Search
Pioneer of Tibet Tourism for Overseas Travelers since 1984!
Ultimate Kailash & Manasarovar Tour Maps: Routes and Kora Guide (2026)
Having a helpful map for the Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar pilgrimage makes it much easier for you to navigate this remote and mystical region of western Tibet.
In this travel guide, we provide detailed maps for your journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, including the legendary 52km Mount Kailash Kora (pilgrimage trek), the Lake Manasarovar pilgrimage, classic overland routes from Lhasa and Kathmandu to holy Mount Kailash, as well as maps of Kailash Manasarovar accommodations and nearby attractions.
With these up-to-date maps and our insider tips, you can plan your sacred adventure with ease and confidence.
Where Are Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Located on the Map
Route Map: How to Reach Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar from Lhasa and Kathmandu
Mount Kailash Kora Map: Outer vs. Inner Kora
Lake Manasarovar Pilgrimage Map: What to Expect on Your Visit?
Accommodation Map: Where to Stay on the Mount Kailash & Lake Manasarovar Pilgrimage?
Map of More Tourist Attractions in Ngari Beyond Mt.Kailash & Lake Manasarovar
More FAQs about Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Map
Conclusion: Plan Your Mount Kailash & Manasarovar Journey with Us Today!
Where Are Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Located on the Map
The location of Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet on the map.- Location: Both Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar are situated in the Purang County, Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
- Gateway Cities: Thanks to its proximity to Nepal, Lhasa and Kathmandu are the two main gateways for most travelers to visit Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar for pilgrimage or adventure.
Mount Kailash at a Glance:
- Elevation: 6,638 meters.
- Mountain Range: Mount Kailash lies in the Gangdise Mountain Range of western Tibet, north of and separate from the Great Himalayas.
- Why It’s Sacred: Mount Kailash is Tibet’s most sacred mountain and revered as the “Center of the Universe” in Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Bon, and Jainism. Our local Tibetans believe that walking around the holy Mt. Kailash can cleanse sins of a lifetime, earn divine blessings, and even achieve nirvana and enlightenment.
- Source of Four Great Rivers: Four major rivers of Asia, the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali (a tributary of the Ganges), originate in the region around Mount Kailash.
- Best Time to Visit: May, June, September, and October
Lake Manasarovar at a Glance:
- Elevation: 4,588 meters.
- Water: Lake Manasarovar is one of the world's highest freshwater lakes, spanning 412 square kilometers and lying beside its saline sister Lake Rakshastal.
- Why It’s Sacred: Lake Mansarovar is Tibet’s most sacred lake, embodying wisdom and compassion. It is said to be the purest water in the world that has a magical power to purify one’s soul and bring blessings to pilgrims and visitors.
- Best Time to Visit: May to October.
- Proximity: Lake Manasarovar is just a 40-minute drive (42km) south of Mount Kailash, making it an ideal place to relax and meditate after completing the 3-day Mount Kailash pilgrimage trek.
Enjoy the classic 15-day Lhasa to Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar small group tour to explore the magic of the holy peak and lake.
Route Map: How to Reach Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar from Lhasa and Kathmandu
The most classic Lhasa to Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar route map.Most Classic Lhasa to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Route
| Distance | Around 1,500 km, one way from Lhasa to Darchen, with an exciting excursion to Everest Base Camp |
| Trip Duration | 15 Days for the classic Lhasa to Mt. Kailash Manasarovar Small Group Tour, round trip |
| Main Stops Along the Way | Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Tingri - Everest Base Camp - Saga - Darchen (kora starting point) - Mt. Kailash |
| Best Highlights | Explore Lhasa and Shigatse, the cultural heartland of Tibet, and spend an amazing night at the foot of stunning Mt. Everest, and admire two of Tibet’s holiest lakes (Yamdrak & Manasarovar), enjoy the ultimate 3-day Mt. Kailash trek and meditate around Lake Manasarovar, plus much more local encounters and culinary explorations. |
| Road Conditions | Well-paved asphalt roads all the way to Darchen. Smooth and scenic driving from the central to the western Tibetan Plateau. |
| Altitude Acclimatization | Enjoy a gradual ascent from Lhasa (3,650 m) to Shigatse (3,800m), then to Everest Base Camp (5,010 m), onward to Saga (4,500m), and finally reach Darchen (4,675m) and prepare for the 3-day Mount Kailash Kora. |
| Travel Documents Required | Tibet Travel Permit, Border Pass, Military Permit |
Insider Tips: As a local Tibet travel agency since 1984, we take care of everything for you, from securing all travel permits to arranging comfortable accommodations, experienced local Tibetan guides, skilled drivers, reliable transportation, meals, and oxygen supplies. With our attentive support throughout the journey, you can simply relax and focus on enjoying a safe and truly immersive Mt. Kailash Manasarovar tour.
