Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Kerung

Duration: 
15 Nights/16 Days
Altitude: 
5,650m
Difficulty: 
Strenuous
Holiday Style: 
Pilgrimage Tour
Starts/Ends: 
In Kathmandu, Nepal

Holiday Overview

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra only via Kerung:

A Divine Overland Journey to the Holy Mountain

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a journey in search of religious merit and spiritual significance. It is the path to acquiring moral values and spiritual merits for getting Moksha, the liberation.

Mount Kailash is the holiest mountain in the trans-Himalayan region at an elevation of 6,714 meters. Likewise, the holiest Lake Manasarovar is in between Mount Kailash and Mount Gurla Mandhata at 4,588 meters.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is the highest level of pilgrimage, known as Para Brahma Kshetra; the formless realm of the Cosmic Mandala. Mount Kailash and Manasarovar are centers of reverence not only for Hindus, but also for Buddhists, Jains, and Bon people.

For Hindus, it is the divine abode of Lord Shiva, known as Mount Sumeru, the center of the universe. A mere glimpse of Kailash is believed to absolve a lifetime of sins, while a ritual bath in Manasarovar purifies both mind and body. Buddhists call Kailash ‘Kang Rinpoche’ and worship as the place of Chakrasambhara, the god of eternal bliss. They believe Manasarovar, Mafam Yomtso, is the Sweet Dew, a divine gift from the Lord Buddha.

For Jains, Astapada, the mountain adjacent to Kailash, holds sacred significance as the pilgrimage site where their first Tirthankara, Rishavdev, attained Kaivalya. Bon adherents regard Kailash as the Swastika Mountain of Crystal, believed to be the place where their ancestors descended from heaven. Swaminarayan followers attach particular importance to Kailash, as it was visited by Neelkantha Varni in 1792. The region of Kailash is renowned for its serenity and natural beauty.

Arrival, Preparation, and Sightseeing in Kathmandu:

Welcome to Kathmandu, the land of lord Pashupatinath. We will receive you at Tribhuwan International Airport and transfer you to a 5-star hotel. In Kathmandu, we spend the initial four days visiting World Heritage Sites and sacred temples including Budhanilkanth and Doleshwor. During this time, we spare moments to make final preparations for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, attend detailed briefings, and perform Pashupatinath darshan and Rudrabishek before embarking on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

The Routes to Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Nepal:

There are four routes to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nepal. The ancient Simikot-Hilsa Route:  is one of the shortest routes to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters are used to reach Simikot and Hilsa respectively. This route is highly weather-dependable, so uncertain.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nyalam route:  is the most popular and easy. The journey starts in Kathmandu and goes through Nyalam following the Kodari border. Unfortunately, it has been closed since the 2015 earthquake. It is in the process of re-opening this year.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa route:  involves flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa Airport followed by a vehicular journey to Kailash. The flights have been on hold since the Covid-19 pandemic. Hopefully, flights will resume soon.

The fourth and currently available route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is the Kerung Route: The journey to Kailash through this route goes via Timure and Kerung following the Pasang Lhamu Highway.

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Via Kerung:

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Kathmandu starts with an overland drive to Timure following the narrow and serpentine road that goes along the Uttar Ganga. Alternatively, a helicopter ride is also available to Timure. next morning, after immigration formalities, drive to Kerung and explore around, overnight in a hotel.

The following day, the journey to Saga goes through the highest Ghong La Pass of the trip at an elevation of 5,236 meters. We serve picnic lunch on the way. Saga sits on the bank of the Brahmaputra River. The following day, we dedicate to rest for acclimatization, holding a scheduled meeting to discuss Kailash Parikarma and other safety issues..

Enter to Kailash Mandala, the first Darshan:

The next day we drive parallel to the Himalayas to Manasarovar. We see Himalayan peaks, Tibetan flora, and fauna Lang Chhu, the Nandi Lake, on the way.

The Parikrama of the Manasarovar offers the Darshan of Manasarovar with the Kailash as the backdrop. The Parikrama includes a vantage point from where Kailash, Gurla Mandhata, Manasarovar, and Skanda Sagar can be seen in all 4 directions. Overnight on the western shore of the Manasarovar Lake near Chiu Monastery.

