Mount Kailash Overland TourMount Kailash Overland Tour

Mount Kailash Overland Tour

Trip Summary
  • Trip Duration15 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Maximum Altitude 5,645m
  • Activity tour/trekking
  • Starts/Ends Kathmandu/kathmandu
  • Best Season Between may and October

Mount Kailash, a renowned high peak rising to 6,638 meters in Tibet is a widely recognized religious attraction for millions of people from all over the globe, especially faiths including Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, and Bon traditions, hold high value on this holy site, which is believed to connect the earthly as well as divine realms.

For Hindus, Kailash is the house of Lord Shiva, referred to as the Adiyogi, the first yogi or Teacher of spiritual wisdom. In Buddhist philosophy, Mount Kailash is a central point of existence and is regarded as a source of spiritual enlightenment.

Every year, thousands of visitors complete the Kailash Manasarovar Tour, a religious walk that includes the 52-kilometer circumambulation of the Holy Mount Kailash, known as the “Kora” or “Parikrama”. It is believed that conducting this circuit absolved all the sins and one to the close of heaven. Pilgrims also visit the big lake Manasarovar, renowned as the holiest lake in the world, where they perform different religious rituals, meditation, and prayers.

This journey starts in the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, and goes through the breathtaking landscapes, which mainly include the plane lands of Nuwakot district, the rugged terrains of Rasuwa, and the scenery of Langtang National Park. This route finishes at the Rasuwagadhi, the Nepal-China border, marking the beginning of Tibet’s vast and beautiful plateau.

Based in Kathmandu, Dream Nepal Excursion is a reliable Mount Kailash tour operator that effectively conducts customized programs as per the customer’s wish and gives efficient transport options, including large buses for larger groups and Mahendra Scorpios for smaller groups. We commit to providing the best services and comfort possible to improve this spiritual journey.

Itinerary
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After you safely land in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by our company representative, who will be waiting for you outside of the international airport terminal holding a Dream Nepal Excursion signboard for easy identification. She/he will assist you to reach the hotel from the airport. For the Tibetan group visa application process, we kindly request you provide us with your original passport, personal details, and one good photograph. Our representative will assist you through your visa process. Overnight at a Hotel in Kathmandu near our office location.

  • Max. Altitude:1,350m
  • Meals:BB
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Today our team will submit your Tibetan group visa application along with your original passport and other necessary documents to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Since the visa application submission and process require some days, today is your day to explore the city. You can spend this day discovering the nearest places to your hotel, where you can explore Kathmandu’s culture, environment, historic sites, and Temples at your own pace. If you are willing to do such activities simply you just let us know and our team will be at your service to arrange it for you. Overnight stay at Hotel in Kathmandu.

  • Max. Altitude:1,350m
  • Meals:BB
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Once you complete your breakfast at the hotel, you will continue your day excursion around the Kathmandu valley. Overnight stay at Hotel.

  • Max. Altitude:1,350m
  • Meals:BB
  • Accommodation:Hotel

You will have a relaxed morning, and by 2 PM, someone from our team will collect your Tibet group visa from the Chinese Embassy. The rest of the day is yours to explore the local sites, and nearest shop for your last-minute essentials, or relax and prepare for the journey ahead. In the evening, an expert from our agency will meet you to explain thoroughly regarding your Kailash tour, you can also put forward your queries regarding the tour with him/ her. Overnight stay at hotel.

  • Max. Altitude:1,350m
  • Meals:BB
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Today in the early morning (5 AM) you will depart from Kathmandu to the Nepal-Tibet border. It is around 7-8 hours of driving through the scenic land of Nuwakot district, Trishuli River, Dhunche, and Syabrubesi to reach the border. Once you arrive at the very near Kyirong border, our border representative will help you to complete all the necessary paperwork for Nepal’s immigration. Once the formality is completed, he will assist you in crossing the China – Nepal border. Here, your Tibet local guide will be helping you with all the necessary documentation required for a smooth process to take you all into the Tibet plateau. Once all the formalities of Chinese immigration are completed, with your Tibetan guide on the Chinese side you will mark your first step into Tibet. Moving towards the beautiful town of Kyirong you will experience stunning views of the hills, rivers, and beautiful landscapes of the region of Tibet.

