Complete Guide to Mount Kailash Tour
Mount Kailash
Considered the best destination for spiritual attainment, the journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is a unique place for many religious pilgrims from Nepal, India, and the world and millions of travelers who have set out to forget their hearts for a while in the beauty of nature, where travelers get the opportunity to unite themselves with nature. Located in the remote region of Tibet, this wonderful natural place directly attracts people of Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Bon faiths. Due to the special religious beliefs and sanctity of this mountain, millions of people from different religions of the world make religious pilgrimages. However, there is no shortage of travelers from all corners of the world to visit this sacred peak. As part of this journey, travelers do trekking and tours, which include walking around the holy Kailash Mountain, which is about 53 kilometers long. It is believed that this circumambulation, which is done around Kailash Mountain, will wash away many sins of the travelers' lives. Although this journey can be started by reaching various cities in China, where travelers should reach the capital of Tibet, Lhasa, the journey from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is very popular.
Since Tibet is located in China, people from different countries must use different methods to reach the region and follow different rules and laws. Considering the specific legal situation in China, travelers should plan this tour only through a licensed travel company based in the country concerned. Due to the unpredictable changes in Tibetan laws and regulations from time to time, this trip will be pleasant with the help of a reliable tour or travel company.
Generally, this trip, which starts in the fourth month of the year, i.e. April, is considered good and comfortable from May to September, depending on the weather.
Our dedicated team is always ready to provide the utmost service to our beloved customers. Having been continuously engaged in this work for decades, we and our company are committed to the complete safety and comfort of this journey.
Lake Manasarovar
Lake Mansarovar, located in the beautiful part of the Tibet region of China, is considered a center of faith and a special place for visiting by many people around the world. This extremely pure water lake is located at an altitude of 4,600 meters above sea level and offers a beautiful landscape. The Sanskrit word "Mansarovar" is made up of two words "Manas" meaning mind and "Sarovar" meaning a large pond. This lake, which is located at an extremely high altitude and has pure water, is the source of the world's most famous rivers - Indu, Brahmaputra, Sutlej, and Karnali rivers. Apart from captivating travelers who enjoy its natural beauty at a high altitude, this lake also attracts millions of travelers with religious faith.
People from India, Nepal, China, and many other countries of the world come to this holy land as pilgrims. Along with this, people also come to take advantage of its natural beauty. Among the millions of pilgrims from all over the world, people of Hindu, Buddhist, Bon, and Jain faiths come in large numbers. For those who follow these religions, Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar have special significance. Pilgrims who come here earn religious merit by doing a special circumambulation of Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash.This region, which is always cold, remains dry throughout the year. From April to June, the temperature in this region is around 5 Celsius during the day, reaching 0 at night, and from the beginning of October, the temperature here drops down until February.
Spiritual Significance of Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash and the various places around this region reflect different religious beliefs. People of different religious sects experience this region from different perspectives.
Hinduism
According to Hindu religious beliefs, or in Hindu art, culture, and literature, Mount Kailash is considered the abode of Lord Shiva, where Lord Bholenath resides with his consort Parvati and sons Kartikeya and Ganesha. According to the Vishnu Purana, Mount Kailash is surrounded by six surrounding mountains and is shaped like a lotus flower, all of which are part of the Himalayan range.
This sacred place is also described in the ancient and popular Hindu religious texts Ramayana and Mahabharata. The story of Ravana, the king of demons, moving Mount Kailash, the house of Lord Shiva, with the strength of his two arms, and when Shiva pressed the ground with his big toe to break Ravana's pride of strength, King Ravana was unable to bear the weight of the mountain and he started to praise Shiva for a very long time to escape from the oppressed state, is ubiquitous. Due to such various mythological stories and beliefs, this place is special for Hindus.
Buddhism
In Buddhism, Mount Kailash is recognized as the father of the world, and Lake Manasarovar as the mother and is considered the center of cosmology and an important religious site. Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tantric Buddhism, and this Kailash site are connected to each other.
Jainism and Bon
According to Jainism, the founder of this religion, Rishabhanatha, attained salvation at this place. For Bon followers, this mountain is the home of a Sakya goddess and the center of the ancient Bon Empire.