The following day begins with a ritual bath and Havan at the Manasarovar. The drive to Tirthapuri passes through Barkha Plain, where it is believed the divine wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati commenced.

Tirthpuri also known as the Adi Badrinath is located on the bank of the Sutlej River.

Kailash Mandala is the source of four holy rivers: Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Indus, and Karnali. They are believed to have originated from the mouth of a horse, elephant, lion, and peacock, respectively, representing the directions of East, West, North, and South.

On return, enjoy the close Darshan of the south face of Kailash in Swastika form.

About Parikarma, the Circumambulation of Holy Kailash.

Darchen is the starting and ending point of the Kailash Parikrama also called Kora in the local Tibetan dialect. Out of the total distance of 53km, 34 km can be done either on foot or horseback, 6km on foot only, and 13 km by vehicle.

From Darchen to Tharboche, 8km bus ride. From Tharboche, proceed on foot or horseback to Dirraphuk for 12km.

Next day, embark on the Charan Sparsha- a hike to Kailash Glacier River on the Northern side to touch the feet of Kailash at 5200 meters. Dirraphuk to Zutholphuk spans 22km in total. Utilize a horse for the 5km uphill trek to Dolma La pass at 5650m. The subsequent 5km downhill trek to Sabje Juthruk is on foot only, followed by a 12km horse ride to Zutholphuk at 4800 meters.

The trek from Zutholphuk to the pickup point is a 6km easy trek, taking about 2 hours on horseback or foot. The Inner Parikram is the physically challenging trek up to the elevation of 5,900 meters going around Nandi. Visiting Saptarshi Cave and being blessed by natural Abhisekham, makes the journey spiritual and remarkable.

Kailash Parikarma

From Darchen we drive to Tharboche to commence the sacred Parikarma. Witness the Darshan of the West face of Kailash, the Mahakala form. Here we get the horse and porter that we have previously booked. As we pass through Yama Dwar, the Gateway of the God of Death, our spiritual journey begins on the path of Satyam, Shivam, and Sundaram.

Local people have deep respect for Kailash. They perform parikrama by prostration, which may take 7-10 days. Further trekking to the beautiful valley of compassion leads us to Dirraphuk, following the Lhachhu River, which originates from Kailash. There, we behold the inspiring Darshan of Kailash North Face, majestic Linga form.

The next day, we trek to the Kailash glacier for Charan Sparsha, a divine act of touching the feet of Kailash. We embark on an ascent and descent of 400m, covering a total trek of 7km for Charan Sparsha. The next day, the trail is gradually up until Shivasthala, then a little flat and hardest uphill trek leads to Dolma La, the Top. A little down, we see Gauri Kunda on the right. Further, downhill to the lunch place.  After lunch, we see Kailash East Face and Medicine Buddha on the way to Zuthulphuk Gompa and the Lhamchhu River.

The next day is an easy day to conclude the Parikrama through the Valley of Enlightenment. We trek to Jaithe, the pickup point of the bus to drive to Darchen. After lunch in Darchen, we drive back to Saga for an overnight stay.

The return journey, farewell, and see you again.

After the successful Yatra, it is time to come home. So, we drive back to Kerung and then to Dhunche for an overnight stay. Alternatively, we can fly to Kathmandu by Helicopter. The next day, from Dhunche, we returned to Kathmandu before lunch. After refreshment, we participate in the Yatra Certificate Ceremony. In the evening, we attend the Pashupatinath Aarati.

The next day, we drop you off at the airport to fly to your sweet home, not saying goodbye, but "See you again!"

Thank you!

