Nepal13 days
Mount Kailash Overland: Nepal to Tibet via Kerung — 13 Days
Border crossing through Langtang National Park to the three-day Kailash Kora circuit, with Lake Mansarovar and the Drolma La Pass
This 13-day itinerary crosses the Nepal-Tibet border at Rasuwagadhi-Kerung, a route opened in 2017 that brings Mount Kailash within reach of Kathmandu by overland travel. The journey begins with two days in Nepal's capital, visiting Pashupatinath Temple and other UNESCO-listed sites in the Kathmandu Valley, then moves through Langtang National Park to the border. From the Tibetan village of Kerung, the route follows the Tibetan plateau via Saga to Lake Mansarovar (4,558 meters), the world's highest freshwater lake, and then to Darchen, the staging point for the three-day Kailash Kora circuit. The Kora itself is a circumambulation of Mount Kailash, crossing the Drolma La Pass. Accommodation throughout consists of local guesthouses on the Tibetan side; private bus transport connects each stage. The route operates best between May and August.
Best time to go: May to August
Highlights
- Pashupatinath Temple and Jalnarayan in Kathmandu Valley (UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
- Langtang National Park scenic drive via Trishuli Valley
- Nepal-Tibet border crossing at Rasuwagadhi-Kerung friendship bridge
- Lake Mansarovar circuit walk at 4,558 meters, surrounded by Mount Kailash and Mount Gurla Mandala
- Three-day Kailash Kora circumambulation with Drolma La Pass crossing
- Derapuk and Juthulpuk villages, with views of the north and east faces of Mount Kailash
- Milarepa Cave and associated temples near Darchen
Day by day
1Arrival in KathmanduKathmandu · Tribhuvan International Airport
A representative meets arriving travellers at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers them to their hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, a briefing dinner introduces the tour itinerary and logistics. Accommodation is in Kathmandu at 1,300 meters elevation.
2Kathmandu Valley Temple CircuitPashupatinath · Gujeswari Shaktipith · Jalnarayan
Following breakfast, a guided tour visits three major temples in the Kathmandu Valley: Pashupatinath, one of the principal Hindu shrines in South Asia; Gujeswari Shaktipith; and Jalnarayan. All three sites hold UNESCO World Heritage designation. The tour includes a midday meal and returns to the hotel for the night.
3Kathmandu to Syabrubesi by Tourist BusKathmandu to Syabrubesi · Syabrubesi
The route departs Kathmandu southwestward by tourist bus, traveling through Trishuli and via Nuwakot to reach the village of Syabrubesi, which sits at the entrance to Langtang National Park. Overnight accommodation is in a local guesthouse.
4Syabrubesi to Kerung and the Nepal-Tibet BorderKerung · Rasuwagadhi-Kerung friendship bridge
After breakfast, travel continues by tourist bus along paved roads climbing to the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung friendship bridge at the Nepal-Tibet border. The crossing takes approximately two hours. Kerung, the first Tibetan settlement inside the border, sits on the northern side. Overnight stay is in a local guesthouse.
5Kerung to Saga Across the Tibetan PlateauKerung to Saga · Saga · Lake Peikutso
The drive from Kerung to Saga (approximately 5–6 hours) crosses two high passes: Thong La and La Lung. Lake Peikutso appears en route, with wide views of yak and sheep herds across the plateau grasslands. The road climbs to a maximum altitude of 4,640 meters. Overnight accommodation is in Saga.
6Saga to Lake MansarovarSaga to Lake Mansarovar · Lake Mansarovar · local guesthouse near the lake
An early departure allows a full day to reach Lake Mansarovar, lying at 4,558 meters and recognized as the world's highest freshwater lake. The water displays a distinctive greenish-blue color; the lake sits surrounded by Mount Kailash, Mount Gurla Mandala, and the neighboring Lake Rakshash. According to Hindu tradition, Mansarovar was a resting place of Lord Vishnu; local belief attributes Lake Rakshash's creation to the demon king Ravana, and the water there is considered poisonous. The journey is approximately 277 kilometers and 5–6 hours of driving. Overnight is at a local guesthouse near the lake.
