11th to 24th May 2025
Day 1 - Arrive Kathmandu and Transfer to Nagarkot
Altitude 2,200m / 7,218ft
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, our staff will be there to assist you with your transfer to your hotel in Nagarkot.
The remainder of your day is yours to enjoy, with an optional sunset walk to a beautiful viewpoint to witness the sun setting over the Himalayan mountains.
In the evening, we will hold a briefing for the upcoming yatra.
Day 2 - Bhaktapur and Kathmandu
Altitude 1,350m / 4,429ft
Experience breathtaking sunrise views of the Himalayan Mountain range from our beautiful hotel. After breakfast, we head to Kathmandu making a stop at Bhaktapur to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Darbar Square and Doleshwar Mahadev Temple.
Upon checking into our luxurious hotel, we enjoy lunch before visiting Pashupatinath Temple for the evening aarti.
Day 3 - Kathmandu Sightseeing
Altitude 1,350m / 4,429ft
After breakfast, will visit Patan Darbar Square and Budhankantha Temple.
Following lunch, you'll have the rest of the day free to shop or explore Kathmandu as you prepare for the next leg of your journey.
Day 4 - Travel to Rasuwa Ghadhi Nepal Tibet Border
Altitude 1,800m / 5,906ft
We will embark on a long journey to Rasuwa Ghadhi, located at the Nepal/Tibet border, where we'll spend the night at a local guest house or hotel.
Alternatively, you can opt for a helicopter excursion that will take you to Gosai Kund before dropping you off at Rasuwa Ghadhi.
Day 5 - Kerung
Altitude 2,700m / 8,859ft
In the morning, we will cross the Nepal/Tibet border and take a brief drive to Kerung town, where we'll enjoy a day of relaxation. This is a great opportunity for you to shop for your parikrama.
We'll be spending the night in a comfortable, modern hotel.
Day 6 - Saga
Altitude 4,600m / 15,093ft
Today, we will be traveling to Saga, which may take up to 5 hours. Throughout our journey, we will be treated to stunning views of Tibet.
Now that we are at an altitude of 4,600m, we recommend that all yatris take time to rest and acclimatise. It is crucial to pay close attention to all instructions provided from this point forward.
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In Saga we will be staying in comfortable 3Star Hotel
Day 7 - Mansarovar
Altitude 4,590m / 15,060ft
After enjoying an early morning breakfast, we'll set off towards the sacred Lake Mansarovar. The drive will take about 8 hours, with lunch provided along the way. Upon reaching Lake Mansarovar, we will start our parikrama, making two stops for yatris to experience the divine darshan of Mansarovar and another stop at Rakshas Taal.
Tonight, we will stay in a guest house next to Mansarovar in shared rooms. If the night sky is clear, you'll be treated to stunning views of the stars above the lake.
Day 8 - Mansarovar / Darchen
Altitude 4,700m / 15,421ft
In the morning, you'll have the chance to conduct puja/yagna according to your customs along the banks of Mansarovar. Our team will also arrange for you to take a bath in the waters of Mansarovar. Later in the morning, we will embark on a short journey to Darchen, where we will stay overnight before starting our parikram.
If the weather permits, yatris will have the option for an additional excursion to Asthapad, offering a close-up dharshan of Kailash.
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Accommodation tonight is in a comfortable 4 start hotel
Day 9 - 1st Day Parikram to Dirapuk
Altitude 5,100m / 16,733ft
Following breakfast, we will take brief drive to Yam Dwar, where your parikram will commence. If you have chosen to hire a pony or personal sherpa, they will be assigned to you for the next three days.
After completing final preparations, we will proceed to Yam Dwar to start your parikrama. The trek to Dirapuk is expected to take around 4 to 6 hours.
Accommodation in Dirapuk is basic yet clean, provided in shared dormitories.
Day 10 - 2nd Day Parikram to Zulthulphuk
Altitude 5,650m / 18,538ft
Today marks the most challenging day of the Parikrama, beginning with an early morning start. The initial hours will be the toughest but also the most fulfilling. It will take around 4 to 5 hours to reach the summit of your trek the 5650m Dolma Pass. Just a short distance from there, you'll be rewarded with the sight of Gauri Kund. Following this, there’s additional 4 to 6 hours of walking to Zulthulphuk.
