Kathmandu to Kailash Kathmandu Overland Tour

Our local operator will pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu and get together around 6:00 am, and then we will drive from Kathmandu to Rashuwaghadi (the border between China-Nepal), en-route, you’ll enjoy the marvelous scenery along the way, the rush green mountains, valleys, rivers, etc. After immigration formalities at Gyirong port, you will meet our Tibetan tour guide and driver, then continue driving to Gyirong town.

Stay overnight in Gyirong

Today we will have a day of rest in Gyirong Valley. Gyirong Town is only 2,800 meters above sea level, which is a relatively low-altitude place with dense vegetation and beautiful scenery. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains almost 360 degrees. Adapting to the altitude here will be helpful for our later trips to high-altitude areas.

Stay overnight in Gyirong Town

Starting from Gyirong Town, head north along the G219 National Highway, the altitude gradually rises, passing through Saga and finally arriving at Zhongba County. The road took us along the Yarlung Zangbo River, small villages and snow-capped mountains.

Today, you will drive through the sandy and rocky land of Tibet and have a far view of the natural scenery such as Pekutso Lake and Mt. Shishapangma (8,020m), and see herds of yaks and sheep. In the afternoon, you will cross the Bhramha Purtra River to the typical Tibetan town of Zhongba.

Overnight at Zhongba.

Today's journey may be long, but the stunning scenery along the way makes it worth every minute. As we drive across the vast plains, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayas to the south and Trans-Himalaya to the north. This region is home to nomads, and you will have the chance to witness the wild grasslands and local villages. Don't forget to take in the magnificent sight of Mount Naimonanyi (7,694m) while crossing the Mayomla Pass (5,112m).

After the scenic drive, we will arrive at a small nomadic village, which is also the starting and ending point of Mount Kailash Kora. Here, you will be comfortably accommodated in a guesthouse. Upon arrival, you can take a stroll around the town and explore its unique charm. If you require porters and yaks for the kora, your tour guide will arrange them for you in advance for an additional fee.

Stay overnight in Darchen

In the morning, you will take an eco-bus (included in the cost) to Sarshung Valley and start the Mt. Kailash trek from there. Then you will meet your porters and yaks at Sarshung Valley (the cost of hiring yaks, horses, and porters is not included in the package). You’ll trek about 15 km from Sarshung Valley to Drirapuk Monastery (4,700m) along the Lachu River Valleys. During your trekking today, you can see both the west and north face of Mt.Kailash. Finally, you will visit Drirapuk Monastery and stay overnight here.

Stay overnight in Guesthouse, Dorm Bed

Today is the most challenging day of the trekking, you’ll climb over the highest pass of the Kailash Kora, the Dromala pass (5,630m). After a short rest at the top, we will climb down into the long valley and stop for lunch at the Shabjay Dakpo nomadic tent. On the way, you can have a rest in a teahouse. Then you will continue to the Zultulpuk (4,790m), built by two important religious figures, Milarepa and Naro Bonchung. At last, you will visit Zutulpuk Monastery. You will find the footprint and handprint of Milarepa inside the cave. 

Stay overnight in Guesthouse, Dorm Bed

It's an easy day of the trek. You'll trek 9km to complete the Kora then take the eco bus back to Darchen. According to Buddhist theory, doing a kora around a holy mountain for one circle can get rid of sins and miseries for the whole life. Only after going through lots of hardships, you can feel the happiness and gratification brought by Kora. Then you take the shuttle bus back to Darchen, about 3km. We will drive you from Darchen to Mansarovar (4,560m), the top holy lake in Tibet. It’s 40km to the southwest of Darchen. If the weather is good, you can see the splendid scenery of the lake Manasarovar. If you feel good, you can do a trek along the shore of the lake for a while. And then you'll head to Zhongba.

Stay overnight in Zhongba

Today we will drive to Gyirong town from Zhongba. In the afternoon, you will pass through Gyirong Valley, which is regarded as the backyard garden of the Himalayas. You will see the forest and breathe fresh air. You will be amazed by the creator's masterpiece that 4 seasons exist in such a narrow valley. Gyirong, in the Tibetan language, means comfort or happiness. It's said Gyirong was named by Padma Sambhava Buddha when he entered Tibet from here.

Stay overnight in Gyirong

Your tour guide will assist you in exiting China and see you off at the Gyirong Port. We can organize a jeep for transfer from Gyirong to Kathmandu, but it's not included in the package. Or you can take a bus to Kathmandu, which costs about 40 US$, depending on your negotiation with the driver. The road condition is not good, and it takes 8-10 hours from the border to Kathmandu. Thus, taking a bus is not recommended.