Mount Kailash Parikrama - 15 Days

Historical Significance of Kailash Parikrama

Mount Kailash is one of the religiously significant peaks in the world. Its height is 6,638 meters (21,778 feet), located in a remote region of western Tibet. Besides being a geographical marvel, Mount Kailash is one of the most revered places for the millions of devotees from four ancient religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon.

In Hinduism, there is a belief that Mount Kailash is the home of Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation. Therefore, Hindus do a Kailash Parikrama with faith, spiritual cleansing, and devotion. Similarly, in Buddhism, Kailash Mountain is taken as a Demchok (Chakrasamvara), a wrathful form of the Buddha. They consider Mount Kailash Parikrama as a journey of enlightenment.

Furthermore, Jainism takes Kailash as a place where Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara, achieved moksha (liberation). For them, Kailash is a portal to freedom from the cycle of rebirth. Likewise, in Bon, Tibetan Buddhism holds Mount Kailash spiritual seat of the great deity Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche. Bon followers believe Kailash is the place where their founder descended from the heavens and performed sacred rituals and spiritual battles.

The location of Mount Kailash is also known as the “Axis Mundi,” meaning the center of the world, where heaven meets earth. The mountain is taken as a cosmic pillar that connects the physical and spiritual realms. These are the major reasons for visiting Mount Kailash, Tibet, and doing Kailash Parikrama.

Parikrama of Kailash or Kora is an act of a clockwise walk around the base of the Kailash mountain. Kailash Parikrama is 52 kilometers long and takes three days to complete. Devotess comes here to do Kailash Prikram or kora, as they believe doing so cleanses the soul and all sins committed in this life. It is said, doing Kailash Kora 108 times gives “Sadyamukti” (immediate liberation).

During the process of Kailash Parikrama, pilgrims walk with deep faith, walking in silence, spinning prayer wheels, chanting mantras, and even bowing down in full prostration at every step. The Mount Kailash Tour takes you to the unspoiled landscapes, high mountain passes, and connects you with peaceful energy.

The Kora is a holy walk around Mount Kailash, which is also called Kailash Parikrama. This sacred tour is one of the religiously significant for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon devotees. The pilgrims do Kailash Parikrama to cleanse their souls and clear all their sins. There are two types of kora called the Outer Kora and the Inner Kora.

Outer Parikrama of Mount Kailash

The Outer Kora lies in the main route of Kailash Yatra and is also the most commonly done by pilgrims. The total distance covered by the outer kora is 52 kilometers. After covering 10 kilometers by vehicle, the remaining 42 kilometers include trekking. It takes 3 days to complete the trek. However, it depends on the trekkers’ walking pace and physical fitness. The starting point of the Outer Kora is Tarboche, followed by Dirapuk, which covers 12 kilometers.

Likewise, from Dirapuk, the route passes through Zuthulpuk. It covers 22 kilometers of the distance. Most importantly, in this section, you have to cross the high Dolma La Pass (5,630m/ 18,471ft). This part of the Kailash Parikrama Yatra is the most difficult. Lastly, from Zuthulpuk to Chongdo is the outer kora, taking 8 kilometers.

Inner Parikrama of Mount Kailash

The Inner Kora is the most difficult one. This trek requires a perfect level of physical fitness, faith, and sometimes special permits. Though it is short in distance, only a few devotees do the Inner Kora because it’s challenging.

The Inner Kora consists of three sections. The first section of Inner Kora is called Charan Sparsh. It covers a 6-kilometer trek from Dirapuk to the base of Mount Kailash. This is also the main part where pilgrims trees to touch the Kailash mountain. Similarly, the second part of the Inner Kora is called Kuber Kund. This section takes an 18-kilometer walk from Shiva Tsal to Zuthulpuk. This section includes Kuber Kund, a sacred lake.

The third section is the main part of the Inner Kora, which is called Mount Kailash Inner Kora Nandi Parikrama. This part starts from Darchen and goes around Nandi Parvat, a mountain near Mount Kailash. This part of the Inner Kora is special as it includes some of the holiest places like Ashtapad, Atma Linga, and the Saptarishi Caves. It is believed that these places are connected to ancient sages and spiritual energy.

