Kailash Mansarovar Tour

The Kailash Mansarovar tour is a spiritual journey to the heart of the Himalayas, where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati reside. The tour will take you to the holy Mount Kailash and the sacred Mansarovar Lake in remote western Tibet.

It is a 16-day overland trip that begins in Kathmandu and takes you to Tibet via the Timure-Kerung (Nepal-Tibet) border. Before leaving Kathmandu, you will explore the ancient temples and palaces this city has to offer and have a glimpse of Nepali culture.

Although there are a few other routes to travel to Kailash and Mansarovar Lake, such as the Kailash Mansarovar tour via Lhasa, the Lhasa EBC Kailash tour, and the Kailash Heli tour, the Kailash Mansarovar overland tour is definitely the most preferred route.

The overland route to Kailash offers better acclimatization opportunities, allowing travelers to feel less affected by the high altitude, and the risk of altitude sickness is also lower. The overall journey is also quite comfortable because you travel from Kathmandu to Mansarovar in a premium tourist bus.

The Kailash Mansarovar tour is a life-changing voyage for both adventurers and Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon devotees. This tour is not only spiritually enriching but also very adventurous and thrilling. Mt. Kailash has also always been a center of numerous legends, myths, and rumors.

From the Pyramid Theory and Accelerated Aging to the Axis Mundi and the Forbidden Mountain, if you are into uncovering mysteries, the Kailash Mansarovar tour will keep you on your toes.

There are also intriguing rumors about Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar Lake, such as the Strange Sound like machinery coming out from Mt. Kailash, the Twin Lakes (Mansarovar and Rakshastal) representing the sun and moon, and Mt. Kailash’s alignment with monuments like the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge.

The Kailash Mansarovar tour takes you from the lush hills of Nepal to the vast Tibetan plateau. As the journey unfolds, you will witness some of the most stunning mountains in the Himalayan range, such as Langtang Lirung, Shishapangma, Nandi Parvat, Gurla Mandhata, and Gaurishankar.

In this blog, we have talked in detail about the Kailash Mansarovar tour. We have shared the best Kailash Mansarovar tour itinerary, some helpful information for the travelers, tips to make the most out of your journey, Kailash Mansarovar tour package price & how to budget for additional expenses, and why you must try to do the Kailash Mansarovar tour in 2026 (the Year of the Horse).

“If you are planning to do the Kailash Mansarovar tour in 2026 or 2027, this blog is a must-read. This blog contains information based on our first-hand expertise in organizing Kailash Mansarovar tours and tips from our previous travelers.”

Why should you do the Kailash Mansarovar tour in 2026?

The Horse Year Significance:

2026 is a rare cosmological year that comes every 12 years. As per the Chinese zodiac, 2026 is the Horse Year. This year is considered auspicious for any pilgrimage, including the Kailash Mansarovar tour.

It is believed that doing the Kailash Kora or any pilgrimage in 2026 will be 13 times meritful. So, one Kailash Kora in 2026 will be equal to 13 Kailash Koras.

So, if you are planning to do the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra anytime soon, you should definitely consider doing it in 2026.

Better infrastructure than 2025

After a long halt, the Kailash Mansarovar tour resumed in 2025. For our travelers and us, 2025 was a very good year for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

We believe 2026 will be even better. The infrastructure will be better, security will be stronger, and there will be more clarity and structure to the journey.

Travellers can expect a smooth and hassle-free Kailash Mansarovar tour and a less complicated visa and permit process.

Kailash Mansarovar tour itinerary

Below, we have shared our meticulously planned Kailash Mansarovar tour itinerary for 2026. As you are most likely to travel from sea level, you will spend a few days in Kathmandu acclimatizing (while waiting for the Tibet Group Visa) and then also take an acclimatization break in Kerung.

*For a private Kailash Mansarovar tour, we can also customize the itinerary and services in the Kailash Mansarovar tour package as per your preference.

Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to the hotel

Altitude: 1,300 m/4,265 ft

➙ We will pick you up from the airport and drop you off at the hotel in a private vehicle.

