Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Kerung - 13 Days
Trip Facts
Overview
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Kerung - Overview
Mount Kailash (6,638 m) is the holiest mountain in Asia – the abode of Lord Shiva for Hindus, the centre of the universe for Buddhists and Bon followers, and sacred to Jains. Beside it lies Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m), whose waters are said to wash away the sins of a lifetime.
This 13-day overland yatra crosses from Nepal into Tibet at Rasuwagadhi–Kerung, acclimatises gradually through Kerung and Saga, and reaches Mansarovar on day six. The highlight is the three-day parikrama around Kailash, crossing Dolma La pass (5,630 m).
Highlights
- Holy dip and puja at Lake Mansarovar.
- Yama Dwar, the gateway to the Kailash kora.
- Charan Sparsh views of the north face of Kailash from Dirapuk.
- Dolma La pass and Gauri Kund.
- Experienced Nepali Sherpa team and vegetarian cooks.
Itinerary
Airport pick-up. Evening yatra briefing, passport collection and distribution of duffel bags and down jackets.
- Altitude: 1400
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Dinner
7–9 hour drive north along the Trishuli river to the border area.
- Altitude: 1800
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
- Meals: B/L/D
Immigration and customs formalities, then meet your Tibetan guide and drive to Kerung town.
- Altitude: 2700
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: B/L/D
Rest day with a short walk to help the body adjust.
- Altitude: 2700
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: B/L/D
6–8 hour drive onto the Tibetan plateau past Peiku Tso lake with views of Shishapangma.
- Altitude: 4450
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: B/L/D
First darshan of Mount Kailash on the way. Parikrama of the lake by bus, holy bath and puja on the shore.
- Altitude: 4590
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
- Meals: B/L/D
Sunrise havan at the lake, then drive to Darchen, the base town for the kora. Arrange ponies and porters.
- Altitude: 4575
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
- Meals: B/L/D
Drive to Yama Dwar and begin the 20 km walk along the Lha Chu valley to Dirapuk, facing the north face of Kailash. 6–7 hours.
- Altitude: 4980
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
- Meals: B/L/D
The hardest day: climb to Dolma La pass, descend past Gauri Kund and continue to Zuthulpuk. 22 km, 8–10 hours.
- Altitude: 5630
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
- Meals: B/L/D
Short 10 km walk to finish the parikrama, then drive to Saga.
- Altitude: 4450
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: B/L/D
Descend from the plateau to Kerung.
- Altitude: 2700
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: B/L/D
Cross back into Nepal and drive 8–9 hours to Kathmandu.
- Altitude: 1400
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: B/L
Transfer to the airport.
- Altitude: 1400
- Accommodation: -
- Meals: Breakfast
Our Costs
Cost Includes
- Chinese group visa for Tibet and Tibet Travel Permit / restricted area permits.
- Hotels in Kathmandu and best available guesthouses in Tibet (multi-sharing at high camps).
- All vegetarian meals in Tibet prepared by our Nepali Sherpa cooks.
- Tibetan guide and Nepali Sherpa support team.
- All transport in Tibet by tourist bus/Land Cruiser and luggage truck.
- Mansarovar parikrama by bus and Yama Dwar entry.
- Duffel bag, down jacket (returnable) and emergency oxygen cylinders.
- Gamow bag, first-aid kit and pulse oximeter.
- Kathmandu–Kerung–Kathmandu transport by private bus/jeep.
Cost Excludes
- Yak/pony and porter for the Kailash parikrama (paid locally).
- Travel insurance with high-altitude rescue cover.
- Emergency evacuation and extra nights due to weather, road or permit issues.
- Visa split fee if you return early.
- Personal expenses, drinks and tips.
FAQ's
Indian passport holders and most foreign nationals can j