Saga Dawa festival tour to Mt. Kailash 2026

Start the journey early in the morning from Kathmandu through picturesque landscapes of the Trishuli River valley, small villages and terraced fields. Reach Rasuwagadhi at the Nepal-China border for customs and immigration formalities. After crossing the border, continue further rive to Kerung, a small Tibetan town. O/N Guest House

Today is rest day for good acclimatisation in Kerung before further high altitude driving to Saga. Of course it is also possible to look around the Kerung in the afternoon. O/N Guest House

It is long but exciting driving on the desert terrain enjoying past nomad camps and sheep and yak herds, beautiful views of Gaurishankar, Shishapangma and Langtang Himal through Khunmen Tso, Sinling, Karru Ongchen, Peiku tso Lake and finally cross Brahmaputra river ( “Yarling Tsangpo” in Tibetan ) to reach Saga. O/n Guest House.

Driving starts with the distance mountains through small town of Zhongba before reaching to Paryang offering the first view of Mt Kailash and further several hours of drive brings an approach the serene and sacred lake Manasarovar with turquoise complexion - surrounded by Mt Kailash, Mt. Gurula-Mandata and Lake Rakchyas. O/N Guest House.

Morning spend sometimes at the shores of the sacred Lake Manasarovar and take holy bath then start driving which enters the semi-nomadic regions of Tibet's far west through the authentic Tibetan landscapes the biggest and highest plateau in the world along the Yarlung Tsampo river, also known as the Brahmaputra in India, then arrive to little town of Darchen, nestled at the foot of Mount Kailash,  where the final preparation is done for upcoming trek around the holy Mt. Kailash.the Kora. Overnight in Darchen the preparation place for the upcoming trek around the holy Mt. Kailash. O/N Guest House.

Start early morning with drive to Tarpoche an important pilgrimage area to attend Saga Dawa the most significant festival for which the journey scheduled. The Saga Dawa festival is held every year on the 15th day of the 4th month in the Tibetan calendar to celebrate the day Lord Buddha Sakyamuni was born, achieved enlightenment and passed away. Drive back to Darchen and start first day trek Kailash Kora (making circle) with a gentle ascent enjoying views of the southwest face of Kailash while entering the valley of the Gods along the Lha Chu River and finally reach Dirapuk. It is one of the exciting days walking along the beautiful rocky cliffs and waterfalls with some clouds in the clear blue sky. O/N Guest House.

Start second day trek about 4 hours climb with the main goal to carefully approach the wall of Kailash up to the Gangjam glacier of Dolma La pass at 5670m. When reaching the top, just do the holiest offering and sit down for meditation to feel as in heaven. It is hardest but Holiest day of the Kailash Kora trek, cross Dolma La pass at 5670 m. From here the descent initially steep then becomes a comfortable walk until arriving at Zuthul Puk where the great ascetic Milerappa is supposed to have performed miracles. O/N Guest House.

The final day of the Kailash Kora trek is a mere formality compared to what was experienced the previous days. A gentle descent walking for 3-4 hours which completes the Kora around Mt. Kailash with the achieve of enlightenment then drive further to Saga. O/N Guest House.

After breakfast; start to drive back through the same road to Kerung. O/N Guest House.

Today is the final day of the journey which starts with a short drive to Nepal Tibet border and complete the immigration formalities then drive further to Kathmandu.