This is by far the shortest & the most direct approach to Mt. Kailash & is best suited for those on pilgrimage or those who are on a tight schedule. It is also the most popular trip. The trip is planned to arrive at Mt. Kailash on a full-moon day to view the mountain in its full glory & majesty. We drive via Zhangmu following the southern route where the scenery, with its sweeping plains, sand dunes & the Himalaya range is more majestic.

Day 1: KATHMANDU-NYLAM, 3750 M, 155 KMS
From Kathmandu, the road climbs steadily uphill out of the Kathmandu valley, past breathtaking views through a luxuriant, deep gorge shifting to a windy barren pass. over night stay at a Nylam Guest House.

Day 2: NYLAM-PELGU TSO, 4595 M, 57 KMS
Past Nylam the road climbs to the 5120 M Thong-la pass then drops down before climbing to the Lalung-la pass (5124 M). To the south there are views of Shisha Pangma (8012 M). Camp.

Day 3: SAGA, 4280 M
The road follows south of the Pelgu-Tso, continues across the plain with stunning Himalayan views. The route then follows a narrow gorge before climbing to a pass and dropping steeply down to a ferry crossing over the Yarlung Tsangpo.

Day 4: PARYANG, 4750 M, 110 KMS
From Saga it is 145 km to Zhongba. The road is good and the trip can be completed in 4-5 hrs. There is also a small monastery at the western end of town on a hill. From Zhongba onwards the southern road deteriorates. There is also danger of vehicles getting stuck. But this section of the road has panoramic views of mountains on either side of the road.

Day 5: LAKE MANASOROVAR, 4560 M, 260 KMS
From Paryang to Lake Mansorovar is a long drive of 10 hrs or more. There will be several river crossings and we drive past Mayum la pass (4600 M). The scenery is stunningly beautiful with panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Day 6: DARCHEN (4560 M), 30 KM
About 30 kms north of Lake Manasorovar is Darchen, the main gateway and the village. Here we organize yaks or ponies for the Kailash circuit trek.

Day 7: KAILASH CIRCUIT TREK - DIRAPHUK : (6 hrs)
This Kailash circuit covers 53 kms and can be done in 3 days. We head west in clockwise direction and after a few kilometers the trail climbs up to a cairn at 4730 m from where the southern face of Mt. Kailash comes to view. En route visit Tarboche where annual flagpole raising ceremony takes place during Saga Dawa.

Day 8: DIRAPHUK - ZUTRULPHUK , 4790, 6 hrs
Toady we cross Drolma la pass (5630 M) and Gauri Kund Lake (5608 m) where Hindus worship and immerse themselves in the icy waters of the lake.

Day 9: DARCHEN - LAKE MANASOROVAR (2-3 hrs)
The final end of the parikrama is an easy 2-3 hrs walk down to where the river emerges on to the Barga plain. We complete the 3 day circuit trek of Mt. Kailash and drive 33 KM to Chiu Gompa at Lake Manasorovar. Chiu Gompa is at a fabulous location atop a hill overlooking Lake Manasorovar.

Day 10: LAKE MANASOROVAR
Rest day or self exploration

Day 11: PARYANG

Day 12: SAGA

Day 13: NYLAM

Day 14:
Drive via Zhangmu and across Friendship Bridge to Kodari border where you will be met by our Tibet Travels representative. We then drive to Kathmandu.