Mt. Kailash - Manasarovar Tour (drive-in and fly-out)

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

Embarking on the Mt. Kailash – Mansarovar Tour is an unparalleled journey to the heart of Tibet, the roof of the world. Its highlights encompass a three-day Kora around the sacred Mt. Kailash, the exploration of mystical Lake Manasarovar, and the exhilarating traverse of two of the world's highest passes - Drolma La (5620m) and Kongtang Lhamo pass (5236m). These awe-inspiring passes offer breathtaking vistas of Mt. Shishapangma, the world's 14th highest peak, and Mt. Gurla Mandhata (7694m). The expedition unfolds amidst the surreal and exotic landscapes of Tibet, adorned with tranquil lakes, cascading waterfalls, ancient monasteries, and thriving wildlife. It presents a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the unique nomadic lifestyle of the Tibetan people, witness their rich Buddhist culture, and engage in meaningful interactions. Additionally, the tour features visits to notable sites such as the Yarlung Tsangpo River, Peaku Tso Lake, and the serene Chiu Monastery. Commencing from Rasuwagadhi, a mere 100km north of Kathmandu, along the Nepal-Tibet border, the journey culminates in the vibrant city of Lhasa, offering a seamless blend of adventure, spirituality, and cultural immersion.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Kyirung Thil takes about 9 hrs. — Food BLD Accomodation Hotel Elevation 2900 It takes about 7 hours from Kathmandu to Rasuwagadi. Once you reach Rasuwagadhi along Nepal / Tibet border, you will meet your Tibetan guide and driver. After completing immigration and custom formalities on both sides, continue driving further to Kyirung thil which takes about 2 hrs. Stay overnight in hotel. Day Day 2: Drive from Kyirung Thil to Kyrung County takes about 2 hrs. — Food BLD Accomodation Hotel Elevation 4150 After breakfast, you will make the PSP permit and then drive towards Kyrung country. On the way, visit beautiful waterfall and Milarepa Enlightenment Cave. Stay overnight in hotel. Day Day 3: Drive from Kyirung County to Zhongba via Kongtang Lhamo pass which takes about 7 hrs. — Food BLD Accomodation Hotel Elevation 5236 Morning drive to Kongtang Lhamo pass at 5236 meter altitude offers magnificent views of Mt. Shishapangma and Peaku Tso Lake. Further ahead is an isolated town of Saga before heading to Zhongba. Stay overnight in hotel. Day Day 4: Drive from Zhongba to Lake Manasarovar takes about 6 hrs. — Food BLD Accomodation Hotel Elevation 4560 Enjoy enchanting panoramic views of Paryang and Manasarovar. As you near this breathtaking sacred lake, historic Chiu Monastery becomes visible on the North West shore of the lake. Stay overnight in hotel. Day Day 5: Drive from Lake Manasarovar to Darchen takes about 1 hr. — Food BLD Accomodation Hotel Elevation 4600 After taking in the morning beauty of Lake Manasarovar with backdrop of snowy massif of Mt. Gurla Mandata (7694m), take an afternoon drive to Darchen. Stay overnight in hotel. Day Day 6: Drive from Darchen to Tarpoche takes about 45 minutes and then trek to Diraphuk for 5 hour. — Food BLD Accomodation Hotel Elevation 4900 Today, after you drive to Tarpoche, you start your Kora around Mt. Kailash. You have to trek past verdant meadows and picturesque streams to Lha Chu Valley. The trail overlooks Turquoise River cascading over a narrow canyon with high steep cliffs. En route, north face of Kailash comes into vision. The trail will end at monastery of Diraphuk. Stay overnight in hotel. Day Day 7: Trek from Diraphuk to Zutulphuk takes about 8 hours. — Food BLD Accomodation Hotel Elevation 4750 Firstly you will ascend to Drolma La (5620m), the highest point the entire trip, which affords breathtaking views Lake of Compassion. Further on, the trail descends to the flat fields of Zutul-Puk which houses a monastery and several fascinating Milarepa’s cave. Stay overnight in hotel. Day Day 8: Trek from Zutulphuk to Darchen takes about 4 hours. — Food BLD Accomodation Hotel Elevation 4600 Away from Zutul-Puk, you follow the trail through Bharkha plain leading to Darchen. It is an easy walk along some impressive gorges and around many mani stones and mani walls back to the Bharka Plains and Darchen. By the end of the day you will have complete the kora and thereby erased your sins, endured cold nights and mornings, crossed one of the highest passes in the world, met countless fellow pilgrims, sent prayers of peace out to the world. Stay overnight in hotel. Day Day 9: Darchen (4600m)—Saga 8 hours drive — Food BLD Accomodation Hotel Elevation 4500 Today is a long drive, about 260km, to Paryang. Along the way, we cross the Mayun-la and make several river crossings. The scenery along this section is some of the most panoramic of the entire journey. We continue driving 215km stretch of road to Saga, passing through the small, town of Zhongba en route. Stay overnight at hotel. Day Day 10: Saga—Shigatse 8 hours drive — Food BLD Accomodation Hotel Elevation 3850 After breakfast, heading away from saga, the trail follows a route that brushes past Brahmaputra River. Further ahead, a river valley sprawls over and then traditional picturesque villages come into picture. This scenically rewarding drive provides plenty of opportunities for photography. Stay overnight at hotel. Day Day 11: Drive from Shigatse - Gyantse (3,950m) – Lhasa takes about 8 hours. — Food BLD Accomodation Hotel Elevation 3650 After breakfast, you will visit the Tashilunpo Monastery and then drive continue to cross Karo La (5045m) where you are treated to the spectacular sight of a huge glacier tumbling down of Nyichen kangsang Mountain. After passing through beautiful valleys and colorful Tibetan villages you arrive Yamdrok Lake, You continue southwards, over another high pass Khamba La (4794m). After completing about 340 kilometers driving you will finally reach Lhasa. Stay overnight at Hotel. Day Day 12 And 13: Two days Sightseeing in Lhasa — Food BLD Accomodation Hotel Elevation 3600 The sightseeing tour of Lhasa includes such landmarks as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Market, Drepung, Sera Monasteries etc. Stay overnight at Hotel. Day Day 14: Fly from Lhasa to Kathmandu takes about 2 hours. — Food BLD Accomodation Hotel Elevation 1350 After Breakfast drive to Gonggar Airport. Fly from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE