Nepal13 days
Mount Kailash Inner Kora: Pilgrimage Circuit via Asthapath, Saptarishi Cave & Nandi Parvat — 13 Days
Kathmandu to Darchen: outer parikrama, Lake Manasarovar, and the 34 km inner kora at altitude
The Kailash Inner Kora — also called the inner parikrama — is among the most physically demanding pilgrimage routes in the Himalayan region. The circuit covers approximately 34 km through terrain composed almost entirely of rock, crevice, snow, and ice, with no permanent settlements apart from two small monasteries. The route passes through Asthapath, Nandi Parvat, Atmalingam, Saptarishi Cave, and Rakshas Lingam, and requires a basic level of mountaineering competence along with appropriate equipment. The journey begins and ends at Darchen, the base settlement on the southern flank of Mount Kailash in Tibet. The 13-day program opens in Kathmandu before moving through Nepalgunj and Simikot by air, crossing into Tibet at Hilsa, and ascending to Taklakot for acclimatization. The outer parikrama — a 39 km circuit crossing Dolma La pass at 5,613 m — precedes the inner kora. Lake Manasarovar, at 4,550 m, is included as a full parikrama by vehicle with morning ritual observances on the shore. Accommodation within Tibet combines guest houses and tented camps; all meals during the inner kora section are prepared by the accompanying crew in the field. Yaks carry kitchen supplies and group baggage on the outer circuit; the inner kora is supported by a dedicated mountaineering guide team.
Highlights
- Half-day guided tour of Kathmandu valley UNESCO heritage sites, including Pashupatinath, Mata Guheshwori, and Budhanilkantha temples
- Flight routing Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Simikot, then chartered helicopter crossing into Tibet at Hilsa
- Acclimatization rest day at Taklakot (4,025 m) before ascending to the Kailash region
- Full parikrama of Lake Manasarovar (4,550 m) by vehicle, with puja and hawan ceremony on the shoreline
- 39 km outer Kailash Parikrama crossing Dolma La pass at 5,613 m (optional horse hire available)
- Charan Sparsa hike from Derapuk along the north face of Mount Kailash, including glacier terrain
- Serlung Monastery visit with close-range views of the north face of Mount Kailash
- 34 km Kailash Inner Kora circuit passing Asthapath, Saptarishi Cave, Atmalingam, Nandi Parvat, and Rakshas Lingam
- High-pass crossings of Nandi La and Khandosalgam La on the Nandi Parvat section of the inner kora
- Tented camp accommodation within the inner Kailash region, where no permanent lodging exists
Day by day
1Arrival in KathmanduTribhuvan International Airport · the hotel
On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative greets you and arranges your transfer to the hotel for check-in. Settle in, rest, and join other travellers for dinner at the hotel this evening.
2Kathmandu Valley Temple Tour and Flight to Nepalgunj (150 m)Pashupatinath temple · Mata Guheshwori temple · Budhanilkantha · Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
The morning begins with a half-day guided tour of three significant Hindu pilgrimage sites in the Kathmandu valley: Pashupatinath temple, Mata Guheshwori temple, and Budhanilkantha (also known as Jalnarayan). The group returns to the hotel at midday, then transfers to the airport for a one-hour scheduled flight southwest to Nepalgunj, a low-lying town near the Indian border that serves as the onward transit hub for the Kailash route.
3Nepalgunj to Simikot by Air, then Helicopter to Hilsa and Taklakot, Tibet (4,025 m)Nepalgunj to Simikot · Simikot · Taklakot · Nepalgunj airport · Hilsa to Taklakot
An early transfer to Nepalgunj airport connects to a 45-minute scheduled flight to Simikot (2,910 m), a hillside district center in Humla that functions as the helicopter departure point for the Tibetan border crossing. From Simikot, a chartered helicopter flies to Hilsa on the Nepal-Tibet frontier, after which ground transport continues into Tibet to reach Taklakot, a small border town at 4,025 m. Overnight at a hotel in Taklakot.
4Acclimatization Rest Day at Taklakot (4,025 m)Taklakot
The day is reserved for acclimatization at Taklakot's altitude. Light physical activity and short walks are recommended to assist the adjustment process before the higher elevations ahead. Overnight at the hotel.
5Taklakot to Lake Manasarovar (4,550 m) and Lakeside ParikramaTaklakot to Lake Manasarovar · Lake Manasarovar · Rakshas Tal
The drive from Taklakot covers 88 km to Lake Manasarovar, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world at 4,550 m, taking roughly two hours by road. En route, the group passes Rakshas Tal — a large saltwater lake to the west — with a brief stop for photographs before continuing east to Manasarovar. After check-in at the lakeside guest house, the group takes lunch and then completes a parikrama of Lake Manasarovar by vehicle, circling the shoreline before returning for the overnight stay.
6Morning Puja at Lake Manasarovar and Drive to Darchen (4,575 m)Lake Manasarovar · Darchen · Chui Gompa · Kailash Hotel
The morning begins with a ritual bath and puja ceremony on the shore of Lake Manasarovar — a significant observance for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims on this route. A vehicle-based parikrama of the lake follows with a packed lunch, after which the group drives approximately one hour to Darchen (also referred to as Tarchen), the principal base settlement for Kailash Parikrama at 4,575 m. Time permitting, a stop at Chui Gompa is included on the way. During major pilgrimage seasons, Darchen fills with tented camps and large groups of pilgrims. Overnight at Kailash Hotel.