Religious Travel
Human society has been traveling since time immemorial for various religious, spiritual, entertainment, and exploration purposes. It is human nature to travel for their values and needs. Accordingly, thousands of people visit this Kailash Manasarovar region every year for various religious beliefs, exploration, and entertainment. Most of the pilgrims who come to this region, which is considered very important from a religious point of view, are connected to religion. There is a religious belief that circumambulating and observing this mountain, which is done with the aim of earning religion by expressing some pure feelings in the mind and also for the purpose of sightseeing, will wash away many sins in the lives of the pilgrims. This mountain, which is considered a center of faith especially among Hindus and Buddhists, is also considered equally important among people of Jain and Bon faiths.
The mountain attracts millions of pilgrims annually, mostly for religious purposes, but there are also those who come for other purposes. The largest number of pilgrims are from India, although since COVID-19, permits have not been issued to Indian citizens to visit the area.
Kailash Charan Sparsha
Touching Mount Kailash with your hand is called Charan Sparsh. The Charan Sparsh Yatra/tour takes the pilgrims to the foot of the holy Mount Kailash where they can touch the mountain directly. The Charan Sparsh Yatra is considered very important for the religious people as they feel that they have achieved a special religious achievement by touching the mountain.
Starting from Kathmandu, the pilgrims initially spend a few days in Kathmandu, where a visa is issued from the Chinese Embassy to enter Tibet and after obtaining the visa, the journey begins. The journey from Kathmandu reaches Saga via the Kerung border in Tibet and from Saga reaches Lake Manasarovar. The journey from Lake Manasarovar reaches Darchen, from where the foot touch/Charan sparsha begins on a steep path and after the foot touch, the journey passes through Dirapuk, crosses the high Dolma La Pass (5,630m), crosses Zuthulpuk and ends at Darchen. From Darchen, the pilgrims return to Kathmandu via the same route.
During this journey, the pilgrims get a beautiful view of Mount Kailash from different directions, a touch of its base, and a rare and captivating view of the place.
What is Kora?
The circumambulation around Mount Kailash is called Kailash Kora. During the Kailash Kora, pilgrims travel on foot, which usually lasts for 3 days. This journey is considered very important from a religious point of view. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world, who are followers of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Bon religions, come to fulfill their religious aspirations and circumambulate this sacred mountain of Kailash. Although different religions have different histories, all religions believe that this journey, i.e. the 3-day circumambulation, will wash away the sins of the pilgrim's life. Kailash Kora is considered the most important part of the Yad Yatra, in which pilgrims travel on foot for 3 days. This circumambulation starts from a place called Darchen in Tibet and ends at the same place, which is about 53 kilometers away.
Outer Kora
The circumambulation of the outer part of Kailash is a common and widely done circumambulation during the Kailash Parbat tour, in which the pilgrims cover a distance of 52 kilometers on foot in 3 days. Whether it is a religious pilgrimage or a normal visit, it is considered special for the pilgrims to perform this 3-day circumambulation. According to religion, this circumambulation washes away all the sins committed by the pilgrim in his life and it is believed that he experiences eternal peace. In addition, during this circumambulation, the pilgrims can experience the incomparable natural beauty of this special place very closely and connect their minds with a divine element.
Itinerary of Kailash Outer Kora
Day 1: Start the walk from Darchen to Dirapuk
The outer part of the Kailash tour of this program starts from a place called Darchen. The journey starting from Darchen gradually goes uphill where the travelers should travel at a moderate speed, keeping in mind their health condition for the trek. Since the journey is done at a high altitude, the travelers need to have a certain physical strength and it is recommended not to travel in a weak physical condition. This 1-day journey from Darchen ends at a place called Dirapuk, which is 21 kilometers away and it takes at least 12 hours to cross it.
Day 2: Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk
The second day of the Kailash Outer Kora begins at a place called Dirapuk and ends at Juthulpuk, which is about 22 kilometers long. Today is considered the most difficult day of the Kailash Kora, where the pilgrims have to cross the highest pass in the region, Dolma La Pass. Since crossing this pass, which is at an altitude of 5,630 meters above sea level, will experience very low oxygen levels and require a lot of physical strength, the pilgrims should spend this day as per the advice of the guide.
Day 3: Zuthulpuk to Darchen
On the last day of the trek, after covering a distance of about 12 kilometers, the trekkers return from Zuthulpuk to Darchen. Today's journey of 6 to 7 hours is a bit easier than the other days, in which the trekkers slowly descend from the high altitude and also take in all the beautiful views in this distance and capture the beautiful views of Mount Kailash in their memory. This is the last day of Mount Kailash outer kora, from here travelers will drive back to their return destination easily.
Inner Kora
Compared to the Outer Kora of the Kailash Yatra, this Inner Kora is famous as well as difficult. For the Kailash Inner Kora, the pilgrims are advised to be accompanied by an experienced guide. The distance of the Kailash Inner Kora is about 34 kilometers and includes Asthapath, Atmalingam, Nandi Parbat, Saptarishi Chave and Serlung Gompa. Despite being difficult, this program of the Kailash Parbat Yatra is very popular for the pilgrims who want to enjoy the proximity of Kailash and get spiritual satisfaction. Due to geographical difficulties, this route is rarely used, although it is a source of attraction for millions of pilgrims. This route is done with the aim of identifying and observing the inner parts around Mount Kailash from a close distance and for pilgrims of religious faith to gain unlimited dharma by touching Mount Kailash.
Itinerary of Kailash Inner Kora
Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk – 18 Km
The Inner Kora trek starts from Darchen, which is considered the base camp of Mount Kailash. This trek is a long one, covering a distance of about 18 kilometers and taking 6 to 7 hours.
Day 2: Dirapuk - Charan Sparsa –Dirapuk -07 Km
The foot-touching path from Darchen takes the pilgrim to the foot of Mount Kailash where the pilgrims can touch Mount Kailash and experience the closeness of Lord Shiva. This path is connected to the outer kora of Mount Kailash.
Day 3: Dirapuk- Zuthulpuk via Dolma la pass (5,630m)
Today is the most challenging day for the trekkers, taking the trekkers to an altitude of 5,630 meters where they cross a high-altitude pass called Dolma La Pass. The inner reaches of this region take you to the famous Zuthulpuk Monastery and Dirapuk Monastery and the trekkers can experience the spiritual waves of a lifetime through the sacred Kailash Mountain and its divine aura.
Day 4: Zuthulpuk to Darchen
On the four days of the Inner Kora, pilgrims return from Juthulpuk to Darchen, where they experience breathtaking natural beauty as they descend from the higher ground and also experience deep religious reflection, and this ends the Inner Kora.
Day 5: Darchen to inner Kora to Darchen
From Darchen, the pilgrims drive 7 kilometers to reach Serlung Monastery. After that, they visit the ancient and religious sites around Mount Kailash - Serlung Monastery, Asthapatha, Nandi Kora, Saptarishi Chave, and Atmalingam, and then return to Darchen.
Essential Health Tips for Kailash Trip
Among the various religious pilgrimage destinations worldwide, the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage in the Tibet province of China is a special destination. Thousands of pilgrims with different religious values and beliefs come to this holy and mystical place to gain religious benefits.
Everyone except a very few people likes to travel, but depending on the location, the terrain, and the weather, the physical and mental strength required for the journey also varies.
Mount Kailash is a region spread over the harsh terrain of Tibet. It is extremely cold most of the year, although people come to visit this region to take necessary precautions considering their physical condition.
Since this area is located at a high altitude, travelers must have high health awareness for their visit here. Travelers should consider the anticipated health problems that may arise during the trip and make necessary preparations before traveling.
We are going to discuss the essential health tips required for travel, which will help all travelers to prepare thoroughly before the trip.
Physical fitness is of utmost importance for the pilgrims on the Kailash Kora. Pilgrims must be healthy and fit for the Kora performed on the highest terrain of the Kailash. To keep your body fit, it is highly recommended to do cardio exercises such as walking, running, cycling, jogging, and swimming for at least 3 to 6 months in advance.
