The Kailash Parikrama Mansarovar Yatra is not merely a physical journey; it is a spiritual odyssey, a quest for self-discovery, and an exploration of divine energies. Nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas, the sacred region of Kailash Mansarovar is a pilgrimage destination that beckons the devout from across the globe. Coupled with the sacred Saga Dawa Festival, this pilgrimage becomes a transcendent experience that etches itself into the hearts of those fortunate enough to embark upon it.
The Kailash Parikrama is a circumambulation, a pilgrimage circuit around the majestic Mount Kailash, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. This sacred trek is not for the faint-hearted, as it takes pilgrims through challenging terrains, high-altitude passes, and pristine landscapes. The journey begins in Darchen, a small town in Tibet, and covers approximately 52 kilometers around Mount Kailash. Pilgrims trek over the Dolma La Pass, navigate through the serene Gauri Kund, and visit monasteries like Dirapuk and Zuthulphuk along the way.
The circumambulation is not just a physical endeavor; it is a symbolic act of devotion and spiritual purification. Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of the ancient Bon religion consider Kailash a sacred site. The yatra is an opportunity to seek blessings, cleanse the soul, and attain spiritual enlightenment.
Mansarovar Lake, situated at an elevation of 4,590 meters, is an integral part of the Kailash Yatra. Pilgrims believe that a dip in the pristine waters of Mansarovar cleanses them of sins and brings them closer to spiritual liberation. The tranquil lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, adds to the mystical ambiance of the pilgrimage.
The Kailash Parikrama Mansarovar Yatra often coincides with the Saga Dawa Festival, an auspicious occasion in Tibetan Buddhism. Celebrated on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month, Saga Dawa marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. The festival is observed with fervent prayers, chanting of scriptures, and acts of kindness. Pilgrims participate in the circumambulation of sacred sites, such as the Barkhor Street in Lhasa, carrying prayer flags and spinning prayer wheels.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Saga Dawa is the “raising of the Tarboche flagpole” ceremony at Mount Kailash. Pilgrims and locals gather to witness the unfolding of a massive flagpole, adorned with colorful prayer flags. This symbolic act is believed to accumulate merit and bring blessings to all beings.
The Kailash Parikrama Mansarovar Yatra and Saga Dawa Festival represent a harmonious blend of nature and spirituality. Pilgrims are not only humbled by the awe-inspiring landscapes but also enriched by the spiritual energy that permeates the region. The journey fosters a sense of camaraderie among diverse pilgrims, transcending cultural and religious boundaries.
Embarking on this sacred pilgrimage and celebrating Saga Dawa is more than a physical undertaking; it is a transformative journey of the soul. It is an opportunity to connect with the divine, to reflect on one’s life, and to experience the profound beauty of both the external world and the inner self. The Kailash Parikrama Mansarovar Yatra and Saga Dawa Festival beckon the seekers of truth and the curious at heart to partake in a pilgrimage that transcends the ordinary and touches the realm of the divine.
Collect your original passport, sign the required forms for Kailash Parikrama Mansarovar Yatra. Rest at the hotel.
Enjoy two free days in Kathmandu while waiting for your final group visa from the Chinese embassy. We provide both nights’ accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu. You also have the option to choose other activities such as hiking or a driving tour around Kathmandu. It is important to stay nearby Kathmandu in case of any calls from the Embassy during visa preparation. Use this time for Kailash Parikrama Mansarovar Yatra briefing, finalize packing, and purchase any lacking equipment.
Depart from Kathmandu for a 6/7-hour drive to the Nepal Tibet border at Timure. Overnight on the Nepali side, preparing to cross to Tibet the next morning.
After breakfast, a short walk to Tibet immigration. Your Nepali guide will handle all the immigration formalities in Nepal, and together with the Tibetan guide, you will finish the Tibetan immigration formalities. Drive to the first Tibetan town, Kerung, at 2700 meters. Short walking tour and overnight.
Start driving towards Saga, enjoying a beautiful waterfall and witnessing the landscape transition to less vegetation. Stop at viewpoints for beautiful plateau views after crossing several high passes. Saga is the largest town in the Kailash region.
