Kailash Inner Kora Tour

Your Arrival Time (?) Our office representative will meet and greet you at Kathmandu Airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Note: Make sure that the arrival day is Sunday, so the next day we can apply for your visa immediately.

At. 06:00 PM: We will meet for a trip briefing about your tour programme. If you are arriving late (after 04:00 PM), then we will have a briefing next morning. You can ask all your trip related questions during the briefing meeting.

At. 09:30 AM: After your breakfast, you may need to visit the Chinese Embassy to apply for your visa to Tibet. Most of the time, the visit isn't required, but if needed, we will arrange a visit. Later, you will go for a full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu.

Firstly, you will start with Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. You will wander through the maze of the temple, surrounded by small shrines, each with its own religious significance. Then, you will drive towards Jal Narayan Temple. Take your time to appreciate the intricate details of the reclining statue of Lord Vishnu, its size, and the open air settings. You can have your lunch in between the sightseeing, according to your timing and nearby places of interest. Your final destination today will be Patan Durbar Square, one of the three Durbar squares, where you will travel through the historical lane.

At. 04:00 PM: Once your sightseeing is complete, we will drop you off at your hotel. In the evening, you can go shopping around Thamel, a tourist market in Kathmandu.

Optional Activity: You can also take part in the thrilling Everest Mountain Flight. It is a sightseeing adventure flight that departs at 06:30 AM from Kathmandu airport to Kathmandu airport, a 1 hour flight that takes you to the stunning aerial view of Mt. Everest (8848 m) and several other mountains such as Lhotse (8516 m), Kanchenjunga (8586 m), Shishapangma (8027 m), Nuptse (7881 m), Ganesh (7422 m), and Chamlang (7319 m).

Pashupatinath Temple is the largest and holiest shrine for Hindus, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple, situated on the bank of the Bagmati River, was built in the 5th century. It is represented by a four faced Shiva-lingam housed in the main temple. There are around 492 temples, 15 Shivalayas (shrines of Lord Shiva), and 12 Jyotirlingas (phallic shrines) to explore. Although only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed on the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. A centre for Hindu pilgrimage, this temple hosts different major festivals such as Maha Shivaratri and pujas such as Rudra Abhishek and evening Aarti. Additionally, no entrance fee is charged for Indian nationals to enter the temple.

The Jal Narayan Temple, also known as Budhanilkantha Temple, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is around 8 KM north of Kathmandu at the base of Shivapuri Hill. The temple is famous for its large, reclining statue of Lord Vishnu resting on a bed of stone serpents in a pool of water. The temple is religiously significant for both Hindus and Buddhists. Unlike other Hindu temples, Budhanilkantha is an open-air shrine offering a unique and serene atmosphere.

Patan Durbar Square, one of the three durbar squares in Kathmandu Valley, is 6 KM southeast of Kathmandu. The square is an important example of Newari architecture, surrounded by prominent temples, palaces, courtyards, and statues. The Keshav Narayan Temple, which was built in the 17th century and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, is a masterpiece of pagoda architecture. The temple is known for its nine roofed pagodas and its richly decorated interior. Other notable key attractions on the square are the Krishna Temple, the Taleju Temple, the Bhimsen Temple, and the Patan Museum.

At. 09:00 AM: Have your breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, you will visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square for sightseeing, which is at a distance of 16 KM from Kathmandu and takes around 45 minutes to reach.

Explore around the square and appreciate the unique historical and cultural heritage of the square. You will have various restaurants suitable for you to have your lunch at. You can have your lunch around the square, which provides a variety of restaurants and eateries with authentic Newari cuisines and other national/continental cuisines catering to your needs.

Optional Activity: You can also participate in pottery activities in the pottery square of Bhaktapur. Here, local shops let you create your own pottery items and take them home at a cheap price. Involving yourself in this activity will be a unique experience for you.

Next, you will visit the Kailashnath Shiva Statue (the second tallest Mahadev Statue), which is about 8 KM from Bhaktapur and offers a breathtaking view of Kathmandu Valley with a leisurely stroll through the well maintained garden surrounding the statue. Then, you will visit Doleshwor Mahadev, which is at a distance of 7.5 KM from Kailashnath. There, you can witness the spiritual aura of the temple and, if you wish, participate in the Hindu worship rituals. Once your sightseeing is complete, drive to Kathmandu at your hotel for the night stay.

