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PRIVATE TIBET TOUR · 10 DAYS

10 Days Kathmandu Kailash Manasarovar Group Tour

ROUTEKathmandu - Gyirong - Manasarovar - Darchen - Kailash - Daechen - Gyirong

Overview

This 10-day group tour starts in Kathmandu and crosses into Tibet through Gyirong, avoiding the longer detour through Lhasa. Two nights in Gyirong keep the first part of the journey at a lower altitude before the road climbs onto the western Tibetan Plateau.

From Gyirong, the route moves west through Saga to Lake Manasarovar, where you spend a night beside the sacred lake before continuing to Darchen. The three-day Mount Kailash kora is the heart of the trip: 52 kilometers on foot, including the climb over Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters.

After completing the kora, the group retraces the road through Saga and returns to Gyirong before crossing back into Nepal. This is a compact Kailash itinerary, but it is still physically demanding. Expect long driving days, simple guesthouses during the trek and a very tough second kora day at high altitude.

✓ Tibet travel permits support✓ Oxygen-equipped vehicle

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

Why You’ll Love This Trip

  • Complete the 3-day Mount Kailash kora across Dolma La Pass.
  • Spend a night beside sacred Lake Manasarovar before the trek.
  • See Mount Shishapangma and Peiku Tso on the road across western Tibet.
  • Spend two nights in Gyirong before climbing above 4,500 meters.
  • Walk past Tarboche, Yam Dwar, Dirapuk and Zutulpuk on the Kailash trail.
  • Travel overland from Kathmandu to Kailash and return to Kathmandu by the same border route.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

DAY 1Kathmandu - Gyirong Town | Cross the Nepal-Tibet Border

Distance: 130 km (about 7-8 hrs driving) | Meals: Self-arranged | Hotel: Hotel in Gyirong Town (2,800m)

Leave Kathmandu early and drive north through Nepal’s mountain foothills toward the Rasuwagadhi border. Terraced farms, river valleys and winding mountain roads fill most of the journey.

After completing Nepal-side immigration, cross the bridge into Tibet at Gyirong Port. Your local Tibetan guide meets the group on the Chinese side, assists with entry formalities and continues with you up the valley to Gyirong Town.

The final stretch is short but noticeably greener than the high plateau ahead, with forested slopes and deep river gorges along the road.

Overnight in Gyirong Town.

CHIBET Travel Notice: The Kathmandu-Rasuwagadhi road is rough or unpaved in sections, so bring motion-sickness medicine and snacks if needed. Travel with the China visa and Tibet Travel Permit required for your confirmed entry arrangement.

DAY 2Gyirong Town | Acclimatization Day & Optional Milarepa Cave

Distance: Approx. 5 km local driving if joining the optional visit | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Hotel in Gyirong Town (2,800m)

Today is deliberately light. A second night in Gyirong gives the group more time at 2,800 meters before tomorrow’s drive climbs above 4,500 meters.

There is no fixed sightseeing program. Rest at the hotel, walk around town or spend some time in the quieter streets nearby.

If you feel comfortable, an optional visit can be arranged to Milarepa Cave, a small pilgrimage site associated with the Tibetan yogi and poet Milarepa. The cave and shrine sit in a peaceful mountain setting outside town.

Overnight in Gyirong Town.

CHIBET Travel Advice: Milarepa Cave is optional and not part of the fixed sightseeing program. Keep the day easy before the larger altitude gain tomorrow.

DAY 3Gyirong - Shishapangma - Peiku Tso - Saga | Up onto the High Plateau

Distance: 232 km (about 6 hrs driving) | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Hotel in Saga (4,480m)

Leave Gyirong Valley and climb over Gongtang La Pass onto the open plateau. Forest gradually disappears and the road enters a much drier, wider landscape.

On a clear day, Mount Shishapangma rises beyond the plateau before the route reaches Peiku Tso. The lake sits in a broad high-altitude basin, with blue water and snow mountains breaking up the otherwise dry grassland.

