Embark on the most sacred pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bonpos - the Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Mount Kailash, standing at 6,638 meters, is considered the spiritual center of the universe and abode of Lord Shiva. Lake Mansarovar, at 4,590 meters, is believed to cleanse all sins and bestow spiritual enlightenment.
Our carefully crafted 15-day pilgrimage tour takes you through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, ancient monasteries, and spiritual sites. We provide complete logistical support including all necessary permits, comfortable camping arrangements during the kora (parikrama), experienced guides, medical support, and spiritual guidance throughout this transformative journey.
Abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Circumambulating Kailash grants liberation (Moksha).
Represents Mount Meru, center of the universe. Associated with Buddha Demchok.
Site where first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, attained liberation.
Nine-story swastika mountain, spiritual axis of Tagzig Olmo Lung Ring.
Doctor on call, oxygen cylinders
4-season tents, sleeping bags
Tibet, Kailash, military permits
Luggage carrying by yaks
Hindi, English, Tibetan guides
Satellite phone, GPS tracking
This pilgrimage involves trekking at high altitude (4,600m - 5,636m). Participants should be in good health, able to walk 15-20km daily for 3 days. Medical clearance required. Age limit: 18-70 years (special consideration for experienced trekkers).
Welcome by Acharya Tours representative. Traditional welcome with garland. Transfer to 3-star hotel in Thamel. Rest and relax after your journey.
Meet your tour leader and fellow pilgrims. Detailed briefing about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Hand over passport copies for Tibet permit processing. Welcome dinner at traditional Nepali restaurant.
Stay at 3-star hotel with all modern amenities. Prepare for tomorrow's activities.
Visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple - one of the most important Shiva temples in the world. Receive blessings for safe journey. Witness morning aarti and rituals on the banks of Bagmati River.
Visit travel clinic for altitude sickness briefing and health check. Collect any prescribed medications. Check and finalize trekking equipment. Receive duffle bag for the journey.
Detailed briefing about Tibet, altitude acclimatization, and Kailash kora. Q&A session. Pack bags for tomorrow's flight. Rest early.
Early morning transfer to Kathmandu Airport. Check-in for flight to Lhasa (Flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes). Breakfast at airport.
Arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Complete immigration formalities. Meet Tibetan guide and driver. Drive 60km to Lhasa city (1.5 hours). Check into hotel.
Rest in hotel for altitude acclimatization. Drink plenty of water. Light walk around hotel area. Early dinner. No alcohol. Oxygen available if needed.
Visit the magnificent Potala Palace (UNESCO World Heritage). Explore Red Palace (religious section) and White Palace (administrative section). See tombs of past Dalai Lamas. Learn about Tibetan history and Buddhism.
Visit Jokhang Temple - Tibet's holiest shrine. See Jowo Shakyamuni statue. Walk around Barkhor Street pilgrimage circuit. Observe Tibetan pilgrims performing kora. Shop for prayer wheels and souvenirs.
Final preparation for Kailash journey. Check equipment. Spiritual discussion about Kailash significance. Early dinner and rest.
Start early drive to Shigatse. Cross Kamba La Pass (4,794m). First view of sacred Yamdrok Lake - turquoise blue holy lake. Photo stop and prayers.
Cross Karo La Pass (5,010m) with glacier views. Lunch in Gyantse. Visit Gyantse Kumbum Stupa - largest chorten in Tibet. Drive to Shigatse.
Arrive in Shigatse - Tibet's second largest city. Check into hotel. Rest. Dinner at hotel. Hydrate well for altitude.
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery - seat of Panchen Lama. See giant Maitreya Buddha statue. Receive blessings for Kailash journey.
Long drive through vast Tibetan plateau. Cross Tso La Pass (4,500m) and Gyatso La Pass (5,250m). See nomadic herders with yaks and sheep. Picnic lunch en route.
Arrive in Saga town - gateway to Kailash. Check into guesthouse. Rest and acclimatize. Briefing about next day's journey to Mansarovar.
Early start from Saga. Drive through dramatic landscapes. Cross Mayum La Pass (5,200m). First glimpse of Mount Kailash in distance.
Arrive at holy Lake Mansarovar. Check into lakeside camp. Setup tents. Lunch at camp.
Take holy dip in Lake Mansarovar (optional). Perform puja ceremony on lakeshore. Collect holy water. Sunset view of Kailash reflected in lake.
Dinner at camp. Spiritual discussions. Early rest for next day's journey to Yam Dwar. Overnight in tents by lakeside.
Morning prayers at lakeside. Final holy dip (optional). Breakfast at camp. Pack for kora journey.
Short drive to Yam Dwar (Gate of God). This is where the kora officially begins. Prepare for circumambulation.
Perform special puja ceremony at Yam Dwar. Seek blessings for safe kora. Traditional start of parikrama with prayers.
Drive to Darchen town (base camp). Check into guesthouse. Rest and prepare for tomorrow's trek. Final kora briefing. Dinner and early sleep.
Wake up early. Simple breakfast. Load luggage on yaks. Start trek from Darchen. Walk through prayer flag valley.
Trek along Lha Chu River. Pass through beautiful valley with stunning views. Visit Chuku Monastery. See first close view of North Face of Kailash.
Picnic lunch by river. Rest and hydrate. Enjoy magnificent views of Kailash.
Continue trek to Dirapuk. Gradual ascent. Arrive at Dirapuk camp (4,900m). Setup camp. Rest and admire sunset on Kailash North Face.
