Overland Kailash Yatra 13N 14D
from Kathmandu by Bus
Every route to Kailash Mansarovar is a pilgrimage. But the Lhasa route is something more — it is a pilgrimage through the living heart of Tibetan civilisation. Of all the ways to reach Mount Kailash, this is the only one that takes you through Lhasa, the Forbidden City of Tibet — the seat of centuries of spiritual authority, the city that sits at 3,600 metres between the Himalayas and the sky, and one of the most extraordinary cultural and religious destinations on Earth.
Mount Kailash is the Axis Mundi — the cosmic pillar where the heavens meet the earth. Hindu scriptures identify it as the eternal abode of Lord Shiva, the supreme yogi who meditates here for the preservation of the universe. The 52-kilometre Parikrama of Kailash is believed to erase the sins of a lifetime and open the gates to Moksha. Lake Mansarovar, described in ancient texts as the mind-born creation of Lord Brahma, is the sacred freshwater lake whose holy dip washes away the karma of generations. These are the spiritual destinations at the end of this journey — but the journey itself, via Lhasa, is unlike any other. The 14-day Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Via Lhasa begins in Kathmandu, flies to Lhasa, and then proceeds overland through one of the most dramatic road journeys on Earth — from Lhasa through Gyantse and Shigatse, across the Tibetan Plateau via Saga, to Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash. The return follows the same route back through Shigatse and Lhasa to Kathmandu. Along the way, you stand before the Potala Palace — the winter palace of the Dalai Lama and one of the architectural and spiritual masterpieces of human civilisation. You walk through the ancient Barkhor market that has circled the Jokhang Temple for over 1,300 years. You see the Kumbum Stupa at Pelkor Chode Monastery in Gyantse. And you cross the Tibetan Plateau at 4,000 to 5,000 metres with the entire arc of the Himalayan range visible to the south.
Tour Highlights
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The Via Lhasa route is the only Kailash Mansarovar package that includes the Potala
Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Market — making it uniquely both a Kailash
pilgrimage and a Tibet cultural journey of the highest order.
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The former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, rising 13 storeys above the Red Hill of
Lhasa at 3,700 metres. One of the most awe-inspiring buildings on Earth — a structure
that combines spiritual symbolism, architectural grandeur, and the full weight of
Tibetan Buddhist history in a single view.
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The Jokhang Temple in the heart of Lhasa's old city is the spiritual centre of
Tibetan Buddhism — housing the Jowo Rinpoche statue of the young Buddha, which is the
most revered Buddhist image in Tibet. The atmosphere of prayer, incense, and devotion in
the Barkhor circuit surrounding it is singular.
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The ancient market street that has circled the Jokhang Temple since the 7th century
CE — offering the finest concentration of Tibetan Buddhist artefacts, thangkas,
jewellery, and sacred objects available anywhere in Tibet.
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The Pelkor Chode Kumbum — a nine-storey, 108-chapel stupa housing over 100,000
Buddhist images — is one of the great architectural achievements of Tibetan
civilisation. An extraordinary and rarely visited cultural stop.
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Shigatse is Tibet's second city and home to Tashilhunpo Monastery — the traditional
seat of the Panchen Lama, founded in 1447, housing one of the largest bronze statues in
the world.
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The complete three-day circumambulation — Darchen to Dirapuk, Dirapuk over Dolma La
Pass (5,630m) to Zutulpuk, and Zutulpuk back to Darchen — is fully included.
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One Parikrama in 2026 earns the spiritual merit of thirteen ordinary Parikramas. The
Via Lhasa route in the Year of the Horse is, without question, the most culturally and
spiritually complete Kailash Yatra available.
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The Brahma Muhurta holy dip at Mansarovar is included, along with a dedicated Hawan
ceremony on the lakeshore — a complete ritual arc from arrival to offering.
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Staying in Lhasa and Kathmandu in 4-star hotels — a standard that most Kailash
packages do not provide on the Lhasa route.
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Health monitoring at every altitude stage, emergency oxygen cylinders and first aid
throughout.
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Freshly prepared pure vegetarian Indian meals at every stage — from Kathmandu hotels
to Tibetan Plateau guesthouses.
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A deliberately small group size ensuring intimate, attentive service and a genuine
pilgrimage atmosphere rather than a mass-tourism experience.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by bus via Kathmandu itinerary
Experience the complete Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lhasa with full Parikrama, Mansarovar darshan, sacred site visits, and overland Tibetan Plateau travel — a spiritually complete 14-day journey.
Arrive at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport from your home city. The TTT representative meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Explore Kathmandu on your own today especially at night, with its temple bells and mountain air, sets the spiritual tone for everything that follows.
A full day of spiritual preparation in Kathmandu, visiting the sacred sites that make this city one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the Hindu and Buddhist world. Begin at Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River. Then Boudhanath Stupa, the largest Buddhist stupa in Asia. In the evening, a detailed trip briefing will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. to provide you with important information and prepare you for the journey ahead.
After breakfast, you will depart for Syabrubesi by a private non-AC coach bus, enjoying scenic views along the journey. Upon arrival, check in at a guest house or lodge for an overnight stay. Accommodation will be on a multiple-sharing basis with common washroom facilities.
