Begin on a scenic drive to the border between Nepal and China, passing through the breathtaking landscapes of the southern Himalayas! We'll collect you from your accommodation in Kathmandu in the morning and set off on a 7-hour drive covering 130 kilometers to reach Rasuwa Gadi, a bustling border town.

As you journey from Kathmandu towards the border, the route offers captivating views of the snow-capped peaks of the southern Himalayas, enveloped in vast forests and reaching skywards through the clouds.

Traversing Langtang National Park, you'll navigate a notably rough stretch of road, with the vehicle rocking on the uneven, muddy terrain. Yet, the potential to spot unique wildlife along this path adds an element of excitement to the adventure.

Upon your arrival in Rasuwa Gadi, check into your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Stay overnight in Rasuwa Gadi.

Pro Tips:

1. Ensure your arrival in Kathmandu is scheduled well before your tour date. Visit the Sundar Nepal Treks office in Kathmandu at least four working days prior to your departure.
2. Original passports and payment for the visa and service fees are required to facilitate the application for the Chinese Group Visa by our staff.

Venture from the frontier to Saga, with opportunities to encounter wildlife such as antelope and wild donkeys along the way. Following breakfast, embark on a 15-kilometer drive to the border, crossing into China via Gyirong. Our Tibetan guide will greet you on the Gyirong side and escort you to Gyirong town, a short 1-hour drive away.

In Gyirong town, visit the serene Paba Monastery and the quaint Kepu Village.

After dining, your journey continues to Saga. This 380-kilometer trip to Saga unfolds a changing landscape as you ascend in altitude.

Starting from forests, waterfalls, and deep canyons at an elevation of 2800 meters, you'll then ascend the Kong Tang Lamu Pass at 5236 meters, making your way onto the plateau.

The tranquil beauty of Mt. Shishabangma (8027m) and the serene Pelku Tso Lake at its base will leave you in awe.

Eventually, you'll reach Saga.

Stay overnight in Saga.

Today's expedition takes you to the sacred Lake Manasarovar! After breakfast, your drive takes you through the Saga Valley, nestled between the Himalayan and Gangdise ranges, adorned with endless snow-capped peaks, expansive grasslands, and stunning lakes.

Crossing the Mayum La Pass at 5211 meters, you enter the Ngari Region. This transition feels like stepping into a pristine wilderness, culminating in the breathtaking sight of Lake Manasarovar with the distant Mount Kailash. The lake's vista, coupled with a distant view of Mt. Naimonanyi (7694m), stirs profound emotions and inspiration.

Stay overnight near Lake Manasarovar.

Prepare for the Mount Kailash Trek! In the morning, a peaceful trek around Lake Mansarovar allows you to draw energy and tranquility from this holy water body.

Then, proceed to Darchen, the gateway to your Mount Kailash trek, settling into your hotel to rejuvenate and gear up for the forthcoming 4-day trek around Mount Kailash.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

Pro Tip: Inform your guide today if you require a porter for the trek; arrangements will be made accordingly. Note that hiring a porter incurs an additional fee.

Commence your trek with a day's walk through the valley at Mount Kailash's base, enjoying views of its southern, southwestern, and western faces. Post-breakfast, travel by eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung Valley, where you'll start the 13-kilometer trek encircling Mount Kailash.

This initial segment offers gentle terrain through the valley, with clear views of Mount Kailash's southern and western faces.

Upon reaching the base of the western face, check into the guesthouse at Dirapuk Monastery.

Spend the rest of the day exploring the ancient Dirapuk Monastery (also known as Zhire Temple), capturing memorable moments by the sacred stupas and against the backdrop of Mount Kailash's western face.

If the weather is clear, the sunset over Mount Kailash viewed from Dirapuk Monastery is an awe-inspiring scene, with the setting sun casting a golden glow on the mountain's steep cliffs.

Stay overnight in the Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse.

This day marks a pivotal moment in your Mount Kailash trek, as you venture closer to the sacred mountain than ever before, navigating glaciers and icy rivers. Starting your journey from Dirapuk Monastery, you'll ascend the mountain's slopes until you encounter the glacier on Mount Kailash's western face, positioned at approximately 5800 meters above sea level. This presents a rare chance to come intimately close to Mount Kailash, where our guide will lead a meditation session at what many consider the spiritual epicenter of the world.

For those who are physically prepared, our guide will guide you even closer to Mount Kailash's imposing rocky facade, offering an attempt to physically touch the mountain itself.

Following these profound moments, you will trek back to Dirapuk Monastery on the same path.

Stay overnight in the Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse.

Insider Advice: The feasibility of touching Mount Kailash can vary, as the glacier's condition changes seasonally.

Prepare for the most demanding segment of your Mount Kailash Trek. Today, you will navigate the trek's highest elevation at 5630 meters, walking beside devout Buddhist pilgrims performing full-body prostrations. Your day begins with an early 4-kilometer trek from Dirapuk Monastery, climbing to an altitude of 5430 meters. This stretch offers a steep ascent, rewarding trekkers with a magnificent sunrise view over Mount Kailash's northwest face.

You'll then proceed another 2 kilometers to reach the Dolma La Pass, the trek's zenith at 5630 meters, adorned with fluttering prayer flags.

Note: At this altitude, even during summertime, you'll encounter icy patches and rocky terrain, necessitating careful footing to avoid slips.

Upon conquering Dolma La Pass, the emerald waters of the Lake of Compassion, believed to wash away a lifetime of sins, welcome you. The view of Mount Kailash's thick glaciers is also a highlight.

A gradual descent from the Lake of Compassion takes you to a valley below Mount Kailash's southeast base, where Zutulpuk Monastery awaits, along with the possibility of encountering wildlife and resting on serene grasslands.

Stay overnight in the Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse.

Conclude your circumambulation of Mount Kailash and rejuvenate by the sacred Lake Manasarovar. Begin with a trek from Zutulpuk Monastery back to Darchen, marking the completion of your spiritual circuit.

Following the trek, embark on a 30-kilometer drive to Lake Manasarovar, where you can touch and interact with the holy waters.

At the lake's edge, seize the opportunity for meditation, to listen to the sacred waves, or to purify yourself with its waters, imbued with deep religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists.

The area also features hot springs (optional), providing a soothing foot bath or soaking experience. If the pilgrimage has left you weary, a small fee will allow you to indulge in these relaxing hot springs.

The day concludes with a return to Darchen for an overnight stay.

Bid farewell to the Ngari Plateau and the divine landscapes as you make your way back to the Himalayan vistas. Post-breakfast, journey back to Saga, relishing the breathtaking beauty of the Ngari Plateau, the Himalayas, and the Gangdise Mountains one last time. The route offers multiple stops at lush meadows and pristine lakes, allowing close encounters with Ngari's natural splendor and wildlife.

Arrive in Saga for an overnight stay.