Yatra Facts

Duration
Duration 16 Days
Max. Altitude
Max. Altitude 5680m
Grade Challenging
Starts
Starts Kathmandu
Ends
Ends Kathmandu
Best Season
Best Season May to early Oct.
Accomodation
Accomodation Hotel and Guest House
Group
Group 10 - 30
Transport
Transport Private Bus / Van

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Yatra Overview

Kailash inner parikrama Kora tour including Manasarovar

“As the dew is dried up by the morning Sun so are the sins of human beings by the sight of Himalaya, Holy Mt. Kailash”. – Skanda Purana – 6th Century B.C.
You are welcome to join us for the Holy Mt. Kailash Yatra including Kailash Inner Parikrama or inner Khora of Kailash,  Parikrama of Nandi, visit Astapad, and walking to Charan sparsa of Kailash are considered as inner Kailash Parikrama.

The other real challenging Kailash inner parikrama route we can follow is the Khandro Sanglam la pass, not going to Dolma la pass which is even more challenging. If you wish to do that  challenging Kailash inner parikrama routealso we can organize it for you.
We have an experienced team of experts in organizing holy inner kora and we would like to invite you to take advantage of our expertise by joining this sacred special Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

For Kailash Inner parikrama you need a bit longer time and better stamina as some days require long hikes ( up to 12 hours) in high altitude and mentally you have to be prepared for this hard pilgrimage journey.

For the past 25 years, we have been organizing the Holy Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for thousands of people from all around the world with different packages following different routes. We are happy to serve our customers to their full satisfaction and we really appreciate those who have reviewed us on Trip Advisor, Thank you!

Kailash Inner Kora (parikrama) is one of the hardest pilgrimage trips in the Himalayas. Kailash Inner Parikrama requires a strong desire and some mountaineering experience better equipment is suggested.
Of course, we provide good and experienced Kailash expert staff in mountaineering. The Kailash Inner Parikrama route is around 30 km walking journey including Asthapath, Nandi Parvat, Atmalingam, Saptarishi cave, and Rakshas Lingam. The landscape is a rough rocky area and may encounter some snow, and ice.  It is a long walk as Kailash Inner Kora (parikrama) starts and ends at Darchen and they won’t be allowed to camp or stay in the inner Parikrama route. Apart from two small monasteries, no humans live in the Inner Kailash region.
 On the first day, we will start our hike from Darchen and visit Serlung monastery and get a closer view of Mount Kailash from here. Touch Atmalingam, Saptarishi cave of inner kora, and Ice Lingam. Inner Kailash kora of Nandi Parvat by crossing high pass in between Mount Kailash and Nandi hill called Nandi La and we come back to Darchen.
On day 2 of our Kailash Parikrama we visit Charan Sparsa walk Dairaphuk which is part of inner Parikrama also and 3rd day either from there, we go via Dolma la pass or if we have stamina and a good group go via  Khandosalgam La (Pass) real inner kora at Kailash. Reach Kuber Valley and then to Zutulphuk.  The Inner Kailash route goes across the valley from Shiva Tsal to the southeast over the snow-covered Khandro Sanglam La, the Secret Path of the Dakini Khandroma. This alternative route around Kailash bypasses the Dölma La, which tradition says can only be crossed if you have completed 12 previous koras. But in the year 2024 it is horse year where one Khora equals 12 Khora so we can do it.

Mount Kailash, a holy place, standing at 6,714 meters (22,028 feet) above sea level, is believed as the abode of Lord Shiva. It is also a popular pilgrimage place for Buddhists who believe it is the home of Avalokiteshvara, known as the Buddha of Compassion. It is also believed that one who does the Yatra of Mount Kailash and takes a bath in the Holy Mansarovar Lake gets the Moksha(salvation) and all the sins will wash away. Anyone who travels here and participates in the pilgrimage will sense the incredible strength and tranquility that this area possesses.

There is a belief that the formation of Mount Kailash happened 30 million years ago, a born period of the Himalayas. There are many small cliffs surrounding the Kailash and the aerial view looks like a Lotus bud or a crown. There is a popular lake, Mansarovar, also called Brahma’s Lake which is one of the main attractions of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. But there is the existence of another two lakes, Rakshas Taal (Demon’s Lake) and Gauri Kund (Parvati Kund). These two lakes also have their own significance and glorify Mount Kailash.

Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, both are the holiest pilgrimage areas for different religions. Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Bonism, and other faiths worship this place and every year this sacred land is filled with thousands of devotees who have travelled through Nepal and Tibet. For the true devotees, this is once in a lifetime journey.

Furthermore, the powerful Mount Kailash is the source of four of the main rivers that flow across the Indian subcontinent: the Ganges (also known as the Karnali, the longest river in Nepal) flows on the south side, whereas, the Indus, the Sutlej, and the Brahmaputra (the Yarlung Tsangpo) in the east, west, and north, respectively.

The Kailash Mansarovar yatra is heavenly in and of itself, and along the road, you may see other locations that have special and spiritual importance in the thoughts of the pilgrims who come here from all over the world. According to reports, this pilgrimage is the most difficult and adventurous in the entire globe. A variety of snow-capped mountains, rich green valleys, endlessly extending arid areas, and stunning lakes will all be present for you to see. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that should be on everyone’s “bucket list.”

In the past, this yatra to Kailash was one of the most difficult, and many devotees used to die on the way and some of them were found injured. But, at present, we Kailash Mansarovar Yatra team will take you to the Holy Mount Kailash in jeeps and helicopters. You can choose any possible vehicle type or any possible route, and we can arrange the itinerary for you.

You can always Customize the Kailash Yatra Itinerary also for inner Parikrama.
To this Mount Kailash trek, you can also add a visit to Everest Base Camp north side which will add 2 more extra days to the existing itinerary.  In this Kailash inner Khora parikrama tour can perform the Charan Sparsh of Kailash also part of Inner Kailash Parikrama, Astapad and Nandi.

Kailash Inner parikrama tour including Mansarovar, departs from Kathmandu. You will spend your first 3 days, sightseeing around Kathmandu and watching the Sunrise from one of the famous hill stations near Kathmandu. You will also do a hike for 4-5 hours and visit historical places like Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Yow will then take a scenic drive to Kerung where your journey to Kailash starts. We will also visit the Pashupatinath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and attend the Sandhya Aarati.

Yatra Highlights

  • Join Kailash inner parikrama tour
  • Witness the beautiful sunrise from the hill station near Kathmandu
  • Scenic drive from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu.
  • Observe the breathtakingly magnificent and arid plateaus of Tibet.
  • Visit different UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Pashupatinath
  • Explore the Sacred Manasarovar Lake, Rakash Taal (Demon Lake), and Parvati Kund.
  • Enjoy a hard but satisfying Inner Kailash Parikrama Journey  with some high-mountain Himalayan Pass
  • Discover the vibrant and enigmatic Kathmandu’s, Kailash regions and Tibet’s culture & way of life.

Yatra Notes

Kailash  Inner Parikrama Trip Note :
The featured Kailash trips are based on group departure dates. But if you wish to make it personalized with your own team of friends or family, travel agent, Yoga retreat, or other spiritual organizations we can run a trip for you and the itinerary can be customized as per your interest.

Kailash Yatra needs a Chinese Group Visa and Tibet travel permit which we will get from Kathmandu once you arrive here,  as takes 3 working days, you will be doing a tour of Kathmandu, and Pashupatinath and acclimatizing hikes before performing the yatra to Kailash Manasraovar.

The process for the Tibet / China visa and Military permit takes time to acquire so you are advised to book the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra package at least 4 months in advance, please.

Yatra Itinerary

Expand All
Day01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal,
Land at Tribhuwan International Airport, if you haven’t had a visa please get a multiple entry visa of 30 days collect your bag, and walk out, Our representative will meet and greet you, and drive you to the hotel.

In the evening you can stroll around the Thamel and nearby areas. Overnight at Kathmandu.
( Please make sure you arrive Late Sunday or 1st hour before 9 Am on Monday, we have to apply Group China visa that day for Kailash Mansarovar yatra).

30 min. drive
1350m
Hotel
Dinner
Private Car / Van
Day02

Holy Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Drive to Nagarkot

As part of the Holy Yatra, our sightseeing will be in the holy places in Kathmandu. After breakfast, our guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the Swayambhunath Stupa, also called the Monkey Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the religious pilgrimages for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is situated on the west side of Kathmandu on top of the hill with 365 steps that take you to the giant dome-shaped stupa. You will have a beautiful bird eye view of Kathmandu from this sacred place and it is one of the viewpoints in Kathmandu. After, strolling around the stupa and clicking some memories we then travel to Budhanilkantha.

