Mount Kailash Tour: Kyirong Drive In Drive Out Adventure

Trip at a Glance

Country: China
Trip grade: Moderate
Destination: Mount Kailash, Tibet
Activities: Cultural Sightseeing/Hike
Accommodation: Hotels/Lodges
Meals: Breakfast included
Transportation: Private vehicle
Maximum altitude: Dolma La Pass (5630m)
Trip Start / End: Kathmandu - Kathmandu
Best Season: May to Sep

A tour to Mount Kailash via Kyirong is a popular route for those who want to visit this sacred mountain in Tibet. The journey to Mount Kailash starts in Kathmandu where you will travel by road to the border town of Kyirong. Once you cross the border, you will enter Tibet and continue your journey towards Mount Kailash. The road from Kyirong to Mount Kailash includes visiting the scenic Lake Mansarovar, which is considered holy by Hindus and Buddhists. The Kailash Kora, a pilgrimage trail that circumnavigates the mountain, is a popular route for both religious and adventurous travelers. The trek takes 3 days to complete and offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks and serene landscapes. After completing the Kailash Kora, you will head back to Kyirong and then drive back to Kathmandu to conclude your tour. Mount Kailash tour via Kyirong is a remarkable journey that combines spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty. It allows you to experience the sacredness of this revered mountain and witness the stunning landscapes of Tibet.

Mount Kailash Tour via Kyirong Highlights:

Scenic drive Kathmandu/Nepal/China border/Kathmandu
Circling around Manasarovar, a sacred Lake
Mt. Kailash Kora, a holy mountain
Witness life of the “mountain people” living in the roof of the world.
Crossing over the Dolma La Pass over 5,600m

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Kyirung (2300m) 185km/8 hrs drive
Day 2: Rest Day in Kyirung/ Acclimatization
Day 3: Drive from Kyirung to Saga (4450m) 232 km/3-4hrs drive
Day 4: Saga to Paryang (4558m) to Mansarovar (4600m) 507 km/8-9 hrs drive
Day 5: Drive from Mansarovar to Darchen (4670m) 32 km/45 min drive
Day 6: Trek to Dira-Puk (5000m) ‘Kailash Kora Start’ 15km/7 hrs walk
Day 7: Trek to Zuthul Puk (4805m) 18km/6-7 hrs walk, 550m ascent, 600m descent
Day 8: End of Kailash Parikrama (Kailash Kora finish) & drive to Saga
Day 9: Drive back from Saga to Kyirung (2300m)
Day 10: Drive from Kyirung to Kathmandu 155 km

After breakfast drive from Kathmandu to Kyirung in Tibet which is approximately 185 kilometers. The road takes you through picturesque landscapes, rural villages, and valleys. After a long drive, you'll reach the Nepal-China border. Once you've crossed the border and completed the required formalities, you'll enter Tibet and continue your drive to Kyirong. This border town in Tibet is often used as a gateway for travelers heading to Mount Kailash. You'll notice a change in the landscape and the local culture as you move further into Tibet. You'll reach Kyirong in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on road conditions and any delays. Check into your accommodation and rest after a long day of travel.

Hotel

Today is a rest day in Kyirung to allow your body to acclimatize to the higher altitude before proceeding further. Acclimatization is important to prevent altitude sickness as you continue your journey to higher elevations. While in Kyirung, you can engage in gentle activities to aid in acclimatization. These might include short walks around the town, light stretches, and deep breathing exercises. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated in the higher altitude.

Hotel

Breakfast included

After breakfast, you'll set out for your drive to Saga. The distance to be covered is approximately 232 kilometers. It is the first day with a long drive on the desert terrain driving past nomad camps and sheep and yak herds. We can see Gaurishankar, Shishapangma and Langtang Himal from the pass. Continue drive through Khunmen Tso, Sinling, Karru Ongchen and Peiku tso Lake (4400m). We will be crossing river Brahmaputra ( “Yarling Tsangpo” in Tibetan ) to reach Saga (4600m). Check into your accommodation in Saga and take some time to rest and acclimate to the higher altitude.

