Mount Kailash Tour via Kyirong (Drive In/Drive Out)

After breakfast drive from Kathmandu to Kyirung 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 Kyirong. 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 Kyirong in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on road conditions and any delays. Check into your accommodation and rest after a long day of travel. Overnight at Guest House in Kyirung

Today is a rest day in Kyirung 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 Kyirung, 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. Overnight at Hotel in Kyirung.

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. Overnight at Guest House in Saga.

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 and driving through road we pass through the small town of Zhongba before reaching  to Paryang. Offering the first view of mt kailash and the holy lake only after several hours of drive. 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. Overnight at Guest House in Mansarovar.

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 kailashkora (circumambulation). The Kora is 53 km in total and completed in three days. Darchen (4560 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. Overnight at Guest House in Darchen.

Begin your trek from Darchen, following the well-defined trail that leads you towards Mount Kailash. The trek to Dira-Puk takes you through varied terrain, including valleys, meadows, and rocky sections. Enjoy the stunning views of Mount Kailash as it looms majestically in front of you. It is one of the exciting days walking along the beautiful rocky cliffs and waterfalls with some clouds in the clear blue sky. As you walk, engage in your chosen spiritual practices or simply soak in the spiritual atmosphere of the journey. The kora is a time for reflection, self-discovery, and reverence. The altitude continues to increase as you trek. After several hours of trekking, you'll reach Dira-Puk (5000m). Check into your accommodation and rest.Overnight at Guest House in Dira-Puk.

Start your trek from Dira-Puk following a challenging trail, with rocky paths and steep ascents. The trail involves a steep ascent to Dolma La Pass (5630 meters), the highest point of the kora. The altitude and challenging terrain require determination and steady pacing. Reach Dolma 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. Overnight at Local Lodge in Zuthul Puk.

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. Overnight at Guest House in Saga.

Leave Saga and start your drive back to Kyirung. 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 Kyirung in the afternoon or evening, depending on the road conditions and the pace of your journey. Check into a guest house in Kyirung where you'll spend the night. Overnight at Guest House in Kyirung.

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.

Equipment Check-list

The route via Kyirong involves traveling from Kathmandu, Nepal, to the border town of Rasuwagadhi. From there, you enter Tibet and proceed to Kyirong County. The journey then continues to Darchen, the base for the Mount Kailash trek.

Yes, travelers to Tibet, including Kyirong, need a special Tibet Travel Permit. Additionally, for those entering Tibet from Nepal, a Chinese visa is required. It's advisable to check the latest visa regulations and travel requirements.

The best time for the tour is during the late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is relatively mild, and the trekking routes are accessible. Winter months are extremely cold, and some areas may be inaccessible.

Accommodation options in Kyirong and Darchen may include guesthouses, lodges, or basic hotels. These areas cater to pilgrims and tourists, offering a range of facilities.

The traditional trekking route, known as the Kora or Parikrama, circumambulates Mount Kailash. It is approximately 52 kilometers and is considered a sacred ritual by pilgrims. The trek usually takes about three days.

Respect for local customs and religious practices is essential. Photography may be restricted in some areas, and it's important to seek permission before taking pictures, especially of religious sites and ceremonies.

The trek around Mount Kailash is challenging due to high altitudes, and participants should be in good physical condition. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before undertaking the journey.

Yes, foreigners are allowed to visit Mount Kailash via Kyirong.

Cost Inclusion

•    Hotel/Guest House Accommodation as per program.  
•    Private Transportation by Van / mini coach.
•    All necessary Tibet Travel and Trekking permit.
•    English speaking Tibetan Guide.
•    All Sightseeing and Entrance fee as per the itinerary.  
•    Meal plan on B/B Basis.
•    Kathmandu to Border to Kathmandu transportation.

Cost Exclusion

•    Lunch and Dinner.
•    Insurance of any kind.
•    Hiring porter, Yak/ horse
•    Rescue and Evacuation Service
•    Any Additional cost due to Nature calamity and Unforeseen Circumstances etc.