Day 1: Kathmandu (1,400m) to Kerung (2,200m), approximately 8 hours of driving (145 km)
Your adventure begins with an early morning scenic drive from Kathmandu through rural Nepalese landscapes (approx. 8 hours). After completing immigration and customs formalities at the border, you will be greeted by your Tibetan guide. A short uphill drive brings you to the Tibetan border town of Kerung for your first overnight stay in a local guesthouse, marking your entry onto the Tibetan Plateau.

Day 2: Kerung 
This is a crucial rest day for your body to adapt to the higher altitude. Use this time to relax, explore the surrounding area gently, and prepare physically and mentally for the incredible journey ahead, ensuring a safer and more comfortable ascent.

Day 3: Kerung to Saga (4,600m) (approx. 6-7 hours, 295 km)
Today's drive is a visual spectacle. The road climbs across the stunning Lalung La Pass (5,200m), offering breathtaking panoramic views. You'll pass the majestic turquoise Peiku-Tso Lake with the snow-capped peak of Shishapangma (8,027m) in the distance, following routes near the Brahmaputra River. After covering 295km of awe-inspiring landscape, you'll spend the night in Saga in a hotel.

Day 4: Saga to Lake Manasarovar (4,560m) 7 hours of driving (560 km)
This is one of the most significant days of the pilgrimage. After a 7-hour drive (560km), you will be rewarded with your first life-changing glimpse of the sacred Mount Kailash and the holy Lake Manasarovar. The afternoon is dedicated to spiritual reflection; you may perform a ritual dip in the icy, sacred waters and absorb the profound serenity of the site. Overnight will be in a camp or guesthouse by the lake.

Day 5: Manasarovar to Darchen (4,560m) 1 hour of driving (30 km), plus exploration time
Spend the morning further exploring the shores of the highest freshwater lake, its color shifting with the light. The area is rich in natural beauty and spirituality, surrounded by myths and ancient sites. In the afternoon, a short one-hour drive (30km) takes you to Darchen, the bustling starting point for the Kora. You will stay overnight at Chu Gumba, finalizing preparations for the trek.

Day 6: Darchen to Dirapuk (4,900m) 5-6 hours of trekking (16-18 km)
After breakfast, your trek begins! Meet your support team, who will guide you to the mountains. The trail leads through lush meadows and alongside streams into the Lha Chu Valley, with cascading turquoise waters and high cliffs. The powerful north face of Mount Kailash comes into full view as you approach the 13th-century Dirapuk Monastery, a deeply spiritual site. Overnight in a guesthouse or camp near the monastery.

Day 7: Dirapuk to Zutulpuk (4,790m) crossing the Drolma La Pass 8-10 hours of strenuous trekking (22 km)
This is the most challenging and rewarding day. You ascend steadily to the highest point of the trek, the legendary Drolma La Pass (5,630m), adorned with prayer flags. The effort is repaid with sublime views, including the sacred Thukpe Dzingbu Lake. After a heartfelt celebration at the summit, you descend into the Zutulpuk valley, home to meditation caves used by the great yogi Milarepa. Overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 8: Zutulpuk to Darchen to Saga 2-3 hours of trekking (10 km) + 5-6 hours of driving
A gentle 2-3 hour morning trek concludes your Kora at Darchen, filled with a deep sense of accomplishment. From here, you begin the return journey by road, driving back to Saga for a final overnight stay in Tibet, reflecting on the pilgrimage.

Day 9: Saga – Kerung

You cross the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River) by ferry, & continue driving 250 km to Kerung. Soon after leaving Saga the road opens into a wide, flat, flowing plain and passes through

Day 10: Kerung – Kathmandu (1400m)

From Kerung, you cruise down to the border town of Zhangmu. From Zhangmu, it’s a hop, step & jumps to the Friendship Bridge, which spans the Bhote Kosi River and marks the Chinese – Nepalese border, where you bid farewell to your Tibetan guide and driver and hike down to the Nepalese Immigration Control in Kodari, where you will be met by your Nepalese escorts. After completing the re-entry formalities, you continue the scenic drive to Kathmandu, which, depending on road and weather conditions, should take about 5-6 hours

Route map:

Tibet Permit & Visa Process (Important)

Traveling to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar requires special permits and a group visa. Independent travel is not allowed, and all arrangements must be handled through a registered tour operator.

What Permits Are Required?

To enter Tibet and visit Mt Kailash, the following permits are mandatory:

• Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)
  Required to enter Tibet and travel to cities like Lhasa and beyond.
• Alien Travel Permit
  Needed for restricted areas such as Shigatse, Saga, and Darchen.
• Military Permit / Special Kailash Permit
  Required specifically for traveling to Mt Kailash and Lake Manasarovar region.

All permits are arranged by your tour operator and included in your package.

Tibet Visa Process from Kathmandu

For travelers joining the tour from Kathmandu, a Chinese Group Visa is required instead of an individual Chinese visa only for the travellers who required Visa.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Book Your Tour in Advance
   Confirm your Mt Kailash Group Joining Tour at least 30–45 days before departure.
2. Submit Required Documents
   • Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
   • Personal details form
3. Arrival in Kathmandu
   You must arrive in Kathmandu at least 4–5 working days before departure.
4. Original Passport Submission
   Your passport will be submitted to the Chinese Embassy for visa processing.
5. Chinese Group Visa Issued
   • Visa is issued as a group document (not stamped individually)
   • All travelers must enter and exit Tibet together

How Long Does Permit & Visa Processing Take?

• Permit processing: 3–4 weeks
• Visa processing in Kathmandu: 4–5 working days

This is why early booking is highly recommended.

