# Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Kathmandu > The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Asia, and this 14-day tour takes you overland from Kathmandu via the Kerung border to western Tibet. Bathe and pray at holy Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m), then complete the 52 km Mount Kailash kora (parikrama) over the Dolma La Pass (5,630 m) around the mountain revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon followers as the centre of the universe and abode of Lord Shiva.The yatra runs from May to September with fixed group departures, including Guru Purnima and Saga Dawa full-moon dates. We arrange the Chinese group visa, Tibet permits, experienced Tibetan and Nepali staff, vegetarian meals, oxygen, transport and accommodation. Indian and foreign passport holders are welcome, with separate pricing. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Tibet - **Duration:** 14 days - **Difficulty:** Challenging (high altitude) - **Activity:** Pilgrimage tour and kora trek - **Max altitude:** 5,630 m / 18,471 ft (Dolma La Pass) - **Best season:** May–Sep - **Group size:** 2–30 - **Accommodation:** Hotel in Kathmandu, guesthouses and hotels in Tibet - **Meals:** All meals in Tibet (vegetarian) - **Price:** from US$2,990 per person - **Web page:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/kailash-mansarovar-yatra - **Book:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=kailash-mansarovar-yatra ## Overview **Quick answer:** the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Kathmandu by road takes about 12–14 days, crosses into Tibet at Kerung, includes Lake Mansarovar and the 3-day Kailash parikrama over the 5,630 m Dolma La Pass, and runs from May to September. Our package costs from US$2,990 per person for foreign passport holders, including the Chinese visa, Tibet permits, meals and accommodation. Mount Kailash (6,638 m) has never been climbed; it is forbidden out of respect for its sacredness. For Hindus it is the home of Lord Shiva and Parvati; Buddhists see it as the abode of Demchok; Jains believe the first Tirthankara attained liberation here; and for Bon followers it is the seat of spiritual power. Lake Mansarovar, created in the mind of Brahma according to legend, lies at its foot beside Lake Rakshas Tal. ### Kailash Mansarovar Yatra at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration14 days from KathmanduRouteKathmandu – Kerung – Saga – Mansarovar – Darchen – Kailash kora – returnHighest pointDolma La Pass, 5,630 mLake Mansarovar4,590 mKailash kora52 km in 3 days (Yama Dwar to Darchen)GradeChallenging, high altitudeDocumentsChinese group visa, Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens' Travel Permit, military permitSeasonMay–SeptemberCostFrom US$2,990 per person (foreign passports)### Kailash Yatra cost breakdown ItemDetailsFull yatra packageFrom US$2,990 (foreign passports); Indian passport price on requestChinese visa and Tibet permitsIncludedYak or pony for the koraOptional, about US$500–700 for 3 daysPorter for the koraOptional, about US$250–300 for 3 daysHelicopter rescue insuranceRequired, not included### How difficult is the Kailash kora? The parikrama is **challenging** because of the altitude: the whole route is above 4,600 m, and day two crosses the Dolma La at 5,630 m, a 18–22 km day. Many pilgrims hire a yak or pony. Those who prefer not to walk can do the Mansarovar parikrama by vehicle and reach Yama Dwar, the start of the kora. Good health, gradual acclimatisation and medical clearance are essential. ### Rituals at Mansarovar and Kailash Pilgrims take a holy dip in Lake Mansarovar, perform puja and havan on the shore, and collect holy water. On the kora, many stop at Dirapuk to view the north face of Kailash, and at Gauri Kund below the Dolma La. Our team helps arrange a priest for rituals on request. ### Indian passport holders Indian citizens can join the yatra through Nepal with a separate permit process and price; please contact us with your passport details. Rules for Tibet are set by the Chinese authorities and can change at short notice. ## Highlights - Holy dip and puja at Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m) - Mount Kailash kora (parikrama) over the Dolma La (5,630 m) - Darshan of the north face of Kailash at Dirapuk - Overland journey across the Tibetan Plateau via Kerung - Vegetarian meals, oxygen and experienced yatra staff ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) Meet our team and transfer to your hotel. Passport collection for the Chinese group visa. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Kathmandu: Pashupatinath and briefing Visit Pashupatinath and Budhanilkantha temples. Evening yatra briefing and health check. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast, dinner · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 3: Drive to Syabrubesi (1,460 m) Drive north to Syabrubesi near the Rasuwagadhi border. _Altitude: 1,460 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 120 km drive_ ### Day 4: Cross the border to Kerung (2,700 m) Cross into Tibet at Rasuwagadhi–Kerung, complete immigration and meet the Tibetan guide. _Altitude: 2,700 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 5: Acclimatisation day in Kerung Rest and a short walk to acclimatise. _Altitude: 2,700 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 6: Drive to Saga (4,600 m) Cross the high plateau with views of Shishapangma and Peiku Tso lake. _Altitude: 4,600 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 230 km drive_ ### Day 7: Drive to Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m) Long drive west to the holy lake; first darshan of Mount Kailash. _Altitude: 4,590 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Guesthouse · Distance: 480 km drive_ ### Day 8: Mansarovar parikrama, puja and drive to Darchen (4,575 m) Drive around the lake, holy dip, puja and havan on the shore, then drive to Darchen. _Altitude: 4,590 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Guesthouse_ ### Day 9: Kailash kora day 1: Yama Dwar to Dirapuk (4,900 m) Drive to Yama Dwar and walk up the Lha Chu valley to Dirapuk, facing the north face of Kailash. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 4,900 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Guesthouse · Distance: 20 km_ ### Day 10: Kora day 2: Dolma La (5,630 m) to Zuthulpuk (4,760 m) The hardest day: climb over the Dolma La past Gauri Kund and descend to Zuthulpuk. _Walking: 9–11 hours · Altitude: 5,630 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Guesthouse · Distance: 22 km_ ### Day 11: Kora day 3: to Darchen, drive to Saga Easy walk out to the end of the kora and drive to Saga. _Walking: 3 hours · Altitude: 4,600 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 10 km_ ### Day 12: Drive to Kerung (2,700 m) Return drive across the plateau to Kerung. _Altitude: 2,700 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 230 km drive_ ### Day 13: Cross the border and drive to Kathmandu Cross back into Nepal and drive to Kathmandu. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu Transfer to the airport for your onward journey. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu - 3 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast - Chinese group visa, Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens' Travel Permit and military permit - Transport Kathmandu – Kerung – Kathmandu and bus or vehicle in Tibet - Hotels and guesthouses in Tibet on twin sharing - All vegetarian meals in Tibet - English- (and Hindi-) speaking Tibetan guide and Nepali yatra leader and cook - Oxygen cylinders and first-aid kit - Entrance and kora fees - All government taxes ## Not included - International flights and Nepal visa fee - Travel insurance covering 5,700 m and helicopter evacuation - Yak, pony or porter for the kora - Extra costs from early return, border closures or weather - Personal expenses, puja offerings and tips ## Useful information ### Health and fitness The yatra is at very high altitude; most nights are above 4,500 m. A medical check-up is recommended before booking, especially for travellers over 60 or with heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions. Train with long walks for two to three months. ### Altitude sickness Symptoms include headache, nausea and breathlessness. Drink plenty of water, walk slowly, avoid alcohol and tell the yatra leader about any symptoms. Oxygen is carried on the tour. ### Visa and permits We need a clear passport scan about 30–45 days before departure and the original passport in Kathmandu for the Chinese group visa. Rules can change at short notice. ### Weather Days are sunny but nights are near or below freezing, even in summer. Rain or snow is possible on the Dolma La at any time. ## Packing list - Warm down jacket, thermal layers, hat and gloves - Waterproof jacket and trousers - Broken-in trekking boots - Sleeping bag liner - Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm - Water bottle and purification tablets - Personal medicines and altitude medication if prescribed - Puja items if you wish - Passport and copies ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra? A pilgrimage to Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash in western Tibet, sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon followers, including a 3-day walk around Kailash. ### How many days does the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra take from Kathmandu? About **12–14 days** by road via Kerung. This itinerary is 14 days. ### How much does the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra cost? From **US$2,990 per person** for foreign passport holders, including visa, permits, meals and accommodation. Indian passport prices are available on request. ### When is the Kailash Yatra season? **May to September**, with special departures for Guru Purnima and Saga Dawa. ### How difficult is the Kailash parikrama? **Challenging** because of altitude; the Dolma La (5,630 m) day is 9–11 hours. Yaks and ponies can be hired. ### Can senior citizens do the Kailash Yatra? Many do, with medical clearance and a pony for the kora. Those who cannot walk can visit Mansarovar and Yama Dwar only. ### Can Indians do the Kailash Yatra through Nepal? Yes. Indian passport holders can join through Nepal with separate permits and pricing. ### What documents are needed? A passport valid for six months, the Chinese group visa and Tibet permits, which we arrange. ### Is the food vegetarian? Yes, we serve vegetarian meals throughout, with a Nepali cook. ### How high is Lake Mansarovar? About **4,590 m (15,060 ft)**. ### Can I climb Mount Kailash? No. Climbing is forbidden because the mountain is sacred. ### Is oxygen available? Yes, oxygen cylinders travel with the group. ### Is there a helicopter option? Yes, via Nepalgunj, Simikot and Hilsa, with less driving; ask us for a quote. ### What happens if the border closes? Tibet regulations can change; we advise and reschedule or refund according to our terms.