Spend two nights at an altitude of 4450 meters to acclimatize to the high altitude. Explore the city and interact with locals.
Drive through the scenic Tibetan plateau, passing beautiful lakes and Himalayan views. It is a dry and windy area, so stay hydrated and eat properly. Minor symptoms of high altitude, such as headaches or nausea, may occur but will subside after spending the night at Lake Mansarovar at an altitude of 4580 meters. Avoid deep immersion in cold water at this altitude. Mount Kailash’s south face is clearly visible from here. Accommodations around Mansarovar are simple mud houses available for group sharing.
Enjoy the morning view of Mount Kailash’s south face. Spend time around Lake Mansarovar, whether for a bath, a ritual, or other activities. Optionally, hike to the old monastery near the lake (Chui Gompa). Before driving to Darchen, buy necessary supplies for the 3-day Kailash Parikrama (Kora) and trekking sticks.
Have an early breakfast and leave main luggage in Darchen. Start walking with a handbag for about 7 hours to reach Derapuk (4900m). Enjoy views of Kailash’s south, west, and north faces. Closer views of the north face can be seen during sunset. Accommodations in Derapuk are in mud houses available for group sharing.
This is a tough and crucial day of the tour. Cross the 5645-meter Dolma-La, with 9 to 11 hours of walking, including steep uphill and downhill sections. Carry enough water and food for the day. Overnight at an altitude of 4760 meters in group-sharing mud houses in Juthulpuk. A tent house is available for noodle and soup after a challenging 5-6 hours of walking.
A 3-hour easy walk in flat terrain to reach your car in Darchen. Continue driving to Saga town for a more comfortable overnight stay compared to Kailash Parikrama days.
After breakfast, start driving back the same way to reach Kerung town, the last Tibetan town bordering Nepal.
After an early breakfast, drive to Nepal Tibet immigration. Complete custom formalities with the help of guides. Bid farewell to the Tibetan guide and continue driving to Kathmandu with the Nepali guide. After 8 hours of driving, reach Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel, and overnight.
Transfer to the International airport for your final departure. End of Kailash Parikrama Mansarovar Yatra.
Tour Cost: US$ 3,150.00 per person, sharing a twin room.
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: US$ 450.00 Per Person
Extra: Tibet/China Visa fee US$ 215.00 per person.
Extra: US$ 95.00 per person for American Nationals. (Subject to change)
Extra: Lhasa/Kathmandu one way airfare US$ 489.00 Per Person (Subject to change)
SERVICE INCLUDES:
Arrival / Departure Transfers by AC Coach
On Twin Sharing Accommodation at Hotel in Kathmandu with Breakfast basis included
Lunch and Dinner on Full board in Tibet part.
Sightseeing Tours with monumental entrance fees
Kathmandu / Timure / Kathmandu by Deluxe Bus
Eco vehicle for Mansarovar and Kailash Movement
Kathmandu / Timure / Kathmandu by Heli (optional)
Nepali Crew members in Kailash Region
Complimentary 2 Bottle Mineral Water per day
Team Leader & Experienced Staff with personalized services
All Permits
Complimentary Duffel Bag
Dawn Jacket on returnable basis
First aid-kit, Medical Oxygen, Pulse Oximeter, Diamox and other needful medicines.
SERVICE EXCLUDES:
Travel &; Medical Insurance Permissions and other official formalities
Evacuation cost in case of emergency
Drinks beverages (hard and soft drinks),
Lunch and Dinner in Nepal part
Cost of Hiring Horse / Pony / Porter during the 3 days Kailash Parikarma
Expenses of Personal Nature such as Phone call, laundry and etc.
Any additional cost due to natural calamities and unforeseen circumstances such as landslides, road blockage and etc.
Emergency evacuations/Rescue expenses, if required.
Tibet / China Visa Fee
Any tipping
Cost of Nepal visa (visa on arrival – and visa cost is USD 30 for 15 days multiple and 50 per person for a month multiple)
Saga Dawa Festival day at Tarboche is fixed by our tibetan lunar calendar 2025 | Saga Dawa Festival day at Tarboche is fixed by our tibetan lunar calendar 2026 |
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