The Mount Kailash Overland Tour via Kyirung is a remarkable journey that showcases some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. The tour begins in Kathmandu, crossing the Nepal-Tibet border at Kyirung, and takes you through high-altitude grazing lands, hidden lakes, and remote Tibetan villages. This trip is centered around the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, which hold deep spiritual significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers.
Devotees undertake the Kailash Kora, a 52 km trek around the mountain, which is believed to enhance spiritual understanding. It’s an adventure that combines cultural exploration and spiritual growth, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The journey is well-organized, featuring experienced guides and necessary permits to ensure a smooth and enriching experience. Whether you seek a spiritual journey or a connection with nature, the overland route to Mount Kailash promises to be transformative.
Also read about Mount Kailash Mountain Flight Tour
Key Highlights of the Mount Kailash Overland Tour
Best Time for the Mount Kailash Overland Tour
Mount Kailash Overland Tour Visa & Special Permits
Difficulty Level of the Mount Kailash Overland Tour
Accommodation During the Mount Kailash Overland Tour
Food and Dining Experience on the Mount Kailash Overland Tour
Essential Packing List for the Mount Kailash Overland Tour
Is the Mount Kailash Overland Tour Suitable for Senior Citizens?
Transportation and Road Conditions on the Mount Kailash Overland Route
Availability of Medical Facilities Along the Mount Kailash Overland Route
The Importance of Travel Insurance for the Mount Kailash Overland Tour
The Mount Kailash Overland Tour via Kyirung offers a unique blend of spirituality and adventure. Key highlights include:
Kyirung Border Crossing: The adventure begins with a picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Kyirung, the entry point to Tibet.
Lake Manasarovar: A revered lake where pilgrims engage in ritual baths and religious ceremonies.
Mount Kailash Kora: A demanding yet fulfilling 52 km trek around the sacred mountain, providing breathtaking views and profound spiritual meaning.
Dolma La Pass (5,630m): The trek's highest point, where pilgrims seek blessings and leave prayer flags.
Monastery Visits: Discover ancient Tibetan monasteries like Chiu Monastery and Dirapuk Monastery.
Tibetan Culture and Landscapes: Immerse yourself in the unique lifestyle of Tibetan nomads while witnessing vast plateaus, snow-capped mountains, and tranquil scenery.
Spiritual Fulfillment: Hindus believe that walking around Kailash cleanses sins, while Buddhists view it as a journey toward enlightenment.
This tour seamlessly combines physical challenge with spiritual exploration.
The best time to embark on the Mount Kailash Overland Tour is between May and September, when the weather is generally favorable. During these months, temperatures are moderately warm, and clear skies offer breathtaking views of Mount Kailash and its stunning surroundings. For pilgrims, the full moon dates in this period hold special significance, as they believe that circumambulating Kailash during these times brings added spiritual benefits.
Traveling in winter (October to April) is not recommended due to heavy snowfall that blocks access to high-altitude passes, making the journey challenging and unsafe. The monsoon season (July–August) brings occasional rain to Nepal, but Tibet remains largely dry due to its arid climate.
For an enjoyable experience, consider visiting in May to June or September, as these months typically feature stable weather and good trekking conditions. Partnering with a tour operator can help ensure proper planning and the acquisition of necessary permits for a smooth pilgrimage.
Travelers planning to visit Mount Kailash must obtain various permits and visas. A Chinese Group Visa is required, which can only be processed in Kathmandu. Upon arriving in Nepal, travelers will need to hand over their original passport to the tour operator, who will manage the visa application with the Chinese Embassy.
Additionally, before entering Tibet and restricted areas like Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, travelers must apply for the Tibet Travel Permit and the Alien Travel Permit. These permits are issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and must be arranged through an authorized travel agency.
Indian passport holders traveling for the yatra need a special Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Permit, which is issued externally and routed through the Foreign Affairs Office in Tibet.
Since permit processing can take time, it is advisable for travelers to plan their trip at least a month in advance to ensure all documentation is ready before departure.
The Mount Kailash Overland Tour presents a moderate to highly challenging experience due to its high-altitude terrains. While the overland journey itself isn't overly strenuous, the Kailash Kora (parikrama) involves trekking at elevations exceeding 5,600 meters (18,372 feet), which can be quite demanding.
Trekkers are required to cover 52 km (32 miles) over three days, with the most difficult section being the Dolma La Pass (5,630m). The altitude can lead to acute mountain sickness (AMS), making proper acclimatization essential.
A good level of fitness, stamina, and some hiking experience is necessary. For those unable to trek, hiring porters, horses, or yaks is an option to ease the journey. This spiritually enriching trek can be accomplished if travelers are well-prepared and acclimatized.
Along the Mount Kailash Overland route, there are basic guesthouses and monastery lodges, as well as tented camps in the remote wilderness.
