Mount Kailash Inner Kora

Mt Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Tour with Inner Kora

Trip Facts
Duration13 Days
Trip GradeTechnically Challenging
Group SizeMinimum 5 pax.
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
ActivitiesKailash Inner Kora + overland
Best TimeJuly and August

The Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage via Kathmandu usually begins with a flight to Kathmandu, Nepal, where travellers obtain the necessary permits and attend a briefing. From Kathmandu, the team embarked on a scenic journey to the Tibetan border, entering Tibet through the Kyirong border post. After a few days of acclimatisation in Tibet, the journey continues through the rugged Himalayan terrain to the sacred pilgrimage site of Lake Mansarovar. Pilgrims perform a ceremony at the lake, and the next day, they begin the circumambulation of Mount Kailash, which is considered a highly spiritual journey. This challenging trek takes about three days and involves crossing mountain passes at high altitudes, so acclimatisation is essential.

This journey is physically demanding and requires careful preparation for high-altitude conditions. The choir was respected by Hindus, Buddhists, Jain, and Bonpo's followers around Kailash. After the choir has completed, the group usually returns to Lake Manzarari for the final immersion sauce and prayer and then returns to Kathmandu. The journey takes approximately 14 to 16 days, including travel, rest days, and hiking, and is usually accompanied by a professional guide to ensure safety and spiritual guidance throughout the journey.

Itinerary

This section outlines a comprehensive 13-days Kailash Manasarovar Tour wih Inner Kora Itinerary. This itinerary has been carefully designed to ensure that every participant can complete the tour without facing health issues or complications arising from inadequate acclimatization to the high altitude. Nonetheless, the duration of the excursion can be modified to accommodate your schedule.

Nonetheless, the duration of the excursion can be modified to accommodate your schedule.

Note: The hotel in Kathmandu can be customised to meet your preferences. This will guarantee that the pricing aligns easily with your budget.

Trip PlanExpand all
Max Altitude: 1,355 m. | 4,445 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel Crystal Pashupati or SimilarMode of Travel: Bus or Van

Today marks your arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. Before escorting you to the hotel, our office staff will meet and greet you at the airport. After settling in the hotel, we will begin our Yatra with a visit to Pashupatinath Temple in the evening. As the day progresses, the temple's serene atmosphere becomes even more captivating. We will watch the evening aarti, where the glow of oil lamps illuminates the temple and surrounding areas, and the air is filled with the sounds of prayers and devotional chanting. It is a peaceful yet captivating experience that offers a beautiful introduction to the spiritual heart of Kathmandu.

Max Altitude: 1,762 m. | 5780 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel NorlingMode of Travel: Normal AC. BusDrive Hours: 7 hours driveDistance: 159 km

After breakfast, around 8 am, you will travel from Kathmandu to TIMURE village (the border town on the Nepal side). Timure Village is a small community located around 1 kilometre from the Friendship Bridge in Nepal. The distance between Kathmandu and Timure village is around 159 kilometres, and the journey takes approximately seven hours (so please be careful about departure time).

The highway to Nepal's China border is narrow and rugged, and small landslides occur frequently during the monsoon season. Due to the severe road conditions and rugged terrain, comfortable tourist vehicles cannot travel between Kathmandu and the Nepal-China border. As a result, we employ municipal buses for transportation on this route. Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Timure Village.

Max Altitude: 2,774 m. | 9099 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel Pilgrims InnMode of Travel: Chinese BusDrive Hours: 1 hourDistance: 26 km

After breakfast in the morning, you will walk from Timure village to Kyirong Gadhi. "Gadhi" means Fortress, and "Kyirong" alludes to the place. Timure village in Nepal is about a kilometre from the "Kyirong Gadhi," or the Friendship Bridge. You will drive to Kyirong town (China side) once the immigration processes on both the Chinese and Nepali sides are completed. The distance of approximately 26 kilometres, or Friendship Bridge to Kyirong Town, may be covered in one hour by car. Spend the night in Kyirong town.

*Timure to Friendship Bridge: 1 Km, 45 minutes (approx.)

