Overview
The Kailash Parbat is a mountain that lies in the Ngari Prefecture of Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Lying 100 km away from the tri-conjunction of Nepal, India, and China, the peak stands at a height of 6,714 meters. Not only is it a remarkably beautiful destination, but it is also a significant natural and historical landform. We at Nebira Holidays have a special package for a tour around this mountain. The Kailash tour via Kyirong overland tour is what we have in our offer. This tour is popular as the Kailash Parikrama by Hindu pilgrims.
This tour takes you around various locations of Nepal and Tibet borders. We will kick off our trip from Kathmandu, and we will end it with a return to Kathmandu. During most days, our travel will be by vehicle by road. However, for three days, we will trek around the Kailash mountain or do the Kailash Parikrama.
First up, we arrive in Kathmandu and gather ourselves in the group. We will visit the Pashupatinath temple, which is significant for Mahadev devotees. Then we will leave Kathmandu and head to our Kailash tour. Our first stop for the tour will be at Syabrubenshi. Then we head farther towards Kyirong County, passing through the Nepal-Tibet border in Rasuwagadhi. We’ll take a day off to relax and acclimatize in Kyirong.
The next day we will head towards Dongba. After that, we will reach the foothills of mount Kailash at Lake Mansarovar. The lake is a sacred water body. Our itinerary separates a day to worship the lake and for its Parikrama. Meaning we will have a tour around the lake. After we are done with our worship and tour, we will head to Darchen.
From Darchen we will head to Yam Dwar. Yam Dwar will be the first point of the main “Kailash Parikrama”. From Yam Dwar, we will start our trekking and head towards Deraphuk. From Deraphuk, we trek to the Dolma Pass and head to Zutulphuk. From Zutulphuk, we head back to Darchen. Now we will trace our steps back to Nepal, heading from Darchen to Dongba and to Kyriong. Then we will finally cross the Nepal-Tibet border via Raswagadhi and head back to Kathmandu.
The trip will be jam-packed with various sightseeing, worship, trekking, etc. Stick with us to know more about this trip.
Trip Highlights
- Do the sacred Lake Mansarovar Parikrama at the foot of the holy Kailash mountain.
- Visit various destinations around Tibet and Nepal.
- Get a chance to do the Pashupatinath Darshan.
- Trek around the Kailash mountain finishing the Kailash Kora or Parikrama.
- Watch the ethereal mountain of Kailash up close.
- Visit the Zutulphuk gompa, a significant place for the local Tibetan Buddhists.
- Learn the cultural and historical significance of the place in various religions.
Itinerary
Kathmandu’s altitude - 1400 meters
Overnight stay at Kathmandu
We will kick off our trip by gathering in Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu. It is one of the easiest access points from where we can cross the Tibetan borders. We will meet each other in Kathmandu and transfer ourselves to a hotel. We will spend the whole day familiarizing you with the whole trip. Our itinerary includes lots of activities and logistics that you need to know about. We will spend the day briefing you about it.
Our daily mode of travel might change depending on the daily itinerary. The mode of overnight stay also varies based on the location of the stay. Some days we might stay in tented camps, some days in a hotel or in a local guest house. We will prepare you for what you can expect in such places.
At the day’s end, we will have a delicious Nepali meal, get to bed and call it a day.
Kathmandu’s altitude - 1400 meters
Overnight stay at Kathmandu
Today’s activities will be limited to Kathmandu before we depart the city. We will begin the first part of our religious excursion by visiting the Pashupatinath temple. The temple lies in the heart of Kathmandu at Gaushala. The temple and the region are believed to have a very ancient history.
People of Kathmandu believe that the place of modern Gaushala used to be a cow-rearing hub. A magical cow that reared milk on its own was discovered by the herders. The herders were also the rulers of the Kathmandu valley during that time. Due to the cow and its miracle work, the place was revered. Later the great Pashupatinath temple was built in the place of the cow heard.
In the current day, the temple is among the most significant places for Hindu pilgrims. Around the year, many devotees, mainly Mahadev, visit the temple.
Today, we will spend the whole day visiting every nook and corner of the temple. We will also brief you about the many artifacts, statues, their significance, etc., of the temple. After our sightseeing, we will return to our hotel and prepare for tomorrow. We have a long day ahead of us, so we will get enough sleep as well.