Day 02: Visit the Chinese Embassy to complete the Tibet Visa process

➙ Visit the Chinese Embassy to apply for the Tibet Group Visa.

➙ After embassy work, you have the remaining day free.

Day 03: Waiting for visa process- visit Pashupatinath, Guheshwori Temple, and Bouddhanath Stupa

➙ Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Guheshwori Temple, and Bouddhanath Stupa with one of our friendly tour guides.

Day 04: Receive the visa and spend the evening packing and exploring Monkey Temple

➙ Receive the Tibet Group Visa.

➙ Explore the Monkey Temple later in the day.

➙ Do the final shopping for the Kailash tour and pack your duffel bags.

Day 05: Drive from Kathmandu to Timure

Distance: 165 km/102 miles

Altitude: 1,760 m/5,774 ft

Duration: 6-7 hours

➙ The road from Kathmandu to Timure is well-made for the most part. Some sections are bumpy once you enter the hilly roads.

➙ Enjoy beautiful scenery and mountain vistas during the ride.

Day 06: Drive from Timure to Kerung

Distance: 40 km/25 miles

Altitude: 2,900 m/9,514 ft

Duration: 3 hours

➙ A short drive from Timure will bring you to Kerung.

➙ Our team will help you with border checking.

➙ Change the vehicle on the other side of the border and drive to the hotel in Kerung.

➙ The remaining day is free to rest and acclimatize.

Day 07: Acclimatization in Kerung

➙ We will drive or hike to a higher altitude near Kerung and return to spend the night in the same hotel for acclimatization.

Day 08: Drive from Kerung to Saga

Distance: 230 km/143 miles

Altitude: 4,640 m/15,223 ft

Duration: 5-6 hours

➙ Huge elevation jump from Kerung to Saga, but acclimatization in Kerung will help you adjust to the altitude.

➙ Scenic ride. You will cross a long tunnel on the way and pass by the beautiful Peluk Lake.

Day 09: Drive from Saga to Paryang (4,700 m/15,420 ft) to Mansarovar

Distance: 447 km/277.7 miles

Altitude: 4,590 m/15,059 ft

Duration: 8-9 hours

➙ Leave Saga early in the morning and drive to Mansarovar Lake, crossing Meiyuma La Pass (5,211 m) and Paryang on the way.

➙ See the Yarlung Tsangpo (river), the source of the holy Brahmaputra River.

➙ Witness breathtaking views of mountains like Everest, Cho Oyu, Shisapangma, Makalu, etc.

➙ Explore Mansarovar Lake and pray.

➙ Explore Rakshastal, west of Manasarovar Lake.

Day 10: Drive from Mansarovar Lake to Darchen

Distance: 40 km/25 miles

Altitude: 4,670 m/15,321 ft

Duration: 1-2 hours

➙ Short drive from Mansarovar.

➙ Darchen is the last settlement situated at the foot of Mt. Kailash.

Day 11: Trek from Darchen to DiraPuk

Distance: 17 km/10.5 miles

Altitude: 5,210 m/17,093 ft

Duration: 7-8 hours

➙ A short drive from Darchen will bring you to YamDwar, the starting point of Kailash Kora (Parikrama).

➙ You can see the north face of Mt. Kailash on the way to DiraPuk.

➙ The trail gradually ascends from rocky and meadow-filled to the Lha Chu Valley.

➙ Explore Choku monastery and Dirapuk monastery.

Day 12: Trek from DiraPuk to ZuthulPhuk via Dolma La Pass (5,630 m/18,471 ft)

Distance: 22 km/13.6 miles

Altitude: 4,760 m/15,616 ft

Duration: 7-8 hours

➙ From DiraPuk, you will ascend to Dolma La Pass.

➙ It is the most challenging day of the whole trip because you will ascend 5,000 meters above sea level.

➙ From Dolma La Pass, the trail descends to Gauri Kund, leading you to Lham Chu Valley and drops to ZuthulPhuk.

