Welcome to Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative from Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions will warmly receive you and transfer you to your hotel. Take this day to relax and acclimatize to the altitude and surroundings. In the evening, you may choose to explore the lively Thamel district on your own or enjoy a quiet dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay with full board.
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Kathmandu city. Your first stop will be the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Witness the spiritual rituals along the Bagmati River and explore the nearby Ghats. Later, visit other historical landmarks in Kathmandu before returning to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay with full board.
Today, you will visit the ancient Buddhist stupa of Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, perched on a hill with panoramic views of the Kathmandu valley. The afternoon is reserved for a detailed briefing about the Mount Kailash Mansarovar journey with your expert guide from Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions. Learn about the cultural significance, travel logistics, and safety measures. Dinner will be served at the hotel followed by an overnight stay.
After an early breakfast, Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Timure, located near the Nepal-China border. The route passes through picturesque villages, terraced fields, and mountain landscapes. Upon arrival at Timure, check into a guesthouse for an overnight stay. Rest well in preparation for the border crossing the next day. Full board accommodation.
Post breakfast, take a short 15-minute walk to the Friendship Bridge, the official Nepal-China border crossing point. After completing customs formalities, board the vehicle to drive to Kerung, a Tibetan border town. Here, immerse yourself in Tibetan culture and prepare for the journey into the Tibetan plateau. Overnight stay at a standard hotel with full board.
Today is a rest day dedicated to acclimatizing to the higher altitude. Use this time to relax, hydrate, and explore Kerung’s local markets or nearby monasteries. Our guides will be available to assist with any preparations and answer questions. Enjoy your meals and overnight stay at a comfortable hotel with full board.
After breakfast, travel from Kerung to Saga, a remote Tibetan town at a higher altitude. The journey offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, vast plains, and the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra River. Upon arrival, check into a local hotel and prepare for the upcoming legs of the pilgrimage. Overnight stay with full board.
Today’s drive takes you from Saga through Paryang to the sacred Lake Mansarovar, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. On reaching Mansarovar, settle into your guesthouse and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of this revered site. In the evening, participate in a puja (prayer ritual) to seek blessings for the pilgrimage. Overnight stay with full board.
After performing the morning Puja or Hawan ceremony at Mansarovar Lake, drive to Darchen, the gateway town to Mount Kailash. Take some time to refresh and prepare for the Kailash Kora (circumambulation). Those interested can opt for a side trip to Asthapad, the legendary footprint of Lord Shiva, located nearby. Overnight stay at Himalayan Kailash Hotel with full board.
Begin the sacred Kailash Kora trek from Darchen towards Dirapuk. The trek today covers rugged terrain and steadily rises in altitude. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of Mount Kailash’s majestic peak. Reach Dirapuk guesthouse by evening, your accommodation for the night. Full board meals will be provided.
Today is a special day for devotees. Trek a 5-hour round trip from Dirapuk to the base of Mount Kailash to perform Charan Sparsh (touching the feet of the mountain). This spiritual act is deeply significant in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. After completing the ritual, return to Dirapuk for an overnight stay at the guesthouse with full board.
Prepare for the most challenging day of the trek as you cross the Drolma La Pass, the highest point of the Kailash Kora circuit. This alpine pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Descend to Juthulpuk guesthouse for rest and overnight stay. Meals will be provided in full board format.
Today, you complete the Kailash Kora by trekking from Juthulpuk to Darchen. Celebrate this spiritual accomplishment before driving back to Saga for your overnight stay. Enjoy your final night in Tibet’s serene landscape with full board accommodation.
After breakfast, embark on a long drive from Saga to Kerung. Complete customs formalities to cross back into Nepal via the Friendship Bridge. From the border, continue your journey to Kathmandu. Arrive in the evening and check into your hotel. Relax and enjoy a celebratory dinner. Overnight stay with full board.
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some leisure time or last-minute shopping in Kathmandu. Our team from Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Mount Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.
This 15-day spiritual journey begins in Kathmandu, where you arrive on Day 1 and are transferred to your hotel. The following two days include guided tours of Kathmandu city, visiting iconic religious sites such as Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhunath Temple, along with a trip briefing to prepare for the pilgrimage. On Day 4, you embark on an overland journey driving to Timure (1850m), and the next morning walk to the Friendship Bridge to cross into Tibet at the Kerung border. After a rest and acclimatization day in Kerung, you drive through the Tibetan plateau to Saga, then continue to the sacred Lake Mansarovar via Paryang. Following a traditional Puja/Hawan ceremony at the lake, the group proceeds to Darchen, the base camp for the Mount Kailash Kora (circumambulation). The Kora trek begins with a hike to Dirapuk, followed by a special side trip called Charan Sparsh — a 10 km round-trip hike touching the feet of Mount Kailash. On Day 12, the trek continues over the high-altitude Drolma La Pass to Juthulpuk, completing the Kora. After descending to Darchen and driving back to Saga, you return overland to Kerung and cross back into Nepal, arriving in Kathmandu on Day 14. Day 15 marks your final departure.
Mount Kailash is one of the most revered peaks in the world, considered sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon traditions. It is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and a source of spiritual power. Pilgrims believe that completing the Kora (circumambulation) around the mountain cleanses sins and leads to spiritual liberation. Nearby, Lake Mansarovar is equally holy, regarded as the purest freshwater lake, where pilgrims perform cleansing rituals and prayers.
The package includes airport transfers in Kathmandu, accommodation in hotels and guesthouses throughout the journey, full board meals, private transportation in Nepal and Tibet, experienced Nepali and Tibetan guides, Tibet travel permits, group visa services, and sightseeing in Kathmandu. Optional side trips, personal expenses, and international airfare are generally not included but can be arranged upon request.
The tour requires a good level of physical fitness, especially during the Kora trek, which reaches elevations above 5600 meters at Drolma La Pass. Trekking on rough terrain with steep ascents and descents can be challenging. The itinerary includes rest days and gradual acclimatization, but pilgrims should prepare for high altitude and varying weather conditions.
The Charan Sparsh is a special pilgrimage hike on Day 11, where you trek from Dirapuk to the base of Mount Kailash, symbolically touching the feet of the sacred mountain. It’s a 10 km, approximately 5-hour round trip, considered a deeply spiritual act. This optional side trip is included in the itinerary but can be skipped if needed.
The journey involves high altitudes up to over 5600 meters, so altitude sickness is a risk. The tour is designed with acclimatization days, especially the rest day in Kerung and gradual ascent on the plateau. The guides monitor everyone’s health, carry oxygen cylinders and first aid supplies, and advise on preventive measures like hydration, avoiding alcohol, and medication if prescribed.
Accommodations range from comfortable 3-star hotels in Kathmandu to basic guesthouses in Tibet and remote pilgrimage sites. While facilities in remote areas may be simple—with shared bathrooms and limited hot water—they are clean, safe, and provide essential comforts for a restful night.
The ideal travel season is from May to September, when weather conditions are most favorable on the Tibetan plateau. Traveling during the full moon phases is considered spiritually auspicious, and the landscape is green and more accessible during these months.
Pack warm, layered clothing including thermal wear, waterproof outerwear, sturdy trekking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and personal medical supplies. A detailed packing list will be provided by Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions upon booking, including recommendations for sleeping bags and walking poles.
With extensive experience in Himalayan spiritual tours, Hidden Path Treks & Expeditions offers expert logistical support, knowledgeable guides, and a focus on safety and cultural respect. We ensure your journey is smooth and fulfilling, with 24/7 support and a deep understanding of the spiritual significance of the Mount Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.
