Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Road

Duration- 13 Nights / 14 Days

Mode of Transportation- Shared vehicle with experienced English speaking chauffer

Meals- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Tour Manager- Available at your service right from your arrival till departure

Tour Guide- Local tour guide will be made available at all the locations

Inclusions- All inclusive except expense of personal nature like laundry, entry fee of camera etcetera

Hotel Category- Category of your choice. At few places only basic hotels or camps available

About Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash (standing tall at approximately 22000 feet) is not just a mere massive mountain situated in the Great Himalayas, it is much greater than that. For believers living in various parts of the world, it is an embodiment of spirituality, faith, religion, hope and of love. Mount Kailash, the holiest of the holy mountains is situated within the Tibetan Plateau. Tibetan Plateau is the highest in the world, and is rightly said to be the “Roof of the World”. According to Hindu beliefs, Holy Mount Kailash is considered to be an Abode of Lord Shiva, where he lives with his consort Goddess Parvati. It is said that Lord Shiva still resides atop the mountain and perform various activities like practicing yoga, meditation, etc. It is believed to be an incredible personification of a place of peace and power. Some even believe and consider it to be “Heaven on Earth”. It is the most worshipped mountains in the world, and is considered to be of massive spiritual significance for four different religions, namely Hinduism, Budhhism, Jainism and Tibetan Bon Tons. The Tibetan Buddhists regard the mountain as Kang Rimpoche, or ‘The Precious one among Glacial Snow’ and believe it to be the residence of Demchog or Chakrasamvara. The Jains call the mountain as Astapada and their belief is that this is the place where the first of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, Rishaba attained liberation. Mount Kailash of holy Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been embedded deeply in the myths of Ancient Asia as a sacred place since eternity. Many theories believe it to be the center and birthplace of entire world. Pilgrims believe that by making it through the pilgrimage and having a divine view of the Abode, they will attain Nirvana and all their sins will be cleansed off. Anyone who visits the place and indulges in the pilgrim trek will feel the immense power and peace this place holds within. It is believed that anyone who comes here will be attaining enlightenment.

About Lake Mansarovar

The entire journey of holy Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is full of great folklores, mysteries and superior beliefs. The best part about the sacred yatra is that it does not just consist of the Mountain; it also takes you in front of the Holy Lake Mansarovar.

Along this holiest of the holy yatra, pilgrims indulge in pilgrimage of a wonderous and sacred Lake Mansarovar, which stands at the foot of Mount Kailash. Lake Mansarovar stretches up till approximately 88 kilometers area wise and is famous worldwide as a divine freshwater lake with crystal-clear and pristine waters. It is also said to be changing colors, from crystal blue towards the edges to emerald green in the center. A full moon night is supposed to be the best an ideal opportunity to see the Lake at its best as it shines like a jewel. Believers and pilgrims who come for the yatra, believe that completing a full kora or circumambulation of Lake Mansarovar is considered to be an act of wish fulfillment and it cleanses our soul from all sins of previous hundred years. As per Hinduism, the Lake was formed inside the mind of Lord Brahma, hence the name Mansarovar was given to it. ‘Manas’ means ‘Mind’, and ‘Sarovar’ means ‘a large water body’. Another very positive and interesting belief about the sacred lake is that when you take a holy dip inside the pristine waters of Mansarovar, you feel something otherworldly. It is said that the dip can cleanse away all your pains and sorrows and all your negative energies within seconds. Drinking its water or bathing in the lake will again, get your soul as well as your mind clear of any negative thoughts and will set you on track to attain Nirvana. Pilgrims also have stated to see several events in their lives or moments from their past after they took a small dip in the freezing waters. This interesting phenomenon has been experienced by many people with reverence and wonder.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: When and How?

The journey through the Kailash Mansarovar yatra is divine in itself and on the way you may experience many different destinations holding some unique and sacred significance in the minds of the pilgrims coming here from different parts of the planet. This trek is stated to be the most challenging and adventurous of all the pilgrim treks in the world. You will experience lush green valleys, infinitely stretched barren lands, a range of snow-capped mountains and beautiful lakes. It is indeed an experience of a lifetime and a “bucket-list worthy” trip to take.

