Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour from Kathmandu- 15 days

Kailash Overland Tour Package Route

Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour Package starts in Kathmandu-vibrant capital city of Nepal. The cultural sights to be covered en route will include Pashupatinath Temple, probably the most well-known Hindu shrine and a constant stream of pilgrims, especially from India. Jalanarayan Temple gives a good look into the very ancient traditions of the Nepalis. You will be driven to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, where medieval architecture meets the craft of the local artisans. You also go up Chandragiri Hills in a cable car to see the panorama of the Himalayas.

The next day, you start your journey toward Syabrubeshi for rest en route to cross into Tibet. A pilgrimage to Kailash is not a physical trek but a deep spiritual journey that weaves its way right into the core of Tibetan culture and spirituality. As you left Syabrubeshi behind, the landscape wraps around your feet in a majestic tapestry of towering peaks, serene valleys, and rugged terrains, beckoning for adventurers and seekers alike. Cross into Tibet, and the air is crisper, with an ancient energy hinting at the sacredness of the land.

Difficulties of Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour Package

The Kailash Mansarovar tour is an awe-inspiring yet challenging journey due to its high altitude, rugged terrain, and unpredictable weather. The trek’s most demanding section is the Kailash Kora, a 52-kilometer (32-mile) circuit around Mount Kailash that reaches an elevation of 5,630 meters (18,471 feet) at the Dolma Pass.

Basically, Kailash Manasarovar is a land of rocks and rugged terrain, and the height may bring altitude sickness. However, with good enough preparation both physically and mentally, success is never too far. Graceful Adventure Travel has a successfully held experience whereby pilgrages from age groups between 14 to 70 years have been able to complete this tour safely and get back home with good health assured, thus making sure that you are guided and supported rightly for a safe pilgrimage.

It has been considered the holiest of pilgrimages by followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. These religions hold the mountain in utmost reverence, although each attaches the significance with different reasons. The Hindus take this mountain as the abode of Lord Shiva, whereas in Buddhism, the deity associated is Demchok.

According to Jainism, this was the land of enlightenment of the first Tirthankara. The uniqueness of this land combines with unparalleled natural splendor, making this an ultimate place for pilgrimage on the bucket list of any kind of adventure-loving spiritual seeker.

Besides the actual physical challenges on this trek, the trek indeed has been one for personal introspection, imbibing in cultures, and having a view of age-old religious rituals into practice.

Physical demands on Kailash Yatra include temperatures, steep ascents, and trails. Even the very Kora itself-52 kilometers long round Mount Kailash-is exhausting to make mentally and physically; it requires that trekkers are in good health, with enough cardiovascular fitness and strength.

With proper training, acclimatization, and guidance, people above 60 can too manage quite competently. The Pre-planning for cardiovascular exercise and strength development from a mental basis, building up high altitude and steep terrain conditions before embarking on the Yatra itself; smartly designed plans, proper selection of clothes for the tour operators, or even tour operators guarantee that the Kailash Tour will be moderately comfortable, minimally challenging, yet highly rewarding spiritual and physical development from the travel.

Best time for Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour Package

The best time for the overland Kailash Mansarovar Overland tour falls during the month between May to October. It is best during the months of May-June and September-October.

These are spring and autumn seasons, during which the weather is clear and pleasant, offering the best possible conditions for undertaking the pilgrimage. The trails are accessible from May to June when the inclement winter weather recedes. Besides, at this time, the landscape is green and flowers are in full bloom.

The temperature lies between 5° C to 15° C daytime, which is workable for tourist. During September to October, the weather is crisp with

Spring: May-June

Spring, in May and June, is considered the best time to start the Mount Kailash Mansarovar journey. During this season, all the trails open as the severe cold melts away, and the way for lush greenery makes it. Some of the factors that make this season perfect for trekking enthusiasts are mentioned below:

• Weather and Temperature

These are the months of favorable weather and mild temperatures that are considered the best months for the Kailash Kora Trek. The daytime temperature lies between 5°C and 15°C, while it drops to below freezing at night. After the chilling winter, in May and June, it starts to get warmer, offering ideal conditions both for spiritual journeys and adventure tours. In this season, the sky is usually clear, and from this, spectacular views of the vibrating landscape, blossoming flowers, the towering Mount Kailash, and serene Mansarovar Lake could be seen.