7Lake Mansarovar to DarchenLake Mansarovar to Darchen · Darchen · Lake Mansarovar's shore
The morning is spent performing religious rituals at Lake Mansarovar's shore. The route then leads to Darchen (formerly known as Lhara), situated at 4,575 meters directly below the south face of Mount Kailash. This short drive, approximately 40 kilometers and one hour, provides the first full view of the mountain. Darchen serves as the base for the Kailash Kora circuit and offers overnight accommodation at a hotel.
8Kailash Kora: Darchen to Derapuk via YamadwarDerapuk · Darchen to the village of Tarboche and through Yamadwar toward Derapuk
The three-day Kailash Kora circuit begins with a trek from Darchen to the village of Tarboche and through Yamadwar (the traditional "gateway of the god of death") toward Derapuk. This trekking day covers approximately 5–6 hours and reaches 4,900 meters elevation. Derapuk sits at the foot of Mount Kailash's north face, with views extending to the peaks of Gurla Mandala, Ape, and Kamet. Overnight accommodation is in a local guesthouse.
9Kailash Kora: Derapuk to Juthulpuk via Drolma La PassDerapuk to Juthulpuk via Drolma La Pass · Juthulpuk
This is the longest and most demanding day of the circuit, covering approximately 19 kilometers in 8–9 hours. The route climbs steeply toward the Drolma La Pass, the highest point of the Kora. Before the pass, the trail crosses Shiva-Tsal, a terrain traditionally associated with symbolic death and rebirth. After reaching the pass, the descent leads steeply to the Lham-chu Khir River valley. The route then follows the river eastward toward the Khando Sangam La, which faces Mount Kailash from the east, and continues to Juthulpuk ("miracle cave"), a village named for its nearby cave shrine. The site is also known for rock carvings bearing Buddha's footprints. The maximum altitude reached is 4,760 meters. Overnight accommodation is in a local guesthouse.
10Kailash Kora: Juthulpuk Back to SagaSaga · Milarepa Cave · Darchen · Juthulpuk to Darchen · Darchen to Saga
The morning includes exploration of caves and temples around the Milarepa Cave. After breakfast, a 3–4 hour trek completes the Kora circuit, descending to Darchen. Lunch is taken in the village before the 5–6 hour drive back to Saga. Overnight accommodation is at a local teahouse.
11Saga to KerungSaga to Kerung · local guesthouse
The return drive to Kerung follows the paved plateau route, retracing the outbound journey. This day provides free time and opportunity for rest during the descent. Overnight accommodation is at a local guesthouse.
12Kerung to Kathmandu via the Nepal-Tibet BorderKathmandu · Rasuwagadhi-Kerung
The final drive recrosses the Nepal-Tibet border at Rasuwagadhi-Kerung and returns to Kathmandu, reversing the opening days' route. Overnight accommodation is in a Kathmandu hotel.
13Departure from KathmanduTribhuvan International Airport
Our representative provides your final transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure home, concluding your Nepal adventure.
Where you go
- 1Kathmandu
- 2Tribhuvan International Airport
- 3Pashupatinath
- 4Kathmandu
- 5Tribhuvan International Airport
Included
- Included
- Airport Transfers
- 03 Nights accommodation in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis
- 01 Night accommodation in Syaprubesi, Langtang national park (Local Guesthouse)
- 09 Nights accommodation in Kailash (Local Guesthouses)
- Buffet veg foods during the entire trip (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
- English-speaking Tibetan guide for custom formalities
- Nepali Team leader/ Co-ordinator
- Experienced staff team
- All private transportation by Bus
- Tibet travel permit and Tibet visa
- Permit fees for Lake Manasarovar and Kailash
- Permit fees for Langtang National park
- Duffel bag to keep your goods during the Kailash tour
- Warm jacket and sleeping bag on a returnable basis if needed
- Emergency evacuation management
Not included
- Excluded
- Personal expenses, Insurance, Medical expenses, and Emergency Rescue
- Personal horse and Helper during Kailash Parikrama
- More than 3 nights hotels in Kathmandu in case of unforeseen circumstances like late permit, or early arrival from Kailash