Luxury Mount Kailash Mansarovar Tour-15 Days

• Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
• Welcome by our airport representative.
• Private transfer to your deluxe hotel.
• Briefing on the upcoming pilgrimage to Kailash.

On your arrival at the historic Kathmandu City, Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will come to pick you up from the airport and then take you to check into a hotel. At 1,400 meters of elevation, Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal and cultural hub of the Himalayas. Upon arrival, have the afternoon at your leisure to wind down from flying or just wander through the local markets. In the evening, we will have a brief meeting to map out the logistics of travelling into the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Luxury Accommodation in Kathmandu: Hotel Marriott

5 Star Premium Hotel in Naxal Kathmandu, Nepal. The Kathmandu Marriott Hotel is situated in the historical center of Nepal’s capital city. This hotel presents modern luxury and stunning vistas of the Kathmandu Valley through floor-to-ceiling windows. It also features a host of first-class facilities such as the temperature-controlled outdoor pool, ultra-modern gymnasium and several dining outlets serving international and local Newari-inspired dishes.

• Sightseeing of Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa.
• Handover of passports for the Tibet group visa.
• Living with the culture and history in traditional Newari houses.
• The remainder of the evening at leisure –final gear shopping, etc.

Today we spend the day visiting religious temples and palaces in Kathmandu Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

You will have a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath temple located on the bank of the Bhagmati river, which is one of the biggest Hindu temples in the world, where Lord Shiva is worshipped. In the latter part of the day, you will visit one largest spherical stupas in the world, Boudhanath Stupa, and a center for the Tibetan school of Buddhism. These are the visits that, in turn, nurture your spiritual pilgrimage before you begin with the spiritual Yatra.

Luxury Accommodation in Kathmandu: Hotel Marriott

Another night at the Kathmandu Marriott Hotel awaits. Relax in the M-Club lounge or relieve some of those sightseeing aches and pains with services at their spa, ensuring that you're well rested for the high-altitude trip up to Mount Kailash

• Sightseeing in Patan Durbar Square.
• A last-minute check on trekking equipment and medications.
• Highitudes health protocols team meeting.
• Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Today, you take a day trip to the city of Lalitpur and see Patan Durbar Square.

This area is also famous for having the area with the most ancient temples and houses. Patan Museum has a superb collection of bronze statues and religious pieces.

The afternoon is saved for last-minute preparations. Our guides will give a full explanation about the use of Diamox and oxygen.

This is your last opportunity to pick up anything else you need in the Thamel district of town, whether a piece of trekking gear or some more unusual snacks, before hitting the remote border areas.

Luxury Accommodation in Kathmandu: Hotel Marriott

Back at the Kathmandu Marriott, reconnect with family using the high-speed Wi-Fi before you enter Tibet and experience reduced connectivity. The hotel has feather pillows and a duvet to ensure a long, sound sleep for acclimatisation.

• Collection of Tibet Group Visa.
• Distribution of duffel bags and down jackets.
• Half-day free for personal exploration.
• An early dinner and bed for the morning's drive.

Our group will get the Tibet Group Visa from the embassy today. As the paperwork is processed, you're free to visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) or last minute exchange your money. In the afternoon, we'll have an equipment briefing and distribution for the trip. You should pack into your supplied duffel bags today; therefore essential that you bring all main baggage. We suggest a relatively early dinner and a quiet night, as the drive to the border in the morning is long and dramatic.

Kathmandu Stay in Luxury: Hotel Marriott

Finish your last night in Nepal at the Kathmandu Marriott. Get to partake of the buffet breakfast and take a final trip to the fitness centre. The hotel's undisturbed, soundproofed rooms are the ideal spot for a last night of pure luxury before transitioning to more rudimentary Himalayan hotels.

• Drive from Kathmandu to the Rasuwagadhi border.
• Cross the Friendship Bridge to Tibet, China.
• Drive uphill to Kerung Town (2,800m).
• Customs and immigration formalities.

The adventure starts with a 7-hour drive through the fertile hills of central Nepal to the Rasuwagadhi border. Once you are done with the exit procedures in the Nepal immigration office, walk to cross the Friendship Bridge and enter Kyirong (Kerung) County of Tibet. Your guide and driver will greet you. The valley continues up from there, deep into the gorges to Kerung Town, also called "The Valley of Happiness." 

Luxury Accommodation in Kerung: Hotel Pilgrimage

You may only have the options to stay at Hotel Pilgrimage in Kerung, which is the best quality available Luxury in such an isolated border town. The rooms are clean with attached bathrooms and 24-hour hot water, a luxury in these parts of the world. With comfortable twin-sharing accommodation and special meals prepared to keep you acclimated, the hotel also manages a restaurant serving hot food for guests approaching higher elevations.

