Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Via Kerung - 16 Days

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you are welcomed by the Expedition Himalaya team and transferred to your hotel. The day is kept relaxed to recover from international travel and to prepare mentally and physically for the pilgrimage ahead. Time is available to organize personal gear and rest.

The day begins with pilgrimage-focused sightseeing in Kathmandu, starting at Pashupatinath Temple, the most revered Shiva temple in Nepal and a significant spiritual starting point for the Kailash Yatra. This is followed by a visit to Guhyeshwari Temple, one of the important Shakti Peetha closely associated with Pashupatinath, and later to Budhanilkantha Temple, home to the sacred Sleeping Vishnu statue. In the afternoon, Tibet visa documentation and permit formalities are reviewed and finalized. A detailed pilgrimage briefing is conducted, covering spiritual conduct, altitude awareness, kora procedures, walking pace, and health considerations.  

An early departure takes you north toward the Nepal–China border at Kerung. After completing immigration formalities, the journey continues into Tibet, reaching Kyirong. The landscape changes dramatically, with deep valleys and forested hills providing a gentle introduction to the Tibetan plateau. The afternoon is kept light to support acclimatization.

The drive ascends steadily from Kyirong toward Saga, marking a significant altitude gain. En route, expansive plateau landscapes, river crossings, and distant snow-capped peaks dominate the scenery. The pace of the day is intentionally measured, with regular stops to manage altitude adaptation.

This day is reserved entirely for acclimatization in Saga, a crucial step before entering the high Kailash region. Short walks, light exploration of the surrounding area, and rest are encouraged. This pause significantly reduces the risk of altitude-related issues later in the journey and prepares the body for the sacred sites ahead.

Today is one of the most spiritually significant days of the yatra as you arrive at the sacred Lake Manasarovar. Revered across multiple faiths, the lake represents purity and spiritual cleansing. On clear days, Mount Kailash can be seen reflecting in the lake’s turquoise waters. Time is allocated for prayer, meditation, and quiet reflection along the lakeshore.  

The day begins early at the sacred shores of Lake Manasarovar, where pilgrims participate in a special puja and prayer rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva and the divine energies of the region. This spiritual ceremony is considered a vital part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, symbolizing purification, gratitude, and mental preparation before approaching Mount Kailash. After completing the rituals and spending reflective time by the lake, the journey continues by road toward Darchen, the traditional starting point of the Mount Kailash Kora. The remainder of the day is dedicated to rest, final preparations, porter arrangements, and a detailed briefing on the upcoming kora days.  

The kora begins with a short drive to Yam Dwar, the symbolic gateway to Mount Kailash. Passing through Yam Dwar is considered an act of purification and spiritual entry into the sacred realm. From here, the trek follows a gradual trail along the western face of Mount Kailash, accompanied by prayer flags, mani walls, and glacial streams. The walk is steady and contemplative, culminating at Dirapuk with commanding views of the north face of Kailash, regarded as one of the most powerful visual moments of the pilgrimage.  

This is the most demanding and sacred day of the Kailash Yatra. The trail ascends gradually toward Dolma La Pass (5,630 m), the highest point of the kora. The climb requires patience, focus, and respect for altitude, often accompanied by prayer and silent reflection. At the pass, pilgrims offer prayer flags and symbolic items before beginning the descent. The trail then passes Gauri Kund, a revered turquoise lake associated with purity and compassion, before continuing to Zutulpuk, traditionally linked to the meditation cave of Milarepa.  

The final stretch of the kora is completed with a relatively gentle walk back toward Darchen, marking the completion of one full circumambulation of Mount Kailash. This moment is often accompanied by quiet gratitude and reflection. After regrouping, the journey continues by vehicle back to Saga, allowing for gradual descent and physical recovery.

The drive retraces the route south toward Kyirong, with a noticeable decrease in altitude and changing landscapes. Immigration formalities are completed at the Nepal–China border before continuing onward to Kerung.

Return to Kathmandu by road, passing through scenic Himalayan terrain. For those seeking greater comfort or time efficiency, a helicopter flight to Kathmandu can be arranged at an additional cost, subject to weather conditions.

After completing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Kerung, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward international departure, carrying with you the spiritual fulfillment and memories of one of the world’s most sacred pilgrimages.