Full moon night in Manasarovar Lake on 07 September 2025 (Purnima)

Mount Kailash Tour - Itinerary

29 July 2025 Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu before 8:00 AM and transfer to the hotel. Kailash Yatri's original passports are will be collected and Tibet visas are applied for at the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu. After lunch at 2:30, a briefing on Kailash Manasarovar tour will be held as well as providing Diamox medicine, a duffel bag and a small day bag. Therefore, everyone is requested to attend the briefing. An evening Aarati Darshan in Pashupatinath and on the Ganga Aarati bank of the holy Bagmati River. The holy dance is performed on the bank of the holy river Baghmati in front of the Pashupatinath temple.  Dinner at the vegetarian buffet in the hotel.

28 Aug. 2025 Day 02: Guided holy sightseeing start morning after breakfast. Drive to Saga. Kailashnath Mahadev Statue is the one of the tallest Shiva temples in Nepal. It is second tallest Hindu deity after Garuda wisnu Kencana Statue in Bali, Indonesia. Kailash Nath Shiva statue is situated in Sanga, Nepal and about 20km far from Kathmandu. The statue is 144 feet / 44m. In tallness, and was influenced utilizing copper, zinc, cement and steel. Evening Aarati Darshan in Pashupatinath as well as Aarati holy dance bank of holy river Baghmati front of Pashupatinath temple. After Saga drive to Doleshwor Mahadev Temple.

Visit Doleshwor (Doleshwor Mahadev Temple) for all the Shiva devotees, it is believed that the trip to Kailash is incomplete without visiting Doleshwor Mahadev and Pashupatinath temple. On Aug. 22, 2009, the Doleshwor Mahadev was officially declared as the head of Kedarnath, one of the Char Dham Yatra. All in the year 2013, after the devastating flood hit the temple of Kedarnath, situated in Uttarkhand, the regular prayers that were interrupted were carried out in Doleshwor Temple. The head priest of Kedarnath Temple requested regular prayers that used to be held in the Kedarnath Temple to be held in the Doleshwor Mahadev Temple. Back to the hotel and take lunch. After lunch, visit Buddhist temple in Buddha.  After Doleshwor Darshan, drive to hotel for lunch and after lunch visiting Boudhanath stupa.

Buddhist Temple Boudhanath Stupa:  Named after its immense stupa, Buddha is a pilgrimage destination for Tibetans. Devotees stroll around the gleaming white dome adorned with painted Buddha eyes and visit nearby monasteries and schools for prayers and seminars. Boudhanath is a stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal. Located about 10 km from the city center and northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, the stupa's massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. The Buddha Stupa dominates the skyline; it is one of the largest stupas in the World. The glory of Kathmandu Valley is said to have started from this point. UNESSCO has designated it as a World Heritage Site in Nepal.

29 August 2025Day 03:  Early in the morning, Kailash pilgrims are taken to Pashupatinath temple for Rudra Consecration called Rudrabhishek, Hawan and Aarati. 11 Brahmins priests prepare for fire offering Hawan in Pavilion (Mandap) and do Sankalpa Pooja in the beginning followed by Swasti Vachan (Preaching), Nyas, Rudra preaching and Mahamritunjaya (Death victory) Pooja.

The word ‘Rudra’, meaning ‘Fearful Lord Shiva’ has come from Rudrabhishek, Rudranti Iti Rudri and Rudhiryoge Metal. It means there is pain, violence, greed among people on this Earth and we perform religious hymns in praise of God Shiva so that he escapes people from all these miseries of life and grants justice, good health, prosperity, peace and Salvation. This is why Rudri is done for Peaceful life. During the Kailash tour, visiting Pashupatinath and its worship is the first thing to do for pilgrims. It is believed that worshipping Lord Pashupatinath, doing Aarati grants all kinds of good merits to devotees. This is why the Kailash Tour is believed to be complete only after a holy visit to Pashupatinath. Kailash Manasarovar is one of the most important pilgrimage sites. Kailash is pilgrimaging even 12 Jyothirlinga and Shiva Temples.

