10 Days Overland Group Tour to Kailash and Manasarovar from Kathmandu

In the morning, our team in Kathmandu will assist you in boarding a jeep to the Nepal-China border at Rasuwa Gadi. The drive is about 130 kilometers and typically takes 7 hours.

Although the road is quite rough, the incredible mountain scenery more than compensates. As you travel, you’ll be treated to stunning views of snow-covered peaks towering above dense forests on the southern slopes of the Himalayas.

Upon arriving in Rasuwa Gadi, check in to your hotel and take a good rest.

Overnight in Rasuwa Gadi.

In the morning, our Nepal border staff will escort you to the border during a 15 km drive to the Gyirong checkpoint, where you will enter China. On the Gyirong side, our Tibetan guide will wait for you and lead you to Gyirong town with a one-hour drive.

This is your first day in Tibet, and it is dedicated to acclimatizing to the high altitude. You’ll stay in Gyirong Town, at an elevation of 2,800 meters, which gives you time to adjust before heading to higher elevations. While acclimatizing, enjoy exploring the scenic Gyirong Valley.

Also, you’ll have the chance to visit Paba Monastery, which is located in the center of Gyirong town. It is a historic landmark showcasing traditional Tibetan Buddhist faith and architecture. After that, you’ll head to Kepu Village and take a short hike to the sacred meditation cave of Master Tsongkhapa, a place filled with spiritual significance.

After finishing today’s sightseeing, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow group members.

Overnight in Gyirong.

This morning, you’ll leave Gyirong and travel towards the Mount Everest region, climbing to over 4,500 meters. This 380-kilometer trip takes you from lush valleys to vast plateaus.

The journey offers a mix of landscapes, from forests and waterfalls to towering cliffs. You’ll cross the Kong Tang Lamu Mountain Pass at 5,236 meters, which opens up the views of the plateau. Along the way, you'll pass by Shishapangma Peak (8,027 meters) and Lake Paiku Tso, known for its tranquil beauty.

Keep an eye out—you may catch a glimpse of rare wildlife such as wild donkeys and antelopes. On your way to Saga, you'll also cross paths with the majestic Brahmaputra River.

Finally, you will arrive in Saga.

Overnight in Saga.

Today’s journey takes you through valleys between the Himalayas and the Gangdise Mountains, leading to the sacred Mount Kailash.

Along the way, enjoy watching herds of yaks and sheep grazing at the base of the snow-capped mountains, and take in the beauty of Gongzhuo Lake. After crossing the Mayum La Pass at 5,211 meters, you’ll enter Ngari. Here, the breathtaking Lake Manasarovar and the towering Mount Kailash await.

Continue walking along the lake, and you’ll arrive at your journey's destination: Darchen, the starting point for the Mount Kailash kora trek. Once there, you can relax at the hotel, taking time to rest and prepare for the upcoming three-day trek.

Overnight in Darchen.

Warm Tips:
If you need a porter during the trek, please inform your guide in advance. Note that this service is not covered by the tour cost and will require an additional fee.

Your trek around Mount Kailash begins today, starting with an eco-friendly bus ride from Darchen to Sarshung village. From there, the 13-kilometer trek follows the valley at the base of Mount Kailash, offering magnificent views of its southern and western slopes.

Upon reaching Dirapuk Monastery, located at the base of the western slope, you’ll check in at the guesthouse. After settling in, take some time to explore the ancient monastery and enjoy the stunning sunset over Mount Kailash, with the afterglow lighting up the cliffs.

As night falls, the sight of the moon over Mount Kailash’s peak will be unforgettable.

Overnight in Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse.

Get ready for the most challenging day of the trek, as you’ll cross the Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters, a sacred point on the route.

Set out early from Dirapuk Monastery, and after a 4-kilometer hike, you’ll reach 5,430 meters, where you can witness the sunrise over Mount Kailash’s northwest face. Continue trekking for another 2 kilometers to Dolma La Pass, where prayer flags flutter in the wind and the sacred atmosphere is palpable.

Along the journey, you'll see devoted pilgrims prostrating themselves on the sacred ground, their bodies tracing the path across boulders and rocky terrain, showing their deep devotion.

Descending from the pass, you’ll encounter the Lake of Compassion (also known as Guri Kund), believed to wash away a lifetime of sins. From this point, you can also admire the thick glaciers blanketing the northwest slope of Mount Kailash.

As you descend further, the landscape opens up, leading you to the valley at the southeast base of Mount Kailash. In this valley, you might spot rare wildlife and come across grassy meadows, where you can stop for relaxation.

Overnight in Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse.

Warm Tips:
Due to the high altitude of Dolma La Pass, even summer trails can be icy and rocky. Please be cautious and watch your footing.

This is the final day of your trek around Mount Kailash.

In the early morning, you'll set off from Zutulpuk Monastery, retracing your steps back to Darchen—the starting and ending point of this spiritual journey.

In the afternoon, your guide will take you on a scenic 30-kilometer drive to the sacred Lake Manasarovar. Upon arrival, walk down to the lake’s edge and touch its holy waters.

Here, you may join other devotees in a kora around the lake, listen to the soft lapping of waves, or simply wash your face and hands—an act believed by both Hindus and Buddhists to hold deep spiritual meaning.

Along the way, the bus will stop at several sacred sites, such as Trugu Monastery and the Demon Lake viewpoint. On a clear day, you’ll have the rare chance to capture Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in a single panoramic shot.

At the lakeside, hot springs are also available. If you feel tired from the trek, consider soaking your feet or relaxing in the warm waters.

After this enriching experience, return to Darchen to conclude the day’s journey.

Overnight in Darchen.

Today, you’ll drive back to Saga, taking in the beautiful scenery of the Ngari Plateau, the Himalayas, and the Gangdise Mountains. You can stop along the way to appreciate the lush grasslands, lakes and wildlife of Ngari.

Overnight in Saga.

Today, you’ll leave the Ngari Plateau and journey towards the border, passing through the stunning Gyirong Valley.

After breakfast, your guide will take you through the lush forests and deep gorges of this beautiful region. As the altitude decreases, you’ll transition from barren snow-capped peaks to vibrant forests. Gyirong Valley is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the world, praised by British explorer Howard-Bury.

In this stunning valley, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Sherpa villages, stroll through lush forests, and catch glimpses of snow-covered peaks peeking above the treetops. Unlike the dry, high-altitude environment of Ngari, Gyirong offers a moist and temperate climate—bringing a refreshing contrast that creates an entirely new travel experience.

After finishing today’s sightseeing, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow group members.

Overnight in Gyirong.

In the morning, you’ll say farewell to your Tibetan guide and driver. At the Nepal border, our staff will assist you with luggage handling (additional fees may apply), and help with your Nepalese visa procedures. Then, a private car will transfer you back to your hotel in Kathmandu.

On the way, you can enjoy the views of numerous snow-capped mountains along the southern Himalayan foothills, such as Gaurishankar Himal (7,134 meters), Ganesh Himal (7,422 meters), Annapurna Range's Annapurna III (7,555 meters), Lamjung W (6,983 meters), Mount Kanguru (6,981 meters), Himchuli West (6,441 meters), Ngadi Chuli (7,871 meters), and Gaurishankar (7,181 meters).

Due to the tough road conditions, we won’t make many stops, but the stunning scenery will provide a perfect conclusion to your journey.

The tour service ends.