Mount Kailash

Pilgrimage to the Heart of the Tradition

June 4—22, 2028

19 days

From $7,299

Activity Level

Moderate-High This Excursion balances activity with rest while gradually ascending to the high-altitude Tibetan plateau. Moderate trekking on varied terrain is made more demanding by reduced oxygen, requiring steady pacing and endurance, coupled with discipline and determination while traveling through these remote high-mountain environments.

Excursion Type

Pilgrimage

Location

Nepal and Tibet

Group Size

Max 40

or call 1-800-822-4547 x5

Overview

At the heart of the Himalayan tradition lies Mount Kailash—a sacred space revered for millennia as the meeting point of heaven and earth, and the living seat of divine consciousness. For the Himalayan Institute, a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash is more than a journey—it is a return to the living source of its spiritual lineage.

Rising in the remote western Tibetan plateau, Mount Kailash has long been honored by numerous spiritual traditions as a supreme center of awakening. In Vedic and tantric traditions, it is the abode of Lord Shiva, the embodiment of stillness, auspiciousness, and ultimate freedom. In Tibetan Buddhism and the ancient Bon tradition, it is experienced as a cosmic mandala—a living field of enlightened energy. Across these traditions, the mountain is not climbed but revered, approached in humility as a sacred presence to be experienced rather than a summit to be conquered.

This pilgrimage invites participants into a rare synthesis of outer journey and inner practice. Traveling through the high Himalayan landscapes of Nepal and Tibet, pilgrims gradually acclimate not only to altitude, but to a more subtle awareness—one shaped by silence, mantra, breath, and reflection. The journey includes time at the sacred Lake Manasarovar, whose pristine waters have been revered as a place of purification and deep spiritual renewal for thousands of years.

For centuries, pilgrims have journeyed here to perform the sacred circumambulation—known as kora or parikrama—a ritual walk of approximately 32 miles around the mountain. This act is understood as a profound spiritual practice—a sustained meditation, using the rhythm of walking to gently hold external awareness, allowing the deeper layers of our mind to bask in the shakti that fills this space.

More than a physical challenge, pilgrimage to Kailash calls for profound capacity of both body and spirit. The high altitude, remote terrain, and simplicity of conditions require resilience and openness. Yet it is precisely these elements that strip away distraction and invite clarity.

For those connected to the Himalayan Tradition, this journey carries an added layer of meaning. It is an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of sages who embodied these teachings—to sit, breathe, and move in the presence of the pervasive stillness that has inspired seekers for millenia.

Ultimately, a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash is not about reaching a destination. It is about deepening a sacred relationship—with Higher Reality, with the source of lineage, and with the deepest Self.

Key Highlights

6 nights at Yak & Yeti, a 5-star heritage hotel in Kathmandu
2 nights at Lake Mansarovar
3 day Mount Kailash Parikrama
3 acclimatizing day hikes between Kathmandu and the Tibetan Plateau
Private cooking team in Tibet to ensure high quality vegetarian meals

Trip Includes

Acquisition of Tibetan Group Visa Permit
6 nights accommodation in Kathmandu at the Yak & Yeti Hotel (single or double occupancy), including daily breakfast and dinner
1 night at Chandragiri Hills Resort (single or double occupancy), including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hotel accommodations in Kyirong, Saga, and Darchen (single or double occupancy), including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodations during the Kailash Parikrama at guest houses in Diraphuk and Zuthulphuk (shared dormitory-style lodging), including all meals
English-speaking guide and all airport-hotel transfers in Kathmandu
Air-conditioned coach transportation in Kathmandu for all planned activities on the itinerary
Round-trip transportation between Kathmandu and Kyirong by air-conditioned bus
All transportation within Tibet by luxury bus
Portable oxygen cylinders available for emergencies
Experienced trek leaders, cooks, and Sherpa support staff throughout the Kailash Parikrama
Yak and yak-handler support for transporting luggage and equipment on Kailash Parikrama

Not included in the cost of the trip

Nepalese Visa Application
Travel Insurance (required)
Any expenses for emergency evacuation
Riding a yak or horse for Kailash Parikrama (payable to the herder)
Extra cost for hiring additional transportation in the event of a landslide
Food and drink not listed in the itinerary
Photography charges
Expenses of personal urgent visa fees etc.
Personal services other than those specified

Itinerary

Nepal (7 nights), Tibet (11 Nights)

Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu. Transfer to Yak & Yeti Hotel (4,600 ft)
Day 2 | Kathmandu – Sightseeing tours in Kathmandu, Yak & Yeti Hotel
Day 3 | Acclimatization day hike to Shivpuri National Park, Yak and Yeti Hotel (8,960 ft)
Day 4 | Acclimatization in Chandragiri, Chandragiri Resort (8,370 ft)
Day 5 | Drive back to Kathmandu, Sightseeing tours, Yak & Yeti Hotel
Day 6 | Drive Kathmandu to Kyirong (6-7 hours). Hotel Stay (9,000 ft)
Day 7 | Acclimatization hike near Kyirong, Hotel Stay (9,000 – 11,000 ft).
Day 8 | Drive to Saga (6-7 hours) Hotel Stay (15,220 ft)
Day 9 | In Saga. Free day and hike for acclimatization Hotel Stay (15,220 ft)
Day 10 | Saga to Lake Manasarovar (8-9 hours) Local Guest House (15,060 ft)
Day 11 | Time at Lake Manasarovar, then drive to Darchen (1-hour) Hotel Stay (15,320 ft)
Day 12 | Day 1 of Kailash Parikrama – Drive Darchen to Tarboche and walk to Diraphuk (7 miles, 6 hours) Local Guest House (16,400 ft)
Day 13 | Day 2 of Kailash Parikrama – Diraphuk to Zhulthulphuk (13.5 miles, 10-12 hours) Local Guest House (15,800 ft, via Dolma pass 18,600 ft)
Day 14 | Day 3 of Kailash Parikrama – Trek till pickup point and drive to Lake Manasarovar (7-8 miles, 4-5 hours) Local Guest House (15,060 ft)
Day 15 | Drive to Saga (8-9hrs) Hotel Stay (15,320 ft)
Day 16 | Drive from Saga to Kyirong (Gyirong) (6-7 hours) Hotel Stay (9,000 ft)
Day 17 | Drive to Kathmandu Yak & Yeti Hotel (4,600 ft)
Day 18 | In Kathmandu Free day Yak & Yeti Hotel
Day 19 | Final departure from Kathmandu

Photo Gallery

View More Photos

Excursion Team

Aaron Luburich

Ransom Hare

Dates & Prices

Date	Regular Registration	Late Registration	Single Supplement*
May 30—June 17, 2027 Register Online	$6,999 Closes December 16, 2026	$7,499 Closes March 17, 2027	+$1,300
June 4—22, 2028 Register Online	$7,299 Closes December 15, 2027	$7,799 Closes March 15, 2028	+$1,300

Date

Regular Registration

Late Registration

Single Supplement*

May 30—June 17, 2027

$6,999

Closes December 16, 2026

$7,499

Closes March 17, 2027

+$1,300

June 4—22, 2028

$7,299

Closes December 15, 2027

$7,799

Closes March 15, 2028

+$1,300

*Base price is for double occupancy. Choose the single supplement to upgrade to a single room at all hotels (excludes guest houses on the Kailash Parikrama where single accommodation is not possible).

Call 1-800-822-4547 x5 or email [email protected] for more information.

Download TPA (2027)

Download TPA (2028)

Packing List

Download the Packing List

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any official age restrictions for the Mount Kailash Pilgrimage?

With the exception of Indian Nationals, there are no age restrictions for international travelers applying for the Mount Kailash Pilgrimage. Indian Nationals over 70 years of age may have difficulty securing a permit.

Do you have any age concerns or restrictions for your participants travelling with you to Mount Kailash?

We don’t have any rigid age restrictions for guests on this Pilgrimage, but considering the high altitude and remote nature of this excursion, we will require all participants to consult with their doctor and submit a letter of good health from their care provider.

Do I need prior trekking experience?

Prior trekking experience is helpful but not required. What matters most is:

A solid baseline of fitness
Comfort walking multiple hours per day
Willingness to prepare physically and mentally

We will provide guidance on how to train effectively before the journey.

Is Travel Insurance required?