Because of the high difficulty level, the Inner Kora is not suitable for everyone. It is suggested for deeply religious devotees, experienced, and well-prepared trekkers only.

Arrival in Nepal

Once you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, a representative staff from Access Nepal Tours and Trekking will be waiting for you. They will be holding a company signboard. You will be greeted with Khada (traditional ceremonial scarf), marigold garland, and tika.

Afterward, you will be transferred to your respective hotel of via a private vehicle. You can rest and get rid of jet lag or wander around the city. If you arrive in Nepal early, there will be a briefing regarding the paperwork, itinerary, and gear.

In the evening, we will gather to enjoy the welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali hotel along with cultural performances hosted by Access Nepal. And do not forget to bring some Nepali rupees, as ATMs and money exchanges are readily available in Kathmandu.

Note: All Indian pilgrims can enter Nepal visa-free due to open border rule. However, other international travelers coming to Nepal will need a Nepal Tourist Visa.

Accomodation during the Kailash Parikrama

The Kailash Parikrama Tour package provides 14 days of comfortable accommodation. In Kathmandu, you will stay in standard 3-star hotels on a twin-sharing basis.

During your stay in Tibet, the accommodation will be basic but comfortable. Hotel in Kerung, Saga, and Darchen will be on twin-sharing. Likewise, near Lake Mansarovar and along the Kailash kora route, like Diraphuk, Zuthulphuk, the accommodation will be modest with quad-sharing rooms.

Since this trek takes you to a high elevation, even if you visit in peak season, evenings and nights will be very cold, like below freezing at >4,000m. For your comfortness, we provide appropriate bedding and stoves. Access Nepal Tours and Trekking will provide sleeping bags and down jackets free of cost. If you need them or forgot to bring inform us priorly, so that we can arrange it.

Note: For more comfort and luxury, you option to upgrade the accomodation level.

What to Eat during the Parikrama of Kailash?

Food is the most important and crucial part of the Kailash Parikrama. The journey to Kailash is physically exhausting and requires lots of energy. To replenish the energy and make your body stay physically healthy, you will need nutritious and healthy food.

The meals provided during the Kailash Yatra are organic and healthy, which are beneficial for the body. The package includes 15 breakfasts, 9 meals, 11 dinners (welcome and farewell dinner included), 3 cups of tea/coffee, and seasonal fruits. During your stay in Kathmandu, we will provide breakfast, and full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) will be served once you enter Tibet. Due to the remote location and altitude, expect simple meals. The meal options are mainly local Tibetan and Nepali dishes like dal-bhat, roti/chapati, noodles, soups, and vegetable curries.

Since this trek is a pilgrimage, non-vegetarian food is avoided. Also, carry some snacks, energy bars, nuts, and biscuits as the options are limited at high elevation.

Note: A Personal cook from Nepal is provided for 8 or above number of travelers.

Kailash Parikrama for Indians Pilgrims

Kailash Parikrama Yatra is now open to Indian passport holders. Finally, after the 5 long-awaited years, the Mt. Kailash Parikrama for Indian pilgrims has reopened. From Lhasa, Tibet (Chinese Authorities), we have officially received that pilgrimage is now open for permitted Indian passport holders.

Access Nepal Tours and Trekking is working closely with the authorities. We will update you as soon as the opening date is fixed.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian Passport Holders

If you are an Indian passport holder, you won’t need a Nepalese visa. For entry to Nepal, you have to carry a passport, citizenship, or a voter ID. However, you will need a Chinese Visa to enter Tibet. Indians have to get a visa from the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi (not Kathmandu). It is a special type of visa valid for pilgrimage only and called the Special Group Tourist (T) visa.

