Travelling to Mount Kailash from Nepal is fast becoming a popular choice for people wanting to visit this sacred mountain. As the only country with direct flights to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport, starting from Nepal offers many advantages. It simplifies the visa process, saves time and cost, and allows travelers to experience some of the sights and culture of Nepal.

Tour options mainly include a direct flight from Kathmandu or an overland border, each with its own benefits and considerations. Which one you should choose depends on what you’re looking for out of your trip, and how you want to experience the unique journey to Mount Kailash.

The Most Popular Way: Take a Flight to Lhasa and then Overland to Mt.Kailash (13-15 Days)

A direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is the main route for travelers entering Tibet from Nepal. The flight takes about 90 minutes and costs around 350 US dollars per person. From Lhasa, the tour continues overland to Mount Kailash. While the flight itself is a little expensive, overall it costs less than connecting to Lhasa through a city in mainland China.

There are two options for overland portion of the tour, and both are absolutely stunning. You can choose from a 15-day Lhasa Kailash tour that starts and ends in Lhasa, from where you can take your flight or train on to your next destination; or the 13-day Lhasa Kailash Kathmandu tour that starts in Lhasa and takes you to Mount Kailash and then across the Sino-Nepal border to travel by road back to Kathmandu.

On the way from Lhasa to Kailash one can visit Rongbuk Monastery and Everest Base Camp.

Both tours start in Lhasa, and begin with a tour of this ancient city on the roof of the world. Then it is off to visit Yamdrok Lake on the way to Gyantse, the home of the famous Kumbum Stupa, before heading off to Shigatse, Tibet’s second largest city. From Shigatse, it is then off to visit Everest Base Camp (EBC) and the world’s highest monastery, Rongbuk Gompa, before heading northwest to Saga, the last decent-sized town before you reach Ngari Prefecture and Mount Kailash.

From Saga, you then head to the small village of Darchen, from where the three-day trek around the sacred mountain starts. An awesome experience, the trek follows the ritual kora route of the pilgrims that trek around the mountain in search of enlightenment. After finishing the trek, and possibly taking a dip in the waters of the holy Lake Manasarovar, it is back to Saga. And this is where the tours differ.

Rest as much as possible during the Mount Kailash trek.

The 15-day tour then heads to Sakya, the home of one of Tibet’s most famous ancient monasteries, before heading back to Lhasa, via Shigatse. From there, travelers can take a flight or train to their next destination.

The 13-day tour leaves Saga for the Chinese border with Nepal, at the now-famous Gyirong Port. Lying in the lush and beautiful Gyirong Valley, the border crossing links China and Nepal via the Resuo Bridge, which spans the Trishuli River Gorge to the Nepali border checkpoint of Rasuwa Gadhi (Fort). From there, you can get the local bus or a shared van that will take you back to Kathmandu, a six-hour drive along rough roads through some of Nepal’s Himalayan foothills with wondrous views.

Flying direct from Kathmandu to Lhasa saves the hassle of having to transfer flights through another city in mainland China, leaving more time to focus on the beautiful sights of Tibet. Many of which can be seen on the drive from Lhasa to Kailash while passing through the breathtaking landscape. The journey also gives you a chance to acclimatize to the altitude as you slowly climb your way up along the overland route.

15 Days Kailash and Manasarova Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2059 p.p

The Time-Saving Way: Overland from Kathmandu to Mt.Kailash Directly (about 10 Days)

The overland route, starting in Kathmandu and travelling to Mount Kailash by road, is another popular way to travel from Nepal. Making your way via the Gyirong Port border crossing means your tour starts right away as you experience the local culture of Nepal.

The route to Mount Kailash from Kathmandu via Gyirong is pretty much a reversal of the last part of the 13-day Small Group Tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu, and follows the same routes, albeit with days spent acclimatizing along the way because of the huge increases in altitude.

Travelling from Nepal to Tibet via Gyirong Port

Starting at Kathmandu, you can either take the local bus to Rasuwa Fort, which costs around 1,500 NRs and takes around six hours, or we can organize a vehicle to transport you there, at an additional cost, which also takes around six hours. Once at the border crossing, you'll complete Nepali immigration and walk across the bridge to China. After immigration checks and entry into China, your tour guide awaits you in the Immigration Office's waiting area.

