Simikot to Kailash Overland Tour
- Duration
- 18 days
- Max altitude
- 5,600 m
- Difficulty
-
Strenuous
Difficulty scale
- Easy Short walking days on good trails below about 3,000 m. Suitable for anyone in ordinary health, including families.
- Moderate 5 to 6 hours a day with some steep sections, reaching up to about 4,000 m. A reasonable level of fitness and a few weeks of preparation walking recommended.
- Strenuous 6 to 8 hours a day, high passes or altitudes above 5,000 m, and remote stretches. Good fitness, prior trekking experience and proper acclimatisation days are essential.
- Very strenuous Long days, multiple high passes or technical sections, sustained time above 5,000 m. For experienced, well-conditioned trekkers only.
- Best season
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) · Monsoon (Jun–Aug) · Spring (Mar–May)
- Group
- Private
- From
- $3,315.00
Overview
The overland pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, entering Tibet through Humla in far-western Nepal and returning by the Zhangmu road. High, remote and administratively complex, which is most of why it is arranged rather than done alone.
Every departure is private and led by a government-licensed Nepali guide, so the plan flexes to your party and to the mountain. Permits, park fees and local taxes are inside the price you see.
Trip highlights
- Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar
- Overland entry through Humla
- Tibet travel permits arranged
- High-altitude driving above 4,500 m
Day by day
The itinerary
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Day 1: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Our airport representative will welcome you and explain the program further. There are no planned activities for the day, so check into the hotel. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel.
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Day 2: Tour preparations and Kathmandu Valley sightseeing
Touring the World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley that includes: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.
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Day 3: Flight to Nepalgunj
Today we take a 90 minute flight to Nepalgunj in the far south-west of Nepal. It is a busy crowded city which lies close to the Indian border. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.
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Day 4: Fly to Simikot (2985m/9790ft) and trek to Dharapori (2360m/7740ft) 2,985 m 4-6 hrs
We take a 40-minute flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot and admire the beauty of the soaring mountain cliffs from our airplane. Simikot, the headquarters of the Humla District, is cut off from the rest of the country due to its remoteness. While here, we learn about the local people and their rich culture, which is closely tied to the Tibetans because of the close proximity of the two places. We have lunch at Simikot and also register for the permit at the police office. From Simikot, we ascend for a while, then descend towards the village of Tuling. We continue walking through jungles and villages along the Karnali River towards Dharapori. Overnight at the guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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Day 5: Dharapori to Kermi (2860m/9383ft) 2,860 m 5-6 hrs
Our walk is on relatively flat trails beginning with the trail alongside the Karnali River. We walk along the fields cultivated mainly with barley, buckwheat, rice and potatoes. There are two hot springs near Kermi where we may soothe our aching bodies. We can also visit ancient Buddhist monasteries close to Kermi, Laikyo Gompa and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa. Overnight at the guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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Day 6: Kermi to Yalbang (2879m/9445ft) 2,879 m 5-6 hrs
Today the trail is a flat and steep ascent until reaching a small pass and crossing a suspension bridge over the Salli River. From here one can enjoy views of the beautiful pine trees and the mighty Karnali River. We will also visit the remote Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery. Overnight at the guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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Day 7: Yalbang to Tumkot (3073m/10082ft) 3,073 m 5-6 hrs
We walk on a trail above the Karnali River. As we ascend further, the greenery begins to vanish and so do the smaller bushes. They give way to pine trees and rocky hills. After reaching Tumkot, we visit Dhungkar Choezom Monastery, one of the most important Sakya monasteries in the Tibetan region. Overnight at the guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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Day 8: Tumkot to Yari (3663m/12017ft) 3,663 m 6-7 hrs
Today's trek is on a relatively easy trail above the Karnali River. After walking a few miles we begin to notice the change in climate, vegetation and landscape which becomes more rocky and secluded. The trees that you see are not pine trees anymore. They are now short and low junipers. Overnight at the guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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Day 9: Yari to Hilsa (3647m/11965ft) via Nara La pass 3,647 m 5-6 hrs
We cross the first pass of the trek today, the Nara La pass (4,620m). The vegetation is bleak by now and the landscape is familiar to that of Tibet. After crossing the pass we will be greeted by excellent views of the beautiful Tibetan plateau and Yari Village. From here on, it is a shaky descent down until Hilsa, a border town which is also a dropping point for the pilgrims on their way to Mt. Kailash by helicopter. Overnight at the guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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Day 10: Hilsa to Manasarovar (3772m/12375ft) 3,772 m 3-4 hrs
We walk across the Friendship bridge at Hilsa where the Chinese officials will check our permits and passports. We also meet our Tibetan guide here. We then drive to Manasarovar, passing Rinzin Zangpo Gompa and Kangje Village along the way. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
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Day 11: Manasarovar to Tarchen (40 km) 2-3 hrs
Holy Manasarovar is the lake of compassion, tranquility and bliss. After completing the memorable morning bath and puja we will be heading for the Manasarovar Parikrama by land cruiser with packed lunch and continue driving towards Tarchen (Darchen). If time permits, we visit Chui Gompa. Tarchen is considered the base camp for the Kailash Parikrama. During the auspicious pilgrimage time, this place is flooded with pilgrims and hundreds of tents all around. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
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Day 12: Tarchen to Tarboche (13 km drive) to Dirapuk (4860m, 7 km trek) 4,860 m 5-6 hrs
After breakfast drive to Tarboche, the starting point of the Kailash Parikrama. Tarboche is also known as the outer Asthapath. It is one of the most striking days of walking, along beautiful rocky cliffs and waterfalls with a clear blue sky overhead. From time to time the face of Kailash keeps appearing. The 7 km trail takes most people close to 6 hours at this altitude. Overnight at the government guesthouse.
