Are you ready to embark on one of the most profound spiritual and adventurous journeys of your lifetime? Join Team Yathri Holidays for a transformative 13 Nights and 14 Days overland expedition to the sacred Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu
Arrival & Briefing
Upon your arrival at the Kathmandu International Airport (1300m), our representative will greet and assist you. After completing your custom formalities, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Before dinner, we will hold a short briefing about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. You will spend the night at the Hotel Ramada by Wyndham or Western Plus on a twin-sharing basis.
Traveler’s Note: Rest well tonight! Drink plenty of water, be calm, and do not exercise to start preparing your body for higher altitudes.
Day 2: Exploring the Divine Valley
Kathmandu Temple Tour
After breakfast, embark on a Kathmandu city sightseeing tour. We will visit the revered Pasupatinath Temple, the Bouddhanath Stupa (a World heritage site), the Jala Narayan Temple (sleeping Vishnu), and Kathmandu Durbar Square (home of the Living God Kumari). Later, we drive back to the hotel for packing and final Yatra preparations. Overnight stay is at Hotel Mandala Norling or Lord Prime.
Pro-Tip: Indian Pilgrims are advised strictly not to wear a Sari during this Yatra, so use today to organize your comfortable trekking clothes.
Day 3: The Journey Begins to Kyirung
Heading Towards the Border
Our representative will pick you up for the drive to Kyirung, which sits at an altitude of 1600m. The scenic 145 Km drive takes about 5 to 6 hours. Upon arrival, transfer to your basic guest house for check-in and an overnight stay.
Traveler’s Note: Bring all the medicine, cosmetics, and personal toilet items you need from home, as these are difficult to obtain once we hit the road.
Day 4: Crossing into Tibet
Gyirung County
Following breakfast, we will complete immigration and custom formalities on both the Nepal and China sides. We then continue our drive for 35 Km (about 1 hour) to Gyirung County at 2800m. You will check into a basic hotel for the night.
Pro-Tip: Money can be exchanged at the Bank of China in Kyirung county. We highly recommend exchanging all your remaining Yuan here.
Day 5: Adjusting to the Altitude
Acclimatization in Gyirung
Today is a crucial rest day. After breakfast, you are free to visit around Gyirung county or do some shopping. You will spend another night in Gyirung County at 2800m.
Traveler’s Note: As you travel over high terrain, altitude sickness symptoms like headaches or breathlessness can occur until your body adjusts. Use this day to rest completely.
Day 6: The Long Drive to Saga
Crossing the Brahmaputra
After a hearty breakfast, we take a 270 Km drive (6 to 7 hours) to Saga, crossing the mighty Brahmaputra river along the way. We will reach an altitude of 4500m today. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel in Saga.
Pro-Tip: Keep a day pack handy with a strong water bottle, water purifying tablets, and snacks like chocolates and dry fruits for the long drive.
Day 7: First Glimpse of the Holy Lake
Arrival at Mansarovar
Today, we drive 470 Km (8 to 9 hours) towards the sacred Mansarovar Lake, situated at 4550m. Once we arrive, you will transfer to the Pramath Ashram guest house (dormitory style) for check-in and an overnight stay.
Traveler’s Note: Be sure to bring warm clothing, as nights and early mornings here can be quite chilly to cold.
Day 8: Cleansing the Soul
Mansarovar Parikrama & Darchen
After breakfast, we complete the 102 Km Parikrama of Mansarovar Lake by vehicle, taking about 3 hours. Here, you can take a Holy bath and perform Puja and Homa rituals by the lake. Later, we continue our drive for 58 Km (1.5 hours) to Darchen (4600m) for an overnight stay in a basic hotel.
Pro-Tip: We have made it mandatory to stay 2 nights at the 4550m altitude moving forward, giving your body the best chance to adjust before the main trek.
Day 9: The Kora Begins!
