Accommodation
- Hotels or guesthouses in Kathmandu, Nyalam, Saga, and Paryang as per itinerary.
- Basic guesthouse or tent accommodation in high-altitude regions near Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.
Overland Tour Tibet · Tibet
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra – Kerung Route
- Duration16 Days
- DifficultyModerate
- Max altitude4,664 m
- Group size10 People
- Best seasonAll the Year
- Start / finishKathmandu
Trip overview
The Kerung route is one of the most popular and accessible ways to undertake the sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash (6,638 m) and Lake Manasarovar (4,590 m). This overland journey begins in Kathmandu and travels north through the Nepal–Tibet border at Kerung.
Pilgrims drive across the vast Tibetan Plateau, passing through towns such as Saga and Paryang before reaching the holy Lake Manasarovar and the sacred Mount Kailash.
Compared to other routes, the Kerung route allows for gradual altitude acclimatization and comfortable overland travel, making it suitable for a wide range of pilgrims. The journey combines spiritual devotion with breathtaking landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, high-altitude lakes, and the expansive Tibetan plains.
Highlights
- Mount Kailash: Considered the sacred abode of Lord Shiva and revered in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon traditions.
- Lake Manasarovar: One of the world’s highest freshwater lakes, believed to purify the soul and wash away sins.
- Scenic Overland Journey: Drive through the majestic landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau with stunning Himalayan views.
- Spiritual Pilgrimage: Perform the sacred Kailash Kora (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash.
- Cultural Experience: Encounter Tibetan culture, monasteries, prayer flags, and traditional villages.
Day-by-day itinerary
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Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu, located at an altitude of 1,350 meters. The airport is approximately 6 km from the hotel and the transfer takes around 20–25 minutes. In the evening, if time permits, you may attend the sacred Aarati ceremony at Pashupatinath Temple. A detailed tour briefing will be conducted at the hotel.
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This day is dedicated to Chinese Group Visa processing and spiritual preparation. You will participate in a special Panchamrit Puja and Rudrabhishek ceremony. The day involves short city drives within Kathmandu, typically 30–40 minutes between sites. Overnight at 1,350 meters.
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A relaxed day for additional temple visits and final preparation for the journey. No altitude change. This day ensures proper rest before beginning the overland Himalayan drive.
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After receiving the Tibet visa, the remainder of the day is allocated for packing, duffel distribution, and final health guidance. Overnight at 1,350 meters.
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You begin your overland journey with a scenic mountain drive of 122 km to Syabrubesi. The journey takes approximately 8–9 hours, following river valleys and terraced hills. The altitude increases gradually from 1,350 meters to 1,500 meters, allowing gentle acclimatization.
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After a short morning drive of about 2 hours to Rasuwagadhi border, you complete immigration formalities and enter Tibet. From the border, a 35 km drive of approximately 4–5 hours takes you to Kerung (2,900 m). The altitude gain is significant, so rest and hydration are essential.
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Today’s journey covers approximately 270 km across the Tibetan plateau and takes 5–6 hours. The road climbs steadily from 2,900 meters to 4,640 meters at Saga. You will cross several high passes offering magnificent Himalayan views. The substantial altitude gain makes this a key acclimatization day.
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A 230 km drive of around 6–7 hours brings you to Paryang at 4,550 meters. The terrain is vast and open, with sweeping views of the Tibetan plateau. The altitude remains relatively stable, helping your body adjust.
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Driving approximately 260 km for 5–6 hours, you reach the sacred Lake Manasarovar at 4,590 meters. During the journey, you will have your first majestic darshan of Mount Kailash. Evening time is reserved for meditation and gentle walks along the lakeshore.
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After a morning holy bath and puja ceremony at 4,590 meters, a short 40 km drive of 1–2 hours takes you to Darchen (4,664 m), the base camp for the Kailash Parikrama. The minimal altitude gain allows preparation for the trek ahead.
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A 45 km drive of about 30–40 minutes takes you to Yam Dwar (4,740 m), the traditional starting point of the Kora. From there, you begin a 12 km trek to Dirapuk, which takes approximately 5–6 hours. The trail ascends gradually to 4,909 meters, offering close views of the North Face of Mount Kailash.
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This is the most demanding day of the pilgrimage. The 22 km trek takes approximately 9–10 hours. You ascend steeply to Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters — the highest point of the journey — before descending to Zuthulpuk at 4,820 meters. Due to high altitude and long walking hours, slow pacing is essential.
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A gentle 7 km trek of around 3 hours completes the Parikrama at Chongdo (4,660 m). From here, a long return drive of 7–8 hours brings you back to Saga at 4,640 meters.
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Today you descend significantly from 4,640 meters to 2,900 meters over a 190 km drive lasting 6–7 hours. The lower altitude usually brings noticeable physical relief.
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After completing immigration formalities at the border, you continue with an 8-hour drive covering 180 km back to Kathmandu at 1,350 meters. This marks the conclusion of the overland pilgrimage.
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Transfer to the airport (20–25 minutes). Your sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra concludes.
What the price covers
What’s included
Transportation
- Private vehicle/coach for overland travel along the route.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu.
- Local transportation within towns and villages along the route.
Guides & Support
- Experienced English-speaking guide familiar with local culture and pilgrimage routes.
- Support staff for logistics, permits, and assistance during the journey.
Meals
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner as per itinerary (mostly vegetarian-friendly).
Permits & Fees
- Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) and necessary border-crossing permissions.
- Entry fees for monasteries and official sites where applicable.
Medical & Safety Support
- Basic first-aid kit and guidance on altitude sickness management.
Cultural & Spiritual Experiences
- Visits to Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, monasteries, and interaction with Tibetan communities.
Not included
Airfare
- International flights to/from Kathmandu.
- Optional domestic flights within Nepal (if required).
Visa Fees
- Nepal entry visa.
- China/Tibet visa or travel permit fees.
Personal Expenses
- Tips for guides, drivers, and support staff.
- Laundry, phone/internet services, souvenirs, and other personal purchases.
Travel Insurance
- Mandatory high-altitude travel insurance including emergency evacuation and medical coverage.
Optional Activities
- Additional trekking, helicopter rides, or excursions not included in the standard itinerary.
Medical Costs
- Any treatment, hospitalization, or evacuation due to illness, injury, or altitude sickness beyond basic first-aid support.
Photos & video
Dates & prices
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Private departures run on any date. Pick the start date that suits you and we will build the trip around it — same price, your own guide and team.
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