Overland Mount kailash Tour from Nepal
Mount Kailash is a revered peak located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, standing at an elevation of 6,638 meters (21,778 feet). It is considered sacred in multiple religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. In Hinduism, it is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Buddhists regard it as the home of Demchok, a representation of supreme bliss. It is also significant in Jainism as the site where their first Tirthankara attained liberation. Despite its religious significance, climbing Mt. Kailash is strictly prohibited, and instead, pilgrims perform a kora (circumambulation) around the mountain, which is approximately 52 kilometers long.
Ways to Travel from Nepal to Mount Kailash
There are two main routes for traveling from Nepal to Mount Kailash: via Lhasa or overland via Kerung (Gyirong). Below is a detailed breakdown of each option:
1. Via Lhasa
This is the most common route for international travelers, particularly those who prefer a combination of air travel and an overland road trip through Tibet. The journey involves flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa, then traveling by road to Mount Kailash. Here are the steps:
Kathmandu to Lhasa (by flight)
- Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.
- Description: You start your journey by flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. This flight offers stunning views of the Himalayan range, including close-up glimpses of Mount Everest and other towering peaks. Upon arrival in Lhasa, travelers spend a few days acclimatizing to the high altitude, as Lhasa sits at around 3,656 meters (12,000 feet).
- Lhasa Overview: Lhasa is a city rich in Tibetan culture and history, and many travelers take this opportunity to visit landmarks like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple before continuing their journey.
Lhasa to Mount Kailash (by road)
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Duration: 3-4 days by vehicle.
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Route: Lhasa → Shigatse → Saga → Darchen (base camp of Mount Kailash).
After spending time acclimatizing in Lhasa, you embark on a guided overland journey toward Mount Kailash. The route passes through some of Tibet's most scenic landscapes and important towns:
- Lhasa to Shigatse: The first leg takes you to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city and home to the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery. The drive takes around 6-7 hours.
- Shigatse to Saga: From Shigatse, you continue to Saga, a travel hub for pilgrims and tourists heading to Mount Kailash. This segment takes about 8-10 hours, depending on road conditions.
- Saga to Darchen (Base Camp): Saga to Darchen, the base camp of Mount Kailash, takes another 8-10 hours. Darchen is where most travelers stay before starting their kora (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash.
Kathmandu to Kailash Overland Tour Overviews:
The Kathmandu to Kailash Overland Tour is a popular pilgrimage and adventure route that takes travelers from the bustling city of Kathmandu in Nepal to the sacred Mount Kailash in Tibet. This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural tapestry of Nepal and Tibet while enjoying the stunning natural landscapes of the Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau. The journey involves crossing the Nepal-Tibet border overland, making it an accessible and scenic alternative to flying. Here’s an overview of what to expect on this incredible overland adventure:
Tour Highlights:
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Scenic Overland Journey:
- The tour starts with a drive from Kathmandu through the picturesque Langtang region, passing lush valleys, terraced farmlands, and remote villages. As you approach the Nepal-Tibet border, the views of the towering Himalayas become more dramatic.
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Crossing the Nepal-Tibet Border:
- The border crossing takes place at Rasuwagadhi, near the town of Syabrubesi. After completing immigration formalities, you cross the Friendship Bridge into Tibet at Kerung (Gyirong). This small border town marks the entry into the Tibetan plateau.
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Journey Through the Tibetan Plateau:
- After crossing into Tibet, the overland journey takes you across the vast, high-altitude plains of the Tibetan plateau. The landscape is dotted with snow-capped peaks, expansive grasslands, and deep-blue lakes. You will travel through remote Tibetan towns like Saga and Paryang, providing a glimpse into traditional Tibetan life.
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Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar:
- The culmination of the tour is reaching Mount Kailash, the holiest peak in four major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. Travelers perform a kora (circumambulation) around the mountain, a spiritual trek that is approximately 52 kilometers long and usually takes 3 days.
- Lake Manasarovar, located nearby, is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world and is considered sacred in both Hinduism and Buddhism. Pilgrims often take a dip in its waters as part of their spiritual journey.
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Kora Around Mount Kailash:
- For many, the spiritual highlight of the tour is the kora around Mount Kailash. This trek takes you through stunning landscapes, including the Dolma La Pass (5,636 meters), the highest point on the pilgrimage. The kora is both a physically demanding and spiritually rewarding experience.
Details Itinerary
10-Day Mount Kailash Overland Tour Itinerary: Kathmandu – Kerung – Mount Kailash – Kerung – Kathmandu
This detailed 10-day itinerary takes you on an overland journey from Kathmandu to Mount Kailash, Tibet, and back. The overland route offers a scenic and spiritually enriching experience, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal and Tibet while embarking on a pilgrimage to one of the holiest sites for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers.
Day 1: Kathmandu (1,400m) to Kerung Border (2,700m)
- Distance: Approximately 145 km
- Duration: 7-8 hours by vehicle
- Description:
- The journey starts early in Kathmandu. You’ll drive northward along the Prithvi Highway, passing through scenic valleys, terraced farmlands, and small villages. As you leave the Kathmandu Valley, the landscape gradually changes to lush hills and rivers.
- After about 6-7 hours, you'll reach Rasuwagadhi, the border town on the Nepal side. Here, you’ll complete Nepalese exit formalities.
- Once across the Friendship Bridge, you will enter Tibet at Gyirong Port (Kerung). After crossing the border, you’ll go through Chinese immigration and customs procedures. Your Tibetan guide will meet you at the border and assist with the formalities.
- After immigration clearance, it's a short drive to Kerung Town, where you spend the night. Kerung is a picturesque town situated amidst the mountains and serves as the gateway to Tibet. This first night in Tibet helps you acclimatize to the higher altitude.
