




Kailash Mansarovar Tour-12 Nights 13 Days Tour Package
13 Days 12 Nights
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Country
Tibet, China
Best Season
May to mid-October
Duration
12N/13D
Group Size
10 -25 travelers
Highlights
Key Experiences of the Tour
- Scenic Overland Journey from Kathmandu to Tibet
- Acclimatization at Kerung
- Sacred Lake Mansarovar Tour
- Mount Kailash Parikrama (Circumambulation)
- Dolma La Pass crossing
- Tibetan Landscape and Culture
- Spiritual Satisfaction and Lifetime Memory
Maps
Navigate Your Journey

Detailed Itinerary of Kailash Mansarovar Tour - 12 Nights 13 Days
Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft) to Nepalgunj (150 m / 492 ft) – Flight
It begins with an internal flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, western Nepal’s significant transit town and the beginning of your Kailash journey.You would be met on arrival for checking into your hotel.
Day of rest and acclimatization. Attend a briefing session with your tour leader where you receive a briefing about the trek to come, documentation verification, and medical procedures. Acclimatize to low altitude during the day and re-organize your equipment and essentials.
Nepalgunj (150 m / 492 ft) to Simikot (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), then to Hilsa (3,640 m / 11,942 ft)
Fly in the morning in a small aircraft for the short flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot, a little hill town at an altitude of about 2,900 meters. It is a wonderful flight with stunning scenery of Himalayan foothills.
You will have a drive or a short trek (depending on conditions) from Simikot to Hilsa, the Nepalese border town on the Tibet border.
The ride is a bumpy one with a genuine life experience of the rural Himalayan life. Overnight would be in a simple guest house or lodge at Hilsa.
Hilsa (3,640 m / 11,942 ft) to Taklakot (3,700 m / 12,139 ft)
You cross the international Tibet-Hilsa border on the Friendship Bridge today. You go through the customs and immigration formalities and reach the small Tibetan town of Taklakot (also Purang), at approximately an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level. It is a small Tibetan town where you rest and acclimatize overnight. Take some time to visit Akashchungla and monasteries nearby and acclimatize yourself for the tough trek ahead.
Taklakot (3,700 m / 12,139 ft) to Darchen (4,700 m / 15,420 ft) via Chiu Valley
Drive in the morning after breakfast from Taklakot to Chiu Valley and then proceed to Darchen, the base of Kailash Parikrama. The journey is over the broad-valleyed and boulder-studded landscape with a beautiful Himalayan view. Darchen is about 4,700 meters above sea level and the township from which the revered circumambulation of Mount Kailash starts. Spend the remaining day to prepare your trekking equipment and resting for further acclimatization.
Acclimatization Day at Darchen (4,700 m / 15,420 ft)
You need one day of rest at the elevation of Darchen to acclimatize. Go on a light stroll near surrounding monasteries such as the Chiu Monastery and interact with other travelers from various countries. Strolling near the surroundings is simple and will acclimatize your body but avoid hard work. This is the best day to meditate or be a part of spiritual rituals performed by local monks.
Darchen (4,700 m / 15,420 ft) to Diraphuk (4,900 m / 16,076 ft)
The day starts with Kailash parikrama (circumambulation).
You have a 10-kilometer trek in the early morning between Diraphuk and Darchen at the base of challenging Dolma La Pass.The trek is on rough terrain with great scenery of the north face of Mount Kailash.
Diraphuk is about 4,900 meters above sea level and also has a campsite or guest house for an overnight stay. It acclimatizes you to the physicality of the trek and spiritual significance of the mountain.
Diraphuk (4,900 m / 16,076 ft) to Zuthulphuk (4,790 m / 15,715 ft) via Dolma La Pass (5,630 m / 18,471 ft)
This is the toughest day of the trek. You will ascend to Dolma La Pass, the highest pass of the trek at 5,630 meters.Ascent is steep and physically demanding with thin and cold air.
You have panoramic views of the Kailash range of mountains from the top. Your return to Zuthulphuk, a cave for meditation and a sacred place for pilgrims’ camp. Overnight camping or basic accommodation here.
