Nepal15 days
Mount Kailash Inner Kora — 15 Days
The inner circumambulation of Mount Kailash, Nepal to Tibet, with Manasarovar and Lhasa — 15 days
This 15-day journey combines pilgrimage infrastructure in Nepal with a two-week traverse of the Kailash region in Tibet, culminating in a specialized mountaineering circuit of Mount Kailash's north face. The trip begins in Kathmandu with temple visits and Tibet visa processing, then moves to Lhasa for acclimatization and monastery sightseeing before flying to Ali and driving to Manasarovar Lake. The final and most technical segment is the Inner Kora (inner parikrama), a high-altitude circumambulation of Mount Kailash itself—distinct from and more demanding than the standard outer parikrama. The Inner Kora covers roughly 34 kilometers, visiting sites including Asthapath, Saptarishi Cave, Atmalingam, Rakshas Lingam, and Nandi Parvat while traversing high passes. The route requires mountaineering experience, specialized equipment, support staff, and acclimatization time. Participants camp throughout the high-altitude segments and receive guides, medical support, oxygen, and optional horse assistance. The trek involves rock, snow, ice, and significant elevation gain and loss. Weather windows are narrow (typically May–September), and permits from Nepal and Tibet are mandatory.
Highlights
- Pashupatinath Temple darshan and evening aarti in Kathmandu
- Potala Palace and Sera Monastery (founded 1419) in Lhasa, with optional pilgrimage hiking near Sera
- Manasarovar Lake circumambulation and morning puja at lake's edge
- Mount Kailash Charan Sparsa site, accessible by 3-hour trek from Derapuk
- Outer Kailash Parikrama crossing Dolma La pass (5,613 meters) between Derapuk and Juthulpuk
- Inner Kora circuit: Asthapath, Saptarishi Cave, Atmalingam (ice lingam), Rakshas Lingam, and Nandi Parvat circumambulation
- High-altitude alpine terrain with rock, fissures, snow, and ice.
Day by day
1Arrival in Kathmandu — Temple VisitsJalnarayan (Budanilkantha) · Gujeshwori Temple · Pashupatinath Temple
Arrival in Kathmandu before 11 AM. Passports collected for Tibet visa processing. After lunch, sightseeing begins at 3 PM, visiting Jalnarayan (Budanilkantha), Gujeshwori Temple, and Pashupatinath Temple with evening observance at 7 PM. Dinner at hotel.
2Kathmandu — Ritual Observances and Pre-Trek BriefingPashupatinath · Thamel
Morning breakfast at 7:30 AM, followed by ritual observances at Pashupatinath, returning to hotel by 1 PM. After rest, lunch at 1:30 PM. Afternoon spent in Thamel for shopping and gear acquisition for the high-altitude trek. Evening briefing covers route details, acclimatization protocols, and equipment requirements.
3Optional Day Activity — Kathmandu ValleyKathmandu Valley · Doleshwor Temple · Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Full day available for optional activities: temple visits to regional sites or scenic mountain flight. Alternatively, further sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley, including Doleshwor Temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. This day allows adjustment to altitude and final preparations before Tibet travel.
4Lhasa Arrival — Altitude AcclimatizationLhasa
Breakfast at 7:30 AM; departure to airport at 8 AM for flight to Lhasa (11,811 feet). Upon arrival, guide and driver meet at airport and transfer to hotel. Day is reserved for acclimatization at high altitude—light activity only, with emphasis on rest and increased fluid intake. Optional light walking permitted if no altitude-related symptoms present. Guide provides briefing on next day's sightseeing program.
5Lhasa Sightseeing — Potala Palace and Sera MonasteryPotala Palace · Sera Monastery · monastery grounds
Morning breakfast at 7:30 AM. Full-day sightseeing begins with Potala Palace, constructed in the 7th century and used as the residence of successive Tibetan leaders. The palace complex contains thousands of rooms, religious artifacts, and administrative chambers across thirteen stories. Afternoon visit to Sera Monastery, established in 1419 and the second-largest monastery of the Gelug lineage in Tibet. Monks conduct philosophical debates in the courtyard daily, open to visitors. For participants showing no altitude sickness symptoms and interested in walking, the guide can lead an optional one-hour circuit around the monastery grounds. Return to hotel by evening.
