We value honesty. Here are the facts you need to know:
Visa Rule: You must come to Kathmandu 3 days early. We need your fingerprints for the Chinese Visa.
Road Conditions: The road to the border is bumpy. Some parts are under construction.
Food: We bring our own Nepali cooks. You will get hot Indian meals, not Chinese food.
This is the classic route to Mount Kailash. You drive from Kathmandu to the Chinese border at Kerung. It is the most affordable way to travel. The gradual climb helps your body adjust to the high altitude. This is vital for your safety.
2026 is the “Year of the Horse”. Tibetan beliefs say one trip this year equals twelve trips in a normal year. Demand will be very high. You must book early to get a seat.
14 Days
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Moderate
5,630 meters
1-50
Trekking and Tour
Luxurious Homestays
Nepal-China
Peak Year of the Horse pilgrimage dates. Limited permits and accommodation availability.
| Month | Full Moon | KTM Arrival | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | May 31 (Sun) | May 21 | |
| June | June 29 (Mon) | June 19 | |
| July | July 29 (Wed) | July 19 | |
| August | Aug 27 (Thu) | Aug 17 |
Best Time to Go The best months for this trip are May to September. The weather is warm and the days are sunny. You should not go in winter due to heavy snow. The roads are often closed by ice and snow.
Visa and Papers We handle all your visa work for this trip. You must send us your passport copy by email. We need your original passport in Kathmandu for the visa. The process takes three to four working days.
Places to Stay You stay in guest houses or mud homes in Tibet. The rooms are simple and shared with other people. You will not find luxury hotels in these remote areas. The beds are basic but clean and warm enough.
Food and Drink Our cooks prepare fresh meals for you every day. We serve food that has no meat for religious reasons. You get breakfast, lunch, and dinner at our camps. You can bring your own dry snacks to eat.
High Altitude The air is thin at high places on this trip. You might feel headaches or sickness if you rush. You must drink lots of water to stay healthy. We spend time at lower stops to help you adjust.
We pick you up at the airport. You will go to your hotel in Thamel or Boudha. We will brief you on the trip. We collect your original passport today.
We take you to the Chinese Visa Centre. You must give your fingerprints and photo. This is mandatory. Later, you visit the Pashupatinath Temple for blessings.
 Elevation: 1,400 meters
The drive takes about 7 to 8 hours. The distance is 145 km. The road winds through green hills. You stay overnight near the border. Elevation: 2,000 meters
We walk across the Friendship Bridge. We clear Chinese customs. Do not carry books about the Dalai Lama or fresh fruit. We drive 40 km to Kerung town.
Elevation: 2,900 meters
We stay here to help your body adjust. We hike to a local monastery. This prepares you for the high altitude tomorrow.
Elevation: 2,900 meters
We drive 220 km today. It takes 5 to 6 hours. You will see the Brahmaputra River. We cross high passes with great views.
Elevation: 4,500 meters
This is a big day. We drive 450 km. You will see Mount Kailash for the first time. We drive around the lake in our bus. We perform Puja on the banks. Elevation: 4,590 meters
We drive one hour to Darchen. This is the base camp. We pack for the trek. You can hire a pony or porter here if needed.
Elevation: 4,575 meters
We walk 12 km today. We pass through the "Valley of the God". You will see the North Face of Kailash up close. It is a powerful sight.
Elevation: 4,900 meters
This is the hardest day. We walk 22 km. We climb steeply to Dolma La Pass. You can see Gauri Kund on the way down. We sleep at Zuthulpuk.
Elevation: 4,760 meters (Pass: 5,600 meters)
We walk 10 km to finish the Kora. Our bus waits for us. We drive back to Saga for the night.
Elevation: 4,500 meters
We drive back the same way. The altitude drops, and you will sleep better.
Elevation: 2,900 meters
We cross the border back into Nepal. We drive you to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Elevation: 1,400 meters
Our team picks you up and takes you to the airport. We make sure you reach there on time for your flight home. This marks the end of our services for your trip.
Yes. All pilgrims need a Chinese Group Visa. We handle the paperwork. You just need to bring your original passport to Kathmandu 3 days before the trip.
The Outer Kora is 52 km long. The hardest part is Dolma La Pass at 5,600m. You need to be fit. Start walking 5 km daily now to train. If you cannot walk, you can hire a horse.
Bring Chinese Yuan (RMB) for Tibet. Indian Rupees and US Dollars are not accepted in small Tibetan towns. You can exchange money in Kathmandu.
Yes, but Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp are blocked in China. You need a roaming plan or a special SIM card. We can help you buy a SIM in Nepal.
We check your health daily. If you are sick, our guide will treat you. We have oxygen and Gamow bags. If it is serious, we will drive you down to a lower altitude immediately.
Yes. Our own cooks prepare fresh vegetarian meals. We do not eat at random local restaurants. The food is hygienic and safe.
Generally, pilgrims should be between 18 and 70 years old. If you are over 70, you need a medical certificate to prove you are fit.
Yes. This event happens once every 12 years. The merit is 12 times greater. Pilgrims from all over the world will come. Hotels and buses will sell out. You must book 6 months in advance.