Autumn: September & October 

This autumn gives the fine blending of tranquility, pleasant weather, and religious importance to Mount Kailash Mansarovar Tour. September and October are the best months for tour, trekking and undertaking a pilgrimage to Kailash Manasarovar, which have every reason to keep away from the heavy monsoon rain of July-August.

In autumn, however, the most resplendent view of natural beauty is displayed. The absence of tourists makes the whole atmosphere so quiet and contemplative that breathtaking views of Mount Kailash, Mansarovar Lake, and landscapes may be breathed in one’s heart. This time of the year enables pilgrims to connect with the spiritual soul of the journey, while trekkers find a tranquil ambiance perfect for spiritual introspection, coupled with outdoor adventure.

• Weather and Temperature in September and October 

This is due to the temperatures during these months, which range between 5°C and 15°C during the day, similar to spring, hence more comfortable for going outdoors. It is also more appealing because of the coolness of the weather that will keep visitors capable of going around the region without extreme heat or the risks associated with the rainy season.

Festivals in Kailash Mansarovar Tour

The most important religious festivals in Tibet fall in May or June, and Saga Dawa falls on the 15th day of the Tibetan calendar. This time merges religious wonder with cultural importance across different faiths. The most important aspect of the event is Kora, when pilgrims circumambulate around the sacred sites of Kailash.

This is also the birth and enlightenment time of Sakyamuni-a month-long series of spiritual rituals including thousands of devotees walking around the Jokhang Temple. A combination of all these factors along with perfect weather conditions makes spring an ideal time to visit Mount Kailash Mansarovar. Since it coincides with the peak season, do book your hotels in advance.

Visa process of Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour

This special Chinese Group Tourist Visa, in respect of Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour, is processed only through any approved travel agent. The pilgrims cannot directly apply for the said visa in this regard since it gets linked with the Tibet Travel Permit being processed only at the level of Embassy/Consulate.

First of all, the pilgrims have to provide the necessary documents such as valid passport with six months validity, passport size photographs, and any other information asked by the travel agency. It usually takes 3-5 working days. All the information should be valid to avoid any delay in visa issuance.

A Tibet Travel Permit is another important document for the Tour. This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, which one needs to enter Tibet – that also includes Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, both restricted areas. The Tibet Travel Permit shall be organized by travel agencies for the pilgrims. It cannot be applied for individually. The application requires a valid passport, a Chinese visa, and personal details of the traveler. Once approved, the permit is given to the pilgrim upon his arrival in China. Normally, the Tibet Travel Permit takes 7 to 10 days to be processed.

In addition, the foreign nationals visiting Kailash Mansarovar must have a Chinese Group Tourist Visa that would be valid for the entire period of stay of their pilgrimage. Along with the Tibet Travel Permit, this visa would be required for visiting restricted areas in Tibet. The travel agency will make arrangements for the documentation, and the visa is issued by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in their home country. In the case of Indian citizens, the coordination is done through the Ministry of External Affairs for smooth processing. It is expected that pilgrims will apply for these permits well in advance to avoid any delays or complications since the process is often time-sensitive.

Required Document to get the visa for Kailash Mansarovar Tour package

For making the application for the Tibet visa, along with going on the Kailash Overland Tour, certain documents have to be prepared. Here is some major documents that you all need for both Tibet Group Visa purposes and also going on to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra tour:

1. Valid Passport

Your passport needs to have its validity at least six months ahead of your date of entry to Tibet.
It should have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

2. Passport-sized Photographs

You need to provide recent passport-sized photographs, which are generally 2-3 in number along with the application.

2. Tibet Group Visa Application Form

Hereby, an application form is to be duly filled-up, which would be provided from your travel agency. It will require personal information such as your full name, nationality, passport details, occupation, and all that.

3. Personal Information for Application

Other personal information may be required, including a copy of the Visa application form, address where you are staying in Tibet.

