✦ pilgrimage · 13–14 Days
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
The most sacred parikrama, made possible.
Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar form the most sacred site in Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Bon traditions. The pilgrimage involves a 13–14 day journey through Nepal into western Tibet, culminating in a 52 km circumambulation (parikrama) of the sacred mountain.
Vacanza Go has been running Kailash Mansarovar yatras since 2018, working with vetted Nepalese ground operators and Tibetan guides. Our package includes the full administrative pipeline — Inner Line Permits, Chinese group visa, Tibet entry coordination, oxygen kits, emergency medical equipment, and group insurance during the parikrama.
This is one of the most demanding pilgrimages in the world. We require a doctor’s certificate from every yatri before departure. Travellers over 70 require additional physician approval. Pre-departure briefings cover altitude management, gear lists, and what to expect on each day of the parikrama.
Route
The journey
- 01 Kathmandu
- 02 Lhasa or Simikot
- 03 Hilsa
- 04 Taklakot
- 05 Mansarovar Lake
- 06 Darchen
- 07 Kailash Parikrama (3 days)
- 08 Return
Day-by-Day
Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival & briefing
- Arrival at Kathmandu / route base.
- Medical check-up, permit briefing, equipment review.
- Day 2
Travel to base
- Helicopter / road to entry point (Nepalgunj → Simikot → Hilsa, or via Lhasa).
- Day 3
Border crossing and acclimatisation
- Cross into Tibet at Hilsa border.
- Drive to Taklakot. Rest day for altitude.
- Day 4
Mansarovar darshan
- Drive to Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m).
- Holy dip, parikrama of the lake, sunset puja.
- Day 5
Drive to Darchen
- Short drive to Darchen, base of Mount Kailash.
- First view of the sacred peak.
- Day 6
Parikrama Day 1: Yamadwar → Dirapuk
- Trek from Yamadwar (4,750 m) to Dirapuk monastery (4,890 m).
- 13 km trek with porters and ponies.
- Camp at Dirapuk with north-face view of Kailash.
- Day 7
Parikrama Day 2: Dolma La Pass
- Cross Dolma La pass (5,630 m) — the hardest day.
- Descent to Zuthulpuk (4,790 m).
- 22 km trek, full day, ponies recommended.
- Day 8
Parikrama Day 3: Zuthulpuk → Darchen
- Final 14 km descent back to Darchen.
- Parikrama complete. Celebration meal.
- Day 9
Return to Taklakot
- Drive back to Taklakot via Mansarovar.
- Final lake darshan.
- Day 10
Border crossing back
- Cross into Nepal at Hilsa.
- Helicopter / drive towards Kathmandu.
- Day 11
Buffer day
- Weather buffer or rest in Simikot.
- Day 12
Arrival Kathmandu
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu — Pashupatinath, Boudhanath.
- Day 13
Departure
- Drop at Kathmandu airport for return flight.
Included
What's in the package
- Inner Line Permit, Tibet visa, Chinese group visa coordination
- All accommodation (hotels in towns, tents during parikrama)
- All meals (vegetarian) during the yatra
- Helicopter / road transport on the documented route
- Yaks/porters for personal luggage during parikrama
- Tibetan & Indian guides, English-speaking liaison
- Oxygen cylinders + emergency medical kit
- Sleeping bag, jacket loan during parikrama
- Group insurance during the parikrama
Not Included
Bring your own
- International flights to Kathmandu
- Personal pony / horse for parikrama (extra ~$200–300)
- Tips for guides and porters (recommended)
- Personal expenses — phone calls, alcohol, laundry
- Costs from medical evacuation if required
- Any additional sightseeing in Kathmandu
Read Before You Travel
Important notes
- Medical certificate from MBBS doctor required before departure
- Travellers above 70 require physician approval
- Yatra subject to Chinese authority opening — dates not 100% fixed
- Weather and altitude may force itinerary changes — buffer days built in
- Photo ID + passport (6 months valid) mandatory
Where We'll Go
Destinations covered
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How physically demanding is the parikrama?
Very. The 52 km circumambulation is done over 3 days at altitudes between 4,750 and 5,630 metres. You'll cross Dolma La pass (5,630 m) on Day 2 — this is the hardest section. Ponies are available for most of the route. We require a doctor's clearance for all yatris.
Is the yatra confirmed every year?
Dependent on Chinese authority opening of the border. We confirm season dates each March. We've operated successfully every year except during pandemic closures.
How early should I book?
4–6 months ahead. The yatra requires Inner Line Permits, Tibet visa, and group quota allocation — none of which can be done last-minute.
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