10 Days Kailash Pilgrimage Tour from Kathmandu, via Gyirong Port

Today, you’ll drive along the southern side of the Himalayas and cross the border!

In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel in Kathmandu and drive to the Sino-Nepal border.

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.

After about 6 to 7 hours of driving (130km), you will reach the Rasuwa Gadi,  check in at your hotel and have a good rest.

Stay overnight in Rasuwa Gadi.

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

Enjoy a day excursion at Gyirong to acclimatize to the altitude rise to 2800 meters above sea level.

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 the Gyirong side and take you to Gyirong town within a 1-hour drive.

Upon arrival in Gyirong, you will visit Paba Monastery in the center of Gyirong Town, drive to Kepu Village, and hike to the Meditation Cave of Master Padmasambhava.

Stay overnight in Gyirong.

Overnight in Gyirong

Breakfast

• The picturesque scenery of Gyirong Town

• Paba Monastery in Gyirong

Today, you’ll head from the border to the Ngari Plateau.

After breakfast, you will leave Gyirong, which is densely covered with forests and snow-capped mountains, and head to Saga with a 250 kilometer’s drive.

Along the way, you will be treated to stunning views of iconic landmarks such as Mt. Shishapangma (the world's 14th highest peak at 8027 meters) and the picturesque Lake Peiku tso (standing at an impressive altitude of 4590m).

Keep your eyes peeled as you may also be fortunate enough to catch glimpses of rare wildlife such as wild donkeys and antelopes.

Finally, you will arrive in Saga County.

Stay overnight in Saga.

Overnight in Saga

Breakfast

• Take a glimpse of Tibetan gazelle in the distance

• A glimpse of snow mountains along the way.

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 breakfast, you’ll start your trip to Darchen.

En route, you may witness herds of yaks and sheep on the vast grasslands beneath the snow-capped mountains with local villages.

After crossing the Mayomla Pass (5,122m), you'll enter the Ngari Region and enjoy the far view of Mt.Naimonanyi (7,694m). Crossing the mountain pass feels like entering a wilderness inhabited by wild animals, with the holy Lake Manasarovar coming into view. The far-distant view of Lake Manasarovar, with Mount Kailash in the distance, often makes people feel amazed and inspired.

After a short break at the lakeside, you'll head to Darchen for your 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

Breakfast

• Far-distant view of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar

• The road leading into Darchen village.

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 trek around Mount Kailash.

Today's trek is 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 the local Guesthouse.

Overnight in the local Guesthouse

Breakfast

• Start trekking from Sarshung Valley to Drirapuk Monastery

• You can see piles of Mani Stones in Kailash Kora

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 the local Guesthouse.

Overnight in the local 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 visit holy Lake Manasarovar.

In the morning, you will trek 7 km to Zongto, where you can take an eco-bus to Darchen. Along the kora, you can see piles of Mani stones.

In the afternoon, 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

• You'll meet local pilgrims while trekking around Mount Kailash

• 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.

Today’s highlight is to explore the snowy mountains and forests on the edge of the Himalayas.

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

Upon reaching Gyirong Town in the afternoon, you’ll explore Gyirong Valley described by British explorer Howard-Bury as the most beautiful valley in the world in his book 'Mount Everest: The Reconnaissance'.

Stay overnight in Gyirong.

Overnight in Gyirong

Breakfast

• Immersed in the local way of life here in Gyirong Valley.

• A glimpse of snow mountains along the way.

Farewell to Tibet and welcome to Nepal today!

After breakfast, you will say goodbye to your Tibetan tour guide and driver. Our Nepali staff at the Nepal border port will warmly welcome you and ensure a safe transfer for you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

Tour service ends.

Breakfast

• The picturesque scenery of Gyirong Town

• You will be transferred to Gyirong Port.