Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nyalam

(*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.)

Kathmandu–Nyalam–Kailash was mostly preferred by the pilgrims before the Kerung border became the most popular gateway to Tibet.

It still remains a holy route to pilgrims seeking the traditional way.

This is the ideal route for pilgrims who would like to begin their pilgrimage at Kathmandu and then trek over into Tibet through the classic Nyalam border.

The journey has a very good mix of cultural spots, sacred locations and high-altitude trekking before the Kailash Parikrama–a spiritual highlight for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon followers.

Route Overview:

Starting Point: Kathmandu, Nepal.
Major Stops: Kathmandu → Nyalam → Saga → Lake Mansarovar → Darchen (Mount Kailash base camp).
Total Days: 12–15 days.
Transport Modes: By road.

Day-by-Day Itinerary:

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: Kathmand
Primary travel mode: Bus

Day 5: Drive from Kathmandu to Nyalam:

1. This day has a long bus journey awaiting us. So, we start our journey early in the morning.
2. About 6-7 hours of travel.
3. The journey progresses through Kodari, the Nepal-Tibet border.
4. Immigration and permit check at the border.

Highest elevation: 3,750m
Overnight stay: Nyalam
Primary travel mode: Bus
Approximate travel distance: 145km

Day 6: Drive from Nyalam to Saga:

1. About 7-8 hours of travel.
2. On the way to Saga, we enjoy a refreshing stop at a waterfall and also at a spot to behold the magnificence of the sacred river Brahmaputra.
3. Multiple passes over 5,000m altitude need to be passed.

Highest elevation: 5,050m
Overnight stay: Saga
Primary travel mode: Bus
Approximate travel distance: 235km

Day 7: 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 8: 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.
5. Highest elevation: 4,574m

Overnight stay: Darchen
Primary travel mode: Bus
Approximate travel distance: 90km

Day 9-11: Kailash Parikrama(52 km).

Travel clockwise through the following places:

Day 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: Drive from Saga to Nyalam:

1. The last stop before we leave China.
2. Shop in the Nyalam market for souvenirs.

Highest elevation: 3,750m
Overnight stay: Nyalam
Primary travel mode: Bus
Approximate travel distance: 235km

Day 13: Drive from Nyalam to Kathmandu:

1. The drive which marks the end of our journey.
2. We will have a meal at Bhotekoshi, enjoying the beautiful riverside.
3. Immigration check for exit from the China side.
4. Immigration check for entry to the Nepal side.

Highest elevation: 1,460m
Overnight stay: Kathmandu
Primary travel mode: Bus
Approximate travel distance: 145km

Day 14: Departure to home:

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

Technical Details:

• Maximum Altitude: 5,630 m at Dolma La Pass
• Altitude Adjustment Need: Critical due to high altitude gains at Nyalam and Saga. Two rest days are recommended.
• Physical Difficulty: Moderate to high. Travelers should be comfortable with long drives and most importantly, the straining second day of the Kailash Parikrama.

• Permits Required:

1. Chinese Group Visa (processed in Kathmandu)
2. Tibet Travel Permit
3. Alien Travel Permit for restricted Tibetan zones.

Why Choose This Route?

• Traditional route with enough time for altitude adjustment.

Promotional Note:

Our Kathmandu–Nyalam–Kailash Yatra package is carefully and professionally prepared for pilgrims seeking the classic route. We manage every detail–permits, transport, expert guides and comfortable accommodations–so that you can immerse yourself fully in the sacred journey. 

With great deal of experience in organizing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, our team ensures your trip is safe, spiritually rich and hassle-free.