For more information:

Please check our You YouTube channel: Visit Kailash Treks

  Holiday Highlights: Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Kerung

  • Rudrabishek at Pashupatinath Temple
  • Darshan of Doleshwor Mahadev and Budhanilkantha
  • Ritual dip in the Manasarovar Lake and also perform Havan there
  • Darshan of Tirthapuri, Nandi and Asthapada
  • Perform Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake Parikrama
  • Hike to Charansparsha Sthal and have a Darshan of Kailash within touching distance of North Face
  • Daily Yoga and Pranayama
  • Daily Bhajan, Kirtan, and Prayers
  • Pure vegetarian meals from the beginning till the end
  • Medical checkups twice a day

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra via Kerung

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Holiday Summary

Days 1-3:          Arrival in Kathmandu, vis application, Pashupati Darshan and Sightseeing

Days 4-5:           Drive to Nepal-Tibet Border and Enter Kerung, Tibet

Days 6-13:        On the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

Days 14-15:     Return to Kathmandu

Day 16:              Departure

Day-to-day Brief Itinerary

1
Arrival in Kathmandu
( Altitude: 1,350m, Duration: 45 minutes-1 hour )
Duration: 
45 minutes-1 hour
Altitude: 
1,350m
Destination: 
Kathmandu
One of Visit Kailash Treks representatives will receive at the airport and arrange immediate transfer to hotel. There will be a short briefing followed by welcome dinner.
2
Tibet Visa Application and Sightseeing
( Altitude: 1,350m, Duration: 4-6 hours )
Duration: 
4-6 hours
Altitude: 
1,350m
Destination: 
Kathmandu
After breakfast visit Doleshwor Mahadev and Patan Durbar Square. After lunch, visit Budhanilkantha (Jalnarayan). Briefing about Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in the evening. Overnight in a hotel on full board (AP) basis.
3
Tibet Visa Application and Sightseeing
( Altitude: 1,350m, Duration: 3-4 hours )
Duration: 
3-4 hours
Altitude: 
1,350m
Destination: 
Kathmandu
Before lunch: Darshan of Gujeshwori Mata and Rudrabhishek at Pashupatinath Temple. After lunch: time for packing and rest.
4
Drive to Timure
( Altitude: 1900m, Duration: 6-7 hours )
Duration: 
6-7 hours
Altitude: 
1900m
Destination: 
Timure
After breakfast, we will drive to Timure, the border village on the Nepalese side. It takes 6-7 hours to reach Timure by tourist coach. The road traverses the Mahabharata mountain range and follows the bank of Uttar Ganga. We will have a lunch break on the way after driving halfway through. We will spend overnight in a local hotel with all meals inclusive.
5
Drive to Kerung
( Altitude: 2,800m, Duration: 2 hours )
Duration: 
2 hours
Altitude: 
2,800m
Destination: 
Kerung
After breakfast, we will perform border formalities on the Nepal and Tibet sides and drive to Kerung. The vehicular journey is comfortable, smooth, and scenic as we will drive past beautiful waterfalls and mountains. We will have a good rest after lunch at Kerung and spend overnight in a hotel. All meals will be served from Visit Kailash Treks’ kitchen.
6
Drive to Saga
( Altitude: 4,500m, Duration: 5-6 hours )
Duration: 
5-6 hours
Altitude: 
4,500m
Destination: 
Saga
Soon after breakfast, we will start driving to Saga, the final destination of the day. Soon after leaving Kerung, we will enter into Tibetan Plateau and experience true Tibetan culture and nature. We will drive through some of the highest passes above 5,236m and enjoy views of Mount Shishapangma (8,027m). We will also have the first Darshan of Brahmaputra River. We will spend overnight in a hotel. All meals will be served from Visit Kailash Treks’ kitchen.
7
Drive to Manasarovar
( Altitude: 4,588m, Duration: 4-5 hours )
Duration: 
4-5 hours
Altitude: 
4,588m
Destination: 
Paryang
