Kailash Manasarovar Overland Journey
Duration:
13 Days
Max Altitude:
4890m
Country:
Tibet
Activity:
Tour & Trekking
Best Season:
Sept-Nov-March-May
Difficulty:
Moderate
Moderate
- Requires basic physical fitness and some prior trekking experience.
- Rough trails, some elevation gain.
- Altitude up to 4,000 meters.
- Walking time up to 6-7 hours per day.
Embark on a sacred journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, two of the most revered spiritual sites on earth. This awe-inspiring pilgrimage takes you through Tibet’s remote and stunning landscapes, offering breathtaking views of the holy Mount Kailash, where Lord Shiva is believed to have meditated. Experience deep spiritual connection as you perform the Parikarma (circumambulation) around the mountain and witness the tranquil beauty of Lake Mansarovar, regarded in Hindu and Buddhist traditions as the “Center of the World.” This journey blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and profound spiritual significance.

Trip Highlight
- Sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash – one of the world’s holiest mountains.
- Visit to the serene and sacred Lake Mansarovar, believed to cleanse all sins.
- Parikarma (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash – a spiritual walk of transformation.
- Explore the mythological and spiritual significance tied to Lord Shiva and Parvati.
- Mesmerizing landscapes of Tibet's remote Himalayan region.
- Rich insights into Tibetan Buddhist and Hindu traditions.
- Breathtaking mountain views and peaceful spiritual atmosphere.
- Breathtaking mountain views and peaceful spiritual atmosphere.
Guidelines Itinerary
Suggested itinerary: If itinerary is not suitable to your needs then no problems, we can tailor any of our itineraries or build a trip from scratch to meet your needs and preferences.
Day 1 - Arrival in Kathmandu
- 1,350m/4,429ft
A Step By Step Treks & Adventure representative will be waiting for you at the airport. He/she will then drop us off at our hotel where we can take a rest. In the evening we can enjoy a short visit around mix colorful touristic hub at Thamel and as well as introduce the Nepalese mix culture with food and drinks.
Day 2 - Kathmandu: sightseeing and trek preparation
- 1,350m/4,429ft
Today is our second big day for exploring the entire popular Kathmandu UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This spot shows you the most highlight of Nepal’s cultural and religious heritages. Our following days will be Kathmandu Durbar Square which showcases Kathmandu’s rich architectural prowess during the Malla dynasty (c1201–1769), and then Swayambhunath Stupa which tourists commonly refer to as the ‘Monkey Temple’ owing to a large number of the monkey population in the vicinity. Next is Pashupatinath Temple which is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus all over the world followed by the Buddhist shrine of Boudhanath which is one of the largest stupas in the world. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3 - Drive Kerung and transfer to Hotel
- About 145km
- Duration: 6-7 Hours
Today is our first-day beginning of Journey. after breakfast, we drive to Kerung along to various landscape scenery. approximately 12/14 Hour and its 145 Km.
Day 4 - Cross Tibetan Chinese Kerung Border after checking immigration drive to Jilong/Kerung City.
- About 40kms
- Duration: 3 - 4 hours
Drive to Friendship Kerung Border and make all immigration processes, cross it and another mountain drive to Jilong City. It is a new Tibetan Chinese city developed for China railway service in the future. Visit City and village around. Stay at the guest house.
Day 5 - Jilong/Kerung to Saga
- 4500m
- Duration: 6 Hours
After breakfast drive from Jilong/Kerung to Saga for about 06:00 hours. Overnight stay at the Saga Hotel. This day, After an hour’s drive you will enter the Conservation area where you can see Mt. Shisha Pangma only one mountain in Tibet the 8000-meter mountain and lake pikucho. Before reaching the Saga city you will cross the holy Brahmaputra river. Before crossing we stop to have a holy wash before heading to Mansarovar.
Day 6 - Saga - Mansarovar Lake
- 4500m
- Duration: 7-8 Hours
After breakfast yatra from Saga to Mansarovar Lake about 07 to 8 hours. This day you will entre the Kailash region in Tibet. Cross high passes and finally, you will have darshan of Mansarovar and Kailash just before entering to Mansarovar Lake parikrama. Stop for darshan and see the view then keep continue to Tsu Gompa via the left of Mansarovar lake. The road a bit hard but nowadays you will drive by comfortable bus. Overnight stay in tent or guesthouse.