Day 13: End of Kailash Parikrama and drive to Saga

Distance: 12 km/7.4 miles

Altitude: 4,670 m/15,321 ft

Duration: 5 hours

➙ The trail descends to Dzong Chu Valley from ZuthulPhuk.

➙ The Kailash Kora ends at Zongdui. From here, you will drive to Saga, following the same route.

Day 14: Drive from Saga to Kerung (Tibet-Nepal border)

Distance: 250 km/155 miles

Altitude: 2,700 m/8,858 ft

Duration: 8-9 hours

➙ Leave Saga early in the morning and drive back to Kerung following the same route.

Day 15: Drive from Kerung to Kathmandu

Distance: 150 km/93 miles

Altitude: 1,300 m/4,265 ft

Duration: 8-9 hours

➙ It is the same route that you used at the start of the trip.

➙ Our team will help you with border formalities.

➙ Upon reaching Kathmandu, we will drop you off at the hotel.

➙ The evening is free.

Day 16: Final transfer to the international airport for the flight back home

➙ Depart for your home today.

➙ Our representatives will drop you off at the international airport in Kathmandu.

Things you should know before booking the Kailash Mansarovar tour

If you are thinking about doing the Kailash Mansarovar tour, you must know these things:

High altitude:

The Kailash Mansarovar tour takes you to the roof of the world, the Tibetan plateau. It is not like your other pilgrimages. You will literally travel 5,500 meters above sea level during the Kailash Mansarovar tour.

And it is not normal for humans to experience this kind of altitude, unless they do not come from a high altitude town or village. Above 2,500 meters, high altitude effects begin to become obvious.

The higher you go from this point, the lower the oxygen level gets, which can lead to altitude sickness if not acclimatized. Pilgrims usually do not understand the seriousness of high altitude trips like the Kailash Mansarovar tour and suffer throughout the journey.

First, you need a thoughtfully planned itinerary that helps in acclimatization. We already got your back for that. Second, you have to be proactive when it comes to keeping yourself hydrated during the tour.

You have to religiously drink at least 2 liters of water daily, soups, and ginger-honey tea. Third, do not rush and maintain a good balance of sleep and food during the trip.

Additionally, our team will monitor your health during the tour and help you with their tips and tricks to get used to the high altitude. Nevertheless, awareness of altitude sickness during the Kailash Mansarovar tour is important.

Read our Altitude Sickness during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra blog if you are interested to learn more about it. We have shared many helpful tips to manage altitude sickness during the Kailash Mansarovar tour in this blog.

The Kailash Kora (Parkrama) is physically and mentally challenging:

Most of the time, the extreme faith of the pilgrims brings them to Kailash. All they know is they want to pay a visit to their god and forget to understand, address, or prepare for the challenges it carries.

The Kailash Kora is 51 km long. You hike for three days straight to cover 51 km on foot. Not only that, but the Kailash Kora route is also situated at a high altitude.

You will walk 6 to 8 hours a day, 4,000 meters above sea level, facing cold weather and wind. The trail is rocky and uneven, and becomes steep as you get close to Dolma La Pass.

You will be challenged physically and mentally during the Kailash Kora. So, we recommend exercising and improving your stamina before the trip begins for the best experience.

The unpredictable Himalayan weather:

The weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable. There can be sudden snow or rain, and the sky can get gloomy anytime. Likewise, you can experience crystal clear sky with perfect sunlight even on an unexpected day.

Therefore, while packing for the Kailash Mansarovar tour, you have to pack for all kinds of weather. Remember, even in summer, the temperature can drop below freezing point. So, you need thermal clothes, fleece, and a down jacket in the summer season.

Read more about the Kailash Mansarovar tour packing list and how to layer clothes in this blog.

Kailash Mansarovar tour best time:

The Kailash Mansarovar tour runs from May to October. You cannot do this tour in other months because the route remains closed. Between May and October, you can travel any time to Kailash Mansarovar.