Enjoy the classic 15-day Lhasa to Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar small group tour to explore the magic of the holy peak and lake.
Kathmandu to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Route
The Kathmandu to Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar route map.| Distance | Around 850 km for the one-way trip from Kathmandu to Darchen (Kailash trek base). |
| Trip Duration | 10 Days for Kathmandu to Mt. Kailash Manasarovar Small Group Tour, round trip |
| Border Crossing | Enjoy our smooth border transfer between Kathmandu and Gyirong Port (China-Nepal border) |
| Main Stops Along the Way | Kathmandu - Rasuwagadhi - Gyirong - Saga - Darchen (kora starting point) - Mt. Kailash |
| Best Highlights | Enjoy changing landscapes from Kathmandu Valley to lush Gyirong Valley and awe-inspiring western Tibetan Plateau, admire Mt. Shishapangma (8,012m) and Lake Peiku Tso and Lake Manasarovar, and enjoy the legendary 3-day Mt. Kailash trek and meditate around Lake Manasarovar and beyond |
| Road Conditions | In Nepal’s border area, expect rough, winding, and unpaved dirt roads vulnerable to seasonal landslides (especially during summer monsoon rains), while for the Tibet section, you will enjoy smooth, fully paved highways once you pass the initial mountain switchbacks during the border crossing. |
| Altitude Acclimatization | Take one day to acclimatize on each side of the China–Nepal border: first in Rasuwa Gadhi (2,556m) in Nepal, then in Gyirong Town (2,800m) in Tibet, before continuing to the higher-altitude regions of Saga (4,600m) and Darchen (4,675m). |
| Travel Documents Required | Tibet Travel Permit, Border Pass, Military Permit |
Insider Tips: Whether you travel via the Gyirong route or the Lhasa route, we provide medical oxygen cylinders on our comfortable tour vehicles and portable oxygen canisters whenever needed. Throughout the journey, your experienced local Tibetan guide will be there to assist you, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and enriching pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.
Travel overland from Kathmandu to holy Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar and journey back to Nepal with our smooth border transfer.
Mount Kailash Kora Map: Outer vs. Inner Kora
(Simple click to enlarge the map)The classic Mount Kailash outer and inner kora map.
The legendary Mount Kailash kora (pilgrimage trek) actually has two routes.
- Mt. Kailash outer kora: Most travelers follow the classic 3-day Kailash outer kora (52km), circling the sacred Mt. Kailash along well-trodden trails with plenty of supply points and safe accommodations.
- Mt. Kailash inner kora: The inner kora (34km) is a far more demanding pilgrimage route, taking you deep into the remote southern face of Mt. Kailash. The trek involves steep climbs to a high pass at 5,860m. Unlike the outer kora, there are no marked trails, accommodation, food supplies, phone signal, or medical support along the way. For travel safety, the inner kora is now open only to local pilgrims.
Mt. Kailash Outer Kora vs Inner Kora Comparison
| Feature | Mt. Kailash Outer Kora | Mt. Kailash Inner Kora |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 52km | 34km |
| Duration | 3-day trek | 1 long day trek (8 to 12 hours more) with steep mountain climbing involved |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to strenuous, but manageable with the support of our local Tibetan guide and porter, and even with horseback riding and yaks carrying supplies along the way | Ultimate challenging and it requires mountaineering experience, excellent balance on moving rock, zero fear of heights, and intense stamina. |
| Start / Finish Point | Darchen | Darchen |
| Trekking Route | Darchen (4,675m) - Yamadwar (4,800 m) - Lha Chu Valley (4,900 m) -Dirapuk Monastery (5,210 m) - Dolma La Pass (5,630 m) - Gauri Kund (5,608 m) - Zutulpuk Monastery (4,790 m) - Darchen (4,675m). | Darchen (4,675m) - Selung Monastery (5,020m) - foot of Mt.Kailash(5,600m) - 13 Golden Chortens & Saptarishi Cave (5,860m) - Mt. Nandi Pass (5,805m) - Selung Monastery(5,020m) - Gyangdrak Monastery (5,060m) - Darchen (4,675m). |
| Highest Point | Dolma La Pass (5,630 m) | 13 Golden Chortens & Saptarishi Cave (5,860 m) |
| Trekking Trails | Widely trodden, highly visible dirt paths, rocky valley floors, and a clear mountain trail up to the pass | There are no marked trails and signposts. You’ll need to make your way across loose rocks, glacial debris, narrow crevices, and exposed cliffs. |
| Supplies & Accommodation | Abundant: Basic guesthouses at Dirapuk and Zutulpuk. Local tea houses and tent shops along the trail sell hot water, instant noodles, and snacks, with WIFI and phone signal available. | Virtually None: No lodges or commercial tent shops. Water can be replenished at Selung or Gyangdrak Monasteries, but you must pack in and pack out everything else. No mobile signal in the canyons. |
| Best Time to Trek | May to June, September to October | July to September |
| Best For | Most travelers | Only open to local pilgrims who have completed the Mt. Kailash outer kora 13 times |
Insider Tips: While the Mt. Kailash inner kora is not open to visitors, our experienced local Tibetan guide will lead you to the closest viewpoint of Mt. Kailash's sacred south face. It's the perfect place to pause, meditate, and feel the unique spiritual energy that radiates from this holy mountain.
Our guests enjoyed the peaceful meditation before the holy Mt. Kailash.
Discover the magic of holy Mt. Kailash with our special 14-day Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar Tour.
Lake Manasarovar Pilgrimage Map: What to Expect on Your Visit?
The pilgrimage route of holy Lake Manasarovar on the map.Lake Manasarovar Pilgrimage at a Glance
| Feature | Lake Manasarovar Pilgrimage |
|---|---|
| Distance | around 110 km |
| Duration | 4 days |
| Altitude | The lake surface rests at 4,590 m. The route gently fluctuates between 4,590 m and 4,620 m. There are no steep high-mountain passes. |
| Start / Finish Point | Chiu Monastery |
| Trekking Route | Chiu Monastery - Langbona Monastery - Hor Qu -Seralung Monastery - Trugo Monastery - Gossul Monastery - Chiu Monastery |
| Highest Point | Around the hills near Chiu Monastery (4,650 m). |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate, and the terrain is mostly flat dirt roads and gravel tracks with no climbing needed. |
| Best Highlights | Standing atop the rocky ridge of Chiu Monastery offers a spectacular panorama of the deep blue lake contrasting against the lofty Tibetan plateau, with Mount Kailash rising in the distant north. The natural lakeside hot springs nearby are a major highlight for weary travelers. |
| Supply & Accommodation | Basic guesthouses or monastery lodging are available at the end of each day's stage. Hot water and basic instant food can be found here, but you must carry trail snacks and water for the day. |
| Best Time to Trek | May to June and September to mid-October for the clear skies and stable weather. |
| Best For | Local pilgrims or travelers on a custom Mt. Kailash tour |
Insider Tips: As a tradition, after completing the Mt. Kailash kora, you can enjoy our smooth transfer to holy Lake Manasarovar (40min ride), a must-visit highlight of our Mt. Kailash tour.
Here, you can slow down with a peaceful meditation or lakeside stroll, relax your feet in the nearby hot springs, visit Chiu Monastery for beautiful lake views, or, like many Indian pilgrims, take a sacred dip by the shore.
Accommodation Map: Where to Stay on the Mount Kailash & Lake Manasarovar Pilgrimage?
Darchen is the best place for accommodation for the Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar tour.Nestled at the foot of Mt. Kailash, Darchen is the ideal base for your pilgrimage, offering comfortable accommodation before and after your journey around the sacred mountain.
Besides, staying in Darchen doesn't mean missing out on Lake Manasarovar. The holy Lake Manasarovar is just about a 40-minute drive away, making it easy to visit after you complete the 3-day Mt. Kailash kora.
What's more, during the 3-day Mt. Kailash kora, especially on the first and second nights, we will arrange local guesthouses near Drirapuk Monastery and Dzultripuk Monastery, the two main overnight stops along the route.
Insider tips: Due to the extreme remoteness and high altitude of the Mt. Kailash region, accommodations along the kora are very humble, with basic furniture, dormitory-style beds, and limited water, smelly pit toilets, and no WIFI coverage.
We suggest that you please keep an open mind and embrace these simple conditions as part of the authentic Mt. Kailash pilgrimage experience. For many of our guests, the journey's spiritual atmosphere, breathtaking landscapes, and sense of achievement far outweigh the lack of modern comforts.
Our guests stayed in a local guesthouse during the Mt. Kailash trek.
Enjoy the classic 15-day Lhasa to Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar small group tour to explore the magic of the holy peak and lake.
Map of More Tourist Attractions in Ngari Beyond Mt.Kailash & Lake Manasarovar
The fascinating attractions around sacred Mt. Kailash on the map.If you have more time and want to explore the lost civilizations and unique landscapes of western Tibet, or dive deeper into the history of Tibetan Buddhism, the following attractions around Mt. Kailash are well worth a visit.
- Guge Kingdom Ruins (Tsaparang): Once the capital of the powerful Guge Kingdom, these dramatic cliffside ruins offer a glimpse into western Tibet's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. You may explore ancient caves, tunnels, and stairways, and discover murals and sculptures dating back nearly a thousand years.
- Tholing Monastery: Built in the 11th century during the Guge Kingdom, this monastery was a royal temple and a major center for translating Buddhist scriptures. Renowned Indian scholar Atisha once taught here, helping revive Tibetan Buddhism. Its chapels, murals, stupas, and mani walls reflect a blend of artistic styles from India, Nepal, Kashmir, and Central Asia.
- Dungkar and Piyang Cave Paintings: About 40 km northeast of the Guge ruins, these ancient caves house over 1,000 murals depicting Tibetan Buddhist teachings, local deities, and daily life. The artwork beautifully blends Indian and Tibetan styles, offering a vivid window into the region’s spiritual and cultural history.
- Zanda Clay Forest: These natural wonders showcase surreal landscapes shaped by erosion and time, perfect for photography and appreciating Tibet’s dramatic geology.
- Kyunglung: Also known as the "Silver Palace," Kyunglung is thought to have been the capital of the ancient Xiangxiong Kingdom. Nestled in a remote valley southwest of Mount Kailash, its caves and ruins are fascinating to explore, giving you a glimpse of life thousands of years ago.
Our guests posed for photos at the awe-inspiring Guge Kingdom Ruins in western Tibet.
Journey to sacred Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar and step into the mysteries of Zanda Clay Forest and the Guge Kingdom.
More FAQs about Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Map
Q1: How far is Lake Manasarovar from Mount Kailash?
The distance between Mount Kailash and the northern shore of Lake Manasarovar is only about 42 kilometers, or roughly a 43-minute drive on well-paved roads.
After completing the 3-day Mount Kailash trek, you can enjoy our smooth transfer to the serene Lake Manasarovar, where we can enjoy meditation, quiet reflection, or a peaceful stroll along the lakeshore.
Q2: How close is Mount Kailash to Nepal?
Mount Kailash is located in western Tibet, around 800 km north of Kathmandu, Nepal.