Important Rules You Must Know

• You cannot travel independently in Tibet
• You must enter and exit Tibet as a group
• Visa is only valid for the exact travel dates
• Last-minute changes are not allowed after visa issuance

Who Can Apply for Mt Kailash Tour?

• Open to most nationalities
• The passport must be valid for at least 6 months
• Travelers should be physically fit due to the high altitude

Special Restrictions (Important)

• Journalists, diplomats, and government officials require special clearance
• Some nationalities may require additional processing time

Pro Tips for Travelers

• Do not apply for a Chinese visa individually before the tour 
• Avoid booking international flights before tour confirmation
• Double-check passport validity and details
• Keep extra passport-size photos

Why This Process Is Important

Due to strict travel regulations in the Tibet Autonomous Region, proper permit and visa arrangements are required:

• Smooth border crossing
• Hassle-free travel experience
• Legal and safe journey

Need help with permits and visa for Mt Kailash Tour? Our expert team will handle everything for you—contact us today to start your journey with confidence.

1. What is the Mt Kailash Group Joining Tour?

The Mt Kailash Group Joining Tour is a fixed departure tour where travelers join a group to visit sacred Mt Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet, sharing transport, guide, and overall travel costs.

2. How many days does the Mt Kailash tour take?

Most overland tours take around 9–14 days, depending on the itinerary and route via Nepal.

3. Can I travel to Mt Kailash independently?

No, independent travel is not allowed. All travelers must book through a registered tour operator, and all permits must be arranged in advance.

4. What permits are required for Mt Kailash Tour?

You will need:

• Tibet Travel Permit
• Alien Travel Permit
• Kailash Special Permit

All permits are arranged through your tour operator.

5. Do I need a Tibet visa for this tour?

Yes and No. Not every nationality requires a visa fee. Do let us know which passport you hold, so we can let you know if it is applicable or not.

6. How early should I book the Mt Kailash tour?

It is recommended to book at least 30–45 days in advance for permit processing and visa arrangements.

7. What is the cost of a Mt Kailash Group Joining Tour?

The cost typically ranges between:

• USD 2,000 – 3,500 per person
  Depending on services, accommodation, and transportation.

8. What is included in the package?

Usually includes:

• Tibet permits & visa
• Transportation (bus/jeep)
• Accommodation
• Guide services
• Meals (as per itinerary)

9. What is not included in the package?

Common exclusions:

• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Horse/yak for Kailash Parikrama
• Emergency evacuation
• Extra accommodation if you skip the trek

10. How difficult is the Kailash Parikrama?

The Kora is moderately to highly challenging, involving a 3-day trek reaching altitudes over 5,600 meters.

11. Can beginners do the Kailash Kora?

Yes, beginners can do it with proper preparation, but good physical fitness is required. Prior trekking experience is recommended.

12. Is the Kora compulsory?

No. If you are not fit, you can stay at Darchen while others complete the trek.

13. What is the altitude of Mt Kailash?

Mt Kailash stands at 6,638 meters, and the trek crosses passes above 5,600 meters.

14. Is altitude sickness a concern?

Yes, altitude sickness is one of the biggest challenges. Symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath

15. How can I prevent altitude sickness?

• Proper acclimatization
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid alcohol
• Walk slowly
• Carry altitude medication if advised

16. Is oxygen available during the tour?

Most tours provide backup oxygen cylinders and basic medical support for emergencies.

17. Do I need a medical check-up before the tour?

Yes, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor before traveling to a high altitude.

18. What type of accommodation is provided?

• Kathmandu: 3–4 star hotels
• Tibet: Guesthouses and basic hotels
• During Kora: Very basic lodges

19. What kind of food is available?

Meals are simple and include:

• Tibetan / Chinese dishes
• Vegetarian options
• Packed meals during trekking days

20. How do we travel during the tour?

• Kathmandu to border: Tourist vehicle
• Tibet side: Bus or Land Cruiser

21. Where does the tour start and end?

Most group tours start and end in Kathmandu, Nepal.

22. What should I pack for Mt Kailash Tour?

Essential items:

• Warm clothing
• Trekking shoes
• Sunglasses & sunscreen
• Personal medicines
• Snacks & energy food

23. Can I buy trekking gear in Kathmandu?

Yes, Kathmandu is one of the best places to buy or rent trekking gear before the tour.

24. What currency should I carry?

• Nepal: NPR / USD
• Tibet: Chinese Yuan (CNY)

It is recommended to carry extra cash for personal expenses.

25. Is there internet or a mobile network?

• Available in major towns like Saga or Darchen
• Not available during the Kora trek

26. Can I charge my devices?

Yes, in towns, but with limited or no electricity during the trek.

27. Is there an age limit for Mt Kailash Tour?

There is no strict age limit, but travelers must be physically fit. Some restrictions may apply for elderly travelers.

28. Is the Mt Kailash tour safe?

Yes, when organized by experienced operators with proper acclimatization and safety measures.

29. What is the best time for Mt Kailash Tour?

The best time is May to September. You can also read our detailed guide on Best Time for Mt Kailash Tour to plan your journey better.

30. Can I visit during the full moon?

Yes, many travelers prefer the full moon for spiritual significance, but it is optional.

31. How can I book the tour?

You can book by:

• Sending a passport copy
• Paying an advance deposit
• Confirming travel dates

32. What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation policies vary, but generally:

• Charges apply if canceled within 30 days
• Limited or no refund close to departure

Still have questions about Mt Kailash Group Joining Tour 2026? Contact our expert team today and secure your seat for this once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey.