20 Days Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa Overland Route

Your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa overland route journey starts once you reach the TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport). Upon arrival at the airport, the EverNepal representatives welcome you and help you transfer to your 3-star hotel. There, you can take a well-deserved rest and can explore the vibrant places near your hotel. In the evening, you are invited to a welcome dinner. After eating the delicious dinner, you spend the night in your premium room. 

• Max Elevation: 1400 meters (Kathmandu)

• Travel Distance: 5 to 6 kilometres

• Travel Hours: 20 to 30 minutes   

• Accommodation: 3-star Hotel

• Meals Included: Dinner

After having breakfast at your hotel, you will be free to use the rest of your day according to your convenience. There is ample time for you to explore the distinct culture of the place and learn more about the exciting atmosphere prevailing there. Today’s itinerary is all about offering you a free day in the capital city of Nepal, which you could choose to use for either shopping, sightseeing, or enjoying Nepalese cuisine.

A. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal

Kathmandu is home to a variety of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit ancient temples, palaces, and stupas to witness the architectural beauty of Nepal.

B. Markets in Kathmandu

The markets in Kathmandu are the best places to explore if you want to know more about the culture of Kathmandu. The markets of Kathmandu sell all kinds of items, including handicrafts, souvenirs, traditional clothes, and trekking equipment.

C. Try the Local Cuisines

There are several types of cuisines available in Kathmandu, both native Nepali and foreign cuisines. Devote this day to enjoying various foods.

D. Prepare for the Trek

Today is meant for making arrangements related to the trek. Organize your luggage and trekking gear in Kathmandu. Buy those items that you may miss. You must make sure that all necessary belongings, like clothes, equipment, etc., are ready for your journey.

Relax in your hotel after arranging all the things required for the trek. Get proper rest and enjoy your sleep, as it will prepare you for an adventurous trip ahead.

• Max Elevation: 1,400 meters (Kathmandu)

• Travel Distance: Flexible

• Travel Hours: Leisure Day

• Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel

• Meals Included: Breakfast

After a hearty breakfast, you take your belongings and take a ride towards TIA for the scenic flight to Nepalgunj. Once you arrive at the TIA, our representatives help you in the check-in and boarding process. After this, you take a scenic flight to Nepalgunj. During this flight, you get to enjoy the aerial views of the green mid-hills, landscapes, Rapti river, Langtang mountain, and Ganesh mountain. After flying for about 50 minutes, you arrive at Nepalgunj. After arriving at this place, you get to rest at the hotel and enjoy the nearby places. At night, you eat a relaxed dinner before staying overnight. 

• Max altitude: 150 m

• Flight hours: 50 minutes

• Accommodation: Hotel

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Following a leisurely breakfast, you take an early flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Karnali River, deep gorges, rugged terrain, small villages and snow-capped mountains. After around 1 hour of scenic flight, you arrive at Simikot. Upon reaching here, you take a short rest and start your first trekking towards Dharapori. During trekking, you get to witness the beautiful views of Humla Karnali river, pine forest, high suspension bridges and remote settlements. After around 4 to 6 hours of trekking, covering a distance of 10 km, you arrive at Dharapori, where you eat a delicious dinner before staying overnight.

• Max Elevation: 2,400 meters

• Travel Distance: 10 kilometres

• Travel Hours: 4 to 6 hours  

• Accommodation: Tea house/lodge

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

In the early morning, you receive a warm breakfast. After that, you continue your trek towards Kermi. You ascend through the Karnali River, the pine forest, the farmlands and the steep terrain before arriving at the day 5 destination. During trekking, you get to witness stunning views of Karnali river, gorges, waterfalls, Buddhist monasteries, mani walls and prayer flags. After a trek for around 5 to 6 hours by covering a distance of 14 km, you arrive at Kermi. This is the place where you eat a relaxed dinner before spending the night in a cozy room.

• Max Elevation: 2,860 meters

• Travel Distance: 14 kilometres

• Travel Hours: 5 to 6 hours  

• Accommodation: Tea house/lodge

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After a warm breakfast, you continue your trek towards Yalbang. You trek from ancient salt trading routes along the Sali Khola and Humla Karnali River to arrive at the Day 6 destination. This trek involves trekking through pine forests, a small pass and a high suspension bridge. While trekking, you witness local, traditional mule caravans, cliffs, river gorges, and the large Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery. After around 5 to 6 hours of trekking, covering a distance of 12 kilometers, you reach Yalbang, where you eat a delicious dinner at night and spend the night in a cozy room. 