Bhaktapur, also known as Khwopa, is approximately 13 KM east of Kathmandu. The major highlights of Bhaktapur Durbar Square include Nyatapola Temple, 55-Window Palace, Golden Temple, and Dattatreya Temple, demonstrating the artistic and architectural talent of the Malla era. The Pokharis, such as Siddha Pokhari, Napukhu, and Kamalpokhari, add charm to this site. Moreover, it is famous for its pottery and handicrafts, and the surrounding area of the durbar soiree is dotted with local shops selling traditional pottery, wood carvings, and handicrafts.

Kailashnath Mahadev Statue is the tallest statue of Lord Shiva and is located in Sanga, 20 KM from Kathmandu. The statue is 144 feet (44 m) in height and was made using copper, zinc, concrete, and steel. The statue depicts Lord Shiva in a standing posture, holding a trishul and damaru in his hands.

Doleshwor Mahadev is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the south eastern part of Bhaktapur district, which is also believed to be the head part of Kedarnath, located in Uttarakhand, India.

At. 09:00 AM: After breakfast, you will have a full day to rest in Kathmandu. Today, you can use your whole day to prepare for tomorrow's journey. You can visit nearby markets, such as Thamel, to buy any needed stuff for your trip. 

Note: This day can be used as a buffer day, as some time there might be a holiday at the embassy to apply for your visa, so you can also use the previous day to apply for a visa and collect the passport today. If things go well and early, we can start driving towards the Tibet border today too. In such a situation, you can rest for one night after completing the trip in Kathmandu.

At. 08:00 PM: After breakfast, check out of the hotel. You will start your drive towards Dhunche (124 km/5 hrs) or Syabrubesi (137 km/6 hrs) or Timure (148 km/7 hours), where you can spend the night depending on how long it takes to get there. On the way to Trishuli bazar, you will stop for lunch at a highway restaurant before continuing your journey. The entire ride takes you along the Trishuli River, which offers stunning scenery.

At. 08:00 AM: After breakfast, first we need to complete the immigration process (the departure stamp) at the Nepal side in Timure, which is 28 km from Dhunche and 19 km from Syabrubesi. Then you will walk towards Rasuwagadhi (Nepal-China Border), which is about 1.7 KM from Timure. You need to settle some customs formalities in Nepal before crossing the border into China, where our Tibetan guide will meet you. The guide will assist you to complete the immigration formalities in Tibet. Once the Chinese immigration process is over, start driving towards Kyirong. Kyirong is 40 KM from the border and takes around one and a half hours to reach. You will stay the night at the hotel in Kyirong.

At. 01:00 PM: After lunch, today you will drive 155 KM from Kyirong to Saga, which will take around 3-4 hours. En route, you will have the opportunity to go to Ganesh Parbat and Lake Peiku Tso, then eventually cross the bridge built over the River Brahmaputra (also called Yarlung Tsangpo in Chinese) in Saga. You will stay the night at the hotel in Saga.

Note: You will start late to get more time to acclimatise at Kyirong, as gaining a huge elevation at once could be risky. Saga is at an elevation of 4500 m, and people need a night stay to acclimatise, so it won’t cause any bigger issues while going to higher elevations.

At. 08:00 AM: Enjoy a delicious morning breakfast, and today you will drive to the holy and beautiful Lake Mansarovar (4650 m). The distance from Saga to Mansarovar is about 450 KM and will take you around 6 to 7 hours. Once you arrive at Mansarovar, you will take a rest at the guest house. After a while, you will be taken for a Kora of Mansarovar Lake in a vehicle. It is an auspicious day, as you will see the first glimpse of holy Kailash from sacred Lake Mansarovar and also a glimpse of Rakshas Taal on you way. You can also take a holy bath on the bank of Lake Mansarovar. You will stay the night at the guesthouse in Mansarovar.

Lake Mansarovar, also known as Mapam Yumtso in Tibetan, is one of the world’s highest altitude freshwater lakes and is located at an elevation of 4650 m. It is revered as a holy site of purity, attracting Hindu pilgrims across the world. It is revered as a sacred lake in Hinduism, Buddhism, Bon and Jainism. According to Hindu mythology, bathing in the lake can cleanse one's sins and bring good luck.

