Kailash Mansarovar Yatra distance from Kerung via from our package is approximately 1,917 km. This includes all driving and trekking distances throughout the journey.The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is a spiritual and challenging journey that offers a unique blend of religious significance , breathtaking landscapes and the experience of walking in one of the most remote regions of the world. As a traveler or pilgrim , understanding the distance between key points of the journey is crucial for better planning and preparation. This guide will walk you through the detailed distances covered during the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Kerung
Overview of the Journey
The journey to Kailash Mansarovar typically begins in Kathmandu, Nepal. From there travelers male their way to kerung , which serves as the gateway to Tibet. After crossing into Tibet, the major stop is Saga, located approximately 230 kilometers from kerung. This town serves as the logistical hub for travelers, with basic accommodation . Continuing from Saga , the next stop will Lake Manasarovar , approximately 500 km from Saga. This sacred lake holds immense significance in both hinduism and Buddhism, believed to possess purifying properties that cleanse the soul. It is here that pilgrims take part in morning pujas, depending on their spiritual connection before proceeding to Darchen, a small village just 35 kilometer away from Darchen serves as the gateway to the Parikrama or circumambulation of the holy mount kailash.
The Parikrama itself is a transformative experience , with each day of the trekking offering stunning views and opportunity of reflection. The first day takes pilgrims around 20 kilometers near Mount Kailash, leading to exploration of its north side. The trekover Dolma La pass is particularly challenging, reaching alt of over 5000m however rewards the participants with the breathtaking views and the great sense of achievement.
Finally completing the Parikrama, the return journey begins, tracing the same scenic routes to Kathmandu. The sacred route encompasses not only the physical challenges but also rich cultural experience and spiritual journey. Each stop along the way provides a unique experience stunning landscapes and moments .
1 . Kathmandu to Kerung Distance
Distance : Approximately 145 km(90 miles)
Travel time : 6-7 hrs
Altitude : Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,600 ft) kerung (2,700m / 8,858 ft).
What to Except:
Kathmandu is where the adventure begins. Kathmandu is chaotic and colorful, with busy streets full of ancient temples and the smells of incense and street food. It’s a good idea to spend some time soaking in the city’s spirituality. You can visit different famous landmarks like Pashupatinath Temple or the Boudhanath Stupa before setting off.
Once you leave Kathmandu , the road gets rougher, especially as you approach the mountains . Except for a bumpy ride along steep, winding roads with the stunning views of terraced fields , lush green hills , and distant snow-capped peaks. The drive to Rasuwagadhi , the Nepal-Tibet border town, can be quite tiring, and the road conditions are unpredictable, especially after rain. You might feel a bit nervous about crossing the border . It’s a gateway to Tibet and the real adventure.
After crossing the border and clearing immigration , you’ll find yourself in Kerung (Gyirong ). The Tibetan landscape feels quieter, more spacious , and almost surreal. Kerung is a small town where you’ll spend your night in a hotel surrounded by towering mountains. This is the first stop where you’ll notice the altitude so you can expect to feel slightly breathless, but nothing too serious yet.
2. Kathmandu to Timure Border (Nepal-China Border, Rasuwa)
Distance: Approximately 120 kilometers(75 miles) from Kathmandu to Timure (near the Rasuwa – Gyirong border point).
Travel Time: 6-7 hrs
Altitude: 2,700m (8,858 ft )
What to Expect :
The journey from Kathmandu to Timure takes you through winding roads and rugged terrain, offering a mix of adventure and stunning scenery. As you leave the bustling , chaotic streets of Kathmandu, the roads become rougher, with steep , narrow turns leading into the mountains . You’ll pass through lush green hills , terraced fields and catch glimpses of snow-capped peaks in the distance.The drive can be tiring , especially with unpredictable road conditions however views are breathtaking . Small villages along the way are dotted with colorful prayer flags adding a serene and spiritual atmosphere . Timure, a quite border town near the Rasuwagadhi checkpoint which marks as the gateway to the Tibet
3. Kerung to Saga Distance
Distance : Approximately 180 km (112 miles)
Travel Time : 6-7 hrs
Altitude : Saga (4,640m / 15,223 ft )
What to Except :
The drive from Kerung to Saga takes you through the vast , empty wilderness of the Tibetan Plateau. You’ll feel like you’ve entered another world and endless landscapes of rugged plains , rolling hills and mountains on the horizon. This is true Tibtean territory , where the sky seems very big.
As you ascend you’ll notice the air getting thinner and some people might start to feel the slight headache, fatigue or dizziness so it’s important for you to drink plenty of water and avoid rushing. The journey can feel long as well as tiring, However the views are absolutely worth it. You’ll pass through small villages with colorful prayers flags flapping in the winds and the yaks grazing in the distance.
Saga is a small town but feels like a bustling hub compared to the quiet roads you’ve been traveling . It’s a crucial stop for most of the pilgrims, offering a place to rest before the longer and tougher parts of the journey.
4. Saga to Lake Manasarovar Distance
Distance : Approximately 500 km (311 miles)
Travel Time : About 7-8 hrs
Altitude : Lake Manasarovar (4,590m/ 15,060 ft )
What to Expect :
You can consider it to be the longer days on the roads but the anticipation builds as you get closer to Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash. The drive takes you through more Lunar-like landscapes. There’s an almost magical feeling in the air as the sacred mountain starts to appear in the distance. Mount Kailash is unlike any other peak , revered by many as the axis of the world, the home of Lord Shiva for Hindus.
