Take part in a Kailash Tour, a deep, spiritual adventure to what is known by many devotees as the “Centre of the Universe.” In Tibetan, it is called Khang Rimpochhe, or “precious jewel of snow,” and is approximately 6,714 m (22,028 ft) above sea level. Kailash has four majestic, colour-coded faces: gold (north), ruby red (west), deep sapphire (south), and crystal/ice (east). Despite its incredible size and beauty, and also probably due to its holiness, no one has ever climbed to the top of Mount Kailash. However, thousands of pilgrims walk the sacred Kailash Kora (a ritual/boundary walk around Mount Kailash) in the belief of spiritual awakening, liberation, and receiving special blessings.
The Myths and Scriptures say that Lord Shiva is on top of Mount Kailash, sitting in an eternal state of meditation, and radiating cosmic energy and wisdom. Also near the mountain are Lake Mansarovar (said to be created from the thoughts of Lord Brahma, whom many believe was the first creator) and Lake Mansarovar is thought to have the power to wash away sins accumulated over many lifetimes. All three major religions hold religious significance in this area:
Highlights of the tour:
Sacred Kora Around Mount Kailash
The Kora Loop is a walk around Mount Kailash‘s base (approximately 52 km & 71/2 hr walk) and is considered an ancient pilgrimage path that will remove all of your bad karma and give you a chance to be reborn in a spiritual sense. Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world join together to walk this same path and create an incredibly strong feeling of unity and devotion towards the same goal.
Sunrise at Lake Mansarovar
Wake up in the early morning when the first rays of the sun start to shine on one of the holiest lakes in the world. Visitors come to it for its peacefulness and its spiritual importance, and many of them will take a dip in its waters or meditate by the lakeside.
16-Day Overland Adventure via Kerung
As you travel through the beautiful green hills of Nepal, you will eventually reach the Tibetan plateau. The comfortable overland trip provides plenty of opportunities for gradual adjustment to altitude; the scenery during your journey will include snow-capped mountains, vast rolling fields (some of which are actually grasslands), and stunning sunsets.
Yamadwar & Tarboche Flag Forest
Your entry into the kora trail will be via Yamadwar, the Gateway of the Lord of Death. This indicates that you have begun the process of purifying yourself from the sins of your former life. From Yamadwar, you will continue to Tarboche, where thousands of prayer flags flutter in the breeze, pointing toward the western side of Mt. Kailash.
Dirapuk & Zutulpuk Monastery Stays
To truly understand what it means to be a pilgrim, you can sleep in very basic guesthouses near some of the oldest monasteries in this region. You will have the opportunity to view the North Face of Mt. Kailash from Dirapuk, or visit the sacred cave of Milarepa at Zutulpuk.
Dolma-La Pass (5,630 m / 18,470 ft)
One of the most difficult and rewarding experiences while trekking to Dolma La Pass will be passed. There are many prayer flags at Dolma La Pass, and you will also have an excellent view of the glaciers in this area. Underneath, you will see Gauri Kund (Gauri Lake), and you will know that it is sacred to the Hindus.
Cultural Crossroads of Nepal & Tibet
The journey takes you through vibrant border settlements and secluded yak-herding communities, providing an intimate look at the life, culture, and spirituality of the Himalayan people. Along the trip, you will be welcomed with warm hospitality and enjoy beautiful scenery.
Welcome! To Kathmandu, Nepal. You will be welcomed by an Asian Heritage Travel representative with a nameplate upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, and you will then be taken to your hotel located within the busy tourist district known as Thamel in Kathmandu. You will see some of the highlights of the city while traveling to the hotel, including Pashupatinath Temple, Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum, and the peaceful Garden of Dreams. Once you arrive at your hotel, a representative will meet you to discuss your itinerary and answer any questions you might have about it. After you check into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the busy streets, cafés, and shops of Thamel or relax at your hotel.
