Lazimpat, Radisson Hotel Road, Kathmandu
The tour begins in Kathmandu, guiding pilgrims and nature enthusiasts to the sacred destinations of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. This extraordinary journey includes a 3-day trek around Mount Kailash, providing ample time to immerse in the spiritual essence of this revered mountain. Throughout the itinerary, you will have the chance to marvel at the stunning landscapes of the Himalayan Mountain range and Gandis Mountain range. The expedition unfolds panoramic views of expansive wetlands, meandering rivers, grazing cattle, and the majestic Brahmaputra River. Crafted as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this Kathmandu to Mount Kailash tour aims to instill a profound sense of joy and contentment in you. Blending spiritual significance with the splendor of nature, it promises a unique and unforgettable adventure for all those who undertake it.
In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel in Kathmandu and drive to the Sino-Nepal border. The scenery along the way from Kathmandu to the border will make you almost forget the bumpy road. Along the way, you will see many magnificent snow-capped mountains at the southern foot of the Himalayas, covered by vast forest, towering into the clouds. After about 7 to 8 hours of driving (168km) you will reach the Gyirong Port at the border. Once you cross the border, you’ll meet our Tibetan guide at Gyirong side. Our local guide and driver will take you to Gyirong town within a 1-hour drive.
After breakfast, you’ll take a 15-km drive to the border and enter China via the Gyirong border. Our Tibetan guide will meet you at Gyirong side and take you to Gyirong town within a 1-hour drive. Here, you can visit the Sherpa villages and admire dense forests, serene villages, and beautiful snow peaks above the woods. Additionally, you can experience the humid and mild oxygen, quite distinct from the dry and thin air of the Ngari Plateau. In the afternoon, you will visit Paba Monastery in the center of Gyirong Town, drive to Jipu Village, and hike to the Meditation Cave of Master Padmasambhava.
After breakfast, you will leave Gyirong, which is densely covered with forests and snow-capped mountains, and head to Saga with a 250 kilometer’s drive. Along the way, you will be treated to stunning views of iconic landmarks such as Mt. Shishapangma (the world's 14th highest peak at 8027 meters) and the picturesque Lake Peiku tso (standing at an impressive altitude of 4590m). Keep your eyes peeled as you may also be fortunate enough to catch glimpses of rare wildlife such as wild donkeys and antelopes.
After breakfast, you’ll start your trip to the holy Lake Manasarovar. En route, you may witness herds of yaks and sheep on the vast grasslands beneath the snow-capped mountains. Meanwhile, you’ll pass by the beautiful green lake Gongzhucuo Lake. After passing through the Mayum La Mountain at 5211 meters, you officially enter the Ngari Region. Crossing the mountain pass feels like entering a wilderness inhabited by wild animals, with the holy Lake Manasarovar coming into view. The view of Lake Manasarovar, with Mount Kailash in the distance, often makes people feel amazed and inspired.
In the morning, you can enjoy a ritual pujia in Manasarovar Lake. After that, you’ll continue your drive to Darchen, the little town at the foot of Mount Kailash. Upon you arrive in Darchen, settle into your hotel, recharge, and prepare for the upcoming Mount Kailash trek.
After breakfast, you are supposed to take an eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung Valley, where to start today’s trek around Mount Kailash. Today's trek is relatively easy, guiding you through the valley at the foot of Mount Kailash. You can clearly see the southern and western slopes of the sacred Mount Kailash. After reaching the foot of the western slope, you will check in at the guesthouse in Dirapuk Monastery. For the remainder of the day, follow our guide to explore the ancient Dirapuk Monastery (also known as Zhire Temple). Capture unforgettable moments in front of the sacred stupas and the grandeur of the western slope of Mount Kailash. Weather permitting, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring spectacle of the sunset over Mount Kailash from Dirapuk Monastery. Witness the sun's afterglow delicately illuminating the steep cliffs of the western slope as night descends.
Start your day early with a 4-kilometer trek from Dirapuk Monastery to reach 5430 meters. This section offers a rapid climb with a breathtaking view of the sunrise over the northwest slope of Mount Kailash. Afterward, you’ll continue another 2-kilometer trek to Dolma La Pass, the highest point at an altitude of 5630 meters. Along this path, you’ll see prayer flags hanging everywhere on the pass. After successfully crossing Dolma La Pass, you’ll be greeted by the emerald-green Lake of Compassion (also known as Guri Kund), believed to purify a lifetime of sins with a dip. You’ll also witness the thick glaciers on the northwest slope of Mount Kailash.
Following the Lake of Compassion, a gradual descent leads you to the valley beneath the southeast foot of Mount Kailash, where Zutulpuk Monastery (also known as Dzutripuk Monastery) is located. Here, you may encounter adorable wild animals and find a peaceful resting spot on the grasslands.
In the morning, you’ll trek back from Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen, the starting point of Kailash Trek. After completing the Kailash trek, you are going to drive back to Sage and relive the scenic wonders of the Ngari Plateau, the Himalayas, and the Gangdise Mountains. Along the journey, you can stop at grassy pastures and lakes to get close to the nature and wildlife of Ngari.
In the morning, start your journey to Gyirong Valley, the hidden gem on the Sino-Nepal border. As the altitude drops, the scenery along the roadside changes from snow-capped mountains and wastelands to dense forests and canyon landscapes.
Upon reaching Gyirong Town in the afternoon, you’ll explore Gyirong Valley described by British explorer Howard-Bury as the most beautiful valley in the world in his book 'Mount Everest: The Reconnaissance'. Here, you can visit the Sherpa villages and admire dense forests, serene villages, and beautiful snow peaks above the woods. Additionally, you can experience the humid and mild oxygen, quite distinct from the dry and thin air of the Ngari Plateau.
After breakfast, you will say goodbye to your Tibetan tour guide and driver. Our Nepali staff at the Nepal border port will warmly welcome you and ensure a safe transfer for you to your hotel in Kathmandu.