10-Day Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Gyirong: Hotel Pick-up & Cross China–Nepal Border
Distance: 130 km (7 hr driving) | Meals: / | Accommodation: Hotel in Gyirong
Today marks the beginning of your sacred Himalayan journey. In the morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Kathmandu and start your scenic overland drive toward the China–Nepal border at Gyirong. As you travel, enjoy the ever-changing landscapes of the Nepalese foothills, from green river valleys to distant Himalayan ridges.
After completing immigration procedures at Gyirong Border, you will meet your Tibetan guide and driver, who will accompany you to Gyirong Town and assist with hotel check-in.
Overnight in Gyirong.
TibetTrip Advice:
You can hold Chinese Tourist Visa to enter Tibet from Nepal via Gyirong Border and our Tibetan tour guide will wait you with the original Tibet Travel Permit.
Day 2: Rest in Gyirong: Acclimatization & Optional Milarepa Cave Visit
Distance: 5 km | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Hotel in Gyirong
After a long drive yesterday and entering Tibet, today is set aside for rest and altitude acclimatization in the tranquil Gyirong Valley. Take this day to relax at your hotel, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and prepare your body for the higher altitudes ahead.
If you feel well and energized, you may choose to take a short hike to Milarepa Cave. This revered site, located just off the China–Nepal Friendship Highway, is believed to be a meditation spot of Jetsun Milarepa, one of Tibet’s most beloved yogis and poets. Inside the cave, you’ll find rock marks said to be Milarepa’s footprints. Many pilgrims come here to offer prayers, meditate in silence, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure, resting and soaking in the serene atmosphere of this beautiful Himalayan border town.
Overnight in Gyirong.
Day 3: Gyirong to Saga: Mount Shishapangma & Pelkhu Tso Lake
Distance: 232 km (6 hr driving) | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Hotel in Saga
After breakfast, depart from Gyirong and begin your scenic drive to Saga, crossing highland valleys and vast Tibetan landscapes. Along the way, you’ll be treated to some of Tibet’s most awe-inspiring scenery.
Mount Shishapangma (8,027m): Gaze upon the world’s 14th highest peak, its vast glaciers and towering presence leaving a lasting impression on all who behold it. This majestic mountain is a true highlight of the Tibetan Himalayas.
Pelkhu Tso Lake (4,591m): As you descend slightly in elevation, you’ll reach the stunning Pelkhu Tso Lake. Its golden waters shimmer against the backdrop of snow-capped Mount Shishapangma, creating a picture-perfect scene that’s ideal for photos and quiet reflection.
Continue your journey to Saga and check in at your hotel. Take the evening to rest and enjoy the serenity of this remote highland town.
Overnight in Saga.
Day 4: Saga to Lake Mansarovar: Sacred Views of Saga Valley & Mayum La Pass
Distance: 507 km (8 hr driving) | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Guesthouse near Lake Mansarovar
After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey toward the sacred Lake Mansarovar, one of Tibet’s holiest lakes. Along the way, the landscapes will unfold in a spectacular display of snow-capped peaks, rolling grasslands, and traditional Tibetan villages.
Saga Valley: Nestled between the Gangdise and Himalaya ranges, this valley is a visual feast of pristine mountains and expansive meadows. Keep your camera ready as yaks graze peacefully and Tibetan herders go about their daily routines.
Mayum La Pass (5,211m): Crossing this high mountain pass, you’ll officially enter the Ngari Plateau. The vastness and quiet majesty of this region leave a lasting impression.
Lake Mansarovar: As the lake comes into view, its crystal-clear waters shimmering under the sun, you’ll also glimpse Mount Kailash in the distance. This breathtaking panorama is a spiritually moving experience and an unforgettable photo opportunity.
Arrive at your guesthouse near Lake Mansarovar, where you can rest and soak in the tranquil surroundings.
Overnight near Lake Mansarovar.