Includes: Dinner, private transport, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
We will be submitting your application for a Chinese visa today, which calls for your original passport. You can take a leisurely day at your own pace while the visa application is being processed, or you can explore Thamel’s shops, cafés, and local culture. For an additional fee, we can set up a second guided tour if you want to make the most of your day and see more of Kathmandu.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Begin your sightseeing excursion by meeting your guide and boarding your private vehicle. Your first stop will be Pashupatinath Temple, one of the premier Hindu pilgrimage destinations in Southeast Asia. Pashupatinath Temple is built on the banks of the Bagmati River, where you will get a glimpse of the open-air cremation ceremonies and experience the spiritual practices surrounding the temple complex.
Your next destination on your journey is the incredible Boudhanath Stupa (another UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is one of the largest stupas in the world. The stupa dates back to approximately 600 A.D. and represents the center of Tibetan Buddhist culture, surrounded by local life, monasteries, and prayer wheels.
The next stop on your tour is Budhanilkantha Temple, home to the largest stone statue of Lord Vishnu in Nepal. Reclining on a bed of serpents in the center of a pond, this impressive five-meter-long granite sculpture was carved from a single stone during the Lichchhavi period.
The last stop of the day is Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will walk among centuries-old royal palaces, intricate carvings on numerous temples, and traditional courtyard-style buildings that are indicative of the venerable history of ancient Kathmandu.
After an amazing day of cultural experiences, you will head back to your accommodation to rest and relax.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, an English-speaking tour guide, and overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is a day of leisure, and it is yours alone to do with it what you please. You could choose to either relax, shop for whatever it is that you feel you need, or soak up as much as you can from this stimulating city. As the day draws to a close, you will obtain your visa for China as well as all the travel papers you need for the trip that you are about to embark upon in Tibet.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and overnight accommodation at Hotel Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today, we start our journey early in the morning by driving through some mountain villages to Syabrubesi. This is a beautiful place situated in northern Nepal, in the stunning region of the Langtang National Park in the Rasuwa district.
As you make your way along, you can expect breathtaking views of the Langtang Range and even peeks at Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, and Manaslu ranges as you hike along.
The road trip to Syabrubesi (1450m) takes about 152 km and 7-8 hours. Today, we will camp overnight in a local lodge at Syabrubesi, which lies very close to the Nepal-China border. Depending upon the road conditions and availability of daylight, we may decide to drive to Timure (1900m), which is only 12 km away from here. The next trek will become easier for us.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, and overnight accommodation at a local lodge in Syabrubesi.
After breakfast, we will move forward to Ghatte Khola, where our documentation will be checked by officials of the Nepal Immigration Department. Then we will move to Rasuwagadhi, which separates Nepal and Tibet. After completing all formalities, we will have a meeting with our guide in Tibet, who will join us on our Manasarovar Yatra. Later on, our visas will also be checked by the Chinese Visa Department of Immigration. Then we will have a bus ride of 38 km to reach Kerung. We will spend an overnight in a lodge.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, and overnight accommodation at a local lodge in Kerung.
Today is a day of rest to acclimate oneself to the Tibetan environment. After a relaxed breakfast amidst the Tibetan Mountains, we pay a visit to the Princess Bhrikuti statue in Pakpa Monastery. This monastery is located in the heart of Kerung and dates back an incredible thousand years into the past. It was established by King Songtsen Gampo in memory of his Nepali queen. Later on, we will walk through the town and absorb its charm. Although a small town, Kerung offers several restaurants that dish out Nepali, Tibetan, Chinese, and Indian cuisine.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, and overnight accommodation at a local lodge in Kerung.
We begin our journey today on a long and unforgettable trip through the sandy and rocky terrain of Tibet. We wind our way through picturesque scenes of shimmering lakes and peaceful nomadic villages, where you can spot yaks and sheep roaming the endless plains. What an enlightening experience into life on the Tibetan plateau!
By late afternoon, we cross over the massive Brahmaputra River and find ourselves in a traditional Tibetan town where the landscape, environment, and ambiance are now noticeably different from the days preceding it. As we begin to gain altitude above 4,500 meters, notice how the air becomes thinner. Drink plenty of water, keep the pace slow, and be attentive to any symptoms of altitude sickness as your body acquires time to adapt to the new conditions.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, and overnight accommodation at a local lodge in Saga.