Zuthulphuk (4,790 m / 15,715 ft) to Darchen (4,700 m / 15,420 ft)
Complete the final stretch of the parikrama by trekking back to Darchen, which is about 8 kilometers away. This segment is relatively easier since it covers valleys. Coming back to Darchen also provides a sense of achievement and an opportunity to reflect over the spiritual experience. You may choose to explore monasteries in the vicinity, unwind in your hotel room, or attend prayer sessions in the evening.
Darchen (4,700 m / 15,420 ft) to Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m / 15,060 ft)
Drive to holy Mansarovar Lake for breakfast, at an altitude of approximately 4,590 meters above sea level. Mansarovar is a very high freshwater lake on earth and a holy site of great religious significance. Complete half circumambulation of the lake during the day, ritualize, and have a sacred bath if the weather is fine. See the local temples of Hindu and Buddhist deities. Overnight at a guesthouse or camp near the lake.
Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m / 15,060 ft) to Taklakot (3,700 m / 12,139 ft)
Return drive to Taklakot. Relaxation day after physical and spiritual fatigue of the pilgrimage. Time to explore local monasteries and Tibetan cultural sites at Taklakot. Day trip is essential to relax before returning to Nepal.
Taklakot (3,700 m / 12,139 ft) to Hilsa (3,640 m / 11,942 ft)
Cross the Friendship Bridge from Hilsa to Nepal. Overnight halt at Nepal and clear immigration formalities. Rest day and preparation day for the return journey. Spare time to look back on the pilgrimage and absorb serene Himalayan landscapes.
Hilsa (3,640 m / 11,942 ft) to Simikot (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), then to Nepalgunj (150 m / 492 ft)
Return by road or trek according to the above itinerary. Return by air from Simikot to Nepalgunj. Rest upon arrival and check-in at the hotel.
Nepalgunj (150 m / 492 ft) to Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft) – Flight
On the final day, back by flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu in the morning. Upon arrival there, you will be dropped at the airport or hotel and your lifetime valued and enriching Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage will be completed.
Inclusions
Includes
- All the permits as necessary, i.e., the Chinese group visa and Tibet travel permits
- Above fees are for traveling by car and bus in private ones for the whole tour
- Shared accommodation at hotels, guesthouses, and tent on twin-sharing basis according to itinerary
- Meals as per the itinerary (typically including breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Services of English-speaking local guide, and drivers
- Group medical kit and oxygen cylinders for altitude sickness
- Government taxes and service charges
- Nepal and Tibet border points arrival and departure transfers
Excludes
- Nepal visa charges (if any) for foreign nationals, airport departure taxes.
- Optional but personal travel insurance for emergency evacuations and medical treatment.
- Guides, drivers, porters, and hotel staff tips and gratuities.
- Personal expenses: laundry, phone calls, bottle of wine or liquor with meal at restaurant or hotel, snacks or drinks besides meals.
- Optional sightseeing, activities, or extras are not included on the itinerary.
- Travel costs associated with cancellations, delays, or itinerary alterations due to reasons operationally beyond our control.
- Cost of accommodation and transport should you arrive early, depart late, or should you take any personal excursions.
- Medic costs aside from in the hospitality field or should you evacuate or need to arrange a medivac.
Good to Know
Accommodation on 12 Nights 13 Days Kailash Mansarovar Tour
During the 12 nights and 13 days Kailash Mansarovar yatra, there is provision of accommodation in decent hotels, guest houses, and basic lodges based on place. In Nepal, standard facilities are available in the hotels, while en route Mansarovar and during parikrama, guest houses or dormitory-type lodges with common toilets provide basic but sufficient facility to support the pilgrimage process under high-altitude, remote conditions.
Points:
- Syabrubesi / Kyirong: Simple guest house or hotel with attached or shared bathroom.
- Saga: Simple hotel or guest house with room heaters (if available) and inbuilt bath.
- Mansarovar: Guesthouse accommodation near the lake with dormitory beds and shared toilets.
- Darchen: Guesthouse or small hotel with minimal facilities.
- On Parikrama (Dirapuk & Zutulpuk): Dormitory or mud guesthouses with very simple bedding and shared toilets.
- Facilities: Limited heating, no luxury amenities; basic bedding provided but sleeping bags recommended.
Note: Quality of accommodation goes down with increasing altitude; comfort reduces after crossing into Tibet.