After breakfast, drive to Rasuwagadhi (1,800 m), located approximately 9–12 km from Syabrubesi — about a 45-minute journey. Here, you will complete the immigration and customs formalities on both the Nepal and Tibet sides. After clearing the procedures, continue your journey to Kyirong. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel for an overnight stay on a triple-sharing basis.
Spend the day resting and acclimatizing to the high altitude in Kyirong, allowing your body to adjust comfortably to the environment. You can use this time to explore the local market and purchase essential Yatra items, such as trekking sticks, water containers (for Holy Mansarovar Jal), portable oxygen cans, face masks, fruits and packed juices. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel on a triple-sharing basis.
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Dongba/Saga, traveling through breathtaking mountain landscapes. En route, cross the sacred Brahmaputra River—an auspicious highlight of your journey. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay.
Early in the morning, begin your journey toward the sacred Lake Mansarovar, a monumental milestone of your Yatra. Today, you will undertake the complete 90 km holy Parikrama of Lake Mansarovar by vehicle. Along the way, enjoy your first breathtaking views of Mount Kailash and the serene Rakshastal Lake. Afterward, check in to a lakeside guesthouse or dormitory for an overnight stay (multiple-sharing basis).
Note on Amenities: Accommodation here is basic with no attached washroom facilities. However, portable toilets will be set up by the TTT team near the lake, subject to local administrative permissions.
Witness the profound divinity of Lake Mansarovar in the serene early morning hours. For your comfort and privacy, the Trip To Temples team will set up a dedicated bathing tent near the lake (subject to local administrative permission). After completing your holy bath and morning rituals, embark on the drive to Darchen. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, which offers a clear, breathtaking view of Mount Kailash's majestic South Face. Enjoy an overnight stay on a triple-sharing basis.
After breakfast, drive to Yam Dwar and begin your sacred trek to Dirapuk. At Yam Dwar, bless your journey with a magnificent darshan of the South Face of Mount Kailash. This first day of the Parikrama offers an incredibly spiritual experience, revealing the South, West and North Faces of the holy mountain. Yam Dwar holds deep spiritual significance; tradition dictates that passing through this gateway cleanses pilgrims of all unintentional sins. Your overnight stay will be in a dormitory on a multiple-sharing basis, with no washroom facilities available.
Note : Yatris who choose not to participate in the Parikrama will return from Yam Dwar to Darchen, accompanied by a Tibetan guide.
Please note that the Parikrama is completely optional. As accommodations differ—with Parikrama yatris staying in basic dormitories and non-Parikrama yatris upgrading to a hotel in Darchen—an additional charge of approximately 500 Yuan must be borne directly by the yatris staying back. The majestic Mount Kailash is clearly visible from Darchen itself. You will reunite with the rest of the group during the first half of the day when they complete the third and final day of their Parikrama.
Meal Note : A light packed lunch (consisting of a fruit, packed juice, biscuits, and namkeen) is provided during the trek. We strongly suggest carrying your own healthy snacks, such as dry fruits and protein bars, for extra energy.
Early in the morning, start the trek at 5 a.m. from Dirapuk. The first 6 km from Dirapuk is a steep, inclined trek. You can see Shivasthal en route and reach Dolma La Pass (18,600 ft). The next 6 km is a steep descent, en route you can see Gaurikund on the right-hand side. (In case the parikrama is done by pony, these 6 km still have to be completed on foot.) The last 10 km of the day is a plain route till Zutulpuk.
Overnight stay—Dormitory (Meal : Breakfast, packed Lunch, Dinner ; Stay : Multiple Sharing, no washroom available).
Note: If a yatri is not comfortable completing the second and third day of the parikrama, the Tibetan guide can arrange an ambulance (subject to availability) to Darchen.
The third and final day of the Parikrama involves a gentle 8 km trek that takes approximately 2–3 hours to complete. The group generally finishes the trek between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. After completing the Parikrama, you will be driven back to Darchen to reunite with the rest of the group, followed by a return drive to Saga or Dongba. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, you begin the drive from Donga/Saga to Gyirong, covering approximately 270 km in 6–7 hours, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel for an overnight stay on a Triple sharing basis.
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kathmandu, driving via the Rasuwagadhi border. You will complete the necessary customs and immigration formalities en route at the border checkpoint. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check in to your 5-star hotel for a comfortable overnight stay on a twin or triple-sharing basis.
Check-out from the hotel after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport which is approximately a 30-minute drive.