For instance, June and August are high pilgrimage times. So, if you are doing the Kailash Yatra for spirituality, you will love the energy and festivity in June and August.

For a quieter Kailash Mansarovar tour experience, we recommend early days of May or October. June and September usually have a moderate crowd.

We have explained the Kailash Mansarovar tour experience each month in detail in our Best Time to do the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra blog.

Basic facilities:

Kailash Mansarovar is a remote area. After Darchen, you spend three days in a basic but clean and comfortable guest house (during Kailash Kora). Services will be limited. There will be no network. Food will be filling but simple.

You will feel comfort from the divine and spiritual energy instead of modern conveniences during the Kailash Mansarovar tour!

Kailash Mansarovar tour permits and visas:

The Kailash Mansarovar is a restricted area in Tibet and heavily protected, too. To travel here, you need several permits and a Chinese Group Visa.

We begin the Kailash Mansarovar tour from Kathmandu (Nepal), so a Nepalese travel visa is also required (Indians do not need Nepal’s travel visa).

Kailash Mansarovar tour permits (overland from Kathmandu, Nepal):

• Tibet Travel Permit (TTP): Issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau
• Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP): Required for visiting restricted areas like Ngari and the Kailash/Mansarovar region in Tibet
• Military/Foreign Affairs Permit: Required due to the proximity of the Indian and Nepalese borders

Kailash Mansarovar tour visa:

• Chinese Group Visa
• Nepal Travel visa (if you are entering Tibet via Nepal) (not required for Indian travelers)

*Learn more about the Nepal travel visa on this site.

Kailash Mansarovar tour rules:

• You cannot travel to Kailash Mansarovar on your own or independently with a travel agency. Only group Kailash Mansarovar tours are allowed.
• Travelers must be between 13 and 70 years old to do the Kailash Mansarovar tour. If you do not fall into this age group, kindly contact us for more information.
• It takes around 20 to 25 days to process all the Kailash Mansarovar tour permits, so booking the trip at least 30 to 45 days early to your intended departure date is recommended.
• A medical clearance is required for high altitude.

Choose an experienced operator:

If you want to do the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, traveling with an authorized travel agency is a must. The tour operator you choose highly determines your overall Kailash Mansarovar tour experience, safety, and the value of the money you spend.

We, Leaf Holidays, are a Kathmandu-based travel agency. We specialize in Kailash Mansarovar trips and have firsthand experience. You can check out our reviews from our Kailash Mansarovar tour 2025 groups.

We have also created a special photo gallery blog of our Kailash Mansarovar 2025 trips that you can go through to see what our guests think about us and our service.

An experienced tour operator will:

• Handle the permit and Chinese Group Visa for you.
• Ensure your safety and comfort.
• They will take care of transportation and hotel reservations.
• You will have an experienced guide along with a team to handle the logistics during the tour.
• There will be no hidden charges during the tour, and you will be pre-informed about any additional personal expenses.
• There will be no fraud or scam. You will get what you are promised while booking the trip.

Tips to make the most out of your Kailash Mansarovar tour

➙ Pack clothes for all weather, but make sure you are not overpacked.

➙ We highly recommend packing extra pairs of socks, undergarments, hats, gloves, and pants.

➙ Make a photocopy of all essential documents and keep a few passport-sized photos for a backup.

➙ If you have motion sickness, consult your doctor and get medication that will help you through the overland tour.

➙ Pack sour candies, mints, etc, to munch while driving. It will help you calm down.

➙ Pack ORS or electrolytes. They are great for instant hydration and an energy boost.

➙ Get a hot water bag that you can use without electricity. You do not have to look for electricity to warm it up. Just add hot water (which you will have access to throughout the trip), and you are good to go.

➙ If you are sensitive about bedding and pillow covers, you can bring your personal bedsheet and pillow cover for the tour. Some travellers also like to bring their personal blanket. Make sure it is not huge and heavy. You can bring a throw blanket.

➙ The guest house can get quite noisy, especially during the high pilgrimage months. So you can consider packing earplugs or earmuffs.