Kailash Parikrama Route

The Mount Kailash Parikrama route from Nepal follows this general route: Kathmandu- Rasuwagadhi (Nepal-Tibet border)- Kerung (Tibet)- Saga (Tibet)- Lake Mansarovar- Darchen (trailhead)- Kailash Kora (Diraphuk- Dolma La- Zuthulphuk)- return to Darchen- Saga- Kerung (Tibet-Nepal border) – Kathmandu.

Access Nepal’s Kailash Parikrama Tour package route starts from Kathmandu. After spending a few days in Kathmandu (as the Chinese visa process takes time), you will drive north to the Rasuwagadhi border, set foot in Tibet, and move forward to Kerung, a Tibetan town for acclimatization. The drive continues to Saga and leads to Lake Mansarovar.

From Mansarovar, the drive takes you to Darchen, the base of Mount Kailash. From here on, trekking starts to Dirapuk, Charan Sparsha, and Zuthul Puk. These three days, you are doing a Kora (Kailash Parikrama). After completing the Kora, you will return to Saga. From Saga, you will drive back to Kerung, re-enter Nepal, and return to Kathmandu.

The Kailash Prikrama Tour is a 16-day package that takes you around well-known and sacred places around Mount Kailash (6,638m) and Lake Manasarovar.

What is the Age Limit for Kailash Yatra?

There is no age limit for the Kailash Parikrama Trek. However, this trek is physically and mentally challenging. For the safety and best experience, pilgrims or travellers must be physically fit.

Likewise, it is recommended for the travelers to be at least older than 10 years old and not more than 75 years old. In general, the travellers are usually adults in good health because children under 12 find it difficult and discouraged due to the long walking hours and high passes.

The elderly and people with chronic conditions should do a full medical check and consult with their doctor before joining this trek. On average, you will be walking for 5 to 6 hours, and this trek takes you above 5,000m altitude.

Is Mount Kailash Parikrama for Beginners?

Yes, Kailash Parikrama can be done by beginners too. But for the first-time trekkers, you have to do good preparation and be physically fit. The Parikrama Kailash involves walking for 15 to 25 kilometers per day. The terrain is rough, and it takes you to extreme altitudes like up to 5,000m.

If you are a beginner, you have to train your body and expect to walk 4 to 9 hours per day. Throughout the journey, always listen to the guide’s instructions and walk at your own pace. There are lots of novice pilgrims who have completed the Kailash Parikrama by walking slowly and taking rest in between the journey.

Maintain a “pilgrim’s mindset” of self-discipline and spirituality. If you feel anything discomfort in your body, like feeling dizzy or ill, inform your guide immediately.

How Difficult is Mount Kailash Parikrama?

The Kailash Parikrama is a challenging trek. But with good preparation, physical training, and mindset, a normal person can also do the Parikrama of Kailash (Kora). The key factors that make this sacred trip challenging are a 5 to 6 hours walk on average, rugged trails, high mountain passes, and high altitude (up to 5,660m at Dolma La).

The first day of the trek is more gradual, and the difficulty level is moderate. However, the trek involves steep climbing on the second day. The weather at high elevation is unstable, and there will be cold and, chances of getting snowfall and windy conditions.

If you are in good shape and healthy, Kailash Kora won’t be difficult. Always listen to your body, and if you feel any of the altitude sickness symptoms, inform your guide and take a rest.

How to Prepare for Kailash Parikrama?

The Kailash Parikrama Yatra is a moderate to difficult level trek. For the successful and safe trip, the pilgrims and trekkers have to be physically prepared. Given below is the list of ways to prepare for Mount Kailash Parikrama.

