Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Bus – A Spiritual Overland Journey
About this trip
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Bus is a sacred pilgrimage journey to the holy Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, reached via the newly opened Kerung border between Nepal and China. This overland route, which started in 2017, offers a comfortable and scenic alternative to the older routes and has become a popular choice for pilgrims and adventure seekers alike.
This special journey begins in Kathmandu, Nepal, and takes you through stunning Himalayan landscapes, remote Tibetan villages, and culturally rich towns before reaching the spiritual heart of Tibet — Mount Kailash (6,638 m) and Lake Mansarovar (4,600 m). The tour is ideal for those who wish to experience the divine energy of these sacred sites while also enjoying the breathtaking natural beauty and deep-rooted traditions of the region.
Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar hold great spiritual importance for followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon:
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Hindus believe Mount Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva, and bathing in Lake Mansarovar washes away sins.
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Jains believe this is where Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara, attained liberation.
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Bon followers consider it the home of their founder, Shenrab Miwo.
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Buddhists view Mount Kailash as a symbol of spiritual power, representing the father of the world, while Mansarovar symbolizes the mother.
Throughout the journey, you will witness Tibetan culture, monasteries, prayer flags, local rituals, and traditional life. This yatra is more than a trip — it's a chance to connect with ancient spirituality and experience inner peace in one of the most sacred landscapes on Earth.
One of the highlights of this journey is the chance to witness the Saga Dawa Festival, celebrated during the full moon in May, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha — a deeply spiritual time to visit Mount Kailash.
Namaste Holidays proudly offers this Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Bus as a complete package with reliable transportation, accommodation, experienced guides, and full support throughout the journey. For those with limited time, we also offer helicopter tours and other flexible options to reach Kailash and Mansarovar.
Tour Highlights
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Cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu, including UNESCO sites like Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhunath.
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Scenic drive to Timure and the Nepal-China border (Rasuwagadhi-Kerung).
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Acclimatization and cultural exploration in Kyirong.
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Visit to Saga, known for its peaceful monasteries.
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Holy visit to Lake Mansarovar, one of the highest and most sacred lakes on Earth.
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Stop at Darchen, the base town for Mount Kailash parikrama.
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Exploration of Yamdwar, the spiritual gateway to Mount Kailash.
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Trek to Diraphuk, offering a close-up view of the North Face of Mount Kailash and the beautiful sunrise view known as “Golden Kailash.”
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Scenic route to Zuthulphuk, where you’ll view the East Face of Mount Kailash and the sacred Gaurikunda Lake, associated with Goddess Parvati.
Itinerary
Warm welcome at the airport with Rudraksha Mala. Pick-up and transfer to hotel.
Meals: Veg Dinner | Stay: 3-Star Hotel, twin sharing
Inclusions & exclusions
Included
- Comfortable hotel stays as per the itinerary, with all meals included (pure vegetarian Indian breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- All required ground transportation in Nepal and Tibet by bus or van as per the itinerary, including baggage transport at the border.
- Tibet group visa, Tibet entry permit, Kailash and Mansarovar Lake parikrama entry fee, and all applicable local taxes.
- Experienced Indian vegetarian cook
- English and Hindi-speaking Nepalese guide
- English-speaking Tibetan/Chinese guide
- Required number of Nepalese Sherpas for assistance
- Medical first aid kit
- Oxygen cylinder for emergency use
- Complimentary gear: down jacket (on return), duffle bag, daypack, and warm cap (as souvenirs from our company)
- Toilet tent
- Toilet chair
- Shower tent (for ladies)
Not included
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Personal Expenses:
Cost for personal horse riding, porter for individual use, and any personal shopping or items of a personal nature. -
Insurance & Medical Costs:
Travel insurance, emergency rescue or evacuation services, and any medical or hospital expenses in case of illness during the journey. -
Extra Accommodation Costs:
Any additional night stays in Kathmandu, Timure, Kyirong, Saga, or other locations due to bad weather, health issues, or unexpected delays (especially as per Chinese regulations) will be at your own cost. -
Early Return Charges:
If returning early from the Kailash Yatra, the Chinese group visa splitting charge (RMB 165 per person) and extra transportation cost (USD 100 per person per day) will be applicable as per Chinese government (FEC) rules. -
Drinks & Tips:
Beverages (tea, coffee, soft drinks, bottled water, etc.) and any additional tips for staff or crew.
