12-Day Sacred Kailash Yatra

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel, followed by trip preparation and a short briefing.

We enjoy an early morning drive through typical Nepalese rural landscapes, taking approximately 6-7 hours from Kathmandu to Kyirong. After completing immigration and customs formalities, we continue uphill to Kyirong, a border town. Our guide meets the group on arrival at the checkpoint, and we drive on up the winding road to Kyirong for the overnight. Overnight at a hotel or similar.

A rest day in Kyirong for acclimatization. Overnight at a guesthouse or hotel.

Heading away from Nyalam, we drive on across Lalung La (5,200m), taking in a stunning mix of views, including the vast turquoise Peiku Tso Lake with Shishapangma (8,027m) rising spectacularly behind it. The route brushes past the Brahmaputra River before opening into a river valley dotted with traditional villages, offering plenty of opportunities for photos and video along the way. From here the trail turns north, and after covering around 295km, we reach Saga at an elevation of 4,600m, where we set up camp or stay at a hotel/guesthouse for the night.

After an early breakfast, we set off for Manasarovar, passing jeeps and trucks along the wide valley and herds of yaks and sheep grazing beside the rivers. To the south, snow-capped peaks rise close on the horizon as we drive through Paryang and cross the Mayum La Pass, with rocky peaks and sand dunes giving a true sense of Tibet's arid landscapes. Depending on the season, nomads and travelling traders in traditional dress may be found along the way, offering a warm welcome with hot tea and supplies. As we near the sacred lake, the historic Chiu Monastery comes into view on its northwest shore, and from here we may catch our first glimpse of the majestic Mount Kailash — a moment that stirs deep spiritual emotion. Overnight at a guesthouse.

The highest freshwater lake of its turquoise color, Manasarovar is home to fish and swans and is surrounded by the holy Kailash Parbat, Mount Gurla Mandhata, and Lake Rakshastal. The region is also known for gold and other minerals, hot springs, and abundant wildlife. We spend the day exploring Lake Manasarovar before driving roughly an hour down to Darchen, where we spend the night at Chu Gompa.

Early in the morning, after breakfast, the trek begins. We meet our team of yaks and Tibetan yak drivers, who will accompany us on the kora. From Darchen, the trail leads through green meadows and past picturesque streams into the Lha Chu Valley, overlooking the river as it cascades through a narrow canyon between steep cliffs. Along the way, the north face of Kailash comes into view. The trail continues to the 13th-century Dirapuk Monastery — visiting this site is considered a special blessing during the Kailash trek. We conclude the day by camping at Dirapuk, or resting at a guesthouse.

Leaving the Lha Chu Valley behind, we turn into the Drolma Chu Valley and ascend to Drolma La (5,630m), the highest point of the journey. Soon after, the breathtaking Thukpe Dzingbu Lake — known as the Lake of Compassion — comes into view at the summit, prayer flags fluttering all around, making the challenging ascent feel entirely worthwhile. From here, the trail descends to the flat fields of Zutulpuk, home to a monastery and several fascinating meditation caves, including Milarepa's Cave, said to bear the imprints of his footprints and elbows in the rock. We camp at Zutulpuk for the night, concluding an exciting, adventurous, and deeply rewarding day.

Our pilgrimage trek concludes at Darchen, and we drive on to Saga for our overnight stay at a camp or guesthouse. Having completed the sacred rites of the parikrama, we feel a deep sense of spiritual fulfillment and gratitude as we rest after a demanding but rewarding day.

After an early breakfast, we drive to Kyirong. Overnight at a hotel.

After breakfast, we drive back to the border. Once formalities are complete, we cross into Nepal, where our guide and jeep will be waiting to take you to Kathmandu. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

After a final breakfast in Kathmandu, we transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight home. Carry with you the blessings of Mount Kailash and the profound memories of this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage.