Divine Spiritual Pilgrimage
Sacred Mount Kailash Kora — 100% Kora Tour 2027/28
An exclusive Holy Mount Kailash Parvat & Lake Mansarovar dream journey via the Kerung/Nyalam border — specially designed so that every pilgrim, even those not fully confident of high-altitude walking, completes the sacred Kora 100%.
Yatra Overview
“Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat”
We, Mount Kailash Travel, are offering a very exclusive Holy Mount Kailash Parvat with Lake Mansarovar divine dream journey — specially designed for pilgrims who may not feel fully confident walking or hiking in high-altitude regions with low oxygen levels, yet wish to fulfill this once-in-a-lifetime spiritual dream. With excellent planning and comprehensive support, your pilgrimage will surely become possible while ensuring your comfort, safety and successful completion of the yatra.
Kailash (22,028 ft / 6,714 m), the famed holy peak, sits north of the Himalayan barrier in Western Tibet. This legendary snow-shrouded rock dome is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bonpos, drawing pilgrims from across the world. From the slopes of Kailash, a stream is said to pour into Mansarovar — and from this holy lake flow four of Asia’s great rivers: the Indus, the Brahmaputra, the Karnali and the Sutlej.
For well over a thousand years pilgrims have journeyed here to pay homage to the mountain’s mystery, circumambulating it in a ritual that continues to this day. This tour takes you to mythical Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar via the hidden Kerung/Nyalam valley — travelling continuously overland along Tibetan valleys and high passes, then performing the sacred ‘kora’ (holy circuit) sharing the trail with fellow pilgrims. The journey gives deep insight into the rich culture, unique traditional lifestyle and spiritual odyssey of the region — an unforgettable experience.
Why This Plan Is Special
- Designed for pilgrims not confident about walking — 100% guaranteed kora completion with full support
- Horse / pony assistance from Diraphuk to Dolma-La Pass (upon request)
- Emergency rescue vehicle transfer from Feydhi to Darchen after the high pass
- Dedicated spiritual tour guide with 15–20+ years of Kailash–Mansarovar experience
- Lake Mansarovar kora by park eco-bus
- Purely vegetarian sattvik meals prepared by our dedicated cook & assistance team
- Portable oxygen bottles, company duffel bag, down jacket & raincoat provided
- Sankalpa Puja at Pashupatinath before departure & Rudri Puja on return · Yatra completion certificate
Yatra Facts
Duration & Route
12 Nights / 13 Days (or up to 14–15 days). Overland: Kathmandu – Kerung/Nyalam – Kailash – en route back to Kathmandu.
Pickup & Drop
Kathmandu International Airport, by Mount Kailash Travel.
The Holy Parikrama
The Kailash Parvat Parikrama is a sacred 3-day walking journey of approximately 52 km around Mount Kailash, reaching a maximum of 5,640 m at Dolma-La Pass.
Vehicle Access
Vehicles access up to Darchen (base camp). Beyond Darchen the kora continues on foot, as vehicles are not permitted — preserving the sanctity of the sacred sites.
Yatra Season
The ideal period is April to end of October. From mid-September temperatures drop significantly — carry appropriate warm clothing if travelling later in the season.
Type of Departure
Private and group-joining departures. Fixed departures every month April–October, including full-moon and special festive departures.
Group Size
Minimum 5 persons for the Tibet Travel Permit; we generally combine travellers into groups of 21–25. Private groups require a minimum of 7 people.
Meals & Accommodation
Pure veg sattvik breakfast, lunch & dinner. Hotels / guesthouses / camping tents on twin-sharing; dormitory-style rooms during the kora and at Mansarovar (basic Tibetan standards).
Sacred Route Map
Day-by-Day Sacred Itinerary
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Day011,400 m
Receiving at Kathmandu International Airport
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative after completing customs formalities, then transferred to the hotel for check-in. Overnight stay at Kathmandu hotel.
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Day021,400 m
Kathmandu Temple Tour & Kailash Yatra Preparation
In the morning, visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Jal Narayan (Budhanilkantha) Temple, then return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, complete preparations for the Kailash departure. Overnight at Kathmandu hotel.
