Mount Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage via Nepal – Fixed Departure 2026

The Mount Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage is among the most revered spiritual journeys in the world, drawing devotees from Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bon tradition. Mount Kailash (6,638 meters) is considered the spiritual axis of the universe and the divine abode of Lord Shiva. Adjacent to it, Lake Mansarovar, at 4,590 meters, represents purity, creation, and enlightenment.

The pilgrimage via Nepal through the Kerung border provides an accessible and safe overland route, allowing travelers to adjust to altitude gradually, obtain Tibet Group Visa assistance, and travel under professional guidance. This page details the 2026 fixed departure program, including visa procedures, itinerary, accommodation, meals, inclusions, exclusions, health & safety, and cultural insights for this sacred journey.

This program is designed for international pilgrims (excluding Indian nationals) and focuses entirely on the Tibet sector via Nepal, offering a well-structured and spiritually immersive experience.

Why Travel to Mount Kailash Mansarovar via Nepal

The Nepal route via Kerung has become the most reliable way to reach Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar for international travelers. Advantages include:

• Gradual elevation gain, which allows proper acclimatization
• Organized Tibet Group Visa processing in Kathmandu
• Safe and scenic overland routes with professional drivers
• Structured itinerary balancing spiritual, cultural, and physical considerations
• Experience local hospitality and guidance at high-altitude stops

Traveling via Nepal ensures pilgrims can focus on the spiritual essence of the journey without worrying about complicated logistics or documentation.

Spiritual Significance of Mount Kailash & Lake Mansarovar

Mount Kailash is sacred across multiple faiths:

• Hinduism: Eternal home of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the source of spiritual energy
• Buddhism: Mount Meru, the cosmological center of the universe
• Jainism: Site of liberation for the first Tirthankara
• Bon Religion: Spiritual center of ancient Bon tradition

Pilgrims perform the Kailash Kora (Parikrama), a 52 km circumambulation believed to purify karma, remove obstacles, and bring spiritual transformation.

Lake Mansarovar is equally sacred. Pilgrims perform holy baths, rituals, and prayers along its shores. This combination of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar represents spiritual awakening, purification, and devotion.

Who Can Join This Pilgrimage

This pilgrimage is suitable for:

• International passport holders (excluding India)
• Travelers in good physical health
• Pilgrims able to walk 5–8 hours per day on high-altitude terrain
• Individuals seeking a spiritual, cultural, and scenic journey

Important Note: Indian passport holders must follow different visa procedures and are not eligible for this fixed departure program.

Fixed Departure Schedule – 2026 (Via Nepal)

To ensure smooth Tibet Group Visa processing, pilgrims are required to arrive in Kathmandu at least 7 days before departure (excluding Saturdays and Sundays).

April 2026

• Kathmandu Arrival: 13 April → Departure to Tibet: 18 April
• Kathmandu Arrival: 21 April → Departure to Tibet: 25 April

May 2026

• Kathmandu Arrival: 12 May → Departure to Tibet: 16 May
• Kathmandu Arrival: 20 May → Departure to Tibet: 26 May
• Kathmandu Arrival: 31 May → Saga Dawa Festival (Highly Auspicious)

June 2026

• Kathmandu Arrival: 9 June → Departure to Tibet: 13 June
• Kathmandu Arrival: 22 June → Departure to Tibet: 25 June
• (Full Moon: 29 June)

July 2026

• Kathmandu Arrival: 7 July → Departure to Tibet: 11 July
• Kathmandu Arrival: 21 July → Departure to Tibet: 25 July
• (Full Moon: 29 July)

August 2026

• Kathmandu Arrival: 4 August → Departure to Tibet: 8 August
• Kathmandu Arrival: 18 August → Departure to Tibet: 24 August
• (Full Moon: 28 August)

September 2026

• Kathmandu Arrival: 1 September → Departure to Tibet: 5 September
• Kathmandu Arrival: 15 September → Departure to Tibet: 22 September
• (Full Moon: 26 September)

October 2026

• Kathmandu Arrival: 28 September → Departure to Tibet: 1 October

Tibet Group Visa – Information

All travelers require a Tibet Group Visa, issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.

Important Points

• Minimum 5 participants per group required
• Original passport submission in Kathmandu mandatory
• Visa processing time: 3–4 official working days
• Travelers must stay in Kathmandu during processing

Visa Fees

• Standard: USD 125 per person
• Extra USD 100 for passport holders from:
• United States
• Canada
• Argentina
• Romania
• Brazil

Visa regulations may change; pilgrims are advised to confirm requirements in advance.

Required Documents for Tibet Visa

Travelers must provide:

1. Clear passport copy, submitted at least 25 days prior
2. Original passport for submission in Kathmandu
3. Passport-size photograph (white background, no glasses, neutral expression)
4. Completed visa application form (provided and processed by Mountain King Treks)
5. Valid Nepal entry visa
6. Passport with at least two blank visa pages

All details must match the passport exactly to ensure smooth visa processing.

Detailed Itinerary: Mount Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage (Drive In / Drive Out)

Day 1: Kathmandu – Rasuwagadhi – Kerung (2,800 m)

Travel through scenic mountain roads to the Nepal–Tibet border at Rasuwagadhi. Complete immigration formalities and continue to Kerung town. Overnight in Kerung.

Day 2: Kerung – Acclimatization

Rest day for altitude adaptation. Light walks and preparation for the journey ahead are recommended.

Day 3: Kerung – Saga (4,350 m)

Drive via Ghantula Pass (5,226 m), with panoramic views of the Brahmaputra River basin and Tibetan plateau. Overnight in Saga.

Day 4: Saga – Lake Mansarovar (4,500 m)

Journey through Dongpa La Pass and witness the first sacred view of Mount Kailash. Arrive at Lake Mansarovar and perform initial rituals. Overnight near the lake.

Day 5: Mansarovar – Darchen (4,500–4,600 m)

Morning holy bath and rituals at Lake Mansarovar. Short drive to Darchen, the base camp for Mount Kailash. Overnight in Darchen.

Day 6: Darchen – Dirapuk (Kora Begins)

Drive to Yamadwar, where the Kailash Kora begins along the western face of Mount Kailash. Walk through scenic valleys and monasteries. Overnight in Dirapuk.

Day 7: Dirapuk – Dolma La Pass – Zuthulpuk

Cross Dolma La Pass (5,630 m), the highest point of the pilgrimage, and pass sacred Gaurikunda. Descend to Zuthulpuk for overnight stay.

Day 8: Zuthulpuk – Saga

Complete the Kora and drive back to Saga. Reflect on the spiritual journey and enjoy Tibetan plateau scenery. Overnight in Saga.

Day 9: Saga – Kerung

Drive back toward the Nepal border, descending gradually. Overnight in Kerung.

Day 10: Kerung – Kathmandu

Return to Kathmandu via Rasuwagadhi. Arrival in evening concludes the pilgrimage.

Accommodation & Meal Plan

Accommodation: Twin-sharing rooms with attached bathrooms where possible. At high-altitude stops (Mansarovar, Dirapuk, Zuthulpuk): dormitory-style with shared bathrooms.

Meals:

• Full Board (Recommended): Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the journey
• Bed & Breakfast (Optional): Breakfast only

Full board is recommended due to limited dining facilities at high altitude.

Health, Fitness & Safety Guidelines

• Medical consultation before travel is advised
• Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking required
• Walk slowly and maintain hydration
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Follow guide instructions at all times
• Gradually adjust to altitude to prevent sickness

Pilgrims’ safety and comfort are top priorities during the journey.

Inclusions

• Twin-sharing accommodation with attached bathroom (except dormitory-style at high-altitude stops)
• English-speaking Tibetan guide
• Transportation as per itinerary
• Monastery entrance fees
• Tibet Travel Permit and necessary documentation
• Kerung border to Kathmandu city pick-up and drop-off

Exclusions

• Lunch and dinner (if B&B selected)
• Nepal side expenses
• Personal travel insurance
• Costs due to natural or political disturbances beyond control
• Personal expenses: drinks, tips, porter charges, yak rental during Kora

Why Travel with Mountain King Treks for Mount Kailash Pilgrimage

The Mount Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage requires careful planning, official permits, and local knowledge. Traveling with an experienced operator like Mountain King Treks ensures:

• Proper Tibet Group Visa processing in Kathmandu
• Structured overland itinerary via Kerung for safe altitude acclimatization
• Experienced guides who respect spiritual traditions
• Reliable transportation and pre-arranged accommodations
• Focus on spiritual experience rather than logistics

Our team emphasizes cultural sensitivity, safety, and comfort, allowing pilgrims to fully immerse themselves in this life-changing journey.

Plan Your Mount Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage

For detailed information about fixed departure dates, visa procedures, accommodation, or pilgrimage cost, contact our team:

📱 WhatsApp / Call: +977-9841566449

📧 Email: info@mountainkingtrek.com

🌐 Website: www.mountainkingtreks.com

We provide professional guidance to ensure a safe, comfortable, and spiritually meaningful pilgrimage.