Upon arrival in beautiful Kyirong town, you will get an easy hotel or guest house to stop and rest to acclimatize your body. Acclimatizing your body before the high-altitude trip is an important thing as it makes it easy for your body to adjust to the changes in altitude and to be ready for the next destination of your journey. Surrounded by a beautiful mountain, the town is a very beautiful place in itself, where you can easily find a vibrancy of peace, and spirituality and recharge your body to fully prepare for your adventurous journey to holy Mount Kailash. 

  • Max. Altitude:2,774m
  • Meals:Full Board
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Acclimatization of the body is a vital thing as it empowers your body to regulate the elevation changes and to get ready for the next step of your voyage towards Mount Kailash. Today you will pause your tour to the next destination to attune your body from high elevation. Spend the full day there for acclimatization with small hiking with our Tibetan guide and you are going to spend your night at Kyirong.

  • Max. Altitude:2,774m
  • Meals:Full Board
  • Accommodation:Hotel

After the early morning breakfast, you will start your journey towards Saga from Kyirong. It is around a 6-hour drive to Saga through the beautiful scenic landscape with a high pass of about 5000 meters. The drive through the Brahmaputra River, which is derived from Mount Kailash to reach Saga town, presents you with a magnificent view of Tibet and its diversity.

  • Max. Altitude:4,640m
  • Meals:Full Board
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Today as you headway to Lake Manasarovar, the holiest River in Tibet, you are going to explore more beauty of Tibet. Many people all over the world, mostly from India, China, and Nepal region undertake a pilgrimage to this region. The first view of the Holy Mount Kailash can be seen from Lake Manasarovar. We will do Manasarovar kora with Bus. Later drive to the guest house nearby and stay overnight there with a clear view of Mount Kailash.

  • Max. Altitude:4,600m
  • Meals:Full Board
  • Accommodation:Guest House

Today you will have enough time to explore Lake Manasarovar and around. On this day mostly people get a holy bath at Lake Manasarovar and perform different rituals there. Once all of you complete the exploration of this lake and have your Lunch, we will drive towards Darchen, which is just 40 Kilometers away. Darchen is a base of Mount Kailash and is located directly in front of the sacred Mount Kailash. It has in height of 4,670m and it is the starting and ending point for the kora of Mount Kailash. From here we start 3 days of Kailash kora or parikrama. Once we reach Darchen we will complete the final preparation for the Kailash Kora planned for the following days.

  • Max. Altitude:4,670m
  • Meals:Full Board
  • Accommodation:Hotel

It is one of the adventurous days, where you go are going to walk around 7 kilometers along the beautiful scenes. Mount Kailash looks stunning from this point. After a two-hour trek, we will reach the spot where the western face of Kailash comes into view. There will be an option to take a horse and helper from here, which fees are to be paid personally. The cost for hiring a horse and helper for 3 days kora is around 2700 Yuan. Your Tibetan guide can reserve it for you in advance. The first day is easy walking through the bank of the river.

  • Max. Altitude:5,120m
  • Meals:Full Board
  • Accommodation:Guest Gouse

Today marks the most challenging day of the tour. We begin early in the morning, facing the challenging ascent to the Dolma La Pass, which stands at a staggering 5,645 meters. The climb is tough, but once you reach the top, the effort is worth it. The magnificent scenes from this elevation are inspiring. From there, we start the descent into the Zuthulpuk. Make sure to carry plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy level on balance throughout the journey. Overnight in Zuthulpuk.

