Holy Mount Kailash Mansarovar Darshan Tour

Meals, transport and equipment for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Duration
12 days
Group size
35 people
Country
Tibet

Holy Mount Kailash Mansarovar Darshan Tour Overview

Meals, transport and equipment for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Join the Holy Mt. Kailash Mansarovar Darshan Tour with Earthbound Expeditions from Nepal

Kailash Mansarovar Darshan from Lapcha, Limi valley, Simikot, Humla, Nepal. Nepal is a holy land, and it is believed that Lord Shiva, also known as the Adi Yogi, dwells in the Gauri Shankar Himal of Nepal and in winter rests in the Pashupatinath area, while his summer residence is Mt. Kailash in Tibet. Kailash Mansarovar lies in the Tibet region of China, close to far west Nepal and only a few kilometres from the remote Nepali district of Humla and the Limi valley. When the COVID-19 pandemic closed the Tibet border, it was not possible to visit Tibet, bathe in the lake or complete the parikrama (kora) of Mt. Kailash. However, you can still see Kailash and Mansarovar at fairly close range from the Lapcha La pass in the Limi valley of Nepal. We invite you to join this Himalayan pilgrimage and have Kailash Mansarovar darshan from west Nepal, along the oldest pilgrimage route to Kailash Mansarovar. Many saints, gurus and spiritual masters reached Kailash Mansarovar by this ancient route. I, Rajan Simkhada, have travelled to Kailash several times by the Humla, Simikot and Limi route. In 2000, I walked about 750 km with two American geologists from Simikot to Taklakot, around Lake Rakshastal, around Kailash, around Mansarovar and back to Humla via the Limi valley, all on foot. It took us about 33 days, and on some days we walked up to 42 km. The Limi valley was once part of the Ngari region of Tibet. Ngari is the sacred land of Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar and the source of four major Asian rivers: the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra and Karnali. Ngari in western Tibet and Humla in north-western Nepal were divided by the Sino-Nepalese Border Treaty. According to oral history, some people from the Ngari region settled in a place called Tsamtso, between tributaries of the Karnali on a trading route, and were called Ley-mi, meaning people living in the river valley. The Lapcha La pass (4550 m), the viewpoint for Kailash Mansarovar, is on the Nepal side of the Nepal and Tibet border. Lake Mansarovar is just 7 km from the pass, and Mt. Kailash is about 49 km away, or about 15 km in a straight line. The Limi valley is a remote Himalayan valley in the far western corner of Nepal, in Humla district, and the Limi Valley trek is one of the finest treks in highland Nepal. On this Kailash Mansarovar darshan tour you can see Himalayan peaks including Mt. Saipal (7030 m), Mt. Kanjiroba, Gurla Mandhata, Mt. Kailash and many other Tibetan peaks. Kailash Mansarovar Darshan from Lapcha, Nepal From Simikot, Humla, we drive to Lapcha on the Nepal and Tibet border to see Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash, the summer residence of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. We spend a day in meditation and darshan of the south face of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar from the Lapcha La in Nepal. Our crew prepares hot meals and comfortable sleeping arrangements at our campsite in Tupling. Sadhguru of the Isha Foundation had been organising Kailash Mansarovar journeys in Tibet, and when the pandemic closed Tibet he began promoting Kailash Mansarovar Darshan from the Humla and Simikot area. The journey of this well-known Indian yogi to the Lapcha La pass in Nepal for Kailash Mansarovar Darshan is expected to boost tourism in western Nepal. "Darshan means to behold. If you behold something with absolute willingness, it will leave an imprint in you. That image will grow and become a live process." (Sadhguru)

This pilgrimage takes you to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, two sacred sites for followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and the Bon religion. Earthbound Expeditions has been taking people to Kailash Mansarovar since 1999.

