14 Days Mt Kailash Lake Mansarovar Driving Tour starting in Tibet and ending in Nepal

The majorly renowned trek to Mount Kailash is continually winning hearts of thousands of pilgrims all over the globe with its utmost spirituality. In order to accomplish a sense of divine satisfaction and enjoy the beauty of nature, travelers visit Mt. Kailash via Lhasa as this route offers some magnificent views of high mountains and other highly picturesque location. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa is considered to be the most comfortable and an exclusive mean for completing the trail to Kailash Mansarovar. For any traveler or devotee, this trip is a treat for the eyes and soul. We have come up with a special itinerary for travellers who want to explore the beautiful parts of Eastern Tibet while doing the trip to Kailash Mansarovar. This tour to Kailash Mansarovar starts in Lhasa and goes to Lake Mansarovar and Mt. Kailash through Saga county. After completing the trip the group will not go back to Lhasa and rather cross the Kerung border to enter Nepal and explore the beautiful sites and temples of Kathmandu.

Trip Schedule

13 nights / 14 days Mt. Kailash & Lake Mansarovar from Lhasa to Kathmandu by Road

Day 01 : Arrival Lhasa airport from Beijing or Chengdu or Kathmandu

Upon reaching Lhasa airport from Beijing or Chengdu or Kathmandu you will be received by Max Holidays representative in Lhasa. Further after a warm welcome you will be transfered to your hotel in Lhasa city. The drive from Lhasa Gonggar airport to the city takes about two hours through the beautiful road. Reach your hotel and check in to rest and spend a comfortable night before you start your Kailash Mansarovar tour by road via Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet.

Flight information : If you are travelling from Kathmandu to Lhasa, kindly note that the flight operates on Mon, Wed and Fridays only as per the current schedule. Flight charges to reach Lhasa from Kathmandu/Beijing/Chengdu are not included in the package cost.

Meals included: No Meal Max. Elevation: 3650m Distance traveled: 60 kms / 2 hours Accommodation Style: 3* hotel twin sharing basis
Day 02 : Jokhang Monastery & Potala Palace Tour

Today morning after leisurely breakfast you will be taken for a half day guided sightseeing tour of Lhasa visiting Jokhang Monastery & Potala Palace. Also explore the famous Barkhor Market which is traditional Tibetan market in Lhasa. During the sightseeing enjoy your food in a local restaurant in Lhasa on your own. Night stay will be in your Lhasa hotel today.

Meals included: Breakfast Max. Elevation: 3650m Distance traveled: 40 kms / 4 hours Accommodation Style: 3* hotel twin sharing basis
Day 03 : Drepung Monastery Tour

After leisurely breakfast today you will be taken for another half day guided sightseeing tour of Lhasa visiting Drepung Monastery. Enjoy your food in a local restaurant in Lhasa on direct payment. Night stay will be in Lhasa today.

Meals included: Breakfast Max. Elevation: 3650m Distance traveled: 40 kms / 4 hours tour Accommodation Style: 3* hotel twin sharing basis
Day 04 : Drive Lhasa to Shigatse or Lhatse

Head to Shigatse this morning through a comfortable drive. Enjoy visiting Tashilunpo monastery on the way (it is based on 1447) and if time permits continue drive to Lhatse for night stay.

Meals included: Breakfast Max. Elevation: 4050m Distance traveled: 425 kms / 7 hours drive Accommodation Style: 3* hotel sharing basis
Day 05 : Drive Shigatse/Lhatse to Saga County

Wake up and after breakfast start your drive towards Saga which is the entry point for Kailash Mansarovar region. The comfortable drive from Shigatse / Lhatse to Saga takes you through several beautiful sites and small settlements along the highway. Saga simply means 'Happy Land' in Tibetan language. Saga also connects three majour county namely Zhongba, Shigatse and Gyirong thus is an important point of connectivity. This small settlement always attracts travellers and exploreres. Spend time in Saga exploring the beautiful bazaars and streets during your stay here.

Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Max. Elevation: 4500m Distance traveled: 310 kms / 5 hours drive Accommodation Style: 3* hotel twin sharing basis
Day 06 : Saga to Lake Manasarovar

The day starts with full excitement as today you drive towards the holy Lake Mansarovar. While driving from Saga to Mansarovar you will have the first glimpse of holy Kailash Mount. We have to cross a number of check points on the way to reach Lake Mansarovar. Upon reaching Mansarovar check into the guest house near the lake. Later visit Lake Mansarovar. One can also spend time sitting near the lake under the stars. Admire the beauty of the lake and stunning surroundings. All meals and stay will be in the guesthouse

Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Max. Elevation: 4590m Distance traveled: 465kms / 7 hours drive Accommodation Style: Guesthouse multi-sharing basis
Day 07 : Exploration of Lake Manasarovar drive to Darchen

Manasarovar is the lake of compassion, tranquillity and bliss. After completing the memorable morning bath in the holy water the group will head towards Darchen (base of Mt Kailash) for night stay before starting kora the following day. Darchen serves as the base camp and start point for Mt. Kailash parikrama / circummambulation.

Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Max. Elevation: 4670m Distance traveled: 110kms / 3 hours drive Accommodation Style: 4* hotel twin sharing basis
Day 08 : Trekking to Dirapukh, First day of Kailash Kora

Today is one of the exciting days walking along the beautiful rocky cliffs; water falls with some clouds in the blue sky make you feel that almighty God Shiva is everywhere blessing you and giving you the spiritual energy. Time to time the face of Mount Kailash Parbat will keep on appearing. For 13 km trail, it takes almost 4-6 hrs. depending on the pace of an individual. On reaching Dirapukh (North Face of Mt. Kailash) check into your guesthouse for night stay. Explore the beauty and spiritual aura of this greatest place reaching where has always been a dream for millions.

Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Packed snacks for Lunch, Dinner Max. Elevation: 5210m Distance traveled: 13kms / 5-6 hours trekking Accommodation Style: Guesthouse multi-sharing basis
Day 09 : Trekking to Zuthulpukh via Gauri Kund, Second day of Kailash kora

Hardest but holiest day of your Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage tour with Dolma-La pass (18600ft) between the two valleys. You will cross Shiva Sthal to reach while your steps go closer to the Dolma La pass. Once you reach the top, you may offer prayers while sitting close to Gauri Kund lake. After visiting Gauri Kund, continue trek towards Zuthulpukh (the cave of miracles). The great ascetic Milerappa is supposed to have performed miracles here.

Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Packed snacks for Lunch, Dinner Max. Elevation: 5630m Distance traveled: 19kms / 8-9 hours trekking Accommodation Style: Guesthouse multi-sharing basis
Day 10 : Trek to Darchen, Drive to Saga

After walking for about 6 kms / 3 hours, your driver will pick you and will take you to Darchen where other group travellers must be waiting for you for return journey. As you reach Darchen your circummambulation/kora comes to an end. Join the group and continue drive towards Saga through the Southern tip of Lake Mansarovar. Reach Saga in the evening and check into your hotel for night stay.

Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Max. Elevation: 4650m Distance traveled: 495 kms / 7 hours drive Accommodation Style: 3* hotel twin sharing basis
Day 11 : Saga to Gyirong/Kerung drive

The morning after breakfast, we pack up our belongings then set off for Gyirong (China-Nepal border point). Today, we travel approximately 210 km to reach Gyirong. On the way, we cross river Brahmaputra then the drives take a right turn to Gyirong via Peiku lake. Night stay will be in a hotel at Gyirong.

Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Max. Elevation: 2900m Distance traveled: 210kms / 4 hours drive Accommodation Style: 3* hotel sharing basis
Day 12 : Gyirong to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we drive to China-Nepal border and after completing border formalities we enter Nepal side. The Tibetan guide will say goodbye and in Nepal side, local Nepalese vehicles will be waiting for you to take you to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. The drive to Kathmandu is through some paved and rough roads that takes about 7-8 hours to reach Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu check into your five star hotel for a comfortable night stay.

Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Max. Elevation: 1400m Distance traveled: 160 kms / 7-8 hours drive Accommodation Style: 5* hotel twin sharing basis
Day 13 : Temple visits and Kathmandu sightseeing

Early morning visit Pashupatinath temple for puja. Also visit Jal Narayan Vishnu Temple and Guheshwari Mata Temple Shaktipeeth. Later visit the historic sites of Bhaktapur city with your guide. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Rest of the time free for personal activities and rest. Night stay in the hotel at Kathmandu.

Meals included: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Max. Elevation: 1400m Distance traveled: 40 kms / 5-6 hour drive Accommodation Style: 5* hotel twin sharing basis
Day 14 : Leave Kathmandu

Breakfast will be in the hotel. Later, intime (checkout time 1200 hours, noon) you will be transfered to Kathmandu airport to board flight to home/onward destination.

