Kailash Overland Tour
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Essential Information - Kailash Overland Tour
Highlights of the Kailash Overland Tour
Spiritual Pilgrimage to Mount Kailash
A central part of the Kailash Overland Tour, the sacred Mount Kailash is revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bonpos. The trek around this majestic peak, known as the Kailash Kora, is a spiritual journey that promises a deep sense of fulfilment and connection to ancient religious traditions.
Lake Manasarovar – The Holy Waters
Lake Manasarovar, often referred to as the “Lake of Consciousness,” is one of the most sacred lakes in the world. Pilgrims come here to take a ritual bath in its pristine waters, believed to cleanse sins and purify the soul, making it a highlight of the spiritual experience.
Crossing the Drolma La Pass (18,600 ft)
The highest point of the trek, Drolma La Pass, presents both a physical and spiritual challenge. The breathtaking views and the spiritual significance of crossing this pass make it one of the most rewarding experiences of the entire tour.
Muktinath Temple Darshan
Located in the Mustang region, the sacred Muktinath Temple is a site of deep religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. Performing rituals at this temple, including the famous Muktinath Darshan, is a unique spiritual experience that pilgrims treasure.
Pashupatinath Temple and Aarti Ceremony
Witnessing the Pashupatinath Aarti, a vibrant fire ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva, is an awe-inspiring experience in Kathmandu. The chanting, music, and spiritual energy of this ancient ceremony are unforgettable and set the tone for the sacred journey ahead.
Scenic Beauty of the Tibetan Plateau
The vast, otherworldly landscapes of Tibet offer stunning vistas throughout the Kailash Overland Tour. From expansive grasslands to towering snow-capped peaks, the natural beauty of the Tibetan plateau provides a breathtaking backdrop to the spiritual pilgrimage.
Cultural Encounters with Nomadic Tibetan Communities
As you traverse the Tibetan plateau, encounters with nomadic herders and traditional Tibetan settlements provide a fascinating glimpse into the local culture. These cultural experiences add depth to the spiritual and scenic aspects of the tour.
Acclimatization and High-Altitude Adventure
The tour gradually introduces you to higher altitudes, with stops in places like Kerung and Saga. These stops not only ensure you’re physically ready for the trek but also provide a chance to soak in the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau.
Best Season for the Kailash Overland Tour
The Kailash Overland Tour is best experienced from mid-April to early October when the weather conditions are most favorable for both spiritual pilgrimage and scenic exploration.
This period ensures optimal conditions for trekking around Mount Kailash and enjoying the beauty of the Tibetan plateau.
Mid-April to June: Spring weather is mild, and the skies are clear. This time of year offers fantastic visibility of Mount Kailash and the surrounding landscapes.
Temperatures are moderate, making the trek comfortable and the vistas breathtaking.
July to Early September: Although this period coincides with Nepal’s monsoon season, Tibet remains relatively dry. The landscapes become lush and vibrant, and the cultural encounters with Tibetan nomads are at their peak.
Late September to Early October: This is a cooler time with clear skies, making it ideal for trekking. The crowds lessen, providing a more peaceful experience, and the post-monsoon freshness enhances the natural beauty of the region.
Choosing the Kailash Overland Tour between mid-April and early October ensures you experience the best weather for your pilgrimage while fully appreciating the magnificent landscapes and cultural richness of Tibet.