Kailash Tour 2025
For the Kailash Yatra 2025/26, many of the rules and regulations are the same this year as well. The main route for the journey is the Kerung route, which goes through Nepal, and there is also another route to Taklakot, in which the Kerung route is easy and popular. The journey to Kailash Manasarovar from Nepal can be done in different ways and according to different plans, in which tour companies licensed by the government can organize different travel programs based on the needs of the customer and the necessary rules and regulations. Under the different travel programs, the overland tour via the Kerung border, helicopter trips from Kathmandu, or trips from Nepalgunj to Simikot to Taklakot are popular.
There are various programs that can be done from Nepal, however, as another option, you can fly directly from Nepal via Lhasa, or you can also fly directly from China to Lhasa and then to the Kailash region. Depending on the flight conditions, you can do these various trips according to a specific time and date.
Tibet Travel Permit and Visa Requirement for 2025
Since Tibet is a part of China, all travelers need to obtain the necessary permits and visas as per the regulations there to enter the place. To enter this beautiful region, a registered company in Tibet needs to arrange the necessary documents and obtain the necessary permits and other necessary permits from the Tibet Tourism Office, and for travelers passing through Nepal, a visa has to be obtained from Kathmandu. Travelers who want to enter Tibet must first confirm their trip with the tour company at least 20 to 25 days before the travel date and provide a copy of their passport, where the tour company starts the process of issuing the necessary permits. When the permit is issued, we will proceed with the process of issuing the visa. For the Tibet Group Visa, we also need your original passport, which we will collect after your arrival and issue the visa within 3 to 4 days and proceed with the trip.
According to the new policy of the Chinese Embassy, citizens of some countries in the world do not need a visa to enter China. However, citizens of countries that require a visa should work on the basis of prior preparation and necessary information as advised by the relevant tour company, which will help you complete your trip reliably and without any hassle and there will be no complaints later.
Travelers who require a visa and wish to travel from mainland China must obtain a visa from their respective countries in advance and provide it to us along with a clear passport copy, once the Tibet Travel Permit is issued, they can travel through mainland China.
Documents required for Kailash Tour 2025
The first and foremost thing required for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is the traveler's passport which should be valid for more than 6 months from the date of travel. If the passport has an expiry date of less than 6 months, a visa cannot be issued for that passport.
The traveler must hand over his/her original passport to us after arrival in Nepal along with the personal details required for issuing the traveler's visa and a clear photograph of himself/herself. The photograph should show the person's facial expressions stably, without smiling, not wearing glasses, and not showing any other unnecessary expressions.
The traveler must hand over his original passport to us after arriving in Nepal and along with that, he must provide the personal details required for issuing the traveler's visa and a clear photo of himself. The photo should show the person's facial expression in a stable manner, without smiling, not wearing glasses or other unnecessary gestures.
Since the embassy reserves the right to grant or deny the traveler's visa, it is very rare for the embassy to call us for other necessary information after we apply for the visa, although if the embassy calls the person, the traveler must be present in person.
Entry to Tibet for Indian citizens
If there is any country other than China that comes to the fore in the Kailash Yatra, it is India. Thousands of pilgrims from India used to come to visit Kailash every year and this continued till 2020 after the Covid-19 pandemic 2020, the route to Kailash has been closed for Indian citizens, that is, permits have been stopped for entering Kailash, although permits are being given to Indian citizens for other areas except Kailash in Tibet.
Although various media outlets have talked about opening Kailash permits for Indian citizens, no information has been released by the relevant authorities in Tibet so far.
Various Kailash Yatra/Tour programs
Tour companies offer various programs for the Kailash Mansarovar trek according to the needs of the customers, including different types of programs for those who want to join small groups, large groups, and private groups are popular. The shortest Kailash Yatra program is up to 9 days, which depends on the entry and exit point of Tibet. Kailash Yatra tours from Kathmandu include a Mount Kailash Fixed Departure Tour (Group Joining tour), a 9-day helicopter tour, a 14/15-day Kailash overland tour, a 15-day Lhasa and Kailash tour, a tour via the Everest Base Camp, and group joining tours from Kathmandu. In the helicopter tour for Kailash Yatra, the helicopter only reaches the border of Nepal and Tibet, which can be used when going to and from Tibet. Helicopter travel is not possible in Tibetan territory.