Nepal13 days
Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar & Everest Base Camp — 13 Days
Sacred circumambulation and high-altitude passes across Tibet, from Kathmandu through Everest's north face to Kailash
This 13-day route begins in Kathmandu and crosses the Nepal-Tibet border at Kyirong to access two of the Tibetan plateau's most significant sites. The first section drives across the Tibetan plateau to Rongbuk, where the world's highest monastery sits at 5000 meters, and continues to Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side—a 5250-meter elevation reached by vehicle rather than trek. The second section descends to Lake Manasarovar (4558 meters), the world's highest freshwater lake, and then proceeds to the three-day circumambulation of Mount Kailash—a 23-kilometer pilgrimage circuit that crosses Dolma La Pass at 5613 meters. The route then retraces its path westward through Saga before returning to Nepal. All driving occurs on paved roads across high passes that exceed 5000 meters, with accommodation throughout in guest houses and simple hotels. The trek around Kailash itself is the physically demanding component, occurring over three consecutive days midway through the tour.
Highlights
- Everest Base Camp approached from the Tibetan north side at 5250 meters by road
- Rongbuk Monastery at 5000 meters, the highest monastery in the world
- Lake Manasarovar at 4558 meters, the world's highest freshwater lake, with bathing and circumambulation by vehicle
- Mount Kailash three-day parikrama (circumambulation) crossing Dolma La Pass at 5613 meters
- Dolma La Pass descent to Zuthulpuk via Parvati-stal and Gauri Kunda
- Sakya Monastery and Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse
- High-altitude Tibetan plateau crossings with views of Shishapangma and multiple 5000-meter passes
- Return flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu with Himalayan views
Day by day
1Kathmandu to Kyirong — Border Crossing into TibetKathmandu · Kyirong · Rasuwagadhi-Kyirong border crossing at Friendship Bridge · Nyalam
An early departure from Kathmandu leads to the Rasuwagadhi-Kyirong border crossing at Friendship Bridge. After immigration and customs procedures, the route winds upward for 35 kilometers through mountainous terrain to Nyalam, then continues another section to Kyirong (3750 meters). Overnight accommodation is in a guest house. The elevation gain and border formalities form the day's primary focus; the drive follows a steep valley route with views of the surrounding Himalayan foothills.
2Kyirong to Tingri — Tibetan Plateau IntroductionKyirong to Tingri · Tingri
The drive to Tingri (4330 meters) crosses open desert plains of the Tibetan Plateau, offering extensive views of Shishapangma and the Himalayan range. As the route approaches Tingri, Mount Everest appears on the southern skyline—recognizable by its distinctive black pyramid shape rising above the highway. The route covers 217 kilometers across relatively stable terrain. Overnight is in a guest house in Tingri.
3Tingri to Rongbuk — Approach to Everest's North FaceTingri to Rongbuk · Rongbuk Monastery · guest house accommodation
The 130-kilometer drive to Rongbuk (4920 meters) enters the valley below Everest's north face. Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, sits in this valley with direct views of Mount Everest and Cho-Oyu. Guest house accommodation allows for acclimatization. The day includes a visit to Rongbuk Monastery and rest to adjust to the high altitude.
4Everest Base Camp Excursion and Sakya MonasteryEverest Base Camp · Sakya Monastery
A morning excursion drives eight kilometers from Rongbuk to Everest Base Camp at 5250 meters. Short walks and exploration of the base camp compound occupy the early hours. The route then returns and drives southward 8 kilometers to Sakya Monastery (4300 meters), where time is spent exploring the monastery complex. Accommodation returns to a guest house. This day combines the highest elevation of the tour with the first southward transition toward the Kailash region.
5Sakya to Saga — Entry to Kailash RegionSakya to Saga · Saga
The 346-kilometer drive to Saga (4640 meters) descends gradually from the Everest area toward the Brahmaputra River valley. Saga is described as the second-largest settlement in the Kailash region, situated near the entrance to the Mount Kailash and Guge Kingdom territories. Modern Tibetan amenities and facilities are more readily available here than in higher or more remote areas. The extended drive time—approximately seven hours—is followed by rest in a guest house.
6Saga to Lake Manasarovar — Sacred Lake and Mount KailashSaga to Lake Manasarovar · Lake Manasarovar · Hore
The 277-kilometer drive to Lake Manasarovar (4558 meters) requires four to five hours and concludes in late afternoon, allowing a first view of both the holy lake and Mount Kailash. Accommodation is in a mud house in the village of Hore, situated on the lake's bank. Lake Manasarovar is the world's highest freshwater lake, recognized by its turquoise color and presence of fish and swans. Mount Kailash rises from the surrounding landscape, and the region is known for hot springs, mineral deposits, and wildlife. A circumambulation of the lake by vehicle is included, allowing orientation to the landscape before the trekking phase begins.
