Muktinath and Kailsh Overland Tour – 16 Days

The Kathmandu, Muktinath & Kailash Overland Tour – 16 Days is a uniquely curated spiritual and cultural journey designed for pilgrims seeking a deeper connection with the Himalayas, sacred lakes, ancient temples, and one of the world’s most revered mountains Mount Kailash. This journey beautifully blends Nepal’s most important Hindu–Buddhist pilgrimage sites with Tibet’s mythical landscapes, offering a rare chance to explore spirituality, culture, and natural grandeur in a single itinerary.

Your journey begins in Kathmandu, the spiritual heart of Nepal, where centuries-old temples, stupas, and palaces introduce you to the cultural richness of the region. After experiencing the holy sites of Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, you travel overland to the Mustang region for Muktinath Darshan, one of the holiest shrines for both Hindus and Buddhists. With its 108 sacred water spouts and serene temple environment, Muktinath is believed to grant liberation and purification.

Returning to Kathmandu, the tour prepares you for the main highlight an unforgettable overland adventure into Tibet, crossing the Rasuwagadhi border toward Kerung, Saga, Lake Manasarovar, and finally Mount Kailash, the spiritual center of the universe according to Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bon faiths.

The journey includes the complete 52 km Kailash Kora, covering Yamadwar, Dirapuk, the challenging Dolma La Pass (5,630m), sacred Gauri Kunda, and Zuthulpuk. The kora is considered one of the most spiritually rewarding and physically transformative pilgrimages on earth. Completing it is believed to purify lifetimes of karma.

With full board vegetarian meals in Tibet, professional Tibetan and Nepali guides, comfortable accommodations, and well-planned acclimatization days, this package ensures safety, comfort, and a deeply fulfilling pilgrimage.

This tour is perfect for:

• Pilgrims seeking both Muktinath & Kailash in a single journey

• Travelers interested in Tibetan plateau landscapes

• Devotees wishing to perform Puja at Lake Manasarovar

• Trekking enthusiasts aiming to complete the Kailash Kora

• Anyone seeking a transformative spiritual experience in the Himalayas

Fixed Departures For 2026

Visas and Travel Permits

Since the Kailash Mansarovar Tour starts and ends in Kathmandu, you will need three documents: a Nepal Entry Visa, a Chinese Group Visa, and a Tibet Travel Permit.

Nepal Entry Visa
You must enter Nepal to begin the trip, and getting a Nepal Visa is very easy. When you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport, you can get it on the spot by paying the visa fee and submitting a few documents along with a passport-size photo.

Chinese Group Visa
Anyone traveling from Nepal to Tibet must have a Chinese Group Visa. This visa takes about 3–4 working days, so you should arrive in Kathmandu at least 4–5 days before leaving for Tibet. Your tour operator will collect your passport and documents, submit them to the Chinese Embassy, and you will need to visit the embassy for biometric processing. The visa is issued for groups of at least five people and will be returned to you before the journey.

Tibet Travel Permit
A Tibet Travel Permit is required for all visitors to Tibet. Your travel agency will confirm your itinerary and send your passport copy and documents to the Tibet Travel Bureau through their local partner. The permit usually takes 9–10 working days to approve. Once you reach Tibet, your guide will give you the permit.

Transportation from Kathmandu to Muktinath

For this tour, all travel within Nepal—from Kathmandu to Muktinath—is arranged in a comfortable private 4WD jeep, ensuring a safe and reliable journey across Nepal’s diverse terrain. The drive begins in Kathmandu and follows the scenic Prithvi Highway toward Pokhara before gradually ascending into the Mustang region. As you travel further north, the landscape shifts dramatically—from lush hills to the barren, windswept valleys of Lower Mustang.

The road to Muktinath can be rough and rocky in some sections, which is why a sturdy four-wheel-drive vehicle is essential. Your experienced driver, familiar with the Himalayan roads, will ensure a smooth and secure journey to the sacred Muktinath Temple. The private jeep allows comfortable seating, flexibility for stops, and a more personalized experience compared to public transport.

This dedicated 4WD service provides both convenience and safety, letting you relax and enjoy the incredible scenery as you travel toward one of Nepal’s most important pilgrimage destinations.