Kailash Overland Tour: Short Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Elevation: 4,600 ft / 1,400 m
Day 2: Fly to Pokhara and Explore Sacred Caves
Elevation: 2,690 ft / 820 m
Flight Time: 25 minutes
Day 3: Fly to Jomsom, Drive to Muktinath
Elevation: Muktinath – 12,172 ft / 3,710 m
Flight Time: 20 minutes, Drive Time: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: +9,482 ft / +2,890 m
Day 4: Fly Back to Kathmandu
Elevation: 4,600 ft / 1,400 m
Flight Time: 25 minutes (Pokhara to Kathmandu)
Day 5: Spiritual Activities in Kathmandu
Elevation: 4,600 ft / 1,400 m
Day 6: Drive to Ghatte Khola
Elevation: 7,546 ft / 2,300 m
Drive Time: 7-8 hours, Distance: 160 km
Elevation Gain: +2,946 ft / +900 m
Day 7: Drive to Kerung
Elevation: 9,100 ft / 2,774 m
Drive Time: 4-5 hours, Distance: 100 km
Elevation Gain: +1,554 ft / +474 m
Day 8: Drive to Saga
Elevation: 14,764 ft / 4,500 m
Drive Time: 6-7 hours, Distance: 250 km
Elevation Gain: +5,664 ft / +1,726 m
Day 9: Drive to Lake Manasarovar
Elevation: 14,954 ft / 4,558 m
Drive Time: 3-4 hours, Distance: 100 km
Elevation Gain: +190 ft / +58 m
Day 10: Drive to Darchen
Elevation: 14,950 ft / 4,550 m
Drive Time: 1-2 hours, Distance: 30 km
Elevation Loss: -4 ft / -8 m
Day 11: Trek to Dirapuk
Elevation: 16,600 ft / 5,060 m
Trek Time: 6-7 hours, Distance: 18 km
Elevation Gain: +1,650 ft / +510 m
Day 12: Cross Drolma La Pass, Trek to Zutulpuk
Elevation: Drolma La Pass – 18,600 ft / 5,670 m, Zutulpuk – 15,748 ft / 4,800 m
Trek Time: 7-8 hours, Distance: 22 km
Elevation Gain: +2,000 ft / +610 m (to pass), Elevation Loss: -2,852 ft / -870 m
Day 13: Complete Kora and Drive to Saga
Elevation: 14,764 ft / 4,500 m
Trek Time: 2-3 hours (to Darchen), Drive Time: 6-7 hours
Elevation Loss: -984 ft / -300 m (trek)
Day 14: Drive Back to Kerung
Elevation: 9,100 ft / 2,774 m
Drive Time: 6-7 hours, Distance: 250 km
Elevation Loss: -5,664 ft / -1,726 m
Day 15: Drive Back to Kathmandu
Elevation: 4,600 ft / 1,400 m
Drive Time: 4-5 hours, Distance: 100 km
Elevation Loss: -4,500 ft / -1,374 m
Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu
Elevation: 4,600 ft / 1,400 m
Accommodation Details for the Kailash Overland Tour
Kathmandu:
Stay at Hotel Everest or similar 5-star accommodations, offering luxury and comfort in the heart of Nepal’s capital.
These hotels provide excellent amenities, including fine dining, spa facilities, and exceptional service, ensuring a relaxing stay before and after your pilgrimage.
Ghatte Khola:
Basic hotels with essential facilities. These provide a comfortable bed and basic meals in a peaceful environment, suitable for an overnight stay during the drive.
Kerung:
Expect modest hotels with clean rooms and necessary amenities. Expect functional accommodations ideal for acclimatization, with basic dining options and comfortable lodging.
Saga:
Mid-range hotels offer clean rooms with attached bathrooms and basic dining services. The facilities are adequate for preparing for the pilgrimage and offer a comfortable and restful stay.
Darchen:
Basic hotels with essential facilities. These accommodations provide standard rooms and communal dining areas, ensuring a comfortable rest before beginning the trek around Mount Kailash.
Guesthouses (Mansarovar, Dirapuk, Zutulpuk):
These are simple guesthouses with shared dormitory-style rooms and no attached toilets. They are functional, offering basic meals and shelter to pilgrims, with shared bathroom facilities outside.
This selection ensures you experience a balance of comfort and practicality throughout your Kailash Overland Tour.
Food Options for the Kailash Overland Tour
Kathmandu:
On your Kailash Overland Tour, you’ll start in Kathmandu, where the food scene offers diverse options, from authentic Nepali dishes to international cuisine.
Staying at 5-star accommodations such as Hotel Everest, you’ll have access to gourmet dining experiences.
Whether you prefer traditional Nepali meals or international fare, Kathmandu’s restaurants cater to all tastes, ensuring a great start to your journey.
In Tibet:
As you progress on the Kailash Overland Tour, the food in Tibet primarily consists of Tibetan and Chinese cuisine.
Pilgrims and travellers can enjoy simple but hearty meals such as Tibetan noodle soups, momos (dumplings), rice, and stir-fried vegetables.
These dishes are designed to nourish and sustain you during the high-altitude conditions. Local Tibetan teas and yak butter dishes are also commonly available.
For Larger Groups:
When travelling in a larger group on the Kailash Overland Tour, a team of Nepali Sherpas is sent along for food preparation.
This ensures that everyone in the group has freshly prepared, familiar meals, particularly for those who prefer Nepali-style food during their pilgrimage.
