Mount Kailash Tour via Kyirong - Drive In Drive Out
Trip at a Glance
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Country: China
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Trip grade: Moderate
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Destination: Mount Kailash, Tibet
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Activities: Cultural Sightseeing/Hike
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Accommodation: Hotels/Lodges
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Meals: Breakfast included
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Transportation: Private vehicle
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Maximum altitude: Drolma La Pass (5670m)
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Trip Start / End: Kathmandu - Kathmandu
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Best Season: May to Sep
A tour to Mount Kailash via Kyirong is a popular route for those who want to visit this sacred mountain in Tibet. The journey to Mount Kailash starts in Kathmandu where you will travel by road to the border town of Kyirong. Once you cross the border, you will enter Tibet and continue your journey towards Mount Kailash. The road from Kyirong to Mount Kailash includes visiting the scenic Lake Mansarovar, which is considered holy by Hindus and Buddhists.
The Kailash Kora, a pilgrimage trail that circumnavigates the mountain, is a popular route for both religious and adventurous travelers. The trek takes 3 days to complete and offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks and serene landscapes. After completing the Kailash Kora, you will head back to Kyirong and then drive back to Kathmandu to conclude your tour.
Mount Kailash tour via Kyirong is a remarkable journey that combines spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty. It allows you to experience the sacredness of this revered mountain and witness the stunning landscapes of Tibet.
Saga Dawa festival 2025 dates
According to the solar calendar, the Saga Dawa Festival will take place on June 11, 2025. As per the Tibetan lunar calendar, this date falls on the full moon day of the fourth month. In Tibetan Buddhism, the Dawa Festival is a highly important event. It honors Buddha Sakyamuni's birth, enlightenment, and demise. For Tibetan Buddhists, it is a period of great spiritual activity. Tarboche, in the Mount Kailash region, is a main location for the event.
Mt. Kailash tour with Saga Dawa festival 2025 packages
(Group Join-in) Date: 06 June to 17 June 2025
Mt. Kailash Tour with the Saga Dawa Festival is a spiritually enriching journey combining the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Himalayas with one of Tibet's most sacred cultural celebrations. Saga Dawa Festival is celebrated as one of the holiest festivals in Tibetan Buddhism, commemorating Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana.
Mount Kailash Tour via Kerung Highlights:
- Scenic drive Kathmandu/Nepal/China border/Kathmandu
- Circling around Manasarovar, a sacred Lake
- Mt. Kailash Kora, a holy mountain
- Witness life of the “mountain people” living in the roof of the world.
- Crossing over the Drolma La Pass over 5,670 meters
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu (1355m)
Day 02: In Kathmandu-Free Day
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Kerung, Tibet (2700m/7-8 hrs)
Day 04: Acclimatization in Kerung (2300m)
Day 05: Drive from Kerung to Saga (4640m/5-6 hrs)
Day 06: Drive Saga to Mansarovar (4590m /6-7 hrs)
Day 07: Drive from Mansarovar to Darchen (4670m /2 hrs)
Day 08: First Day of Kailash Kora-Reach Dirapuk (5210m/4-5 hrs walk) & Kailash Charan Sparsh (7-8 hrs)
Day 09: Second Day of Kora-Zuthulpuk (4805m) via Drolma La Pass (5,670 m/8-9 hrs walk)
Day 10: Complete Kora & Return to Saga (4640m)
Day 11: Drive back from Saga to Kerung (2300m/5-6 hrs)
Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu via Syabrubesi (2830m/7-8 hrs)
Day 13: Final Departure
Arrive Kathmandu and Marron Treks representatives shall meet you at the airport then transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. Rest of the time is rest/relax at your hotel.
Today is a free day in Kathmandu during when you can rest/relax at your hotel or explore around the city. An optional tour of cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu at UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be taken.
After breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Kerung in Tibet which is approximately 185 kilometers. The road takes you through picturesque landscapes, rural villages, and valleys. After a long drive, you'll reach the Nepal-China border. Once you've crossed the border and completed the required formalities, you'll enter Tibet and continue your drive to Kerong. This border town in Tibet is often used as a gateway for travelers heading to Mount Kailash. You'll notice a change in the landscape and the local culture as you move further into Tibet. You'll reach Kerong in the late afternoon or early evening. Check into your accommodation and rest after a long day of travel.
Today is a rest day in Kerung to allow your body to acclimatize to the higher altitude before proceeding further. Acclimatization is important to prevent altitude sickness as you continue your journey to higher elevations. While in Keung, you can engage in gentle activities to aid in acclimatization. These might include short walks around the town, light stretches, and deep breathing exercises. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated in the higher altitude.
