MOUNT KAILASH TOUR

Today, the Kailash pilgrimage remains a symbol of spiritual endurance and devotion, attracting thousands of pilgrims each year who circumnavigate the mountain in a ritual know as the Kora, believed to erase sins and bring good fortune.

Mount Kailash, located in the remote reaches of the tibetan plateau, holds a profound significance in several major religions, including hinduism, buddhism, jainism, and bon. Its history as a pilgrimage site dates back thousands of years, with its sacred status deeply embedded in ancient texts and traditions.

For hindus, mount Kailash is considered the earthly manifestation of mount Meru, the spiritual center of the universe and the abode of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims undertake the challenging Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to seek blessings and spiritual liberation. In buddhism, Kailash is known as Kang Rinpoche, or “Precious Snow Mountain,” and is believed to be the home of Demchok, a representation of supreme bliss. The mountain is also associated with the tantric teachings of Milarepa, a revered Tibetan yogi who is said to have meditated in the region. Jains revere Mount Kailash as Ashtapada, where their first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, attained nirvana. The mountain is thus a focal point for Jain pilgrims seeking to connect with their spiritual heritage. Bon, the indigenous religion of Tibet, views Kailash as the seat of the sky goddess Sipaimen and the axis mundi of their cosmology.

Today, the Kailash pilgrimage remains a symbol of spiritual endurance and devotion, attracting thousands of pilgrims each year who circumnavigate the mountain in a ritual known as the kora, believed to erase sins and bring good fortune.

BESTS

Sacred to hindus, buddhists, jains, and bonpos.
Serene, highest freshwater lake.
Spiritual journey with stunning landscapes.
Historic sites like Dirapuk and Milarepa’s cave.
Majestic views of mount Kailash and surrounding peaks.
Possibility of custom modification of the trip program with other activities or visits as well.

COST

2,600 USD per person with 3 participants with local guide

Private trip possible every day. Contact us to receive a customized quote for 1 or 2 people. Contact us to receive a customized quote with european guide speaking english, french, italian.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 01. Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02. Kathmandu: sightseeing
Day 03. Kathmandu: sightseeing
DAY 04. Kathmandu to Kyirong (2,600m/8,530ft) by car
DAY 05. Kyirong: acclimatization
DAY 06. Kyirong (2,600m/8,530ft) to Saga (4,600m/15,091ft) by car
DAY 07. Saga (4,600m/15,091ft) to Manasarovar (5,200m/17,060ft) by car
DAY 08. Manasarovar (5,200m/17,060ft) to Darchen (4,560m/14,957ft) by car
DAY 09. Darchen (4,560m/14,957ft) to Dirapuk (4,900m/16,076ft), 6-7 hours
DAY 10. Dirapuk (4,900m/16,076ft) to Zutul-Puk (4,790m/15,715ft), 8 hours
DAY 11. Zutul-Puk (4,790m/15,715ft), to Darchen to Saga (4,600m/15,091ft) by car
DAY 12. Saga(4,600m/15,091ft) to Kyirong (2,600m/8,530ft) by car
DAY 13. Kyirong (2,600m/8,530ft) to Kathmandu by car
Day 14. Final departure

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01. Arrival in Kathmandu
After arriving in Kathmandu you will be picked up from Airport representative and transfer to hotel. We will serve authentic Nepalese cuisine with cultural show in the evening.

Meals included: Dinner. Overnight: hotel.

Day 02. Kathmandu: sightseeing
In the morning, guided tour of Pashupathinath, a hindu sacred place. Hundreds of faithful and pilgrims gather on the sacred banks together with the holy men and onlookers. Continuing, Bhoudanath contrasts as a tibetan buddhist center and with its stupa, the largest in the country and surrounded by the tibetan market and the numerous monasteries, some of which will be visited. Boudanath is ideal for a lunch break. In the afternoon we visit the Swoyambhunath stupa, from which you can enjoy a view of the city and finally, the historic center with Durbar square, the home of the living goddess Kumari, the temples around and walk through the local markets (bazaar) of the historic center still passing by the temples to go to the hotel.

Meals included: breakfast. Overnight: hotel.

Day 03. Kathmandu: sightseeing
After breakfast we depart for a guided tour of Bakhtapur, a beautifully restored medieval city that retains a strong traditional character. Here art and cultural and social life are furnished with alleys, underpasses, courtyards, squares, temples and palaces. Break for lunch. In the afternoon we continue to the nearby city of Patan with its superb Durbar square, rich in architecture and the museum to visit the old royal palace before returning to accommodation.

Meals included: breakfast. Overnight: hotel.

Day 04. Kathmandu to Kyirong (2,600m/8,530ft) by car
After an early breakfast, begin your scenic drive from Kathmandu towards the Kyirong border. The journey takes you through the beautiful nepalese countryside, offering stunning views of the landscapes. Upon arrival at the border, complete the necessary immigration formalities on the nepali side, before crossing the bridge and continuing to the chinese immigration post for further processing. After clearing the border formalities, continue your drive towards Kyirong, where you will check in at your hotel for the overnight stay.

Meals included: breakfast. Overnight: hotel.

Day 05. Kyirong: acclimatization
After a restful night, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Today is dedicated to acclimatization, which is essential for adjusting to the higher altitude of Kyirong. This day will help your body adapt to the thinner air and prepare for the journey ahead. You may choose to explore the quaint town of Kyirong, stroll around the local markets, or simply relax and take in the surrounding mountainous scenery. It’s important to avoid strenuous activity today to ensure a smooth transition to higher altitudes in the coming days.

Meals included: breakfast. Overnight: hotel.

Day 06. Kyirong (2,600m/8,530ft) to Saga (4,600m/15,091ft) by car
After an early breakfast, we begin our journey towards Saga, driving through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Tibet. We cross the Lalung La pass (5,200m), which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As we continue along the road, we pass by the stunning Peiku-Tso lake, a huge turquoise body of water with the magnificent Shishapangma (8,027m/26,335ft) standing tall in the backdrop. The route follows the path beside the Brahmaputra river, offering spectacular views at every turn. As we progress, you’ll be treated to picturesque river valleys and charming, traditional tibetan villages, which seem to come straight out of a postcard. This scenic drive provides ample opportunities to capture the beauty of the region on camera. After covering 295 km, we reach Saga at an elevation of 4,600m/15,091ft. Upon arrival, we either set up camp or check in at a local hotel/guest house for an overnight stay.