The Most Sacred Inner Parikrama
The Sacred Mount Kailash Inner Kora (Parikrama) Yatra — 13 Days
A challenging and deeply spiritual journey through the most remote and sacred landscapes of the Kailash region — Charan Sparsh, Serlung Monastery, Atmalingam, Saptarishi Cave, the Ice Lingam and Nandi Parvat.
Yatra Overview
The Mount Kailash Inner Kora (Parikrama) begins and ends at Darchen, offering a closer and more spiritually immersive experience around the sacred Mount Kailash region. On the first day we begin our journey from Derapuk with an excursion to Kailash Charan Sparsh — a revered location offering an exceptionally close view of the sacred mountain.
Over the following days we explore the remote and spiritually significant sites along the Inner Kora route: a visit to Serlung Monastery with its magnificent close view of Mount Kailash, plus Atmalingam, the Saptarishi Cave and the Ice Lingam — each holding deep spiritual significance for pilgrims.
The Inner Kora continues toward Nandi Parvat, crossing the high passes between Mount Kailash and Nandi Hill — Nandi-La and Khandosalgam-La — before returning to Darchen by evening, completing the Inner Kora of Mount Kailash and Nandi Parvat. The sacred journey can then continue with another approach from Derapuk, passing through Kuber Kunda and returning to Charan Sparsh before proceeding toward Zhuthul.
The Mount Kailash Inner Kora is a challenging and deeply spiritual journey, taking pilgrims through some of the most remote and sacred landscapes in the Kailash region.
Tour Highlights
- Kathmandu Valley sightseeing — half-day tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including sacred Pashupatinath Temple
- Scenic drive to Darchen — the gateway to Mount Kailash
- 3-Day Mount Kailash Parikrama — approx. 39 km of trekking, optional horse ride available
- Crossing Dolma-La Pass (5,640 m) — the highest point of the parikrama
- Mansarovar Parikrama by vehicle around the holy lake
- Puja & Hawan at Lake Mansarovar — traditional ceremony on the sacred shores
- Kailash Charan Sparsh — hike from Derapuk for an exceptionally close darshan of Mount Kailash
- Mount Kailash Inner Kora — Astapath, Saptarishi Cave, Atmalingam & Nandi Parikrama
Sacred Route Map
Day-by-Day Sacred Itinerary
Route Recommendation
For travel in the rainy season we suggest choosing the overland route rather than the Nepalgunj–Hilsa helicopter route: cloudy, rainy weather in Nepal may delay or cancel flights. The outline below follows the classic Hilsa sector plan; overland routing is arranged on request for a smoother, more reliable schedule.
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Day011,300 m
Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our Mount Kailash Travel representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Check in, relax and prepare for your upcoming pilgrimage journey.
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Day02150 m
Kathmandu Sightseeing & Flight to Nepalgunj
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the sacred Pashupatinath Temple. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Nepalgunj. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and rest.
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Day034,025 m
Fly Nepalgunj → Simikot & Helicopter to Hilsa — Taklakot
Early morning, fly from Nepalgunj to Simikot (2,910 m). From Simikot, take a helicopter flight to Hilsa, the Nepal–Tibet border crossing point. After completing the necessary border formalities, continue to Taklakot (Purang), Tibet, at approximately 4,025 m. Check in at the hotel and rest to allow your body to acclimatize to the high altitude.
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Day04Acclimatize
Acclimatization & Rest Day in Taklakot
Today is dedicated to rest and acclimatization. Take a relaxed walk around the area and familiarize yourself with the high-altitude environment. Proper hydration and rest are recommended before continuing toward Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
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Day054,550 m
Taklakot → Lake Mansarovar
After breakfast, drive approximately 2 hours to Lake Mansarovar. Settle into the guest house and enjoy the magnificent surroundings of the sacred lake. Depending on local conditions and the group schedule, time is reserved for spiritual activities and exploration.
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Day064,575 m
Mansarovar Exploration → Darchen
Spend the morning exploring the sacred surroundings of Lake Mansarovar — the serene landscape, puja and hawan on the lake shore according to the group’s schedule. Later, drive approximately 1 hour to Darchen, the base and starting point for the Mount Kailash Parikrama.
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Day0714 km · 5–6 hrs
Darchen → Tarboche → Derapuk (4,909 m)
Today marks the beginning of the Mount Kailash Parikrama. Drive approximately 6 km from Darchen to Tarboche, where the trekking portion begins. From Tarboche, trek approximately 14 km to Derapuk (around 5–6 hours depending on pace and trail conditions). As you approach Derapuk, enjoy breathtaking views of sacred Mount Kailash.