Max Altitude: 4,600 m. | 15,223 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel Pilgrims Inn

A rest day in Kyirong will allow you to acclimatise to the altitude and relax after your journey. This day aims to help the body adjust to the higher altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Guests can relax, explore the small Tibetan town, visit local monasteries, or enjoy the peaceful surroundings. This downtime is essential to ensure a safe and comfortable transition to the next part of the journey.

Max Altitude: 4,600 m. | 15,223 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel BhramaputraMode of Travel: Chinese BusDrive Hours: 4 hoursDistance: 180 km

We will leave for Saga early this morning. Saga is a small village on the Tibetan Plateau with a height of 4500 meters. It is located on the banks of the holy river Brahmaputra, which originates in the Kailash area. From Kailash, the river travels eastward to Lhasa before dropping down to the Asam Plain, passing through the enormous Namche Barwa region of Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh. We'll be crossing numerous high passes on our way to Saga. Today, we will spend the night in Saga.

Max Altitude: 4,600 m. | 15,088 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Swami Ji AshramMode of Travel: Chinese BusDrive Hours: 7 hoursDistance: 508 km

We are likely anticipating this day more than any other day. After breakfast, we will go to Lake Manasarovar in the morning. We are proceeding westward along the path to the elevated and arid Tibetan plateau. During our tour, we will traverse the Tibetan cities of Dongba (the old) and Paryang. After travelling around 362 kilometres, we will stop briefly at the Mayum-La checkpoint. The Chinese military will examine our travel documents and any necessary permits at this entrance point. Upon passing the checkpoint, we will pause for a picnic lunch on the grassland or by the riverbed. Then, we continue to Lake Manasarovar across a rather steep mountain (Mayum-La, 5220 meters).

As we approach the eastern shore of Lake Manasarovar, we will make another halt at an environmental checkpoint that is situated in the vicinity. Once all the checks and procedures have been completed, we continue to travel clockwise to Chiu Gompa, which is located on the west coast of Lake Manasarovar. Our camp is situated on the western bank of Lake Manasarovar. The native Tibetan population refers to this location as Chiu Gompa (or Chiu Monastery). The Monastery is located less than one kilometre from the lake's coastline.

Max Altitude: 4,690 m. | 15,010 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel Jinru or SimilarMode of Travel: Chinese BusDrive Hours: 1 Hour approx.Distance: 37 km

We will pray, take a holy bath, and carry out other religious rites in the morning. After lunch at Lake Manasarovar, we will depart for Darchen in the afternoon. Darchen is 37 kilometres away, and a 45-minute drive will get us there.

Max Altitude: 5,080 m. | 16,663 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Sishapangma GuesthouseMode of Travel: TrekDrive Hours: 5 - 6 HoursDistance: 13 km.

We will drive from Darchen to Tarboche (Yam Dwar) in the morning after breakfast. It takes roughly twenty minutes to get there by bus. Beautiful views of Mount Kailash's west and south slopes and the surrounding area are visible. Tarboche is a gathering place for local porters, yaks, and horses. If you have scheduled a local porter or horse, they will meet you here and escort you to your next destination.

Tarboche is the beginning point for the circumambulation of Mount Kailash. Your goal today is Deraphuk (the north face of Mount Kailash). Deraphuk has a height of 5210 meters. You have two options for getting to Deraphuk: walk or ride a horse. The Chinese government has deemed vehicular transportation illegal. You must schedule and pay for horse transportation in Darchen with your Tibetan guide one day in advance. Those who want to travel to Deraphuk can take a porter.

The distance to Kailash's north face is only three kilometres from your guesthouse in Deraphuk. The only place to see the North Face up close is here.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
All participants are permitted to travel to the Yama Dwar collectively. The coach will bring everyone to that location. From Yama Dwar, participants embarking on the Kailash circuit (Parikrama) will start their trek to Deraphuk, either on foot or on horseback, as an optional choice. For individuals not continuing further, the same coach will transfer them to Darchen. Participants at Darchen must agree to stay until all other individuals complete their circumambulation of Mount Kailash and return to Darchen.