Overnight accommodation will be in a basic, yet clean, guest house with shared dormitories.
Day 11 - 3rd Day Parikram - Darchen - Saga
Altitude 4,700m / 15,421ft
Following breakfast, we begin the last segment of parikrama, which will take around 3 to 4 hours. Our buses will be ready for us at Chongdo to transport us to Darchen, where everyone will meet.
From Darchen, we have about a 6-hour drive to Saga, where we will spend the night in a 4-star accommodation.
Day 12 - Kerung / Rasuwa Ghadhi Nepal Tibet Border
Altitude 2,700m / 8,859ft
Early morning start, we drive to Kerung and arrive at the border. After clearing both China and Nepal border formalities we stay overnight at a local guest house
Day 13 - Kathmandu
Altitude 1,350m / 4,429ft
After breakfast, we head back to Kathmandu, with lunch planned along the way, and we expect to arrive by late afternoon. In the evening, we will gather for dinner and award everyone their certificates.
We'll spend the night at one of Kathmandu's luxurious 5-star hotels.
Day 14 - Departure Day
Altitude 1,350m / 4,429ft
As per your flight schedule we will transfer you to the airport. You take away with you the wonderful memories of this yatra
Please note, that this itinerary can be adjusted to a 13-day tour. You have the option to shorten the itinerary to 13 days by taking a brief helicopter ride back to Kathmandu on day 12 after crossing the border, allowing you to spend the night there and depart on day 13. This is an optional add-on, please contact us for details on the additional cost if you are interested.
£2,600 £2,450
Per Person, based on two sharing
US / Canada citizens £100 surcharge
What is included
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Airport transfers to and from Kathmandu Airport
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Luxury 5 star Hotel in Kathmandu (Marriott / Hyatt equivalent)
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4 star Hotel stay in Nagarkot (Hotel Himalaya Villa)
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Western standard hotels in Keroung, Saga and Darchan
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We will always try and obtain the best accommodation available.
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Hotel buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner provided in Nagarkot and Kathmandu
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Vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by our expert cooks in Tibet ​
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Mineral water throughout the tour
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Guided tour in Kathmandu
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Tibet / China permits and visa
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Support staff throughout our yatra
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Oxygen Cylinder in each coach and emergency oxygen is carried by our staff
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Essential equipment, duffle bag, day bag, refillable bottle, wind cheater jacket, sun cap and hat.
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English speaking tour manager throughout
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24/7 support services throughout the tour
What is Not included
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International flight to Kathmandu, we can however arrange this for you
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Nepal Visa (obtained on arrival at Kathmandu)
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Travel insurance, please ensure you have correct cover for altitude and trekking
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​Any unexpected costs due to issues beyond our control like weather or political issue which forces us to change the itinerary
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Personal porter or pony during the parikrama
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Emergency evacuation or medical costs
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Tips for staff, porters and guides (approx £50pp)
Important Information
The Kailash Yatra is among the most physically challenging journeys you will embark on. It is to prepare adequately and understand the nuances of high-altitude trekking. Even if you do not plan to participate in the Parikrama, it is crucial to read the guidelines below, as acclimatising your body to high-altitude conditions remains vital. While no previous trekking or mountaineering experience is necessary, a moderate level of fitness and a positive attitude are key to successfully completing this yatra.
Fitness and Health Requirements
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Health consideration
Yatris with pre-existing medical conditions should consult a doctor informing them of your plans.​
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Fitness Requirements
Acclimatisation is key even if you are not planning to do the parikrama, our itinerary has been designed to include rest days and strategic locations
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If you are planning to take part in the parikrama it is recommended you take part in daily walks over varied terrains. You will be walking during the parikrama for over 10 hours on day 2 and you should be adequately train for this. Usually a rigorous 1 month training / walking program is sufficient.
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Whilst this yatra is physically demanding, the most important thing is to always keeping a positive mind. Keeping your self hydrated and ensuring you eat at the given times is also very important. Our experienced team will prepare nutritious meals that will help you successfully completing this yatra.