• Max Elevation: 2,879 meters

• Travel Distance: 12 kilometres

• Travel Hours: 5 to 6 hours  

• Accommodation: Tea house/lodge

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Following a leisurely breakfast, you continue your trek from Yalbang to Tumkot. On the way, you are offered the stunning views of the Karnali River, arid landscape, ancient monasteries, the daily life of local people, and a high suspension bridge. You have to trek through Yangar village and Muchu village to reach the day 7 destination. After trekking for around 5 to 6 hours, covering a distance of 17. 6 km, you arrive at Tumkot, where you take a well-deserved rest. At night, you are served with a warm dinner before spending the night in a cozy room. 

• Max Elevation: 3,073 meters

• Travel Distance: 17.6 kilometres

• Travel Hours: 5 to 6 hours  

• Accommodation: Tea house/lodge

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

In the early morning, you are provided with a delicious breakfast. After having breakfast, you continue your trek towards Yari. You ascend through the rocky, barren landscape that contains low juniper bushes. While trekking, you get the opportunity to witness the jaw-dropping views of the Karnali River gorge, juniper bushes, Pani Palbang village, and Dhungkar Choezom monastery. After trekking for around 6 to 7 hours, covering a distance of 7.8 km, you arrive at Yari. At this place, you eat your leisurely dinner and spend a comfortable night in your cozy room. 

• Max Elevation: 3,663 meters

• Travel Distance: 7.8 kilometres

• Travel Hours: 6 to 7 hours  

• Accommodation: Tea house/lodge

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After an early morning breakfast, you continue your trek towards Hilsa through Nara La pass. On the way, you need to cross Thado Dhunga and Nara La pass itself to arrive at Hilsa. While trekking, you witness Limi Valley villages, ancient monasteries, the Karnali river, the Chugzur hot spring, wildlife and mountain peaks such as Saipal, Api, and distant glimpses of Tibet’s Mt. Kailash. You take a short break at Nara La pass to witness the panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan giants and the Tibetan Plateau. After trekking for around 5 to 6 hours, covering a distance of 35 kilometers, you arrive at Hilsa, where you eat a warm dinner and stay overnight.  

• Max Elevation: 4,620 meters

• Travel Distance: 35 kilometres

• Travel Hours: 5 to 6 hours  

• Accommodation: Tea house/lodge

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Following the leisurely breakfast, you continue your trek towards Purang. To arrive at the Day 10 destination, you need to cross the Karnali River bridge. On the route, you witness the beautiful views of the Karnali River, mountain landscapes, and Tibetan culture. Moreover, you can observe prayer flags, and caves. After a scenic drive for around 2 to 3 hours, covering a distance of 30 km, you arrive at Purang. At this place, you eat a delicious dinner before spending the night in a comfortable room. 

• Max Elevation: 3,772 meters

• Travel Distance: 30 kilometres

• Travel Hours: 2 to 3 hours  

• Accommodation: Tea house/lodge

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you continue your trekking journey towards Monster. During a scenic drive, you see breathtaking views. After the scenic drive, you reach Monster. When you reach the destination, you take a rest for a while and then go for the drive to Tirtapuri. It takes around 2 to 3 hours, covering a distance of 70 km, to reach Tirtapuri. In this place, you can visit Tirtapuri monastery, Tirtapuri hot spring, and cremation site. Along with this, you also explore the Tirtapuri kora path, karma-testing  and Earth holes. Once you explore these places, you return to your hotel, where you eat a relaxed dinner before staying overnight. 

• Max Elevation: 4,510 meters

• Travel Distance: 105 kilometres

• Travel Hours: 3 to 4 hours  

• Accommodation: Tea house/lodge

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After an early breakfast, you, along with your guide, go on a sightseeing tour to Garuda Valley in the morning. During a sightseeing tour, you get a glimpse of the ancient Bon religion. You explore the cave dwellings, Khyunglung Silver Palace, Meditation Caves, and Gurugyam monastery upon reaching the Garuda valley. After exploring these attractions, you are then transferred to your Drachen by a private vehicle, which takes around 3 to 4 hours, covering a distance of 130 km. While on a scenic ride, you witness the Tibetan plateau, Lake Mansarovar, Khyunglung caves, ancient caves, canyons and mountain vistas such as Naimonanyi and Kailash. After a few hours of driving, you arrive at Darchen, where you eat a delicious dinner before spending the night. 

• Max Elevation: 4,700 meters

• Travel Distance: 130 kilometres

• Travel Hours: 3 to 4 hours  

• Accommodation: Tea house/lodge

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13 is allocated for the first day of Mount Kailash kora. On this day, you, along with your guide, go for a short hike towards the Dirapuk monastery. While hiking, you are offered a beautiful view of the north face of Mt. Kailash, the spiritual Yamadwar, the Lha Chu River valley, prayer flags, local pilgrims and finally the Dirapuk monastery. After exploring the spiritual Dirapuk monastery, you take a well-deserved rest at the lodge. At night, you receive a warm dinner before staying overnight at Dirapuk.