Soon after breakfast, we will drive to Paryang. It takes 5 hours to reach Paryang. We will drive pass some of interesting Tibetan settlements, vast open pasturelands and high passes. On a good weather day, we will also enjoy seeing magnificent Himalayan peaks. Just before reaching Paryang, we will see sand dunes and the Brahmakunda, the source of the Brahmaputra River. After lunch, if time and situation permits, we will take a short hike nearby Paryang. Overnight in a hotel and meals will be served from Visit Kailash Treks’ kitchen.
8
Drive to Manasarovar
( Altitude: 4588m, Duration: 5 hours )
Duration: 
5 hours
Altitude: 
4588m
Destination: 
Manasarovar
After breakfast, drive to Lake Manasarovar. Today is the first Darshan of holy Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar Lake from Horre Pass. We will perform prayer on our first darshan and start Parikrama of Lake Manasarovar by eco-tourist bus. Stay overnight in a guesthouse at Chiu Gompa. Today, the accommodation is beyond basic but it is a lifetime experience to spend overnight right next to the holy lake.
9
Havana and ritual bathe at Manasarovar & and drive to Tirthapuri, onto Darchen
( Altitude: 4700m, Duration: 5-6 hours )
Duration: 
5-6 hours
Altitude: 
4700m
Destination: 
Darchen
Morning we will perform Havana and Puja and take a holy ritual bathing in the Manasarovar Lake. Afternoon, drive to Tirthapuri also known as Adi Badrinath, situated at the bank of the Sutlej River, explore its major attractions, and drive to Darchen- the base camp of Kailash. This is a close view of Mt. Kailash, the south face. Overnight in a hotel.
10
Parikrama Sparsha Day
( Altitude: 4,900m, Duration: 5-6 hours )
Duration: 
5-6 hours
Altitude: 
4,900m
Destination: 
Driraphuk
Drive to Tharboche, which is an important PowerPoint for Tantric. Here you will have a Darshan of the West face of Kailash, the Mahakala form, and then trek to Diraphuk. Darshan of an amazingly close view of the North face of Kailash, the Linga form, is nothing less than divine from here. Stay overnight in a guesthouse at Diraphuk.
11
Charan Sparsha Day
( Altitude: 4900m, Duration: 6-7 hours )
Duration: 
6-7 hours
Altitude: 
4900m
Destination: 
Driraphuk
After breakfast trek to the Mt. Kailash glacier for Charan Sparsha, literally touching the feet of Lord Shiva/Kailash. Chance for closest Darshan of Mt. Kailash. Trek back to Diraphuk, overnight in the same guesthouse. All meals will be served from our own kitchen.
12
Cross Dolma pass and trek to Zuthulphuk Gompa
( Altitude: 4,850m, Duration: 7-8 hours )
Duration: 
7-8 hours
Altitude: 
4,850m
Destination: 
Zuthulphuk Gompa
Today is the hardest day of the Parikrama. So, we will start early in the morning. We will reach the Dolma Pass after 3-4 hours of trek or 2-3 hours by horse. After having the Darshan of Gauri Kunda near Dolma La, we will trek steep down to Sabje Zuthuk, the Buddha footprint where we will have our lunch. After lunch, continue trek down (or one can use a horse) to Zutulphuk Gompa, where we will stay overnight in a guesthouse. All meals will be served from our own kitchen.
13
Trek to Tangsar and drive to Saga via Darchen
( Altitude: 4,500m, Duration: 6 km on trek, 4km by drive, total 10km) )
Duration: 
6 km on trek, 4km by drive, total 10km)
Altitude: 
4,500m
Destination: 
Saga
Trek to Sabje Datok and drive to Darchen, where we will have lunch. And then, drive to Saga. Overnight will be a hotel and all meals will be served from our own kitchen.
14
Drive to Dhunche
( Altitude: 2,020m, Duration: 6-7 hours )
Duration: 
6-7 hours
Altitude: 
2,020m
Destination: 
Dhunche
After early breakfast, drive to Kerung, then on to the Nepal-Tibet border. After the immigration formalities are done, we will drive to Dhunche. Overnight will be in a hotel on full board basis.
15
Drive to Kathmandu
( Altitude: 1,350m, Duration: 5-6 hours )
Duration: 
5-6 hours
Altitude: 
1,350m
Destination: 
Kathmandu
After breakfast, drive to Kathmandu, and check in to the hotel. Evening Yatra Certificate Ceremony followed by farewell dinner.
17
Kailash Yatra Ends, Trip concludes (Return to home)
Visit Kailash will provide a private vehicle for the airport drop.