Food & Meals on 12 Nights 13 Days Kailash Mansarovar Tour
As your first and reliable tour operator of the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, we have a good idea about how much pilgrims would want to enjoy good food and hygienic food during their high-altitude pilgrimages. The tour is arranged via Nepal and Tibet (China), and since this is a remote and challenging climate tour, food arrangements are made very meticulously in such a manner that it keeps you fit and comfortable throughout the tour.
- Food in Nepal (Kathmandu & Nepalgunj)
For the duration of your stay in Nepalgunj and Kathmandu, fresh prepared food is arranged either within your hotel premises or some selective hygienic local eateries. Non-veg and veg food is provided accordingly as per your preference.
Food includes:
- Breakfast: Hotel buffet breakfast (bread/toast, eggs, fruits, tea/coffee, etc.)
- Lunch & Dinner: Nepali local foods or Indian veg. Meals, hot and fresh.
- Tibetan food (Simikot, Hilsa, Taklakot to Kailash area)
As soon as the trek is on the remote Tibetan side, nutrition becomes easier in non-availability and high altitude. We especially take special efforts to offer safe, plain, and high-calorie nutrition for this area:
- Pure Veg food: There are purely vegetarian foods from Hilsa point as a mark of respect to religious sentiments as well as food cleanliness at high altitudes.
- Indian-Style Food: Indian kitchen staff and chefs also accompany the group with them. They provide food as per the Indian and Nepali palate – rice, dal, roti, vegetables, soup, khichdi, and fruits if available.
- Hot Water & Soup: Warm water, ginger tea, garlic soup, and energy drinks are also provided for acclimatization and hydration needs.
- Packed Meals During Transit and Parikrama
Pre-packed snacks for convenience for 3-day Mount Kailash Parikrama and long drives. Delight in:
- Breakfast & tea before starting each day’s trekking.
- Packed lunch on travel or trek days (snacks like puri, sabzi, boiled potatoes, fruits, energy bars, and juice).
- Hot dinners at base camps like Dirapuk and Zuthulphuk (subject to conditions and arrangements by kitchens).
We also provide:
- Thermos/flasks for hot drinks
- Dry road snacks (biscuits, nuts, glucose, etc.).
- Hot soup or noodles at very high altitudes like Dolma La Pass, depending on weather
- Special Dietary Requirements
Should you have special food allergies or requirements (e.g., Jain food, gluten-free), please do inform us in advance. Our ground team will try to make provisions for them within logistical constraints.
Key Points:
- Food is included in the package cost from Day 1 through Day 13.
- All food is completely vegetarian from the moment you begin the overland/flight to Tibet.
- Clean drinking water is provided for the trek (boiled or mineral bottled water).
- Local Tibetan food is not consumed by and large except if you ask for a taste.
- We do recommend bringing some dry personal snacks, ORS packets, and chocolates to sustain yourself.
Altitude Sickness & Prevention Kailash Mansarovar Tour - 12 Nights 13 Days
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra exposes you to a height of 5,600 meters and above altitude where oxygen is severely low. At that altitude, you are susceptible to getting affected by Altitude Sickness (AMS) or Acute Mountain Sickness, particularly at places such as Taklakot, Lake Mansarovar, Dirapuk, and Dolma La Pass.
In order to avoid AMS and to make the tour safe, we maintain strict safety protocols during the tour.
Risks and Symptoms:
- Headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite, fatigue, and insomnia
- Increased risk at anything over 4,500 meters, more so while doing the Parikrama
- Preventative Measures Arranged:
- Itinerary scheduled with inbuilt acclimatization breaks.
- Daily checks by using pulse oximeters
Health & Safety
- Medications recommended by your physician
- Altitude sickness tablets (e.g., Diamox – refer to your doctor)
- ORS (oral rehydration salts), painkillers, antacids, and cold medicines
- Small first-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, etc.)
- Dust masks or buffs for protection from dust
- Energy bars, dry fruits, chocolates, or glucose
Documents Required
- Passport and extra passport photographs
- Copy of Travel Insurance Policy
- Permits (printed by the tour operator)
- Notebook, pen, and plastic bags to dry them
- Power bank (solar charged if possible)
- Extra passport photos (for emergency/trekking permits)
Packing List for Kailash Mansarovar Tour 12 Nights 13 Days
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra exposes you to varied terrain, from the plains of Nepal to Tibet’s high-altitude region. Varied terrain is followed by the variable climate, especially in the vicinity of Mount Kailash and Dolma La Pass (5,630m). Light, comfortable equipment—but with essentials—is the insurance cover for comfortable, accident-free journeys.