Max Altitude: 5700 m. | 18,696 fft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Ganditse GuesthouseMode of Travel: TrekDistance: 34 Km.

The Kailash Inner Parikrama (circle) is a mentally important yet physically difficult trip, needing high-altitude hiking training and basic climbing skills. Many people believe that the inner circuit of Kailash is different and passes through the central area of Kailash. That's wrong. The outer route (normal Parikrama) and the inner route are almost the same. Both inner and outer visitors start their journey at Yama Dwar and end at Deraphuk, on the north side of Kailash, on the first day. On the second day, tourists doing the outer parikrama will walk to Zutulphuk, which is on the east side of Kailash. They will go through Dolma La and Gaurikunda. Pilgrims doing the inner parikrama will first walk 3 km on the same road as those doing the outer parikrama. After walking 3 km on the same path, they will leave the main route and take a different and less traveled path to reach Zutulphuk. 

Pilgrims who want to do the inner parikrama need to cross the Khanda Sangla Pass, which is 5,700 meters (18,696 feet) high. This walk requires good physical fitness and some hiking experience. If you have some basic climbing experience, it will be easier for you. The Khanda Sangla pass has an almost 80-meter climbing patch that requires you to use a rope and spikes on your boots. This path goes through hard-to-reach and rough terrains. In the evening, you will finish your journey in Zutulphuk, where you will meet people coming from the outer path. 

If you takes inner parikrama, you will trek in a different path only for one day. The rest of the path is the same as the outer circle.

Max Altitude: 4,460 m. | 14,630 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel BhramaputraMode of Travel: Trek and BusDrive Hours: 3 hours + 7 HoursDistance: 7 km trek + 491 kms bus

Today marks the final day of this magnificent circumambulation. After breakfast, we pack our gear and head to Darchen. The trek from Zutulphuk to the final point (Zongdou) is approximately 7 kilometres long and takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete. All members assemble at the endpoint and drive back to Darchen, which takes about 20 minutes. The final stretch from Zongdau (the endpoint) to Darchen is around 4 kilometres. After reuniting with the members left behind in Darchen, we will travel to Saga. 

The approximate distance between Darchen and Saga is 491 kilometres, which takes about eight hours to drive. We shall arrive at Saga late in the evening.

*Zutulphuk to trek ending point: 07 km | 3 hrs

*Darchen to Saga: 491 km | 7 hrs approx.

Max Altitude: 2,600 m. | 8,528 ft. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel NorlingMode of Travel: BusDrive Hours: 3 hoursDistance: 180 km

After early breakfast, we will drive to the border; Kyirong is about 180 kilometres away from Saga, and from the Kyriong town, the Friendship Bridge is roughly 26 kilometres distant, and it will take us about 45 minutes to get there. Once we have passed the immigration procedures in both China and Nepal, our overnight stay will be at Timure /Syabrubesi.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.Accommodation: Hotel Crystal Pashupati or SimilarMode of Travel: BusDrive Hours: 6 hoursDistance: 160 km.

After breakfast, we will return to Kathmandu by vehicle. We are expected to arrive in Kathmandu at lunchtime. Budhanilkanth in the evening will be a peaceful and spiritual experience. It's a beautiful site known for the giant Vishnu statue reclining on the water. The surroundings are tranquil, and it offers an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere. That sounds like a beautiful way to wrap up your Yatra!

*Kyirong town to Kyirong bridge: 26 km | 45 minutes’ drive.

After breakfast in the morning, we will drive you to Tribhuvan International Airport so you may continue on your way home. International laws require you to be at the airport check-in counter three hours prior to the planned departure time. We will handle the transfer appropriately.

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Cost Details & Services
Includes
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin-sharing basis.
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, & dinner) in Kathmandu.
  • Sightseeing tour within the Kathmandu valley as per the program.
  • Tibet group visa for Kailash.
  • All necessary travel permits and other essential documents.
  • Transfer by luxury bus (to and from the Nepal-China border).
  • Emergency vehicle during the journey in Tibet.
  • English- or Hindi-speaking Chinese guide.
  • Entry fees for the Kailash & Lake Mansarovar areas.
  • Yak and Yak man during the parikrama to bring food & logistics.
  • Accommodation in Tibet in hotels and guesthouses on a sharing basis (as mentioned).
  • Nepali staff team (cook, tour manager, and helpers).
  • Freshly cooked vegetarian meals during the entire journey.
  • Drinking water (3 bottles per day).
  • Oxygen cylinder and medical kit bag.
  • All applicable taxes and service charges.
Excludes
  • International flight ticket. 
  • Your travel Insurance.
  • Tips & gratitude for staff.
  • Emergency rescue and evacuation services if required.
  • Laundry bill/telephone bill/personal expenses.
  • Horse & porter (if you require during the trekking around Kailash).
  • Drinks & beverages such as coke, fanta, juice, red-Bull, etc.
  • Any additional expenses that occur due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstances.
  • Extra night stay in Darchen (if you could not join trekking around Kailash due to some reasons) 
  • Any service that is not mentioned above.
Essential Information

The Best Time to Visit

Nearly all year round, Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar experience arid, severe, and windy weather. However, the temperature turns moderate and comfortable for about half of the year, making it a period when people may visit this area. Determining the best time for Kailash Mansarovar Tour is crucial for a successful pilgrimage. Early May to late October is the ideal time of year to explore this area. The climate in the Mount Kailash area will become warmer throughout this time, being warm and pleasant during the day but dropping to minus 5 to 8 degrees Celsius at night.

To go to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, we must travel across several high passes in isolated regions of western Tibet. Between November and April, the highways will be covered in snow. Furthermore, ice will obstruct the trekking route encircling Mount Kailash, hindering access to the elevated passes. Further, hotels and guesthouses along the road will close as local Tibetans employed as porters and horse riders leave the region.

Travel permits for visitors between November and April are often not quickly issued by the Chinese government.

How to Get to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar?

Kathmandu, located in Nepal, is one of the access points to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. Kathmandu has connections to various major destinations around the globe through a wide range of international flights. Flying to Kathmandu is an option to begin your journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. Two main routes from Kathmandu provide access to the sacred site, offering for your Best Route for Kailash Mansarovar Tour.

DRIVE FROM KATHMANDU TO KYIRONG (TIMURE) THE MAKE AN OVERLAND JOURNEY:

Travelling overland from Kathmandu to the Nepal-China border at the village of Timure requires an estimated duration of seven hours. After spending a night in Timure, the border town of Nepal, we can proceed to Kailash the following day. The Tibet tour requires 9 to 10 days, with an additional 5 days needed on the Nepal side, totalling the overall duration. The total duration of the program is projected to be at least 15 days.

This itinerary presents an alternative option as well. People might choose this option if they want to continue travelling to Lhasa but avoid taking the same route back to Kathmandu. The road to Lhasa may include Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side. From Lhasa, travellers may fly back to Kathmandu or mainland China.

FLY KATHMANDU TO LHASA, THEN TRAVEL TO MOUNT KAILASH COMBINED WITH A VISIT TO MAJOR CITIES OF CENTRAL TIBET:

Kathmandu regularly offers air access to Lhasa. In the itinerary, travellers may fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa, including Gyantse, Shigatse, Tsedang, and other culturally significant sites in central Tibet. For those with a keen interest, it is advisable to consider including the Mount Everest base camp (North Side) in the itinerary. After completing your visit to central Tibet, you may proceed to the Kailash and Mansarovar regions located in the west. After the journey, one can exit Nepal from the Kyirong border and travel to Kathmandu. Or one could consider returning to Lhasa from the same route and proceeding to mainland China or Kathmandu via air travel.

Attention: Airline service may be reduced or suspended in January, February, and March, depending on passenger demand.

TRAVELING TO TIBET VIA MAINLAND CHINA

Access to the Kailash and Mansarovar regions is possible by entering Tibet from the mainland of China. Chengdu serves as the entry point to Tibet from the rest of China. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, has regular flights to Lhasa. Furthermore, Chengdu offers direct airline connections to various significant destinations around the globe. Flights to Lhasa regularly depart from Chengdu.