• Max Elevation: 5,120 meters

• Travel Distance: 13 kilometres

• Travel Hours: 5 to 6 hours  

• Accommodation: Tea house/lodge

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

On this day, you perform a hike to Zuthulphuk as the second day of Kailash Kora. From Dirapuk, you hike for around 6 to 7 hours, covering a distance of 22 km to arrive at Zuthulphuk. While hiking, you observe the North face of Mt. Kailash, Dolma La Pass, Gauri Kund, Lha Chu river valley and Zuthulpuk monastery - known for housing Milarepa's hand and footprints in its cave. Once you deeply explore the monastery, you spend the night after having a warm dinner at Zuthulpuk. 

• Max Elevation: 4,790 meters

• Travel Distance: 22 kilometres

• Travel Hours: 6 to 7 hours  

• Accommodation: Tea house/lodge

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This is the final day of Kailash Kora. On this day, you return to the Darchen from Zuthulpuk by hiking. While returning, you observe Zuthulpuk Valley, the east face of Mt Kailash, the Lha Chu river, the Mani walls, and the prayer flags. After a few hours of hiking, you arrive at Darchen. From this place, you are transferred to Mansarovar, offering a stunning view of the Tibetan plateau, Chiu Gompa monastery, Mt. Kailash, and Rakshas Tal. After a drive of around 35 km, covering a distance of around 3 to 4 hours, you arrive at Mansarovar, where you eat a relaxed dinner before spending the night at your lodge. 

• Max Elevation:4,590 meters

• Travel Distance: 35 kilometres

• Travel Hours: 3 to 4 hours  

• Accommodation: Tea house/lodge

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 16 is dedicated to exploring the places of Mansarovar and the lake itself. Following a hearty breakfast, you, along with your guide, perform a sightseeing tour of the Mansarovar Lake. After a little time, you arrive at the lake. Upon reaching, you can engage in spiritual and meditative activities. Additionally, you can take a holy bath to cleanse the sins, collect consecrated water, perform rituals and puja to seek blessings. Later on, you can explore the nearby places of Lake Mansarovar. This exploration offers you a glimpse of the pristine beauty and lifestyle of locals. After exploring the lake and nearby places, you return to your lodge, where you eat a warm dinner before spending the night. 

• Max Elevation: 4,590 meters

• Accommodation: Tea house/lodge

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After a delicious breakfast, you pack your belongings and take a seat in the private vehicle to head towards Saga. You have a scenic drive through Darchen, Chiu Gompa monastery area, Paryang, and various high-altitude Tibetan landscapes before arriving at Saga. During a drive, you witness Lake Mansarovar, Chui Gompa monastery, Guru Rinpoche cave, Saga Dawa sites, and Mayum La pass. Along with it, you also observe the Brahmaputra River, and the Peiku Tso lake on the way to Saga. After a scenic drive for around 9 hours, covering a distance of 450 km, you arrive at Saga, where you eat a delicious dinner before staying overnight.  

• Max Elevation: 4,600 meters

• Travel Distance: 450 kilometres

• Travel Hours: 9 hours  

• Accommodation: Tea house/lodge

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

In the early morning, you are provided with a hearty breakfast. After that, you take a seat in a private vehicle and drive towards Shigatse. To arrive at the 18th day destination, you pass through Pekutso Lake, Gongtang la pass, Tingri, and Lhatse. While you are on a scenic drive, you are offered breathtaking views of the Brahmaputra River, the Tashilhunpo Monastery and mountains such as Shishapangma. After a picturesque drive for around 450 km, covering a distance of 10 hours, you arrive at Shigatse, where you are served a warm dinner before spending the night. 

• Max Elevation: 3,900 meters

• Travel Distance: 450 kilometres

• Travel Hours: 10 hours  

• Accommodation: Tea house/lodge

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Following a hearty breakfast, you continue your driving journey towards Lhasa. It takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of 358 km to reach the 19th-day destination. The EverNepal team takes you through the Friendship Highway, crossing the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley and crossing the Kamba La pass. While having a scenic drive, you witness the beautiful views of Yamdrok-tso Lake, Karo-la Glacier, Yarlung Tsangpo River valley, and Pelkor Chode Monastery. After a scenic drive for a few hours, you arrive at Lhasa, where you eat a delicious dinner before spending the night at a comfortable hotel. 

• Max Elevation: 3,650 meters

• Travel Distance: 358 kilometres

• Travel Hours: 5 hours and 30 minutes   

• Accommodation: Hotel

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you pack your belongings and wait until the driver arrives at your hotel. After the driver arrives, you are transferred to the airport. There, our representatives help you with the boarding formalities. Until the flight arrives, you can recall your memories and reflect on the breathtaking landscapes, cultural experience and unforgettable moments of your Kailash Mansarovar yatra via the Lhasa overland route journey. After that, you can return to your home country. 

• Meals Included: Breakfast