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Day 13: Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk (4760m) via Dolma La pass (5600m), 18 km 5,600 m 9-10 hrs
Today you will be climbing to Dolma La (5,600m) and then descending gradually to Zuthulpuk (4,760m). Yamasthal is crossed to reach Shiva-sthal as your steps go closer to the pass. Overnight at the government guesthouse.
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Day 14: Complete the Kailash Kora, drive back to Saga
In the morning, we will explore the caves and temples around the Milarepa cave. After breakfast, we will hike for some 3-4 hours to complete our Kora and get back to the village of Darchen. We will have lunch there and drive back to the village of Saga. Overnight at the guesthouse.
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Day 15: Drive back to Kerung
We will drive back to the village of Kerung on a comfortable ride. We will have some free time as we descend on a paved road, and spend the rest of the time relaxing. Overnight at the guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
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Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu
We will cross the Nepal-Tibet border and get back to the capital city of Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel. Breakfast and lunch included.
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Day 17: Leisure day
Spend the day in Kathmandu, to rest or to explore, as per your inclination. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.
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Day 18: Farewell
Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, our representative will take you to the airport.
Altitude profile
The climb, day by day
Comfort tiers
Choose your level of comfort
| Amenity | Standardfrom $3,980.00 | Comfortfrom $4,696.40 | Luxuryfrom $5,771.00 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu hotel | 3★ | 4★ | 5★ |
| Trail accommodation | Standard teahouse | Best lodge in each village | Premium lodge where the route has one |
| Porter support | Shared porter | Private porter, lighter load | Extra porter, carry almost nothing |
| Transfers | Shared | Private | Private, throughout |
What's included
Included
- Included: Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
- Included: One night’s accommodation at a standard hotel in Nepalgunj with breakfast
- Included: Best available twin sharing lodge-to-lodge accommodation during the Nepal trek
- Included: Best available twin sharing lodges/guesthouses during the Tibet tour
- Included: All standard meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the Nepal trek
- Included: Breakfast included during hotel stays in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj
- Included: All ground transport in private vehicles, including airport transfers
- Included: Private vehicle for Kathmandu city tours
- Included: Flights: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Nepalgunj to Simikot (including departure tax)
- Included: Kathmandu city tour entry fees
- Included: Tibet entry travel permit, Chinese visa, and applicable entry fees for Nepal and Tibet
- Included: All government taxes and official expenses
- Included: One highly experienced, helpful, and friendly guide for the Nepal trek
- Included: Porters (1 porter for every 2 people) for the Nepal trek
- Included: Full coverage for Nepal guide and porter costs (food, accommodation, salary, equipment)
- Included: Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) approved guide for the Tibet tour
- Included: Yaks and yak-men to carry baggage during the Kailash Parikrama
- Included: Oxygen cylinder for Kailash Parikrama
Not included
- Not included: Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
- Not included: Travel insurance
- Not included: International airfare
- Not included: Nepal entry visa
- Not included: All cold drinks such as: alcoholic beverages, mineral water, Coke, Fanta, juice, etc.
- Not included: Nepali staff for Tibet tours
- Not included: Shopping, laundry, internet, phone bills
- Not included: Personal trekking equipment
- Not included: Extra cost of transportation, porters involved due landslides, snowfall
- Not included: Services other than specified. Extra days stay at Kathmandu / any other place
- Not included: Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is appreciated but it is not mandatory)
Your team
Led by a licensed guide
Every route is led by a government-licensed guide from our team. Licences are on record with us before departure, and you'll meet your guide once your trip is confirmed.
Guide language(s): English, Nepali
Group-size pricing
Walk together, pay less
Every trip is private, so the guide, permits and transfers cost the same however many walk. Sharing them is why the per-person price falls: arithmetic, not a sale.
| Group size | per person | You save each |
|---|---|---|
| 1 trekker | $3,980.00 | base rate |
| 2 to 3 trekkers | $3,315.00 | $665.00 |
| 4 to 6 trekkers | $3,115.00 | $865.00 |
| 7 or more | $2,915.00 | $1,065.00 |
Per person, including permits, park fees and taxes. Nothing is added at checkout.
Weather
What to expect, month by month
- Autumn (Sep–Nov)The most reliable trekking season: clear air, stable weather and cold nights, right after the monsoon clears.
- Monsoon (Jun–Aug)Wet and cloudy on most routes, though Mustang and Dolpo sit in the rain shadow behind the main range and stay walkable.
- Spring (Mar–May)Warmer than autumn, with rhododendron forests in flower and slightly hazier mountain views as the season goes on.
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What trekkers say
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