If you are coming from Kathmandu, you can enjoy our smooth border transfer from your hotel to cross the Gyirong Port, the China-Nepal border, to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, and further journey to holy Mt. Kailash.
From Gyirong to Mount Kailash, the overland journey is roughly 650 km and usually takes two days of driving with sightseeing and acclimatization stops along the way.
Finally, you will reach Darchen, the starting and finishing point of the legendary 3-day Mt. Kailash trek.
Q3: How do I reach Mount Kailash on a map from Lhasa?
The most classic route from Lhasa to Mount Kailash follows the G318 Friendship Highway from Lhasa down to Shigatse, with a thrilling excursion to Everest Base Camp, then transitions onto G219 National Highway passing through Saga and Zhongba all the way to Kailash.
It covers roughly 1,500 kilometers and takes about 6 days of driving from Lhasa, allowing your body a very smooth, gradual altitude acclimatization. You can enjoy our spacious and comfortable tour bus for the scenic ride.
Q4: What is the best map route from Kathmandu to Kailash?
The most popular and convenient route is:
Kathmandu - Gyirong Border - Gyirong Town - Saga - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Mount Kailash
This route covers around 800 km and takes about 4 days to reach Darchen. It is currently the standard overland pilgrimage route from Kathmandu to Mt. Kailash for most international travelers.
The journey offers gradual altitude gain, stunning Himalayan scenery, and the shortest access to both Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash.
Q5: Can I just download this Mount Kailash map, grab my passport, and go myself?
No. Independent travel is not available for international travelers in Tibet due to the Tibetan Plateau’s high altitude and unique Buddhist culture and local customs.
To visit Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, you are expected to book an organized Mt. Kailash tour through a licensed local Tibet travel agency like us.
We will help you apply for the Tibet Travel Permit and other required travel documents for a legal entry into Tibet, and offer you an all-in-one service to arrange accommodation, dining, guided service, transportation, oxygen supplies, and other logistic supplies to ensure a safe and immersive journey.
Q6: Which Mount Kailash route is best for first-time travelers?
If it’s your first time visiting Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, the best way to experience it is by joining our classic 15-day Lhasa to Mt. Kailash Manasarovar small group tour, following the well-loved route from Lhasa to Kailash, with a detour to explore Everest Base Camp.
Starting in Lhasa (3,650 m), you’ll spend three days acclimatizing while exploring some of Tibet’s most iconic attractions. From there, your journey gradually takes you to Shigatse, passing the stunning turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake and the majestic Karola Glacier.
This first leg of the adventure gives you a chance to immerse yourself in Lhasa and Shigatse, two of the cultural heartlands of the central Tibetan Plateau.
From Shigatse, you’ll take a detour to the Everest Base Camp, another highlight of this overland journey. At Tibet EBC, you can witness the breathtaking sunrise and sunset over the world’s highest peak, visit Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery on Earth, and even send a postcard from the world’s highest post office to share the experience with friends.
Finally, you will journey west to Saga, Zhongba, and reach Darchen, a small town nestled at the foot of the sacred Mt. Kailash.
For both Himalayan views and cultural encounters, the classic Lhasa to Mt. Kailash Mansarovar route promises you an adventure of a lifetime across the central Tibetan Plateau.
Conclusion: Plan Your Mount Kailash & Manasarovar Journey with Us Today!
Whether you travel from Lhasa or Kathmandu, understanding the route, elevation, accommodation locations, and pilgrimage circuits on a detailed Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar map is the key to a safe and rewarding journey.
We hope this guide helps you visualize every stage of the adventure, from crossing the Tibetan Plateau to completing the sacred Kailash Kora and visiting holy Lake Manasarovar.
Besides, with the help of the best local Tibet travel service, you can fully immerse yourself, connecting your soul to Tibet’s most sacred mountain and lake, while traveling with peace of mind.
If you have any questions about visiting these sacred sites, feel free to email us for personalized, free travel advice. We can’t wait to journey with you in Tibet soon. Tashi Delek!
Email me about your travel idea