Day 7 - Yatra from Mansarovar to Darchen
- 4600m
- Duration: 6 Hours
Mansarovar Parikrama by Deluxe Bus. We will choose the special point to take a dip in Manasarovar Lake and do Pooja of Lord Shiva. Full day free for spiritual activities. Drive around 2.30 hrs to Darchen and overnight stay there. Astapad excursion can be done at extra cost.
Day 8 - Darchen to Diraphuk Kailash Parikrama
- 4890m
- Duration: 6-7 Hours
This is the first day of Kailash Parikrama. We should start our journey after breakfast as early as possible. This day we have to walk continuously for about 6 to 7 hours. Yak will carry all our goods and equipment. Overnight stay at Diraphuk in tent or guesthouse
Day 9 - Diraphuk to Zhulthulphuk Kailash Parikrama
- 4890m
- Duration: 6-7 Hours
Longest Kailash yatra day of the tour, Holy walk to Dolma-La Pass, which is 5630m. above sea level. The weather is unpredictable in Doma-la Pass and at any time snowstorms can fall. So we try to start our yatra as early as possible. In route, we can have Darshan of Shivatsal, Good and Bad Karma Hole, Blessing Holystone and Gaurikund but it is very difficult to go and touch. Overnight stay en route to Zhulthulphuk Monastery guest house. Our team will cook Indian food for you.
Day 10 - Zhulthulphuk to Darchen Kailash Kora - Drive to Saga
- 465m (22Kms)
The final day of Kailash Kora, Holy Kailash Walk down to before darchen and a short drive to Darchen. Finished our great Kailash Parikarma/Cora, later our tour goes back for Kathmandu following the same route to Saga via Mansarovar Lake continue. Evening in Saga.
Day 11 - Saga - Jilong/Kerung
- 3600m (230Km)
After breakfast, our Kailash Mansarovar back journey comes to Jilong via Saga the same route. Again short break in Saga and Brahmaputra river then continue to Jilong. Stay overnight at lodge/tent
Day 12 - Jilong - Kerung - Langtang - to Kathmandu
- 185 Kms
- Duration: 7 Hours
Morning a short drive about 41km. to Kerung Border, Cross Friendship border and drive to Kathmandu into the green scenery to Langtang National Park continue drive to Kathmandu for about 7.00 hours and check into the same hotel.
Day 13 - Final Departure
- 2610m
- Duration: - 3-4 hrs trek/ 2 hrs drive
After breakfast, the trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu international airport for your final flight departure from Nepal
Costs Included in Your Package
- Accommodation:
Hotel/Guest House accommodation in Nepal and Tibet as per the program.
- Transportation:
- Private vehicle (Van or Mini Coach based on group size) throughout the trip.
- Kathmandu–Border–Kathmandu transfers by private vehicle.
- Permits and Visa:
- All necessary Tibet Travel Permits and Trekking Permits.
- China/Tibet Group Visa fees and processing assistance.
- Guided Services:
- Professional English-speaking Tibetan guide throughout the Tibet portion.
- Full catering support team from Kathmandu including Nepali staff.
- Entrance & Sightseeing:
All entry fees for sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary.
- Meals:
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the Tibet portion of the trip.
- Tea, snacks, and purified drinking water while on tour.
- Support during Kailash Kora (Parikarma) :
- Yaks and Yakmen to carry group baggage.
- Duffel bags and hand-carry bags provided for Kora.
- Additional Support:
- Nepali SIM card with 10GB data provided upon arrival.
- First-aid kit with oxygen cylinder for emergency use.
- All government taxes, local service charges, and official fees.
Costs Not Included:
- Meals:
Lunch and dinner in Nepal (before entering Tibet and after return).
- Personal Expenses:
- Travel and health insurance of any kind.
- Nepal Visa fee (Visa on arrival: USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days).
- Hiring of personal porter or horse during 3-day Kailash Kora.
- Emergency Costs:
- Costs related to emergency evacuation, medical support, or rescue if required.
- Any additional expenses due to natural calamities, political disturbances, or unforeseen circumstances.
How Your Adventure Makes a Difference
Climate Action in the Himalayas:
Supporting tree planting and carbon offsetting initiatives to reduce our environmental impact.
Expanding Education Access
Providing textbooks, stationery, and learning resources to rural schools in Nepal.
School Renovation
Rebuilding and improving schools to create safe, supportive learning environments for vulnerable children in rural Nepal
Community Empowerment
Equipping communities with vocational training in sustainable agriculture and tourism, fostering economic independence
Transparent Giving
100% of our trip-based commissions go to FourPOSE Charity, driving real and lasting social change.
