Mount Kailash Tour via Simikot

Today, you will take a scenic one-hour flight from Kathmandu (1,350 m) to Nepalgunj (150 m), a lowland city near the Indian border. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, where you can relax and adjust to the warmer climate. In the evening, attend a short briefing about the upcoming trek and make final preparations. Overnight at hotel in Nepalgunj.

In the morning, take a short scenic flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot (2,985 m). After a brief rest, start your trek, descending through pine forests and passing small villages along the Karnali River. After a 4–5 hour trek, you’ll arrive at Darapori (2,360 m), where you’ll spend the night. Overnight at a guesthouse in Darapori.

After breakfast, begin your trek from Darapuri (2,360 m) towards Kermi (2,860 m). The trail follows the Karnali River and ascends gradually through lush forests, terraced fields, and remote villages. The trek will take about 5-6 hours, offering peaceful surroundings and stunning mountain views. Upon arrival in Kermi, known for its natural hot springs, you can relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. Overnight at a guesthouse in Kermi.

After breakfast, begin your trek from Kermi (2,860 m) to Yalbang (2,879 m). The trail ascends gradually through lush forests and follows the Karnali River, passing through small Tibetan villages. The trek takes around 5-6 hours, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and peaceful landscapes. Upon reaching Yalbang, you’ll visit the Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery, which adds a spiritual atmosphere to the serene environment. Overnight at a guesthouse in Yalbang.

After breakfast, trek for 5-6 hours from Yalbang to Tumkot (3,073 m), passing through beautiful landscapes and villages. Upon reaching Tumkot, visit Dhungkar Choezom Monastery, a 500-year-old site known for its spiritual heritage and a 13-foot Buddha statue. After the visit, settle into your guesthouse for the night. Overnight at a guesthouse in Tumkot.

After breakfast, begin your trek from Tumkot (3,073 m) to Yari (3,663 m). The trail ascends gradually through rocky paths and alpine terrain, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. After trekking for about 6-7 hours, you'll reach Yari, a small village at a higher altitude, where you can rest and acclimatize. Overnight at a guesthouse in Yari.

After breakfast, begin your trek from Yari (3,663 m) towards Hilsa (3,647 m), crossing the Nara La Pass (4,620 m). This challenging section of the journey takes you through high-altitude terrain, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trek will take about 5-6 hours, including the ascent to the pass, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. After crossing the pass, descend to Hilsa, a small Tibetan border village. Overnight at a guesthouse in Hilsa.

After breakfast in Hilsa, cross the suspension bridge over the Karnali River and complete immigration formalities at the Nepal-Tibet border. From there, you'll meet your Tibetan guide and drive to Purang (also known as Taklakot) at 3,772 m. The drive takes about 2–3 hours through dry, rugged landscapes typical of the Tibetan plateau. Upon arrival in Purang, check into your guesthouse and rest. You can explore the local market and visit the ancient Purang monastery if time permits. Overnight at a guesthouse in Purang.

After breakfast, drive for about 2–3 hours from Purang to Montser, passing through the stark, beautiful landscapes of western Tibet. From Montser, continue the short drive to Tirtapuri, one of the region’s most sacred pilgrimage sites associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Here, visit the monastery, meditation caves, and sacred hot springs, where pilgrims perform rituals and a short kora. After sightseeing, return to Montser. Overnight at a guesthouse in Montser.

After breakfast, visit Garuda Valley, an ancient and sacred site believed to be the spiritual center of the pre-Buddhist Bon religion and the former capital of the Zhang Zhung civilization. Explore its meditation caves, ruins, and unusual rock formations for about 1–2 hours. Then drive for 3–4 hours across the high-altitude Tibetan plateau to reach Darchen (4,564 m), the base camp for the Mount Kailash Kora. Rest and prepare for the pilgrimage trek starting the next day. Overnight at a guesthouse in Darchen.

Today marks the start of the sacred Mount Kailash Kora. After breakfast in Darchen (4,564 m), drive to Yama Dwar, the gateway to the kora route. Begin your 15 km trek (6–7 hours) through a scenic valley along the Lha Chu River, with increasingly close views of Mount Kailash’s stunning north face. The trail gently ascends to Dira Puk Monastery (5,000 m), offering one of the most iconic views of the mountain. Very basic accommodation is available near the monastery. Overnight at a guesthouse in Dira Puk.

Today is the most challenging and spiritually significant day of the Kailash Kora. After breakfast at Dira Puk (5,000 m), start your trek early and ascend to Dolma La Pass (5,645 m), the highest point of the kora. The climb is steep and demanding, but the views and spiritual experience are incredibly rewarding. After crossing the pass, descend to Gauri Kund, a sacred lake, before continuing your trek to Zuthulpuk Monastery (4,800 m). The trek is about 22 km and will take approximately 8–9 hours. Very basic accommodation is available near the monastery. Overnight at a guesthouse in Zuthulpuk.

On the final day of the Kailash Kora, begin your trek from Zuthulpuk Monastery (4,800 m) back to Darchen (4,564 m). The trek is approximately 8 km and takes around 2–3 hours, descending through the valley with one last view of Mount Kailash. Once you reach Darchen, your journey continues with a 2–3 hour drive to Lake Manasarovar (4,600 m), a sacred and peaceful site. Upon arrival, take time to relax and reflect by the tranquil waters of the lake. Overnight at a guesthouse near Manasarovar.

Today, enjoy a peaceful and spiritually enriching day as you explore Lake Manasarovar (4,600 m), one of the most sacred lakes in Tibetan Buddhism. The serene lake is surrounded by stunning views of the snow-capped mountains, providing a perfect setting for reflection and relaxation. You can perform a kora (circumambulation) around the lake, which is considered an important pilgrimage ritual. There will also be an opportunity to visit nearby temples and holy sites. Spend the day immersing yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the lake, allowing time for contemplation and prayer. Overnight at a guesthouse near Manasarovar.

After breakfast, depart from Lake Manasarovar (4,600 m) and begin your drive to Saga (4,450 m). The drive covers approximately 496 km and takes around 8–9 hours, passing through the vast Tibetan plateau with spectacular views of the landscape, rivers, and mountains. Upon arrival in Saga, check into your hotel and relax after the long journey. Overnight at a hotel in Saga.

After breakfast, begin your drive from Saga (4,450 m) to Kyirong (2,700 m). The drive covers approximately 232 km and takes around 6–7 hours, descending from the Tibetan plateau into the lush valleys of Kyirong. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you pass through rivers, valleys, and small Tibetan villages. Upon arrival in Kyirong, check into your hotel and rest. Overnight at a hotel in Kyirong.

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kathmandu. The drive from Kyirong to the Friendship Bridge will be in a Tibetan vehicle. After clearing immigration and crossing into Nepal, you will switch to a Nepalese vehicle for the remainder of the journey to Kathmandu. The drive covers approximately 175 km and takes about 7–8 hours, with changing scenery from Himalayan landscapes to the lush hills of Nepal. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. Our services end here.