Budhanilkantha is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Vishnu and is one of the most sacred and important temples for Hindus. You will get to see the reclining long statue of Lord Vishnu in the pond. The most interesting thing (not known by many people) about this temple is the oldest belief which says the King (now former) of Nepal should not visit this temple, as the King is believed to be the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple is believed to be from the 5th century.
We then drive to one of the Hindu holy sites, Pashupatinath Temple.
Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the sacred sites for Hindus. This temple is situated on the bank of the holy Bagmati River where you will witness the Hindu Cremation. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple and worship but one can stroll around the temple as it has covered a wide area where you will find numerous other temples and lots of spots to stop by and interact with. We will spend some time here and then we will drive to Nagarkot, a beautiful hill station above Kathmandu. It is a beautiful view point and also helps us to acclimatize.

Overnight at Nagarkot.

Full Day
2175m
Standard Hotel
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Bus
Day03

Hike to Dhulikhel and drive back to Kathmandu

We will wake up early to see the Sunrise and mountain view. On a clear day, we can have the broadest view of snow-capped mountains like Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Manaslu, Everest Range, etc.

After breakfast will hike down to Dhulikhel. The hike will be of 4 hrs. and the walk through pine forest will keep you occupied enjoying the greenery and peace. Also, you will find some small settlements on the way.

After you reach Dhulikhel, we will have our lunch. Then, we will drive back to Kathmandu via Bhaktapur. A beautiful city inside the valley that has historical importance along with a culturally rich community.

We will visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square and then drive you back to your hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, we will brief you about the Kailash yatra.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

4 hrs. hike
1350m
Hotel
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Walk / Bus
Day04

Kathmandu to Syabrubensi drive

You will have breakfast in the hotel and then we will start our Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with a scenic drive to Syabrubesi. This drive follows the Trishuli River and the small settlements & terraced farms along the way will make the drive exciting. After 3-4 hrs. of driving, we will reach Trishuli bazaar where we will have lunch. After lunch, you can stroll around the bazaar for a while. Then, we will continue the drive to Syabrubesi which will take up to 3 to 4 hours.

Reaching Syabrubesi, we will check in the hotel and rest. In the evening, you can stroll around the Syabrubesi.

Overnight at simple guest house Syabrubensi.

6 to 7
1680m
Guest house
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Bus
Day05

Drive to Kerung - Tibetan boarder town

After breakfast at the Syabrubesi Hotel, the journey to the Nepal-China Border Kerung begins. It’s a 2-hour drive and we will brief you on the journey about the Kailash Yatra. Once we reach there some border formalities ( checking of visa, passport, baggage etc) and continue the journey with our  Nepal and Tibetan crew.

After clearing all the formalities at the border port we drive to Kerung, or Gyirong is a small town settled on the Himalayan slope on the Nepal-Tibet border. One can stop in this area and relax for a day during the travel between Nepal and Tibet.

This town offers a lot of spots to visit, but the most visited and top spot is Bhirkuti Cave. Also, you can find various historical monuments. There is a monastery named Pakba Monastery constructed for the protection of the border by Tibetan King Songtsen Gambo in the 7th century.

Overnight at Kerung.

5
2700m
Hotel
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Bus
Day06

A day in Kerung / Gyirong for acclimatization

We have a day here at Kerung, or Gyirong to do some acclamatize hiking.

This town offers a lot of spots to visit, but the most visited and top spot is Bhirkuti Cave. Also, you can find various historical monuments. There is a monastery named Pakba Monastery constructed for the protection of the border by Tibetan King Songtsen Gambo.

Overnight at Kerung.

whole day
2700 m
Hotel
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Walk
Day07

Drive to Saga

After the breakfast, we drive from Kerung to Saga. The scenic journey with the Tibetan Mountains will keep us occupied. Later, we turn our journey to the north, cross the Brahmaputra River ( Yarlung Zangpo), and reach Saga. A lovely town with several reasonable hotels or guesthouses will be the perfect place to stop by. This Saga town offers a decent welcome with good local foods and also, the little market is worth strolling.

Overnight at Saga.

7
4400m
Hotel
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Bus
Day08

Drive to Lake Mansarovar

After having breakfast in Saga, we drive to Mansarovar Lake. It will take about 7 – 8  hours to reach mansarovar this day.  Before reaching Mansarovar, we will stop by the famous spot Horchu from where we get the first glimpse of Mount Kailash – a special Darshan on a clear day!  We will spend some time clicking photographs, capturing landscapes, and then head towards Mansarovar. We will use the Nagri Kailash Bus service to do the Parikrama of Lake Mansarovar. We will reach Chui Gompa, check in at the guest house, freshen up, and take a rest.

Night at Lake Mansarovar: Many travelers want to see stars or apsara at Lake Mansarovar at night. Many may witness its beauty under the moonlight. Though visiting the lake at night is completely safe it is advisable to go in a group and if possible take our expert team with you for any required help. Dress properly with warm clothes as the temperature outside will be cold. Good idea to carry a torch and a whistle too. It is believed that Apsara from Swarga or even Lord Parvati visits Manasarovar at night to take a bath.
Overnight stay at Mansarovar Lake.

8 hrs
4600
Hotel / Guest house
Bus
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day09

Half day at MANASAROVAR and drive to Darchen

Full day at MANASAROVAR for Puja and Havana and acclimatization
A beautiful day at the piece of Heaven. We can visit the powerful Chiu Monastery, we can take deep at lake Manasarovar or also provide warm water from the Lake in a Bathing tent then join pious Puja or Havan at lake, and later of the day drive to Darchen a town at the base of Kailash mountain and preparing for Kailash inner  Parikrama.  Packing and discussion about the long walk to Nandi Parikrama on the base of Kailash’s south face.

 

2 hrs. drive
4700m
Hotel
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Bus
Day10

Darchen - Saptarishi cave- Nandi - Darchen part of Inner Khora

One part of Kailash Inner Parikrama, we will start our hike from Darchen and visit Serlung monastery and get a closer view of Mount Kailash’s south face from here. Touch Atmalingam, Saptarishi cave of inner kora, and Ice Lingam. Inner Kailash Khora of Nandi Parvat by crossing a high pass in between Mount Kailash and Nandi Hill called Nandi La and we come back to Darchen.  On a very long day, we must to carry a packed lunch, warm clothes, enough water, a flashlight, and a strong supporting team.  Overnight at Darchen

10 to 12 hrs
4700m
Hotel
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Walk
Day11

Darchen to Diraphuk

Early in the morning, we will drive around 10 km and reach the Tarboche. We then meet our porters and prepare ourselves for the Parikrama or Khora of holy Kailash Parvat – called  Gang or Kang Rinpoche in Tibetan language.  Kailash Yatra Parikarma starts from Yama Dwar at Tharboche.

From Yama Dwar, we will walk for around 6 to 7 hours to reach Diraphuk the north face of Holy Mt.Kailash.
During this Kailash Parikrama yatra, we get a close view of Mount Kailash.  Once we reach Diraphuk we can view the beautiful north face of Mount Kailash.

About Kailash Parikrama :
Almost Everyone comes to make Kailash Khora meaning circumulation of Hoy Mt. Kailash going through the highest pass Dolma La (5,645m). Although local Tibetan people make Kailash Khora in a single day, it takes three days for us and the total walk is about 52-kilometer but since we can drive a bit both ways of starting and ending of Parikrama now it is a total of 38 KM we have to walk in 3 days. This Parikrama is called the outer Khora of Kailash.
But people who are not able to make the whole Parikrama for some reason have the option to go up to the North face of Kailash, do some puja, and back to Darchen and wait for group members to finish. We have specially added one more day in North Face to touch the Kailash which is called “Kailash Charan sparsa “a special moment in life. Not every company does it.

Tharboche and Diraphuk a well-known holy places for organizing events during festivals. They organize a grand event during the Saga Dawa Festival. If we are lucky and reach during the festival time, then we get to explore more about the culture and traditions of the local communities.

Overnight at Diraphuk.