Day 5: Lake Mansarovar to Darchen: Sacred Lake & Mount Kailash Prep
Distance: 40 km (1 hr driving) | Meals: / | Hotel: Darchen Guesthouse
Start your morning with a short trek along the shores of Lake Mansarovar, immersing yourself in the serene and sacred atmosphere of this holy lake. The pristine waters reflect Mount Kailash in the distance, creating a spiritual panorama that touches both heart and soul.
Lake Mansarovar Highlights:
1. Breathtaking Views: Crystal-clear waters set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kailash, perfect for photography and reflection.
2. Meditation & Reflection: Find a peaceful spot by the lakeside to meditate, pray, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the sacred surroundings.
3. Optional Hot Springs: Relax your body in nearby natural hot springs or enjoy a soothing foot bath, rejuvenating after your journey.
After your lakeside visit, drive to Darchen, the base town for your upcoming Mount Kailash trek. Upon arrival, check in at your guesthouse, settle in, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Overnight in Darchen.
TibetTrip Notice:
Porters, yaks, or horses for the Mount Kailash trek are available in Darchen. Let your guide know if you wish to arrange these services in advance.
Day 6: Mount Kailash Trek Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery
Distance: 6 km driving; 13 km trekking | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse (Multi-bed Sharing)
After breakfast, board an eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung Valley, the starting point of your sacred Mount Kailash trek. Today’s journey is relatively gentle, perfect for acclimatizing to the high altitude while soaking in the majestic views of Mount Kailash’s southern, southwestern, and western slopes.
Along the kora route, you’ll encounter several key sacred stops:
Sacred Stops Along the Way
Tarboche (Prayer Flag Square): Witness the spiritual heart of the Saga Dawa Festival, where hundreds of pilgrims gather to raise the ceremonial flagpole.
Yam Dwar (Chorten Kangnyi or Two-Legged Stupa): A unique double-legged stupa, symbolizing devotion and Tibetan architectural ingenuity.
Choku Monastery (Qūgǔ Sì): The first monastery on the Mount Kailash kora, home to a sacred silver-embossed conch shell and teapots, revered by pilgrims for centuries.
Your trek culminates at the Dirapuk Monastery (Zhire Monastery or Zhǐrè Sì), a renowned site offering unparalleled views of the western face of Mount Kailash. Spend some time exploring this ancient monastery, capturing the beauty of the sacred stupas and the dramatic cliffs surrounding you.
Overnight at Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse.
TibetTrip Advice:
The best photos of Mount Kailash are often captured during late afternoon or sunset from Dirapuk, when the western slopes glow with warm light.
Day 7: Mount Kailash Trek Day 2: Dirapuk Monastery to Zutulpuk Monastery
Distance: 22 km trekking | Meals: / | Hotel: Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse (Multi-bed Sharing)
Prepare for the most challenging day of your Mount Kailash trek as you cross the highest point along the kora and walk alongside devoted prostrating pilgrims.
Morning: Ascent to Dolma La Pass
Rise early and begin your trek from Dirapuk Monastery, gradually ascending 4 km to reach 5,430 meters. Here, enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over the northwest slope of Mount Kailash, painting the cliffs with golden light.
Continue another 2 km to Dolma La Pass (5,630m), the highest point on the kora. Thousands of prayer flags flutter here, creating a colorful and sacred spectacle. Take a moment to soak in the spiritual significance and snap memorable photos.
Descent: Gauri Kund & Glaciers
Descend toward the emerald-green Gauri Kund (Tuoji Cuo, Lake of Compassion, or Cibei Lake), a serene lake believed to purify a lifetime of sins. Marvel at the glaciers cascading down the northwest face of Mount Kailash as you soak in the tranquil beauty.
Afternoon: Toward Zutulpuk Monastery
The trek then continues with a gentle descent to the valley beneath the southeast foot of Mount Kailash, arriving at Zutulpuk Monastery (Dzutripuk Monastery, Zūnzhū Sì, or Zǔchǔ Sì). Here, the peaceful grasslands provide an ideal resting spot, and you may spot local wildlife along the way.
Spend the night at the monastery guesthouse, reflecting on a day filled with spiritual and natural wonders.
Overnight at Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse.
TibetTrip Advice:
Even in summer, the path can be icy and rocky. Trek carefully to avoid slips.
