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Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2027 – KOGK — Overland Yatra with Guge Kingdom

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1567
  • 18 Days
  • Difficulty : Moderate to Strenuous
  • Highest Altitude : 5,630m (Dolma La)
  • Best Season : May to September
  • Starts / Ends : Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu – Kodari – Nyalam – Saga – Lake Mansarovar – Darchen – Diraphuk – Zuthulphuk – Ali – Zanda – Ali – Paryang – Nyalam – Kathmandu
DetailItineraryAccommodationPhotos
Kailash Mansarovar Overland Yatra with Guge Kingdom

A fully overland journey for pilgrims who wish to see the far west of the Xizang Autonomous Region by road. From Kathmandu, the route crosses the border at Kodari and climbs through Nyalam to Saga, with a full acclimatisation day before reaching Sacred Lake Mansarovar and the three-day Parikrama of Holy Mount Kailash.

From the Parikrama, the road leads west to Zanda and the ruins of the ancient Guge Kingdom at Tsaparang, a citadel of temples, caves and palaces carved into the hillside above the Sutlej, and on to Tholing Monastery. The return follows the plateau via Ali, Paryang and Nyalam to Kathmandu, with no flights involved.

KOGK is offered as a private-group departure on request, subject to permit lead times.

Highlights
  • Darshan of Shri Pashupatinath Temple and Budhanilkantha Temple, Kathmandu.
  • Overland across the Historical Silk Road via Kodari and Nyalam, with an acclimatisation day at Saga.
  • Divine Darshan of Sacred Lake Mansarovar, Rakshas Tal (Ravan Lake) and Holy Mount Kailash.
  • The three-day Parikrama of Holy Mount Kailash across Dolma La (5,630 m).
  • The ruins of the ancient Guge Kingdom at Tsaparang and the Zanda Earth Forest.
  • Tholing Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the region.
Itinerary

Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you with a garland and escort you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Kathmandu – 5 Star Hotel

Day 02Kathmandu Darshan & Yatra Preparation

Start the morning with Darshan at the holy Shri Pashupatinath Temple. Then visit Budhanilkantha Temple, famous for the reclining statue of Lord Vishnu. Return to the hotel for lunch. The afternoon will be for a detailed Yatra briefing, important instructions, and final packing preparation.

Overnight: Kathmandu – 5 Star Hotel

Day 03Kathmandu to Kodari (approx. 1,750 m)

After an early breakfast, drive along the Araniko Highway following the Sun Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers to Kodari on the Nepal–China border (approx. 115 km, 5 to 6 hours). Lunch en route; dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Kodari – Best available hotel

Day 04Kodari to Nyalam (3,750 m)

Complete Nepal–China immigration formalities at the Friendship Bridge, then drive via Zhangmu up to Nyalam (approx. 35 km, 2 hours). The afternoon is kept free to rest and acclimatise.

Overnight: Nyalam – Best available hotel

Day 05Nyalam to Saga (4,640 m)

Drive across the plateau to Saga (approx. 240 km, 6 hours), crossing Tong La (5,120 m) and Lalung La (5,050 m) with views of Shishapangma (8,027 m), passing tranquil Peiku Tso (4,590 m) and the holy Brahmaputra before entering Saga.

Overnight: Saga – Best available hotel

Day 06Acclimatisation Day at Saga

A restful day in Saga to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Explore the town at an easy pace and prepare for the onward journey to Sacred Lake Mansarovar.

Overnight: Saga – Best available hotel

Day 07Saga to Sacred Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m)

Drive to Sacred Lake Mansarovar (approx. 480 km, 8 to 9 hours) via Paryang. Divine Darshan of the sacred lake and its Parikrama, with Darshan of the southern face (Guru Mukh) of Mount Kailash, the snow massif of Gurla Mandhata (7,694 m), Hor Chu Gompa, Thugu Gompa, Chiu Gompa and Rakshas Tal (Ravan Lake).

Overnight: Mansarovar – Best available hotel

Day 08Lake Mansarovar to Darchen (4,670 m)

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 – Best available hotel

Day 09Darchen to Diraphuk (4,900 m) · Parikrama Day 1

Drive to Yama Dwar (approx. 20 minutes), the gateway to the Kailash Parikrama. Begin the trek to Diraphuk (approx. 13 km, 6 to 7 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 – Best available hotel

Day 10Diraphuk to Zuthulphuk (4,790 m) · Parikrama Day 2

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 – Best available hotel

Day 11Zuthulphuk to Ali (4,255 m) · Parikrama Day 3

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), then onward to Ali (approx. 250 km, 4 to 5 hours).

Overnight: Ali – Best available hotel

Day 12Ali to Zanda (3,750 m)

Drive to Zanda (approx. 250 km, 4 to 5 hours) through the remote landscapes of western Ngari, descending into the Sutlej valley past the striking eroded clay formations of the Zanda Earth Forest.