Earthbound Expeditions has designed this 15-day itinerary, which starts in Kathmandu with darshan at Pashupatinath and continues to Humla, Simikot, Limi and Lapcha to see Kailash Mansarovar, using a combination of trekking, flights and overland travel along an ancient pilgrimage route to Kailash Mansarovar.
You can also travel entirely overland, or via Simikot, Humla (west Nepal), using a helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft.
Mount Kailash (6,638 m), known to Hindus as Kailash Parvat, is the most sacred mountain in Asia. Hindus believe that Kailash Parvat is the abode of Lord Shiva, which is why he is known as Kailashpati Mahadev. The peak is also sacred to Buddhists, Jains and followers of Bon.
Lake Mansarovar lies on the Tibetan plateau beside Mount Kailash and is connected to nearby Lake Rakshastal by the natural Ganga Chhu channel. Its colour changes through the day. Darshan of Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is believed to bring salvation (moksha) and to remove all the sins acquired during a lifetime.

Meals, transport and equipment for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

You benefit from our knowledge and experience, as we have been taking people safely to Kailash Mansarovar for the last 20 years. We operate the tour ourselves and do not hand groups over to local agents. We aim to run and manage our tours to a high standard.

Our business is driven by passion rather than profit. We also support social causes: we built 153 classrooms after the earthquake, have built many schools and libraries, and run health camps for underprivileged communities. Please see our blog post Our Business Is More Passion-Driven Than Profit. By travelling with us, you support an organisation with a commitment to corporate social responsibility.

When is the best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar?

Kailash Mansarovar can generally be visited at any time from April to October each year.
From April, visibility is good and the views are clear.

Earthbound Expeditions is recommended by Lonely Planet, TripAdvisor, the New York Times, The Guardian and many other national and international newspapers and magazines. The leader and co-owner of the company, Mr.Rajan, has led the trip to Kailash Mansarovar over 18 times, and our support crew are well trained and professional, with many years of experience on Himalayan expeditions.

Join our Holy Mt. Kailash Mansarovar view tour 2023 from Lapcha, Nepal.

To see videos by Earthbound Expeditions of the havan at Mansarovar and the parikrama walk, please visit the links below.
  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny-NsLarXOo
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0a_UYbBv_o
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZWwbTq0nZU&t=36s
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkfdSCHOJXk
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwJme3ITgOM
  6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXA295iB0GE

Some departure dates bring you to the Kailash Mansarovar area on a full moon day. Please contact us for details of the itinerary, prices and group departures.
Sadhguru of the Isha Foundation, India, organised the first Kailash darshan tour group to Limi and Lapcha, Nepal, in 2021, and it was covered in many newspapers. Here is the link if you wish to read more.

Note: for Indian passport holders, the cost is INR 187000 per person.
The cost is based on a minimum group of 10 people; for smaller groups the cost is higher.

Key highlights of the Holy Mount Kailash Mansarovar Darshan Tour

Itinerary

  1. We meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel, followed by a briefing and preparation for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

    Day 1, Arrive in Kathmandu, photo 1 of 3
    Day 1, Arrive in Kathmandu, photo 2 of 3
    Day 1, Arrive in Kathmandu, photo 3 of 3
    Altitude
    1,400 m (4,590 ft)
    On foot
    None, arrival day
    Night in
    Hotel, Kathmandu
    Meals
    Dinner

  2. A full day of sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley, including the Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath, dedicated to Shiva (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the largest Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath, and the city of Patan.

    Day 2, Kathmandu sightseeing, photo 1 of 3
    Day 2, Kathmandu sightseeing, photo 2 of 3
    Day 2, Kathmandu sightseeing, photo 3 of 3
    Altitude
    1,400 m (4,590 ft)
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Kathmandu
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Today you fly to Nepalgunj, the gateway to west Nepal, and transfer to the hotel for the night.

    Day 3, Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, photo 1 of 3
    Day 3, Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, photo 2 of 3
    Day 3, Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, photo 3 of 3
    Altitude
    150 m (490 ft)−1,250 m
    On foot
    None, flight day
    Night in
    Hotel, Nepalgunj
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Take an early morning flight of about 55 minutes to Simikot, with views of Mt. Saipal, the second highest mountain in far west Nepal. You stay at a hotel close to Simikot airport. Today you walk around Simikot up to Lagna for acclimatisation and visit the local market. Overnight at the hotel.

