Travel Trends
Kailash via Lucknow
Route: Lucknow → Nepalgunj → Simikot → Hilsa → Taklakot → Mansarovar → Darchen → Deraphuk → Zutulphuk → Taklakot → Hilsa → Simikot → Nepalgunj → Lucknow.
Day 01: Lucknow Arrival & Drive to Nepalgunj
After confirming your Kailash Yatra booking, please share your arrival details so our representative can meet you at Lucknow Airport or Railway Station. From there, we’ll drive approximately 225 km to Nepalgunj, a journey of around 5 hours depending on road conditions. Upon arrival, we’ll check in at Mansion Hotel and have free time to explore the area.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal(s): Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Altitude: 150m (Nepalgunj)
- Activity: Drive (225 km | 5 hrs)
Day 02: Nepalgunj – Simikot (2910 Meters) – Hilsa (3700 Meters) – Taklakot (Purang) (3900 Meters)
After an early breakfast, we proceed towards Hilsa from Simikot by helicopter. On landing at Hilsa, we walk up to the Chinese checkpoint, which is situated about half a km across the river. We then cross the bridge on foot, where we will meet our Sherpas to take care of the luggage. After all the formalities, we board the awaiting Jeeps, which will take us to Purang (Taklakot). We stay overnight at Purang, a small border town in Tibet. You can buy personal items here in the local market. Overnight at our Hotel, where you can relax, acclimatize, and enjoy stunning views of the Tibetan landscape and mountain surroundings.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Altitude: 2910m (Simikot)
- Activity: Drive
Day 03: Rest Day at Taklakot for Acclimatization
Today is a full rest day in Taklakot to help your body adjust to the altitude. Optional visit to Khojarnath Temple or explore the ancient ruins of Taklakot, interact with locals, enjoy scenic views, and prepare for the upcoming journey.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal(s): Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Altitude: 4755m (Taklakot)
- Activity: Acclimatization
Day 04: Drive to Lake Mansarovar via Rakshas Tal
After breakfast, we drive 88 km (approx. 1.5 hrs) to the sacred Lake Mansarovar. En route, we stop briefly at Rakshas Tal. Upon reaching Mansarovar, take a holy dip, enjoy the serene surroundings, and perform a 3-hour circumambulation by private jeep. Immerse yourself in the divine atmosphere, capture breathtaking landscapes, and feel the powerful spiritual energy of this sacred lake, beautifully framed by the majestic Mount Kailash reflecting over its tranquil blue waters. Spend peaceful moments meditating by the lakeside, participate in evening prayers, and witness the changing colors of the lake under the golden glow of the setting sun.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
- Meal(s): Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Altitude: 4556m (Lake Mansarovar)
- Activity: Drive + Parikrama by Jeep
Day 05: Puja at Lake Manasarovar, then drive 40 km (1 hr) to Darchen (4,550m).
Waking up early in the calm and revered atmosphere of Lake Mansarovar cannot be expressed in words. The Lake is mentioned in the epic Hindu scripture Ramayana. In Hindu belief, it was created by God Brahma (creator of the Universe).
It is also believed that Lord Shiva and Parvati purified themselves in its sacred water. Buddhists believe it is where Gods transported Buddha after his birth to cleanse him.
The Lake lies at the foot of Mount Kailash, surrounded by Swastika Mountain (Gurla Mandhata) and Chiu Monastery of Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). It is separated from the saltwater lake of Rakshastal (Demon’s Lake).
The circumnavigation of Mount Kailash is incomplete without the parikrama of Lake Mansarovar. We will bathe in its water (direct bathing is prohibited), perform puja on the shores, and begin the circumambulation of the Lake (4–5 hours).
If energy permits, we can explore Chiu Gompa, translated as Little Bird. The monastery is said to be Guru Padmasambhava’s meditation spot.