One can also arrive in Lhasa by taking the highest railway journey in the world. The trip to Lhasa takes approximately thirty-six hours.

HOW TO GET THE TIBET PERMIT AND GROUP VISA?

Only the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu can issue the group visa for Tibet. No Chinese embassy overseas grants Tibet group visas to visitors. According to current Chinese government rules, the group must have at least five members to qualify for the Tibet group visa. If the group consists of less than five people, it will be ineligible for a group visa.

There is a unique procedure for obtaining a group visa from the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu. The first step is to register the trip with a Tibet tour operator based in either Kathmandu or Lhasa (such as our company “The Trekkers’ Society P. Ltd.”). During the trip registration process, it is essential to clearly outline the tour program with dates, detailing the specific destinations you will explore throughout your journey. According to the company's policy, it is required to pay 20% of the total tour cost as an advance to register the trip with us. Furthermore, providing a clear copy of your passport and a passport-sized photo is essential. You must also provide a copy of your current Chinese visa if you already have one.

The second step involves submitting your documents to the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB / in Lhasa) to obtain your Tibet travel permit. Usually, the Tibet travel permit application procedure takes ten to fifteen days. After receiving the TTB (Lhasa) travel permit, we can apply for a group visa at the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu. This procedure will be initiated upon your arrival in Kathmandu. Five business days are typically needed to complete the group visa application procedure from Kathmandu.

Tradition and Culture

For thousands of years, this region has been the ultimate destination for pilgrims. It is the home of the Gods for Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Bon. Mount Kailash – 6714 metres high – is known in Tibet as Tise (the peak) of Khang Rinpoche (Jewel of Snows). For Hindus, Mount Kailash is the home of the Hindu God Shiva and his partner Devi, whilst for Tibetans, it is the home of God Demchong and his consort, Dorje Phangmo.

According to legend, it is here that Milarepa - a great Tibetan Yogi and master of Tantric Buddhism - contested with Naro-Bonchung - a grandmaster of Bon - to prove the superiority of Buddhism. Many contests took place, but the final one was to see who could first reach the summit of Mt Kailash at the crack of dawn. Riding his damaru (ritual drum), Naro-Bonchung flew towards the peak, but Milarepa overtook him at the last second. Naro-Bonching was so astonished that he let go of his drum, which crashed down the mountain, leaving a vertical scar – a distinctive feature of the south face.

Read more about Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar, and Lhasa. 

What items should you bring with you on your Kailash Mansarovar Tour?

Since Tibet's temperatures fluctuate considerably, we advise you to pack clothing for any eventualities. Equipment for wet conditions is also required. These considerations are crucial for a successful and Best Kailash Mansarovar Tour.

Sunglasses and abundant sunblock are essential in Tibet due to the High UV factor and the intensity of the bright light. Pack enough sunscreen because it's difficult to find in Tibet. Additionally, we recommend packing a hat with a brim for added protection.

Pack all your belongings in a duffel bag, and remember to bring a backpack with a waterproof cover to store essential items like your passport, personal medicine, toothpaste, toothbrush, and other daily necessities. The bus or truck will place your duffel bag in the luggage compartment, but you must bring your backpack.

A list of the things you should bring is as follows:

  • A pair of walking boots (sneaker is okay).
  • A jacket that is waterproof and windproof
  • T-shirts and sweatshirts
  • A minimum of one heavy sweater
  • Skirts or shorts
  • Track pants or trousers
  • Warm underwear
  • Water bottle
  • Warm socks, ideally made of wool
  • A flashlight with extra batteries
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Individual medical supplies
  • Towels
  • A daypack (to store valuables like cameras, cash, passports, and personal medications).
  • A duffel bag or rucksack for keeping your clothes
  • Down jackets 
  • A pair of gloves 
  • Hat with sun protection

First Aid Medical Kit

We will be bringing a primary first aid kit with us, which will include a variety of medications such as Diamox, Aspirin, Painkillers, Lip Balm, Mustard Oil, Vaseline, Plasters, Antiseptic, Salt, Mint, Vicks for sore throats, Antacids, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Iodine Tincture, Iodine Tablet, Electro Powder, Handy Plasts, Cotton Bandage, Scissor, Diomox or Acetazolamide, and more.