    Altitude
    2,950 m (9,680 ft)+2,800 m
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Simikot
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. After breakfast, drive for about 6 hours to Tsongsa (4200 m), the base camp for the Nyalu La (5000 m). Tsongsa is in a high alpine landscape close to the border. You stay in a tented camp, and our crew serves camping meals.

    Altitude
    4,200 m (13,780 ft)+1,250 m
    On foot
    None, 6 hr drive
    Night in
    Tented camp, Tsongsa
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. The day starts with a cup of tea. After breakfast, we drive for about 5 hours over the Nyalu La (5000 m) and across the Talung valley, which has the best valley views of the trip, passing two lakes, Seliman Lake and Talung Lake. Accommodation is in a tented camp at Tupling or Jakpling (4300 m).

    Altitude
    4,300 m (14,110 ft)+100 m
    On foot
    None, 5 hr drive
    Night in
    Tented camp, Tupling
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. We start a little earlier today and drive for about 2 hours to Lapcha Syar, with views from 5000 m. From the Lapcha La campsite you have darshan of the south face of Mt. Kailash and of Lake Mansarovar. There is no water source near the campsite, so we carry our drinking water in the jeep.

    Day 7, Drive to Lapcha La for darshan of Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, photo 1 of 3
    Day 7, Drive to Lapcha La for darshan of Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, photo 2 of 3
    Day 7, Drive to Lapcha La for darshan of Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, photo 3 of 3
    Altitude
    5,000 m (16,400 ft)+700 m
    On foot
    None, 2 hr drive
    Night in
    Tented camp, Lapcha La
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. This day is kept in reserve for weather and other circumstances. We spend it in worship (bhajan and kirtan), rest and acclimatisation, and have darshan of Lake Mansarovar and the south face of Mt. Kailash. You also have time to relax and explore the area.

    Day 8, Reserve day or rest day for puja and havan, photo 1 of 3
    Day 8, Reserve day or rest day for puja and havan, photo 2 of 3
    Day 8, Reserve day or rest day for puja and havan, photo 3 of 3
    Altitude
    5,000 m (16,400 ft)
    On foot
    Optional 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Lapcha La
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Today is your final darshan, with the chance of a sunrise view of Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. After worship, we drive back to Tsongsa (4200 m), about 6 hours, where you can rest and explore the area.

    Altitude
    4,200 m (13,780 ft)−800 m
    On foot
    None, 6 hr drive
    Night in
    Tented camp, Tsongsa
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Drive back to Simikot (2950 m), about 6 hours. After a late breakfast, an easy drive back to Simikot, where we stay overnight.

    Altitude
    2,950 m (9,680 ft)−1,250 m
    On foot
    None, 6 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Simikot
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. Fly back to Nepalgunj and continue by flight to Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel.

    Day 11, Fly to Nepalgunj and on to Kathmandu, photo 1 of 3
    Day 11, Fly to Nepalgunj and on to Kathmandu, photo 2 of 3
    Day 11, Fly to Nepalgunj and on to Kathmandu, photo 3 of 3
    Altitude
    1,400 m (4,590 ft)−1,550 m
    On foot
    None, flight day
    Night in
    Hotel, Kathmandu
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  12. After breakfast, we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

    Day 12, Departure
    Altitude
    1,400 m (4,590 ft)
    On foot
    None, departure day
    Night in
    No overnight
    Meals
    Breakfast

What's included

  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu in 3-star or 4-star hotels, with vegetarian meals.
  • • Accommodation with meals in Nepalgunj.
  • • Hotel accommodation with meals in Simikot.
  • • All transport as per the itinerary.
  • • Airport pick-up and drop-off.
  • • Flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Simikot, and back.
  • • Jeep from Simikot to Lapcha and back.
  • • Humla region restricted area permit and royalties.
  • • All government taxes, service charges, entry fees, etc.
  • Duffel bag, beanie and snood, free of charge.
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag, to be returned after the trip.
  • First aid medical kit.
  • Oxygen bottle and PAC (portable altitude chamber).