7Darchen to Tarboche by Road, then Trek to Derapuk (4,909 m) — 7 kmDarchen to Tarboche · Tarboche · Derapuk · Tarboche to Derapuk
After the morning meal, a 13 km drive covers the distance from Darchen to Tarboche, the ceremonial starting point of the outer Kailash Parikrama and the location of the Asthapath flagpole. The trek from Tarboche to Derapuk guest house runs approximately 7 km along a trail flanked by rocky cliffs and occasional waterfalls, with intermittent views of the north face of Mount Kailash emerging as the path ascends. The walk takes five to six hours. Overnight at the government guest house at Derapuk.
8Derapuk: Charan Sparsa Hike on the North Face of Mount KailashDerapuk
From Derapuk, the group hikes to Charan Sparsa — a site on the north face of Kailash that forms part of the inner kora route — crossing glacier terrain throughout. The trail provides a close-range view of the mountain's north wall. The walk covers most of the day, with the group returning to Derapuk for an overnight stay at the guest house.
9Derapuk to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La Pass (5,600 m), then Drive to Darchen — 18 kmDerapuk to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La Pass · Zuthulpuk · Dolma La pass · Zuthulpuk to Darchen
This is the most demanding day of the outer parikrama, covering 18 km with a total walking time of nine to ten hours. The ascent leads to Dolma La pass at approximately 5,600 m (18,600 ft), the highest point of the outer circuit, passing through Yamasthal and Shiva-sthal on the way up. At the summit, pilgrims typically make offerings before beginning the gradual descent toward Zuthulpuk (4,760 m), passing Parvati-sthal and Gauri Kunda on the lower section. Zuthulpuk takes its name from an ancient cave associated with the Tibetan Buddhist ascetic Milarepa. By late afternoon, the group reaches Zuthulpuk before continuing by vehicle back to Darchen.
10Kailash Inner Kora: Asthapath, Serlung Monastery, Saptarishi Cave, and AtmalingamAsthapath · Saptarishi Cave · Atmalingam · Darchen to Asthapath · Serlung Gompa
The inner kora begins with a hike from Darchen to Asthapath. Along the route, the group visits Serlung Gompa, which provides a direct view of Mount Kailash, and continues to Saptarishi Cave and Atmalingam — two of the inner kora's principal sites. A horse and personal helper can be arranged from Darchen for those who require additional support. Meals on this section are simple. The group overnights at the monastery or in tents at Asthapath.
11Morning Views at Mount Kailash, Trek to Darchen, and Drive to HilsaDarchen · inner face of Mount Kailash · Taklakot · hotel in Hilsa · Darchen to Taklakot · Taklakot to Hilsa
Early morning light on the inner face of Mount Kailash offers clear views before the group treks back to Darchen. From Darchen, ground transport heads west to Taklakot for immigration processing before continuing to Hilsa on the Tibetan-Nepali border. Overnight at a hotel in Hilsa.
12Hilsa to Simikot to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu by AirHilsa to Simikot · Simikot to Nepalgunj · a hotel in Kathmandu · Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
Flights in sequence connect Hilsa to Simikot, then Simikot to Nepalgunj. At Nepalgunj, groups with members continuing to Lucknow can separate, while the remaining participants board a connecting flight to Kathmandu. The evening includes a group debrief covering the full yatra. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
13Kathmandu: Final Departure to Tribhuvan International AirportTribhuvan International Airport
You are transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure home, or to continue onward to further adventures in Nepal.
Where you go
- 1Tribhuvan International Airport
- 2Pashupatinath Temple
- 3Tribhuvan International Airport
Included
- Included
- Arrival and Departure arrangements
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu in 3/4 star standard hotel on a twin-sharing room with meals.
- 1 Night accommodation in Nepalgunj at a 3 Star category Hotel
- Half-day guided tour in Kathmandu valley as mentioned in the itinerary
- 10 nights’ accommodations in Tibet on a group-sharing basis using a guest house / Hotel.
- Freshly cooked vegetarian meals 3 times a day.
- Supporting Nepali crew, including our own cooks.
- Permits for Manasarovar and Kailash Kora (round).
- Tibet Tourism Board (TTB) approved the Tibetan guide.
- Private transportation in a van/bus for the entire trip
- Kailash Permit, Tibet (Chinese) visa fee
- Camping equipment for kitchen, Shower
- Sleeping bag / Down Jacket if needed on a returnable basis.
- Duffle bag (big bag for keeping personal clothes and equipment) & a day carry hand bag
- Experienced tour leader / co-coordinator with each group
- Enough oxygen cylinders for the entire tour
- Yaks and Yak-men to carry baggage, food, fuel, etc., while making the Kailash outer kora
- Leading guide and other team members during Kailash Inner Kora
- Emergency evacuation management
Not included
- Excluded
- Personal Horse/ Pony Charges for Kailash Outer and Inner Kora
- Personal expenses like shopping, phone calls, extra drinks, laundry, yak, etc.
- Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control, such as natural calamities, flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, accidents, etc.
- Tips to drivers and hotel staff.
- Extra cost of transportation, porterage etc involved due to landslides and snowfall.
- Trip cancellation charge due to the Tibetan government rules and other factors that are not in our hands
- Air ticket from your Home – Kathmandu – Home
- Services other than specified
- Extra days stay at Kathmandu more than 3 nights/ any other place due to any reason