Kailash Mansarovar Self Drive Yatra’26
May 3rd – May 16th, 2026 | 13 Nights/14 Days
Overview
The Kailash Mansarovar Self Drive Yatra 2026 is a 14-day spiritual and adventure expedition scheduled from May 3rd to May 16th, 2026, starting and ending in Gorakhpur. Organized by Traveloholic Adventures, this self-drive convoy takes participants through the lush lowlands of Chitwan, Nepal, and across the Rasuwagadhi border into the high-altitude Tibetan plateau. The journey features a mix of scenic highway driving and off-roading, with the route reaching significant spiritual landmarks including Lake Mansarovar and the North Face of Mount Kailash. Key highlights include a vehicle-based parikrama of the lake and a challenging multi-day trek reaching altitudes of 5,645 meters at the Dolma La Pass.
Day Wise Itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 1
DAY 01, SUNDAY, MAY 03 ARRIVE AT GORAKHPUR
Arrive at Gorakhpur by late afternoon and check-in at hotel. We will install the decals on the Cars in the evening, followed by a briefing session and dinner at Hotel..
STAY Sarovar Portico, Gorakhpur
Day 2
DAY 02, MONDAY, MAY 04
GORAKHPUR – SONAULI – CHITWAN 215 KMS | 07 HRS 30 MIN
After breakfast, we drive towards Sonauli via NH-24, enjoying a smooth run up to the India-Nepal border. After completing entry formalities we stop for lunch at Bhairahawa and continue to drive to Chitwan National Park.
STAY Hotel Green Park, Chitwan or similar
Day 3
DAY 03, TUESDAY, MAY 05
CHITWAN – BATTAR – SYAPRUBESI 180 KMS | 09 HRS We leave early after Breakfast at Hotel from the plains and begin our ascent into the Himalayas Driving alongside the Trishuli River, we pass through Mugling and Dhunche, with roads becoming narrower and more scenic. The day sets the tone for mountain driving and off-roading over bad patches in Nepal
STAY Hotel Kailash
Day 4
DAY 04, WEDNESDAY, MAY 06
SYAPRUBESI GYIRONG 45 KMS | 04 HRS | ALT 2700M
We drive a short distance to the Rasuwagadhi border, where we complete Nepal exit and China entry formalities. Once we cross into Tibet, we officially enter the Tibet Autonomous Region. We keep the drive short to help with acclimatisation, allowing our bodies to begin acjusting to altitude.
STAY Qo Mc Lang Zong Hotel or similar
Day 5
DAY 05, THURSDAY, MAY 07
GYIRONG – SAGA 235 KMS | 06 HRS | ALT 4600M
Today we experience our first long drive on the Tibetan plateau. Vast open landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and smooth black topped high-altitude highways define the day. We maintain a steady pace, hydrate well, and monitor each other for altitude-related symptoms as we gain significant elevation to reach SAGA.
STAY Vienna Sanhao Hotel
Day 6
DAY 06 , FRIDAY, MAY 08
SAGA – MANSAROVAR 450 KMS | 10 HRS | ALT 4600M
This is one of the most anticipated days of the expedition. As we drive towards Lake Mansarovar, the landscape becomes increasingly spiritual and surreal. Weather permitting, we may get our first glimpse of Mount Kailash, a deeply moving moment for everyone in the convoy. We reach Mansarovar and check in at the hotel.
STAY Mansarovar Hot Spring Hotel or similar
Day 7
DAY 07 , SATURDAY, MAY 09
MANSAROVAR KORA – DARCHEN 90 KMS | 05-04 HRS | ALT 4600M
We begin the day with a holy parikrama (kora) of Lake Mansarovar by vehicle, stopping at sacred points for prayer and reflection. Later, we drive to Darchen, the base town for the Mount Kailash Parikrama, where we prepare for the trek ahead.
STAY Ouguan Tianqi Hengyang or similar
Day 8
DAY 08 I SUNDAY, MAY 10
DARCHEN – YAM DWAR – DIRAPUK 05 KMS + 12 KMS TREK | 06 HRS | ALT 5100M
We drive 6kms to Yam Dwar, the official start of the Kai lash Parikrama. From here, we begin our trek (or horse ride) along the Lha Chu va I ley. By afternoon, we reach Dirapuk, standing face-to-face with the majestic North Face of Mount Kai lash-a moment of awe and humility.
STAY Dirapuk Guest House (Shared Rooms)
Day 9
DAY 09 , MONDAY, MAY 11
DIRAPUK – DOLMA LA – GAURI KUND – ZUTHULPHUK 22 KMS TREK | 10-09 HRS | ALT 5600M
The journey from Dirapuk to Zuthulphuk is the most challenging and spiritually intense part of the Kailash Kora, involving the crossing of Dolma La Pass (5,645 m) and Gauri Kund. It is marked by high-altitude terrain, steep ascents and descents, and breathtaking views that test both endurance and faith. STAY Zuthulphuk Guest House (Shared Rooms)
NOTE: Entire group will take a unilateral decision whether to continue the trek beyond Dirapuk or return to Darchen
Day 10
DAY 10, TUESDAY, MAY 12
ZUTHULPHUK – DARCHEN – SAGA 450 KMS | 10 HRS | ALT 4600M
After the intensity of the parikrama, we begin our return journey. The drive back to Saga allows us time to rest, reflect, and recover while still enjoying the vast Tibetan landscapes.