➙ During the tour, eat light and nutritious meals.

➙ You will need comfortable hiking shoes for the Kailash Kora. Your hiking shoes should be supportive for your ankle and good for rugged terrain. Make sure you get used to your shoes before the tour starts to avoid the risk of blisters.

➙ Understand that Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake are sacred destinations for many religions. So, you will see different cultures, rituals, and beliefs here. Be respectful towards everyone.

Kailash Mansarovar tour package

We have many Kailash Mansarovar tour package options. In this blog, we have specially introduced our Kailash Mansarovar overland tour package. However, you can also do the Kailash Mansarovar tour via Lhasa, Beijing, or by helicopter with us.

You can check our Kailash Mansarovar tour packages on this page.

Our Kailash Mansarovar tour package includes:

• Kailash Mansarovar tour permits
• Chinese Group Visa
• Accommodation and food in Kathmandu
• Accommodation and food during the tour
• Transportations as per the itinerary
• Guide and support staff
• The company’s service charge and government taxes

Similarly, the Kailash Mansarovar tour package does not include the following expenses:

• Nepal Travel Visa fee
• Travel insurance
• International flights to/from Kathmandu
• Personal expenses like bar bills, charging, WiFi, etc, during the tour
• Tips for the guide, the driver, and our support team
• Shopping and souvenir
• Porter or horse rental during Kailash Kora
• Extra nights out in our itinerary
• Any expense not mentioned in the Cost Include list

*Note:

Book your Kailash Mansarovar tour early. We need time to obtain the necessary permits for the Kailash Mansarovar tour, and you need time to prepare and pack for the tour.

The Kailash Mansarovar tour is not a trip that you can do at the last minute. So, be mindful of that and get your seat early. Additionally, booking early can also allow you to get the best price and rooms.

Kailash Mansarovar tour package price

Our 16 days Kailash Mansarovar tour package price starts at USD 3,000 per person. But we also have special offers for bigger groups.

If your group has 16 to 25 travelers, you can do the Kailash Mansarovar tour at just USD 2,800 per person.

Moreover, for a group of 26 or more travelers, we have an even better price – USD 2,675 per person.

Do you need more discounts? Contact us and let’s see what we can offer you.

Below, we have shared our Kailash Mansarovar tour package price in a table for different group sizes:

What are the additional expenses during the Kailash Mansarovar tour?

Our Kailash Mansarovar tour package price covers all the major expenses. We have already shared what is included in our package and what is not.

However, here we are listing all the additional expenses that you may come across during the Kailash Mansarovar tour.

➙ Bar bills

➙ Extra sacks (we provide three vegetarian meals during the tour)

➙ Shopping for the tour

➙ Souvenirs

➙ Tips for guides, drivers, and the support team

➙ WiFi, charging, and hot shower charges during Kailash Koara (if there are any)

*We are crystal clear with our Kailash Mansarovar tour pricing and what is included in it. You will not face any hidden charges with us. If you have any questions regarding the Kailash Mansarovar tour price, feel free to talk to us anytime.

Final thought

The Kailash Mansarovar tour is a dream trip and requires proper preparation. The feeling of Kailash darshan goes beyond words. We can only share a little with our words.

It is a journey packed with adventure, spirituality, divine energy, and stunning mountain vistas and landscapes. During the Kailash Mansarovar tour, you will also have a glimpse of Nepali and Tibetan culture, too.

Whether you are traveling to Kailash Mansarovar to be close to Lord Shiva or to relish the adventure this trip offers, we will be your reliable travel partner.

For an unforgettable spiritual journey and a life-changing experience, we highly recommend the Kailash Mansarovar tour and make your Kailash Kora blessings 13 times stronger by doing it in 2026.

You do not have to worry about anything when traveling with us to Kailash Mansarovar. We will guide you in each step and ensure your safety. Whether you are a solo traveler or traveling with your friends and family, feel free to reach out to us to do the Kailash Mansarovar tour in 2026. Kailash Mansarovar tour bookings are open for the 2026 departures.