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Day032,800 m
Drive to the Nepal–China Border & Enter Tibet — Kerong
A 5–6 hour drive brings you to the Nepal–China border at Rasuwa Gadhi (Kerung/Nyalam border). After immigration and customs formalities you enter Tibet, where your Tibetan guide and driver welcome you and accompany you throughout the journey. Drive approximately 25 km to the small town of Kerong (2,800 m). Afternoon free to rest and acclimatize.
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Day042,800 m
Acclimatization Day in Kerong / Nyalam
After breakfast, spend the day exploring the local area to help your body acclimatize to the altitude. Visit a traditional Tibetan village and experience the unique lifestyle and culture of the region, enjoying colourful flowers, diverse trees and picturesque waterfalls.
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Day054,500 m
Drive Kerong / Nyalam → Saga via Gongthang-La Pass
A scenic journey of approximately 220–300 km (4–5 hours) through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, crossing the first high mountain pass, Gongthang-La (5,236 m). Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Shishapangma (8,013 m), the 14th highest peak in the world, and the turquoise waters of Peiku Tso Lake. En route you may encounter wild donkeys and antelopes, and you cross the mighty Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Tsangpo).
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Day064,590 m
Drive Saga → Holy Lake Mansarovar (Chiu Gompa)
Today’s journey of approximately 550 km takes you to sacred Lake Mansarovar through some of the most stunning and remote landscapes of the Tibetan plateau, passing Paryang and Dongba with spectacular Himalayan views. Enjoy a packed highway lunch provided by our team, and keep your eyes open for the first glimpses of snow-capped Mount Kailash. At the lake (4,590 m), near Chiu Gompa Monastery, pilgrims offer prayers and rituals at the water’s edge.
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Day07Darchen
Mansarovar Spiritual Activities → Darchen
Morning exploration and spiritual activities at Lake Mansarovar — one of the most revered spiritual destinations in the world, a powerful site for meditation and practice for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon traditions alike. Leave for Darchen (the base camp of Mount Kailash) around 2:00 pm. Overnight at Darchen.
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Day0815 km · 5–6 hrs
First Day Kora — Darchen → Yamdwar → Diraphuk (4,900 m)
Drive from Darchen to Yamdwar / Sarchung, the trek starting point, where porters, yaks and yak-men await. Walk through a grassy plain populated by nomads, then up the valley to Diraphuk (4,900 m) — approximately 15 km of walking in 5–6 hours — facing the majestic north face of sacred Mount Kailash. Buddhists and Hindus walk clockwise around the mountain, while Jain and Bonpo followers walk counter-clockwise. Evening offers a beautiful golden sunset on the north face.
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Day09Dolma-La 5,640 m
Second Day Kora — Diraphuk → Dolma-La Pass → Darchen
The most challenging and significant day of the kora: the Dolma-La Pass lies 6.4 km ahead and 762 m above Diraphuk, at approximately 5,640 m. Start early as the first rays of sun touch the ridges. After time at the pass for prayers, descend the steep stone steps to the Lhachu Valley floor (Feydhi) — about one hour. From Feydhi, an emergency rescue vehicle transfers you back to Darchen (about 1 hour drive).
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Day10≈ 500 km
Drive Darchen → Saga
After breakfast, begin the return journey to Saga covering approximately 500 km. Enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Tibetan plateau, retracing the route through high-altitude villages and mountain passes.
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Day11≈ 300 km
Drive Saga → Kerong / Nyalam
After breakfast, the return journey covers approximately 300 km. Travelling down through the Kerung/Nyalam valley you will feel more comfortable, enjoying wild flowers, waterfalls and snow-capped mountains surrounding the valley.
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Day121,400 m
Cross the Border → Drive to Kathmandu
After breakfast, drive 25–35 km back to the Rasuwa Gadhi border of Nepal and China. Our guide helps you complete customs and immigration formalities, followed by an approximately 7-hour drive to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel for check-in, refreshment and dinner.
