Sacred Odyssey To Mount Kailash

This 18-day Sacred Odyssey begins and concludes in Kathmandu, Nepal, offering an immersive spiritual and cultural journey to the revered Mount Kailash.

Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar are far more than just geographical landmarks; they are the spiritual core of the Himalayas, revered as the "soul of the universe" by millions of followers across four major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the indigenous Bön faith. This sacred region, located in the remote western part of Tibet, is a profound nexus of spiritual energy and ancient tradition.

In Hinduism, Mount Kailash is considered the eternal abode of Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of destruction and transformation. It is here that he is believed to reside in a state of deep meditation with his divine consort, Parvati. The mountain is not merely a dwelling place but a tangible manifestation of Shiva's divine energy, a place where earthly and celestial realms converge. The sacred Lake Manasarovar, whose name is derived from the Sanskrit words Manas (mind) and Sarovar (lake), is believed to have been created in the mind of Lord Brahma and is considered a symbol of purity and enlightenment. Pilgrims believe that a dip in its pristine waters can cleanse a lifetime of sins.

The Saga Dawa Festival is one of Tibet's most significant religious events, celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha. This month-long observance, which begins on the full moon of the fourth lunar month, is a time for spiritual practice, compassion, and earning good karma. In 2026, the festival will be celebrated on May 31.

Pilgrims from around the world travel to Tibet during this time to perform acts of devotion, such as walking the kora (a sacred circumambulation) around holy sites, releasing animals, and making offerings. The year 2026 is also a Year of the Horse, which, according to Tibetan astrology, makes a pilgrimage around Mount Kailash especially auspicious. It is believed that completing a kora during a Horse Year can multiply the spiritual merit gained from the journey.

A major highlight of the festival at Mount Kailash is the ceremonial raising of a new flagpole at Tarboche. This once-a-year event is a powerful moment of spiritual renewal, and pilgrims often join together to walk around the new flagpole. A journey to Mount Kailash during the Saga Dawa Festival offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a powerful display of faith and devotion while experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the Tibetan plateau.

DayDateActivitiesAccommodationMeal
Day 119-May-26Arrival in Kathmandu & Visa ApplicationHotel-/-/-
Day 220-May-26Full-day Sightseeing in KathmanduHotelB/-/-
Day 321-May-26Free Day in KathmanduHotelB/-/-
Day 422-May-26Free Day in KathmanduHotelB/-/-
Day 523-May-26Drive towards Kerung Border and stay at SyabrubesiHotelB/L/D
Day 624-May-26Border crossing and stay and acclimatize in KyirongHotelB/L/D
Day 725-May-26Drive to Saga (180km, 6-7 hrs)HotelB/L/D
Day 826-May-26Drive to Lake Manasarovar (500km, 8-9 hrs)Simple LodgeB/L/D
Day 927-May-26Exploration of Lake Manasarovar and Drive to Darchen (40km, 2-3hrs)Simple LodgeB/L/D
Day 1028-May-26First Day of Kailash Kora to DiraphukSimple LodgeB/L/D
Day 1129-May-26Diraphuk to ZuthulphukSimple LodgeB/L/D
Day 1230-May-26Last Day of Kora and Drive to DarchenSimple LodgeB/L/D
Day 1331-May-26Saga Dawa FestivalSimple LodgeB/L/D
Day 141-Jun-26Drive to Saga (250km, 6-7 hrs)HotelB/L/D
Day 152-Jun-26Drive to Kerung /Syabrubesi (300km, 7-8 hrs)HotelB/L/D
Day 163-Jun-26Drive to Kathmandu (145km, 6-7 hrs)HotelB/-/-
Day 174-Jun-26Free Day in KathmanduHotelB/-/-
Day 185-Jun-26Final Departure-B/-/-

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu & Visa Application Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, We will receive you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, you’ll have time to settle in before beginning the visa application process for Tibet. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Full-day Sightseeing in Kathmandu After breakfast, embark on a full-day guided tour of Kathmandu’s most significant spiritual and cultural sites:

Pashupatinath Temple: This revered Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated along the sacred Bagmati River. You’ll witness devout pilgrims and can observe traditional cremation rituals, offering a profound insight into local beliefs and customs.