  • Max. Altitude:5,648m
  • Meals:Full Board
  • Accommodation:Guest House

The Kailash Kora concludes with an easy 3 hours walk back to Darchen. When we arrive in Darchen, our vehicle will be ready to take us on a scenic drive back to the Saga.

 

  • Max. Altitude:4,640m
  • Meals:Full Board
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Today, we will head back toward Kyirong, where we’ll spend our last night in Tibet before back to Nepal.

  • Max. Altitude:2,774m
  • Meals:Full Board
  • Accommodation:Hotel

After breakfast, we’ll complete immigration formalities on the Tibet side, say goodbye to our Tibetan guide, complete immigration formalities on the Nepal side, and head back to Kathmandu. Overnight Hotel in Kathmandu

 

  • Max. Altitude:1,350m
  • Meals:BB
  • Accommodation:Hotel

After finishing breakfast, depending on your flight timing you will enjoy some free time for final sightseeing or shopping of souvenirs. Our team will arrange airport transportation 3 hours prior from your flight time. Safe Travels and Farewell!

 

    Route MapDownload
    Mount Kailash Overland Tour map
    Cost Details
    Cost Includes
    • Hotel/Guest House Accommodation as per program (Twin sharing in a hotel and dorm in Guest House)
    • Private Transportation by Mini coach
    • Tibet group visa fee
    • All necessary Tibet Travel and Trekking permit
    • English-speaking Tibetan Guide
    • All Sightseeing and Entrance fees are as per the itinerary.
    • Meal plan on Full board in Tibet side as per above plan
    • Kathmandu to Border to Kathmandu transportation
    • Yak or porter while on Kora to carry your baggage 
    • Full catering with Nepalese Supporting staff from Kathmandu for food and equipment and support for Kora and service.
    Cost Excludes
    • Insurance of any kind.
    • Lunch and dinner expenses in Nepal part.
    • Hiring personal porter, / horse during the kora
    • Cost of emergency evacuation if need
    • Any Additional cost due to Natural calamity and Unforeseen Circumstances etc.
    • Cost of Nepal visa 
    • Personal expenses such as drinks, tips for guide and porters etc.
    Essential Information

    Best time to explore Mount Kailash Manasarovar Overland Tour

    Choosing the best time to visit Mount Kailash can make this journey more enjoyable, comfortable, and effective. It is extremely important to plan your vacation during these months since this holy Kailash area is only reachable from April to October to avoid the winter weather. The best period for visiting is from May to June or September to October. If you go in May or June, you’ll experience the warmer temperatures and lively cultural atmosphere, especially during the Saga Dawa Festival, an important celebration for Buddhists. This season offers pleasant weather and a chance to witness local traditions.

    On the other hand, traveling in September or October gives you a quieter, more peaceful experience. The cooler air and clean skies create beautiful views of Mount Kailash and the sparkling waters of Lake Manasarovar.

    It’s best to avoid visiting in July and August because of the monsoon season, which brings heavy rain and can make the road difficult to travel. Likewise, the area is closed from November to March due to extreme cold and snowfall.

    By choosing the right season, you will not only enjoy better weather but also have a more meaningful and stress-free journey to this sacred place.

     

    Route overview

    -Starting from- Kathmandu

    Main route:

    • Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (around 8 hours by road)
    • Syabrubesi to Kyirong (Tibet) (crossing the Nepal-Tibet Border)
    • Kyirong to Saga (Scenic drive through Tibetan terrain)
    • Saga to Lake Manasarovar (a sacred water lake)
    • Lake Manasarovar to Darchen (base for sacred Mount Kailash)
    • Mount Kailash Kora (or Parikrama) – A 3-day circumambulation (total 52 kilometers) around the sacred mountain Kailash.

    Duration: Typically 13 to 16 Days depending on acclimatization and travel condition

    Permits and Documentation

     Traveling to sacred Mount Kailash requires several permits and visas due to its location in Tibet (China):

    • Tibet Travel Permit: Compulsory to entry into Tibet. Through authorized travel agency can be obtained.
    • Tibet Group Visa: This visa can be obtained through authorized tour agencies in Kathmandu. To get a Tibet Group Visa minimum of 4 people is compulsory in a single group.

    Documents to carry while entering Tibet:

    • A valid passport with a minimum of 6 months' Validity
    • Tibet Group Visa

    Preparation for High Altitude

    • Range of Altitude: This trek reaches up to the altitude of 5,630 meters (Dolma La Pass)
    • Acclimatization: Spending a day at lower altitude towns (Kyirong and Saga)
    • Health Precautions:

        -Consult a doctor for altitude sickness medication (like Diamox)

                  -Stay hydrated and ignore alcohol

                  -Know the symptoms of altitude sickness: headaches, dizziness, nausea and fatigue

    Clothes
    - 1 Pair down jacket
    - 2 Pairs T-shirt
    - 1 Pair warm thermal
    - 1 Pair of a lightweight warm jacket or sweater
    - 1 pair of warm trousers
    - 1 Pair of warm windproof trousers
    - 2 pairs of light pants/trousers or half pants
    - 1 pair of inner warm paint
    - Warm cap to cover your head from cold
    - Muff to cover your nose and mouth
    - One pair of warm gloves
    - 2 Pairs warm socks
    - 2 pairs of light socks
    - 1 Pair of warm hiking shoes
    - 1 Pair of light shoes or sandals to use during your stay in the Hotel
    - Sleeping Bag (You can either purchase or rent in Kathmandu)

     

    If there is any regular medication, be sure to bring it along with you. Also, our guide will carry a first aid kit box with necessary medicines.

    Booking Procedure

    - Share with us a clear color copy of your passport through email and also make a payment of $300 per person as a tour confirmation. You can pay your amounts by your credit card, online banking, or by bank transfer

    Foods and Accommodation

    - Breakfast and dinner will be in the Hotel/ Guest House.  Packing Lunch will be served while on the journey. Twin sharing accommodation with Attached bathroom will provide in Tibet part except Manasarover and while in Kora. Group-sharing accommodation will be provided in Lake Manasarovar, Derapuk, and Zuthulpuk.  Vegetarian food will be provided as per your requirements.

    Required Document:

    To make sure of your Tibet group Visa in Kathmandu, we kindly need the following documents.

    1. Passport Copy in advance: We need a clear color copy of your passport a minimum of 25 days earlier to process the Tibet Travel permit.

    2. Original Passport: Make sure of your original passport and provide us in Kathmandu. We need your original passport 3-4 days in advance in Kathmandu.

    3. Photo (33mmx 48mm): Provide us a clear front-facing photo of you with a white background, without eyeglasses, and neutral expression.

    4. Visa Application Form: we will provide you with a Word file of the visa checklist form before your arrival, which you have to fill up and share with us so that we can finish the application process on time.

    30 Days Visa-free country for Mainland China:

    There are 38 countries including Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Holland, Malaysia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan holding valid ordinary passports can be exempted from visa requirement if entering into China for business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchange and transit.

    Visa Processing in Kathmandu for other citizens.

    As the Chinese embassy issued a new regulation regarding Tibet Visa applications, we require at least 4 people in a single group to submit visa documents in the visa center, if there are fewer than 4 people, we cannot apply for the visa. Additionally, visa submission require original passport of clients and it takes 4 official working days except Saturday, Sunday and Embassy holiddays.

    Please also note that visa requirements and regulations can change frequently.

    There might be changes in the embassy’s regulations and visa application process so we suggest you make sure with the Chinese Embassy/Dream Nepal Excursion or with a local travel company before you book the Tibet tour.

     

    Terms and Conditions

    1. Accommodation includes group sharing for 3 nights, with the rest in the best available guest houses on twin or triple sharing.