- Overnight: Guesthouse in Kerung.
Day 2: Acclimatization in Kerung (Gyirong)
- Description:
- This day is set aside for acclimatization, which is crucial for adjusting to the high altitude and preventing altitude sickness as you ascend further into Tibet.
- You can spend the day exploring Kerung Town and its surroundings. The town lies in a beautiful valley with scenic views of the mountains and forests. You may take short walks around the town to help with acclimatization.
- Your guide will also brief you on what to expect in the coming days and offer important tips on how to manage in high-altitude conditions.
- Overnight: Guesthouse in Kerung.
Day 3: Kerung to Saga (4,600m)
- Distance: Approximately 240 km
- Duration: 6-7 hours by vehicle
- Description:
- After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive from Kerung to Saga, a major town on the way to Mount Kailash. The drive takes you through the breathtaking Tibetan plateau, with vast grasslands, deep valleys, and distant snow-capped peaks.
- As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more barren yet strikingly beautiful, with wide, open spaces and mountain ranges in the distance. You’ll also cross several high mountain passes during the drive.
- You’ll pass by small Tibetan villages, and if the weather is clear, you may get your first distant views of Mount Shishapangma (8,027m), one of Tibet’s 8,000-meter peaks.
- Upon arrival in Saga, you’ll check into a guesthouse and rest to further acclimatize to the increasing altitude.
- Overnight: Guesthouse in Saga.
Day 4: Saga to Lake Manasarovar (4,590m)
- Distance: Approximately 450 km
- Duration: 8-9 hours by vehicle
- Description:
- Today’s drive takes you from Saga to the sacred Lake Manasarovar, one of the holiest lakes in Tibet and an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.
- The journey is long but rewarding, passing through stunning landscapes, including high-altitude deserts, mountain ranges, and turquoise blue lakes. You may also see nomads with their yak caravans along the way.
- As you approach Lake Manasarovar, the towering Mount Kailash comes into view, creating a breathtaking backdrop.
- Upon reaching the lake, you will have time to explore the area and perform rituals. Pilgrims often take a holy dip in the lake’s pristine waters, which are believed to cleanse the soul and bring spiritual merit.
- Overnight: Guesthouse near Lake Manasarovar.
Day 5: Lake Manasarovar to Darchen (4,575m)
- Distance: Approximately 30 km
- Duration: 1-2 hours by vehicle
- Description:
- After spending the morning at Lake Manasarovar, you will drive to Darchen, the base camp for the pilgrimage around Mount Kailash.
- Darchen is a small settlement located at the foot of the mountain and serves as the starting point for the kora (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash.
- The rest of the day is free for acclimatization and preparation for the start of the kora the next day. You can visit the Tarboche Flagpole, an important site for Tibetan Buddhists, located just outside Darchen.
- Overnight: Guesthouse in Darchen.
Day 6: Darchen to Dirapuk (4,900m) – Trek (Kora Day 1)
- Distance: 20 km (trekking)
- Duration: 6-7 hours of trekking
- Description:
- Today marks the beginning of the sacred kora around Mount Kailash. The kora is a 52 km circumambulation of Mount Kailash, considered one of the most spiritually significant treks in the world.
- The trek starts from Darchen and follows a relatively moderate route to Dirapuk Monastery, located on the north face of Mount Kailash. Along the way, you will be treated to stunning views of the mountain’s towering snow-covered peaks.
- As you trek, you’ll pass by pilgrims from all over the world performing the kora, some prostrating their way around the mountain.
- Overnight: Guesthouse or camp near Dirapuk.
Day 7: Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk (4,835m) via Dolma La Pass (5,636m) – Trek (Kora Day 2)
- Distance: 22 km (trekking)
- Duration: 8-9 hours of trekking
- Description:
- This is the most challenging yet rewarding day of the trek, as you cross the Dolma La Pass (5,636m), the highest point of the kora. The steep ascent to the pass is physically demanding, but once at the top, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- After crossing the pass, you will descend to the Zuthulpuk Monastery, passing by Gauri Kund, a sacred lake for Hindu pilgrims.
- Overnight: Guesthouse or camp near Zuthulpuk.
Day 8: Zuthulpuk to Darchen – Trek (Kora Day 3) and Drive to Saga
- Trekking Distance: 12 km (trekking)
- Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours of trekking
- Drive Distance: Approximately 450 km
- Drive Duration: 6-7 hours by vehicle
- Description:
- On the final day of the kora, you will trek from Zuthulpuk back to Darchen, completing the circumambulation of Mount Kailash.
- After completing the trek, you will drive back to Saga, retracing the route across the Tibetan plateau.
- Overnight: Guesthouse in Saga.
Day 9: Saga to Kerung (Gyirong)
- Distance: Approximately 240 km
- Duration: 6-7 hours by vehicle
- Description:
- From Saga, you will drive back to Kerung, enjoying the beautiful views of the Tibetan landscape one last time.
- The drive offers an opportunity to reflect on your spiritual journey and the incredible experiences of the past few days.
- Overnight: Guesthouse in Kerung.
Day 10: Kerung to Kathmandu
- Distance: Approximately 145 km
- Duration: 7-8 hours by vehicle
- Description:
- After breakfast, you will cross the border back into Nepal at Rasuwagadhi and retrace your steps to Kathmandu.
- The drive back to Kathmandu takes you through the same scenic route, passing through the beautiful Langtang region and its lush valleys.
- Upon arrival in Kathmandu, your overland journey to Mount Kailash concludes.
- Overnight: Optional in Kathmandu (based on your tour package).