After breakfast, you'll set out for your drive to Saga. The distance to be covered is approximately 232 kilometers. It is the first day with a long drive on the desert terrain driving past nomad camps and sheep and yak herds. We can see Gaurishankar, Shishapangma and Langtang Himal from the pass. Continue drive through Khunmen Tso, Sinling, Karru Ongchen and Peiku tso Lake (4400m). We will be crossing river Brahmaputra ( “Yarling Tsangpo” in Tibetan ) to reach Saga (4600m). Check into your accommodation in Saga and take some time to rest and acclimate to the higher altitude.
Today is a long day of driving as you make your way from Saga to Paryang and then to the sacred Lake Mansarovar. Watching the mountains in distance passing through the small town of Zhongba before reaching to Paryang. Paryang offers the first view of Mt. Kailash and the holy lake. As you approach this serene and sacred lake, historic Chiu Monastery becomes visible on the North West shore of the lake. From this vantage point, you can have a glimpse of majestic Mount Kailash. Manasarovar, the highest fresh water lake with turquoise complexion - surrounded by Mt. Kailash, Mt. Gurula-Mandata and Lake Rakchyas is simply heavenly.
After some peaceful hours at the shores of the sacred Lake Manasarovar with the snowy massif of Gurla Mandhata 7694m just across the lake, we drive 40 km to Darchen which serves as the base for Mt. Kailash Kora (circumambulation). The Kora is 53 km in total and completed in three days. Darchen (4570 meters) is a small town where you rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude. This is especially important as you'll be starting the trek the next day. If you're feeling up to it, take a short walk around Darchen to familiarize yourself with the area. However, avoid exerting yourself too much to allow your body to adjust to the altitude.
Drive about 30 minutes from Darchen to Yam Dwar (Tarboche), also known as the valley of gods, Yam Dwar, the entrance (Gateway) of the God of Death, Start the 'Kailash Kora', a journey through dramatic landscapes with a profound spiritual essence. Reach Dirapuk and engage in the scared act of touching Kailash Charan Sparsh, believing to cleanse the soul and bring blessings. The Kora is a time of reflection, self-discovery and reverence.
Start your trek from Dira-Puk following a challenging trail, with rocky paths and steep ascents. The trail involves a steep ascent to Drolma La Pass (5630 meters), the highest point of the kora. The altitude and challenging terrain require determination and steady pacing. Reach Drolma La Pass, which is marked by prayer flags. Take a moment to rest and soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After crossing the pass, you'll descend to Zuthul Puk. The descent can also be demanding, so proceed with caution. By the late afternoon, you will arrive at Zuthul Puk where the great ascetic Milerappa is supposed to have performed miracles.
Continue your trek from Zuthul Puk, making your way towards the point where you began the kora. This marks the completion of your circumambulation around Mount Kailash. As you conclude the kora, take some time for spiritual reflection and gratitude. Arrive back in Darchen, where you started the kora. After lunch, drive back to Saga taking you through familiar landscapes. Reach Saga in the evening. Check into your accommodation and take some time to relax after the day's trek and drive
Leave Saga and start your drive back to Kerung. The road will take you through the familiar landscapes you encountered on your way to Mount Kailash. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the region as you cover the distance between Saga and Kyirung. Stop for lunch at a suitable place along the way. Reach Kerung in the afternoon or evening, depending on the road conditions and the pace of your journey. Check into a guest house in Kerung where you'll spend the night.
The drive will take you through the picturesque landscapes that you encountered on your way to Mount Kailash. It's a chance to reminisce about your experiences. Once you've crossed the border, you'll be back in Nepal. Continue your drive towards Kathmandu. Reach Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, in the afternoon or evening.
A representative from Marron Treks will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight 3 hours prior to your flight schedule.
What is included?
- Airport pick-up and drop services.
- Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu with breakfast on twin share basis.
- Accommodation in Tibet: Standard hotels and the best available guesthouses with breakfast.
- English speaking Tibetan guide throughout the journey.
- Transportation: All transport as per the itinerary by Van/Bus depend on Group size
- Entrance Fees: All monastery entrance fees during the trek.
- Permits: All necessary documents and permits for the Kailash part including Tibet Travel Permit.
- Transfer: Kerung border to Kathmandu city pick-up by jeep.
- Farewell dinner with live Nepalese cultural program.
- Basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, blistercare).
What is not included?
- Lunch and Dinner.
- Insurance: Travel insurance or any other forms of personal insurance.
- Unforeseen Events: Costs arising from natural disasters, political disturbances or other unforeseen events beyond our control.
- Personal Expenses: Expenses such as alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone calls & tips.
- Charges for porter and yak services during the Kailash Kora.
- Pony Hiring for Kailash Kora.
- Miscellaneous: Any expenses not listed in the inclusions
- Oxygen cylinder
Route Map
