(Overland via Kodari–Zhangmu, with 3-Day Kora) — 13 Days
⚠ Route Change Notice: This itinerary replaces the original Kerung (Rasuwagadhi–Gyirong) route, which is currently closed following the August 2026 Bhote Koshi flash flood that destroyed the Miteri border bridge and the Rasuwagadhi–Timure road. The journey now enters and exits Tibet via the Kodari–Tatopani / Zhangmu (Dram) Friendship Bridge crossing on the historic Araniko Highway. An extra acclimatization night at Nyalam has been added — especially valuable before the 3-day Kailash Kora and the 5,630 m Dolma La Pass.
The journey to Mount Kailash is one of the most profound spiritual and scenic experiences in the Himalayas, combining remote landscapes, ancient traditions, and deep religious significance. Revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of Bon, Mount Kailash is considered the center of the universe and a place of immense spiritual power. This pilgrimage, completed with the sacred three-day Kora (circumambulation), is believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual fulfillment.
With the Kerung (Rasuwagadhi–Gyirong) road closed after the August 2026 floods, the journey now crosses into Tibet via the Kodari–Zhangmu (Tatopani) border on the historic Araniko Highway. Starting and ending in Kathmandu, the route unfolds gradually from the cultural richness of Nepal into the vast, high-altitude wilderness of Tibet: the lush Bhote Koshi gorge at Zhangmu (2,300 m), the plateau-edge town of Nyalam (3,750 m), and the windswept plains of Saga (4,450 m) — a gentler altitude progression that is especially beneficial before the demanding Kora.
Travelers cross dramatic Tibetan plateau landscapes before reaching the holy Lake Manasarovar, set against snow-capped peaks — a peaceful, reflective environment considered as spiritually important as Mount Kailash itself. The highlight of the journey is the three-day Kora around Mount Kailash, a challenging yet deeply rewarding trek over the high Dolma La Pass (5,630 m). Along the way, pilgrims and travelers share the trail, creating a unique atmosphere of devotion and endurance.
Despite the physical demands, the experience is less about difficulty and more about personal reflection, connection with nature, and spiritual awakening. This is not just a trip, but a meaningful pilgrimage blending adventure, culture, and spirituality in one of the most remote and sacred regions on earth. Organized by Hiking Friends Travel Nepal, with full support from Kathmandu to Kathmandu — permits, Chinese group visa, experienced Tibetan guide, porters during the Kora, oxygen backup, transport, and accommodation.
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Warm welcome by the Hiking Friends Travel Nepal team and transfer to your hotel. Trip briefing, document check, and preparation for the Tibet journey. Evening free for rest or a short walk around Thamel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Transport: Airport pickup/drop
Guided sightseeing tour covering Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath Stupa. Final preparation for the journey — Chinese group visa and Tibet permit processing, packing, and briefing. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Early morning scenic drive from Kathmandu to Kodari (~115 km, 5–6 hrs) via Dhulikhel on the Araniko Highway, following the Sun Koshi and Bhote Koshi river gorges. Complete Nepal immigration at the Tatopani/Kodari checkpoint, cross the Friendship Bridge, and complete Chinese immigration formalities. Meet your Tibetan guide and drive the short distance up the steep gorge road to Zhangmu (Dram/Khasa, 2,300 m). Check into your hotel; rest and acclimatization. Overnight in Zhangmu.
Distance/Drive: ~115 km, 5–6 hrs
A short but dramatic drive (30–35 km, ~1 hr) climbs the switchbacks out of the gorge to Nyalam (3,750 m) on the edge of the plateau. The rest of the day is deliberately light: rest, hydrate, and take a gentle walk with views of the Langtang and Rolwaling ranges. This extra night is an important acclimatization step before the Kora. Overnight in Nyalam.