Hotel/Lodge

Breakfast included

Today is a long day of driving as you make your way from Saga to Paryang and then to the sacred Lake Mansarovar. Watching the mountains in distance and driving through road we pass through the small town of Zhongba before reaching to Paryang. Offering the first view of mt kailash and the holy lake only after several hours of drive. As you approach this serene and sacred lake, historic Chiu Monastery becomes visible on the North West shore of the lake. From this vantage point, you can have a glimpse of majestic Mount Kailash. Manasarovar, the highest fresh water lake with turquoise complexion - surrounded by Mt. Kailash, Mt. Gurula-Mandata and Lake Rakchyas is simply heavenly.

Hotel/Lodge

Breakfast included

After some peaceful hours at the shores of the sacred Lake Manasarovar with the snowy massif of Gurla Mandhata 7694m just across the lake, we drive 40 km to Darchen which serves as the base for Mt kailashkora (circumambulation). The Kora is 53 km in total and completed in three days. Darchen (4560 meters) is a small town where you rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude. This is especially important as you'll be starting the trek the next day. If you're feeling up to it, take a short walk around Darchen to familiarize yourself with the area. However, avoid exerting yourself too much to allow your body to adjust to the altitude.

Hotel/Lodge

Breakfast included

Begin your trek from Darchen, following the well-defined trail that leads you towards Mount Kailash. The trek to Dira-Puk takes you through varied terrain, including valleys, meadows, and rocky sections. Enjoy the stunning views of Mount Kailash as it looms majestically in front of you. It is one of the exciting days walking along the beautiful rocky cliffs and waterfalls with some clouds in the clear blue sky. As you walk, engage in your chosen spiritual practices or simply soak in the spiritual atmosphere of the journey. The kora is a time for reflection, self-discovery, and reverence. The altitude continues to increase as you trek. After several hours of trekking, you'll reach Dira-Puk (5000m). Check into your accommodation and rest.

Hotel/Lodge

Breakfast included

Start your trek from Dira-Puk following a challenging trail, with rocky paths and steep ascents. The trail involves a steep ascent to Dolma La Pass (5630 meters), the highest point of the kora. The altitude and challenging terrain require determination and steady pacing. Reach Dolma La Pass, which is marked by prayer flags. Take a moment to rest and soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After crossing the pass, you'll descend to Zuthul Puk. The descent can also be demanding, so proceed with caution. By the late afternoon you will arrive at Zuthul Puk where the great ascetic Milerappa is supposed to have performed miracles.

Hotel/Lodge

Breakfast included

Continue your trek from Zuthul Puk, making your way towards the point where you began the kora. This marks the completion of your circumambulation around Mount Kailash. As you conclude the kora, take some time for spiritual reflection and gratitude. Arrive back in Darchen, where you started the kora. After lunch, drive back to Saga taking you through familiar landscapes. Reach Saga in the evening. Check into your accommodation and take some time to relax after the day's trek and drive

Hotel/Lodge

Breakfast included

Leave Saga and start your drive back to Kyirung. The road will take you through the familiar landscapes you encountered on your way to Mount Kailash. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the region as you cover the distance between Saga and Kyirung. Stop for lunch at a suitable place along the way. Reach Kyirung in the afternoon or evening, depending on the road conditions and the pace of your journey. Check into a guest house in Kyirung where you'll spend the night.

Hotel

Breakfast Included

The drive will take you through the picturesque landscapes that you encountered on your way to Mount Kailash. It's a chance to reminisce about your experiences. Once you've crossed the border, you'll be back in Nepal. Continue your drive towards Kathmandu. Reach Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, in the afternoon or evening.

Breakfast included

Mount Kailash tour FAQ'S

Tibet Travel Guide