Day 01: Kathmandu (1400m) – Kyirong Bazar (2200 m)(145) km.
Day 02: Kyirong Bazar (2200 m) rest and explore around.
Day 03: Kerung – Saga Bazar (4600m).
Day 04: Saga Bazar – Manasarovar Lake – (4560m) 560km– 7 hours drive.
Day 05: Manasarovar Lake – Darchen (4560m) 30km
Day 06: Darchen – Dirapuk (4900m).
Day 07: Dirapuk – Zutulpuk – (4790m) 22km - 10 hours.
Day 08: Zutulpuk - Darchen - Saga Bazar.
Day 09: Saga Bazar– Kyirong Bazar.
Day 10: Kyirong Bazar – Kathmandu (1400m) then transfer to Hotel.
We enjoy an early morning drive through the typical rural landscapes of Nepal from Kathmandu to Kyirong Bazar (145 km), a journey of approximately 8 hours. After completing immigration and customs formalities, we continue uphill to Kyirong Bazar, a Tibetan border town. Upon arrival at the checkpoint, our Tibetan guide will meet the group, and we then proceed along the mountain road, ascending to Kirong Bazar for an overnight stay. Accommodation will be in a guesthouse.
This day is dedicated to rest and acclimatization, allowing us to adapt to the higher altitudes to come.
As we depart from Kyirung, we continue our journey across the Lalung La Pass (5,200 m), where breathtaking mountain vistas unfold at every turn. The route passes the stunning turquoise waters of Peiku Tso Lake, with spectacular views of Mt. Shishapangma (8,013 m) rising majestically in the background. The trail then follows a course alongside the Brahmaputra River before descending into a wide river valley dotted with traditional Tibetan villages.
This scenically rewarding drive offers countless opportunities for photography and videography. From here, the route continues along the northern approach, winding through the vast Tibetan plateau. After covering approximately 295 km, we arrive at Saga at an elevation of 4,600 meters. Upon reaching Saga, we will either set up camp at a suitable campsite for the night or stay in a local hotel or guesthouse.
Today is one of the most auspicious days of our journey, as we will catch our first glimpse of the holy Mount Kailash and the sacred Lake Manasarovar. A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, this is an opportunity to take a holy dip in the lake, relax, and explore the serene surroundings of Manasarovar. The rest of the day is free for personal reflection and enjoyment of this spiritually significant place. Overnight accommodation will be in a tented camp or guesthouse.
The crystal-clear turquoise waters of sacred Lake Manasarovar make it one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. The lake is home to a variety of aquatic life and migratory birds, including swans. Surrounded by the majestic Mount Kailash, Gurla Mandhata, and Rakshastal, the region is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and deep spiritual significance. The area is also known for its mineral resources, hot springs, and diverse wildlife.
We spend the day exploring the shores of Lake Manasarovar before driving to Darchen, a journey of approximately one hour. From there, we continue to Chu Gompa, where we will spend the night.
Early in the morning, after breakfast, our trek begins. You will meet your team of yaks and experienced Tibetan yak handlers, who will accompany and support you throughout the sacred Kora (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash.
Starting from Darchen, the trail leads through verdant meadows and alongside picturesque streams toward the beautiful Lha Chu Valley. Along the way, you will enjoy views of the turquoise river flowing through a narrow canyon framed by dramatic cliffs. As the trek progresses, the magnificent north face of Mount Kailash gradually comes into view, offering one of the most awe-inspiring sights of the pilgrimage.
The route then approaches the historic Dirapuk Monastery, a monastery dating back to the 13th century. Visiting this sacred site is considered a special blessing and is one of the highlights of the Mount Kailash pilgrimage and trekking experience.
After completing the day's trek, we arrive at Dirapuk, where we will spend the night either in a campsite or a local guesthouse.
Leaving the Lha Chu Valley behind, we continue our trek toward the Drolma Chu Valley. Today's journey is the most challenging and rewarding section of the sacred Kora, as we ascend to Drolma La Pass (5,630 m), the highest point of the pilgrimage.
Upon reaching the summit, we are rewarded with spectacular views and a glimpse of the sacred Gauri Kund, also known as the Lake of Compassion. The sight of colorful prayer flags fluttering across the pass adds to the spiritual atmosphere, making the strenuous ascent truly worthwhile.
From Drolma La, the trail descends steeply before easing into the broad plains of Zutul-Puk. This area is home to the revered Zutulpuk Monastery and several meditation caves associated with the great Tibetan yogi Milarepa. Among these is the famous Milarepa Cave, where pilgrims believe his footprints and elbow imprints can still be seen on the sacred rocks and mani stones.
As we continue our Parikrama (Kora) around Mount Kailash, we arrive at Zutul-Puk, where we will spend the night in a campsite or guesthouse. The day's journey is both spiritually uplifting and physically rewarding, offering an unforgettable blend of adventure, devotion, and natural beauty.
Our pilgrimage trek concludes upon returning to Darchen, from where we drive to Saga for an overnight stay in a camp, guesthouse, or hotel. Having completed the sacred Parikrama (Kora) of Mount Kailash, we are filled with a profound sense of spiritual fulfillment and inner peace. The religious rituals and experiences along the journey leave a lasting impression, and despite the physical challenges of the trek, we retire for the night with deep gratitude and a sense of accomplishment after an extraordinary day.
You cross the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River) by ferry and continue your drive for approximately 250 km to Kyirung Bazar. Soon after leaving Saga, the road opens onto the vast Tibetan plateau, offering sweeping views of wide-open plains, distant mountain ranges, and grazing herds of yaks and sheep. The journey passes through picturesque valleys and traditional Tibetan settlements, providing a glimpse into the unique culture and lifestyle of the region. As you approach Kyirung, the landscape gradually becomes greener and more dramatic, with snow-capped peaks and deep river gorges creating a spectacular backdrop. Upon arrival in Kyirung, you will check into a guesthouse or hotel for an overnight stay.
From Kyirung, we descend toward the border town of Zhangmu. From Zhangmu, it is a short journey to the Friendship Bridge, which spans the Bhote Koshi River and marks the China–Nepal border. Here, you bid farewell to your Tibetan guide and driver before walking down to the Nepalese Immigration Control at Kodari, where you will be met by your Nepalese escorts. After completing the re-entry formalities, you continue the scenic drive back to Kathmandu. Depending on road and weather conditions, the journey takes approximately 5–6 hours.