Distance/Drive: ~35 km, 1 hr + rest
Drive across the Tibetan plateau toward Saga (approx. 230–240 km, 6–7 hrs). Cross Tong La Pass (5,150 m) with spectacular views of Mt. Shishapangma (8,027 m) and, weather permitting, stop at Peiku Tso (Peikutso) Lake. Cross the Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Tsangpo) before reaching Saga — an important acclimatization day with gradual altitude gain. Overnight in Saga.
Distance/Drive: ~240 km, 6–7 hrs
Long but spectacular drive (~450 km, 9–10 hrs) across vast plains and desert landscapes. First view of the sacred Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash if the weather permits. Spiritual time at the lake: meditation, puja, or quiet reflection. Overnight at a guesthouse/camp near the lake.
Distance/Drive: ~450 km, 9–10 hrs
Short drive (~30 km) to Darchen, the base for the Kailash Kora. Rest, acclimatization, and trek briefing. Meet your porters and prepare yaks/porters if required. Overnight in Darchen.
Distance/Drive: ~30 km
Begin the sacred Kora (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash. Trek approx. 18 km through the valley of the gods past Yamadwar (the Gateway of the God of Death). Incredible north face views of Mount Kailash. Overnight at a basic guesthouse in Dirapuk.
Trek: ~18 km, 6–7 hrs
The most challenging and rewarding day of the journey. Cross Dolma La Pass (5,630 m), the highest point of the entire trip. Visit Gauri Kund (the holy lake of compassion) on the descent. Continue trekking to Zuthulphuk. Overnight in a basic guesthouse.
Trek: ~22 km, 8–10 hrs
Easy final trek (~10 km, 3–4 hrs) to complete the Kailash Kora. Meet the vehicle at Darchen and drive back across the plateau to Saga (9–10 hrs). Celebrate completion of the sacred journey. Overnight in Saga.
Trek: ~10 km
Drive: ~480 km, 9–10 hrs
Drive back east across the Tibetan plateau to Nyalam (~240 km, 5–6 hrs), re-crossing Tong La Pass with final views of Shishapangma. Relax and recover after the long journey — descending to 3,750 m will feel noticeably easier after the Kora. Overnight in Nyalam.
Distance/Drive: ~240 km, 5–6 hrs
Descend the gorge to Zhangmu (~1 hr), complete Chinese exit and Nepal entry formalities at the Friendship Bridge/Tatopani, and drive back to Kathmandu via the Araniko Highway (~150 km total, 6–7 hrs including border time). Transfer to your hotel. Evening free for rest, shopping, or a farewell stroll through Thamel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Distance/Drive: ~150 km, 6–7 hrs incl. border formalities
Transport: Bus/jeep
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward departure. End of the pilgrimage with unforgettable memories.
Transport: Airport drop
How departure works:
The tour ends on Day 13 with a transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Your last trip night (Day 12 in Kathmandu) is included in the package, so you can fly out any time on Day 13 at no extra cost for accommodation.
Extra nights (not included in the package cost):
You may need extra nights in Kathmandu if you arrive before Day 1 (the fixed itinerary starts with Day-1 airport pickup) or wish to extend your stay after Day 12 — for rest, shopping, sightseeing, or a better flight connection:
| Service | Indicative additional cost |
| 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (twin/double sharing, per night, breakfast included) | USD 35–45 per room |
| Single-room supplement (per extra night) | + USD 15–20 |
| Airport pickup/drop outside trip transfers | USD 15–20 per transfer |
| Day-use room on departure day (for late-evening flights) | from USD 25 per room |
| Additional Kathmandu sightseeing (private guide, entrance fees) | On request |
Rates are indicative and vary with season and hotel availability; exact rates are confirmed at booking.
Buffer days:
Overland routes on the Araniko Highway can be affected by monsoon landslides (July–August). We recommend keeping at least one buffer day after Day 13 before critical onward commitments, and ensuring your travel insurance covers delays, natural disasters, and border closures.
Important tips: Dress in layers (temperatures change fast), keep warm clothing and important medicines in your daypack, drink plenty of water for better acclimatization, pack light but include proper cold-weather gear for the Kora, and dress modestly when visiting monasteries and sacred sites.