1 hr drive 6 hrs walk
4920m
Guest house
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Bus / walk
Day12

Diraphuk Kailash Charan Sparsh walk from North face - part of Inner Khora

Kailash Charan Sparsh walk – touching feet of Kailash Parvat:
Today we do a sacred walk from Derapuk monastery to the feet of Kailash Parvat on the north face side of the mountain, a total of about 7 km distance. We all will try to reach to the base of Mt. Kailash Parvat – the Charan – or touch the feet of Mt. Kailash. It is a heavenly beautiful walk through a bank of milky water and snowfall from the top of Kailash mountain, it may feel a bit heavy due to the altitude. We will walk slowly and drink lots of water. We can do some meditation and Puja there as well. The Charan sparse trek in Kailash is also considered as part of Inner Parikarama.
We will be seeking blessing from Lord Shiva at this beautiful pilgrimage, expectation of positive energy. Kailash parvat is axis of the Mundi and Ganges flowing from Shiva’s matted hair ( Jatta ). By touching the miracle feet of Mount Kailash and the Ganges axis people get moksha – salvation, a rebirth. It is believed that the Ganges is the water that flows from the melted snow of Kailash and interestingly enough 4 of the major river in Asia Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali originated within a 50 KM radius of Kailash mountain. That is why May be Kailash is known as Sumeru Parvat or the center of the earth.
Stay at Diraphuk .

6 to 7 hrs
4920m
Guest House
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Walk
Day13

Cross via Dolma la pass or go via Khandosalgam La (Pass) real inner khora to Zutulphuk

For our Kailash Parikrama day 3 either from here we go via Dolma la pass or if we have stamina and good group go via  Khandosalgam La (Pass) real inner kora at Kailash. Reach Kuber valley and then to Zutulphuk.  The Inner Kailash route goes across the valley from Shiva Tsal to the southeast over the snow-covered Khandro Sanglam La, the Secret Path of the Dakini Khandroma. This alternative route around Kailash bypasses the Dölma La, which tradition says can only be crossed if you have completed 12 previous koras. But in the year 2024 it is horse year where one Khora equals to 12 khora so we can do it.

Note: If we go via Khadro Sanglam la pass we need rope, helmet, Ince axe, and some mountaineering experience also, and the pass is higher than Dolma la pass.

Overnight at Zutulphuk

9 - 10 hrs
5680m
Guest House
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Walk
Day14

Trek from Zuthulphuk to Darchen and drive to Saga

Today is the last day of Khora or Kailash Parikrama. Early morning, we will have our breakfast and then start walking. After walking for around 10 km, we reached the Hor Qu Village. From here we will take a vehicle to reach Darchen and then Darchen, we will drive back to Saga.

Stay in Saga.

4 hrs walk 6 hrs drive
4400m
Guest House
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
By walk / Bus
Day15

Travel Saga to Syabrubesi and Kathmandu

We will have breakfast and drive to Syabrubesi. The open grasslands of Tibet during the journey will keep us occupied. After crossing the Brahmaputra River, we will drive forward to a spot where you will farewell your Tibetan guide.

Now, you will go to the Rasuwagadi Nepalese Immigration Checkpoint and complete the formalities. From there our representative will take you to Syabrubesi and drive to Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Rest and stay in the Kathmandu hotel.

9 hrs
1350m
Hotel
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Bus
Day16

Departure to home

Departure to home .

30 min.
Breakfast
Bus

Itinerary Notes

For this Kailash Yatra, we’ve created a 19-day schedule taking into account the distance of the Yatra trails and the required acclimatization days in between. Nevertheless, if you just have a few days available or want to cut the yatra a little short, we may adjust it by slashing the suggested 2-3 days, based on the current state of the weather, the time of year, and other factors.

Yatra Cost Includes:

  • All airport transfers on a private vehicle
  • All private/public vehicle fares during the yatra.
  • All permits and heritage entry fees as specified in the itinerary
  • English-speaking professional guide
  • Tibetan Travel Bureau (TTB) approved guide in Tibet
  • All meals during the yatra (as per itinerary)
  • All applicable government taxes

Yatra Cost Excludes:

  • Nepal and Tibet Visa Fee & International flight
  • Travel Insurance & Emergency Evacuation
  • Tips & gratitude to guides and porters
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, liquor, etc.)
  • Any costs that occurred under unavoidable circumstances (flight delay or cancellation, road blockade, illness, etc.)
  • Anything not mentioned in the Yatra Cost Includes section
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Trip Map

Inner Kailash Parikrama and Mansarovar tour-map

Inner Kailash Parikrama and Mansarovar tour $3467

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