A deep, soul-stirring 14-day overland road pilgrimage across the high Tibetan plateau to the abode of Mahadeva.
Mount Kailash (6,638m), the axis mundi, stands in the remote Tibetan plateau as the physical manifestation of Mount Meru. Revered across multiple religions, it is considered by Hindus to be the eternal abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Beside the mountain lies Lake Mansarovar (4,650m), the highest freshwater lake in the world, born from the mind of Lord Brahma.
This 14-day overland road yatra offers a deep spiritual transition, driving from Kathmandu via the scenic Nepal border crossing at Kyirong. Pacing the journey through traditional Tibetan towns like Saga and Dongba allows you to acclimate naturally to high elevations. The core highlight is the 3-day Kailash Parikrama (52 km circuit) crossing the formidable Dolma La Pass and passing the sacred Gauri Kunda.
Click on any day to view the path, elevation details, and highlights.
Arrive at Kathmandu Airport. Our representative will meet and transfer you to the hotel. A detailed group briefing will take place at 06:00 PM to prepare you for the sacred journey ahead.
Participate in a full day of sightseeing at Pashupatinath Temple (abode of Shiva), Guhyeshwari Temple (Shakti Peetha), Jal Narayan (sleeping Vishnu), Patan Durbar Square, and Banglamukhi Temple. The day is also used to complete all physical permit and visa check procedures.
Depart early morning. Drive through lush Nepalese hills and along the Trishuli River to the Nepal-Tibet border. Cross immigration procedures at the border checkpoint and enter Kyirong, the gateway town in Tibet.
A mandatory day designed entirely for rest and acclimatization to ensure physical preparedness for high altitudes. Enjoy a warm breakfast and take a relaxed stroll through the local market, keeping physical exertion to a minimum.
Drive 350 km across the Tibetan plateau, climbing to higher elevations. Settle into Saga/Dongba town. You will experience panoramic views of the Himalayas and cross the beautiful Peku Tso lake along the way.
Drive 485 km through breathtaking Tibetan scenery. Catch your first glimpse of Rakshas Taal, followed by the turquoise expanse of Lake Mansarovar. Settle into your guesthouse and rest.
Conduct holy prayers, bath, and havan ceremonies on the shores of Lake Mansarovar. The spiritual energy here is profound. Afternoon drive 40 km to Darchen, the base camp at the foot of Mount Kailash.
Drive to Yama Dwar, the starting point of the Parikrama. Cross through the Gateway of Death to leave behind worldly attachments. Trek 12 km (approx 5-6 hours) to Derapuk, enjoying views of the West Face and finally the stunning Golden North Face of Mount Kailash.
The most challenging day of the yatra. Trek 22 km (8-10 hours) starting at dawn. Ascend to the highest point of the pilgrimage, Dolma La Pass (5,600m), representing spiritual rebirth. Descend past the beautiful, emerald-green Gauri Kunda (Parvati's lake) and trek on to the cave of miracles at Zuthulpuk.
Trek 3 hours to conclude the Parikrama near Darchen, where the vehicle awaits. Board your vehicle and drive back to Saga town (approx. 5-6 hours) to rest in a comfortable hotel overnight.
Drive back across the Tibetan plateau to Kyirong border town (approx. 5 hours). Enjoy the descending altitude and final views of the Tibetan peaks.
Cross the border immigration back into Nepal. Drive along the Trishuli River back to Kathmandu (approx. 7 hours). Settle into your 5-star hotel in Kathmandu and rest.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast. Check out of the hotel. Our vehicle will transfer you to the Kathmandu airport or drop you at Lucknow (departure flights must be scheduled after 5:00 PM).