Syabrubenshi’s altitude - 1460 meters
Drive hours - 6 hours
Distance traveled - 145 km
Overnight stay at Syabrubenshi
On the third day, we will leave Kathmandu behind and head towards Syabrubenshi. We will drive northwest of Kathmandu. We will pass through some farm villages along the hills and find vistas of the Himalayas along the road. We will pass by the view of Langtang Himal in Dhunche as we ascend higher. Dhunche is a major town in the Rasuwa district of Lantang.
From Dhunche, we need to do a short downhill drive for two hours to reach Syabrubenshi. The place is a part of the Lantang trails. The region welcomes you with its surrounding hills and a very temperate climate. We will check into a local hotel at the place upon arrival. This will mark the end of the third day.
Kyirong’s altitude - 3950 meters
Traveling hours - 2 hours
Distanced traveled 105 km
Overnight stay at Kyirong
Today we will leave Syabrubenshi early in the morning to officially depart from Nepal. We will travel through the fresh road that connects the Nepal-Tibet border in Rasuwagadhi. It takes around one hour of drive from Syabrubeshi to reach this conjunction. Here, we will meet our Tibetan guides and drivers accompanying your trip. The place also is a point to finish your custom and migration work. This applies to both sides of travel between Nepal / Tibet through Rasuwagadhi.
From Rasuwagadhi, we will drive a little more toward Kyirong County. This will be the place of an overnight stay for the day. It will mark the first Tibetan stop of our journey.
Kyirong’s altitude - 3950 meters
Overnight stay at Kyirong
Within the last two days, we will have gained more than 3000 meters of altitude. So, taking rest and accommodating this altitude would be a great caution. Our journey still necessitates us to travel higher into the vast Tibetan plateau. Before jumping into the next day’s travel above 4,500 meters, an acclimatization day is a must.
We will spend the day sightseeing around Kyirong. The place offers beautiful vistas of the Nepali Himalayas of Ganesh and Langtang. It would also be interesting to learn the site’s religion and history locally. The place carries many folklores and myths, and It is believed to be home to the 11th Century’s great saint Guru Milarepa who was famous for his tantric wisdom. He wrote poems, and folk songs and is a revered idol among the locals even today.
Dongba’s altitude - 4450 meters
Travel hours - 6 hours
Distance traveled - 375 km
Overnight stay at Dongba
After our time resting at Kyirong, we will move forward with the journey. We will now head to the world’s highest and largest Tibetan plateau lying in inner Tibet. You can now get a proper insight into this wild, windswept country.
A few hours of drive will lead us to a road along Zhangmi in Nylam county. It lies near the huge salt lake of Paikutsho. Now we cross a small pass to reach the Brahmaputra river(also called Yalung Tsangpo). We cross the river through a bridge to reach Saga town. The town is a moderate settlement area that lies in the route of Mount Kailash and Lhasa.
From Saga, the road leads us to a small pass that joins us to another side of the valley. This is where Dongba lies. We continue our drive past on vast plain and broad land reaching the town of Dongba. Our overnight stop, however, is a little further at New Dongba. It is an up-and-coming settlement with many lodges and guest houses. So, we will check into one of those accommodations for the night.
Mansarovar’s altitude - 4590 meters
Travel hours - 6 hours
Distance traveled - 295 km
Overnight stay at Mansarovar
We head to the holy site of Lake Mansarovar today. We will take a few hour drives from Dongba over a pass and descend to the expanded Tibetan plains. The region gives great views of the nearby mountain peaks. We will further drive past new hamlets and nomads. You will notice yak herder’s camps as you near the village of Paryang, lying at 4,550 m in height. It is a small hamlet with around 15 to 20 houses serving as lodges and guest houses. They mainly serve as basic means of accommodation for travelers like us. However, this will not be our stop for the day.
We will further continue our drive by heading over the Myam-La pass at the height of 5,150 m. Then we make a swift descent east to reach lake Mansarover for the day. We will head to Horpa town for our overnight accommodations. Once you arrive at the location, you will get the first glance of the Kailash mountain towards the North West.
