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Kailash Overland Tour via Kerung

Expedition Schedule

  • May – September

Trip Facts

Duration

15 Days

Altitude

5,660 M

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge/Guesthouse

Trip Start From

Kathmandu – Syabrubesi – Kerung (Tibet) – Saga – Lake Manasarovar – Mount Kailash Kora – Saga

Trip Ends At

Kathmandu

Overview

For Hindus, it is the celestial abode of Lord Shiva. For Buddhists, it is Kang Rinpoche – the Precious Jewel of Snow – where Guru Rinpoche triumphed over darkness. For Jains, it is Mount Ashtapada where their first Tirthankara attained liberation.

Mount Kailash is not merely a mountain. It is the spiritual axis of the world – a place where faith takes physical form, where pilgrimage becomes transformation.

The Kailash Overland Tour via Kerung is one of Asia’s most arduous and sacred spiritual adventures. Designed for international travelers and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) , this 15-day journey takes you across the Tibetan Plateau, past turquoise lakes and nomadic camps, to the foot of the holiest mountain on Earth.

To walk the Kora – the 52-kilometer ritual circuit around Kailash – is believed to cleanse the sins of a lifetime. To bathe in the sacred waters of Lake Manasarovar is to purify the soul. This is not a tour. It is a pilgrimage.

Trip Highlights

Spiritual & Cultural Natural & Scenic
Mount Kailash Kora (3 days) – Circumambulate the world’s holiest mountain Lake Manasarovar (4,550m) – The highest freshwater lake in the world
Pashupatinath Temple (Kathmandu) – Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple Gurla Mandhata & Himalayan panoramas – Snow-capped peaks throughout
Boudhanath Stupa – One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world Dolma La Pass (5,630m) – The highest point of the Kailash Kora
Budhanilkantha (Sleeping Vishnu) – Iconic 5th-century stone sculpture Yarlung Zangpo (Brahmaputra River) – Tibet’s great river
Bhaktapur Durbar Square – UNESCO medieval city of Newari art Tibetan nomadic camps – Yak herders on the Changtang grasslands
Tarboche (Yamadwar) – Gateway of the God of Death, start of the Kora Golden Kailash sunrise – First light painting the sacred peak
Milarepa Cave (Zuthulpuk) – Meditation cave of the great yogi Pieko-Tso Lake & Shishapangma views – Stunning high-altitude scenery

Important Information

1. Tibet Visa & Entry Procedure

We arrange a group visa for Tibet.

Passport copy required at least 30 days prior to trip start.

Visa office of the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu processes visas Monday–Friday (9:00–11:00 AM).

Processing takes 3+ days.

Your original passport must be submitted for visa processing day.

Note: Tourism regulations in Tibet change frequently. We will guide you through the current process.

2. Best Time to Visit

Season Conditions
May–September Best time – Stable weather, warmer temperatures, clear skies. Kora is accessible.
July–August Possible brief afternoon showers; wildflowers in bloom.
October–April Very cold; Kora may be closed due to snow. Not recommended.

Nights are very cold at high altitudes (especially during the Kora). Pack thermal layers, down jacket, hat, gloves.

3. Lake Manasarovar – Important Legal Notice

⚠️ Tibetan government law now prohibits dip bathing in Lake Manasarovar. Entering the lake is classified as a criminal offense. Please refrain from entering the water. You may still offer prayers, perform puja on the shores, and collect a small amount of water for ritual use.

4. Kora Difficulty & Preparation

Aspect Advice
Trek Distance 52 km over 3 days
Maximum Altitude 5,630m (Dolma La Pass)
Difficulty Strenuous – requires excellent physical fitness and prior high-altitude experience
Common Challenges Altitude sickness, fatigue, cold, steep ascents/descents
Support Available Porters and ponies can be arranged (additional cost, advance booking required)

5. Health & Safety Tips

Tip Advice
Acclimatization Rest days in Saga (Day 8) are essential. Drink 3–4 liters of water daily.
Altitude Sickness Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue. We carry oxygen and first aid. Notify your guide immediately if unwell.
Sun Protection UV is intense at altitude. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Hydration Drink boiled or bottled water only. Avoid alcohol.
Packing Warm layers, sturdy trekking boots, waterproof jacket, sleeping bag (rated to -10°C), trekking poles, water bottles, snacks, basic first aid.