In this Universe, Humans are superior to Soul, Sages are superior to Humans, Gods are superior to sages and Lord Shiva is superior even to Gods and Kailash is the dwelling place of supreme Lord Shiva. So, every pilgrimage is believed to be incomplete without the Kailash Pilgrimage. It is a popular religious trend to wish for a successful Kailash tour by doing Rudra (Shiva’s idol) Consecration and fire offering (Hawan) to Lord Pashupatinath, which takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.
After Rudrabhishek, join Panchamrit Pooja in Pashupatinath temple every day 9:30 AM to 11 AM Bhatta pujari. Offering available in the temple but it is a payable Pooja and with Pooja Thali, milk, Rudrasha mala, flower garland and a lamp. Devotee offers it to the priest. By offering Panchamrit Pooja for load Pashupatinath fulfills all the desired wishes for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra / tour.  The ceremony ends after getting Prasad and Rudrasha mala. This Pooja is available only Hindu devotees. Other religions are not allowed to enter the main gates. After Pashupatinath Hindu rituals, drive to Jal Narayan.

Budhanilkantha: Arriving in Jal Narayan, start sightseeing with a holy guide to Budhanilkantha (Jal Narayan) Vishnu Temple located in Budhanilkantha, Nepal, is a Hindu open-air temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Budhanilkantha Temple is situated below the Shivapuri Hill at the northern end of the Kathmandu valley & can be identified by a large reclining statue of Lord Vishnu.

 Budhanilkantha, portrays a sleeping Vishnu, floating like a gigantic astronaut on a bed of snakes in the middle of a big pool of water depicting the cosmic ocean. The name Budhanilkantha has nothing to do with Buddha, but literally means “blue throat disguised by mud”. The peculiar name refers to two legends attached to the statue, one of them saying that a farmer found the long-lost statue in the mud when working his field with a plough and the other saying that Vishnu sacrificed himself by drinking the poison of the cosmic ocean, which then turned his throat blue.

30 August 2025 Day 04: Today, this will be the first day of Yatra. We travel from Kathmandu to Ghatte Khola (Nepal) 152 km and further to Nepal Tibet border on a private Jeep. It takes a 6 to 7 hours' drive to reach Ghatte Khola from Kathmandu. Trisuli Bazaar will be our lunch spot on the way. Ghatte Khola, Find here standard hotels and lodges with fine Nepali and Indian cuisine for Kailash Yatri.

31 August 2025 Day 05: Kerung valley Tibet is our next destination. Our entire visa and passport will be checked at the Nepal immigration office at Ghatte Khola. After completing immigration formalities, we continue driving or walking for 15 minutes to Rasuwagadi bridge and then cross the friendship bridge to Nepal Tibet. Your visas will be checked at the Tibetan immigration office one by one. Once immigration formalities are completed then our Tibet guide will receive you with a needful travel permit for the Kailash Manasarovar tour/Yatra. He will deal with all the immigration formalities and take you via Tibetan bus to Kerung valley. Kerung valley is 50 km far from Nepal Tibet border. Kerung valley is a local Tibetan settlement with fine accommodation facilities in tourist standard 4-star hotel.

 01 September 2025Day 06: On this day, we drive from Kerung to Saga. The drive which takes 5-6 hours goes past Salt Lake with beautiful views of Tibetan landscape and its nomadic communities. Warm lunch box will be served on the way to Saga. Eventually you will cross the Brahmaputra River before reaching Saga Bazaar. Check in hotel and rest.

02 September 2025 Day 07: Acclimatization in Saga. Day hiking around hills or staying at a hotel and rest. Free day.

03 September 2025 Day 08: Saga Bazaar, we move forward passing Dongba, Praying and reach the adjoining point of Brahmaputra River. Brahmaputra is basically formed from the amalgamation of two Rivers: One, flowing from Gangdici river of Himalayan Range and other is Tima Yangjong River flowing from Tibetan Himalayan Ranges and flow through Saga, Shigatse and other places at Tibet and ultimately gets mixed into the Gulf of Bengal.