What's Included

  • All ground transports including airport pickup and transfer in Nepal/Tibet.
  • Five nights of 5-star category hotel accommodations in Kathmandu as per the itinerary.
  • Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu as per itinerary with entrance fees
  • Tibet Travel Permit and Visa
  • Hotel accommodation in Timure, Kerung, Saga, Darchen, and basic guesthouse accommodations in the rest of Tibet as per itinerary.
  • Pure vegetarian meals (Breakfast, lunch, tea-coffee and snacks, dinners) every day as per itinerary from our own kitchen.
  • Travel by tourist coach in Tibet with a supporting truck and medical emergency jeep
  • Knowledgeable guide and supporting staff
  • Personal cure, high altitude support, and first-aid medical kit
  • Travel duffel bag, rain poncho, water bottle holder, stationery, portable toilet, etc.
  • Tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, down jackets, portable toilets, and all necessary kitchen equipment.
  • Oxygen cylinders with other tools, oxy-pulse meter, etc.
  • Yaks to carry all supplies during Parikrama

What's not Included

  • International flight fares and Nepal Visa
  • Extra night’s hotel in Kathmandu in case the trip gets shortened/canceled due to unforeseen and unusual circumstances
  • Medical and Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses, e. g. bar bills, bottled drinks and Mineral Water, telephone bills, laundry service, etc.
  • Personal clothes and equipment
  • Horse for a personal ride during Kora (Parikrama)
  • Porter to carry personal handbag during Kora
  • Gratitude to the staff (TIPS) and offering / Dakshina at puja
  • Kathmandu to Kerung (Nepal-Tibet border) fly by helicopter (optional: 300$ per person*)
  • Kerung (Nepal-Tibet border) to Kathmandu fly by helicopter (optional: 300$ per person*)
  • Any other costs not mentioned above in cost include a section

Holiday Extensions

Following Extensions are available to add on your itinerary before the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

  • Day trip to Janakpur Darshan Tour
  • Day trip to Muktinath Darshan by Helicopter
  • Janakpur-Devghat-Valmiki Ashram-Lumbini-Muktinath Darshan
  • Muktinath-Manakamana Darshan

Date & Price

Arrival in Kathmandu
Departure from Kathmandu
Availability
Tour Cost
20 May, 2025
4 June, 2025
Booking Open
US$ 3599 per person for the entire trip (US and Canadian) US$ 3499 per person for the entire trip (other nationalities)
3 June, 2025 (Full Moon)
18 June, 2025
Booking Open
US$ 3599 per person for the entire trip (US and Canadian) US$ 3499 per person for the entire trip (other nationalities)
17 June, 2025
2 July, 2025
Booking Open
US$ 3599 per person for the entire trip (US and Canadian) US$ 3499 per person for the entire trip (other nationalities)
1 July , 2025 (Full Moon)
17 July, 2025
Booking Open
US$ 3599 per person for the entire trip (US and Canadian) US$ 3499 per person for the entire trip (other nationalities)
15 July, 2025
30 July, 2025
Booking Open
US$ 3599 per person for the entire trip (US and Canadian) US$ 3499 per person for the entire trip (other nationalities)
5 Aug, 2025
20 Aug, 2025
Booking Open
US$ 3599 per person for the entire trip (US and Canadian) US$ 3499 per person for the entire trip (other nationalities)
19 Aug, 2025
3 Sep, 2025
Booking Open
US$ 3599 per person for the entire trip (US and Canadian) US$ 3499 per person for the entire trip (other nationalities)
31 Aug, 2025 (Full Moon)
15 Sep, 2025
Booking Open
US$ 3599 per person for the entire trip (US and Canadian) US$ 3499 per person for the entire trip (other nationalities)
16 Sep, 2025
1 Oct, 2025
Booking Open
US$ 3599 per person for the entire trip (US and Canadian) US$ 3499 per person for the entire trip (other nationalities)
23 SEP-2025
10-OCT-2025
Booking Open
US$ 3599 per person for the entire trip (US and Canadian) US$ 3499 per person for the entire trip (other nationalities)

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