• Today: Rest day to acclimatize ourselves at 2,800m.
• And nearby, a short walk to the sacred Milarepa Cave.
• Discover the Tibetan culture and monasteries.
• Medical check by the tour operator

Today is acclimatization day in order to ensure a successful transition to higher ground. You’ll have an easy hike to the nearby Milarepa Cave, where, tradition says, the famous Tibetan yogi and poet meditated. It is an easy motion that allows your lungs to acclimate to the thinning air without straining. The remaining day can be used to explore the market of Kerung, where you can experience a mixture of Nepali and Tibetan cultures. Good hydration and rest tonight are essential for the long drive to Saga tomorrow.

Luxury Accommodation in Kerung: Hotel Pilgrimage

Continue to stay at Hotel Pilgrimage. Staying in one place you feel safe and comfortable for two nights allows the body to regularize. The hotel staff are no strangers to looking after pilgrims, bringing out extra blankets and hot tea as temperatures drop in the evening.

• Cross the Lalung La Pass at high altitude (5,050m).
• Views of Shishapangma and Pelku Tso Lake.
• Cross the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River.
• Arrival in Saga Town (4,400m).

Today's journey drives further into the very heart of the Tibetan Plateau. You will pass the Lalung La Pass, where you will have a stunning view of Mount Shishapangma (8,027m), Tibet's only 8000-meter peak wholly within Tibet. The road skirts the turquoise waters of Pelku Tso Lake before crossing the Brahmaputra River. By late afternoon, you will reach Saga, a vital junction town for pilgrims. Elevation here spikes to 4,400 meters, so take it slowly and drink water.

Luxury Hotels in Saga: Western Station Hotel

The Western Station Hotel (Saga Western Post) offers the latest facilities and the highest standard of all hotels in Saga. Rooms are airy and modern, but most importantly, when it comes to luxury accommodation, they have hot attached showers. Hotel facilities offered at this accommodation include in-room oxygen provision (available upon request) and a large dining hall offering a variety of Tibetan and Chinese cuisine.

• A long scenic drive up onto the vast Tibetan plateau.
• Sightseeing of Mount Kailash from a distance for 1st time (First Darshan)
• Arrive at the sacred Lake Mansarovar (4,590m).
• Circumambulation (Kora) of the lake by vehicle.

This is one of the most important days of the Yatra. Cross the large Mayum La Pass (5,200m) and arrive at the Barkha plains. From here, you will get your first view of the “Jewel of the Snow,” Mount Kailash, and glistening Lake Mansarovar. ‘Lake Mansarovar’, which is the highest freshwater body of water in the world, Hindus believe it’s a creation that was formed in Brahma’s mind. You will partly circumambulate the lake by jeep before checking into your guesthouse near Chiu Monastery.

Luxury Accommodation in Mansarovar: Natural Hot Spring Hotel

Mansarovar The Natural Hot Spring Hotel is situated on the banks of Lake Mansarovar. It is special that it is located nearest the actual natural geothermal springs to draw water for holy baths. The hotel offers twin-sharing en-suite rooms, a luxury on this remote lakeside - far better than the mud house guesthouses typical of accommodation in the area.

• Puja and a holy bath in Lake Mansarovar.
• Stop by the Chiu Monastery on a cliff.
• Short drive to Darchen (4,670m).
• Preparation for 3-day Kailash Kora.

The morning is spent in religious exercises. At the shores of Lake Mansarovar, pilgrims take a Holy Bath and do Puja (prayers) while facing Mount Kailash. From there you can visit the Chiu Monastery, affording a great view over the lake's blue distance. During the second part of the day, an afternoon 1-hour drive takes you to Darchen, the base camp of the Kailash trek. Now it's time to pack your daypack for your trek; remember that the larger baggage stays at the hotel.

Luxury Accommodation in Darchen: Hotel Himalaya

Hotel Himalaya is the best 4-star standard hotel in Darchen. It is newly built to withstand the high Tibetan winds. The rooms have thick rugs, electric blankets and private bathrooms. It is ideally situated to offer 270-degree views of the southern face of Mount Kailash so you can contemplate the peak from your room.

• Drive to Yamadwar( Gate of The God of Death).
• Trek for 6 hours to Dirapuk.
• Walk through the Lha-chu Valley.
• Enjoy the breathtaking North Face of Mount Kailash.

The Kailash Parikrama begins today. After a short scenic drive, you’ll reach Yamadwar, which is the beginning point of the trek. The trail is relatively even here as it continues along the Lha-chu River through a deep canyon of red rock.

As you get to Dirapuk and the incredible North Face of Mount Kailash is on full display. This face is regarded as the most potent and the one with which pilgrims connect most with spirituality. Here, at 5,210 meters above sea level, the air is very thin.

