10 Days Kailash Pilgrimage Tour from Kathmandu, via Zhangmu Port

Today’s highlight is the scenic journey from Kathmandu through Nepal’s green mountain valleys toward the Sino-Nepal border.

In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel in Kathmandu and drive northeast toward Kodari near the Sino-Nepal border. The journey covers approximately 115 km and takes about 6-7 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Leaving the Kathmandu Valley behind, travel along the Araniko Highway through the beautiful mountain landscapes of Nepal, passing river valleys, terraced hillsides, and small mountain villages.

As you journey deeper into the Himalayas, the surrounding mountains become increasingly dramatic. Arrive in the Kodari area in the afternoon and check into your hotel for a good rest before crossing the border into Tibet the following morning.

Overnight in Kodari

Patan Durbar Square, one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley.

The breathtaking natural scenery of Kodari, Nepal.

A traditional village near the China-Nepal border.

Patan Durbar Square, one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley.

The breathtaking natural scenery of Kodari, Nepal.

A traditional village near the China-Nepal border.

Today’s highlight is crossing the Himalayas into Tibet and experiencing the remarkable change from Nepal’s lush valleys to the high mountain landscapes of Nyalam.

After breakfast, head to the Nepal-China border and complete the Nepal exit formalities. Cross the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge to Zhangmu Port, where your Tibetan guide and driver will meet you after you complete the China entry procedures.

From Zhangmu, begin the spectacular ascent through the Himalayan gorge toward Nyalam. The road winds upward past forested mountain slopes, deep valleys, and waterfalls, with the landscape gradually changing as you gain altitude.

By the time you reach Nyalam, you will have climbed from the lush southern slopes of the Himalayas to the higher and more rugged landscapes on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau.

Arrive in Nyalam and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is kept relaxed, giving you time to rest and gradually acclimatize before continuing to the higher-altitude Mount Kailash region.

After today’s tour, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group members.

Overnight in Nyalam

Breakfast | Welcome Dinner

The stunning scenery from Nyalam to the Zhangmu Border on the Tibet side.

Welcoming our traveler at Zhangmu border with the traditional Hada.

Zhangmu Border, an important border crossing between China and Nepal.

The breathtaking scenery and lush forests around Zhangmu Border.

The stunning scenery from Nyalam to the Zhangmu Border on the Tibet side.

Welcoming our traveler at Zhangmu border with the traditional Hada.

Zhangmu Border, an important border crossing between China and Nepal.

The breathtaking scenery and lush forests around Zhangmu Border.

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

After breakfast, you will leave Nyalam, which is densely covered with forests and snow-capped mountains, and head to Saga with a 236 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

Local Tibetan village life along the shore of the turquoise Peiku Tso Lake.

Tibetan wild donkeys can be spotted along the way from Saga to Nyalam.

Breathtaking scenery and excellent road conditions along the way.

A little girl in Lapu Village, Nyalam, one of the most beautiful villages along the way.

Peiku Tso Lake and Mt. Shishapangma, two highlights along the way.

Local Tibetan village life along the shore of the turquoise Peiku Tso Lake.

Tibetan wild donkeys can be spotted along the way from Saga to Nyalam.

Breathtaking scenery and excellent road conditions along the way.

A little girl in Lapu Village, Nyalam, one of the most beautiful villages along the way.

Peiku Tso Lake and Mt. Shishapangma, two highlights 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. Meanwhile, you’ll pass by the beautiful green lake - Gongzhucuo Lake.

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 refresh yourself at the holy Lake Manasarovar.

In the morning, you’ll trek back from Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen, the starting point of the 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 the Lake Manasarovar Kora, listen to the rhythmic waves of the sacred waters, or simply clean your face and hands with the holy water, which holds significant spiritual meaning for Hindus and Buddhists.

You can also take the sightseeing bus for a 360-degree view of Lake Manasarovar. The bus will stop at some holy sites, such as Trugo Monastery and Lake Rakshastal viewpoint. If the weather permits, you can enjoy the extremely beautiful scene of Mount Kailash together with Lake Manasarovar in one picture.

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 highlights are the turquoise Peiku Tso Lake, magnificent views of Mt. Shishapangma and the surrounding Himalayan peaks, and the changing landscapes as you approach Nyalam.

In the morning, leave Saga and drive south across the vast Tibetan Plateau toward the Himalayas. Along the way, pass the turquoise Peiku Tso Lake, with Mt. Shishapangma (8,027m) and the surrounding snow-capped Himalayan peaks rising majestically in the distance.

The journey offers a beautiful combination of blue alpine lakes, open grasslands, and sweeping Himalayan mountain views. As you continue toward Nyalam, the vast plateau gradually gives way to more dramatic mountain terrain, marking your approach to the southern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.

Arrive in Nyalam in the afternoon and settle into this quiet Himalayan town. Enjoy some time to rest or take a leisurely walk around the town.

At the end of the day, you'll enjoy a farewell dinner with the group. On this last night together, share memories and cherish the moments with those departing from Zhangmu border to Kathmandu.

Overnight in Nyalam

Breakfast | Farewell Dinner

• 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! Today’s highlight is the dramatic journey from the high Tibetan Plateau down through the green Himalayan valleys to Zhangmu, before crossing the border into Nepal.

After breakfast, leave Nyalam and descend toward Zhangmu Port. Although the drive is not long, it brings one of the most striking landscape changes of the entire journey.

As the road winds down through the Himalayan gorge, the high-altitude mountain scenery gradually gives way to deep valleys, forested slopes, and waterfalls. The landscape becomes noticeably greener as you descend toward Zhangmu, a border town at about 2,300 meters above sea level.

After walking across the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge, our Nepali staff will meet you at the Nepal border (Kodari/Tatopani), 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 (booked by yourself) with Tibet Vista’s vehicle.

After entering Nepal, you will drive along the scenic Araniko Highway, traversing verdant river valleys, stepped terraces, and hillside villages. Due to the mountain road conditions, we will not make frequent stops. Nevertheless, you'll be treated to captivating sub-tropical landscapes along the way, savoring your last glimpses of the Himalayas.

Upon your arrival at your hotel in Kathmandu, which is booked by you, the tour service ends.

Breakfast

• The picturesque scenery of Gyirong Town

• You will be transferred to Gyirong Port.