Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

 Kathmandu – Spiritual Exploration

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at 6:30 AM, preparing you for a day of spiritual discovery. By 8:00 AM, embark on a guided tour to two of Nepal's most revered temples:

Pashupatinath Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the holiest Hindu temples in Nepal. Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, it features a pagoda-style architecture and is adorned with intricate carvings. Pilgrims often engage in prayers, meditation, and rituals at the Shivalinga, seeking blessings and spiritual solace.

Budhanilkantha Temple: Located at the base of the Shivapuri Hill, this open-air temple is renowned for its 5-meter-long reclining statue of Lord Vishnu, resting on a bed of serpents. The serene setting and the temple's unique architecture make it a significant site for devotees and visitors alike.

After visiting these sacred sites, return to your hotel for a sumptuous vegetarian lunch, allowing you to relax and reflect on the morning's experiences.

In the evening, gather for a brief orientation session where you'll meet your fellow travelers and receive essential information about the upcoming journey. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with your group and share your expectations for the yatra.

Conclude your day with a restful night at your hotel, ensuring you're rejuvenated for the adventures that lie ahead.

 Kathmandu to Safrubeshi Besi (145 km | ~7 hours)

Embark on the first significant leg of your Kailash Mansarovar journey as you depart from Kathmandu towards Safrubeshi Besi. The drive spans approximately 145 kilometers and typically takes around 7 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. While the route is generally smooth, be prepared for potential delays due to congestion or roadwork.

Upon arrival in Safrubeshi Besi, check into your guesthouse accommodations. Given the remote location, facilities may be basic, but they provide a comfortable resting place after a long day of travel. Enjoy a nourishing vegetarian dinner to replenish your energy.

Retire early to your room, ensuring a restful night’s sleep to prepare for the next day's adventures.

 Safrubeshi Besi – Rasuwagadhi – Kerong (125 km | ~4–5 hours | 13,550 ft)

Today marks a significant milestone in your Kailash Mansarovar journey as you cross international borders on foot. After breakfast, embark on a 2-hour drive to Rasuwagadhi, Nepal's border town with China. Here, you'll complete the necessary immigration procedures before proceeding to the Kerong (Kyirong) border post on the Tibetan side.

The border crossing is straightforward, and once on the Chinese side, you'll board a comfortable bus operated by Tibetans, accompanied by Nepalese Sherpas. The journey to Kerong, situated at an altitude of 13,550 feet, takes approximately 4–5 hours. The route offers scenic views of the Himalayan foothills, providing a glimpse into the Tibetan landscape.

Upon arrival in Kerong, check into your guesthouse. Given the high altitude, it's essential to take it easy. You may choose to explore the nearby market or simply relax and acclimatize. A light dinner will be served between 7–8 PM.

Altitude Advisory: At 13,550 feet, the thinner air may cause mild altitude sickness symptoms such as dizziness or shortness of breath. To mitigate these effects, it's crucial to stay hydrated. Consume plenty of fluids like water, tea, soup, and juice throughout the day. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and rest as much as possible.

 Acclimatization in Kerong (2,700 m)

Today is dedicated to acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the high altitude of Kerong, situated at 2,700 meters (approximately 8,858 feet) above sea level. This day is crucial for minimizing the risk of altitude sickness as you prepare for the upcoming journey.

After a restful night, you have the option to participate in light activities. Our experienced guides will lead short hikes around the area, helping you become familiar with the local terrain and climate. These gentle walks are designed to ease your body into the altitude change without overexertion.

Alternatively, you may choose to relax indoors. Engage in spiritual practices such as joining bhajans and kathas, which are held at frequent intervals throughout the day. These sessions offer a peaceful environment to reflect and connect with fellow travelers.

Throughout the day, it's essential to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids like water, tea, and soup to help your body adjust to the altitude. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and rest as much as possible to conserve energy.

In the evening, a light vegetarian dinner will be served, providing nourishment without overloading your system. Afterward, retire early to your room to ensure a restful night's sleep, preparing you for the next day's adventures.

