Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. You will be met by the group representative and transferred to your hotel. The evening is dedicated to a mandatory tour briefing covering trip logistics, altitude sickness precautions, and final preparation.
Morning visit to the holy Sri Pashupatinath Temple (a key Jyotirling site) and the Sleeping Vishnu at Budhanilkantha. The rest of the day is free for final shopping, packing, and any personal spiritual preparation before the overland journey begins.
The long overland drive begins by AC Coach, moving north from Kathmandu towards the border. The drive is scenic but arduous, passing through winding mountain roads and towns before reaching Timure, the final stop on the Nepal side near the border.
Early morning, complete the immigration and customs formalities at the Nepal-China border (Rasuwagadhi/Kerung). Once formalities are complete, you cross into Tibet (China) and drive a short distance to Kerung (Kyirong) town. The focus shifts to immediate acclimatization to the high altitude.
A longer drive deeper into the Tibetan plateau. The landscape transforms from lush hills to high-altitude deserts. You will gain significant altitude on this day, reaching Saga, a crucial administrative and transit town.
This is a dedicated rest and acclimatization day. It is vital to take light walks, stay hydrated, and allow your body to adjust to the high altitude of 4600m. This rest day is essential for reducing the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) later in the trip.
Drive across the vast plains, crossing the Brahmaputra River, to reach the shores of the sacred Lake Manasarovar. You will complete the Parikrama (circumambulation) of the Lake by coach. This is where pilgrims get their first divine Darshan of Mount Kailash.
Spend the morning at the holy lake for a ritual dip, Puja, and Havan led by the stationed priest. After lunch, take a short drive to Darchen, the base camp of Mount Kailash and the starting point for the Kora (Parikrama). Final preparations are made here for the trek.
Drive to Yam Dwar (Tarboche), the gateway to the Kora. Begin the challenging but spiritually rewarding trek (15 km / 6-7 hours). The trail leads you to Dirapuk, offering a magnificent and close-up view of the North Face of Mount Kailash.
The longest and most difficult day of the Kora (18 km / 10-12 hours). The path involves a steep climb over the sacred Dolma La Pass (5630m), the highest point of the Yatra. Descend past Gauri Kund and continue trekking to reach Zhuthulpuk, known for the Milarepa Caves.
Complete the final, shorter leg of the Kora (trek 8-10 km). Once the trekking ends, you will be met by the support vehicle at the designated point and immediately begin the long return journey, driving back to Saga.
Continue the descent from the high plateau, driving back to Kerung near the border, significantly lowering the altitude for a comfortable night's rest.
Cross back into Nepal via the Rasuwagadhi/Kerung border and drive by AC Coach all the way to Kathmandu. Check in to your hotel for a much-deserved hot shower and rest.
The day is free until your scheduled transfer to the airport for your final journey back home, carrying the blessings and memories of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