We recommend you consult with your physician or doctor before carrying your medications.

Packaging Suggestion for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (Click Here to Download)

Communication

In Nepal, purchasing local mobile SIM cards (NAMASTE or NCELL) is simple as you arrive in Kathmandu. International roaming services are available with various pre-paid call and data packages. You can select one and turn on the service.

We can assist you in Tibet by providing you with a local SIM card from China (China Telecom Service or China Mobile). Still, you can only receive calls because the Chinese government has prohibited outgoing calls. However, you may use WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat, or Messenger to make phone calls and use data services. However, to access all those apps, you must install a VPN service either in your home country or while in Nepal. None of these applications will function otherwise.

Precaution

Most persons at high elevations (over 2,500 m / 8200 ft) suffer from oxygen shortage. When altitude is raised, it takes time for the human body's physiological systems to adjust to lower oxygen levels. This procedure is known as acclimatization.

Acetazolamide, often known as Diamox, is required to treat altitude sickness. Your doctor's prescription is necessary since you must begin taking these drugs three days before your journey to Tibet/Mount Kailash & Lake Mansarovar. It is essential to take this medicine the whole way while going up and stop when you start descending. People allergic to sulfite-containing medications may choose to use Gingko Biloba over Diamox. Participants will pick up tried-and-true, easy-to-use methods for acclimating faster throughout the trip.

Accommodation during this trip

Lhasa and Adjacent Areas:

The major cities of Tibet offer a variety of accommodations, including budget and luxury options. A few of these places are Tsedang, Lhasa, and Shigatse. However, in small towns and cities, accommodations are usually straightforward, with few options.

Kailash - Mansarovar Area:

Some locations in western Tibet provide rudimentary accommodations, while others offer more luxurious accommodations with modern amenities. Locations like Kyirong, Darchen, and Saga (on the Chinese side) provide comfortable lodgings with attached restrooms and hot showers. Nevertheless, these areas still have a small selection of hotels and guesthouses. On the other hand, Mansarovar, Deraphuk, and Zutulphuk offer a more basic type of lodging that includes dorm-style rooms with shared outdoor bathrooms. Choices of lodging are unavailable at these three locations. The hotels and guesthouses have electricity in these locations, allowing guests to charge their mobile devices and cameras. However, the rooms are not equipped with heating.

Meals & Drinking Water

Our organization provides a team of personnel who are both experienced and professional. Through the voyage, they will accompany you. We establish our kitchen in each residence and prepare hygienic, fresh meals for the group. Following the client's preferences, we provide both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. Most of the food comes from Kathmandu, and a separate vehicle will transport the food and other necessary supplies.

During the morning and evening, we offer boiled water at the camp for drinking. Throughout the day, we provide bottled mineral water, which is safe to drink during the trip. We bring enough water for you on tour, and you should drink at least 3 litres daily.

FAQs

Typically, we provide freshly prepared meals all along the way. Our professional cook and culinary staff, as well as Sherpas, will accompany you throughout the trek. We set up a private kitchen in every location where we spend the night. However, we should take all groceries in a separate vehicle from Kathmandu. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options are available according to your requirements.

We offer boiling water for drinking in the morning and evening; however, we provide safe drinking bottled water during the day. 

Our service includes a duffel bag for your necessary clothes and a day backpack for your valuables, like your passport, wallet, personal medicines, and other things you use daily. Additionally, we offer rain cover. Once the tour is over, you may also keep these items.

We also provide warm jackets if you don't have any. If you don't have one, you can take it and return it to us when you're done with your trip. However, wearing a jacket someone else has already worn might make some people uncomfortable. But We dry, clean, and store all used jackets as part of our usual operation. Even if you don't want to wear the jackets we provide, you may wear your own.