The visit happens from May till the finish of September in the Tibetan area of China. The most important part of the pilgrimage is known as the kora. A kora means to steer while circling around any particular place or spot. It is accepted that any individual who finishes the kora will gather up the entirety of their wrongdoings that he or she might have committed in life. Various religions have various convictions about the parikrama of Mt. Kailash. The Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims complete the kora, clockwise, while the Jains as well as the Bon pilgrims walk around the mountain anti-clockwise. The total length of a full kora around the Holy Mountain is 56 kilometers. The landscape scene is quiet risky and the journey turns out to be steep and unpleasant now and again. Hence, the pilgrims need to be at the best of their health to complete the journey.

Mount Kailash Parikrama

The Mount Kailash trek or parikrama is rightly said to be one of the most daunting and dangerous one for the pilgrims in the world. It takes 3 days to complete the one full round or kora around the Shiva’s Abode. The trek is divided into three days since our bodies are not programmed to be trekking in such high altitude and in such light breathing conditions. The base camp is setup in Darchen which is at an altitude of around 15,000 feet above sea level. There are camps or local guesthouses for accommodation and to relax the mind and soul after the tiring climb and descent around the mountain. The first day trek starts from Darchen and heads towards Dirapuk Monastery. This day is a very easy day since the trek route is mild and moderate with just some little ups and downs. You just need to stick together with the group at all points. The second day of the trek starts from Dirapuk and takes you all the way to Zuthulphuk Monastery. This day is the most daunting as well as the most tiring or challenging day of the three. It takes you through the Drolma La Pass, which is the highest point of the trek at an elevation of 5630m. The trek is extremely dangerous with drastic ascents and descents and one needs to be very careful with the same as it features a rough and rugged terrain. It is advised to not stay at the Drolma La pass for much long since the thin air and strong cold winds could be harmful. The third and last leg of the kora is the easiest, covers the least distance and completes the holy parikrama of the Mount Kailash at Darchen. While this is certainly not a picturesque stretch of the kora, the consistent ground underneath permits you to float off and ponder the previous three days.

Darchen

Darchen is the base camp for starting the parikrama to the holy Mount Kailash. It is situated right in front of the mountain and is basically a small village. Darchen is surrounded by several varieties of tea shops, so people could stay warm. Due to its location, people travelling on a Kailash Mansarovar yatra need to rest in here every year. People start their trek from here, and those who do not want to go further can stay here for a few days before heading back home with the group.

Yam Dwar

‘The Gateway to the God of Death’ and ‘The Gate of Salvation’ is a few names or meanings given to the mysterious Yam Dwar located in Tarboche at an elevation of about 15,000 feet. People or pilgrims going forward on the pilgrimage trek around the holy Kailash parvat, need to go through this door so all their sins are gone and they can achieve Nirvana. People tend to pray to the God of Death – ‘Yam’ while passing through the gate so they could start their holy pilgrimage and for the deceased to pass through the bridge in their spiritual form.

Rakshas Tal

The lake of devil or the Rakshas Tal carries many mysterious tales and folklores regarding the Demon King – Ravana. It is situated near the Lake Mansarovar and the most interesting thing about the lake is that it was once a part of the holiest lake Mansarovar. It is recognized throughout the world as the sole saltwater lake in Tibet and is said to comprise of poisonous gases. Earlier, it used to be a part of Lake Mansarovar, but then due to the geographical shifts and movements the two lakes got separated. A thin isthmus of mountains separates them now, as if differentiating the good and the bad.  The Rakshas Tal is said to be the dwelling place of Ravana and thus, is of great historical and spiritual relevance.

Nandi Parvat

Nandi is Lord Shiva’s sacred vehicle and a symbol of honor existing in today’s time as the holy Nandi Parvat. It is said to be one the most vital peaks in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra holding utmost divinity. Nandi is said to be born as human, but is depicted as a half-man half-bull or a bull sitting with its limbs folded. It is said that he was said to die at the age of 8, and so he started worshipping to Lord Shiva with great attention and passion. This made Lord Shiva happy and he gave a piece of a necklace with a bell attached to Nandi thus transforming him into half-human half-bull and making him immortal. It is said that Nandi is the hub of powers, provider of boons, a true symbol of honor, justice, faith, wisdom and boldness and also the protector of Dharma.

