local time). Enjoy a relaxing evening before an overnight stay in Kerung.

Free Day in Kerung for Acclimatization

Today is dedicated to adjusting to Tibet’s high-altitude climate. Our tour manager will guide you on a short hike around Kerung to help your body acclimate. You may also spend the day chanting Bhajan or Katha at the guesthouse.

Drive Kerung to Saga

Enjoy a spectacular drive through the rugged mountains and vast plains of Tibet, witnessing a dramatic change in landscape as vegetation disappears. Cross the Yarlung Zangpo (Brahmaputra River) and take the northern route to reach the charming town of Saga.
Saga offers comfortable hotels, guesthouses, local restaurants, and a market, making it an ideal place to relax and acclimate. Meals and an overnight stay will be in Saga.

Drive Saga to Lake Manasarovar

Today marks a significant milestone as you reach the Holy Lake Manasarovar and witness your first glimpse of Mount Kailash. The journey begins early at 7:00 AM from Saga, covering a long but scenic route with multiple checkpoints along the way. Before crossing Mayumla Pass (4,900m), we will stop at a check post before continuing to Lake Mansarovar. As we approach, you will experience the sacred Darshan of Mount Kailash. A picnic lunch will be provided en route. Despite the long journey, the well-maintained roads and breathtaking landscapes make for a rewarding experience. Upon arrival, check into a guesthouse near the lake, where dinner and an overnight stay will be arranged in a traditional mud house.

Lake Manasarovar to Darchen

Begin your spiritual morning at Lake Mansarovar with a holy bath, puja, and prayers, admiring the breathtaking view of Mount Kailash.
⚠ Important : Bathing inside the lake is prohibited by Tibetan law and is a punishable offense. Our Sherpas/Herpers will provide bucketed lake water for rituals.
Afterward, drive to Darchen, passing Rakshasa Taal and Chiu Gompa, Completing 70% of Lake Mansarovar’s parikrama (the rest follows the Kailash Kora).
Check into the hotel in Darchen, relax, and prepare for the Kora. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

First day of Kora/Parikrama : 13 km trek from Yam Dwar to Dirapuk

Start the day with a light breakfast, then head to Tarboche. Fill your water bottle before the trek. At Tarboche, visit Yam Dwar, the sacred gateway marking the start of the Kailash Kora.
Here, pilgrims can hire horses/ponies or porters, but availability and pricing are controlled by the local union, beyond our team’s control.
The 13 km trek to Dirapuk begins from Yam Dwar. The path is mostly flat and easy, but the high altitude makes breathing difficult. A brief tea stop midway offers some rest before continuing.
Upon reaching Dirapuk, witness the majestic North Face of Mount Kailash up close—an awe-inspiring sight. Capture stunning photos, then settle into your guesthouse near Dirapuk Monastery.
Night temperatures drop below freezing, so we will have a quick, light dinner (Khichdi, soup, etc.) before resting.

Second day of Parikrama of Mount Kailash : 22 km trek to Zuthulpukh via Gauri Kund

Early Morning : Wake up before dawn to witness the Golden Kailash, as the first sunlight illuminates the peak—a truly divine sight.
Toughest Trek Day (22 km) :

• Begin the trek to Zuthulpukh, crossing the challenging Dolma-La Pass (5,630m)—the highest point of the Yatra.
• Before Dolma-La, see the sacred footprints of Milarepa and visit Shiva Tsal, where pilgrims leave belongings, a drop of blood, or a lock of hair, symbolizing the end of past suffering.
• After crossing Dolma-La, witness the holy Gauri Kund.

Caution :

• Cross Dolma-La early before strong winds start.
• Steep, rocky descent—walk carefully and stay with the group.
• Pony riders may need to dismount for safety.

Arrival at Zuthulpukh (4,790m) :

• Follow a flat trail to Zuthulpukh Gompa.
• Stay in a dormitory-style lodge with bed, bedsheet, and warm blankets.
• Enjoy a quick dinner before resting for the night.

Third Day trek 06km to Darchen, Drive to Saga

After breakfast, explore Zuthulpukh’s caves, temples, and shrines, managed by an elderly couple and Tibetan devotees. The meditation caves are worth visiting before concluding the trek.
Trek 6 km to Chongdo, where vehicles await. A short 6 km drive takes us back to Darchen, reuniting with the group.
From Darchen, drive to Saga, completing the remaining 30% of Lake Mansarovar Parikrama by vehicle. Upon arrival, check into the hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night.

Saga to Kerung / Timure

After breakfast, we begin our drive towards Keyrung, crossing the Brahmaputra River and traveling across the vast Tibetan plains. The journey offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Shishapangma and Pieko-Tso Lake. Driving on well-pitched roads through mountainous terrain, we reach Keyrung for an overnight stay.

Kerung / Timure to Kathmandu

After breakfast, drive to the Kerung/Kyirong border for custom formalities. Cross into Nepal at Rasuwagadi, transfer to our vehicle, and continue the 7-8 hour drive to Kathmandu. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Depart from Kathmandu

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home/next destination. Safe travels!

🙏 SHUBH YATRA! 🙏
✨ May Lord Shiva bless you with peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment. ✨
🚩 Wishing you a safe, divine, and memorable journey! 🚩
🔱 Har Har Mahadev! 🔱