7Lake Manasarovar Exploration and Journey to TarchenLake Manasarovar · Tarchen · Chui Gompa · Lake Manasarovar to Tarchen
The morning includes bathing in Lake Manasarovar and exploration of the surrounding areas, then a 40-kilometer drive to Tarchen (4575 meters)—the base camp for the Mount Kailash circumambulation. If time permits, Chui Gompa is visited en route. Tarchen fills with hundreds of tents during peak pilgrimage seasons. Overnight accommodation is in a guest house. The day transitions from vehicular touring to preparation for the three-day trekking phase.
8Tarboche to Dirapuk — First Day of Kailash CircumambulationTarboche · Tarboche to Dirapuk · Dirapuk
The day begins with a 13-kilometer drive to Tarboche, the outer starting point of the Kailash parikrama, followed by a seven-kilometer trek to Dirapuk (4909 meters) that requires five to six hours. The walking route follows rocky cliffs and crosses waterfalls, with views of Mount Kailash appearing repeatedly along the trail. Accommodation is in a mud house at Dirapuk. This marks the beginning of the three-day physical circumambulation, stepping from vehicular to foot-based movement.
9Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk — Crossing Dolma La PassZuthulpuk · Dolma La Pass · Parvati-stal · Gauri Kunda
The most physically demanding day covers 18 kilometers with an elevation gain to Dolma La Pass (5613 meters) and a descent to Zuthulpuk (4760 meters), requiring nine to ten hours of walking. The pass crossing is the highest point of the entire tour. On the descent, Parvati-stal and Gauri Kunda are passed. Arrival at Zuthulpuk occurs in late afternoon. Overnight accommodation is in a mud house. This day encompasses the central point of the parikrama circuit—the place where pilgrims traditionally make offerings and spend time in meditation.
10Zuthulpuk to Manasarovar — Final Trek Segment and Return by VehicleMilarepa Cave at Zuthulpuk · Darchen · Lake Manasarovar · Zuthulpuk to Lake Manasarovar via Darchen
Morning time is spent exploring the caves, temples, and shrines around Milarepa Cave at Zuthulpuk. The onward journey begins with three hours of flat walking near Darchen, then transitions to vehicular transport for the remaining distance back to Lake Manasarovar via Darchen. The 10-kilometer route takes four to five hours total. Overnight accommodation is in a guest house on the lake's bank, marking the conclusion of the parikrama itself.
11Lake Manasarovar to Saga — Westward ReturnLake Manasarovar · Lake Manasarovar to Saga · Saga
Time for final exploration of Lake Manasarovar and views of Mount Kailash is followed by the return drive to Saga (approximately 277 kilometers), retracing the eastbound route. Overnight is in a guest house in Saga. This day reverses the approach journey toward the return to Nepal.
12Saga to KyirongSaga to Kyirong · Kyirong
Drive 346 kilometers back to Kyirong (3750m) via the same route. Settle into your guest house, enjoy a Nepali dinner, and rest before the border crossing.
13Kyirong to Kathmandu — Exit to NepalKyirong to Kathmandu · Nepal-Tibet immigration checkpoint
An early morning drive to the Nepal-Tibet immigration checkpoint completes border formalities. Once cleared, the journey continues by Nepali transportation southward to Kathmandu, completing the 13-day loop.
Where you go
- 1Kathmandu
Included
- Private transportation for the entire tour
- Tibet travel permit and group visa
- Accommodation in EBC and Kailash on twin sharing and group sharing hotel/ guest houses
- Breakfast in Tibet (EBC part)
- An English-speaking Tibetan guide
- Entrance fees for Manasarovar and Everest National Park
- Sightseeing in major monuments and their entrance fees
- Yaks or helpers to carry goods during the Kailash parikrama
- Warm Jacket and down sleeping bag on a returnable basis
- Emergency evacuation arrangement
- Service charge and governmental taxes
Not included
- Lunch and Dinner in Tibet part (EBC )
- All the foods (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) in the Kailash part
- Personal horse and helper during Kailash parikrama
- Personal equipment, Insurance, Medical expenses
- Cost of emergency evacuation
- Accommodation, Activities, and other arrangements in Kathmandu