Start Planning Our Trip
Step by Step have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.
- Call +977 9846149129
- or fill in our enquiry form
Read firsthand accounts of people’s experiences with us
Becky P
Fantastic experience with Krishna who looked after us from the moment we arrived in Kathmandu. We did the Annapurna basecamp trek which was absolutely incredible; Krishna and Bharat ensured that we took in the wildlife, travelled at a steady pace (about 6 hours hiking a day+ stops) and learnt interesting info about the culture and history too.
An all round great guiding experience!
Koniko
Hongkong, China
“I can’t thank our trekking leader enough for the incredible experience we had. His consideration and foresight truly set him apart. He always thought ahead, ensuring that every aspect of our trek was well-planned and enjoyable. When faced with unexpected bad weather, he adeptly adjusted our plans to keep us safe while still making the most of our adventure. His leadership and adaptability made all the difference, and it’s clear that he genuinely cares about the well-being and enjoyment of his group. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable and thoughtful trekking leader!”
Aldila
Indonesia
Unforgettable experience trekking Annapurna Basecamp arranged by Step by Step Treks &Adventure. Our trip was prepared by Krishna, with professional guide Mahendra and porter Nitish who were very polite, professional and helpful.
They can also help us to book bus from pokhara to kathmandu. Really super service and I will definitely recommend to my friends who want to visit Nepal.
RianSetianto
Bandung, Indonesia
I had an amazing journey to Annapurna Basecamp with Step By Step Adventure. The service and the guide were incredibly helpful, friendly, and made the trip unforgettable. Everything was well-organized and taken care of, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the stunning beauty of the Himalayas. They also took us to the best hospitality of lodges yet still very affordable, even we could get all the experience of trekking to ABC. I took paragliding experience as well with Step By Step and it was totally amazing! Highly recommended!
Michele Y.
Los Angeles, CA
It was always on my bucket list to trek in Nepal so when a friend asked me to join her excursion with Step By Step Treks & Adventures, I jumped at the chance. The trip was exotic and magical. It was hard work too! But every step was fantastic. Krishna, our guide and trip planner was very thorough and helped us prepare perfectly for months leading up to the trip. He was always very prompt to answer any questions we had, no matter how mundane. Anything we could not bring with us from the States, his company provided: poles, warm jackets and sleeping bags to name a few…
Rosco75 Rouse Hill
Australia
Wandered into Krishna’s office in Pokhara and was looking for help planning a trek.
With Krishnas knowledge he set up a fantastic trek off the beaten path. Shyam a very experienced guide provided excellent knowledge of the trails and places to stay. I had a really authentic experience staying in some smaller places in amazing locations. We we did 3 major climbs to Mardi Himal, Hidden Lake and Khayer Lake out of Kophra. The views were simply stunning and I couldn’t of asked for a better experience.
Mandi
Singapore, Singapore
I cannot stop thinking about my trip in Nepal and putting the beautiful surroundings to a side, I truly believe it’s down to the even more beautiful people that we met at step by step. I’m very fussy when booking trips and Krishna was so patient and helpful throughout the whole process. When I finally met him, I felt like I already knew. In addition, he has a great team who truly took care of us. Bijay was our guide for the trek and sightseeing in Pokhara – he is very knowledgeable and talented and kept us entertained throughout the trip. We were accompanied by Bhim, our supporter, who also looked out for us and kept an eye on us throughout the icy and slippery trails…
Rosoco
Rouse Hill, Australia
Wandered into Krishna’s office in Pokhara and was looking for help planning a trek.
With Krishnas knowledge he set up a fantastic trek off the beaten path. Shyam a very experienced guide provided excellent knowledge of the trails and places to stay. I had a really authentic experience staying in some smaller places in amazing locations. We we did 3 major climbs to Mardi Himal, Hidden Lake and Khayer Lake out of Kophra. The views were simply stunning and I couldn’t of asked for a better experience.
Evamaalouf
Rouse Hill, Australia
First day we arrived to Pokhara, Nepal, we walked in to Step by Step and we were welcomed by the place owner Krishna Lama and we instantly felt that we could trust him for his knowledge and positive energy, so we booked a 4 days trip with well managed prices, fully covered touristic sightseeing and adventures with a well informed great guide, it was all worth it and we definitely recommend it!
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