Luxury Accommodation in Dirapuk: Shixabangma Guest House

Given the extreme altitude and isolation, luxury is in short supply. Shixabangma Guest House is the best lodge near the North Face.Rooms are Group Sharing with Common basic Toilets and without any shower. It is a lowly construction, yet it yields stable protection and a comfortable dining environment directly toward the mountain with a unique spiritual atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else.

• Hardest day: Ascending to Dolma La Pass (5,645 meters).
• Crosses the sacred Gauri Kunda (Lake of Compassion).
• And a long descent into the Zutulpuk Valley.
• Total trekking time: 10–12 hours.

This is the toughest in physical terms as well as the most rewarding day of Yatra. You would commence your Kora very early in the morning (Dolma-La being the highest pass on this trek). It is strung with thousands of colorful prayer flags. From here, there's a short break for puja, and you'll head down past the emerald-green Gauri Kunda, where it’s said Goddess Parvati used to bathe. The walk becomes flat as you enter the long valley going to Zutulpuk, home of the “Miracle Cave.”

Luxury Accommodation in Zutulpuk: New Guest House

The New Guest House, Zutulpuk: This is a newly built guesthouse, and it has the best conditions currently in this area. Like Dirapuk, Stay is also of the Group Sharing style with Common Basic Toilets. It also clean beds and a communal kitchen where the crew will serve you hot soup and tea to help you recover from the treacherous journey up over the pass.

• Last 3-hour walk to the pick-up point.
• Receive transport and return drive to Darchen.
• Great return drive back to Saga Town.
• Dinner to celebrate having finished the Kora.

The end of the trek is a low three-hour descent walk along the valley. Before you complete the trekking circuit, you will walk through more Mani walls and prayer wheels. Your vehicle will be waiting to bring you back to the Darchen for a very late lunch and collect your main luggage. From here you will follow the return journey over the Tibetan plateau to Saga. In the wake of a tough trek, you’ll find some well-deserved comfort in your proper hotel in Saga.

Luxury Accommodation in Saga: Western Station Hotel

You will return to Western Station Hotel in Saga. After three nights in Spartan guesthouses with no showers, the luxury of a private hot bath and a soft bed here is indescribable. You will celebrate the successful end of your Kora of Mount Kailash with a dinner party for your group.

• Backtrack along the route across the Tibetan Plateau.
• Last views to the north of the Himalaya.
• From the high plateau to the forested gorge.
• Overnight stay at the same old place, Kerung.

It is a smooth journey today to the Nepal-China border. You'll re-cross the higher passes, with last sightings of the great peaks before the environment changes from arid brown plains of Tibet to a landscape of green forests in Kyirong Valley. This drop is very favourable for physical recovery in correlation with the increased oxygen levels. You will arrive in Kerung in the late afternoon so that you can take a final walk around the town to do some Tibetan souvenir shopping.

Luxury Accommodation in Kerung: Hotel Pilgrimage

You will be accommodated at Hotel Pilgrimage again. The familiar comfort and the lower altitude (2,800m) will guarantee a good night’s sleep. The restaurant here serves a special “farewell Tibet” meal for the pilgrims.

• Exit China and enter Nepal at Rasuwagadhi. (Jordi Busque)
• Spend a few hours driving around the natural hills of Nuwakot.
• Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu, arrival by late evening.
• Transfer to the Marriott luxury.

After breakfast, drive to the border and go through customs formalities for exiting China. After that, you continue your journey to Kathmandu by private vehicle. The road itself takes you by terraced fields and small villages, offering a complete juxtaposition to the high-altitude desert that you just left behind. Upon returning to Kathmandu, you will be escorted to your hotel and can pamper yourself in the comforts of the city.

Luxury Accommodation in Kathmandu: Hotel Marriott

Afterward, at the Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, you finally have access to a full range of 5-star services. So, whether you want a spa massage to help relax your trekking limbs or fancy some fine dining at Edamame, the hotel offers an ideal way for you to look back on the spiritual journey you have just completed.

• Leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
• Free time for last-minute shopping in Thamel.
• Private transfer to the airport.
• Departure with lifelong spiritual memories.

Your holy journey concludes today. Whether you have any time left, before your flight, go shopping for the last purchase of pashminas, thangkas or spices. Our airport representative will come to pick you up at the hotel, and he will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight time toward three hours prior to your departure. You are flying over the Himalayas with a sense of blessedness bestowed on you by Mount Kailash, and spiritual clarity given to you by Lake Mansarovar.

Luxury Accommodation: Departure

You don't have a hotel for tonight since you're going to be at the airport. But you will be able to take advantage of Marriott's late check-out facilities (based on availability) and relax in its comfortable lobby lounge until your transfer time.