Comprehensive travel insurance is required for all participants on the Kailash pilgrimage due to the remote nature of the journey and the high-altitude environments involved. Policies must explicitly cover travel and trekking at high altitude (up to approximately 6,000 meters / 19,700 feet), including emergency medical treatment, emergency evacuation (by land or air), and medical repatriation.

In addition, coverage should include trip cancellation or interruption, and lost or delayed baggage. The policy must be valid for the full duration of the itinerary, including all time spent in Nepal and Tibet at elevation. When securing insurance, participants must inform their provider that the trip includes trekking and travel in the Tibet Autonomous Region, as many standard policies exclude high-altitude or remote-area travel.

Because medical facilities are extremely limited in these regions and emergency response is complex and costly, proper insurance coverage is a mandatory safety requirement for participation. Comprehensive plans to consider that meet these requirements are World Nomad’s Explorer and Epic plans, and select plans through IMG Global.

When do I need to purchase my travel insurance?

To ensure the best coverage, travel insurance should be purchased within 14-21 days after making your initial deposit.

How physically demanding is the trip?

This is a moderate to challenging journey. While much of the journey is moderate in effort, high-altitude can present unique challenges, both physically and mentally. The most demanding position is the 3-day Kailash Parikrama, which includes:

Longer trekking days (6-12 hours)
High altitude conditions (up to ~18,500 ft)
Variable Weather

Preparation is essential, and our team is here to support you throughout.

How should I physically prepare for the pilgrimage?

Physical preparation is one of the most important factors in having a safe and meaningful experience. We recommend beginning training at least 3–4 months in advance, focusing on:

Endurance: Build up to sustained efforts of 4–8 hours (hiking, walking, backpacking)
Elevation Gain: Stairmaster, treadmill at grade, or hiking to simulate or experience
Strength Training: Prioritize legs, hips, and core for stability and resilience
Consistency: Aim for 4–5 days of movement per week leading up to the excursion
Back-to-Back efforts: Practice consecutive days of activity to mirror the Parikrama experience

If possible, training with a loaded daypack to simulate real conditions, equally important is learning to pace yourself—this is not a race. Moving steadily, conserving energy, and healthy breathing are most important when trekking at altitude.

How do I manage breathing and pacing at high altitudes?

At elevation, how you move and breath becomes just as important as your overall fitness level.

A few key principles

Slow down more than you think—even very fit individuals must adjust their pace. A steady, sustainable rhythm is far more effective than bursts of speed
Focus on nose breathing or controlled breathing when possible—Smooth, rhythmic breathing helps regulate effort and conserve energy
Use a step-to-breath rhythm—for example, syncing 2–3 steps per inhale and exhale can help maintain consistency and calm the nervous system
Pause before you feel exhausted—Short, intentional breaks are more effective than pushing fatigue
Stay relaxed—tension wastes energy, keeping your shoulders, jaw, and hands relaxed can make a noticeable difference over the longer days

At altitude, efficiency always wins over intensity. The goal is to move in a way that feels sustainable for hours, not minutes.

How do we handle altitude and acclimatization?

Altitude is one of the most important considerations. Our itinerary is designed for gradual acclimatization, and our team will closely monitor everyone throughout the journey. We intentionally use the days leading up to the Parikrama as preparation for higher elevation, incorporating a series of progressively longer walks and hikes. These are thoughtfully designed to help your body adapt, build confidence, and establish a sustainable rhythm before reaching the most demanding portion of the journey. This gradual approach allows us to prioritize both safety and overall experience once we are at higher altitudes.

We recommend:

Arriving in Nepal well-rested so you have the best opportunity to get over jet lag and begin the journey healthy and ready
Training at elevation if possible, however our acclimatization protocols will be more than sufficient to prepare you
Staying hydrated, rested, and pacing yourself
Being mindful of overextending yourself socially at higher altitudes

Our team is fully trained in all the aspects of high altitude trekking, carrying medications, oxygen, and support gear to diagnose, treat, and manage any issues as they arise.

Do you recommend guests bring oxygen canisters to help with altitude?

No. While oxygen canisters may temporarily help alleviate altitude symptoms, they are not a long-term solution for acclimatization and may even hinder the process. Our team will carry substantial oxygen canisters that can be deployed in the event of an emergency.

What are the accommodations like?

