Kailash Overland Tour

Today, we will explore some of the major spiritual and cultural attractions in Kathmandu Valley. Our day starts with a visit to the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, you will participate in a special pooja conducted by temple priests to seek blessings for your Kailash Yatra journey.

*You will be requested to pay NPR 1,000 per person for the Rudra Pooja at the Pashupatinath*

After the pooja, we will proceed to visit the Guheshwari Shaktipeeth, a revered Shakti temple known for its powerful energy and spiritual significance. Next, we will stop at the Jalnarayan Temple, another important pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Following the temple visits, you will return to the hotel to relax and have time for any last-minute gear shopping or preparations for your upcoming journey. Overnight stay at the Hotel Yak & Yeti (Twin Share – Five Star).

Today, we will explore some of the iconic cultural landmarks of Kathmandu Valley. Start with a visit to the sacred Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, for a panoramic view of the city and spiritual blessings. Next, proceed to Doleshwor Mahadev Temple, the head part of Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand, consecrated by the priest from Kedarnath Temple. Later, visit the Saga Mahadev Statue – tallest Shiva statue in Nepal, and we return to the hotel for rest and relaxation. Overnight stay at the Hotel Yak & Yeti (Twin Share – Five Star).

We start our early morning journey to Ghattekhola with a scenic view along the way from Kathmandu on the bumpy road. The settlement of Ghattekhola is located at Langtang, in Kathmandu's northern area. After about 6 to 8 hours of driving, we will arrive in Ghattekhola through the Pasang Lhamu Highway.

Depending upon our arrival time to the immigration, we will set out for the Rasuwagadhi - Kerung border or the ‘Friendship Bridge’ at the Nepal-Tibet border. We will try our all best to cross the immigration border on time in about one and half hours to reach Kerung (also known as Gyirung), the first village in Tibet. Overnight stay at Hotel QomoLazung (Twin Share)

***Please note, due to unforeseen delays, we might need to stay at a guesthouse overnight (2-4 people shared room with basic accommodation). In this case, early morning after breakfast we will cross the border. ***

After breakfast, we will leave Kerung with our group with stunning views at the higher altitude heading deeper into the Tibetan Plateau.The journey offers breathtaking scenery as we travel over high mountain passes, including Thong La and La Lung. Along the way, we will pass the shimmering Lake Peiku Tso (4,590m) and cross the mighty Brahmaputra River. You might also catch sight of traditional Tibetan wildlife in the distance—yaks, antelopes, and flocks of sheep. As we gain altitude and reach Saga, sitting at 4,640 meters, you will start to feel the thinner air, so this stop also helps us with acclimatization. We will spend the next two nights here to adjust to the elevation. You will stay two nights at Hotel Lunbu Gangri (Twin Share).

Today, we will take it easy and spend the day at Saga to help you acclimatize to the higher altitude. You will have the chance to enjoy gentle walks and explore the local area at your own pace. It’s a perfect day to soak up the unique Tibetan environment and prepare for the days ahead. You will stay overnight at the same hotel Lunbu Gangri (Twin Share).

Wake up early in the morning and after breakfast, set off on a scenic drive the holy Lake Manasarovar, lying at an altitude of 4558 meters. The holy lake is believed to be the resting place of Lord Bishnu. The lake surrounded by Mount Kailash, Mount Gurula-Mandata, and Lake Rakshasha (Rakshasha Taal). The Rakshasha Taal is believed to be created by the Evil King Ravan, and the locals believe the water is poisonous. Stay at a Qugu guesthouse near the shore of the holy Lake Manasoravar and witnessing the Shining Stars at night (Group sharingin a very basic room) – Qugu Guest House.

Another day at the highest freshwater lake in the world, the holy Manasoravar Lake, lying at an altitude of 4558 meters, stretching wide with a pristine greenish-blue colour. Saty and explore the amusement.  Overnight stay at the same Qugu Guesthouse (Group sharing in a very basic room).

*Note: Additional Upgrade Option Available for Mansarovar Hot Springs Hotel – USD 150.00 per person per day. No Single Rooms Upgrades Available.

We will get into our spiritual experience and perform rituals (pooja) at the bank of the Holy Lake Manasarovar at our own cost. Our staff will provide a bucket of hot holy water for each Yatri from Lake Manasarovar, the blessed water for bath. After completing our pooja and prayers, we will complete the Parikrama of the Manasarovar Lake on a Jeep/bus before continuing our journey to the base camp of Kailash, Darchen. This village is settled right in front of the sacred Mount Kailash. We will stay overnight at the local Hotel Yihao/Castle ***(Twin Share).