Darchen’s altitude - 4600 meters
Travel hours - 1 hour
Distance traveled - 53 km
Overnight stay at Darchen
Today we get to observe lake Mansarovar in its full glory during daylight. You will notice the sacred lake lies between the mountain ranges of Kailash and Gurla Mandhata. Today you will be able to do the Mansarovar Parikrama, or the holy ritual of encircling the lake. The overall tour around the edge of the lake’s water takes around an hour. People do the Parikrama and also dip inside the lake three times as a ritual. The lake floating in the shadows of the holy Kailash is believed to be the formation of the gods.
After doing the Parikrama and diving rituals, you should change. Staying wet for a long time near the mountains is not a wise idea. After our Parikrama and activities in the lake is over, we will leave the area. We will head to the nearby town of Darchen for our next stop. It is a short one-hour drive near Mansarovar. We will transfer to a local hotel in Darchen and call it a day.
Deraphuk’s altitude - 4890 meters
Driving hours - half an hour
Trekking hours - 4 hours to 5 hours
Overnight stay at Deraphuk
Our official trekking of the Kailash Parikrama starts today. We will leave Darchen to head towards Yam Dwar first. It is a short half-hour drive from Darchen. Yam Dwar is believed to be the gate of lord Shiva’s home at Kailash. Yam Dwar literally translates to “Gate of the god of death”. Yam raj, the god of death as per myths, protects the Kailash Parbat, Lord Shiva’s residence, through Yam Dwar. Hindu pilgrims believe Yam dwar to be an important point of the Kailash Parikrama.
Now we will continue with the Kailash Parikrama on foot. People hire yaks and horses to carry their food and luggage for the hike. These animals are handled by Tibetan guides on a payment basis.
Our hike will be a gradual ascent alongside the bank of a glacial river. After around 4 to 5 hours worth of trek, we will arrive at the day’s destination. Deraphuk will be colder and much closer to Kailash. The views of Kailash will look the most ethereal from here. The night sky with the stars shining brightly alongside the mountain looks like a dream.
We will check into a local guest house in this place with such beautiful vistas. We will have our meals and rest as we’ve had a long journey. This marks the end of the ninth day of the trip.
Dolma La Pass altitude - 5610 meters
Overnight stay at Deraphuk
Today will be a major part of our trip as we aim to climb to the highest point of the trek. We head towards the Dolma La Pass at a height of 5610 meters. At the top, you will find a boulder that represents the goddess Dolma or Tara with a prayer flag. The place is the literal and spiritual highest point of this pilgrimage.
After we reach the top point, we will descend back to the bottom of the hill toward Gauri Kunda. We will head to the Zutul Puk Gompa. The meaning of Zutul is a cave. The Gompa is a significant place named after the cave of saint Milarepa. Milarepa was an ancient point who meditated in the said cave. People believe his footprint still remains on the gompa’s roof.
We will check into a local guest house in the area for our overnight stay. This marks the end of day ten.
Dongba’s altitude - 4450 meters
Trekking hours - 3 hours
Overnight stay at Dongba
Today, we aim to finish our Parikrama and leave Zutulphuk early. We will take a short walk passing through broad plains with mani walls. Then we enter a narrow valley with a gorge heading towards the west to Derchen. The end of the trek towards Derchen will have quite a dramatic view. We will exit from the river valley into a plain with mani walls decorated with real yak skulls. After a total of 3 hours of trekking, we will finally arrive at Darchen.
Now we will start with our regular driving journey. We will now return back to Nepal from Tibet and the Kailash region. We will board our vehicle from Darchen and head towards Dongba. The road is the same previously traveled accessible route passing alongside the Manasarovar lake. It will take us around 7 to 8 hours to reach our destination of the day.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to a local guest house in Dongba. We will eat well and get enough needed rest after days of trekking. This will mark the end of the 11th of our 14-day tour.
Kyirong’s altitude - 3950 meters
Travel hours - 6 hours
Distance traveled - 375 km
Overnight stay at Kyirong
Today we will trace our steps back to Kyirong county, nearing our return to Nepal. We will make the trip down the same route. Passing the board plains of Dongba, we will join Saga on the other side of the town. Then we move past Saga through a bridge to cross the Brahmaputra river.
Then we will reach the salt lake of Paiksutsho. It lies near the Zhangmi town of Nylam county. A few hours of drive from here will finally lead us back to Kyirong county. We will check into Kyirong’s hotel for the night. With enough sleep and rest, we will energize ourselves from our tiring treks and road trip.
