Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Itinerary, Season & Cost Breakdown

Overview of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Kailash Mansarovar yatra is a sacred pilgrimage tour to the stunning Mansarovar Lake and Kailash Parvat. Mansarovar Lake is a holy high-altitude lake situated at the feet of Mount Kailash, an important religious site in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bon religion. Every year, thousands of devotees visit this holy lake. 

Known as the home of Lord Shiva, Kailash Parvat is a sacred peak located in western Tibet, China. Alike Kailash Mansarovar Lake, the Kailash Parvat is also a spiritual center in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bon religion.

The Kailash Mansarovar tour is an 11-day tour from Kathmandu involving multiple days of driving and trekking. The tour is a combination of deep spiritual significance with idyllic natural beauty, demanding physical strength, and mental well-being. The Kailash Mansarovar trek involves passing through the Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the trek, situated at an altitude of 5,630 m.

Highlights of Mount Kailash Mansarovar Tour

• Holy Mount Kailash (6,638 m) and holy Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m).
• 52 km Kailash Parikrama – three-day spiritual pilgrimage.
• Peaceful Dirapuk & Zuthulpuk Monasteries along the way.
• Challenging Dolma La Pass (5,630 m) with panoramic Himalayan views.
• Sacred Gauri Kund, connected to Goddess Parvati.
• Valley, mountain, and Brahmaputra River basin scenic drives.
• Blending of spiritual pilgrimage, Tibetan culture, and nature.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Itinerary Chart 

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m)

• Pick-up from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
• Transfer to Thamel hotel.
• Trek briefing & last-minute gear shopping.
• Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Tour Preparation

• Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a vibrant city known as the museum of Nepal. Spend the day with a quick Kathmandu Valley tour. Visit some of the major sites of Kathmandu, including:
  • Swayambhunath
  • Pashupatinath Temple
  • Boudhanath Stupa
  • Patan or Kathmandu Durbar Square
• In the evening, stroll around Thamel, where you can find all the necessary gear for your trek and tour.

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Kerung (2,770 m | 7 to 8 hours drive)

• Commence your Kailash Mansarovar yatra early with a 7 to 8-hour drive from Kathmandu. The 7 to 8-hour drive from the Kathmandu Valley takes you to Kerung, passing the Rasuwa Ghadi border. 
• The drive will take you through the Langtang Himal Region, offering the immense beauty of Nepal’s countryside.
• Kerung is a small town in Tibet located at the border of Nepal. The gateway to Mansarovar Kailash Parvat, Kerung, is a beautiful town rich in natural beauty, featuring vibrant forests, a fast-flowing river, and unique architecture.
• Spend your night in the guesthouse of Kerung.

Day 4: Drive from Kerung to Saga (4,640 m | 6 to 7 hours drive)

• Continue your journey to Mount Kailash Mansarovar with another day of driving from Kerung to Saga. The drive covers a distance of approximately 230-250 km. 
• The journey from Kerung begins with rolling hills that slowly transform into vast, open plains and Rugged Mountains. The route also offers panoramic vistas of snow-capped Mountains.
• The town of Saga is a crucial stop for the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash yatra. The Brahmaputra River, also known as the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, is one of the major attractions of Saga town.
• Overnight in the guest house of Saga.

Day 5: Drive from Saga to Mansarovar (4,590 m | 7 to 8 hours drive)

• The drive from Saga to Mansarovar is a long journey that covers approximately 500-540 km. The 7 to 8-hour drive from Saga to Mansarovar offers a pristine view of the Mansarovar Lake with Mount Kailash in the background.
• The calming and fresh water of Lake Mansarovar is so sacred that, even in freezing temperatures, people dip in the water believing it a holy act. 
• Situated at an altitude of 4,590 m, Lake Mansarovar is one of the highest altitude lakes in the world.
• During peak season, you can meet and interact with many tourists and devotees visiting Mansarovar Lake.
• Spend your night in one of the guest houses near Lake Mansarovar.

Day 6: Drive from Mansarovar to Darchen (4,670 m | 1 hour drive), Trek to Dirapuk (4,900 m | 6 to 7 hours trek)

• With an early breakfast near the Lake Mansarovar, continue your Kailash Mansarovar yatra with a quick drive of an hour to Darchen.
• Darchen is a small settlement situated at an altitude of 4,670 m, located in Ngari Province of Tibet, China.
• From Darchen, you will begin your Mount Kailash trek. The first day of the trek, you will walk about 6 to 7 hours to reach Dirapuk, covering a distance of approximately 18 km. The trail is a combination of a gentle path and a gradual climb on a dusty and rocky path.
• Dirapuk is a holy site in the Kailash trek, where you can witness a monastery at the foot of Kailash Parvat.
• Spend your night getting proper rest in a guest house of the peaceful Dirapuk.