Your belongings should be placed into a duffel bag, which we will provide for you in Katmandu. In addition, we will supply a backpack for you to carry essential items, including your passport, a wallet, lotions, personal medicines and other crucial belongings for everyday use. You are responsible for managing and safeguarding your backpack and valuable items while travelling. Furthermore, we will provide a rain poncho to protect you from the rain while travelling.

The following items should be packed while travelling:

  1. Walking boots and sandals (or trainers are OK)
  2. Water/windproof jacket
  3. Sweatshirts, full T-shirts
  4. Trousers/track pants
  5. Thermal underwear
  6. Water bottle
  7. Warm socks, preferably woollen
  8. Torch with spare batteries
  9. Sunglasses, Sunscreen, lotions, etc.
  10. Personal medical supplies
  11. Towel
  12. Down jackets (We can provide these on a returnable basis in Kathmandu. Please note that in case of loss or damage, you will be required to reimburse the cost of the same) 
  13. Warm hat with sun protection,
  14. Gloves.

Asthapad is located approximately two nautical miles to the north of Darchen town. If one is keen on hiking there, it is approximately seven kilometres along a winding path from Darchen. It is situated near Kailash. Asthapad is estimated to be around 5633 meters (18,476 feet) tall from the sea level. The mountain consists of eight steps. The viewpoint is located at an altitude of 5,145 meters.

In Jain belief, it holds the highest respect among all pilgrimage sites. In Jainism, the legend states that Ashtapad is where Rishabdev, the first Tirthankara of the Jain faith, achieved enlightenment. Asthapad does not have a temple to visit or anything to worship. The viewpoint offers close-up views of the south face of Mount Kailash, along with a magnificent view of Nandi. There is a Buddhist monastery, Serlung Gompa, nearby, where a few monks live.

At present, Asthapad is restricted for foreigners to visit. However, some foreigners sneak and trek there. The trip takes the whole day. Altogether, you have to walk 15 km to go and come back.

Please be advised: never trek without a guide or a companion.

NOTE: Our tour does not include Asthapad.

According to the visa regulations, all group members must enter Tibet together and exit similarly. Suppose you cannot participate in Parikrama (the trek around Kailash) due to health concerns or other reasons. In that case, you must remain in Darchen (the city close to the starting point of the trek) and wait for the other participants to return. Throughout your time in Darchen, our dedicated staff team will ensure you are well cared for. A portion of the staff team will stay with you in Darchen.

Should you wish to return earlier without waiting for others, please be informed that specific processes and additional expenses are involved. First, we need to provide a valid reason to the immigration police in Darchen for your earlier return compared to others. A considerate approach to persuade them might be to visit a local hospital and express that their health situation is unfavourable. If the hospital indicates that your health is deteriorating, they will permit you to leave early.

You will need to pay the additional expenses related to your transportation back to the Nepal-China border and then onward to Kathmandu. As well as the penalty for separating the visa from the group. This is the sole method that enables you to return from Kailash earlier than others.

Suppose you cannot participate in Parikrama (the trekking segment of Kailash) due to health issues or other circumstances. In that case, you must remain in Darchen (the town close to the trek's starting point) and wait for the other participants to return. While you are in Darchen, our dedicated team will ensure that you enjoy exceptional service in terms of food and lodging. A portion of the staff team will stay with you in Darchen.

The complete circuit around Mount Kailash measures approximately 52 km. This distance measures from Darchen to Darchen. Nowadays, people travel by vehicle to Yama Dwar, the starting point 6 km from Darchen. On the third day, after trekking approximately 7 km from Zutulphuk, a car will pick up the travellers and transport them to Darchen. Out of 52 km, 10 km will be traversed by vehicle. The distance for the parikrama (circumambulation) around Kailash is only 42 km. Completing this distance requires two and a half days.

On the initial day, we will embark on a 13 km walk to reach Deraphuk, located on the north face of Mount Kailash. The trek commences from Yama Dwar, the local Tibetan name for this location, known as “TARBOCHE.” To cover this distance, walking for approximately 6 to 8 hours on average is necessary. However, the duration always depends on the pace at which you walk.

