Journey by Design: Flying to Kathmandu and Overland Through Kerung to Mount Kailash
Reaching Mount Kailash is a journey unlike any other. It is a path that combines physical endurance, spiritual preparation, and logistical precision. At Eco Trek Nepal, we understand that the route itself shapes the experience, preparing the traveller for the sacred landscape that awaits.
As the first company to organise Kailash trips and part of the Holy Himalaya Group founded in 1992, our approach, guided by Jyoti Adhikari, ensures that every stage of the journey is purposeful, safe, and transformative.
One of the most classic and culturally immersive routes begins with a flight to Kathmandu, followed by overland travel through Kerung, across Tibet, and onward to Kailash by bus.
International Flight to Kathmandu
Travellers depart major international hubs for Kathmandu, the traditional gateway to the Himalaya. Kathmandu is more than a transit point, it is a threshold between the modern world and the sacred landscapes beyond.
Arriving here allows travellers to:
-> Adjust to time zones and recover from long-haul flights
-> Meet the Eco Trek Nepal team for guidance and orientation
-> Review permits, documentation, and the full itinerary
-> Prepare physically and mentally for high-altitude travel
Eco Trek Nepal recommends arriving in Kathmandu at least one full day prior to overland departure to allow for rest and acclimatisation.
Overland Travel to Kerung
From Kathmandu, the journey continues overland by private bus to the Nepal-Tibet border at Kerung (Kyirong). This scenic drive is a gradual introduction to the mountains, valleys, and cultures that define the region.
Travellers experience:
-> Himalayan landscapes that slowly transition from lush greenery to high-altitude plateau
-> Tibetan cultural enclaves, monasteries, and local villages
-> Gradual ascent to higher altitudes, supporting natural acclimatisation
At the border, Eco Trek Nepal manages all immigration and customs formalities, ensuring a smooth entry into Tibet without stress or delay.
Overland Across Tibet to Kailash
Once in Tibet, the journey continues by bus across the plateau toward Mount Kailash. This stage is among the most visually and spiritually rewarding parts of the trip, offering uninterrupted views of the highlands, rivers, and nomadic settlements.
The overland route provides:
-> Continued acclimatisation to high altitude
-> Insight into Tibetan plateau life and traditions
-> Opportunities for quiet reflection as the landscape gradually shifts toward the sacred mountain
Eco Trek Nepal uses comfortable, high-altitude vehicles with experienced drivers familiar with the terrain, road conditions, and regional customs. Overnight stops are carefully selected to support health, rest, and spiritual readiness.
Why This Route Is Special
The Kathmandu → Kerung → Kailash route is ideal for travellers seeking:
-> Cultural immersion in both Nepal and Tibet
-> Gradual altitude adjustment to minimise health risks
-> Scenic overland experiences that complement the spiritual journey
Unlike a direct flight into Lhasa, this route allows travellers to experience both the Himalayan transition in Nepal and the vast, austere beauty of Tibet, creating a journey that unfolds naturally rather than abruptly.
Travel with Expertise and Care
Trekking or overland travel in this region requires meticulous planning. Eco Trek Nepal manages:
-> Flight bookings and transfers
-> Border formalities at Kerung
-> Overland route logistics and vehicle coordination
-> Permit approvals and contingency planning
This ensures that travellers can focus entirely on the journey and its significance rather than logistics.
Preparing for the Sacred
Every stage of the Kathmandu-Kerung-Kailash route is designed to prepare travellers physically, mentally, and spiritually. The journey is not simply about arriving, it is about entering a sacred space with awareness and intention.
At Eco Trek Nepal, we approach transportation as an essential part of the pilgrimage, ensuring that the path to Kailash is safe, considered, and transformative.
Because in journeys of this magnitude, how you arrive matters as much as where you go.