NOTE: Voter ID is mandatory for travel to Kathmandu, as passports will be submitted at the Visa Office. If traveling by flight, ensure your Voter ID card is carried and the Kathmandu flight ticket is booked in the exact name as on the Voter ID.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026
- Valid Passport (mandatory for Tibet travel)
- Passport-size photographs
- Medical fitness certificate (recommended)
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Chinese Group Visa, Tibet Travel Permit (TTP), and Alien Travel Permit for Ngari — all three mandatory permits handled end-to-end by TTT with 100% approval record
- International flights Kathmandu → Lhasa → Kathmandu
- 4-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (2 nights, twin sharing) and Lhasa (2 nights, twin sharing)
- Comfortable guesthouses throughout Tibet — Shigatse (2 nights), Saga (2 nights)
- Tented camps at Lake Mansarovar, Darchen, Dirapuk, and Zutulpuk
- Dedicated AC Volvo-category vehicles for all overland transfers throughout Tibet
- Full 52km Kailash Parikrama across 3 days with Sherpa support
- All meals from Day 1 dinner through Day 14 breakfast — 100% pure Sattvic vegetarian, freshly prepared throughout including at Tibetan Plateau guesthouses and remote camps
- Dedicated Pandit Ji for Mansarovar holy dip, Mansarovar Hawan, Yam Dwar puja, Gauri Kund puja, Dolma La Pass puja, and Darchen completion ceremony
- TTT Tour Manager throughout — dedicated to the group
- Tibetan licensed guide (mandatory under Chinese regulations) throughout the Tibet portion
- Emergency oxygen cylinders, pulse oximeters, complete first aid kit, satellite phone for emergencies
- Puja materials — Gangajal, flowers, diyas, incense for all ceremonies
- Portable toilets at Lake Mansarovar camp
- TTT Travel Kit — branded backpack, duffel bag, sling bag
- Yatra Completion Certificate for each pilgrim
- Government subsidy documentation support for eligible state residents
- Cultural sightseeing entrance fees — Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Kumbum Stupa, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Sera Monastery
- International flights to Kathmandu (joining point) and from Kathmandu (dispersal point) — to be arranged independently
- Travel insurance — a comprehensive international policy including high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation above 5,000m is strongly recommended; must be arranged independently
- Horse or yak hire on Kailash Parikrama route — available at Darchen at additional on-ground cost
- Porter hire for personal luggage on Parikrama — available at extra cost
- Personal expenses, tips, shopping, monastery donations, and souvenirs
- Chinese Yuan for Tibet personal expenses — carry INR equivalent of ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 exchanged before entering Tibet
- Any costs from weather delays, road closures, or Tibet border restrictions beyond TTT control
- Tibet Entry Permit (separate from TTP) — applicable for certain nationalities with foreign passports; included for Indian passport holders
Cancellation & Refund
- Registration deposit is non-refundable. Full payment due 45 days before departure. Tibet border closure or permit rejection — full refund or free reschedule. Standard TTT terms apply.
Important Notes & Guidelines
Age and Fitness: Open to pilgrims between 18 and 70 years of age. The full 52km Kailash Parikrama reaches 5,630m and requires good cardiovascular fitness. Additionally, the Via Lhasa route involves 4–5 days of long overland driving across the Tibetan Plateau at 4,000–5,000m — more physically demanding in cumulative terms than the helicopter route. Begin cardiovascular training at least 90 days before departure. Medical fitness certificate from a registered MBBS doctor is mandatory.
Altitude Acclimatisation: This route provides the most gradual and thorough acclimatisation of any Kailash package — starting at Kathmandu (1,400m), ascending to Lhasa (3,600m), and progressively reaching Saga (4,640m) before Mansarovar (4,590m) and Kailash (4,575m). The multi-day Lhasa stay is critical acclimatisation — do not exert yourself on the Lhasa sightseeing days, drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily, and report any altitude symptoms to the TTT team immediately.
4-Star Hotels in Lhasa and Kathmandu: This package includes 4-star accommodation in Lhasa and Kathmandu. Guesthouses at Shigatse and Saga are basic but clean — these are the best available on the Tibetan Plateau. Tented camps at Mansarovar, Darchen, Dirapuk, and Zutulpuk are standard pilgrimage camps. A sleeping bag rated to -10°C is mandatory.
Limited Batches — 2 Only in 2026: The Via Lhasa route operates only 2 batches in 2026 — 20 June and 19 September — with a maximum of 25 seats per batch. This is genuinely one of the most limited-availability Kailash packages available in India. Book as early as possible.
Document Submission Deadline: All documents — passport, photographs, Aadhaar, medical certificate, and TTT forms — must be submitted at least 45 to 60 days before departure. Chinese Group Visa takes 15 to 20 working days; Tibet Travel Permit requires 7 to 10 additional working days.
Mobile Network: Indian SIMs do not work inside Tibet. Lhasa has WiFi at 4-star hotels — use it for final communications before entering the Plateau. No reliable network at Saga, Mansarovar, Darchen, or the Parikrama route. TTT carries satellite communication for emergencies.
Weather: Lhasa in June and September is pleasant — 18–22°C daytime, 5–10°C nights. On the Tibetan Plateau and at Kailash, temperatures drop significantly — 12–18°C daytime at Saga and Mansarovar, -5°C to -10°C nights. At Dolma La Pass (5,630m), near 0°C even in June with wind chill making it feel -10°C. Pack full warm gear: thermal inner layers, down jacket, windproof and waterproof outer, heavy gloves, balaclava, and a sleeping bag rated to -10°C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Five days from Lucknow to the feet of Mahadev.
No trekking. No compromise on the darshan. The holy dip, the Parikrama, the Kailash darshan — everything that matters, in the time you have. Trip To Temples is honoured to take you there.