Yamdwar to Diraphuk Trek
After a short drive to Yamdwar—the starting point of the Kora—we begin our trek. We will trek 12 Km (7 to 8 hours) to Diraphuk (4860m), crossing the west face of Mt. Kailash and getting a stunning view of its North face. We stay overnight at a basic hotel in Diraphuk.
Traveler’s Note: Protect yourself from the elements! Wear a sun hat, sunglasses to block strong UV rays, and use plenty of sunblock.
Day 10: The Ultimate Test of Endurance
Dolma-La Pass to Zutalphuk
This is the most difficult journey of the Yatra. After breakfast, we trek up to the Dolma-La Pass, reaching our maximum altitude of 5630m. From there, we descend to Gaurikund and follow the river to Zutalphuk (4600m), completing a gruelling 22 Km, 12-hour trek. We will rest at a hotel in Zutalphuk.
Pro-Tip: We recommend you carry a strip of Diamox tablets for high altitude. A woolen balaclava (‘monkey cap’) and dust mask are excellent for protecting your face from cold and dust today.
Day 11: Completing the Sacred Circle
Final Trek & Return to Saga
After breakfast, we complete a short 8 Km trek (about 2 hours) to meet our waiting coach. We drive to Darchen to merge with other members (who opted out of the Parikrama) and then drive back to Saga (4500m) for an overnight stay.
Traveler’s Note: If you feel unwell at any point, do not push yourself. Emergency evacuation management is provided during the Yatra if needed.
Day 12: Descending the Himalayas
Saga to Gyirung
Enjoy a well-deserved rest in the vehicle as we take a 270 Km (7-hour) drive back down to Gyirung County (2800m). We will check into a basic hotel for the night.
Pro-Tip: A body spray and wet tissues are excellent to have on hand during these long driving and descending days to freshen up.
Day 13: Back to the Valley
Crossing into Nepal
After breakfast, we drive 200 Km (about 8 hours) back to Kathmandu (1300m). We will cross the China-Nepal border, complete the formalities, and transfer to our hotel in Kathmandu for the final night.
Traveler’s Note: Celebrate your incredible achievement tonight at the Hotel Ramada by Wyndham or Western Plus.
Day 14: Farewell and Departure
Homeward Bound
After breakfast, we will proudly present you with an appreciation certificate for completing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Later, you will be dropped at the airport for your final departure.
Essential Packing List
- Winter wear: Gore-Tex material, down jacket, raincoat or windbreakers, and thermal under wears.
- Accessories: Woolen gloves, sun hat, woolen balaclava, and a scarf/dust mask.
- Footwear: Comfortable shoes and light leather boots in case of snow.
- Personal Kit: Small first aid kit, Diamox tablets, strong water bottle, and water purifying tablets.
Cost Includes:
- Accommodation at premium 4-Star hotels in Kathmandu (3 nights) and basic hotels/guest houses in Tibet (10 nights) on a sharing basis.
- Buffet vegetarian meals during the Yatra (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner).
- Round trip transportation in a Tibet AC Luxury coach and Non-AC vehicle for the Kathmandu-Rasuwagadi route.
- Tibet travel Permit, Visa fees, Langtang National Park fee, and Kailash Yatra Permit fees.
- Malayalee Tour Escort from YATHRI, English-speaking Tibetan guide, and Nepali support staff (5:1 basis).
- Emergency evacuation management, first aid kit, Oxygen cylinder, and Gamow bag.
- 5% GST.
Cost Excludes:
- Flight charges from your hometown to Kathmandu and back.
- Personal expenses, travel insurance, medical expenses, and emergency rescue evacuation expenses.
- Horses, Pony, and porter during the Kailash Parikrama.
- Tips and extra hotel charges in Kathmandu for early returns.
- TCS and extra costs due to natural calamities or unforeseen circumstances.
Ready for the Journey of a Lifetime?
Don’t miss your chance to experience the profound spirituality and rugged beauty of Mt. Kailash. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and book your spot today!
Contact Team Yathri Holidays Now!
Phone: +91 9656235342 (Mr. Abhilash K K) Or reach out to our team to secure your Early Bird discount!