Not included

  • International flights and travel insurance.
  • Evacuation costs in the event of an emergency.
  • Hire of a horse, pony or porter during the 3-day Kailash parikrama.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Extra hotel nights other than those in the itinerary.
  • Rescue or evacuation, and all extra costs arising from separation from the main group or a serious health condition.
  • Any additional costs due to natural disasters, flight cancellations or delays, and unforeseen circumstances.
  • Any other expenses not mentioned above.

Reviews

Exceptional5.0 out of 5Reviews from Tripadvisor
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Showing 10 reviews from 901 on Tripadvisor

Outstanding excellent exceptional and if its your first time its best to go with them.

August 2026, Tripadvisor

An Exceptional Travel Experience — Highly Recommend Earthbound Expeditions! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Earthbound Expeditions doesn’t just plan trips—they create unforgettable experiences. From the thoughtfully designed itinerary to the seamless organization and personal attention, every detail was handled beautifully. Their knowledge, professionalism, value for service and genuine passion for travel made the entire journey feel effortless, enriching, and truly special. If you want to experience a destination rather than simply visit it, Earthbound Expeditions is the company to choose. Exceptional service, meaningful adventures, and memories that last long after you return home. I would travel with them again without hesitation and highly recommend them to anyone looking for an extraordinary travel experience. Five stars!

Nee JRead on Tripadvisor

What stood out most was the personal care and genuine concern shown by the entire team. They treated us not simply as tr

August 2026, Tripadvisor

A special thank you to Rajan ji for his guidance, encouragement, patience, and positive energy throughout the journey. His presence gave us confidence, I would also like to sincerely appreciate the trek leaders, co-leaders, cooks, porters, drivers, guides, and the entire Earthbound team. Everyone worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure we were safe, comfortable, well-fed, and looked after at every step. The food was delicious and thoughtfully prepared, which was especially appreciated during such a physically demanding journey.

Traveler30085727276Read on Tripadvisor

Fantastic experience with Earthbound expeditions

August 2026, Tripadvisor

Our experience with Earthbound expeditions tour operator was absolutely fantastic! They made our dreams come true. With 25 years of experience, Rajan Ji and the team are incredibly organized and treated us like family. They prepared delicious meals, regardless of the altitude or location, and even offered neck and foot massages along with a variety of drinks in the mornings. They were always available to help and went above and beyond to meet our needs. The team is hardworking and pleasant, making us feel like we were on a luxurious spiritual journey. I highly recommend Earthbound for all Kailash and Nepal tours. Rajan Ji took care of all our special requests without any complaints and made sure everything ran smoothly until we boarded our flight back home. I will definitely choose them for my future tours.

SureshBadamBengaluru, IndiaRead on Tripadvisor

Best vacation of my life

August 2026, Tripadvisor

What an unforgettable journey! I recently completed a 3-week Kailash Mansarovar tour with Earth Bound Expedition Team, and I can say without hesitation this was one of the most profound experiences of my life ,made possible entirely by how well this team looked after us. From the very first day, their attention to detail was remarkable. The logistics for a trip like this are notoriously complex permits, altitude acclimatization, remote accommodations, unpredictable weather, border crossings and Earth Bound handled every single piece flawlessly. Nothing felt rushed or uncertain; every transition, every stop, every meal was thoughtfully planned, which let me actually be present for the spiritual and physical magnitude of the journey instead of worrying about the details. Their guides and support staff were incredibly warm, knowledgeable, and attentive. They anticipated our needs before we even had to ask checking in constantly on our health and comfort at altitude, offering guidance on the parikrama, and creating a genuine sense of safety throughout some very demanding terrain. Their care never felt like a formality; it felt like they truly wanted each of us to have a meaningful, safe pilgrimage. Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I'm so grateful I did it with a team this professional and this caring. If you're considering this pilgrimage, I can't recommend Earth Bound Expedition Team enough they turned a physically and spiritually demanding journey into something smooth, safe, and deeply moving. Thank you, Earth Bound team, for everything. This trip will stay with me forever. 🙏

Shivangi GRead on Tripadvisor

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