10 Days Kailash Pilgrimage Tour from Kathmandu, via Gyirong Port

Today, you’ll drive to the Sino-Nepal border along the southern side of the Himalayas!

In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel in Kathmandu and drive to the Sino-Nepal border. After about 7 hours of driving (130km) you will reach the border town - Rasuwa Gadi.

The scenery along the way from Kathmandu to the border will make you almost forget the bumpy road. Along the way, you will see many magnificent snow-capped mountains at the southern foot of the Himalayas, covered by vast forest, towering into the clouds.

When pass through Langtang National Park, you will go through a very bumpy road section, with the vehicle swinging on the muddy road. But the exciting thing is that you may encounter some interesting wild animals on the way.

Upon arrival in Rasuwa Gadi, check in at your hotel and have a good rest.

Stay overnight in Rasuwa Gadi.

Insider Tips:
1. Make sure you arrive in Kathmandu in advance and please visit Tibet Vista’s office in Kathmandu at least 4 working days before you go.

2. You need to provide the original passport and pay the visa fee and service fee, so that our staff can apply for the Chinese Group Visa on your behalf.

Overnight in Rasuwa Gadi

• Passing through the Langtang National Park while overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa

• Admire magnificent snow-capped mountains at the southern foot of the Himalayas

Today, you’ll head from the border to Saga and get chances to see wild animals like wild antelope, wild donkeys, etc.

After breakfast, you’ll take a 15-km drive to the border and enter China via the Gyirong border. Our Tibetan guide will meet you at Gyirong side and take you to Gyirong town within a 1-hour drive.

Upon arrival, you will visit Paba Monastery and Kepu Village in Gyirong town.

After lunch, you will continue your journey to Saga. On this 380-kilometer journey, you will see the scenery along the road changing as the altitude increases.

First, you will be attracted by the forests, waterfalls, and bottomless canyons at an altitude of 2800 meters. Then cross the Kong Tang Lamu Pass at an altitude of 5236 meters and enter the plateau.

When passing by Mt. Shishabangma (8027m) and Pelku Tso Lake at its foot, you will be shocked by the tranquil and peaceful beauty.

After that, you will arrive at Saga.

Stay overnight in Saga.

Overnight in Saga

Breakfast

• The picturesque scenery of Gyirong Town

• Pelku Tso Lake is surrounded by rugged mountains.

Today is your journey to the holy Lake Manasarovar!

After breakfast, you’ll start today’s journey through the Saga Valley between the Himalayan Range and the Gangdise Range, marveling at continuous snow-capped peaks, vast grassland, and stunning lakes along the way.

After passing through the Mayum La Pass at 5211 meters, you officially enter the Ngari Region. Crossing the mountain pass feels like entering a wilderness inhabited by wild animals, with the holy Lake Manasarovar coming into view. The view of Lake Manasarovar, with Mount Kailash in the distance, often makes people feel amazed and inspired. You will also enjoy a far view of Mt. Naimonanyi (7694m).

Stay overnight near Lake Manasarovar.

Overnight in Lake Manasarovar

• Far-distant view of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar

• Capture the superb view of Lake Manasarovar

Get ready for your Mount Kailash Trek!

In the morning, you will enjoy a short trek around Lake Mansarovar to get peace and power from the holy lake.

Then, you will head to Darchen for your Mount Kailash trek.

Upon arrival in Darchen, the little town at the foot of Mount Kailash, settle into your hotel, recharge, and prepare for the upcoming 4-day Mount Kailash trek.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

Insider Tips:
If you need a porter, kindly inform your guide on this day, and your guide will arrange one for you the following day. Please note that the cost of the porter requires an additional payment.

Overnight in Darchen

• Gongzhucuo Lake is like a sapphire buried in the wilderness.

• The stunning scenery along the way to Kailash.

Start your first day of trekking along the valley at the base of Mount Kailash! Enjoy the picturesque views of its southern, southwestern, and western slopes.

After breakfast, you are supposed to take an eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung Valley, where to start today’s 13-kilometer trek around Mount Kailash.

The first 13 kilometers are relatively easy, guiding you through the valley at the foot of Mount Kailash. You can clearly see the southern and western slopes of the sacred Mount Kailash.

After reaching the foot of the western slope, you will check in at the guesthouse in Dirapuk Monastery.

For the remainder of the day, follow our guide to explore the ancient Dirapuk Monastery (also known as Zhire Temple). Capture unforgettable moments in front of the sacred stupas and the grandeur of the western slope of Mount Kailash.

Weather permitting, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring spectacle of the sunset over Mount Kailash from Dirapuk Monastery. Witness the sun's afterglow delicately illuminating the steep cliffs of the western slope as night descends.

Stay overnight in Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse.