Continue west to Saga and check in for the night.

Overnight in Saga.

CHIBET Travel Advice: Today includes a large altitude gain from 2,800 meters to around 4,480 meters. Move slowly at roadside stops and keep warm layers close.

DAY 4Saga - Mayum La Pass - Lake Manasarovar | First Night by the Sacred Lake

Distance: 507 km (about 8 hrs driving) | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Guesthouse near Lake Manasarovar (4,588m)

Drive west along the Southern Highway through the wide landscapes between the Gangdise and Himalayan ranges. The road is long and remote, with very few large settlements.

Cross Mayum La Pass and enter the Ngari region. Later in the day, Lake Manasarovar comes into view across the plateau, with Mount Kailash visible in the distance when the weather is clear.

Check in at the simple guesthouse near the lakeshore and enjoy a quiet evening beside the water.

Overnight near Lake Manasarovar.

CHIBET Travel Advice: Lake Manasarovar is exposed to wind and temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Keep a warm windproof layer and down jacket ready for time outside.

DAY 5Lake Manasarovar - Darchen | Lakeside Morning & Kora Preparation

Distance: 40 km (about 1 hr driving) | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Hotel in Darchen (4,670m)

Spend the morning beside Lake Manasarovar. Walk along the pebble shoreline, take time for quiet reflection or simply watch the light change across the water and surrounding mountains.

A visit to the nearby natural hot springs can be arranged as an optional activity before the trek. This is not part of the fixed sightseeing program.

After lunch, make the short drive to Darchen at the foot of Mount Kailash. Check in, organize your daypack and review the three-day kora plan with your guide.

Overnight in Darchen.

CHIBET Travel Notice: Porters, yaks or riding horses can be hired in Darchen for the Kailash trek. These services are optional and paid separately; tell your guide today if you want extra support.

DAY 6Mount Kailash Kora Day 1 | Darchen - Dirapuk Monastery

Distance: 6 km eco-bus + 13 km trekking (about 5-6 hrs) | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse (shared dormitory, 4,920m)

The Mount Kailash kora begins today. Take the eco-bus to Sarshung Valley, then start walking along the Lha Chu Valley with pilgrims and other trekkers.

Pass Tarboche Flagpole and Yam Dwar, the symbolic gateway onto the sacred trail. Farther along, Choku Monastery sits across the river beneath the mountain slopes.

The trail climbs gradually toward Dirapuk Monastery. From here, Mount Kailash rises directly across the valley, and the light can change quickly around its steep western and northern faces.

Overnight at Dirapuk Monastery Guesthouse.

CHIBET Travel Advice: Walk at a steady pace and do not try to match faster trekkers. The guesthouse is basic and the altitude is close to 5,000 meters by the end of the day.

DAY 7Mount Kailash Kora Day 2 | Dirapuk - Dolma La Pass - Zutulpuk Monastery

Distance: 22 km trekking (about 8-10 hrs) | Meals: Self-arranged | Hotel: Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse (shared dormitory, 4,820m)

This is the hardest day of the entire journey. Leave Dirapuk early and climb steadily toward Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the kora at 5,630 meters.

The final approach is steep and slow, with prayer flags covering the pass. After crossing the top, descend carefully past Gauri Kund and into the Dzong Chu Valley.

The trail becomes gentler later in the day as it follows the valley toward Zutulpuk Monastery, associated with the Tibetan yogi Milarepa.

Overnight at Zutulpuk Monastery Guesthouse.

CHIBET Travel Advice: Dolma La can have icy or unstable footing even in summer. Sturdy trekking boots and trekking poles are strongly recommended, especially for the descent.

DAY 8Mount Kailash Kora Day 3 | Zutulpuk - Darchen - Saga

Distance: 6.5 km trekking + 4.5 km eco-bus + 344 km driving (about 6 hrs) | Meals: Self-arranged | Hotel: Hotel in Saga (4,480m)

The final morning of the kora is much easier. Follow the valley for about 6.5 kilometers to Zongto, then take the eco-bus back to Darchen to complete the 52-kilometer circuit.