Gauri Kund

Also called as Parvati Sarovar, the Gauri Kund consists of a plethora of tales and folklores about Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is one of the most winsome lakes across the globe. It is recognized as “The Lake of Compassion” and is tucked at an elevation of around 5608 metres above sea level. The ancient tale relating to the Gauri Kund has been very illustrated in the holy Shiva Purana. According to the tale, it is said that Gauri Kund is the place where Goddess Parvati was able to get back her son – Lord Ganesha. Gauri Kund is said to be an essential spot to be seen by all the pilgrims of the Kailash yatra. The splashing of the water of the Kund is believed to purify your senses and your soul.

Ashtapad

Ashtapad is considered to be one of the most splendid pilgrimage spots and is spotted by all tourists or pilgrims on their way to the holy Abode of Lord Shiva. It is known as the place where the first Tirthankar of Jains, Bhagwan Rishabdev achieved Nirvana and thus, the spot is very significant to the Jain religion. Ashtapad simply translates to eight steps which states that there is a prevalence of eight mountain peaks on this religious or divine spot. Amongst all the destinations or places falling in between the Kailash Mansarovar yatra, Ashtapad is said to be the most beautiful due to the natural scenic views and the positive holy vibe present at this place. Experience and visit all these unique and divine places on your way to the holy abode of Shiva on your pilgrimage.

Visa for NRI and Foreigners: For entering into Nepal visa can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu against the visa fee. In order to obtain Chinese visa, we need to submit the original passport with application form, coloured recent photograph and visa fee to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu only. The Chinese Embassy takes 2-3 working days to issue such visa. Therefore the trip has to be planned keeping days in hand.

Day 1- Arrival Kathmandu

Upon arrival you will be transferred to hotel. Post check in formalities, day at leisure.

Local excursions can be planned depending upon your arrival time.

Night stay- Kathmandu

Day 2– Kathmandu

Post breakfast at hotel we will spend the whole day exploring Kathmandu.

Today’s Excursion-

• Swoyambhunath Stupa: A famous pilgrimage site for Buddhists, is located on a beautiful hill from where you can see almost the entire Kathmandu Valley.

• Kathmandu Durbar Square: It is one of the three main palace areas in the Kathmandu Valley. This is the largest and has the best examples of Newari craftsmanship in its temples, monuments, and palace buildings built by various kings. You can also meet the living goddess "Kumari" in the rooms of Kathmandu's Durbar Square.

• Pashupatinath Temple: Located at the bank of Bagmati river, it is a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus. Since only Hindus are allowed inside the shrine other visitors can enjoy the view from eastern bank of river.

• Boudhanath Stupa: This means lord of wisdom. This stupa is considered the center of faith for Buddhists. It is the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in world.

Night stay- Kathmandu

Day 3– Kathmandu to Dhunche or Shyabru Besi (90 miles / 7 hours) (Altitude-3200 meters)

Post relaxing breakfast at hotel we will commence our journey towards Kailash Mansarovar. Today we will drive to Dhunche or Shyabru Besi.

The road conditions and traffic on some of the stretch is not good hence it can be a bit tiring drive even though the distance is less.

Night stay- Dhunche / Shyabru Besi

Day 4– Dhunche / Shyabru Besi to Keyrong (80 miles / 4 hours) (Altitude-4130 meters)

Post breakfast at hotel, we will drive to Rasuwagadi which is a border between Nepal and Tibet. Rasuwagadi which is at 10 miles from Shyabru Besi. Here we complete our immigration formalities and cross the border on foot to reach Tibet. Here we will board Chinese bus dropping us at Keyrong.

Night stay- Keyrong

Day 5– Keyrong (Altitude-4130 meters)

Today is a rest day to acclimatize and prepare for our journey ahead. Enjoy relaxing breakfast and then participate in a small trek while walking amidst the market places and other local areas in Keyrong.

Tour manager will conduct a short briefing session and answer all your queries.

Night stay- Keyrong

Day 6– Keyrong to New Dongba (230 miles / 7 hours) (Altitude-4626 meters)

Post relaxing breakfast we drive through the mountains followed by plains with a splendid picturesque view of lake Pieko-Tso. We cross river Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) for the north and arrive at a settlement of Saga.

After a short break at Saga we begin our journey forward to New Dongba. Enjoy the beautiful high plains of Tibet on the way

Night stay- New Dongba

Day 7– New Dongba to Lake Mansarovar (220 miles / 7 hours) (Altitude-4590 meters)

Post breakfast we will start early today. Today is going to be really important since we are going to have darshan of pious Manasarovar Lake.

We will take a midway halt at the Mayumla Pass (4800m) to complete our custom formalities.

After short break we will drive further to Manasarovar Lake. Once we reach Mansarovar Lake we will start the Parikrama of Lake (70 miles). We will complete 70% of Parikrama today and remaining 30% will be completed on the last day of Parikrama of Mount Kailash.

Spend the remaining day at a bank of Lake Manasarovar. The beauty and vastness of Mansarovar lake cannot be described in words but has to have experienced. Enjoy the breathtaking view of mount Kailash while doing parikrama of Mansarovar Lake and it will be memorable for lifetime.

If weather permits, we can visit Lake Mansarovar in the night or early morning (Brahm Muhurt) too to witness the divinity of the place.

• About Lake Mansarovar: Kindly take a note that here the only source for water is the holy lake Manasarovar. This is one of the highest fresh water lakes in the world and its water is considered to be good for the purification of body and soul. This natural water is used in cooking, bathing, washing clothes etc and boiled / hot water of the lake is served for drinking in the event when we have shortage of packaged water . If you are not comfortable with this you should use water purifier tablets.

• Mansarovar Lake in the night: Mansarovar Lake is just few minute walk away from your guesthouse. You may go to the lake in the night to explore its beauty under the moon. There are many myths and stories associated with the night view of the holy lake which the travelers may experience by themselves. Though it is safe to go out late in the night but it is advisable to remain in a group and take one of your guides/sherpas with you for help.

Night stay- Mansarovar

Day 8- Mansarovar to Darchen (25 miles / 1.30 hours) (Altitude–4590 meters)

Post relaxing breakfast and exploring Mansarovar for half day we will leave for Darchen. Darchen is base for Kailash Parikrama & Ashtapad darshan. Will visit Asthapad if get permission from Chinese authorities.

Darchen is from where the circumambulation (parikrama) around Mt. Kailash begins.

In the first half, we will take a holy bath and perform Puja at divine Lake Mansarovar. This day is for bathing with Mansarovar water and we can do spiritual activities in Mansarovar. Spend half day at a bank of Lake Manasarovar later we drive to Darchen. On the way we will get glimpse of Rakshash taal (Ravansarovar) a salt-water lake where we get a first glimpse of Mount Kailash.

Post arrival check in and day at leisure.

Night stay- Darchen

Day 09- First Day Parikrama of Mount Kailash (Trekking-7.5 miles- 4 / 6 hours) (Altitude–5210 meters)

Early in the morning after breakfast, we will drive to Yamdwar and then trek to Dirapuk (7.5 miles first day Parikrama).

On this trekking, we get blessed with the darshan of North Face of Mount Kailash, which considered being most auspicious, they know it as Gate to Moksha. The trek is little difficult because of lack of oxygen level. All pilgrims have opportunity to pass through Yama Dwar before the trek commences. After visiting Yam Dwar continue trekking on foot or hire a horse/pony to ride. Those who wish to hire horse/pony and porter may do it directly with the help of the Tibetan guide on direct payment basis. They will be given name coupon to choose the horse & porter and the same horse or porter will accompany you throughout the trek.

After completing the 7.5 miles gradual trek, passing through beautiful rivers and grassland we will find a huge majestic black colour mountain standing high, on the right side of our trek. That’s the North Face of Mount Kailash.

On reaching Dirapuk check into the guesthouse. The remaining day is for rest as the night is going to be very cold and oxygen level will be low.

Parikrama is optional. There are few who would be doing Parikrama by walk, few by horse & few people may not be doing Parikrama. Those who are not doing Parikrama will return from Yam Dwar to Guest House at Darchen.There will be arrangement for meals & accommodation there. Holy Mount Kailash is easily visible from there & one can do puja from there too. People staying at Darchen will join other group members in 1st half once they complete 3rd day of Parikrama.