Transportation for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour

Your journey begins in Kathmandu, where a Nepalese driver will take you in a private vehicle to the Kyirong border. After entering Tibet, you will meet your Tibetan driver, who will then take you to Kyirong town and continue the drive through Saga, Paryang, and Lake Mansarovar all the way to Darchen. From Darchen to Sarshung Village—the starting point of the Kailash Kora—you must use an eco-bus, as private vehicles are not permitted in that area.
Once the Kora is completed, you will return to Darchen by eco-bus and then travel back to Kyirong and the Rasuwagadhi border in a private vehicle with your group. After crossing into Nepal, your Nepalese driver will meet you again and drive you back to Kathmandu.

Accommodation on the Nepal Side (Kathmandu, Pokhara & Jomsom)

Accommodation in Nepal offers a comfortable and pleasant stay before and after your journey to Muktinath. In cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, we provide well-selected hotels that offer modern amenities, clean rooms, hot showers, and reliable services, ensuring a relaxing environment after long drives. These cities have a wide range of hotel standards, and we choose the most suitable and comfortable options for your trip.

As you travel further toward the mountains, lodging in Jomsom becomes simpler. While hotels here are not as luxurious as those in Kathmandu or Pokhara, they are clean, safe, and equipped with basic facilities such as warm bedding, attached bathrooms (where available), and hearty meals. The accommodations are designed to offer comfort in the higher-altitude environment of Mustang.

If you prefer a single room or wish to upgrade to a higher-standard hotel, this can be arranged in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Jomsom with advance notice and at an additional cost.

Accommodation During the Kailash Mansarovar Tour

Tibet offers basic lodging rather than luxury stays. In towns like GKyirong Saga and Darchen, we select the most comfortable and safe hotels available. In more remote areas such as Mansarovar, Dirapuk, and Zuthulpuk, accommodations are simple guesthouses with shared rooms and basic bedding.
If you prefer a single room or better hotel services, upgrades can be arranged in Kyirong, Saga, and Darchen with advance notice and at an extra cost.

Meal Options

Breakfast is included daily in the tour package, but lunch and dinner are not, so you can choose meals according to your taste. In Kathmandu, Kyirong, and Saga, you’ll find many restaurants offering Nepali, Tibetan, Continental, Chinese, and Western dishes. In Mansarovar, Darchen, Dirapuk, and Zuthulpuk, you can try simple local Tibetan meals such as butter tea, tsampa, dumplings, noodle soups, and basic Chinese or Western options like omelets, fries, pizzas, and pasta.

Tour and Trek Guides

You will be accompanied by experienced local Tibetan guides who speak English and are well-versed in Tibetan culture, history, and Buddhism. They will stay with you throughout your time in Tibet, including the Kailash Kora. These guides are trained to provide safe, supportive, and professional service. If you ever face a problem during the tour, you can reach out to your guide or our customer support team.

Fitness Level and Prior Experience

This tour is suitable for travelers with average fitness, and no previous trekking experience is required. However, preparing through walking, jogging, or other exercises is recommended. Anyone with existing health issues should consult a doctor before joining the trip.
During the Kailash Kora, you will trek for 4 to 8 hours a day at elevations above 5,000 meters, so being physically and mentally prepared is important.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Altitude sickness can occur above 3,000 meters, but the risk is lower on this tour since you gradually ascend by road from Kathmandu (1,400m). Still, the highest point of the Kora—Drolma La Pass—reaches 5,630 meters, so you must be careful.
Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, or a rapid heartbeat. Inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell. Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids is one of the best ways to minimize the chances of AMS. If any symptons apperead, please talk to your guide.

Important Things to Remember During the Kailash Mansarovar Tour

• Foreign travelers are not allowed to travel independently in Tibet; you must be with an organized group or guide.
• Photography is restricted inside most monasteries. Always ask for permission before taking pictures of Tibetan pilgrims, though taking photos from a distance is generally acceptable.
• Please avoid carrying or displaying any materials related to the 14th Dalai Lama, as he is considered a sensitive political figure in Tibet, and such items are strictly prohibited during the Kailash tour and can lead to serious legal consequences.
• Swimming or fishing in Tibet’s sacred lakes is not allowed. You can take a holy bath in Lake Mansarovar (a permitted spot is allotted).
• Avoid talking about politics or topics that may be sensitive in Tibet.
• Do not walk off the main routes or explore unknown trails on your own.
• Help protect Tibet’s fragile environment by being responsible and respectful.
• Tibetan Buddhism plays a major role in daily life, so please be mindful and respectful of local customs and traditions.
• If you are unsure about anything, consult your guide before deciding or acting on your own.