When you finally reach Lake Manasarovar it’s a moment you won’t forget. The lake is vast and shimmering , reflecting the nearby mountains. There’s something incredibly calming and peaceful about the place. For Hindus and Buddhists , the lakes’ water is believed to cleanse all sins, and pilgrims often take a dip , despite the freezing cold temperatures.
Spending time by the lake , you’ll feel the weight of spiritual history around you. The silence is broken only by the gentle lapping of the water and the wind. Many pilgrims perform pujas (rituals ) or simply sit in quite contemplation, soaking in the sacred atmosphere.
5 : Lake Mansarovar to Darchen Distance
Distance : Approximately 40 km (25 miles)
Travel Time : About 1 to 2 hrs
Altitude : Darchen (4,575m / 15,010 ft)
What to Expect:
The drive from Lake Mansarovar to Darchen is short, but by now, you’re at a very high altitude and every moment feels a bit slower. You’ll be feeling a mixture of excitement as Mount Kailash is in front of you. Darchen is a basic little town so don’t expect much in terms of amenities but you’ll find food , lodging and most importantly , a place to mentally and physically for the Kailash Parikrama.
This is the starting point for the Parikrama of Mount Kailash, which is the most challenging and spiritually significant part of the journey. Pilgrims often gather here to pray, meet with their guides and prepare for the next few days of walking around the sacred mountain.
Kailash Parikrama Total Distance.
Day 1 : Darchen to Dirapuk (Outer Parikrama )
Distance: About 20 km (12.5 miles)
Travel Time : Approximately 6-7 hrs
Altitude : Dirapuk ( 4,900m / 16,076 ft)
What to Expect :
Your Parikrama begins from Darchen, a small town that serves as the base for the trek. The path on the first day is relatively straightforward but still challenging due to the high altitude. The walk takes you along the Lha Chu valet, where the trail gradually ascends . The terrain is rocky and dusty, but it’s not too steep. The dramatic landscape is awe-inspiring you’ll pass by the prayer flag, yak caravans.
As you approach Dirapuk Monastery, Mount Kailash’s north face reveals itself . It is one of the best views of the sacred peak. The sight is nothing short of breathtaking and many pilgrims feel an overwhelming sense of peace and gratitude here.
Day 2 : Exploring the North Side of Mount Kailash (Inner Kora)
Distance : 5-6 km (3-4 miles)
Travel Time :5-6 hrs
What to Expect :
On the second day, you’ll embark on an Inner Kora to explore the north side of Mount Kailash in more depth. This is considered an especially sacred part of the journey as it brings you closer to the mountain itself.
The walk on this day is shorter but the altitude and rugged terrain make it challenging . The path takes you closer to the foot of Mount Kailash , where you can feel its immense spiritual presence even more powerfully. Pilgrims often pause to offer prayer or meditate in silence, absorbing the energy of this revered place. The terrain is a mix of rocky paths and some steep sections, and you’ll feel the cold mountain air more intensely here.
Although this part of the trek is physically demanding , the spiritual rewards are immense. The Inner Kora is not part of the traditional outer circumambulation, but it allows for a deeper connection with the mountain. You’ll return to Dirapuk for another night of rest, preparing for the most challenging day ahead.
Day 3 : Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La Pass
Distance : 22 km (14 miles )
Travel Time : 9-10 hrs.
Altitude : Dolma La Pass (5,636m/ 18,500 ft)
What to Expect :
This is the toughest day of the entire Kailash Parikrama . You’ll start early just as the sun is rising and begin the steep ascent towards the Dolma La Pass, the highest point on the trek. As you reach the Top of Dolma La Pass, the views are stunning but you’ll likely be focused on just breathing and taking in the spiritual significance of this place. This is considered as the holiest point during the trek. Many pilgrims leave offering prayer flags, and the stones as a sign of gratitude . The sense of achievement and spiritual fulfillment here is immense.
From the pass, you’ll descend steeply towards Gauri Kund, a sacred lake for Hindus , where it is believed that Goddess Parvati once bathed. The descent is physically demanding the path is rocky and uneven. The trek down feels long, and by the time you reach Zuthulpuk most pilgrims are exhausted.
Zuthulphuk Monastery, located near a small cave , is where you’ll spend the night . The place has its own spiritual significance, as it is believed that Milarepa, a revered Buddhist sage, meditated here.
Day 4 : Zuthulphuk to Darchen ( Last day of Parikrama)
Distance : 4-5 km(2.5-3 miles)
Travel Time: 3-4 hrs
What to Expect :
The final day of the Kailash Parikrama is much easier compared to the previous days. The walk from Zuthulphuk to Darchen is mostly gentle and flat, allowing you to reflect on the journey you’ve just completed. The early morning light makes the landscapes glow, and you’ll feel a sense of closure as you approach Darchen
By this point , both physical exhaustion and spiritual elation will fill you. You’ll complete the parikrama with a sense of accomplishment. Once you return to Darchenn, you’ll take time to rest and recover from the challenging trek.
In conclusion the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is more than just a trek , it is a spiritual journey which takes you to the heart of Lord Shiva.Based on the Kerung itinerary of the kailash Yatra by Kerung package , the distance covered may seem daunting but each steps will bring you closer to the sacred heart of the Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. From the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the remote Tibetan landscapes every step will bring you closer to both nature and your spiritual self. Each section of the route presents its own challenges and the rewards from the tranquil shores of Lake Manasarovar to the steep ascent of the Dolma La pass. The yatri will surely experience a deep sense of peace , reflection and spiritual connection.