In Kathmandu, guests can stay in 3 to 5-star hotels. However, once in Tibet, the lodging becomes more basic. In Kyirung, Saga, and Darchen, there are inexpensive hotels offering twin-sharing rooms with minimal amenities.
Each trek features basic guesthouses or dormitories based on monasteries, so the facilities are quite simple. Zutulpuk and Dirapuk monasteries provide basic rooms with blankets, but travelers should bring their own warm sleeping bags.
Hot water, showers, and modern toilets are rare in the countryside. This humble accommodation experience can enhance the back-to-nature vibe of the pilgrimage, connecting travelers—and Tibetans—more closely to the natural environment and the spirituality that is integral to the landscape, emphasizing that this is as simple as it gets.
The food during the Mount Kailash Overland Tour is straightforward yet nutritious, with options for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets depending on the traveler's preference.
In Kathmandu, visitors can enjoy a variety of Nepali, Indian, and Western cuisine. However, food options become more limited once you reach Tibet. In towns like Saga and Darchen, guesthouses offer a selection of Tibetan, Nepali, Indian, and Chinese dishes, including rice, noodles, soup, and momos.
The meals on the Kailash Kora trek are quite simple, primarily consisting of dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), Tibetan bread, porridge, and tea. It's advisable to bring along instant noodles, biscuits, and energy bars for additional sustenance.
Staying hydrated is crucial, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids and consume warm, high-calorie meals to help prevent altitude sickness. Snacks like dried fruits, energy boosters, and herbal tea can enhance your dining experience.
Packing wisely is key to a comfortable and successful Mount Kailash Overland Tour. Here are the essential items to bring:
Clothing: Thermal layers, fleece jackets, waterproof jackets, gloves, trekking pants, and woolen socks.
Footwear: Sturdy trekking boots and comfortable shoes for lower altitudes.
Sleeping Gear: A sleeping bag rated for -10°C for those chilly nights.
Personal Items: Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, moisturizer, and hygiene products.
Medication: Altitude sickness medication (Diamox), pain relievers, a first-aid kit, and any prescribed medications.
Food & Hydration: Energy bars, instant noodles, dried fruits, a reusable water bottle, and water purification tablets.
Accessories: A headlamp, trekking poles, a backpack, a rain cover, and a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes.
Since the tour takes place at high altitudes, it's important to pack light yet effectively to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
The Mount Kailash Overland Tour is indeed suitable for senior citizens, provided they are in good physical condition and can handle high-altitude environments. Since the trip reaches elevations above 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), it's essential to acclimatize properly and undergo a medical check-up before embarking on the journey.
For those who may struggle with the Kailash Kora (circumambulation) on foot, breezes and porters are available to assist. Seniors over 65 should pay extra attention to their fluid intake, altitude sickness medication, and maintain a steady pace throughout the trek.
With the right preparations and guidance, senior travelers can fully appreciate the natural and spiritual beauty of Mount Kailash.
Traveling to Mount Kailash via Kyirung involves a mix of highways and rugged mountain roads. The drive from Kathmandu to Kyirung features winding mountain paths, offering scenic views and passing through quaint villages. Once in Tibet, well-maintained roads connect major towns like Saga, Darchen, and Mansarovar, making the journey relatively smooth.
However, the route to Mount Kailash goes through high-altitude regions, where weather conditions can occasionally affect travel plans. The final stretch near Mansarovar Lake and the Kailash Kora trek consists of gravel and dirt roads, which require careful navigation.
Comfortable land cruisers, buses, or jeeps are utilized to handle the rough terrain, ensuring a safe and enjoyable drive. Despite some bumpy patches, the breathtaking Himalayan views make the journey truly memorable.
The Mount Kailash Overland route has very few medical facilities, especially in remote areas. While there are hospitals in Kathmandu and Lhasa, only basic clinics and first-aid stations can be found in Saga, Darchen, and Kyirung once travelers enter Tibet.
There are no hospitals available during the Kailash Kora trek, so bringing a first-aid kit is essential. Emergency evacuation insurance is limited, so ensure that your travel insurance includes medical coverage. Those with pre-existing conditions should consult a physician before traveling.
Since the Mount Kailash Overland Tour involves high-altitude trekking in a remote region, having travel insurance is crucial. Travelers should opt for a comprehensive insurance plan that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, evacuations, and lost baggage.
Medical facilities in Tibet are quite limited, so insurance should include emergency evacuation by helicopter or road transport in case of altitude sickness. Policies should also account for delays due to weather conditions or unexpected political restrictions in Tibet.
Before purchasing insurance, check if it covers altitudes above 5,600m (18,372ft). Having the right coverage is vital for peace of mind and financial protection in case of emergencies during this sacred journey.
If you have any questions, please feel free to write us.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd.
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 98510 38 908
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