• Physical Training: For best results, start working out 1 or 2 months in advance. Include exercises like cardio and strength training in your daily routine. For cardio, do running, cycling, hiking, jogging, swimming, jumping rope, etc. Increase your leg strength by doing squats and lunges. Similarly, for practice, go for a long hike carrying a loaded backpack. This helps in building stamina. You can also do another high-altitude trek before the trip for experience, if it’s possible.
• Acclimatization: It is very essential for a safe trek to high elevation. Include rest days at low elevation before jumping to high altitude. Get extra rest during your acclimatization days, like in Kathmandu, Kerung (2,700m), and Saga (4,600m). Avoid drinking alcohol and drink plenty of water.
• Breathing & Health: During the preparation, practice doing deep-breathing exercises like pranayama or simple breathing drills. Breathing exercises help to prepare your lungs. Before going for a Mount Kailash Parikrama, consult with the doctor and do a full medical check-up. Carry your personal first aid kits with general medicine included.
• Nutrition & Good Sleep: To tackle the difficulties, your body will need energy. Throughout the trek, eat a balanced diet, like carbs for energy and protein for recovery. Eat light meals that are beneficial for the body. Drink lots of water (at least 3 liters of water per day). Do not stay up too late and get a good night’s sleep.
• Mental Preparation: The Mount Kailash Parikrama is difficult mentally, too. To prepare mentally, do meditation, yoga, or prayer daily. Since the journey is quite demanding, a calm and positive mindset is required.

Kailash Parikrama Distance

The Mount Kailash Parikrama itinerary includes 16 days, 15 nights. The total distance of Kailash Kora is 52 kilometers.

• Darchen to Dirapuk: 18 km
• Dirapuk to Zuthul Puk (via Dolma La Pass): 22 km
• Includes Charan Sparsha (optional detour): +2 km
• Zuthul Puk to Darchen (end of trek): 12 km

Mount Kailash Parikrama Elevation

• Starting Point (Darchen): 4,575 meters/ 15,010 feet
• Dirapuk (Night 1): 4,950 meters/ 16,240 feet
• Dolma La Pass (Highest Point): 5,630 meters/ 18,471 feet
• Zuthul Puk (Night 2): 4,790 meters/ 15,715 feet
• Ending Point (near Darchen): Around 4,575 meters (same as start)

Altitude Sickness during Mount Kailash Kora

One of the major concerns during the Kailash Parikrama is altitude sickness. This trek takes you high elevation. This concern particularly arises while crossing the Dolma La Pass at 5,630 meters, the highest point of this trek. At high elevation, oxygen levels are low, which causes difficulty in breathing. When your doesn’t get enough time to adjust to high elevation, you will get altitude sickness. Therefore, you have to properly acclimate to avoid getting altitude sickness.

Regardless of age, experience, and fitness level, anyone can be affected. The common symptoms of altitude sickness are dizziness, headache, weakness, difficulty sleeping, nausea, and difficulty breathing.

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness?

The following is the list of solutions to prevent altitude sickness. Following these precautions helps you to complete this beautiful pilgrimage without any challenges or worry.

1. Acclimatize properly: Include acclimatization days in your itinerary. The rest days help your body to adapt to high elevation.
2. Hydrate and eat well: Drink plenty of water before and after the trek to stay hydrated. Do not consume alcohol and avoid eating heavy meals during the trek.
3. Medications: Before using a medicine like acetazolamide (Diamox) to prevent altitude sickness, consult with your doctor. Bring painkillers/anti-nausea as a precaution. Our guides will carry basic first-aid kits and medicines.
4. Monitor Symptoms: Always inform your guide if you feel any discomfort in your body. If you feel any of the symptoms of altitude sickness, like shortness of breath, weakness, headache, nausea, and dizziness, inform the guide and take a rest.
5. Pace and Rest: Walk slowly and gradually, taking short steps and taking breathing breaks. Do not push yourself, especially on difficult sections. Take a proper rest and sleep during the acclimatization days.
6. Warmth: The Weather at Kailash is extremely cold. Bring warm clothes that keep you warm. Always wear clothes in layers and cover your head all the time. Avoid overexertion.

Dos and Don’ts

• Do obtain all permits/visas beforehand, and add extra days on the trip, as it takes a few working days to complete it.
• Do get a medical checkup before the trek.
• Do physical training and well-being.
• Do walk slowly, gradually, and get enough rest during the acclimatization stops.
• Do drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and apply lots of sunscreen.
• Do wear and pack warm layers of clothing.
• Do respect local customs and ask permission before doing anything, and remove your shoes during the temple visit.
• Don’t carry heavy loads and overexert yourself during the Kailash Kora.
• Don’t consume alcohol and smoke.
• Don’t travel alone in night and especially during the full-moon day of Saga Dawa (peak pilgrimage crowd).
• Don’t ignore bad weather forecasts.
• Don’t do Kailash Parikrama before consulting with your doctor.