Our team provides sleeping bags, basic bedding, and first-aid treatment. You need to bring the following personal equipment:
Basic Clothing
- Thermal or feather down jacket (light, windproof)
- Windproof rain jacket or windproof waterproof jacket
- Thermal bottom and top (2–3 sets: bottom and top)
- Fleece or wool sweaters/jackets
- Full-sleeve T-shirts and lightweight trousers (2–3 pairs)
- Waterproof trekking trousers or warm trousers
- Track trousers or joggers for everyday use.
- Synthetic or cotton undergarments (quick-drying type is best)
- Woolen cap, sun hat, and scarf/buff
- Thermal gloves and water-proof mitts
- Woolen socks (3–4 pairs) and cotton socks (2–3 pairs)
Footwear
- Water-proof, high-ankle trekking shoes (well-broken-in)
- Light walking sandals or slippers (for indoor and rest stop use)
Personal Items & Accessories
- UV sunglasses (snow glare required)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm with SPF
- Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, wet wipes, towel, etc.)
- Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and tissues
- Reusable water bottle or thermos (insulated if possible)
- Headlamp or torch with spare batteries
- Daypack light (to be carried on Parikrama during the day)
- Soft duffel bag or suitcase for main luggage (15 kg per person limit)
- Sleeping bag liner (optional extra warmth and cleanliness)
Optional Items
- Trekking staff (extremely helpful when Parikramas are taking place)
- Mini prayer items/spiritual offerings
- Phone or camera for photography (with storage backup and power backup)
- Mini snacks for long drives and high altitudes
- Ziplock packets or water packets for convenience in storing essentials
Traveler Advice:
- Stay hydrated by drinking 3/4 liters of water a day.
- Slow walk, especially Parikrama.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and heavy meals.
- Take medication like Diamox, if prescribed by a doctor.
- Report the symptoms to the guide at once.
We can promise you that we have done everything we can to ensure your health is secure and can help you every step of the way. With all due precautions being taken, you can have a safe and successful hike to this sacred place.
FAQs
Where is the Kailash Mansarovar tour beginning from Nepal?
The trek starts from Kathmandu by internal flight to Nepalgunj and then by air and road via Simikot, Hilsa, and then to Tibet. Acclimatization is included in the program step by step during the trek to Mount Kailash.
Do I need a visa or permit to Tibet (China)?
Yes. Non-Chinese people, including Nepali nationals coming to Tibet for Kailash Yatra, will need a Tibet Travel Permit booked by your tour operator on behalf of the Chinese government. You will not have to obtain a separate Chinese visa—your tour operator will book the group permit.
Is the Kailash Mansarovar tour strenuous?
Yes. It is a high-altitude trek with more than 5,600 meters in altitudes of Kailash Parikrama. The trek involves trekking in hill country, cold climate, and basic facilities. Good physical as well as mental fitness is necessary, and advance preparation is advisable.
How do we manage high altitude and risk of altitude sickness?
The tour does include acclimatization days, specifically in Taklakot, and our team will have oxygen cylinders, pulse oximeters, and some routine medicines. Tourists are also advised to drink plenty of fluids, take slow walks, and precautionary medication from their doctor in the form of Diamox.
Do senior citizens or those who have medical conditions join the tour?
They need to report for a medical examination and receive a certificate of fitness from their doctor. People afflicted with heart and lung ailments or chronic conditions should not go to high altitudes like Kailash without a doctor’s approval. Age is not an issue but should be in good physical health.
Must I omit the Kailash Parikrama if I fall ill?
Yes. If you don’t want to do the three-day Parikrama, you may stay behind at Darchen and let the others do the round. We shall make sure you are provided with good food and accommodation until the team returns.
Can cameras and mobile phones be used?
Yes, but the network is extremely weak in off-road areas. Photography is also prohibited in some Tibetan regions by local regulation. A power bank will have to be brought along and one needs to be economical with the gear.
Is drinking water covered in the tour?
Yes. Filtered and boiled water is available to drink during the day. Mineral bottled water is also easily available, but we recommend you bring a personal bottle or thermos so it is easy to drink.
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