Rejoin the vehicle in Darchen and begin the drive east toward Saga, passing the Lake Manasarovar area once more before leaving the Kailash region behind.

Arrive in Saga in the evening and check in for the night.

Overnight in Saga.

DAY 9Saga - Gyirong Town | Return from the High Plateau

Distance: 232 km (about 6 hrs driving) | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Hotel in Gyirong Town (2,800m)

Drive east from Saga and then turn south toward Gyirong. The open plateau gradually gives way to steeper valleys as the road loses altitude.

The change becomes more obvious on the descent into Gyirong Valley, where pine forest, waterfalls and deeper river gorges replace the dry highland landscape.

Arrive in Gyirong Town and enjoy a quieter evening after the Kailash trek.

Overnight in Gyirong Town.

DAY 10Gyirong Town - Gyirong Border - Kathmandu | Return to Nepal

Distance: 40 km to the border + about 130 km to Kathmandu (about 6-9 hrs total, depending on road and border conditions) | Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: None

After breakfast, drive to Gyirong Port. Your Tibetan guide assists with the Chinese-side departure formalities before you cross the bridge into Nepal at Rasuwagadhi.

A pre-arranged Nepal-side vehicle meets the group after immigration for the mountain-road drive back to Kathmandu.

Your 10-day Kathmandu Kailash Manasarovar group tour ends on arrival in Kathmandu.

CHIBET Travel Notice: The Nepal-side transfer from Rasuwagadhi to Kathmandu is included in this tour. Driving time can vary considerably with traffic, weather and road conditions.

Included and Excluded

Included

  • Hotel accommodation based on twin-sharing, plus the Lake Manasarovar guesthouse and shared Dirapuk and Zutulpuk guesthouses during the Kailash trek
  • Group vehicle, driver and scheduled transfers throughout the Tibet section
  • Kathmandu - Rasuwagadhi border - Kathmandu transportation on the Nepal side
  • English-speaking local Tibetan guide
  • Tibet Travel Permit and required western Tibet / Mount Kailash travel permits
  • Entrance fees and sightseeing shuttle buses for Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash
  • Breakfasts as listed
  • Bottled water and oxygen support during the Tibet journey
  • Local operator liability insurance and vehicle passenger insurance

Excluded

  • China Tourist Visa application fees
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Single room supplement
  • Medical, rescue or evacuation insurance
  • Porter, yak or riding-horse hire during the Mount Kailash trek
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Optional activities, including Milarepa Cave and the Lake Manasarovar hot springs
  • Extra costs caused by weather, road closures or other exceptional events

PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Tibet Travel Permit for this Kathmandu to Kailash tour?

Yes. International travelers need a Tibet Travel Permit to enter and travel in Tibet. Travelers entering Tibet from Nepal must also meet the applicable China entry requirements and have the required travel documents for the Nepal-Tibet border crossing. Please confirm the latest requirements with your travel advisor before departure.

How do I enter Tibet from Kathmandu?

The tour enters Tibet through the Gyirong Port on the China-Nepal border. After traveling from Kathmandu toward the Nepal-Tibet border, you complete the applicable border and immigration formalities before continuing to Gyirong Town on the Tibet side. Border procedures and travel arrangements can change, so allow sufficient flexibility on the crossing day.

How does this itinerary help with altitude acclimatization?

The journey starts in Kathmandu at a much lower elevation before gradually climbing toward Gyirong, Saga, Lake Manasarovar and Darchen. The route provides several days of overland travel before the Mount Kailash kora begins. This gradual increase can help with acclimatization, although altitude affects every traveler differently.

What is the highest altitude on the Mount Kailash kora?

The highest point is Dolma La Pass at approximately 5,630 meters. The kora also includes overnight stays at elevations above 4,800 meters. Because the trek takes place at very high altitude, travelers should maintain a slow pace and follow their guide's safety advice.