Your guide will then take you to the vehicle, where you will also meet your driver, and your tour will start with a short drive to the town of Gyirong, around 24 kilometers to the north. There, you will need to spend a day acclimatizing to the higher altitude, before moving on.

From Gyirong Town, you will head to the town of Saga, the important hub before reaching Kailash where you can pick up any items you have forgotten, and where you can get a good meal in one of the decent restaurants, and stay in a warm bed, for possibly the last time until you have finished the Kailash kora trek.

Travelling to Mount Kailash by road

From Saga, it is a long day of driving to get to Darchen, the start of the trek, where you will stop overnight before departing for the foot of the mountain. The trek around the mountain takes three days, and you can stay at two of the five monasteries that are located close to this sacred and unconquered peak, if there is room. They can be busy in the peak months, so you may have to sleep in a tent. Bring a good sleeping bag just in case.

This overland route offers a unique border crossing experience. Compared to other Kailash tour options, the overland route via Gyirong saves time while also being cost-effective. The journey keeps travelers immersed in the local sights and culture without the interruption of airports.

10 Days Kailash Pilgrimage Tour from Kathmandu, via Gyirong Port

Tour Route: Kathmandu – Gyirong – Saga – Mt.Kailash – Lake Manasarovar – Darchen – Saga – Gyirong – Kathmandu

Price from USD1749 p.p

How Much Does it Cost for a Mount Kailash Tour from Nepal?

The cost of a Mount Kailash tour from Nepal depends on many factors. The first consideration is how long and when you will travel. If you’re set on a longer tour, traveling during the shoulder season of April to late May, and late of October can be less expensive, while still offering good weather. What accommodations and transportation you choose during the tour will also affect the cost.

Joining our small group tour is the most cost-effective way for budget conscious travelers. Sharing the cost of the guide, driver, and private vehicle, and even giving you cheaper hotel rooms by sharing with other travelers in the group, this is the best option for many people.

Permits Needed for Mount Kailash Tour from Nepal

It is important to remember that several permits are needed to travel to Mount Kailash. The Tibet Travel Permit is an essential document needed for all foreign nationals to enter Tibet. Traveling outside the Lhasa region additionally requires the Alien’s Travel Permit. Mount Kailash, located in Ngari, is not only outside the Lhasa region but also in an area that requires the Military Permit in order to visit. And the last permit needed, the Foreign Affairs Permit, is necessary for culturally sensitive locations, including Mount Kailash.

A sample of Tibet Travel Permit

Obtaining the Tibet Travel Permit may take several business days, and it serves as a pre-condition for other required permits. To ensure a smooth process, we recommend applying in advance before your travel begins. We can help to handle all permit applications for our clients. Simply contact us in advance, and we'll assist you in getting everything ready.

15 Days Kailash and Manasarova Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2059 p.p

Packing List for Mount Kailash Tour from Nepal

After making sure all your travel documents are ready, it’s time to pack everything you’ll need for your Mount Kailash Tour. Even in the summer months, you need to prepare for some colder weather. It is best to prepare several layers of clothes so you can adapt to warmer daytime and colder evenings, and good sleeping bag for any nights spent in a tent.

Being well prepared for trekking is another must. A well-fitted backpack, sturdy hiking boots, and trekking poles will help you cross some of the rugged terrain. Sun protection is also important. A hat with a brim and UV protection sunglasses will help you to avoid any sun related problems.

Besides staying comfortable and warm, you will also need to stay healthy. Medicine for altitude sickness is a must for all travelers to Tibet. Additionally, a first-aid kit with supplies for treating small wounds and medicine for small ailments such as nausea and headaches is also needed. Basic toiletries, sun cream, lip care and skin moisturizer will also keep you fresh and comfortable during the tour.

Finally, don’t forget basic personal items, an adapter for electrical outlets, small flashlight, and thermos for hotel water.

Conclusion

A trip to Mount Kailash from Nepal is a convenient way to have the unparalleled experience of seeing Tibet’s breathtaking scenery and visiting important cultural locations. Whether you travel to Lhasa by flight, or overland to the mountain via Gyirong border, choices are available to suit many different schedules and budgets. Pack your bags and fulfill your dream of a lifetime journey to Mount Kailash.