Accommodations vary depending on location:

4-5 Star hotels in Kathmandu
Comfortable hotels in Kyirong, Saga, and Darchen
Simple guesthouses with shared dorms at Mansarovar and Kailash Parikrama

*Accommodations are modest in the more remote regions.

What’s the highest elevation we’ll be at during this pilgrimage?

The highest elevation we will reach during the excursion is approximately 18,600 ft (5,600 meters) at Dolma La Pass, which occurs on Day 13 of the Kailash Parikrama. This is the highest point of the entire journey and is typically traversed during a long, demanding trekking day as part of the circumambulation of Mount Kailash. While this is a brief crossing rather than a place where we remain, it represents the maximum altitude experienced on the itinerary.

What’s the highest elevation we’ll sleep at?

The highest elevation we will sleep at during the journey is approximately 16,400 ft (5,000 meters) in Diraphuk, which occurs on the first night of the Kailash Parikrama. While we will briefly travel higher during the crossing of Dolma La Pass at around 18,600 ft (5,600 meters), we will not overnight at that elevation. The itinerary is intentionally designed so that sleeping elevations remain within a supported acclimatization range, with subsequent nights descending slightly to around 15,800 ft in Zhulthulphuk and earlier stays ranging between approximately 15,000–15,300 ft in places such as Saga, Lake Manasarovar, and Darchen. This gradual structure is intended to support safe acclimatization while allowing the body to adapt progressively to high-altitude conditions.

What kind of support is provided?

You will be supported by Himalayan Institute Faculty members and Excursions Leaders, experienced local guides, and trek leaders who will coordinate our cooking and porter teams ensuring essential needs regarding nourishment, safety, and gear transportation are thoroughly met.

Our goal is to allow you to focus on the experience while we manage the logistics, safety, and other considerations.

Should I be concerned about altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is a legitimate concern. Our team will take measures to help guests acclimatize as we gain elevation, and our itinerary is thoughtfully planned with acclimatization as a priority. We also encourage you to consult with your doctor about ways to help prevent or reduce altitude symptoms. Over-the-counter medications like Diamox can significantly help you adjust to higher elevations.

What permits or visas are required?

This journey includes travel through Nepal and into Tibet, and requires a few coordinated steps.

Participants will be responsible for securing their own Nepalese visa prior to (or upon) arrival in Kathmandu. Once in the country, our team will handle the Tibetan group visa process required for entry into Tibet and participation in the Parikrama.

This is a specialized group permit that must be arranged collectively, and we will guide you through each step to ensure everything is completed smoothly and correctly.

Additional details and timing will be provided in advance, and our team will be there to support you throughout the process.

What should I pack?

For this high altitude pilgrimage it is very important to be properly equipped with appropriate mountain gear. Please carefully follow the packing list provided upon registration, or available for PDF download on the excursion webpage.

How difficult will the hikes be?

This is not a technically difficult trek, but it is a demanding one. The real challenge isn’t the trail itself, it’s the altitude and the need to move steadily over long periods of time.

Those who do best are not necessarily the fastest or strongest, but those who can pace themselves, breathe well, and stay consistent day after day.

How much driving will there be?

Driving times range from shorter local transfers of 1–3 hours during the Kathmandu portion, to longer travel days of approximately 5–7 hours within Tibet, and up to 7–9 hours on border crossing days and extended routes such as Kathmandu to Kyirong and Saga to Manasarovar. These driving days are thoughtfully balanced with acclimatization time and built-in stops, allowing for a gradual and supported transition into higher elevations. They are an excellent opportunity for rest, reflection, and immersion in the surrounding landscapes.

What are the road conditions like?

Road conditions vary throughout the journey and are an important part of the overall experience. In Nepal, particularly between Kathmandu and Kyirong, roads can be narrow, winding, and uneven, with slower travel due to terrain and occasional delays. Once in Tibet, road conditions improve significantly, with mostly paved highways and long, open stretches across the plateau. These days can still feel demanding due to distance and altitude, but luxury coach buses provide a nice touch of comfort.

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Mount Kailash

Overview

Key Highlights

Trip Includes

Not included in the cost of the trip

Itinerary

Photo Gallery

Excursion Team

Aaron Luburich

Ransom Hare

Dates & Prices

Packing List

Frequently Asked Questions

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