The most sacred pilgrimage in Asia — the kora circuit around Mt Kailash and the holy Lake Mansarovar in Tibet.
Once the Indian Himalaya has its hooks in you, the great summits of the world beckon. We help experienced trekkers and aspiring mountaineers step up to non-technical giants like Kilimanjaro and Elbrus, and to the profound pilgrimage of Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet.
Over 15 days, the trail reaches a high point of 5,639 m at a Mod–Hard grade, run from Kathmandu / Lhasa. The best window is May–Sep.
Enquire about this trek →A typical day-by-day for this trek. Exact stages, altitudes and stays can vary with the operator, season and conditions — confirmed, with departure dates, when you enquire.
Arrive and complete Tibet permit formalities.
Cross the border and drive via Kerung/Saga, acclimatising as you climb.
Reach the sacred Lake Mansarovar (~4,590 m).
Rituals and rest beside the holy lake.
Move to Darchen, the start of the Kailash kora.
First day of the circuit beneath the north face of Kailash.
Cross the Dolma La pass (~5,630 m), the spiritual high point, to Zuthulpuk.
Complete the circuit back to Darchen.
Long overland return across the plateau to Kathmandu.
Departure.
The best months for this trek are May–Sep.
The July–August monsoon is best avoided here — trails turn slippery and the landslide risk rises. Aim for the windows highlighted above for the clearest skies and safest conditions.
Graded moderately hard. Long days, real altitude and some steep ground reward prior trekking experience and solid fitness.
It tops out at 5,639 m, so sensible acclimatisation and a steady pace matter more than raw speed. Three to four weeks of light cardio — jogging, cycling, stair climbs and a couple of practice hikes — makes a real difference.
Most Beyond the Himalaya treks set off from Varies by expedition — for this trek, the base is Kathmandu / Lhasa. Your road transfer from the gateway is normally part of a guided departure.
International expeditions need the right visas, national-park or climbing permits and licensed local guides — all organised as part of the trip.
Pack light but ready for mountain weather — warm by day, cold by night. Rent bulky gear if you’d rather not buy; own anything that touches your skin. The essentials:
This trek reaches 5,639 m, so altitude — not gradient — is usually the real challenge. Ascend steadily, drink three to four litres of water a day, eat well even when your appetite dips, and tell your trek leader early about any persistent headache. Descending even a little resolves almost all mild altitude symptoms.
Mountain weather can turn quickly, so a good team builds in buffer time and will happily adjust or turn a group around when conditions demand it. Carry a small personal kit — any regular medication, lip balm, blister plasters and a reusable bottle — on top of the group first-aid, and treat the mountains with the respect they deserve.
It is graded Mod–Hard, so it is better suited to trekkers with some hill experience, good fitness and ideally prior time at altitude — not a first-ever trek.
The best window is May–Sep. Avoid the July–August monsoon unless the trek is specifically a monsoon route.
In practice, no — a licensed guide is required here, and it is sensible: permits, navigation and safety at altitude are all handled by your team.
The best months are May–Sep, when days are pleasant. It still gets cold at night near 5,639 m, so pack warm layers regardless of season.
Plan for 15 days on the trail, plus travel to and from the trailhead. In winter or for remote routes, keep a buffer day for delays.
Costs vary with group size, season and inclusions — send a quick enquiry and we will share a current, all-in price for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Share your dates, fitness and the peaks you’re chasing — and get a tailored itinerary and honest budget in return.
Plan your trek