Firstly, we will start with short drive from Darchen to Yama Dwar, the small settlement of Tarboche, also called Darboche. It is the starting point of the Kailash Kora and known as the Valley of Gods. Yama Dwar is known as the gateway to the God of Death, where we begin our trekking to Dirapuk.

Our first day of parikrama starts here by walking or by hiring Horse and Sherpa to carry you and your backpack (AT YOUR OWN COST). You will continue trekking forabout 14km and takes around 6 to 8 hours. Although the path is mostly flat, the high altitude and thin air make it quite challenging.

This day is considered deeply auspicious, with breathtaking views of the sacred Mount Kailash. We will settle in for two nights at a guesthouse in Dirapuk, located right in front of the North Face of Mount Kailash

(Shishabangma guesthouse - Group sharing in a very basic room)

Don’t miss witnessing the magical transformation of Golden Kailash during the sunrise, a spectacle cherished by all Shiva devotees.

Mount Kailash looks absolute breathtaking from Dirapuk, and many feel drawn to get closer and touch the feet of Lord Shiva. This Special Touch towards Mount Kailash with a short trek for 6km from Dirapuk is known as Charan Sparsh and we hike early in the morning. This trek is optional and best attempted if you are feeling fit and healthy, as you have only limited time and the next morning you will be heading towards a more challenging path. After our darshan at Charan Sparsh, we will return to Dirapuk later in the day.

If you would like to rest and relax, you can stay at the guest house with a great view of the North facing Mount Kailash and spend a second night at a Dirapuk guesthouse (Group sharing in a very basic room).

***Please note: Charan Sparsha (touching the base of Mount Kailash) is subject to local regulations and may not be permitted at the time of travel. Availability will depend on the prevailing laws and restrictions enforced by the authorities. If incase, the local laws do not allow for 2 night’s stay at Drirapuk, we will change the itinerary to replacement night at Darchen.***

Among the three days of the Kora, today is the longest and most challenging part of the journey. We will first head towards the village of Jarok Donkhang either by walking or on horse if you have hired at own cost.From there, we will hike several kilometers towards Shiva-stal, tackling the steep and demanding climb up to Dolma La Pass.

After taking a rest for a few minutes, we will take a steep downhill path leading to a glimpse of the Holy Pond of ‘Gauri Kund’ and reach the banks of Lham-chu Khir river by walking only.

Even if you hired a horse, you would need to walk down the extreme downhill path for a few kilometres. Your horseman will meet you and pick you up from the second tea house to take you to Zuthulpuk guest house.

We will then arrive at the village of Zuthulpuk, this place is named after the famous Juthulpuk cave, also known as the Miracle Cave. Along the way, we will also see the Buddha’s Footprints, and we will spend the night at the Government guest house in Zuthulpuk (Group sharing in a very basic room)

We will complete our Kora with 3-4 hours climb, covering approximately 7km making our way back to the Darchen settlement. We will have our breakfast/lunch there before heading back to Saga, where we will spend the night at Saga in the same hotel Lunbu Gangri **** (Twin Share).

We will enjoy a scenic ride on paved Tibetan roads back to the settlement of Kerung, which is located at the border town between Nepal and Tibet. In the afternoon, you will spend your time resting or shopping for Souvenir around the small town. Overnight stay at Hotel Pilgrims Inn *** (Twin Share)

After breakfast, we will drive to the immigration office to complete the necessary immigration procedures at the Nepal-Tibet border. Then, we will drive back to Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. In the afternoon, you will have some time for souvenir shopping. Overnight stay at the Hotel Royal Singi **** (Twin Share).

As our program concludes today, this day is yours to enjoy leisure. You may wish to spend time packing, exploring local spots like Thamel Market or the tranquil Garden of Dreams or even visit Pashupatinath Temple for a moment of reflection and thanks giving before departure.

We could also organize a day trip at your own cost by taking a flight from Domestic Airport to Janakpur to visit Janaki temple, Vivaha Mandap, Ram Mandir and Dhanusha Sham and return to Kathmandu after lunch. Overnight stay at the Hotel Yak and Yeti ***** (Twin Share).

After your wonderful darshan and completion of memorable moments of Yatra, our representatives will drop you at the airport as per your flight scheduled time.

*Please note: Your stay in Kathmandu with your departure date after the 16thday will be at your own expense for accommodation, food and travel.*