How long is the Mount Kailash kora?

The complete Mount Kailash kora is approximately 52 kilometers and is normally completed over three days. The route goes from Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery, across Dolma La Pass to Zutulpuk Monastery, and then back to Darchen. The second day is the most demanding section because of the climb to Dolma La Pass.

Is the Mount Kailash kora suitable for everyone?

No. The kora is a demanding high-altitude trek rather than a normal sightseeing walk. It involves long-distance walking, steep sections and elevations above 5,000 meters. Travelers should consider their fitness, previous high-altitude experience and ability to walk for several hours on uneven mountain trails before choosing this itinerary.

Where will I stay during the Mount Kailash kora?

Accommodation during the kora is in simple monastery guesthouses. The planned overnight stays are at Dirapuk and Zutulpuk monastery guesthouses, where facilities are basic and rooms are generally shared. Travelers should not expect the same level of comfort or privacy available at regular hotels.

Can I hire a porter, yak or riding horse during the kora?

Local porter, yak or riding-horse services may be available for parts of the kora. These services can reduce the amount of luggage you need to carry or provide assistance on difficult sections. They are optional and paid separately, and availability should be checked locally before the trek begins.

Will we visit Lake Manasarovar?

Yes. Lake Manasarovar is one of the main highlights of the journey and is visited before reaching Darchen and starting the Mount Kailash kora. On clear days, the lake and surrounding Himalayan landscape can provide impressive views, although visibility depends on weather and local conditions.

How long are the driving days on this tour?

This is a long overland journey with several full driving days between Kathmandu, Gyirong, Saga, Lake Manasarovar and Darchen. Some sections require many hours on the road because of the remote geography of western Tibet. Actual driving times can vary because of road, weather, traffic, border procedures and local conditions.

What should I bring for the Mount Kailash kora?

Bring warm layered clothing, a windproof outer layer, sturdy and well-broken-in walking shoes, gloves, a warm hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a small daypack. Keep essential personal medication with you. A sleeping bag liner, headlamp and basic personal toiletries are also useful because the monastery guesthouses are simple.

Is oxygen available during the tour?

Oxygen support is available during the Tibet portion of the journey as a safety provision. However, oxygen does not replace proper acclimatization. If you experience significant headache, dizziness, breathing difficulty or other symptoms at altitude, inform your guide immediately and follow local medical or safety advice.

Can the itinerary change because of weather or road conditions?

Yes. The route crosses remote areas and several high mountain passes where weather can change quickly. Snow, strong winds, poor visibility, road restrictions or other local safety conditions may affect travel times or require an itinerary adjustment. The guide will follow local road and safety requirements when changes are necessary.

What happens at the Nepal-Tibet border?

The border crossing involves separate Nepal-side and China-side immigration and customs procedures. After completing the required formalities, travelers continue from the border into Gyirong Town. Border procedures can take longer than expected, so the exact schedule should remain flexible.

Can I join this tour if I arrive in Kathmandu a day earlier?

Yes. Arriving in Kathmandu before the tour starts is recommended if your international flight schedule allows. This provides some flexibility in case of flight delays and gives you time to prepare for the journey. Your Kathmandu hotel and pre-tour arrangements depend on the specific package and confirmed itinerary.

What is the best time for a Kathmandu to Kailash Manasarovar tour?

The main travel season is generally from late spring through early autumn, when roads and high-altitude routes are more accessible. Conditions can still vary significantly by month, especially around Dolma La Pass. Your travel advisor can recommend suitable departure dates based on the planned kora and current local conditions.

How large is the group?

This is a small-group Mount Kailash journey, with the final group size depending on the departure date and confirmed bookings. Sharing transportation and guiding services helps reduce the cost of this long overland pilgrimage compared with a private journey.

What happens after completing the Mount Kailash kora?

After completing the three-day kora, the group returns to Darchen and continues the overland journey back toward the Gyirong border and Nepal. The exact return schedule depends on the confirmed itinerary, road conditions and border procedures.

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