After having an early breakfast, we begin our journey towards the holy Lake Mansarovar. As we move ahead, the scene changes, and by the late afternoon, we are greeted by the majestic view of the Holy Mt. Kailash behind the serene Lake Mansarovar. This freshwater lake is home to fish, swans, and is known to reflect the surrounding peaks of Mt. Kailash, Mt. Gurla Mandhata, and even the majestic Lake Rakshas Tal.
The region is known for its natural wonders, with hot springs, mineral formations, and surprisingly high levels of biodiversity in high-altitude animals. Other places we will see as we make our way include different important monasteries, including Dargyeling, Lhaksang, and Zamlungla, each of which gives us an understanding of the spiritual practices of this region. In the evening, we move to a mudhouse near Mansarovar.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, and overnight accommodation at a local lodge in Mansarovar.
We begin the day with a religious morning at Lake Mansarovar, where we take water for a purifying dip and perform religious rituals like yagyas, havans, pujas, and pray for the salvation of our ancestors’ spirits. After taking the religious dip and performing the puja, we proceed with the Parikrama of Lake Mansarovar in the Land Cruiser, taking a packed lunch, heading for Darchen, where, time permitting, we will also visit the peaceful monastery of Chiu Gompa, which lies on the way. This Darchen, which becomes an active town during the time of the pilgrimage, becomes the chief base camp for the Holy Kailash Parikrama.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, and overnight accommodation at a local lodge in Darchen.
Today, we begin the Kailash Outer Kora. We drive short to the Tarboche Flagpole, which is decorated with numerous colored prayer flags. This area marks the center of the Saga Dawa Festival. Despite the presence of the eastern crest, which hides Mt. Kailash from view, we can see the breathtaking Gurla Mandhata (7728m) mountain rising in the distance to the southeast. As we walk through the rugged mountain sides, which are dotted by shimmering waterfalls amidst the clear skies, occasional peeps at Mt. Kailash instill a sense of religious devotion in us. We stay in a local guesthouse, which has shared facilities, but treats us to the serene views of the holy Mt. Kailash’s face which lies in the north.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, and overnight accommodation at a local lodge in Dirapuk.
After breakfast, an optional excursion to Charan Sparsh, an important religious point accessible 3 km ahead of Dirapuk, is possible. It is believed that those who come and touch Charan Sparsh tend to be humble and pious people. An evening snack will be provided for those people only. For those people who don’t opt for this excursion, they have an opportunity to have the most relaxing day at the Dirapuk guesthouse.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, and overnight accommodation at a local lodge in Dirapuk.
Today we negotiate the toughest part of the Kora-the climb to the high Dolma-La Pass (5,630m / 18,471 ft). Colorful prayer flags grace the summit, and the pass is of deep spiritual significance: Buddhists honor it as the Green Tara Pass, while Hindus venerate it as the spot where Parvati was said to have appeared. We say our prayers, spend a few moments in quiet meditation, and begin our long descent, passing the sacred Gauri Kund and Parvati-sthal. Later in the afternoon, we reach Zutul Phuk, which translates as the Cave of Miracles, a site linked with the legendary ascetic Milarepa.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, and overnight accommodation at a local lodge in Zutul Phuk.
Today is a relatively easy day on foot, with no steep climbs; this allows us to set off at a relaxed pace. Our route for today follows the river through narrow canyons, which are colored wonderfully in shades of purple, red, and rust. Returning to Darchen after about two hours of trekking, we’ll meet up with our vehicle to be taken back to Saga, stopping en route to have a last glimpse of Lake Mansarovar and Chiu Gompa.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, and overnight accommodation at a local lodge in Saga.
After an early breakfast in Saga, we embark on our scenic tour back to Kathmandu via Kerung. The drive shall take us through the majestic mountain ranges of the Tibet Autonomous Region, as we head towards the Nepal-China border, hoping to reach by early afternoon. Upon the completion of the required exit formalities of China and subsequent entry formalities of Nepal, which takes a considerable amount of time, we shall embark on the drive through the Nepalese hill ranges and reach Kathmandu in the evening.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, and overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is the last day of your journey. Three hours before your scheduled departure back to your home or another location, our representative will pick you up in a private vehicle after breakfast and drop you off at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.
We hope you travel safely and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Includes: Breakfast and private Transport.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
