Kailash Mansarovar Overland Yatra
15-day overland yatra via Kerung — drive in, parikrama, drive out
Duration
15 days
Group size
1–20
Difficulty
Moderate
Starts in
Kathmandu
About this yatra
Our 15-day overland yatra to Mt Kailash via the Kerung border crossing. Drive across the Tibetan plateau to Mansarovar and Darchen, complete the sacred 3-day Kora, then return overland to Kathmandu. The classic pilgrim route — slower, more affordable than the helicopter yatra, and with full acclimatisation built into the schedule.
- Drive via Kerung border
- Acclimatisation day
- 3-day Kailash Kora
- Mansarovar parikrama
- Pure vegetarian board
- English/Hindi guide
- Yaks for luggage
- All permits included
- 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Airport pickup with welcome drink. Transfer to hotel in Thamel. Evening yatra briefing — paperwork, kit check and altitude precautions.
- 2
Kathmandu sightseeing & visa prep
Trip preparation, group visa processing. Sightseeing at Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
- 3
Visa processing & Bhaktapur
Final visa work. Visit ancient Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Aarti darshan at Pashupatinath in the evening.
- 4
Drive Kathmandu → Kerung (2,900 m)
Long drive north through the Trisuli valley to the Kerung border. Customs clearance, then continue to the Tibetan side.
- 5
Acclimatisation day at Kerung
Full rest day to adjust to altitude. Optional short walks around Kerung. Final medical check before continuing onto the plateau.
- 6
Drive Kerung → Saga (4,640 m)
Cross onto the high Tibetan plateau. Saga is a small frontier town and good acclimatisation stop before pushing west.
- 7
Drive Saga → Lake Mansarovar / Chiu Gomba
Long drive across the plateau to the holy lake. Stay at Chiu Gompa on the lake's western shore.
- 8
Mansarovar parikrama → Darchen (4,675 m)
Lake parikrama and holy bath at sunrise, then short drive to Darchen — gateway for the Kailash Kora.
- 9
Drive to Tarboche → trek to Diraphuk (4,860 m)
Begin the Kora. Trek 12 km up the Lha Chu valley with the north face of Kailash directly above. Tea-house overnight.
- 10
Cross Dolma La (5,640 m) → Zuthulphuk (4,790 m)
The hardest day. 18 km, 9-10 hours over Dolma La pass. Yak / pony / porter support available.
- 11
Finish Kora → drive to Saga
Short final stretch of the Kora to Darchen. Drive across the plateau back to Saga for the night.
- 12
Drive Saga → Nuwakot (Nepal) via Kerung
Cross back into Nepal at the Kerung border. Continue south to Nuwakot — or push through to Kathmandu if road conditions allow.
- 13
Drive Nuwakot → Kathmandu
Final leg back to Kathmandu. Rest, last-minute shopping in Thamel. Farewell dinner with the team.
- 14
Spare day in Kathmandu
Buffer day in case of delays at the border or on the road. Free time for sightseeing, spa or shopping.
- 15
Departure
Free morning. Airport drop-off as per international flight time.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the Kailash Mansarovar Overland Yatra. Don't see your question? Message us on WhatsApp.
How many days is the Kailash Mansarovar Overland Yatra?
Kailash Mansarovar Overland Yatra is 15 days. 15-day overland yatra via Kerung — drive in, parikrama, drive out.
How much does the Kailash Mansarovar Overland Yatra cost?
Kailash Mansarovar Overland Yatra $3499 per person, with all government taxes included. Group discounts apply for 5+ pilgrims travelling together. All prices are quoted in USD and can be paid in NPR (Nepali Rupees) or INR (Indian Rupees) at current exchange rates.
What is included in the Kailash Mansarovar Overland Yatra?
Airport pickup on arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel, and welcome drink; Aarti Darshan at Pashupatinath Temple; 3 nights' accommodation in a hotel in Kathmandu (twin-sharing, bed-and-breakfast basis); 3 meals daily (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) — pure vegetarian food throughout; Overland transport from Kathmandu to Kerung border and return by tourist coach; Air-conditioned minibus on the Tibet side for groups of fewer than 15 persons; Nepali team leader fluent in English and Hindi; Basic first-aid kit and altitude-sickness medication (Diamox); Medical and life insurance for all Nepali Kailash staff and the team leader; Twin-sharing accommodation at the best available hotel or guesthouse along the highway to Mount Kailash; three nights in tented camps during the Kora; full board throughout the tour.
What is not included?
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, personal expenses, and anything not listed above; Tibet visa fee: USD 125 (additional USD 90 surcharge for American and Canadian passport holders); Rescue and emergency evacuation costs, medical and hospital expenses; Travel insurance, personal riding horse, personal porter, and international flights; Personal expenses such as laundry and international phone calls; Tips for guides, staff, and drivers.
Where does the yatra start and end?
The yatra starts and ends in Kathmandu, Nepal. Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu are included. Domestic travel within the itinerary is covered.
When is the best time for this yatra?
Most pilgrimages from Nepal run March through November, with May-June (pre-monsoon) and September-October (post-monsoon) being the most popular months. Specific spiritual dates like Saga Dawa (Kailash), Janai Purnima (Badimalika), and Bala Chaturdashi (Pathivara) draw the largest pilgrim crowds. Contact us for departure availability on your preferred dates.
Is this yatra suitable for elders?
Suitable for healthy pilgrims aged 16-70. Some trekking and altitude exposure required. Pony/porter support available where applicable. Please consult your doctor before booking. For pilgrims with specific health concerns or special needs, please reach out via WhatsApp (+977 9810 351 300) and we'll customize the itinerary.
How do I book this yatra?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to start. We'll confirm availability within 24 hours and send you a detailed booking confirmation with payment instructions. A 30% deposit secures your booking; balance is due 30 days before departure. WhatsApp +977 9810 351 300 for instant chat.
Do you accept Indian pilgrims and Indian payments?
Yes — The Kailash Holiday is a division of The Everest Holiday Pvt. Ltd. (TAAN 1586), serving Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims from India, Nepal, and the diaspora since 2016. Pure vegetarian Indian-style meals throughout, Hindi-speaking guide, and we accept payments in USD, INR, and NPR. Group rates available for family/community yatras.
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