Our van or bus stops for a hot lunch on the way to Manasarovar. After lunch, driving continues, we reach Hor near the holy Lake Manasarovar observing beautiful scenes and naked hills. From here, we can have the fantastic view of Manasarovar Lake, Mount Gurla Mandata and Kailash Parbat. This Manasarovar circumambulation is of a total 102 km distance. According to the local people, it takes three days to circumambulate for local residents but it takes 5 days for the tourists or pilgrims by walking. This is the place called Hor and from here the circumambulation of Manasarovar begins. We should travel via Blue Bus organized by Nangri Tourism Board from Hor to round Manasarovar and further.

 It is strictly compulsory to travel by Blue Bus while circumambulating Manasarovar. But some time lack of blue bus and same bus will be continue. If use blue bus route starts from Hor and extends up to Chiu Monastery, Darchen and Yam Dwar and comes back to Hor. We will make a half complete rotation of Manasarovar and continue drive to Darchen about 2 to 3 hours or some time bit more.  

Manasarovar information
Manasarovar Lake, also known as Brahma’s Lake or Mapam Yumtso Lake is situated at an elevation of 4850 meters above sea level. The word “Manas” means mind or consciousness and Sarovar means Lake. It has held deep spiritual influence and wide religious values among Hindus & Buddhists. Making round the Lake and taking a holy bath in it is believed to purge one’s soul from sins and the body from sickness. Ancient Hindu scriptures indicate this Lake as a must visit place for someone who wants to attain salvation. The highest level of achievement in Hindu religion. The cascading waves of the Lake in the wind look very charming.
As described in Ramayana, it is said that the person who moves around the Manasarovar and baths with its pure water, reaches heaven directly after death. Similarly, it is written that the person, who drinks the water of this Lake, recognizes the “Shivalok”, the palace of Lord Shiva. Kailash Parbat is situated about 58km. far in the north from Manasarovar. Brahmaputra River flows from eastward of the Manasarovar Lake. So, many people want to visit Kailash Parbat and Manasarovar Lake at least once in their life.

According to Hindu traditional hearsay, it is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati take bath every month full Purnima day at 2 AM to 4 AM in this Lake as well as stars also come for bath in Manasarovar. It is said that pilgrims who stay at this place at night; they can live and watch God there. Mainly it is believed that people can see or visit the God Shiva and Goddess Parvati at the night of full moon. This Manasarovar covers a very large area that is pure, it is mentioned in holy Hindu religious books that all the Hindus must reach there at least once in their lifetime.

Rakshas Tal (Demon King Ravana Lake) Sarovar
This Lake is named on the basis of Hindu traditional history. Hindu people believe that carnivorous monsters are hiding in the dark water. On the basis of this belief, people called it Rakshas Tal and stayed away from this lake believing it as the symbol of dark and destructive power. According to the traditional religious story, the water of this Lake is poisonous and fatal. So, to replace the poisonous water of this Lake a tunnel was made from Manasarovar. The pure water of this lake and a golden fish was sent in this lake. Later, this fish was found alive. From it, people’s negative attitude towards the Lake changed and they started to go nearer to it but they still don’t drink the water.

According to Hindu mythology, in Treta Yug the monster Ravana has made Lord Shiva happy by meditating in this Lake. Rakshas Lake lies in the west to Manasarovar. It is situated at an altitude of 4,540meters above the sea level. In Manasarovar, there are many birds including ducks but in Rakshas Lake there are no birds at all.

Mount Kailash
The Sacred religious place, Kailash Parbat is located on the height of 6714 meters above sea level. This region is supposed to be the purest religious place. It is supposed to be the central part of the World and origin of the World before the origin of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. Kailash Parbat is glorified in the holy books like Ramayana and Mahabharata. According to ancient Asian stories, civilization is incomplete without the description of Kailash Parbat. Kailash Parbat is located in Tibet. Scientific research of this region is not satisfactory. This religious Parbat is extended from Brahmaputra in the east to Karakoram in the west.

Different religious groups like Shaiba, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Bon-Po respect Kailash equally, though they explained it differently. In the Shaiba and Buddhist traditional literature, Kailash is described as the part of Sumeru which is supposed to be the center of the World. It is believed to be the residence of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati as per Hindus. Buddhist respect it in the name of Kang Rimpoche. Buddhists have accepted Kailash and Manasarovar as great natural Mandala. Mandala for them is the means of respect and salvation. Jains worship as Aspada for this isolated peak. The founding father of this religion Rishavadev had received spiritual salvation in the same place.