6. Cultural Respect

Always walk clockwise around stupas, monasteries, and Mount Kailash.

Ask permission before photographing pilgrims, monks, or locals.

Remove shoes before entering temples.

Do not point your feet at Buddha statues or sacred objects.

Why Choose This Kailash Overland Tour?

“This is not a vacation. It is a pilgrimage – a journey into faith, endurance, and the highest mountains on Earth.”

  • Designed for NRIs & International Pilgrims: Culturally sensitive, logically paced, and spiritually focused
  • Overland via Kerung: Scenic, gradual ascent with proper acclimatization
  • Complete Spiritual Experience: Pashupatinath aarti, Lake Manasarovar rituals, Kailash Kora, Milarepa Cave
  • Seamless Logistics: Permits, visas, guides, transport, and accommodations – all arranged
  • Small Group Focus: Personalized attention, safety, and flexibility

Brief Itinerary

  • Day 01:
    Arrive Kathmandu → Transfer to hotel
    1,350m
  • Day 02:
    Kathmandu sightseeing: Pashupatinath Temple (morning aarti), Guheswori Temple, Budhanilkantha (Sleeping Vishnu), Boudhanath Stupa
    1,350m
  • Day 03:
    Bhaktapur Durbar Square sightseeing → Return to Kathmandu
    1,350m
  • Day 04:
    Leisure day: Trip preparation, Tibet visa collection, Kailash briefing, explore Thamel
    1,350m
  • Day 05:
    Drive Kathmandu → Syabrubesi (148 km, 7–8 hours)
    1,550m
  • Day 06:
    Drive Syabrubesi → Rasuwagadhi border → Cross into Tibet → Drive to Kerung (2,700m)
    2,700m
  • Day 07:
    Drive Kerung → Saga (4,640m) via Yarlung Zangpo River
    4,640m
  • Day 08:
    Acclimatization day in Saga – explore local market, interact with locals
    4,640m
  • Day 09:
    Drive Saga → Lake Manasarovar (4,550m) via Mayumla Pass (4,900m) – First glimpse of Mount Kailash
    4,550m
  • Day 10:
    Morning rituals at Lake Manasarovar (holy bath, puja) – Note: Dips in the lake are now prohibited by law
    4,550m
  • Day 11:
    Drive to Tarboche (Yamadwar) → Begin Kora → Trek to Derapuk (north face of Kailash)
    4,860m
  • Day 12:
    Kora Day 2 – Golden Kailash sunrise → Cross Dolma La Pass (5,630m) → Descend to Zuthulpuk (4,760m)
    5,630m (pass)
  • Day 13:
    Kora Day 3 – Complete Kora → Drive to Darchen → Return to Saga
    4,640m
  • Day 14:
    Drive Saga → Kerung → Cross border → Return to Kathmandu → Farewell dinner
    1,350m
  • Day 15:
    Transfer to airport → International departure

Expedition Schedule

  • May – September

Moderate

  • Moderate to strenuous trekking
  • May require carrying bag pack (10kg)
  • Elevations from 2500m to 5500m
  • Moderate terrain
  • Nights are spent in lodge or tents
  • Trek duration of two weeks in high altitude

Package Details

Cost Includes:

  • Transport: Airport transfers + private vehicle Kathmandu–Syabrubesi + all Tibet ground transport
  • Guiding: English-speaking Tibetan guide throughout Tibet
  • Permits & Visa: Tibet Travel Permits + China/Tibet visa processing
  • Accommodation: Twin-sharing hotels/guesthouses/lodges as per itinerary (BB basis in Tibet; Kathmandu hotel with breakfast)
  • Sightseeing: Monastery & temple entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Meals: Farewell dinner in Kathmandu

Cost Excludes:

  • Insurance: Travel / medical / hospitalization / evacuation insurance (mandatory)
  • Meals: Lunch & dinner during the entire trip (except farewell dinner)
  • Personal Expenses: Tips, drinks, laundry, phone calls, snacks
  • Unforeseen Costs: Expenses due to flight cancellations, natural disasters, political unrest
  • Nepal Services: Nepal tourist visa, international flights to/from Kathmandu
  • Kora Support: Porters, ponies, or additional oxygen (available at extra cost)

Trip Inquiry

Choose from our pre-designed itinerary and schedule your preferred departure or discuss with our team to create a customized one.

Dawa Sherpa

+977 9851024885

Mingma Sherpa

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