Preparation for Yatra
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Daily walks are essential to prepare for your parikrama, vary these walks in terms of distances, and terrain along with uphill and downhill walking
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Engage in cardio exercises if you can like running, swimming or just brisk walking.
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If you can try to climb Mount Snowden in Wales there are well defined tracks here and give you a rough idea of the terrain you will experience during your parikrama. I would recommend ascending using the the PYG or Minors track and then descending down the Llanberis track.
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Preparing your mind is very important, take part in meditation sessions, spiritual practices or any activities that help you focus your mind.
Packing Essentials
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Your medication plus it will be handy to pack paracetamol, ibuprofen, anti-histamines, cold/flu remedies, loperamide and various plasters
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Hydration tablets like Phizz which contains electrolytes and vitamins
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Sweets and snacks like cereal bars during your parikrama these will be very handy
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Snacks for the long bus journeys
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Hiking boots, should be breathable and waterproof. Ensure you wear these in before your yatra
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Hiking socks that are breathable
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Be prepared to dress in layers, base layers should be breathable and sweat wicking, you should plan to have 4 to 5 layers. Ensure your clothing is comfortable you could be in these for clothes for a couple of days.
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For your bottoms a good pair of trekking trousers that are breathable and are water repellent are essential, it maybe also worth having a thermal layer below your trousers. However remember it can get very hot and very cold quickly so always be prepared to put layers on and take layers off.
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Waterproof layers for both top and bottom if it starts raining or snowing heavily you should be prepared for this.
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Walking sticks are recommended
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Insect repellent, sun screen, vacaline and sun glasses
What We Provide
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Wind cheater jacket (suitable for most conditions but may need additional warmth layer during parikrama)
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Day rucksack
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Large Duffle bag for you pack all your yatra items when we leave Kathmandu
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Water bottle
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Warm hat
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Sun cap
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Please note:
While we provide the above you may want to bring your own Jackets, Hats, Rucksack and water bottle. The jacket is sufficient for most conditions however underneath i have often worn a light jacket (North Face Lixus or similar) which is really handy if it gets warm and if it gets cold it doubles up as a warmth layer. ​
Nepal Visa
​You can either obtain Nepal visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or can apply online for Electronic Travel Authorisation however you will be required to either send your passport or attend the Nepal Embassy in London. This is a straight forward process and will take 2/3 days by post or 45min if you attend in person. Further details can be found on Nepal Embassy website
Why Choose Designing Moments
Experience
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the most demanding spiritual journeys you can experience. The high altitude, varying weather conditions, and rugged landscape contribute to its challenges At Designing Moments, our knowledgeable team is familiar with the area and committed to ensuring your safe completion of yatra. Many participants take this journey just once, and our expertise is here to help you achieve your aspirations.
Acclimatisation is crucial for this yatra. We start our adventure in Nagarkot at an altitude of 2200m, then spend time in Keroung and Saga to acclimatise. Throughout the journey, we make strategic stops to help your body adjust to the high altitude. At Designing Moments, we strive to provide you with the best opportunity for a successful yatra completion.
Accommodation
We meticulously select our accommodations, opting for luxurious 5-star hotels like Hyatt and Marriott in Kathmandu. In Tibet, we choose hotels that meet Western standards and offer private facilities, allowing us to prepare meals tailored to your preferences. In Keyrong, Saga, and Darchen, we provide hotel rooms with ensuite bathrooms, which are the best options available. During the Parikrama and our stay at Mansarovar, we offer quality guest rooms with clean bedding, although these will be shared with other guests from our group.
Meals
During our time in Nagot and Kathmandu, our meals are crafted by the hotel chefs, offering a diverse selection.
Once we enter Tibet, our dedicated staff and cooks take over meal preparation. We focus on providing nutritious, hygienic, and culturally appropriate meals, serving three freshly prepared high-protein vegetarian dishes daily, designed to meet the dietary needs of Hindu pilgrims. Prepared in our private kitchen facilities, we prioritise safety, cleanliness, and authenticity. Our team is also equipped to accommodate specific dietary requirements, including vegetarian options without onion and garlic, Jain meals, and a variety of regional cuisines such as Gujarati, South Indian, and North Indian.