Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Kerung

This route starts from Kathmandu and is the most popular and easily accessible route for pilgrims on their way to the Kailash Mansarovar yatra.

Also, pilgrims starting their tour from Kathmandu can first visit the attractions of this everchanging city prior to starting their pilgrimage tour.

Route Overview:

• Starting Point: Kathmandu, Nepal
• Major Stops: Kathmandu → Syabrubesi → Kerung (China border) → Saga → Lake Mansarovar → Darchen (base of Mount Kailash)
• Duration: 14-15 days
• Travel Modes: By Road.

Day-by-Day Itinerary:

(*This is only an estimate and can be based on you, your group and your interests. Our team will help you plan the perfect itinerary based on your requirements.)

Day 1-4: Arrival and Preparation at Kathmandu:

• You are required to arrive at least 4 days before the start of the journey.
• During this time, final check for documentations, permits is done.
• Logistics and required equipment are checked and bought if not done so already.
• Visit to Swayambhunath Stupa. 
• Our company organizes a puja in Pashupatinath before starting the yatra
• Orientation of the travellers for the details of the journey.

Highest elevation: 1,460m
Overnight stay: Kathmandu
Primary travel mode: Bus

Day 5: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi:

1. Approximately 7-8 hours drive to Syabrubesi
2. Lunch at a hotel by Trishuli riverside.
3. Documentation check by Nepal Immigration office at Ghatte Khola.
4. Crossing the border of Rasuwagadhi separating Nepal and Tibet.
5. Visa check by the Chinese visa department.
6. Finally, we reach Syabrubesi.

Highest elevation: 2,380m
Overnight stay: Syabrubesi
Primary travel mode: Bus
Approximate travel distance: 120km

Day 6: Drive from Syabrubesi to Kerung:

1. A short, restful drive from Syabrubesi to Kerung.
2. Documentation check by the Immigration department at the border.
3. Short hikes to higher altitudes like Mirarepa cave of Kerung. This is to adjust to the altitude and climate of the region.
4. Further logistical preparations like buying a Chinese SIM, currency exchange and buying any required equipment that may have been left before is done here in Kerung.
5. In the evening, we go to Bhrikuti temple and enjoy a fun time by singing, dancing and indulging in the cultural experience and with people.

Highest elevation: 2,900m
Overnight stay: Kerung
Primary travel mode: Bus
Approximate travel distance: 25km

Day 7: Drive to Saga (4,640 m):

1. After the morning meal, we continue our journey with a drive from Kerung to Saga.
2. This day has a long drive awaiting you–approximately 6-7 hours drive.
3. The scenery transitions to the Tibetan plateau.

Highest elevation: 4,700-5000m
Overnight stay: Saga
Primary mode of travel: Bus
Approximate travel distance: 230km

Day 8: Drive to Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m).

1. This is a long journey. So, we start early– sharp 5am.
2. Travel of about 8 hours.
3. Savor a riverside lunch with magnificent panoramic views.
4. If we rest in between (for example, 1 hour rest after a 4 hour drive), then we start Kora the next day. Else, we transfer to an eco-bus and travel to the starting point of Kora–Darchen.
5. Enjoy the highest freshwater lake.

Highest elevation: 4,574m
Overnight stay: Darchen or Lake Mansarovar
Primary travel mode: Bus
Approximate travel distance: 450km

Day 9: Drive from Darchen to Mansarovar for rituals and back(4,575 m).

1. Rituals at the Mansarovar lake early in the morning.
2. Drive back to the base of Kailash Parikrama, Darchen.
3. Visit to Chui Gompa.
4. Mount Kailash Parikrama preparation.

Highest elevation: 4,574m
Overnight stay: Darchen
Primary travel mode: Bus
Approximate travel distance: 90km

Day 10-12: Kailash Parikrama(52 km).

Travel clockwise through the following places:

Day 10: Darchen → Dira puk

• Drive from DARCHEN to Yamadwar.
• The Kailash Parikrama starts from here.
• If pilgrims opt out of the Kailash Parikrama, they return to Darchen. Else, others carry on with the Kailash Parikrama(Kora).
• Trek from Yamadwar to DIRA PUK.

Highest elevation: 4,860m
Overnight stay: Dira Puk
Primary mode of travel: Bus and Trek
Approximate travel distance: 8km (Bus), 7km (Trek)

 Day 11: Dira Puk → Zutul Puk

• We start our trek at 4am.
• Cross the DOLMA LA (5,630 m) border and descend to ZUTUL PUK(4,700 m).
• If we reach ZUTUL PUK by 2-3pm, we continue our journey to DARCHEN without halt. Else, If we reach ZUTUL PUK later than 3-4 pm, we stay the night at ZUTUL PUK.
• This is the most challenging day of the trek.

Highest elevation: 5,630m
Overnight stay: Darchen or Zutul Puk
Primary travel mode: Trek
Approximate travel distance: 22km

Day 12: Zutul Puk → Darchen → Saga

• If we stay in ZUTUL PUK the previous day, we continue our journey at 7am.
• Trek back to DARCHEN.
• Lunch at DARCHEN.
• This marks the end of the Kailash Parikrama.
• This day is an easy trek through red and gold cliffs.
• Drive from DARCHEN to SAGA.

Highest elevation: 4,580km
Overnight stay: Saga
Primary travel mode: Trek and Bus
Approximate travel distance: 8km (Trek), 520km(Bus)

Day 13: Drive back to Kerung city.

Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu:

1. Immigration check for exit from the China side.
2. Immigration check for entry to the Nepal side.
3. Reach Kathmandu by evening.

Day 15: Departure to home:

1. We drop you to the airport or your required destination inside the valley.

Why Choose This Route?

• Shorter journey duration compared to the Indian government-organized routes.
• Comparatively easier terrain so it is accessible for those with limited trekking experience.
• Easy to combine with cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu before the yatra.

Technical Details

• Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Kerung (2,700 m), eventually reaching Darchen (4,575 m).
• Gradual acclimatization(adjustment to weather and altitude) with stops in Kerung and Saga.
• Requires Tibet Travel Permit and Chinese Group Visa, arranged by us for hassle-free travel.

Highlights:

• The journey through Syabrubesi offers glimpses of rural Nepalese culture.
• Crossing the Rasuwa-Kerung border is a symbolic step from one world into another which is seen as ironic to the spiritual journey.
• Lake Mansarovar’s blue water appears like a dream after days of travel.

Promotional Note:
Our Kathmandu–Kerung–Kailash package is perfect for pilgrims seeking a balanced experience of convenience and spiritual immersion. All logistics–permits, vehicles, guides and accommodations, are taken care of by our highly experienced professionals so you can fully focus on your journey.