There are various logics to claim this Parbat as sacred. This isolated Parbat is also a source to big rivers like Brahmaputra, Satlaj, Indus and Karnali. The total periphery of Mount Kailash is 53 km and pilgrims should walk 38 km within 3 days and if add Charan Sparsh (Touch Kailash) tour then it will be 4 days' kora. As described in Hindu myth, a person who moves around the Kailash Parbat, will be free from all the sins made in life time. If they move round the Parbat for 108 times, they directly get Nirvana. It is also said that a person who moves Nandi once, he / she gets return as equal to moving round the Kailash for 13 times.

Kailash Parvat is regarded as the form of Lord Shiva and the water flowing from its snowy tip is worshipped as holy River Ganges. Mount Kailash can be observed more beautifully from the side of this Monastery. Observing from Dirapuk, Mount Kailash is seen in between Mount Manjushree at right side and Mount Bajrapani at left side. River Ganges, originated from Mount Kailash meets Lachhu River and gets mixed into Rakshas Lake. The river formed from the junction of Rakshas Lake is called Karnali. Water from Rakshas Lake escapes via Karnali River but water of Manasarovar is stored in the form of Lake. Time you can see Rakshas Lake and Manasarovar Lake.

04 September 2025 Day 09: Darchen to Dirapuk: This is the first day of Kailash Parikrama / Kora. Morning drive to Yam Dwar and start walking to Dirapuk (4890 meters /12 kilometers). We do start for Kailash circumambulation [kora] Circuit / Round / Parikrama from Yam Dwar. It takes 20 minutes for Blue bus or normal bus to reach there as it is at the distance of only 6km. This place is also known as Yam Dwar. Getting off from the bus at Yam Dwar, all the pilgrims are offering to Lord Shiva. Then, we moved round the Yam Dwar for three times. According to Hindu religion, this place is known as the Gate of the God of Death (Yam Dwar). Yam Dwar build shape of temple. Inside 3 bells hanging and its call Barma, Vishnu and Maheshwar. This temple makes 3-time circuit enter inside of door. Belling and get out and continue walking or riding pony to Dirapuk first day of Parikrama. (Journey on foot begins from Yam Dwar) Physically disable pilgrims distantly pay homage to Kailash Parbat and return to Darchen because the visit of Yam Dwar is believed to get equally religious gain as they do for Kailash Parbat itself. This path / trail is somehow busy with pilgrims, horses, local porters, yaks and Nepali workers.

After 3 hours long walking along the riverside path we stopped for our lunch sport. Kailash Parbat is can be seeing clearly from here. Below the Parbat we can see a big stone in the shape of elephant. It is believed that god Indra rides on it. After 2 hours long walk, we can reach to Dirapuk. There is a Dirapuk Monastery situated on the edge of Lha Chhu River. The name of this place is given from the name of Monastery itself. This Monastery is located on the height of 4900m. above sea level. The scene of Kailash from here is like the heaven. Hundreds of pilgrims arrive at Dirapuk from Yam Dwar riding on the horse or on their foot every day.

Here some Yatri prefer to take pony & local porter for the 4 days. (If you would like to take pony and porter, you should tell the Tibetan guide in advance for arrangement. This day, today have to walk continuously for about 5 to 6 hours. Yak will carry all our goods and equipment with your bags. From Dirapuk, you can see north face of Mount Kailash very closed, overnight stay at Dirapuk mud house / guesthouse.

05 September 2025Day 10: After breakfast,Pilgrims walk for 4 hours (4 km.) from Dirapuk to touch the feet of Mount Kailash which is known as Charan Sparsh. They feel like they have been blessed by Lord Shiva by actually touching the base of Kailash Mountain. Pilgrims offer Pooja and seek blessings from lord Shiva. While returning back, it takes around one and half hours to 2 hours and it is a day tour / Yatra from Dirapuk.