Kathmandu’s altitude - 1400 meters
Travel hours - 7 hours to 10 hours
Distance traveled - 250 km
Overnight stay at - Kathmandu
Today we will officially leave Tibet and head to Nepal. A few hour's worths of driving will lead us back to Rasuwagadhi at Nepal - Tibet borders. We will complete the necessary checking, custom, and documentation work again at the border. Then we head towards Syabrubenshi with an hour worth of drive.
Syabrubenshi brings a hilly temperate environment and takes you to trails of the Langtang region. Then we make a short uphill drive towards Dhunche, a major town in Rasuwa, Lantang. We drive ahead, passing the various Himalayas, along with the beautiful Langtang Himal. We will descend towards the hills and find farm villages. Then a few hours worth of driving will finally lead us back to Kathmandu. We will settle into our hotels and call it a day.
Today will mark the ending of the 14-day-long Kailash Parikrama tour. We will have returned back to Nepal and will prepare to leave. We depart our own ways, bid farewell to our group, and head our way back home. We will arrange the necessary transportation the best we can for your departure. A private vehicle will likely drop you off at the Tibuwan Internation Airport to reach home if you’re from out of the country. You will go back home with a myriad of memories from the spiritually awakening trip of Kailash.
Cost Includes
- Accommodation options include hotels, guest houses, or tents.
- Private transportation provided based on group size.
- Necessary Tibet Travel and Trekking permits included.
- English-speaking Tibetan guide included.
- Sightseeing and entrance fees included.
- Yak and yak man provided for Kora (1 yak for every 2 people).
- Supporting truck provided for camping (for groups of 4 or more).
- Meal options include full board or bed and breakfast (depending on quotation)
Cost Excludes
- Travel and personal expenses not included.
- Sleeping bags and mattresses provided for tent stays.
- Insurance and medical fees not included.
- Option to hire porter/horse.
- Portable oxygen cylinders provided in case of emergency.
- Rescue and evacuation services available.
- Any additional costs due to unforeseen circumstances or natural calamities not included.
We will take 14 days total to finish our tour. It includes the day of arrival in Kathmandu and returns along with the day of departure.
You will spend around three days walking around the Kailash mountain for Parikrama. It is a walk of around 52 kilometers of distance.
Our highest part of the journey will be at the top of Dolma La pass. It lies at an altitude of 5610 meters.
The best time for it would be during mid-spring to early summer and mid-autumn. Not only is it suitable climate-wise, but also the lake will have adequate levels and temperatures of water for rituals.
For most of the trip, we will be driving around and have our team members as your guides. But if you wish to get porters for your trek, you can hire Tibetan porters. However, there is also an option of leaving unnecessary luggage at Darchen.
It is a popular belief that the mountain is home to sacred gods in Hinduism. Many scriptures claim the place to be the gateway to heaven. Buddhism also believes the place to be the center of the cosmos. Such a sacred place might be ruined of its purity if it is mounted. Hence, no one dares climb it.
Old folks might be able to easily perform the treks in the Kailash Parikrama if they are healthy. But if the physical activity level and stamina are low, the trek becomes very difficult. Going on jog walks, and short uphill walks to boost stamina could help them get there. However, if they are not physically strong enough, we advise against it.
Why do the Kailash tour via Kyirong?
Kailash and the region’s significance with nature and religion.
The mountain lies in the vicinity of Lake Manasarovar and Rakshastal. These lakes are the sacred location for the Hindus. Moreover, the site also houses the source of four major rivers in Asia nearby. The source transports us to the Indus River, the Sutlej river, the Brahmaputra river, and the Karnali river. Hence, the site is quite significant geographically.
Moreover, many religions hold the mountain and the region of Kailash in high regard. People who follow Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon revere this location.
As per Hinduism, the god Shiva’s place of residence is Kailash. He and consort goddess Parbati and their sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya, resided here. Mahabharat considers Kailash to be the gateway to heaven. In the epic, Draupadi along with the Pandavs, trek the mountain to attain liberation. Vishnu Puran also says that the mountain is a pillar of the world. It lies in the heart of six mountain ranges and forms a lotus-like shape.
According to Jain scriptures, mount Kailash is Ashtapad. The location of Ashtapad provides one moksha or liberation. The first ever Jain, Tirthankara, and Rishabhadeva attained moksha in this location.
