---
title: "Kailash Mansarovar Route Map 2027/2028: Kathmandu to…"
description: "Use a 2027/2028 Kailash route map to follow Kathmandu, Nyalam, Saga, Lake Mansarovar, Darchen and the three-day parikrama, with fallback questions."
canonical: "https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kailash-mansarovar-route-map"
last-updated: "2026-09-01T00:00:00+05:45"
---

Route planning

# Kailash Mansarovar Route Map 2027/2028: Kathmandu to Parikrama

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route traverses over 1,800 km round-trip across the Himalayas and southern Tibetan plateau. Starting in Kathmandu (1,400m), the route drives through Syabrubesi to Rasuwagadhi (1,800m), ascends to Kyirong Town (2,700m), crosses Gongtang La (5,236m) to Saga (4,450m), follows the G219 highway past Mayum La (5,211m) to Lake Mansarovar (4,590m) and Darchen (4,575m), and reaches its peak at Dolma La Pass (5,630m).

**7 stages**Main corridor

**5,630 m**Pass reference

**3 days**Parikrama

**Illustrative**Not navigation

DB
**By [Dinesh Bhusal](/author-dinesh-bhusal)**8 min read

**✓ Reviewed 1 Sep 2026**

Information checked against current official and local sources. Fees, access, permits and transport can change.
[Sources & methodology →](/data-methodology)

Also available in: [Deutsch](/de/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kailash-mansarovar-route-map) · [Français](/fr/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kailash-mansarovar-route-map) · [Español](/es/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kailash-mansarovar-route-map) · [Italiano](/it/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kailash-mansarovar-route-map) · [Português](/pt/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kailash-mansarovar-route-map) · [日本語](/ja/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kailash-mansarovar-route-map) · [简体中文](/zh-hans/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kailash-mansarovar-route-map)

On this page

## How to read the map

The diagram shows route order and elevation changes rather than precise road geometry. Use current operator briefings for checkpoints, road closures, camp availability and changes to the parikrama access route.

## Route choices

- Classic overland: Kathmandu–Kodari–Nyalam–Saga–Mansarovar–Darchen.

- Shortened or non-parikrama options: only where permits and local access allow.

- Helicopter or flight combinations: schedule and baggage dependent, not a guaranteed rescue alternative.

## Read the map as a sequence of decisions

The corridor from Kathmandu through Nyalam and Saga to Mansarovar and Darchen is a staged high-altitude journey. A map shows order and elevation, but it cannot show the current checkpoint, road, camp or permit condition.

- Name every overnight and the next day's road or walking stage.

- Separate border processing from the plateau drive after Nyalam.

- Treat Darchen as the parikrama decision point, not just a map label.

- Keep the return corridor and final Nepal or China connection visible from the start.

## The main corridor at a glance

Swipe to view table →

| Map stage | What the traveller is deciding | What can change |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Kathmandu to the Nepal border | Briefing, documents, road timing and border buffer | Road, weather, inspections and crossing sequence |
| Nyalam to Saga | How the plan handles the first high sleeping-altitude gain | Overnight order, road conditions and acclimatisation needs |
| Saga to Lake Mansarovar | Whether the group has enough recovery for the lake and Darchen | Road time, camp or hotel, lake access and visibility |
| Darchen to Dirapuk | Whether the group starts the kora and at what pace | Trailhead, support, weather and individual health |
| Dirapuk to Dolma La to Zutulphuk | Whether to continue, turn around or change scope | Pass conditions, symptoms, cutoff time and support |
| Return corridor | How much buffer protects the international flight | Border timing, road delay and extra Kathmandu nights |

## What the route map cannot guarantee

- A fixed road time or open checkpoint.

- A particular camp, room, support animal or roadhead.

- A view of Mansarovar or Kailash on the planned day.

- That every pilgrim will be able to complete the parikrama.

- That a helicopter option is available or appropriate for a non-medical transfer.

## Use an offline route brief

Save the approved itinerary, permit scope, guide and operator contacts, overnight list, insurance details and early-return plan. Reconfirm route order locally because border, road and weather conditions can change after the map is published.

Local Planning Note · Amigo Treks Team
**Field advice**

This is an illustrative planning map, not navigation or live route status.

## Waypoints and elevation profile: Kathmandu to Mount Kailash

Understanding the elevation profile is vital for pacing and acclimatization. The journey progresses through distinct physiological zones: from Kathmandu's sub-tropical basin (1,400m) to the Himalayan foothills at Syabrubesi (1,460m), crossing the border at Rasuwagadhi (1,800m), and making the initial plateau leap to Kyirong Town (2,700m).

From Kyirong, the road scales Gongtang La Pass (5,236m) before descending to the wide Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) river valley at Saga (4,450m). Continuing across Zhongba and Paryang, the road crosses Mayum La Pass (5,211m)—the geographic threshold entering Ngari Prefecture—before opening onto the sacred basin of Lake Mansarovar (4,590m) and Mount Kailash base at Darchen (4,575m).

- Kathmandu (1,400m) to Syabrubesi (1,460m): 135 km, 7–9 hours overland drive through Trishuli valley.

- Rasuwagadhi (1,800m) to Kyirong Town (2,700m): 40 km, border immigration and initial plateau staging.

- Kyirong Town to Saga (4,450m): 170 km, crosses Gongtang La Pass (5,236m) with views of Shishapangma.

- Saga to Lake Mansarovar (4,590m): 450 km, crosses Mayum La Pass (5,211m) into Ngari Prefecture.

- Darchen (4,575m) to Dirapuk (5,050m) to Dolma La (5,630m): 52 km pedestrian pilgrimage circuit.