Overnight in Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse

Breakfast

• Start trekking from Sarshung Valley to Drirapuk Monastery

• You can see piles of Mani Stones in Kailash Kora

Today is the most significant day of your Mount Kailash trek. The expedition to touch Mount Kailash is highly adventurous and includes an extended exploration of glaciers and ice rivers.

In the morning, trek from Dirapuk Monastery up the mountain until reaching the glacier on the western slope of Mount Kailash at an altitude of about 5800 meters. Here, you'll have a unique opportunity to approach the sacred mountain closely. Our guide will lead you to meditating at the center of the world.

For those in good physical condition, our guide will accompany you to get closer to the rocky walls of Mount Kailash and attempt to touch Mount Kailash.

After this extraordinary experience, you’ll return to Dirapuk Monastery along the same route.

Stay overnight in Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse.

Insider Tips:
The possibility of touching Mount Kailash depends on the specific terrain environment as the glaciers change with the seasons.

Overnight in Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse

• Drirapuk Monastery

• Lovely antelopes living around Mount Kailash

Are you ready for the most challenging day of your Mount Kailash Trek? On this day, you’ll trek across the highest point at 5630 meters, and walk alongside devout prostrating Buddhist pilgrims.

Start your day early with a 4-kilometer trek from Dirapuk Monastery to reach 5430 meters. This section offers a rapid climb with a breathtaking view of the sunrise over the northwest slope of Mount Kailash.

Afterward, you’ll continue another 2-kilometer trek to Dolma La Pass, the highest point at an altitude of 5630 meters. Along this path, you’ll see prayer flags hanging everywhere on the pass.

(Notice: The high altitude means even in summer, the path is icy and scattered with rocks, requiring caution to prevent slipping.)

After successfully crossing Dolma La Pass, you’ll be greeted by the emerald-green Lake of Compassion (also knonw as Guri Kund), believed to purify a lifetime of sins with a dip. You’ll also witness the thick glaciers on the northwest slope of Mount Kailash.

Following the Lake of Compassion, a gradual descent leads you to the valley beneath the southeast foot of Mount Kailash, where Zutulpuk Monastery (also known as Dzutripuk Monastery) is located. Here, you may encounter adorable wild animals and find a peaceful resting spot on the grasslands.

Stay overnight in Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse.

Overnight in Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse

• Trek over Dromala Pass (5630m), the highest pass of the Kora

• You can enjoy the stunning view of Guri Kund.

Complete the Mount Kailash kora and refresh yourself at the holy Lake Manasarovar.

In the morning, you’ll trek back from Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen, the starting point of Kailash Trek.

After completing the Kailash trek in the morning, you are going to take a 30-kilometer drive to Lake Manasarovar. You’ll approach the shores of the sacred lake to touch its holy waters.

At the lakeside, you can engage in meditation, listen to the rhythmic waves of the sacred waters, or simply clean your body with the holy water, which holds significant spiritual meaning for Hindus and Buddhists.

There are also hot springs (optional) offering foot baths or soaking opportunities for visitors. If the Mount Kailash pilgrimage has left you feeling weary, consider spending a few dollars to enjoy the hot springs.

After today’s tour, get back to Darchen.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

Overnight in Darchen

• Breathtaking scenery of Lake Manasarovar

• At the Manasarovar lakeside, you can engage in meditation.

Today, you'll say goodbye to the Ngari Plateau and return to the Himalayas.

After breakfast, you’ll travel back to Sage and relive the scenic wonders of the Ngari Plateau, the Himalayas, and the Gangdise Mountains. Along the journey, you can stop at grassy pastures and lakes to get close to the nature and wildlife of Ngari.

Later today, you will finally arrive in Saga.

Stay overnight in Saga.

Overnight in Saga

• Take a glimpse of Tibetan gazelle in the distance

• You can enjoy the picturesque scenery along the way back to Saga.

Farewell to Tibet and welcome to Nepal today!

In the morning, start your journey to Gyirong border. As the altitude drops, the scenery along the roadside changes from snow-capped mountains and wastelands to dense forests and canyon landscapes.

Then, it’s time to say goodbye to your Tibetan guide and driver. Our Nepali staff will meet you at the Nepal border, assist with handling your large luggage (additional fee required), help you apply for a Nepal visa, and ensure a safe transfer for both you and your belongings to your hotel in Kathmandu with Tibet Vista’s vehicle.

After entering Nepal, you will see many snow mountains in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, such as Gaurishankar Himal (7134m), Ganesh Himal (7422m), Annapurna Range's Annapurna III (7555m), Lamjung W (6983 m), Mount Kanguru (6981m), Himchuli West (6441m), Ngadi Chuli (7871 m), and Gaurishankar (7181m).

Due to the poor road conditions, we will not make frequent stops. Nevertheless, you'll be treated to captivating landscapes along the way, savoring the last glimpses of the Himalayas.

Upon your arrival at your hotel in Kathmandu, the tour service ends.