Important information
The best time to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is from May to September, when the weather is relatively stable, the roads are open, and temperatures are suitable for high-altitude travel. The months of May and June are especially popular for pilgrims to witness the Saga Dawa Festival, which celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Monsoon rains are minimal in the Tibet region during this time, making it ideal for both trekking and road travel.
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A spiritual journey to Mount Kailash (6,638m) – believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.
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Holy bath and puja at Lake Mansarovar (4,560m) – the sacred lake of divine purity.
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Enjoy a scenic overland drive via the newly opened Kerung route through Nepal-Tibet border.
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Experience the cultural richness of Kathmandu, including visits to Pashupatinath, Jal Narayan, and Gujeshwori Temple.
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Witness the unique Tibetan Buddhist culture, monasteries, prayer flags, and chanting rituals.
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Breathtaking mountain views and high Himalayan passes such as Dolma La (5,620m).
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3-day Kailash Parikrama with stunning views of North, South, and East faces of Mount Kailash.
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Optional chance to participate in the Saga Dawa Festival in May/June.
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Professional team support including experienced guides, cooks, Sherpas, and crew.
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Certified certificate of completion for the sacred Kailash Parikrama.
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Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
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Comfortable trekking shoes with good grip
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Thermal innerwear, down jacket, windproof jacket, warm clothes (fleece, sweaters)
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Woolen gloves, warm hat, muffler, and scarf
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Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm
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Water bottles and thermos flask
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Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
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Personal medications and a small first aid kit
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Raincoat or poncho (during monsoon season)
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Backpack and small daypack
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Face mask and hand sanitizers
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Power bank and spare batteries
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Personal toiletries (toothpaste, soap, tissues, wet wipes)
Booking & Documentation Requirements
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A color scan copy of the passport and full name list of pilgrims must be submitted at least 40 days prior to departure for permit processing.
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Passports must be ordinary (not diplomatic) and valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
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Indian citizens must also submit a scanned copy of their PAN card.
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A non-refundable deposit of INR 30,000 or USD 400 per person is required at the time of booking.
Passport Submission & Visa Process
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Indian citizens must courier their original passport to our Delhi office (via Blue Dart) 10 days before departure for the China visa process.
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NRI and foreign nationals will need to hand over their original passport upon arrival in Kathmandu.
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Original Voter ID (Indian citizens only) is required for flights from India to Kathmandu.
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NRI pilgrims must arrive 1 day earlier than the itinerary start date for visa formalities in Kathmandu (extra hotel night not included).
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Indian passport holders arriving from a foreign country must arrive 3 days earlier for visa processing in Delhi (extra accommodation cost applies).
Special Conditions for Senior Pilgrims (70+ Years)
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Must submit a recent (within 6 months) medical certificate from a government hospital in India.
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Require two accompanying close relatives.
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Must deposit USD 1,000 as a security fee in case of any unforeseen event (as per China government requirement).
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Undergo health screening by Chinese doctors before the Parikrama. Approval is mandatory to proceed with the trek.
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All dues must be fully paid before departure.
Price Notice (Indian Citizens)
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The prices listed are based on the 2019 tour rates and may be subject to change as per updated China FEC regulations.
Cancellation Policy
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If cancelled after permit processing, a fee of USD 200 will be charged.
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If cancelled within 5 days of departure, INR 25,000 or full deposit will be charged.
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Same-day cancellations will incur a 70% charge of the total trip cost.
Important Travel Notices
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In case of delays or changes due to weather issues, natural disasters, landslides, technical issues, political unrest, or Chinese government restrictions, any additional costs incurred will be borne by the traveler.
China Government Rules
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Strictly prohibited: carrying or photographing items related to politics, the Dalai Lama, religious publications, or any sensitive content.
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Violation of these rules may result in immediate legal action by Chinese authorities.
Health & COVID-19 Advisory
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If the China government or FEC introduces new health protocols, pilgrims must comply at their own expense, including:
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PCR tests
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Vaccination requirements
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Medical check-ups
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Travel Insurance
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Travel insurance is not mandatory for visa processing but highly recommended for health and emergency coverage.
Emergency Oxygen
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Group oxygen cylinders are provided. Small personal oxygen cylinders can be purchased in Tibet (approx. Yuan 20–30 each).
Food & Meals
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We provide pure vegetarian Indian meals prepared by our experienced cook traveling with the group.
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Only USD is accepted in Tibet (not INR or other currencies).
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Currency exchange should be done in Kathmandu/Nepal before the border crossing.
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Daytime: 4°C to 20°C
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Nighttime: -1°C to 2°C