Meals included: Veg Breakfast

Tentative Cost for Mt. Kailash & Lake Mansarovar Tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu by Road in 2025

NON-INDIAN TRAVELLER	PER HEAD COST
09-12 Travellers	US$ 3470 on Full Board
04-08 Travellers	US$ 4170 on Full Board
02 Travellers	US$ 5390 on Full Board

FOR INDIAN TRAVELLERS	PER HEAD COST
21+ Travellers	INR 365,000/- + 5% GST
10-21 Travellers	INR 575,000/- + 5% GST
Less than 10 Pax	Not applicable

Tentative Dates for Kailash Overland Yatra 2025 Lhasa to Kathmandu

TRAVEL MONTH	START DATE	END DATE	BOOKING
JUNE'2025	06 June (Fri)	19 June	SEND ENQUIRY
JULY'2025	06 July (Sun)	19 July	SEND ENQUIRY
AUG'2025	04 Aug (Mon)	17 Aug	SEND ENQUIRY
SEP'2025	05 Sep (Fri)	18 Sep	SEND ENQUIRY

Note: All above trips are proposed to reach Lake Mansarovar during the Full moon day. It is considered to be more auspicious to take a holy bath here, during full moon time.

Note: Travellers can also start this trip from Kathmandu Nepal, where additional stay and services can be organised at additional cost expense.

Package Cost Inclusions & Exclusions

Airport to hotel transfer in Lhasa.
03 nights stay in a 3 star hotel in Lhasa with breakfast,
01 Night stay hotel stay at Shigatse / Lhatse with breakfast,
02 nights stay in Saga with all veg meals,
01 night stay near Lake Mansarovar with all veg meals,
01 night stay in a hotel at Darchen with all veg meals,
01 night stay at Dirapukh with all veg meals,
01 night stay at Zuthulpukh with all veg meals,
01 night stay at Gyirong with all veg meals,
02 nights stay in 5* hotel at Kathmandu with all veg meals,
All ground transportation from Lhasa to Kathmandu group basis,
Priest near Lake Mansarovar for puja,
Lake Mansarovar parikrama by local vehicle,
Team support for Mt. kailash kora / trekking,
First aid facility and emergency oxygen for trekking,
Govt approved Chinese guide from Lhasa to Gyirong,
Kathmandu city sightseeing with guide,
Hotel to airport transfers in Kathmandu.
All necessary Tibet travel permit to travel in Tibet and visiting kailash Mansarovar,

Please check the list of extra expense that may have to be paid by the traveller for this trip:

Travel expense for travelling from home to Kathmandu and back,
Travel and medical insurance (kindly buy an insurance which is valid for high altitude travel and emergency evacuation expense),
China visa to visit Kailash Mansarovar Tibet,
Flight ticket charges for Beijing or Chengdu or Kathmandu to Lhasa,
Mule (Pony) and porter charges for Mount Kailash parikrama,
Indian travellers to pay GST 5% (Goods and Service Tax),
Indian travellers to also pay TCS (Tax Collection at Source) 5% (if foreign travel expense is below INR 7,00,000/-) or 20% (if foreign travel expense has exceeded INR 7,00,000/-) Payable by Indian residents on total cost of the tour package),

List of other cost exclusions that may have to be taken care by travellers in extreme cases:

Additional hotel accommodation and meals for extra stay in the event of delay of the trip or change in itinerary/ route due to any unavoidable reason,
Transport services for any additional sightseeing service which is not mentioned in the itinerary,
Emergency evacuation expenses,
Emergency medical expenses in the event of hospitalisation,
Extra expense for additional necessary permissions or visa splitting charges and all additional services in the event of change in tour plan by the traveller before or during the yatra,
Urgent visa fee if required,
All additional expense for returning early from the trip due to any personal reason,
Any and all additional expense or increase in cost of any trip item or service due to sudden hike in permit fee, visa charges, flight fares, hotel prices or price for other trip services by concerned authorities or flight companies or hotel owners or vendors etc. or due to any other reason or situation which is beyond our control,
Our services also does not include any other additional expense incurred before or during the trip due to any unforeseen circumstances including, but not limited to, weather conditions, natural disaster, act of God, technical failure, flight delay or cancelation, delay by authorities in issuing permits or entry visa, strikes, riots, political closures, not opening of the borders due to lockdown situation or any other reason, war situation, and/or any other situation or circumstances which are beyond our control,
Any service/s which is not mentioned in our above 'list of package cost inclusions' does not fall under the liability of the Company and the same will be paid by the traveller only in advance or at the time of consuming the service, as may be the requirement of the case,
Any expenses of personal nature,