 “Charan” means “feet” and “Sparsh” means “to touch”. Together they mean to touch one’s feet”. It has been a tradition since time immemorial to touch the feet of Kailash Parbat. There is a scientific basis to “Charan Sparsh”. Since the human body is releasing vibrations touching the feet which encourages flow of energy and blessings, happiness and successful life. This exchange of energy gives one vigor, self-confidence and contentment. One experiences an inner glow. The blessings received after “Charan Sparsh” are like invisible amour. They motivate and give strength.

06 September 2025Day 11: Drive from Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk (4790 meters - 22 kilometers). This is an important day as we have to pass Dolma La or Dorma La Pass, which is 5636 meters above sea level. Weather is unpredictable with an imminent snowstorm so it’s important to start our journey as early as possible. Following the pass, we need to go steep down till Shapje Datok and then onto Zuthulpuk monastery. Again, our night stay will be at a mud house or Basic guesthouse.

GANESH KUND (SAROVAR)
 About 45 minutes before reaching Dolma La Pass 5636m. (Kailash circuit) on the right hand side of the walking trail, there is holy Ganesh Kund. It is 15 minutes away from the walking trail. The shape of the Kund looks like lord Ganesh where he bathes.

THE LEGEND OF GAURI KUND
 Hinduism is Sanatana Dharma according to its mythology there is a story about Gauri Kund which has been mentioned in the legend of Shiva Purana. The Puran says that Gauri Sarovar is for purification and compassion, it purifies the mind, body and speech of Kailash Yatri. So almost all the Yatri of Kailash Manasarovar tour include their tour program.

This Gauri Kund is for holy bath to Goddess Parvati Mata where Gauri Mata had acquired her beloved son Ganesh, she had molded a picture of her son Ganesh from a cleaning agent frothing on her body and resuscitated it. She placed Ganesh at the path to stop unknown to enter during her holy deep, at the same time Lord Shiva came to his residence Mount Kailash but Ganesh jee didn't recognize then Lord Shiva became furious and cuts off the kids head then Mata Parvati despairing stricken by seeing it and requested to Lord Shiva that child need to be brought again to the life restored so Parvati had her son back. This real story not only fascinates Kailash Yatri. 

THE MEANING OR SIGNIFICANCE TO VISIT GAURI KUND. 
 The large number of Kailash Yatri visit this holy Kund during their Parikrama or Kora to purify their minds, body and speech by splashing the Jaal on their heads. They offer TARPANA and Jaal (holy water) to their ancestors to have peace in heaven. Many of them bring holy water from the Kund to their home. 

WHERE IS THE GAURI KUND LOCATED?
 After crossing steep descends of Dolma La pass, the highest pass during Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, the round turquoise colored round shaped GAURI KUND is located at 5608m. above the sea level but walking trail has not yet made, have to walk on massif rock. 

07 September 2025Day 12:Walking from Zuthulpuk to Chongdo (Zong Dho) and driving to Darchen. After our breakfast we walk down to Chongdo for about 3 hours and then drive to Darchen and continue to Manasarovar. Our staff will fix a bathing tent and bring holy water from Manasarovar Lake to bathe all Yatri. After bath, Our Nepali Braman Pandit starts Rudra Abhishek, Hawan, Aarati, Pilgrims can be offering water (Tarpon), flowers, and money to the Lord Shiva & Mata Parvati. Some are meditating and others reciting the names of their ancestral gods, performing the Hawan (offering grains mixed with purified butter to the fire) in the name of gods and ancestors, in order to relieve themselves from any known or unknown sins. They exchange happiness on the completion of Pooja and Aarati (Butter lamps). Full moon night in Manasarovar Lake (Purnima)

08 September 2025Day 13: Drive to Praying, Dongba and finally reach Saga Bazaar and overnight stay here

09 September 2025 Day 14: Drive from Saga to Kerung for 5 to 6 hours. It will be last night at Kerung in the Tibet side.

10 September 2025 Day 15: Drive from Kerung to Kathmandu. After breakfast, we drove to the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge near Rasuwagadi. Passing through customs and immigration formalities on both Tibet and Nepal side, we continue drive to Kathmandu for about 7 / 8 hours. In Kathmandu you will be dropped to your hotel. You will have your lunch on the way back to Kathmandu and dinner will be Kathmandu hotel.

11 September 2025 Day 16: You will be taken to Tribhuvan International Airport from hotel for final departure