Very early start. Simple breakfast. Pack quickly. Start trek before sunrise to avoid afternoon winds.
Steep ascent through rocky trail. Pass Shiva-tsal (stone test). Reach Dolma La Pass (5,636m) - highest point of kora. Hang prayer flags. Offer prayers.
Descend from pass. Visit Gauri Kund (5,608m) - sacred lake of Goddess Parvati. Quick prayers. Continue descent.
Picnic lunch in valley after steep descent. Rest tired legs. Hydrate well.
Continue trek along river valley. Gradual walk to Zuthulpuk (4,790m). Arrive at camp. Rest and recover. Celebrate overcoming toughest day.
Relaxed morning. Breakfast. Visit nearby monastery. Start final day's trek.
Easy walk along river valley. Pass through several small villages. See mani walls and prayer wheels. Gradual descent to Darchen.
Arrive back at Darchen. Complete the 52km circumambulation. Celebration and group photos. Special puja for successful kora.
Lunch in Darchen. Drive back to Lake Mansarovar camp. Relax by lakeside. Reflect on spiritual journey.
Total Distance: 52km over 3 days | Highest Point: Dolma La Pass (5,636m)
Morning prayers at lakeside. Final view of Kailash. Breakfast at camp. Pack and prepare for return journey.
Long drive back to Saga. Retrace route through Tibetan plateau. Lunch en route. Arrive in Saga late afternoon.
Check into guesthouse. Rest and recover from kora. Share experiences with group. Dinner and early sleep.
Long drive back to Shigatse. Cross high passes. Lunch en route. Arrive in Shigatse late afternoon.
Check into hotel. Hot shower (first in days!). Rest. Group dinner. Share kora experiences.
Breakfast at hotel. Drive back to Lhasa via northern route. Different scenery from outward journey. Lunch en route.
Arrive in Lhasa. Check into hotel. Free time for shopping at Barkhor Street. Buy Tibetan souvenirs, thangkas, prayer wheels.
Special celebration dinner at Tibetan restaurant. Certificate distribution ceremony. Share final experiences. Last night in Tibet.
Early breakfast. Transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (60km, 1.5 hours). Check-in for flight to Kathmandu.
Flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu (1 hour 15 minutes). Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. Complete immigration.
Transfer to hotel. Farewell lunch at traditional restaurant. Share contact information. Last goodbyes to group and guides.
Free time for last minute shopping or rest. According to your flight schedule, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for departure flight. Journey ends with divine blessings and unforgettable memories.
Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Accomplished: 15 Days | 52km Kora | Holy Dip | Divine Blessings
You have completed one of the world's most sacred pilgrimages. May the blessings of Lord Shiva be with you always.
| Day | Route | Altitude | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival Kathmandu | 1,400m | - | Welcome, Briefing |
| 2 | Kathmandu | 1,400m | - | Pashupatinath, Medical Check |
| 3 | Fly to Lhasa | 3,650m | Flight | Acclimatization |
| 4 | Lhasa | 3,650m | - | Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple |
| 5 | Lhasa to Shigatse | 3,900m | 350km | Yamdrok Lake, Karo La Pass |
| 6 | Shigatse to Saga | 4,600m | 450km | Tashilhunpo, Tibetan Plateau |
| 7 | Saga to Mansarovar | 4,590m | 450km | First Kailash View, Holy Dip |
| 8 | Mansarovar to Darchen | 4,575m | 50km | Yam Dwar Puja, Kora Start |
| 9 | Kora Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk | 4,900m | 20km Trek | Lha Chu Valley, North Face View |
| 10 | Kora Day 2: Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk | 5,636m (Pass) | 18km Trek | Dolma La Pass, Gauri Kund |
| 11 | Kora Day 3: Zuthulpuk to Darchen | 4,575m | 10km Trek | Complete Kora, Celebration |
| 12 | Mansarovar to Saga | 4,600m | 450km | Return Journey |
| 13 | Saga to Shigatse | 3,900m | 450km | Long Drive, Rest |
| 14 | Shigatse to Lhasa | 3,650m | 280km | Return Lhasa, Celebration Dinner |
| 15 | Fly to Kathmandu & Depart | 1,400m | Flight | Farewell, Journey Ends |
Arrival, permits processing, Pashupatinath Temple
1,400mFlight from Kathmandu, acclimatization, Potala Palace
3,650mOverland drive via Yamdrok Lake, Tashilhunpo Monastery
3,900mGateway to Kailash, final preparation before pilgrimage
4,600mHoly dip, puja, first view of Mount Kailash
4,590mBase camp for Kailash kora, start of circumambulation
4,575m3-day parikrama via Dirapuk, Dolma La, Zuthulpuk
4,575m - 5,636mTemperature: 10°C - 20°C (50°F - 68°F)
Strong UV radiation, sunny with cool breeze
Temperature: -5°C to 5°C (23°F - 41°F)
Cold, can drop below freezing at high camps
Passport valid 6+ months, 4 passport photos, medical certificate, travel insurance copy.
Full medical check-up mandatory. No heart/lung conditions. Age 18-70 with fitness proof.
Book minimum 60 days in advance for permit processing. Limited slots available.
Detailed packing list provided. Warm clothing, trekking shoes, personal medication.
Acharya Tours is a US-based specialist offering authentic cultural and religious journeys across the Himalayas. Experience profound pilgrimages and heritage tours in Nepal, India, Tibet, and Bhutan.