• Insurance copy and policy number
• permanent address
• Contact person details
• Hotel and accomodation details of tibet area
• Tour agency name etc.

4. Medical Certificate - Optional but Recommended

Some travel agencies require a medical certificate proving you are fit for the demanding hike at Kailash. Not all travel agencies demand this, but it is better in regard to your safety.

5. Alien's Travel Permit (if required)

In case you intend to go out of Lhasa or other highly restricted areas like Mount Kailash, then you need an Alien’s Travel Permit.
This usually is handled by the travel agency when you reach Tibet.

6. Chinese Group Visa Application by Travel Agency

Only an authorized travel agency is able to apply for the Chinese Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit on behalf of the travelers. Authorities in Tibet do not acknowledge individual applications.

You can make sure the process of a visa to Kailash Mansarovar tour goes quite smooth by preparing the above documents in advance and coordinating with any accredited travel agency. It is always best to plan much in advance, as there can be several days required for processing the visa and approval of permits.

Fitness Level for Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour Including Inner Kora

Kailash Overland Tour and the Inner Kora (the sacred loop around Mount Kailash) is a demanding trek. One has to be of some fitness level to do this trek because it involves high-altitude trekking and harsh conditions. The following is a rough estimate of the fitness level required:

1. General Fitness

Moderate to High Fitness Level: You would be reasonably healthy in general and rather fit. A normal walk, hill walk, or cardio exercises would suffice.
Endurance: Inner Kora is approximately 32 km (20 miles) and typically some 3 days of walking with the occasional drastic climbing and descent. You have to be reasonably fit to walk long daily at altitude (14,000-18,000 feet).

2. Altitude Considerations

The trek takes you to an altitude of more than 16,000 feet (4,900 meters), and Inner Kora crosses over the Dolma Pass at 5,636 meters (18,500 feet).

Altitude sickness can be a problem, and thus one must acclimatize. Two days in the area as a precaution is advisable to acclimatize before taking up the trek.

Your physical fitness to cope with altitude will be a primary consideration in successfully completing the trek.

3. Physical Conditioning

Cardiovascular Conditioning: Hiking long hours and coping with the Dolma Pass is a prerequisite for cardiovascular conditioning. Running, cycling, or long treks will acclimatize your body to the long distance.

Strength & Endurance: Train your legs (calf muscles, thighs, glutes) to cope with ascents and descents.

Flexibility and Balance: There are some parts of the trek where balance has to be maintained on rocky surfaces, and therefore flexibility and balancing exercises will prove useful.

Stamina in Cold and Hostile Weather: Weather may turn out to be very cold and erratic. Stamina to endure all kinds of weather conditions (tired) will be very critical.

4. Mental Preparation

Mental Toughness: Physical fatigue, high altitude, and isolated location can be mentally demanding. Staying motivated and calm in challenging situations will be essential.

Patience and Perseverance: Inner Kora is also referred to as a “spiritual pilgrimage,” so it is being in a state of perseverance. If your mind is at the spiritual level, it will make the test worthwhile.

5. Health and Medical Considerations

Pre-Trek Check-up: Make sure you are healthy by going to see a doctor prior to trying the tour. Some medical conditions, including heart issues or asthma, could make the journey more difficult.

Oxygen Factor: Some use supplemental oxygen, but this is not common except in the event of a medical issue or severe altitude issue.

Insurance Coverage policy to Make the Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour Package

The Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour is a life-enhancing and once-in-a-lifetime trip, yet it is also beset by inherent dangers due to the high elevations, rugged terrain, and remoteness of the geography. The uncertainty of high-altitude trekking combined with the likelihood of medical issues and evacuation necessities mandates that thorough travel insurance is secured before embarking on the journey.