Packing List for Kailash Parikrama

For the Mount Kailash Yatra, you have to pack wisley and do not overpack or underpack. You have to pack according to the weather and the trek requirements. In given below is a list of gear and equipment you should pack for the Parikrama of Kailash.

Clothing

• Down jacket (provided free of cost in the package)
• Thermal innerwear (2 sets)
• Fleece or wool jacket
• Waterproof jacket and pants
• T-shirts (3 to 4 piece)
• Lightweight Trekking pants (2 piece)
• Warm hat or woolen cap
• Sun hat
• Legs and neck gaiters
• Gloves (warm + light pair)
• Underwear and socks (warm and cotton)

Footwear

• High quality trekking boots
• Light shoes or sandals
• Warm socks (3 to 4 pairs)

Bags

• Backpack (daypack – 25 to 35 liters)
• Duffle bag (included in package)
• Rain cover for bags

Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap, towel, wet wipes
• Sunscreen (high SPF)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Toilet paper or tissues
• Hand sanitizer

Gear & Accessories

• Sleeping bag (provided free of cost in the package)
  Trekking poles
  Sunglasses (UV protected)
  Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
  Water bottles
  Power bank
  Energy bars, dry fruits, and snacks

Documents

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Chinese group visa
• Tibet travel permit
• Travel Insurance documents (mandatory)
• Passport-sized photos (2–4 copies)

Travel Insurance for Mount Kailash Tour

Travel insurance for the Kailash Tour is mandatory. Your travel insurance must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation. The Kailash Yatra is a challenging journey due to its high altitude, rough terrain, weather, and long walking hours. Therefore, travel insurance is compulsory for safety. The things your insurance should cover are:

• Minimum coverage of USD 100,000
• Medical coverage
• Emergency helicopter rescue up to 6,000 meters
• Trip cancellations
• Lost or stolen items and travel documents

For Kailash Parikrama’s travel insurance, choose a reliable insurance provider and be clear about their policies, what they cover, and their rules. Do not forget to carry a copy of your insurance during the trip.

Transportation

In the Kailash Parikrama Package, all the travel insurance in Nepal and Tibet for the itinerary is included. This trip involves private vehicles and Jeep transportation. The sightseeing tour will be done in a private tourist vehicle.

Likewise, for other road transfers from Kathmandu- Nepal- Tibet border- Saga- Darchen and Saga- Kerung- Nepal- Tibet border- Kathmandu will be done in a shared jeep. The drivers we provide are experienced and will take care of all the transportation in Tibet and Kathmandu.

For the Kora, you will be walking, and your baggage will be left in hotels or carried by the porters. All major transportation services are pre-arranged, and their expenses are covered by Access Nepal Tours and Trekking.

Note: Kailash Parikrama by Helicopter is another option you can do with additional cost.

Wi-Fi, SIM Card, and ATM (Money Exchange)

The Kailash Yatra is a remote pilgrimage and takes you to high elevations. During this yatra, Wi-Fi/internet, charging devices, and mobile network are very scarce. Along the route, it will be hard to get any mobile network except in Nepal. The Internet is available during your stay in Kathmandu hotels.

Once you enter Tibet, the internet and mobile network become limited. Few hotels in Kerung, Saga, and Drachen might provide internet with additional cost, but they are not reliable.

For a SIM card, you can buy one once you arrive in Kathmandu with international roaming and using cross-border messaging apps.

For charging mobile devices, it will cost you a few dollars, but they are scarce. Therefore, it’s better to carry a sufficient power bank. A multi-plug adapter is useful (Tibet uses flat two-pin plugs).

Similarly, many apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, Google Maps, and social media apps don’t work in China. Therefore, if you require these services, we suggest you install a VPN beforehand (though it may not work reliably).