STAY Vienna Sanhao Hotel
Day 11
DAY 11, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
SAGA – EBC – TASHICZONG 350KMS | 07 HRS | ALT 5200M
We head towards the Rongbuk region, visiting the North Face of Everest Base Camp, one of the most iconic locations on Earth. From here, we continue to Tashidzong (Everest Village), surrounded by Himalayan giants.
STAY Pingcuo Kangsang Oxygen Hotel or similar
Day 12
DAY 12 , THURSDAY, MAY 14
TASHICZONG – PEIKU CUO – GYIRONG 320 KMS | 06 HRS | ALT 2700M We visit the stunning Pikucuo (Peiku Tso) Lake, with Everest towering in the distance. The drive back towards Gyirong involves gradual descent, which helps our bodies recover from sustained high altitude exposure.
STAY Kangyang Hotel
Day 13
DAY 13 I FRIDAY, MAY 15
GYIRONG – BATTAR – CHITWAN 230 KMS | 10 HRS
We exit Tibet via the Rasuwagadhi border, complete formalities, and re-enter Nepal. The journey back to Chitwan brings us full circle-from high-altitude deserts back to green lowlands.
STAY Soaltee Westend
Day 14
DAY 14, SATURDAY, MAY 16
CHITWAN – SONAULI – HOMERUN 150 KMS | 04 HRS UPTO SONAULI
Today we drive back towards Sonauli Border and onward to our respective destinations. The expedition officially concludes, but the bonds formed, challenges overcome, and memories created will stay with us forever.
INCLUSIONS
- Accomodation In Boutique Properties For 13 Nights On Twin Sharing Basis.
- All Meals Day 01 Dinner Onwards.
- Chinese Visa Fees
- All Kailash Mansarovar And Tibet Travel Permits For Members And Vehicles.
- Tibet Customs Security Deposit For Vehicles.
- Full Customs Clearance, Inspection, And Quarantine Of Vehicles.
- Temporary Chinese Driving License And Vehicle Registration.
- English Speaking Licensed Tibetan Guide With Lead Vehicle And Guide Expenses.
- All Highway Tolls And Parking Fees In Tibet (China)
- Sightseeing Vehicle For Tour Days
- All Permit And Bhansar Fees For Nepal Entry.
- Complete Kitchen & Camping Support (Gyirong-Saga / Kailash Section) All Daily Meals: Breakfast And Dinner Served In The Hotels Except Lunch Camps By The Highway.
- Entrance Fees And Transport Service For Everest Base Camp.
- Emergency Oxygen Support Cylinders.
- 02 Litres Of Drinking Water Per Person Per Day.
- Agency Service Fees, Taxes, Documentation & Translations Fees. Passport Handling, Visa, Permits & Dispatch Services In Delhi Nepal-China Border Crossing Services With Local Agent.
- Mansarovar Lake Kora Ev Bus Fees.
- First Aid Kit
- Convoy Management And Vehicle Support.
- Radio Communication Sets
- Media Crew
EXCLUSIONS
- Personal Medical/ Travel And International Vehicle Insurance
- Cost Towards Fuel And Tolls
- Personal Expenses, Laundry, Phone, Internet
- Gears Trip, Travel, Medical Insurance, Or Helicopter Rescue.
- Any Other Costs That Are Not Mentioned In The Price ‘Inclusion’ Section.
- Visa Cancellation Charge If Early Return Or Separated From Group Due To Health Personal Reason.
- (Per Day Per Person Usd100), And All Cost Of Hotels, Food, Guide, Transport There On.
- Additional Accommodation Charges If Deviated From The Itinerary.
- Emergency Vehicle From Deraphuk To Darchen. (Usd 30 Per Person).
- Horse Riding Services During Parikrama / Deraphuk – About Rmb 6000 Το 9000, (Upto Dolman Pass Only).
- Porter For Parikrama / Deraphuk – About Rmb 1700 To 3000, (Upto Dolman Pass Only).
- In-Room Dining Orders, – Alcohol, Beverages And Mixes
- Shopping And Tips
- Personal Trekking And Adventure Gear, Clothing And Accessories.
- Expenses Incurred Due To Emergency, Natural Disasters, Or For Personal Interest Reasons.
- Tips And Any Gratitude For Support Staffs And Tour Leader.
- NOTE: Breakdown And Towing – Usd 2100 Per Car To Tow Upto Tibet Nepal Border.
- Extra Charges, If You Are Driving Bmw, Mercedes Benz, Land Rover, Ford Bronco – Usd 500 Per Vehicles Extra And Would Need Prior Intimation.