Boudhanath Stupa: A majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major center of Tibetan Buddhism. Its colossal dome, adorned with colorful prayer flags, radiates a serene energy. Circumambulating the stupa with pilgrims is a powerful experience, and nearby monasteries provide a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Also known as Bhadgaon, this historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture. You’ll explore intricate temples, courtyards, and winding streets, including the famous 55-Window Palace and the beautiful Nyatapola Temple. Overnight at a hotel. Meals: B/-/-

Day 3-4: Free Days in Kathmandu Enjoy two full days at your leisure in Kathmandu. You can choose to relax, explore the vibrant city on your own or we can organize visits as group, or engage in personal activities. Overnight at a hotel. Meals: B/-/-

 It is important to spend these days in Kathmandu as the visa and Mt.Kailash permit may take longer and we need a day or two for flexibility.

Day 5: Drive to Kerung Border Following breakfast, we begin our drive from Kathmandu towards Kerung, the Nepal-Tibet border, marking the official start of your Kailash Manasarovar journey. The road becomes rugged and winding as we ascend, offering stunning views of terraced fields

and snow-capped peaks. After crossing the border and clearing immigration, we’ll arrive in Syabrubesi,  a small Nepalese town surrounded by towering mountains. Upon arrival, check into your guest house and rest. Overnight at the guest house. Meals: B/L/D

Day 6: Acclimatization in Kerung After breakfast depart for the border and after border crossing formalities we will stay the night at Keyrung. Today is dedicated to acclimatization. At this altitude, you may feel slightly breathless, so it’s important to take it easy. We’ll take a gentle walk around the town to help your body adjust to the thin mountain air. We can also explore a local monastery or simply relax and stay hydrated. Proper rest is key before continuing our ascent. Overnight at a hotel. Meals: B/L/D

Day 7: Drive to Saga After breakfast, we depart for Saga. The journey takes us across the vast, rugged Tibetan Plateau, a stark yet beautiful landscape of plains, rolling hills, and expansive skies. As the altitude increases, it will be crucial to drink plenty of water and move slowly. We’ll pass small villages and see yaks grazing peacefully. Saga, a key hub for pilgrims, will feel like a welcome stop after the long drive. Overnight at a hotel. Meals: B/L/D

Day 8: Drive to Lake Manasarovar Our journey continues towards the spiritually significant Lake Manasarovar. The landscape becomes more otherworldly, and the anticipation grows as the sacred Mount Kailash, home of Lord Shiva, begins to emerge in the distance. Upon arrival, you’ll be captivated by the lake’s vast, shimmering waters. For many, taking a dip in its freezing waters is a ritual as it is believed to cleanse sins. The serene atmosphere invites quiet reflection and spiritual contemplation. Overnight at a simple lodge. Meals: B/L/D

Day 9: Exploration of Lake Manasarovar& Drive to Darchen We’ll spend the morning exploring the serene shores of Lake Manasarovar. This high-altitude freshwater lake is considered sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon traditions. Its tranquil beauty, framed by the Himalayan peaks, is a sight to behold. In the afternoon, we’ll take a short drive to Darchen, the base camp for the Kailash Parikrama (kora). Darchen is a small town with basic amenities, where pilgrims gather to prepare for the physically and spiritually demanding trek. Overnight at a simple lodge. Meals: B/L/D

Day 10: First Day of Kailash Kora to Diraphuk The Kailash Kora begins today. We’ll start early from Darchen, with the trail gradually ascending towards Diraphuk. The path offers spectacular, close-up views of the north face of Mount Kailash. After approximately 6-7 hours of combined driving and trekking, we’ll reach Diraphuk, where we’ll settle into our accommodation for the evening. Overnight at a simple lodge. Meals: B/L/D

