An adventurous overland alternative to the helicopter route, this journey carries pilgrims from Lucknow to Nepalgunj by road, then by mountain flight to Simikot, before continuing by JEEP along the Karnali River through the remote valleys of Humla to the border at Hilsa.
The rugged mountain road winds through traditional villages and terraced hillsides, offering spectacular views of the Himalaya and a closer look at the daily life of the Karnali highlands, at a gentler pace than a helicopter crossing allows.
This route trades one additional day and a stretch of mountain driving for a lower fare than the helicopter option, while still reaching Sacred Lake Mansarovar and Holy Mount Kailash within eleven days. Road conditions and weather can change quickly, and the itinerary may require flexibility for safety and comfort.
It is a journey for pilgrims who wish to see Humla by road, on the way to the abode of Lord Shiva.
On arrival in Lucknow you will be received by our representative and driven to Nepalgunj (approx. 200 km, 4 to 5 hours), crossing the India–Nepal border at Rupaidiha. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Nepalgunj – 4-star deluxe hotel
A scenic flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot (approx. 50 minutes) with Bird-Eye views of the Himalaya and the remote Karnali region. The rest of the day is free to rest and acclimatise in this small mountain town.
Overnight: Simikot – Best available hotel
An early morning Jeep journey from Simikot to Hilsa (approx. 92 km, 5 to 6 hours). The rugged mountain road winds through remote valleys and traditional villages along the Karnali River, with spectacular Himalayan views. On arrival in Hilsa, rest and prepare for the crossing into the Xizang Autonomous Region.
Overnight: Hilsa – Best available hotel
Walk for 20 minutes and cross the bridge over the Karnali River to Sher, complete immigration formalities and continue by road to Purang (approx. 27 km, 1 hour). Spend the afternoon on short walks around the town and nearby monasteries, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude.
Overnight: Purang – CIPSC-designated hotel · best available
Drive to Sacred Lake Mansarovar (approx. 110 km, 2 to 3 hours). Divine Darshan of the sacred lake and its Parikrama, with Darshan of the southern face (Guru Mukh) of Holy Mount Kailash, the snow massif of Gurla Mandhata (7,694 m), Chiu Gompa and Rakshas Tal (Ravan Lake).
Overnight: Lake Mansarovar – CIPSC-designated hotel · best available
The morning is devoted to spiritual activities. Witness sunrise over Lake Mansarovar with Darshan of Mount Kailash, then perform Puja and Vedic rituals on the sacred shore. Later, drive to Darchen, the base for the Kailash Parikrama, visiting Chiu Gompa and Rakshas Tal (Ravan Lake) en route and completing the remaining Parikrama of the lake. Check in and prepare for the holy Parikrama of Mount Kailash. You can also take an optional drive to the Astapad & Serlung Monastery for inner darshan of Holy Mount Kailash.
Overnight: Darchen – CIPSC-designated hotel · best available
Drive to Yama Dwar (approx. 20 minutes), the gateway to the Kailash Parikrama. Begin the trek to Diraphuk (approx. 13 km, 7 to 8 hours) with Darshan of the west face of Mount Kailash, following the Lha Chu river that rises at its northern foot. At Diraphuk, behold the north face, the Kailash Purna Lingam, Nag (Vasuki) Swaroop and Diraphuk Gompa.
Overnight: Diraphuk – CIPSC-designated hotel · best available
The most demanding and most sacred day of the Yatra: approx. 22 km in 9 to 10 hours, crossing Dolma La (5,630 m), the highest point of the journey. Along the way, Darshan of Shivasthali, Ganesh Kund, Ganesh Parvat and Gauri Kund (5,608 m), the sacred bathing place of Mata Parvati, regarded as the navel of the Earth. On the descent, the east face of Mount Kailash reveals itself, revered as the Shree Yantra, a symbol of divine energy and cosmic order.
Overnight: Zuthulphuk – CIPSC-designated hotel · best available
A gentle trek of approx. 8 km (3 hours) completes the Kailash Parikrama. At the end point your vehicle awaits for the short drive to Darchen (approx. 20 minutes). After a short rest in Darchen, drive to Purang (approx. 105 km, 2 to 3 hours).
Overnight: Purang – CIPSC-designated hotel · best available
Drive from Purang to Sher, complete border formalities and walk for 20 minutes to the hotel in Hilsa. After lunch, continue by Jeep from Hilsa to Simikot (approx. 92 km, 5 to 6 hours).
Overnight: Simikot – Best available hotel
Fly from Simikot to Nepalgunj. Freshen up at the hotel in Nepalgunj, then continue by road to Lucknow (approx. 200 km, 4 to 5 hours) for your onward destination, carrying with you the blessings of Kailash and Mansarovar.
| Batch Code | Arrival | Departure | Remark |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 01 | 10-May 2027 | 20-May 2027 | |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 02 | 13-May 2027 | 23-May 2027 | Reverse Full Moon |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 03 | 14-May 2027 | 24-May 2027 | Full Moon at Driaphuk |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 04 | 16-May 2027 | 26-May 2027 | Full Moon |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 05 | 22-May 2027 | 1-Jun 2027 | |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 06 | 28-May 2027 | 7-Jun 2027 | |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 07 | 3-Jun 2027 | 13-Jun 2027 | |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 08 | 9-Jun 2027 | 19-Jun 2027 | |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 09 | 11-Jun 2027 | 21-Jun 2027 | Reverse Full Moon |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 10 | 12-Jun 2027 | 22-Jun 2027 | Full Moon at Driaphuk |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 11 | 14-Jun 2027 | 24-Jun 2027 | Full Moon |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 12 | 20-Jun 2027 | 30-Jun 2027 | |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 13 | 26-Jun 2027 | 6-Jul 2027 | |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 14 | 30-Jun 2027 | 10-Jul 2027 | |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 15 | 2-Jul 2027 | 12-Jul 2027 | |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 16 | 8-Jul 2027 | 18-Jul 2027 | |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 17 | 11-Jul 2027 | 21-Jul 2027 | Reverse Full Moon |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 18 | 12-Jul 2027 | 22-Jul 2027 | Full Moon at Driaphuk |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 19 | 14-Jul 2027 | 24-Jul 2027 | Full Moon |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 20 | 20-Jul 2027 | 30-Jul 2027 | |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 21 | 7-Aug 2027 | 17-Aug 2027 | |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 22 | 11-Aug 2027 | 21-Aug 2027 | Reverse Full Moon |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 23 | 12-Aug 2027 | 22-Aug 2027 | Full Moon at Driaphuk |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 24 | 14-Aug 2027 | 24-Aug 2027 | Full Moon |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 25 | 20-Aug 2027 | 30-Aug 2027 |
|
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 26 | 7-Sept 2027 | 17-Sept 2027 | |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 27 | 11-Sept 2027 | 21-Sept 2027 | Reverse Full Moon |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 28 | 12-Sept 2027 | 22-Sept 2027 | Full Moon at Driaphuk |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 29 | 14-Sept 2027 | 24-Sept 2027 | Full Moon |
| ABC – KMY – LKJ – 30 | 20-Sept 2027 | 30-Sept 2027 |
| Destination | Hotel |
|---|---|
| Nepalgunj | 4-star deluxe hotel |
| Simikot | Best available hotel |
| Hilsa | Best available hotel |
| Purang | CIPSC-designated hotel · best available |
| Lake Mansarovar | CIPSC-designated hotel · best available |
| Darchen | CIPSC-designated hotel · best available |
| Diraphuk | CIPSC-designated hotel · best available |
| Zuthulphuk | CIPSC-designated hotel · best available |
• So far, the additional expenses out of the package cost for Kailash is hiring a personal horse and porter. Recently, the Tibetan authorities have implemented a rule for individuals who hire a personal horse for the 3-day Kailash Parikrama should also hire a personal porter. Advised to Carry Yuan 5000/ per person as additional expenses.
• One Horse, Horse-Man: Yuan 3,000/ for 3 days
• One Personal Porter: Yuan 1,500/ for 3 days
Currency Conversion:
The Chinese currency is called Yuan, and its conversion is as follows:
• 1 USD equals 6.00 Yuan, 1 Yuan equals Inr. 13.00/
Currency exchange rates are subject to change and will be applied accordingly.
This is a tour, and it is different from a trek or a climbing expedition. No specific level of fitness is required. However, people with cardiac or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before the trip, as it involves high altitudes. We recommend regular light exercise such as walking, jogging, and breathing and stretching exercises before the tour.
The Yatra reaches altitudes above 5,600 m, where Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a genuine risk regardless of age or fitness. Our team monitors every Yatri closely from the Tibetan side onward.
We provide:
You should:
We serve pure vegetarian, Continental and Indian meals. Breakfast and dinner are served at hotels by our experienced kitchen team, and packed lunches are provided during the Kailash Parikrama.
Indicative daytime and night-time temperatures at the highest points of the Yatra, May to September:
Conditions change quickly at altitude; dress in layers and keep moving to stay warm.
Documents & clothing
Clothing (continued)
Medicines, hygiene & accessories
Bring separate, lighter clothing for Kathmandu and the Nepal side, as your own comfort requires.
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