6Flight to Ali — Transfer to Manasarovar LakeManasarovar Lake · Lhasa · Chyo Gumba
Flight from Lhasa to Ali (Tibet's westernmost airport, serving the Mount Kailash region). Upon arrival, transfer by vehicle to Manasarovar Lake (15,060 feet), Tibet's largest freshwater lake. Approximately two hours of vehicle-based circumambulation around the lake's perimeter, with rest breaks. Accommodation at Chyo Gumba (monastery-linked guest facility).
7Morning Observance and Drive to DarchenDarchen · Hotel Himalaya
Morning observance at 8 AM, lasting approximately three hours. Lunch, then drive to Darchen (15,010 ft), the staging point for Mount Kailash circumambulation. Overnight at Hotel Himalaya.
8Darchen to Derapuk — Outer Parikrama BeginsDerapuk · Yamadwor · Derapuk guest house
Drive 7 kilometers to Yamadwor, then trek toward Derapuk (4–5 hours). Horse participants are accompanied by handlers; walkers follow the main trail. Overnight at Derapuk guest house.
9Trek to Charan Sparsha and ReturnCharan Sparsha · Derapuk
After breakfast, trek to Charan Sparsha at the base of Mount Kailash—approximately three hours each way. Return to Derapuk and overnight at the guest house.
10Outer Parikrama — Dolma La Pass to JuthulpukDolma La Pass · Lha-chu river · Jarok Donkhang valley · Juthulpuk village
Full trekking day on the outer circuit. Early breakfast, then departure eastward across Lha-chu river by bridge to Dolma La village. The route ascends the Jarok Donkhang valley toward Shiva-tsal, then continues to Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the outer circumambulation, marked by a large stone cairn. Descent follows to Juthulpuk village. Alternative route via Khanda Sanglo Pass available for participants with additional mountaineering experience. Overnight at Juthulpuk guest house. Overnight at Juthulpuk guest house.
11Rest Day at DarchenDarchen
Return to Darchen (15,010 ft) by vehicle. Recovery and acclimatization day.
12Inner Circumambulation — Partial RouteAsthapath · Saptarishi Cave · Atmalingam · Darchen
Early morning ride by horse to Asthapath or vehicle transfer if permitted. Walk to Saptarishi Cave, Nandi, and Atmalingam sites. Return to Asthapath. Overnight at Darchen. Note: Inner circumambulation consists of multiple segments requiring specialized climbing experience. Full inner circuit (approximately 34 kilometers) involves rock and snow traverses not included in this itinerary.
13Darchen to AliDarchen to Ali · hotel
Drive from Darchen to Ali. Overnight at hotel.
14Ali to Kathmandu — Return JourneyAli Airport · Lhasa · hotel in Kathmandu
Transfer to Ali Airport. Flight to Lhasa, with connection onward to Kathmandu. Arrival in Kathmandu in evening or night. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
15Kathmandu DepartureTribhuvan International Airport
Morning transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for international departure. Alternatively, participants may extend the journey with a four-night, five-day trip to Muktinath Temple (Kali Gandaki Valley pilgrimage).
Where you go
- 1Pashupatinath Temple
- 2Pashupatinath
- 3Tribhuvan International Airport
Included
- Transportation
- All ground transportation by private vehicle
- Kathmandu – Lhasa – Kathmandu Flight Ticket
- Lhasa – Ali Flight Ticket
- Airport pick up and drop off by private vehicle
- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included (Veg only)
- Enough Drinking water included
- Visas & Permit
- Tibet Visa & Permit Included
- All necessary entrance fees in Nepal and Tibet
- Special Kailash Mansarovar Permit
- Applicable entrance fees to visit Monasteries and temples
- Sightseeing
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Sightseeing in Lhasa
- Guide, Staff & Supporters
- Nepali Guide and Tibetan Guide
- Nepali Crew members in the Kailash Region
- Equipment
- Medical kits
- Enough oxygen cylinders
- Other necessary equipment
- Clothing
- Down Jacket on a refundable basis
- Day pack bag
- Duffel bag
Not included
- Emergency evacuations/Rescue expenses, if required.
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Personal horse and Helper during Kailash round/ Parikrama
- Travel & Medical Insurance Permissions and other official formalities