ATM Access During Kailash Parikrama

ATM access is very limited during the Kailash Parikrama Tour. You won’t find any ATM along the Kora route Darchen–Dirapuk–Zuthulpuk. Only a few are available in big towns, but they won’t accept foreign cards and may not work.

Therefore, we suggest you carry enough cash with you from Kathmandu. During your stay in Kathmandu, you can exchange the money are withdraw the cash from ATMs as they are available everywhere.

Key Tips:

• Bring enough Chinese Yuan in cash.
• Withdraw the cash or exchange currency in Kathmandu before the Kailash Parikrama.
• Digital wallets and card payments in remote areas are not available.

Weather and Temperature during Kailash Parikrama

In this region, the weather is usually unstable and varies widely. Due to its high altitude location, nights are cold, unlike days, which are sunny and cool.

During the peak time for Kailash Yatra (May to June), it ranges from 8°C to 16°C in daytime, and at night it goes down to 5°C. Similarly, in the monsoon season (July to August), the temperature increases from 10°C to 23°C. Post-monsoon (September days) go up to 20°C, and at night it drops to 10°C.

As you go higher, the temperature drastically drops to 5°C or 10°C. At high altitude, you can expect cold temperatures and snow (especially on Dolma La Pass). Sudden weather changes are common in high altitudes. Also, the wind chill is serious because of open fields and passes. Wear warm and waterproof clothes suitable for trekking. The Tibetan air is dry, which means UV radiation is quite high. Do not forget to put sunscreen, avoid skin exposure, and wear sunglasses.

Why Trek with Access Nepal?

Access Nepal Tours and Trekking is a well-established company operating Tours in three nations: Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal. We have been conducting a Kailash Parikrama tour for more than a decade. We provide experienced and professional support, like local guides/porters with insurance covered, comfortable vehicles, and accommodation.

The Kailash Parikrama package is an all-inclusive package that covers all the expenses for food, hotels, permits, guides, porters, and transportation with no hidden costs. Our package even includes some freebies (down jackets, sleeping bags, duffel bags, and a map to borrow and as a gift).

Most of all, at Access Nepal, we have a high repeat-customer rate (60%). It shows their trust and satisfaction with us.

Note: If you have a group of 8 or above, we provide another 1 guide starting from Nepal.

Physical Fitness Required for Mount Kailash Parikrama

To complete the Mount Kailash Parikrama Yatra, you have to be physically fit. This trek is a difficult trek where you have to walk for 4 to 9 hours on rough terrain at high altitude. Expect to walk 10 to 15 km with a 5 to 8 kg backpack at 2,500 to 3,000m altitude.

 But you won’t need technical climbing skills. With proper physical training and mindset, anybody can complete the Mount Kailash Parikrama. 

For the best result and an easy trek, we suggest you start training 1 or 2 months ahead of the trip. It is best to train your body by doing cardiovascular exercise like running, swimming, trekking on hills, and cycling. 

Before joining the pilgrimage, we advise you to do a medical check-up and consult with your doctor. If you have any health issues related to heart, lung, or severe joint issues, take a advise from your doctor. 

Likewise, be honest about your limits. If you push too hard, it will take a toll on your body, causing health concerns. 

How to Book Mount Kailash Kora Tour?

The booking procedure for Mount Kailash Yatra is simple. Visit the Access Nepal Tours and Trekking website or contact us. Choose the suitable dates from departure date calendar. Go to the package and click the “Book Now” or “Book this Trip” button. Fill out the booking form or send an email with all your details.

To reserve or book the seats, you have to pay 30% of the total trip cost. Deposit the amount via wire transfer, or card/online payments. Afterwards, you will receive an invoice and a list of required documents like passport copy, photo, insurance, etc, for the trip.

Access Nepal Tours and Trekking will do all the process for permits applications. After the booking is confirmed, prepare for the trip as advised.

Click this link if you are ready to book your sacred trip to Mount Kailash.

Note: You can customize your own departure dates, and all the listed dates in the fixed departure dates calendar are guaranteed to run.