    2. Full payment is required before you depart from Kathmandu, if you pay with a card the bank will charge a 4% fee extra

    3. Clients have to bear the risk of changes in Tibetan government regulations and also of anything that is caused by natural calamity.

    4. A tour cancellation fee of $300 applies once the permit is applied for; cancellations less than 72 hours before departure incur an $800 fee.

    5. The Mount Kailash tour is not yet open for Indian passport holders so this tour is open only to Nepali nationals and foreigners except Indians.

     

    MT. KAILASH TOUR FIXED DEPARTURE FOR 2025

    Arrival date in Kathmandu

    Visa apply

    Departure to Kailash

    06th April

    07th April

    10th April 2025

    05th May

    06th May

    09th May 2025

    20th May

    21st May

    24th May

    02nd June

    03rd June

    06th June 2025 (Saga DawaFestival)

    17th June

    18th June

    21st June

    01st July

    02nd July

    05th July

    29th July

    30th July

    02nd August

    31st August

    01st September

    04th September

    16th September

    17th September

    20th September

    29th September

    30th September

    03rd October

    FAQs
    • Age restriction for the Kailash tour is between 12 to 70 while participants should be in good health. People with heart and other health issues should communicate with a doctor before this trip.

    • Yes, you can combine your Mount Kailash tour with visits to Lhasa, Everest Base Camp, or other places inside Tibet.

    • Facilities are basic. Carry personal hygiene products and a portable water filter for convenience.

    • Photography is generally allowed, but restrictions apply to some monasteries and sacred sites.

    • Meals include basic Tibetan, Nepali, and Chinese dishes. Options are limited, especially in remote areas.

    • Completing the kora is considered a profound spiritual achievement. Walking around the mountain symbolizes cleansing sins and gaining blessings.

    • The tour is not recommended for absolute beginners due to the high altitude and demanding trek. Some prior trekking experience can be helpful.

    • Yes, avoid touching religious artifacts, respect local customs, and ask for permission before photographing people or religious sites.

    • Independent travel to Mount Kailash is not allowed for international travelers. You must join a guided tour or you should have your group.

    • Costs vary depending on the travel duration, inclusions of services, and the tour operator. Prices typically range from around US$ 1,400 to US$ 4,000 per person.

    • The Mount Kailash Overland Tour is a unique journey that combines spirituality and adventure. Located in Tibet, an autonomous region of China, This Mount is considered as a sacred. The trip usually involves traveling through Nepal or China.

    • Yes, due to the high elevation (over 4,500 meters), altitude sickness is a risk. Proper acclimatization and precautions are crucial.

    • Essentials include warm clothing, sturdy trekking shoes, a sleeping bag, water purification tablets, sunscreen, and altitude sickness medication.

    • Accommodations range from basic guesthouses to tents at stops along the journey. Expect very basic facilities.

    • Most travelers start from Kathmandu, Nepal, or Lhasa, Tibet. From there, you travel by road to Darchen, the base for the Mount Kailash trek.

    • Yes, international travelers from all over the world need a Tibet Travel Permit and visa to visit Mount Kailash. For 2025 specific countries do not need visas anymore to travel to Tibet. Your travel agent in Kathmandu will arrange all the necessary paperwork regarding this tour.

    • Due to the high altitude and rugged terrain, the trek (kora) is considered moderately to highly challenging. It covers about 52 km and typically takes three days.

    • The best time to do this trip is in summer when the weather is very good, starting from April to the end of September is a good time to travel Mount Kailash.

    • Mount Kailash is holy to four religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. In Hinduism, it is believed to be the house of Lord Shiva and a symbol of cosmic power in other faiths.

    • Mount Kailash is located in the Tibet province of China, which is also considered a center of religious faith.

    Kalpana Neupane
    Need assistance?Mrs. Kalpana Neupane (Travel Consultant)

    Call: +977 9851199586 or WhatsApp Chat: +977 9851199586