Night stay- Dirapuk

Day 10- Second Day Parikrama of Mount Kailash (Trekking- 13.75 miles- 6 / 8 hours) (Altitude–5630 meters)

We will wake up very early morning before dawn and if we are lucky and weather is clear we can witness the glory of ‘Golden Kailash’ as the first sunlight kisses the top of the mount.

After this unforgettable experience we will start the second day of our trek to Zuthulpuk. This is the longest and toughest day of the entire Yatra as we will pass through the highest point (5630m) at Dolma La pass. Before Dolma La we will see site showing footprints of Milarepa and Shiva Tsal. Pilgrims leave behind their belongings, donate a drop of blood or a lock of hair to represent the act of leaving this life behind and wishing for the end of a miserable life. In Tibetan Buddhist religion it is said that you will get it (whatever you offered here at Shia Tsal) in heaven after your death.

After crossing Dolma-La, we will see Gauri Kund (also referred sometimes as Parvati Kund) at downhill in the right side of our path. Then further walking down for a while, we will take break for pack lunch. The downhill trail from the top of Dolma La is not easy due to rocky & loose stones all around so we should walk very carefully and remain with the group for any help we may need. Then after, you will catch soon flat trail that reach to Zuthulphuk Gompa (4790m).

Important Note : About 3-4 kms trek (ascend and descend) near Dolma La pass is steep and rocky and it is the toughest part of this trip. Also it is not advisable to go down to touch Gauri Kund as it may be risky.

Night stay- Zuthulphuk

Day 11- Third Day Parikrama of Mount Kailash (Trekking- 5 miles / 3 hours) (Altitude–4575 meters) to New Dongba (220 miles / 7 hours) (Altitude-4626 meters)

This morning we can enjoy exploring the caves, visiting the temples and shrine built around. The cave also contains meditation platforms. Climbing up to these caves before ending the final trek of the holy Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is worth. We will trek for about 5 miles to Chongdo where our vehicles are waiting for pick-up. A short drive will take us to Darchen hotel to pick up other group members (who did not attempt the trek or came back from Dirapuk) are waiting. We will also complete the remaining parikrama of Lake Mansarovar.

We will later drive further to Dongba for night stay.

Night stay- New Dongba

Day 12– New Dongba to Keyrong (230 miles / 7 hours) (Altitude-4130 meters)

We leave after breakfast for Keyrong. On the way we will pass the beautiful town of Saga. Our journey consists of the beautiful view of Brahmaputra river, Tibetan plains, Himalayas, Shishapangma and the Pieko-Tso lake. We drive on evenly pitched roads as we reach Keyrong where we stay overnight

Night stay- Keyrong

Day 13– Keyrong to Kathmandu (170 miles / 8-9 hours) (Altitude-4130 meters)

Post breakfast at Guesthouse we start for our last leg of journey. We will drive to Kathmandu post completing the immigration formalities at Rasuwagadhi.

Night stay- Kathmandu

Day 14– Kathmandu

Post relaxing breakfast at hotel, day is at leisure. If you want to have some activities, it has to be advised in advance to arrange for the tour guide.

Night stay- Kathmandu (depending upon your onward journey)

Transportation during our complete trip.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotels / Guest Houses / Camps

Yatra Permit

Visa to enter Tibet

Tour Guide and Sherpa (to carry luggage)

Medical Support (First Aid Kit, Oxygen Cylinders, Oxygen & Blood pressure measuring devices) throughout the yatra.

1 Duffel bag, 1 Backpack, and 1 Jacket.

Yatra Completion Certificate

International flight

Travel insurance

Any service / activity not mentioned in Itinerary

Expense of personal nature like laundry, entry tickets for camera etcetera

Optional tours

Pony/Porter/Yak etc. for Parikrama

The additional cost of Accommodation & Transport on early return due to personal or natural problem.

Early exit from China border Visa breaks charges as applicable according to China Embassy.

Nepal Re-entry Visa fee for NRI.

Extra night stays at any location.