Adequate coverage in the form of emergency medical treatment, high altitude sickness treatment, evacuation service, and hospitalization gives confidence while trekking. It secures you against unexpected dangers, which helps in lessening the financial burden of any unfortunate incident. By having appropriate travel insurance, you are best placed to take on the challenge of this holy pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in the knowledge that you have the backup you need if things go wrong. We highly recommend all travelers to take travel insurance from reputable carriers to have their optimum coverage and be able to enjoy a risk-free, hassle-free pilgrimage to one of the most holy sites in the world. Offer the main coverage for compliance policy Main

Coverage Areas for Travel Insurance

• Emergency Medical Treatment:

Overall coverage for Emergency Medical Treatment for medical emergencies that can arise during the trek, including consultation, treatment, and medication for dehydration, high-altitude sickness, or any accident or injury. The policy must give proper attention to covering medical emergencies as a broad category as well as high-altitude sickness like Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

• Emergency Evacuation:

Helicopter Evacuation: The policy will provide for helicopter evacuation because of severe injury or medical crisis from remote or in-remote locations to the nearest hospital.
Ground Transport: Where helicopter evacuation is not feasible, the policy ought to include transport to hospitals by ambulance or by whichever means are available.

• Treatment of Altitude Sickness:

High-altitude trekking is subject to Altitude Sickness, which encompasses AMS, HAPE, and HACE. These illnesses and their treatment should be included, such as oxygen therapy, consultation with a medical doctor, and evacuation to lower levels where applicable.

• Hospitalization:

For serious illness or injury, it must be ensured that the insurance pays for the hospital bill in Tibet or surrounding areas. These include room fees, surgery, and all types of medical intervention undertaken while in the hospital.

• Outpatient Treatment:

Less serious injury or illness, like headache, fever, or sprain, for example, must be covered under outpatient treatment, like doctors’ consultations and medication.

• Repatriation of Remains:

In case of death, the policy should provide for repatriation of remains to the traveler’s home country at the policy’s expense including transportation and any legal cost incurred in doing so.

• 24/7 Emergency Assistance:

It must have a 24/7 emergency helpline for organizing medical care, evacuation services, and other travel arrangements as may be needed. In this way, assistance is always there at hand, wherever you happen to be on the tour.

Accommodation on Kailash Mansarovar Tour Package

Graceful Adventure Travel offers Kailash tour packages, where travelers will have comfort accommodation throughout the journey, apart from other functions/events of the tour. The accommodation in Kathmandu will be in a 4-star setup like Ramada Encore, A Loft, or equivalent on a Bed & Breakfast basis for a comfortably relaxing wake-up to start your journey. Such hotel selections are made in Kathmandu for a favorable blend of luxury and local ambience, modern amenities, as well as easy access to most of the attractions in the city.

Flexibility in your hotel choices is available in Nepal. You will always have the option for a more luxurious stay, ranging from well-known 5-star hotels to nice boutique accommodations, which we will arrange based on your own wish. Furthermore, an upgrade will cost you a little extra.

As the journey progresses, in Syabrubesi, a luxury hotel will be provided to enhance comfort before venturing onto the more rugged portions of the tour. In distant places like Kerung, Saga, and Darchen, we select 3-star or similar hotels, giving you a clean, comfortable, and well-maintained Hotel on Ap plan . Although these may not be as well-appointed as the hotels in Kathmandu, we do our utmost to ensure that you’ll enjoy your stay.

At the time of inner kora  as Derapuk and Zatupaluk, where higher altitude and remoteness allow limited comforts, the focus will be on adjusting to the standard (dormitory) of accommodation available, all while keeping relatively high comfort for the joy of the travelers. The hotels chosen serve to lend to an adventurous yet comfortable character to your Kailash pilgrimage.

Transportation Service for Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour Package

Graceful Adventure Travel offers luxurious and individualized transportation for the Kailash Overland Tour package so that participants are able to enjoy a pleasant tour. For group participants traveling from Kathmandu to the Kerung Rasuwagadi border, there will be a facility of a private Jeep for a personal experience. However, for the larger groups of the participants with more than 15 participants, a tourist bus will be utilized for traveling to the Nepal border.

In Tibet side, when arriving, the transport also depends on the group size, and choices are present like Jeeps, Hiace vans, coasters, or tourist buses. There are even single luggage carrier Jeeps that carry your bags, and thus passenger cars are meant for passengers only. This amicable transport facility provides a hassle-free and smooth ride for the entire duration of the trip.

No transport facility is provided for the Inner Kora trek of Mount Kailash since this part of the journey is trekking on foot. If you want to avail yourself of help with your bag being carried, you can hire a porter or horse service at additional cost. The fee for a porter is RMB 250–350 per day during the off-season and RMB 300–450 per day during the peak season.

Similarly, the rate for a horse is RMB 300–350 per day during the off-season and RMB 350–450 per day for the peak season. These are outside of the package and need to be booked in advance. If you want to avail yourself of either of these services, we recommend informing Graceful Adventure Travel in advance so that you can factor this cost into your fixed package price. This way, all your needs are accommodated, allowing for a more personalized and less stressful experience once on the trek.

Food Service for Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour Package

Graceful Adventure Travel offers the luxury of a convenient and personalized manner of having meals during the Kailash Overland Tour. On the Nepali side, they organize a luxury breakfast facility at the hotel to give you a healthy and relaxing morning beginning. For lunch, and dinner, these are not typically included and are your own to do as you please at your leisure, providing you with a more individualized experience to eat at local restaurants or choose to your liking.

Once you set out of Kathmandu and into Tibet, the graceful adventure travel commits to breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you are well looked after at some of the bush stops such as Syabrubesi, Kerung, Saga, and Darchen. Your meals will be eaten at hotels that you are staying at, a combination of international and local delicacies which is light on your system, especially for the altitude level. Plain, natural foods will be available to support your tour, since part of the package is tasting food indigenous to the area.

On the Tibetan side, Graceful Adventure Travel takes an extra step in organizing food facilities, especially where foods are not so plentiful. If your group consists of more than 9-10 members, they will have a Nepali guide assigned to the tour to take care of language and coordination facilitation.

Dependent upon your group’s choice, they will also provide the advantage of cooking as per your choice. It means food is cooked in accordance with your personal dietary needs as a vegetarian, vegan, or by special items. The chef and book are aware of high-altitude food so that food remains on balance and in harmony with strenuous altitudes. This personalized process gives the group the freedom to indulge in more control over their diet without sacrificing comfort and nourishment throughout the Tibetan portion of the tour.

As a  Tour Operator for Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour Service by Graceful Adventure Travel. 

Graceful Adventure Travel provides a special 15-day Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour, a deeply spiritual odyssey through some of the most spectacular and remote landscapes on the planet. The well-designed tour carries you to the sacred Mt. Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva, which is visited by pilgrims from all over the world.

En route, pilgrims are blessed with breathtaking mountain vistas, holy rivers, cultural villages, and the tranquil beauty of Mansarovar Lake. The tour offers a life-changing experience of being in the spiritual aura of the Himalayas amidst Tibet’s imperial landscapes, an unforgettable and once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The trip starts with cultural tours of Kathmandu, prior to moving on to Tibet, where pilgrims are indulged in a sequence of comfortable stays. In Kathmandu, you’ll stay in luxurious 4-star hotels such as Ramada Encore or A Loft, ensuring a relaxing start to your trip.

As the adventure continues into Tibet, accommodations become more rustic, with stays in 3-star hotels in places like Kerung, Saga, and Darchen. For the trek portions of the journey, such as those leading to Deraphuk and Zuthulpuk, simple yet comfortable dormitory-style accommodations are provided.

Private transportation, from private Jeeps for small groups and large buses or vans for big groups, ensures a smooth and comfortable ride along the trail with sufficient time to take in the stunning scenery and spiritual activities. Fooding facilities are also well arranged to keep you well nourished and energized throughout the journey.

In Kathmandu, luxury breakfast is served every day, with lunch and dinner at your choice. From the moment you arrive in Tibet, Graceful Adventure Travel provides your meals with a bounty of international and local fare thoughtfully planned to meet high-altitude travel requirements. Vegetarian, vegan, and special diets are no problem, and all guests are made to feel very well taken care of and comfortable.

With a focus on light, energizing food, the tour operator keeps you engaged, excited, and open to the spiritual as well as physical challenge ahead, so that your Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage is fulfilling and enriching.