The Nepali Sherpa team provides comforting and homestyle meals, maintaining food quality and variety throughout the journey.
This careful attention to food ensures that all travellers on the Kailash Overland Tour enjoy nourishing and delicious meals, whether enjoying local Tibetan flavours or meals prepared by the expert Nepali Sherpa team.
Drinking Water Options for the Kailash Overland Tour
During the Kailash Overland Tour, safe drinking water is readily available to ensure your health and hydration throughout the trip:
Mineral water is available in Kathmandu at major stops like Kerung, Saga, and Darchen. It’s the safest and most reliable option where accessible.
Boiled water is offered at guesthouses and remote locations, such as Lake Mansarovar, Dirapuk, and Zutulpuk. It is safe for drinking and is a common option at higher altitudes.
Stream water: Although stream water may be available in some remote areas, it is crucial to purify it using water purification tablets or portable filters to ensure safety.
It’s recommended to carry a reusable water bottle, which can be refilled with boiled water, especially in remote areas. These options guarantee that you stay hydrated and safe during your entire journey.
Packing List Recommendations for the Kailash Overland Tour
A well-prepared packing list is essential for a successful Kailash Overland Tour. Here are the recommended items:
Clothing
Layered clothing: Base layer (moisture-wicking), mid-layer (fleece or down jacket), outer layer (waterproof and windproof jacket).
Thermal wear: Essential for cold mornings and high-altitude areas.
Trekking pants: Lightweight, quick-dry, and comfortable.
Warm hat, gloves, and scarf: For cold, high-altitude weather.
Sun hat and sunglasses: For sun protection at high altitudes.
Comfortable trekking boots: Waterproof and well-broken in.
Extra socks and undergarments: Warm, breathable, and quick-drying.
Rain poncho or waterproof jacket: For unexpected rain or snow.
Personal Items
Sleeping bag: Rated for cold temperatures (preferably -10°C to -20°C).
Reusable water bottles and purification tablets: Essential for staying hydrated in remote areas.
Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 50+): Strong UV protection is critical at high altitudes.
Basic toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, tissues, wet wipes.
Towel: Lightweight and quick-drying.
Personal medication: Include altitude sickness medication, pain relievers, and any prescribed medicines.
Trekking Gear
Trekking poles: Useful for stability on rough terrain.
Headlamp: With extra batteries for low-light situations.
Daypack: Comfortable and large enough to carry essentials during day hikes.
Duffel bag: For carrying extra luggage (porters often carry these).
Documents and Essentials
Passport and copies: Keep copies in a separate place from the original.
Tibet Travel Permit: Provided by the tour organizer, but keep a copy handy.
Insurance documents: Include travel and medical insurance.
Cash: In small denominations (in local currency), as ATMs are not always available in remote areas.
Miscellaneous
Snacks and energy bars: For extra fuel during trekking.
Camera or smartphone: For capturing the breathtaking scenery.
Power bank and charging cables: Electricity may be limited in remote locations.
First-aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptic cream, blister care, and other essentials.
By following this packing list, you’ll be well-prepared for both the spiritual and physical aspects of the Kailash Overland Tour, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the journey.
Option to Take a Pujari or Priest for the Kailash Overland Tour
For those seeking a deeper spiritual experience on the Kailash Overland Tour, we offer the option to take a pujari (priest) from your starting location.
This service, available for an extra cost, allows for personalized religious rituals, including pujas and prayers, ensuring that the spiritual aspect of your pilgrimage is fully guided and enriched.
This option adds a meaningful layer to your journey, allowing you to perform sacred ceremonies with the support of a trusted priest.
Optional Add-Ons: Milarepa Cave Hike and Rakshatal Visit
For those looking to expand their Kailash Overland Tour experience, we offer two optional add-ons that can be arranged upon request:
Milarepa Cave Hike: A 3-hour hike to the sacred Milarepa Cave, an important site in Tibetan Buddhism, where the great sage Milarepa meditated. This hike offers a blend of spiritual significance and beautiful scenery.
Rakshatal Visit: A visit to the mystical Lake Rakshatal, located near Lake Manasarovar. Known for its stark beauty and symbolic meaning in local mythology, this optional visit provides a unique opportunity for reflection and exploration.
Both options can be added to your itinerary for an enhanced and personalized experience during your pilgrimage.
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