Day 11: Diraphuk to Zuthulphuk Today is the most challenging day of the Kora. We trek from Diraphuk to Zuthulphuk, crossing the high-altitude Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters (18,471 feet). The pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and sacred sites. After a steep descent, we continue to Zuthulphuk, a small settlement where we’ll rest after the day’s demanding trek. Overnight at a simple lodge. Meals: B/L/D

Day 12: Last Day of Kora and Drive to Darchen We complete the final leg of the Kora today, descending from Zuthulphuk. The journey takes us through rugged but beautiful landscapes. Upon completion, we will drive the remaining distance back to Darchen, where you can rest and recuperate from the physically demanding journey. Overnight at a simple lodge. Meals: B/L/D

Day 13: Saga Dawa Festival This day is dedicated to celebrating the Saga Dawa Festival, a major Buddhist event commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha. You’ll have the opportunity to witness vibrant cultural ceremonies and visit local monasteries. This day also serves as a well-deserved rest period after the strenuous Kora. Overnight at a simple lodge. Meals: B/L/D

Day 14: Drive to Saga We begin our return journey with a scenic drive back to Saga. The route traverses the vast Tibetan plateau, with its rugged landscapes and small villages. We’ll make stops for breaks and to admire the scenery before checking into our hotel in Saga for the night. Overnight at a hotel. Meals: B/L/D

Day 15: Drive to KerungThe drive from Saga to Kerung/ Syabrubesi continues through spectacular mountain passes and valleys. Upon arrival in Kerung, we’ll check into our hotel and complete any necessary border formalities for re-entry into Nepal. This marks the end of our enriching time in Tibet. Overnight at a hotel. Meals: B/L/D

Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu After breakfast, begin the final leg of our drive back to Kathmandu. The journey is scenic, following rivers and valleys. We’ll arrive in Kathmandu in the afternoon, where you can check into your hotel and rest. Overnight at a hotel. Meals: B/-/-

Day 17: Free Day in Kathmandu Enjoy a final day in Kathmandu to relax, shop for souvenirs, or explore any sites you may have missed. Overnight at a hotel. Meals: B/-/-

Day 18: Final Departure After a final breakfast at the hotel, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before your scheduled flight. We bid you a fond farewell, hoping you had a fulfilling Sacred Odyssey and will return to Nepal in the future. Meals: B/-/-

COST AND DETAILS….Please write to us for the cost details.

The above Cost Includes:

  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Four nights accommodation at 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu
  • Sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath stupa, Shaktipeeth and
  • SleepingVishnu with our local English-speaking guide
  • Kathmandu-Tibet border-Kathmandu transfer by tourist coach
  • All surface transport in Nepal and Tibet
  • All accommodation in Tibetan Guest house, small hotels (basic).
  • Visa fees of China / Tibet
  • Kailash Permit
  • Veg meals during the journey
  • All entry, travel & road permit fees in Tibet
  • Tibet Guide
  • Oxygen and oximeter
  • Kathmandu stay on bed and breakfast basis only

Package Cost Excludes:

  • Beverage and personal nature cost.
  • Rescue & emergency evacuation cost.
  • Yak or horse cost for personal riding during kora.
  • If any guest exit before the trip the visa split and extra transportation/accommodation
  • charge has to paid by the clients directly
  • Porter hire charge during Kora
  • Tips for supporting staffs.

IMPORTANT – Further The above cost does not include the following…

  • Horse riding expenses during the Mount Kailash Circuit (Kora)
  • Your travel insurance, Insurance for emergency rescue and evacuation service
  • Personal expenses and Tip for the guide, driver
  • If guest leave the group early from the Tibet side, then USD 100 per person per day has to be paid as a penalty to the Tibet side.
  • (Visa splitting charge, accommodation, and transportation charges will be extra)
  • Any additional cost due to natural calamities and unforeseen circumstances