Day 7: Trek from Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk (4,700 m) Via Dolma La Pass (5,630 m | 8 to 9 hours trek) 

• Day 7 is the most challenging day of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. You will walk through steep, rocky, and icy trails. Continue your trek from Dirapuk to reach Zuthulpuk. 
• During today’s trek, you will cross the highest point of the trek, the Dolma La Pass. Situated at an altitude of 5,630 m above sea level, Dolma La Pass is a spiritually enriching and life-altering experience full of prayer flags and stunning Himalayan scenery. Witness the Kailash peak from the northern side.
• After walking for almost 8 to 9 hours, you will reach Zuthulpuk. Named after “miracle” and “cave”, Zuthulpuk is a major religious site, peaceful for meditation and relaxation. 
• Spend your night in a guest house of Zuthulpuk.

Day 8: Trek from Zuthulpuk to Darchen (4,670 m | 3 hours trek), Drive to Saga (4,640 m | 7 to 8 hours drive)

• Conclude your last day of trekking with a short 3-hour trek. The path is downhill and easier than the other days. You will have some great views along the way, in the form of meditation caves and mani walls, and possibly even spot some yaks.
• From Darchen, drive back to Saga, which will take about 4 to 8 hours.
• Spend your night in a guest house in Saga. 

Day 9: Drive from Saga to Kerung (2,770 m | 6 to 7 hours drive)

• From Saga, you will drive for 6 to 7 hours. The drive will take you to Kerung, the town bordering Nepal. 
• Overnight in Kerung.

Day 10: Drive from Kerung to Kathmandu (1,300 m | 7 to 8 hours drive)

• Continue your last day of the Mansarovar Kailash yatra. Drive back to Kathmandu from Kerung with a 7 to 8-hour drive,
• Spend your night in Kathmandu.

Day 11: Departure from Kathmandu

• You will be dropped off at the airport according to your flight schedule.
• Bid farewell to Nepal with fond memories of your Kailash Mansarovar tour.

Mount Kailash Mansarovar tour Packing essentials

Make sure to get all the necessary equipment for the Mount Kailash Yatra:

Head

Warm hat & cap

Sunglasses with UV protection

Headlight

EarMuffs

Beanie

Body

Thermal layers

Warm and Waterproof jacket

Thermal Gloves

Trekking Trousers and Shorts

Neck buff

Waterproof gloves

Footwear

Trekking shoes

Hiking boots

Warm Hiking socks

Gaiters

Essentials/Equipment

Sleeping bag

First aid kit

Trekking poles & Duffel bag

Water Bottles and Hydration Bladders

Raincoat

High-energy snacks

Reliable oxygen supply

Maps & Compass/GPS

Note: Avoid overpacking unnecessarily, as it may cause you trouble during the trek. Carry important stuff only.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Best Season 

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a high-altitude trek, and thus choosing the right season is of prime consideration for an easy and secure trip.

Spring (April–June)

Spring is one of the most sought-after seasons to go on the yatra. The weather is warm and cozy, with clear sunny days ideal for trekking. Winter snows begin to thaw, opening up the trails and offering kaleidoscopic scenery, flower blooms, and clear views of Mount Kailash and surrounding peaks. The season also has fewer travelers than the autumn months of peak tourist travel, making it a serene spiritual pilgrimage.

Summer (July–August) 

It is warmer in the summer, especially in the lower sections of the route. Tibet is usually dry, but the Nepali side will likely get occasional monsoon rain. The journey is still possible, but slippery roads and slightly more delays due to weather conditions can be anticipated.

Autumn (September–October)

Autumn is the most favorable season overall for the yatra. Blue skies, with stunning views of Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar, and the Himalayan mountains. Pleasant temperatures make trekking and parikrama comfortable. The stable climate, combined with the festive religious fervor of other devotees, offers the ideal environment to complete the sacred circumambulation.

Winter (November–March)

The winter season in the region is harsh with sub-freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and gale winds, making the journey extremely challenging. The high passes like the Dolma La Pass will be snowed off, and there are hardly any accommodations. Winter is therefore not recommended for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

All in all, spring and autumn are the most preferable seasons, with perfect weather, accessibility, and views, while summer is manageable and winter is to be avoided.

Cultural Significance

• The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and adherents of the Bon religion.
• Mount Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva, according to Hindus, and bathing at Lake Mansarovar cleanses one of sins.
• The Buddhists say that the mountain is the abode of Buddha Demchok, symbolizing spiritual bliss and enlightenment.
• The Jains regard it as the site where Rishabhdev attained nirvana.
• Adherents of Bon hold Mount Kailash as a sacred spiritual center in Tibet.
• The yatra is a unique opportunity to experience Tibetan culture, including monasteries, prayer flags, and meditation caves.
• Achievement of the Kailash Parikrama and visit to Lake Mansarovar is considered a purification journey, spiritual growth, and inner calm.

Included from the Mount Kailash Tour

• Accommodations in Kathmandu
• Complimentary airport pick-ups and drop-offs
• Complimentary welcome dinner
• All necessary trekking permits
• All accommodation during the trek
• Three meals a day during the trek
• Professional English-speaking government-registered and first-aid trained local guide
• First-aid kit
• Agency service charge and government tax or VAT
• Tibet visa, Entry permit, Kailash entry fee

Important guidelines for Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

• You should obtain all necessary permits before undertaking the yatra and utilize licensed travel agencies of the government to ensure easy entry into Tibet.
• The trek is at very high altitudes with steep trails, and hence physical fitness and adequate acclimatization are crucial to avoid altitude sickness.
• You can schedule your journey during the months recommended from May to September to avoid inclement weather, especially at high-altitude passes like Dolma La.
• Comprehensive travel insurance with high-altitude trekking, medical, and evacuation is highly advisable.
• You must dress in layers, thick jackets, trekking shoes, gloves, and hats, and use sun protection such as sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Bring items such as water bottles, snacks, a basic first-aid kit, trekking poles, and a light rucksack for everyday use on the trek.
• You will be expected to respect local customs and traditions, including monasteries, prayer flags, and other religious sites of interest along the route.
• Good hydration, sufficient rest, and not drinking alcohol are necessary for good acclimatization and overall health.
• Respect the environment; do not litter and attempt not to harass wildlife or natural habitats.
• Always take the word of experienced trekking guides, especially on challenging trails or in adverse weather.

Why Kailash Tour Package with Us? 

With decades of experience, Hi Nepal Tours and Treks is a trusted name in Himalayan travel. We take pride in delivering exceptional trekking and tour experiences, marked by meticulous planning, safety-first operations, and culturally enriching encounters. Our team comprises highly skilled, licensed guides and dedicated support staff, all of whom are passionate about sharing the majestic beauty and heritage of Nepal. 

Would you like to learn more about our Kailash tour package?

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Cost Breakdown 

Transportation: Transportation expenses include round-trip flights to Kathmandu, car or flight drive from Kathmandu to the Tibet border, and local transport in Tibet. These can vary depending on the path and mode of travel.

Accommodation: The accommodation during the journey is basic but comfortable. The expense depends upon the location, season, and mode of stay.

Food: Basic food during the trek and town meals like Kerung, Saga, and Darchen fall under food expenses. At far-off places, costs go up.

Guide and Porter: Professional guide and porter services are recommended for safety, route-finding, and assistance with luggage. It charges based on days and services required.

Permit: Permits are unique to visit Tibet and to perform the yatra. Permit fees differ and are usually included in packaged tours.

Final Thoughts

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not a walk; it is a spiritual pilgrimage of evolution that integrates faith, culture, and adventure. From the peaceful waters of Lake Mansarovar to the majestic peaks of Mount Kailash, every step of the yatra offers stunning natural vistas and deep spiritual significance.

Choosing the right season, physically conditioning yourself, and following a few rules will render your pilgrimage safe, comfortable, and fulfilling. The yatra allows you to witness Tibetan culture, visit sacred monasteries, and experience the great energy of one of the world's most spiritual hubs.

Whether you seek spiritual enrichment, self-realization, or a lifetime experience of a lifetime, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra provides an experience you will never forget. Being well-prepared, having respect for local practices, and embracing the journey with a willing spirit will make the holy pilgrimage truly life-altering.