Similarly, as per Buddhism, Kailash is popular as Mount Meru. The mountain is the center of Buddhist cosmology and is very revered. Some Buddhists believe it is home to Demchok, a representation of supreme bliss.
A destination with such a vast significance must be on your list of places to visit.
Kailash’s eccentric beauty
People regard Kailash to be the Axis of the earth and even the world’s center. They say it is a point where heaven meets earth. This would not be an exaggeration if you looked at the mountain up close. The mountain itself and the nature in its surrounding is astoundingly beautiful. The mountain stands tall, covered in snow all year round. We will get vistas of this splendid mountain everywhere we travel during this trip.
Passing through rocky passages, narrow hamlets, vertical valleys, rivers, etc., the mountain will be looking down upon us.
Lake Manasarovar
The holy lake of Manasarovar is the best part of the Kailash tour. It is a freshwater lake highly revered by Tibetan Buddhists and Hindus. It lies in the southern foothills of the mountain and looks ethereal. Hindu pilgrims visit this site and take a walk encircling the lake. They believe it helps them cleanse their souls of sins and obtain virtue. This is a famous religious activity in the lake called Manasarover Parikrama.
People camp around the lake in tents and observe the lake, illuminating a beautiful moonlight. It will be an immensely beautiful sight.
A perfect blend of road and walking journey
Our Kailash tour package is a lengthy one. We will take around a fortnight to complete this trip. However, the trip will in no form be monotonous or boring. Our itinerary includes touring around Nepal, the Nepal-Tibet border, and Tibet. It also has a diverse range of activities. It will be very exciting, from sightseeing to road trips, worships, and even trekking for Parikrama.
The trek will not just include long days of sitting idle in a vehicle. You will a lso get to trek and explore the sacred Tibetan destinations on your own. The treks also will not be very long or gravely exhausting. We will walk around the essential areas part of the Parikrama. Anyone with average physical health can venture it. The treks occur during the middle of the tour, so you will get time to recover from your physical exhaustion. It will be quite a refreshing adventure.
Our itinerary also aims to minimize the risks of altitude sickness and other health hazards. We separate days for acclimatization and rest. The trip will be completely safe.
Best time for the Kailash trip via Kyirong
The best time to visit mount Kailash is during spring to early summer and mid-autumn. Specifically in the mounts of April, May, June, and mid-September to early October. These seasons allow you to avoid the monsoon and prevent muddy roads. It also brings a time when the trails are not covered with snow, which would make journeys harsh.
During spring and early summer, the nature of the region comes to life. The water bodies become clear as a crystal, pastures turn green, and the skies are clear blue. You will find flocks of cattle and sheep grazing within the region. It makes for a very beautiful time to see the intermingling of wildlife, nature, and the locals.
This time also brings a very temperature climate and stable weather. The days will be sunny and clear, and the night will be breezy. The same conditions also apply during mid-autumn. The fall’s golden hue brings out a majestic form of Kailash. The leaves are yellow; the air is a little chilly yet not freezing. It will be a perfect time for treks and long-duration travels.
Permits needed for the Kailash Parikrama
The permits needed for Kailash Parikrama varies based on your identity. If you are a Nepali or Indian, a Hindu pilgrim to be specific, you have a special provision.
Special permit for Hindu pilgrims
A Nepali or Indian pilgrim needs a Chinese visa and a Tibet travel permit. A Chinese visa is mandatory to enter the country, and the remote trails of Kailash are a protected area. Hence, the Tibet travel permit. Since pilgrims often visit this area, the Tibetan government makes it easier by issuing these permits on visits.
The permit and visa are granted to a group rather than a single person. This group visa is applicable strictly for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. You also need to carry your passport during your travel.
Permits for foreigners
For foreign travelers, however, there are other special permits necessary. First off, you need the Chinese visa along with the Tibet travel permit. Along with that, you will also need Aline’s Travel Permit, Military Area Entry Permit, and Foreign Affairs Permit.
Food and Accommodation during your travels
The food and accommodation during your travels will be decent. You will get facilities based on how remote you are traveling. All of the places will give you food that is satiating enough for the day and your treks. You will be given the option of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals.
The accommodations during your travel vary. In places like Kathmandu and Kyirong, you will stay in a good enough hotel. In remote places of the Kailash region, there are lodges and guest houses. They are not as facilitating as the hotels but cozy enough for your stay.