On the second day, the distance to be covered is 22 km from Deraphuk to Zutulphuk. The duration is approximately 8 to 9 hours. However, it is contingent upon the walking pace.

On the third day, the distance to walk is just 7 km. The vehicle will subsequently transport you back to Darchen. The trek on the third day requires only 3 hours.

Upon hearing the term “Inner Parikrama” (inner circumambulation), one might envision a unique route that facilitates a more intimate circumambulation of Kailash. This is incorrect. No such route exists in Kailash. The Parikrama route remains mostly the same; however, on the second day, you can choose an alternative path to Zutulphuk, avoiding Dolma La and Gaurikunda Lake. This path branches off from Shivasthal, a burial ground for Tibetan individuals located 3km from Deraphuk.

On the second day of the parikrama, after trekking for about 3 kilometres, you will arrive at a location filled with various items essential for our daily lives, including food, clothing, beverages, toys, and more. The area also features decorations of Tibetan prayer flags. For the local Tibetans, this is one of the holy sky burial sites. They present objects at this burial site in memory of the departed souls. This place is known as Shivasthal.

From Shivasthal, an alternative route to Zutulphuk diverges from the main path. This route involves considerable challenges and potential dangers. Nonetheless, it presents a distinctive chance to explore the eastern side of Kailash. During this journey, you must cross a high pass (Khandasang La – 5,700 m/ 18,997 ft.), which has a patch of an approximately 80-meter vertical climb covered in ice, utilizing fixed rope. Furthermore, it is essential to use climbing gear to cross this pass, and it is vital to understand its proper usage thoroughly. In the evening, you shall reach Zutulphuk, where individuals engaging in the outer parikrama converge. The remainder of the route is unchanged.

So, on the second day, you shall embark on a unique route for the inner parikrama. The remainder of the route remains consistent, whether one navigates the outer or inner path.

 

Nepal Side:

We can arrange the mode of transport in Nepal based on the group size, requirements, and budget. We often provide buses, minibuses, and vans in Kathmandu, depending on the size of your party. We usually use buses from Kathmandu to the Nepal-China border town (Kyirong Gadhi or Timure). It is hardly a luxury bus, but it is air-conditioned. There are 28 seats in the bus, which are 2x2 folding. However, the bus may be somewhat congested. The larger buses commonly used in Kathmandu do not operate in this area due to the narrow, unpaved, and mountainous nature of the roadway between Kathmandu and Timure. The Big Bus on this route struggles to pass when two vehicles cross. Therefore, tourist vehicles operating in Kathmandu tend to avoid using this road.

An alternative mode of transport is a 4WD SUV. One SUV can comfortably accommodate three people. You can adjust it to fit four people, but it will become slightly crowded.

Tibet side:

The highways in Tibet are well-maintained. We utilize buses with a seating capacity of 28 equipped with air conditioning. However, the windows are sealed and fixed. Based on your requirements, we can use a very comfortable van or Toyota Land Cruiser for a small group.

Nepal side:

Upon departing from Kathmandu, the lodging options in the Nepal-China border town of Timure/Syabru Beshi consist of basic hotels and guesthouses. These hotels and guesthouses offer rooms with tidy and clean beds, each featuring an attached bathroom. However, some hotels and guesthouses offer rooms with shared toilet and shower facilities.

Tibet side:

Some locations provide fundamental lodging options, whereas others present enhanced accommodations featuring modern amenities. Locations like Darchen, Saga, and Kyirong offer comfortable accommodations featuring hot showers and attached toilets. Dormitory-style rooms with shared outdoor restrooms characterize basic accommodations in Manasarovar, Deraphuk, and Zutulphuk. Accommodation options are nonexistent in these three locations. This location also lacks heating facilities.

If you're set on trekking around Kailash using this route, it's a good idea to assemble a skilled and experienced team familiar with the trail and aware of the potential risks. Once you kick off this adventure, you must complete it and reach Zutulphuk. Once you dive in, there's no turning back. Since this area is remote and not often visited, with no human settlements along the way, you won't find any places to stay if you can't reach your destination in a day.

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