After visiting the monastery, we drive about an hour to Darchen at the foothills of Mount Kailash, the starting point of the sacred Kora. After dinner, a group briefing prepares you for the Parikrama.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal(s): Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Altitude: 4575m (Darchen)
- Activity: Puja, short drive, rest, and Parikrama preparation
Day 06: Drive from Darchen to Yamadwar – Trek to Deraphuk
After morning rituals and a holy dip at Lake Mansarovar, we drive to Darchen and continue to Yamadwar, the sacred starting point of the Mount Kailash Parikrama. From Yamadwar, we trek to Deraphuk Monastery (5–6 hours) through gentle ascents, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the north face of Mount Kailash. Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere, witness local customs, and rest overnight at Deraphuk amidst the serene Himalayan landscape.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse at Deraphuk
- Meal(s): Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Altitude: 5210m (Deraphuk)
- Activity: Drive + Trek (approx. 12 km)
Day 07: Trek to Zutulphuk via Dolma La Pass (5636m)
Start early for the toughest day of the Parikrama, trekking over Dolma La Pass (5636m), the highest point, with stunning mountain views. Descend steeply past Gaurikund and continue on relatively flat trails through valleys and yak grazing areas, seeing prayer flags and local life, before reaching Zutulphuk Monastery by late afternoon. Take time to rest and soak in the serene surroundings of the monastery. In the evening, interact with monks and experience the spiritual ambiance of this remote Himalayan location.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
- Meal(s): Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Altitude: 4820m (Zutulphuk)
- Activity: Trek (21 km)
Day 08: Finish Kailash Kora – Drive to Taklakot
Walk the final 8 km (approx. 3 hrs) to complete the sacred circumambulation near Darchen, taking in the last magnificent views of Mount Kailash. After the trek, drive 105 km (approx. 2 hrs) back to Taklakot, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way. Spend the evening relaxing, reflecting on the spiritual journey, and interacting with fellow travellers.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal(s): Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Altitude: 4755m (Taklakot)
- Activity: Trek, drive, sightseeing, and rest
Day 09: Taklakot – Hilsa – Fly to Simikot
After breakfast, drive about 45 minutes to Hilsa, complete immigration formalities, and cross the Karnali suspension bridge on foot. From Hilsa, take a 25-minute helicopter ride back to Simikot, enjoying aerial views of the mountains and rivers. Arrive in Simikot and relax for the evening.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Simikot
- Meal(s): Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Altitude: 2910m (Simikot)
- Activity: Drive, helicopter ride, and rest
Day 10: Fly to Nepalgunj – Drive/Fly to Lucknow or Kathmandu
Early morning flight from Simikot to Nepalgunj. Continue onward journey to Lucknow (by road/flight) or to Kathmandu as per your choice.
- Accommodation: —
- Meal(s): Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Altitude: 123m (Lucknow)
- Activity: Flight + Transfer
Required Documents:
- Clear color scan copies of your passport (valid for 6 months from the travel date).
- 25% advance payment for processing the Tibet Group Visa.
Packing List:
- Regular personal medications.
- Sufficient clothing for the entire Yatra.
- A small day-use bag.
- Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, towels, etc.).
- A good water bottle.
- Comfortable sports shoes for walking.
- Sunglasses and sunblock.
- Raincoat/umbrella.
- Woolen socks.
- Thermal underwear.
- 4-5 passport-size photographs.
Note: Duffel bags and down jackets will be provided.
Do’s & Don’ts for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:
Things to Do:
- Pack snacks like mint, chocolates, glucose, etc.
- Focus on physical fitness before the journey.
- Bring warm clothing, sunglasses, and sunblock.
- Maintain a steady pace during Kailash Parikrama.
- Carry only necessary items in a duffel bag.
- Keep IDs handy throughout the journey.
Things to Avoid:
- Do not travel if you have medical conditions like asthma or high blood pressure.
- Do not sleep with your shoes/boots on.
- Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or extra clothes.
- Do not consume alcohol or smoke.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid neglecting food.
- Do not carry books related to the Dalai Lama.
Cost Includes & Excludes
What is included?
- Tibet Group visa and travel permit fee
- 01 nights stay in Nepalgunj
- 01 night stay in Simikot
- 03 nights stay in Taklakot (Purang)
- 04 nights during the Kailash Kora: 1 night at Lake Mansarovar, 1 night in Darchen, 1 night in Deraphuk, and 1 night in Zutulphuk.
- All transportation within Tibet by private bus
- Services of Sherpa staff and trekking equipment
- Arrival & departure transfers in Nepalgunj
- Nepalgunj – Simikot – Nepalgunj domestic flight tickets
- All vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) in Tibet
- Tour around Lake Mansarovar by private vehicle
- English-speaking Tibetan guide
- Humla region restricted area permit & royalties
- All applicable government taxes and service charges
- Trekking and camping equipment including oxygen cylinders
What is excluded?
- Yak, Porter and Horse for person use.
- Using extra night at Hotel expect mentioned on the itinerary.
- Rescue/ evacuation or all the extra cost because of partition from the main group or serious health condition.
- Any International flight.
- Visa splitting charge and extra transportation cost, if returning early from Tibet
- Any additional cost due to natural calamities, Flight cancellation or delay and unforeseen circumstances
- Any extra transportation/Accommodation/visa cancellation charge (who separate from the main group and early return)
- Tips for Tibetan guide, Sherpa team, and drivers
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