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Day088–9 hrs
Derapuk → Kailash Charan Sparsh → Derapuk
Today is dedicated to the sacred Charan Sparsh excursion. From Derapuk, hike toward Charan Sparsh — a spiritually significant location offering an exceptionally close view of Mount Kailash. Spend time here for prayer, meditation and spiritual reflection before returning to Derapuk. The round-trip hike takes approximately 8–9 hours depending on trail and weather conditions.
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Day0922 km · 5,640 m
Derapuk → Dolma-La Pass → Zhuthulpuk → Darchen
The most challenging and significant day of the Mount Kailash outer kora. Begin early from Derapuk toward Dolma-La Pass (approximately 5,640 m), the highest point of the parikrama. After crossing the pass, continue toward Zhuthulpuk and complete the trekking portion before returning to Darchen. Trek approximately 22 km over 9–10 hours.
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Day10Inner Kora
Mount Kailash Inner Kora — Astapath, Saptarishi Cave & Atmalingam
Today begins the Mount Kailash Inner Kora — a more challenging and spiritually significant extension of the pilgrimage. Explore the sacred sites of Astapath, Saptarishi Cave and Atmalingam while experiencing magnificent views of Mount Kailash and the surrounding sacred landscape, including Serlung Monastery and the Nandi Parvat sector with its high passes. Depending on weather, trail conditions and local regulations, the group stays at a monastery or camp in the Astapath area.
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Day11Return
Morning View of Mount Kailash → Darchen → Hilsa
Wake early to enjoy the magnificent morning views of Mount Kailash. After completing the Inner Kora activities, trek back toward Darchen. From Darchen, continue by vehicle toward Hilsa, where you will spend the night.
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Day121,300 m
Hilsa → Simikot → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu
After breakfast, take a helicopter flight from Hilsa to Simikot. Continue by flight from Simikot to Nepalgunj, followed by your connecting flight to Kathmandu, subject to flight schedules and weather conditions. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and relax.
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Day13Departure
Final Departure
Your Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar pilgrimage comes to an end today. According to your international flight schedule, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. Tour ends — farewell and safe travels!
Cost Includes & Excludes
✓Included Services
- Arrival and departure airport transfers in Kathmandu
- 2 nights in Kathmandu (3/4-star hotel, twin sharing) & 1 night in Nepalgunj (3-star), with meals as specified
- Half-day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley
- 10 nights in Tibet on a group-sharing basis in guest houses / hotels
- Freshly prepared pure vegetarian meals three times a day during the pilgrimage
- Experienced Nepali support crew, including our own cooks
- Required permits for Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash Parikrama
- Tibet Tourism Board (TTB)-approved Tibetan guide & experienced tour leader with each group
- Private van/bus transportation throughout the Tibet portion
- Kailash permit and applicable Tibet/China visa fees as specified in the package
- Camping & kitchen equipment, including shower facilities where available
- Sleeping bag and down jacket (returnable), duffle bag & daypack
- Adequate oxygen cylinders for emergency and group-support purposes
- Yaks and yak-men to carry baggage, food, fuel and supplies during the outer kora
- Experienced guides and support team for the Mount Kailash Inner Kora
- Emergency evacuation coordination and management
✕Excluded Services
- Personal horse/pony charges during the outer or inner kora
- Personal expenses — shopping, telephone calls, laundry, extra beverages, additional yak/porter services
- Additional expenses from circumstances beyond our control (natural disasters, adverse weather, flight delays/cancellations, accidents)
- Tips and gratuities for drivers, hotel staff, guides and support personnel
- Additional transportation or porterage from landslides, snowfall or road blockages
- Costs arising from changes in Tibetan government regulations
- International airfare between your home country and Kathmandu
- Services and activities not specifically mentioned under Included Services
- Additional accommodation or nights in Kathmandu beyond the itinerary
Important Trip Notes
Itinerary Flexibility
The itinerary is subject to change depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules, government regulations, permit availability and other circumstances beyond our control.
Permit Delays
If Tibet permits are delayed and travelers must remain in Kathmandu, additional accommodation, meals and transportation expenses will be borne by the travelers.
Flight Rescheduling
If flights must be rescheduled due to circumstances beyond our control, applicable airfare differences, accommodation and other additional costs are the traveler’s responsibility.
Physical Demands
The Inner Kora and high-altitude trekking sections are physically demanding. Travelers should be adequately prepared for strenuous walking at high altitude — build stamina, stay hydrated and ascend gradually.
Extra Kathmandu Nights
More than the included 2 nights in Kathmandu will be charged separately unless otherwise specified in the package.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel & medical insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended for every participant.
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