Day 8: Mount Kailash Trek Day 3: Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen, then to Saga
Distance: 6.5 km trekking; 4.5 km driving to Darchen; 344 km (6 hr driving) to Saga | Meals: / | Hotel: Hotel in Saga
Depart from Zutulpuk Monastery and begin a gentle 6.5-kilometer trek to Zongto (Zongdui). Along the way, take in your last close-up views of Mount Kailash and the surrounding grasslands dotted with prayer flags. At Zongto, board an eco-bus for a short ride back to Darchen, completing your sacred kora around the mountain.
After reaching Darchen, begin the drive back toward Saga, passing the serene Lake Mansarovar once again. Enjoy the striking contrast of the turquoise lake against the distant snow-capped peaks of Mount Kailash, a final opportunity to capture its spiritual beauty in your memory and photographs.
Continue to Saga and enjoy a well-earned rest.
Overnight in Saga.
Day 9: Saga to Gyirong: Scenic drive through Ngari Plateau and Gyirong Valley
Distance: 232 km (6 hr driving) | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Hotel in Gyirong
After breakfast, depart Saga and begin your drive back to Gyirong. As you leave the Ngari Plateau, admire the vast grasslands, winding rivers, deep valleys, and quaint Tibetan villages scattered along the route. The landscapes offer a final glimpse of the high-altitude beauty and tranquility of western Tibet.
Approaching Gyirong Valley, you’ll be captivated by the lush scenery and the contrast to the stark plateau landscapes, a gentle reintroduction to lower elevations.
Overnight in Gyirong.
Day 10: Gyirong to Kathmandu
Distance: 40 km (6-9 hr driving) | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: /
After breakfast, your guide and driver will escort you to the Gyirong Border, where you will be formally sent off. On crossing into Nepal, Nepali staff will meet you and transfer you to Kathmandu in comfortable local vehicles.
The drive takes around 6–9 hours, offering scenic views of rivers, valleys, and the foothills of the Himalayas. Take this time to relax, reflect on your Tibet journey, and enjoy the changing landscapes.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our services conclude. Thank you for choosing TibetTrip—we look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable Tibetan adventure!
10-Day Kathmandu Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Date and Package Price
All prices are in US Dollars / Person and based on 3-star hotels. Single room supplement applies to solo travelers requesting a private room.
| Hotel Class / Travel Time | Mar. 1 – May. 31 Oct. 11 – Oct. 31 |
Jun. 1 – Jul. 9 Aug. 21 to Sept. 19 |
Jul. 10 to Aug.20 Sept.20 to Oct.10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic 3-Star Hotels | $1450 | $1500 | $1550 |
| Single Room Supplement | $250 | $275 | $300 |
Kathmandu Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Inclusions:
- 1. Tibet Permits: Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, Military Area Entry Permit, etc.
- 2. Transportation: 7-29 seat tourist vehicle.
- 3. Accommodation: 5 nights in twin-sharing rooms (3-star standard); 1 night in Mansarovar Lake guestroom; 1 night in Darchen guestroom; 1 night in Dirapuk Monastery guestroom (multi-bed sharing); 1 night in Zutulpuk Monastery guestroom (multi-bed sharing)
- 4. Meals: 5 breakfasts in hotel; 2 breakfasts in restaurants
- 5. Guide: Professional English-speaking local Tibetan guide
- 6. Entrance Tickets: Lake Mansarovar, Mount Kailash + Eco-bus
- 7. Border Transfer: Kathmandu to Border to Kathmandu transportation
- 8. Lodging and dining subsidies for guide and driver
- 9. Arrangements include planning, handling, operational and communication charges.
Kathmandu Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Exclusions:
- 1. Personal expenses such as hiring porter, yak and horse, laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, optional tour activities, etc.
- 2. Single Room Supplement (if requested)
- 3. Meals: Lunch and dinner
- 4. Insurance: Insurance of any kind
- 5. Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers
- 6. China Visa: Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) application fees
- 7. Emergency service: rescue and evacuation service
- 8. Exceptional Events: Extra charges due to irresistible reasons (e.g., weather, road closures).
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