Overnight: Zanda – Best available hotel

Day 13Guge Kingdom · Tsaparang

Drive to Tsaparang (approx. 18 km) to explore the ruins of the ancient Guge Kingdom, a citadel of temples, caves and palaces carved into the hillside above the Sutlej, with its Red and White Temples and centuries-old murals. Return to Zanda.

Overnight: Zanda – Best available hotel

Day 14Tholing Monastery and Drive to Ali

Visit Tholing Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the western Xizang Autonomous Region, then drive back to Ali (approx. 5 hours).

Overnight: Ali – Best available hotel

Day 15Ali to Paryang (approx. 4,600 m)

A long drive south-east across the plateau, passing Darchen and Sacred Lake Mansarovar with a final Darshan of Holy Mount Kailash, then continuing along the upper Brahmaputra valley to Paryang (approx. 480 km, 8 to 9 hours).

Overnight: Paryang – Best available hotel

Day 16Paryang to Nyalam (3,750 m)

Drive east via Saga, crossing Lalung La (5,050 m) and Tong La (5,120 m) with farewell views of Shishapangma (8,027 m), and descend to Nyalam (approx. 490 km, 8 to 9 hours).

Overnight: Nyalam – Best available hotel

Day 17Nyalam to Kathmandu

Drive to the border at Zhangmu (approx. 35 km, 2 hours). After immigration and customs formalities, continue via Kodari to Kathmandu (approx. 5 to 6 hours), descending from the plateau into the green Himalayan foothills of Nepal. Transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Kathmandu – 5 Star Hotel

Day 18Departure

Your sacred journey concludes. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward destination, carrying with you the blessings of Kailash and Mansarovar.

Includes

  • Arrival and departure transfers.
  • Twin or triple sharing accommodation in Kathmandu and Kodari.
  • Darshan of Shri Pashupatinath Temple and Budhanilkantha Temple.
  • Kathmandu – Kodari – Kathmandu by deluxe coach.
  • Good-quality vehicles on the Xizang Autonomous Region side.
  • Parikrama of Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash.
  • All accommodation during the journey as per the itinerary.
  • Full-board vegetarian meals, including 2 bottles of mineral water per day.
  • Team leader and experienced staff with personalised service.
  • All Xizang Autonomous Region permits.
  • Sightseeing with all entrance and monument fees as per the itinerary (Guge Kingdom at Tsaparang and Tholing Monastery).
  • Duffel bag.
  • Down jacket on a returnable basis.
  • First-aid kit, medical oxygen, pulse oximeter, Diamox and other essential medicines.
  • All associated taxes and service charges on the Nepal and Xizang Autonomous Region sides.

Excludes

  • Single supplement on both the Nepal and Xizang Autonomous Region sides.
  • Mainland China Visa & Visa fee.
  • Visit to Astapad for the Kailash inner Darshan.
  • Accommodation at Darchen for those returning midway through the Kailash Parikrama.
  • Beverages and expenses of a personal nature.
  • Hospital treatment, rescue and evacuation costs.
  • Trekking poles and personal gear.
  • Guest travel insurance.
  • Personal horse and porter charges during the Kailash Parikrama.
  • Visa split and transportation costs in the event of early exit.
  • Any change or new rule imposed by the authorities of the People’s Republic of China.
  • Tips and gratuities.

Additional Expenses

The principal expenses outside the package cost are the hire of a personal horse and porter for the Kailash Parikrama. The authorities of the Xizang Autonomous Region now require that any pilgrim hiring a personal horse for the three-day Parikrama must also engage a personal porter. We advise carrying approximately Yuan 5,000 per person for additional expenses.

Currency Conversion — The currency of the Xizang Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Indicative rates as of September 2026: 1 USD ≈ 6.70 Yuan. Exchange rates fluctuate and will be applied at the prevailing rate.

One horse with horseman · 3 daysYuan 3,000
One personal porter · 3 daysYuan 1,500
Visit to Astapad · per personYuan 550
Jeep from Diraphuk, or from the horse pick-up point after Dolma La · per personYuan 550
Accommodations & Stay
DestinationHotel
Kathmandu5 Star Hotel
KodariBest available hotel
NyalamBest available hotel
SagaBest available hotel
Lake MansarovarBest available hotel
DarchenBest available hotel
DiraphukBest available hotel
ZuthulphukBest available hotel
AliBest available hotel
ZandaBest available hotel
ParyangBest available hotel
Essential Information

Documents & Eligibility

  • Ordinary passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity from the departure date.
  • Send these 40 days before the departure date: a scanned copy of the passport front page (photo page), the last page (address page) and a colour scanned MRP passport-sized photo with a white background.
  • Once the passport is submitted for the permit application, please do not issue a new passport until the Yatra is complete; cancellation charges apply if you do.

Fitness & Health

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.

  • Mild (headache, fatigue, mild nausea, breathlessness on exertion): rest, hydrate, Diamox as advised, continue only if improving.
  • Moderate (persistent headache, vomiting, dizziness, poor coordination): halt ascent, administer oxygen, monitor with a pulse oximeter.
  • Severe (confusion, breathlessness at rest, inability to walk unaided): immediate descent and evacuation; emergency contact activated.

We provide:

  • Medical oxygen cylinders and pulse oximeters with the group.
  • Diamox and a first-aid kit carried by the team leader.
  • Built-in acclimatisation days on every itinerary.
  • Trained, English-speaking guides experienced at altitude.

You should:

  • Consult your doctor before travel, especially with a cardiac or respiratory history.
  • Drink 3–4 litres of water daily and avoid alcohol for 15 days before departure.
  • Walk at a slow, steady pace and never rush the Parikrama.
  • Carry comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover.

Food & Beverage

We serve pure vegetarian and Continental meals. Breakfast and dinner are served at hotels by our experienced kitchen team, and packed lunches are provided during the Kailash Parikrama.

Weather & Conditions

Indicative daytime and night-time temperatures at the highest points of the Yatra, May to September:

  • Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m): day 15–18°, night -2 to 2°. Strong UV over open water; cold wind after sunset.
  • Diraphuk (4,900 m): day 10–14°, night -6 to -2°. Sharp overnight drop below the north face; carry warm layers after dusk.
  • Dolma La (5,630 m): day 5–8°, night -10 to -6°. Sudden wind, thin air and occasional snowfall even in summer; cross early in the day.

Conditions change quickly at altitude; dress in layers and keep moving to stay warm.

Culture & Local Practices

  • The Kailash Parikrama and monastery circuits are walked clockwise; please follow the direction of pilgrims and prayer wheels.
  • Photography inside shrine rooms is often restricted; ask first.
  • Do not touch or climb on mani stones, chortens or prayer-flag structures.
  • Refrain from political or social discussion on Tibetan–Chinese matters throughout the Xizang leg.
  • Follow the instructions of the Chinese Liaison Officer and your Nepali Tour Guide at all times once inside the Xizang Autonomous Region.
  • A respectful greeting and a small acknowledgement to guides, drivers and horsemen go a long way in these remote communities.
  • Bathing and swimming in Lake Mansarovar are not permitted; Darshan and Puja are performed from its shore.
  • Do not carry mufflers, shawls, books, statues, photographs or idols bearing a god or deity imprint, or seeds, animal products, leaves or any plants.

Carry Items

Documents & clothing

  • Original passport (valid 6+ months)
  • Fleece thermal liner · 3 sets
  • Gore-Tex / Omni-Tech / poncho · 1 set
  • Trekking trouser, water/wind proof · 1 set
  • Comfortable outer-wear trousers · 3 pieces
  • Trekking shoe · 1 pair
  • Normal shoes (if required) · 1 pair
  • Cotton socks · 10 pairs
  • Trekking socks · 3 pairs

Clothing (continued)

  • Light jacket or sweater · 1 piece
  • Fleece long-sleeve t-shirts or comfortable wear · 3 pieces
  • Cotton t-shirt, long sleeve · 2 pieces
  • Cotton t-shirt, half sleeve · 1 piece
  • Head gear / scarves · 2 pieces
  • Fleece or woollen heavy cap or balaclava · 1 piece
  • Fleece glove · 1 set
  • Heavy glove · 1 set
  • Sun hat / cap · 2 pieces
  • Undergarments · one set per day in the Xizang leg
  • Towel · 1 to 2, as needed
  • Slippers / sandals · 1 pair

Medicines, hygiene & accessories

  • Personal medicines (consult your doctor)
  • Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, wet wipes
  • Tissue paper / body wipes, as needed
  • Sanitary napkins / tampons, as needed
  • Sun cream and cold cream
  • Waist pouch, for passport and cash
  • Sunglasses, UV protected, good quality · 1
  • Flashlight / headlight · 1
  • Power bank · 1
  • Water bottle / thermal flask · 1
  • Trekking stick · 1 pair

FAQs

  • Do I need to be very fit? No specific level of fitness is required, as this is a tour rather than a trek, but regular light exercise beforehand makes it more comfortable. Consult your doctor first if you have a cardiac or respiratory condition.
  • How high does the Yatra go? The highest point is Dolma La at 5,630 m, and the itinerary includes built-in acclimatisation days.
  • What food is served? Pure vegetarian and Continental meals, with packed lunches during the Parikrama.
  • Can I swim or bathe in Lake Mansarovar? No. Darshan and Puja are performed from the shore.
  • Is travel insurance needed? We strongly advise comprehensive travel insurance with cover for emergency medical evacuation.
  • What documents do I need? An ordinary passport valid for at least 6 months from the departure date, plus the scans listed under Documents & Eligibility.

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