 Kyirong to Dongba (310 km | ~7 hours | 15,091 ft)

After acclimatizing in Kyirong, embark on a scenic drive towards Dongba, traversing approximately 310 kilometers over 7 hours. The journey offers breathtaking views of the Tibetan plateau, with the Yarlung Zangpo (Brahmaputra River) meandering alongside.

En route, pass through Saga, a town situated at 15,879 feet above sea level, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains. Continue through the high plains of Tibet, characterized by vast, open landscapes and dramatic skies—perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Upon arrival in Dongba, check into your guesthouse. Accommodations may include dormitory-style rooms, providing a communal and immersive experience. This setting fosters camaraderie among travelers and offers a glimpse into the local way of life.

As you settle in, take time to rest and acclimate to the altitude. A light vegetarian dinner will be served, ensuring you are nourished and prepared for the next day's journey.

 Dongba to Lake Manasarovar (370 km | ~6–7 hours | 15,085 ft)

Embark on a spiritually enriching journey to one of the world's highest and holiest lakes—Lake Manasarovar. After a hearty breakfast at 7:30 AM, commence the approximately 370 km drive, which typically takes 6–7 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.

Your first significant stop is at Mayumla Pass, situated at 4,900 meters (16,076 feet) above sea level. Here, you'll pause for permit formalities and enjoy a packed lunch. The pass offers panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape, providing a perfect opportunity for photographs.

Continuing the journey, you'll pass through Prayang County, gradually approaching the sacred Lake Manasarovar. As you near the lake, catch your first glimpse of the majestic Mount Kailash, standing tall and serene in the distance. This sight often evokes a deep sense of awe and reverence among travelers.

Before reaching the lake, check into your guesthouse at Chiu Gompa. Depending on local regulations, you may need to change vehicles at this point, possibly using local buses operated in the region. The guesthouse offers basic accommodations, providing a comfortable resting place after a long day of travel.

Upon arrival at Lake Manasarovar, take time to reflect and meditate by its tranquil shores. This marks a significant milestone in your journey, completing approximately 70% of the Sarovar Parikrama. The serene environment and breathtaking views offer a profound sense of accomplishment and spiritual fulfillment.

Return to the guesthouse for an overnight stay in dormitory-style rooms. The communal setting fosters a sense of camaraderie among fellow pilgrims, allowing for shared experiences and reflections.

 Lake Manasarovar - Darchen (80 KMS | 2 hours | 15,990 feet)

Your spiritual journey truly begins today with a morning checkout from your guesthouse and preparation for a dip in the sacred Lake Manasarovar. The holy dip is an overwhelming experience, allowing you to deeply feel the spirituality of the place. We ensure all your needs are met, arranging shower tents for ladies for changing and finding suitable spots for pilgrims to take their dip. You are also welcome to perform a puja or havan near the lake.

Once the rituals are complete, we embark on our 80-kilometer journey to Darchen, the base of Mount Kailash, which takes approximately 2 hours. En route, you'll catch a glimpse of Rakshas Tal (Demon's Lake) on the other side of Lake Manasarovar.

Darchen, situated at 15,990 feet, serves as the administrative hub of the Kailash region and will be your overnight stop. From here, the circumambulation (kora) around Mount Kailash begins. In the evening, you'll have the opportunity to explore the local markets before returning to your guesthouse for an overnight stay.

Optional Trip: Asthapad Excursion

An optional excursion to Asthapad can be arranged from Darchen upon request, subject to permission from local authorities. Please note that if transport is unavailable, you must be prepared to trek from Darchen to Asthapad and back. Tibetan Guides can be hired directly.

Yam Dwar (8 KMS Drive) Parikrama - Derapukh (12 KMS | 6 hours trek | 16,587 feet)

Today marks the beginning of the trek to Mount Kailash. After a light breakfast, we will proceed to Tarboche, where everyone will visit the Yama Dwar, also known as the Gates of the Lord of Death. This is the official starting point of the Kailash Mansarovar Trek.

For those not undertaking the parikrama (circumambulation), you will return to the guesthouse in Darchen and await the group's return for two days. The rest of the group will continue their onward journey for the parikrama. You have the option to travel on foot or hire a horse, yak, or porter to assist you. Your Tibetan guide can help you with these arrangements on a direct payment basis. The hired animal or porter will stay with you throughout the journey.

To manage our food and logistics for the Kora, we will hire Yaks and Yak-men to carry our kitchen supplies and other necessities. Before beginning the trek, pilgrims must ensure they have their packed lunch and hot water bottles ready.

The first day of the trek involves a gradual ascent, making it relatively easy. Walking alongside the Glacial River, we anticipate reaching Derapukh in approximately 5-6 hours. We will take a halt midway to enjoy our packed lunch.

Derapukh, often freezing, will have pre-booked lodging. It offers one of the closest views of Mount Kailash, with the North face explicitly visible from here. The first sight of Mount Kailash is described as spellbinding, mammoth, and breathtaking, a moment that will be etched in your memory forever. Night temperatures can drop below zero degrees, so ensure you are adequately covered. Upon arrival at Derapukh, we will quickly check in, have a light dinner (such as Khichdi and soup), and retire for the night.

Note: Hot drinkable water will be made available in the morning; please remember to fill your bottles.

 Derapukh - Dolma-La Pass - Zuthulpukh (22 KMS trek | 10 hours | 18,471 feet)

Prepare for the most challenging day of the trek. Wake up before dawn to witness the breathtaking "Golden Kailash" as the first rays of the sun illuminate Mount Kailash. This spectacular sight will make the early start entirely worthwhile. After a quick, light breakfast and packing your lunch and hot water bottle, we begin our trek to Zuthulphuk.

The hike starts with a steep, approximately 4-hour climb up to the Dolma-La High Pass (5,539 m / 18,172 feet). Following this, the next few kilometers to Gauri Kund involve a steep descent. You will then reach a flatter section, which requires about 2.5 hours of walking. The entire journey today is estimated to take 9-10 hours and can be quite strenuous.

Try to maintain a consistent pace to cover as much ground as possible before the winds pick up. At the summit of Dolma-La, we will visit Shivasthal. This sacred site is covered with prayer flags and Tibetan ornaments. Religious belief suggests that those who leave their clothes or personal items here will find them in heaven after death. This is a place where you truly feel a divine connection, and it is often said that people who return from here are profoundly changed, both internally and externally, by their visit to Mount Kailash.

After enjoying your packed lunch, the downhill trail begins. This descent will be challenging due to rocky paths and loose stones. This section of the trek demands extreme care and concentration. For those traveling on yaks and horses, it is strongly advised to dismount for a few kilometers and cover this path on foot.

Upon reaching Zuthulphuk, we will check into our guesthouse or fixed tent, which will be equipped with beds, bedsheets, and warm blankets. Please remain in your dormitory until your meal is prepared. After a quick dinner, return to the warmth of your bed for a much-needed rest.

Note: Hot drinkable water will be made available in the morning; please remember to fill your bottles.

Note: Approximately 3-4 kilometers of the trek (ascend and descend) near Dolma La pass are steep and rocky.

Darchen (8 KMS Trek) and Drive to Dongba (3-4 hours trek | 8 KMS | 340 KMS | 6 hours drive)

Today marks the final day of the trek, which is relatively shorter and quicker. After 3-4 hours of downhill trekking, you will reach the base camp, where you'll find an accessible road leading to Darchen. From there, you'll be transported to the guesthouse to rejoin the other members of your group.

After sharing your travel stories and enjoying lunch together, we will continue our drive to Dongba. This signifies the successful completion of the parikrama. If folklore is to be believed, you have now washed away all the sins of this birth and are on your path to attaining nirvana. Finally, today is a day to relax at the guesthouse in Darchen, where you will have an overnight stay.

Cancellations received less than 45 days prior to departure will be subject to the following forfeit | Before 45 days: 25% of tour cost | 45 - 30 days: 50 % of tour cost | 30 - 20 days: 75% of tour cost | Within 20 days: 100% of tour cost | No exception to this policy can be made for any reason.

46 Days or more before date of departure: 25% of total cost. | 31 - 45 Days before date of departure: 50% of total cost. | 30 days before date of departure: 100% of total cost.

Any increase in cost because of change in the itinerary due to reasons beyond our control (force majeure) like landslides, riots, traffic jams etc. | Any dispute is subject to Delhi jurisdiction only.