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Day13Departure
Yatra Completion Ceremony & Airport Transfer
After breakfast at your hotel, a small token ceremony and yatra completion certification program is held, marking the end of the Holy Mount Kailash Mansarovar Lake yatra service. As per your international flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport. Om Namah Shivaya — Har Har Kailashpati Mahadev!
Cost Includes & Excludes
✓Included in the Yatra
- Tibet Travel Permit & China visa recommendation letter
- Kathmandu sightseeing: Pashupatinath & Budhanilkantha Temple (half-day tour)
- All land transportation — airport pickup/drop, Kathmandu–Kerung–Kailash–Kathmandu by mini tourist coach
- Feydhi to Darchen emergency rescue car transfer
- Lake Mansarovar kora by park eco-bus
- Twin-sharing hotel accommodation in cities & local guest houses in Diraphuk
- Dormitory-style rooms (3–4 persons) at Mansarovar, Diraphuk & Zhuthulphuk during the kora
- Local 4-star hotel in Kathmandu with veg buffet meals
- Pure veg sattvik buffet meals in Tibet, prepared by our Nepali catering staff
- Pandit service & full support team service
- Horse/pony support from Diraphuk to Dolma-La Pass (upon request)
- English-speaking Nepalese tour manager/guide & Tibetan tour guide
- 1–2 portable oxygen bottles per group, company duffel bag, backpack, down jacket (returnable), raincoat & daily drinking water bottle
- Nepalese medical health assistant (for groups of 21+)
- All applicable taxes & service charges for the Tibet part
- Kailash Yatra completion certificate
✕Not Included
- Travel insurance — mandatory for all participants (medical emergency / evacuation cover)
- China group single-entry visa fee & multiple Nepal entry visa fees
- Mailing / cargo fees and international telephone calls
- Astapad Darshan (if permitted) — optional walking trip, USD $100 per person, payable on the spot
- Divine Shiv Guru / Mata ji guidance (optional) — USD $100 per person
- Porters upon request (extra cost)
- Tips for staff — customary gratuities
- Beverages (soft drinks, bottled water, tea, coffee) & meals outside the package
- Hotel during the China visa waiting period in Kathmandu — USD $100 per person/night twin-sharing, USD $380 single deluxe
- Additional costs from natural calamities or unforeseen circumstances beyond the organizer’s control
Important Information
Booking & Advance
Book well in advance; last-minute bookings accepted at least 40 days prior to departure from Kathmandu. A 30% non-refundable advance confirms your booking — rescheduling possible at updated trip cost.
China Group Visa
Processed at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu in 9–10 working days from submission of your original passport. You may also apply from your country with our visa-supporting documents (approx. 3 weeks). Visa-free for Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and some EU nationals.
Tibet Travel Permits
Five permits are required: Chinese Group Visa, Tibet Travel Permit, Alien’s Travel Permit, Military Area Entry Permit and Foreign Affairs Permit — all handled hassle-free by our team.
Passport & Documents
Send colour passport copies with the name list 45 days prior for permit processing. 6-month valid ordinary passport required (diplomatic passports not allowed). Original passports of NRI/other citizens collected on arrival in Kathmandu.
Age & Health Rules
Kora permitted above 8 years and up to 80 years. Pilgrims 70+ submit a government hospital medical report (within 6 months) and deposit USD $1,000 with the Chinese authorities (Indian passport holders). Health examination by Tibetan doctors before the parikrama.
High Altitude & Oxygen
Ascend gradually, stay hydrated and rest frequently. We carry hand-portable O2 bottles for emergencies; small portable bottles can be bought in Tibet (approx. 30–40 RMB). Consult a physician if you have heart or respiratory conditions.
Horse Assistance
If you cannot complete the kora by walking, horses are available. Local on-the-spot arrangement (Darchen/Diraphuk) costs approximately CNY 4,000, payable directly to the horse owner. No vehicles or helicopters are permitted on the kora route.
Cancellation Policy
90+ days prior: no charges. After road-permit processing: USD $500. Within 7 days of departure: USD $700. Same day: 70% of tour cost. Extra costs from unavoidable itinerary changes are borne by the pilgrim.
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