## Highway road surfaces and pedestrian trail conditions

The ground surface shifts markedly across the expedition. The Nepal sector is composed of narrow, winding tarmac, mountain hairpin turns, and rough gravel roadwork. Once in Tibet, China National Highway G219 is an engineering triumph—a perfectly paved two-lane asphalt highway traversing vast open plains and high passes.

In contrast, the 52 km Parikrama is an unpaved pedestrian alpine trail. The Day 1 path to Dirapuk is a firm gravel and river stone track. Day 2 over Dolma La traverses steep glacial moraine, frozen mud, and loose granite boulder fields where footwear grip and dual trekking poles are vital. Day 3 returns to a smooth dirt track winding out of the canyon.

- Nepal highway: Narrow mountain tarmac and unpaved gravel sectors prone to monsoon mudslides.

- Tibetan highway: 100% smooth, multi-lane paved asphalt (G219) with modern steel guardrails.

- Parikrama trail: High-altitude alpine track featuring loose scree, glacial moraine, and boulder fields.

- Use dual telescopic trekking poles with carbide tips for stability on loose descent boulders.

Continue planning

## Related planning guides

[Related guide
### Kailash itinerary by days

See the route as a staged 14–16-day itinerary.](/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kailash-mansarovar-yatra-itinerary)[Related guide
### Kailash route status

Check which map claims are actually current for tourists.](/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kailash-yatra-2027-route-status)[Related guide
### Kailash altitude safety

Match elevation changes to acclimatisation and descent planning.](/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kailash-yatra-altitude-safety)

Useful answers

## Frequently asked questions

Where does the parikrama start?+
Darchen is the usual base and transport point, with the exact trailhead and vehicle arrangement confirmed locally.
Is the map exact?+
No. It is a planning visual and should not be used as a navigation chart.
How high is Lake Mansarovar?+
The lake is around 4,590 m; use the current operator and map reference for planning.
How many days does the route need?+
The full route depends on border processing, staged acclimatization, road conditions and whether the parikrama is included. Use the operator's day-by-day plan rather than the map alone.
Can I skip the parikrama?+
Only when the permits, operator and local arrangements support a non-parikrama or early-return plan. Decide before departure and confirm what changes financially.

## Sources & methodology

Use the dated sources below for the claims they support. Recheck time-sensitive permits, fees, transport and border procedures before booking.

[**Tibet3.com — secondary Tibet travel and culture context (not a government authority)** ↗](https://en.tibet3.com/)

[**Nepal Tourism Board — travel information** ↗](https://ntb.gov.np/)

[**CDC Yellow Book — high-altitude travel and altitude illness** ↗](https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/environmental-hazards-risks/high-altitude-travel-and-altitude-illness.html)

Continue planning

## Related Kailash guides

[India departure guide
### From India

Read the From India guide →](/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/from-india)[Yatra planning
### Recommended 14–16-day itinerary

Read the Recommended 14–16-day itinerary guide →](/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kailash-mansarovar-yatra-itinerary)[2027 planning
### From Nepal in 2027

Read the From Nepal in 2027 guide →](/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kailash-mansarovar-yatra-from-nepal-2027)[2027 planning
### All Kailash routes

Read the All Kailash routes guide →](/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kailash-yatra-routes-compared)

Personalised planning

## Plan Your Kailash Journey

Tell our Kathmandu-based planning team your travel dates, group size and preferred pace. We will help you shape a realistic Kailash itinerary with clear inclusions and proper acclimatization buffers.

[Plan with Amigo Treks →](/contact#planning-enquiry)[Ask on WhatsApp ↗](https://wa.me/9779851136878?text=Hello%20Amigo%20Treks%2C%20I%20need%20help%20planning%20a%20Kailash%20journey.)[Back to Kailash](/kailash-mansarovar-yatra)

Plan with context

## Custom Himalayan Route Planning

Our Kathmandu operations team arranges itemised itineraries, verified permits, and private transport matched to your travel dates and pacing.
[Request custom itinerary →](/contact#planning-enquiry)[WhatsApp a trip planner ↗](https://wa.me/9779851136878?text=Hello%20Amigo%20Treks%2C%20I%20need%20help%20planning%20Route%20map%20and%20elevation.)[← All Kailash guides](/kailash-mansarovar-yatra)

Talk through the next decision

## Ask a trip planner about Route map and elevation.

Share your name, contact details and one short question. The planning team will use the page context to start in the right place.

Your request goes directly to [Amigo Treks & Expedition](https://www.amigotrekking.com/), our Kathmandu-based trekking and tour team.

The submission includes technical attribution such as IP-derived location, device type and pages visited before sending. See the Privacy Policy. [Read the Privacy Policy.](/privacy-policy)

- Route and pace fit for your dates

- Practical trade-offs and fallback options

- A reply from the local planning team

Usually replied to within 1 business day. This is not an emergency channel or medical assessment.

**Send a short planning request**Name and a short message are required. Add an email or phone number so we know where to reply.

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I agree that Amigo Treks & Expedition may use my message and related technical attribution to reply to my request. [Read the Privacy Policy.](/privacy-policy) *
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Community Insights

## Route Experiences & Field Updates

Recent field reports, route conditions, and practical observations shared by travellers and local leaders.

[Explore Community Discussions](https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kailash-mansarovar-route-map#discussion)[Sign in](https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/login?redirect=%2Fkailash-mansarovar-yatra%2Fkailash-mansarovar-route-map%23discussion)[Create an account](https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/register?redirect=%2Fkailash-mansarovar-yatra%2Fkailash-mansarovar-route-map%23discussion)

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