Rakshas Tal, which translates to demon lake, is another lake on the way to Kailash, side by side with Mansarovar Lake. The name Rakshastal translates to "Lake of the Rakshasas" in Sanskrit, referring to the demon-like creatures in Hindu mythology. The lake is associated with the demon king Ravana from the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to legend, Ravana performed penance here to appease Lord Shiva.

Today you can perform Puja/Havan at the shore of Lake Manasarovar. After lunch, you will drive to Darchen, which is 35 KM from Mansarovar and takes around 1 hour to drive. After reaching Darchen, you can rest your bags and relax. You can stroll around the small market in Darchen town in the late afternoon. You will stay the night at the hotel in Darchen.

Note: Taking a dip in Mansarovar is restricted. However, you can take water from Mansarovar in a bucket and bathe with it.

Darchen is a small village/town located at an altitude of 4700 m, which is a significant gateway to Kailash Yatra. It is the starting and ending point for the pilgrimage circumambulation (Kora) around Mount Kailash. The village itself is a small but important hub for pilgrims and travellers visiting the region. The vibrant market in this town hosts various restaurants serving basic Tibetan fare, hotels and guesthouses for accommodation, and shops selling supplies for the trek.

Starting early in the morning after breakfast, you will drive to visit Ashtapad, located at an altitude of 4,900 metres, known for its spiritual significance and breathtaking view of the south face of Mount Kailash. The vehicle will drive you up to Serlung Gompa, which takes around 45 minutes, and you will have to walk from there to explore the area. Once you finish the exploration in Ashtapad, you will trek towards the Saptarishi Cave, where the seven sages are believed to have meditated. It will take about 3-4 hours of trekking to reach there. You will also find 13 Golden Chortens right outside the cave, which hold great spiritual significance. The way to the cave and the 13 chortens is considered very difficult, as you will have to climb with the help of rope on steep, small stairs. After you finish your exploration, you will trek back to Serlung Gompa and then drive back to Darchen for your night stay. 

Ashtapad, meaning "eight steps,” is a significant spiritual site located at an altitude of about 4900m near Mount Kailash. It holds immense importance in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. According to legends, Ashtapad is believed to be the place where the first Tirthankara of Jainism, Rishabhdev, attained enlightenment. The site offers breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Kailash, and many pilgrims undertake the trek to Ashtapad as part of their spiritual journey.

The Saptarishi Cave, located near Ashtapad, is another sacred site that attracts many pilgrims. The cave is believed to be the meditation retreat for the seven sages, known as the Saptarishis, who are revered figures in Hindu mythology. According to tradition, these sages meditated here to attain spiritual enlightenment and connect with the divine.

The 13 Golden Chortens are a set of remarkable stupas serving as a significant landmark for pilgrims making their way for inner parikrama. Each chorten is said to represent a different aspect of Buddhist teachings and symbolises the path to enlightenment. The golden colour of the chortens reflects the divine nature of the teachings and serves as a reminder of the spiritual journey undertaken by those who visit. These chortens are not only architecturally beautiful but also hold deep cultural and religious significance.

At. 07:00 AM: After having your breakfast, drive towards Yama Dwar (Tarboche), which is the starting point of Kailash Parikrama. Passing through the gate of Yamadwar is believed to remove your evil deed from the book of judgement, and you will get a place in heaven.

Your next stop today will be at Deruphuk, which will be about 10-12 KM from Yamadwar. It is one of the most exciting days of this yatra. On that way, you will be able to see the west face of Mount Kailash. You will walk along the beautiful rocky cliffs and waterfalls with some clouds in the clear blue sky, which makes you feel the presence of Lord Shiva with tonnes of blessings. As you walk on and reach Darchen, you will be able to see the north face of Kailash Parbat. You will stay the night at the guesthouse in Derapuk. 

Note: If you are not doing Parikrama, then you will be waiting at Darchen till the group returns from Parikrama, with arrangements for accommodation and meals. 

Yama Dwar, also known as Tarboche in Tibetan, is a gateway located near Mount Kailash. It literally translates to "Gateway of Death," as "Yam" refers to Yama, the Hindu God of Death, and "Dwar" means gate. It is considered an auspicious place and the main starting point for the spiritual circumambulation (parikrama) around Mount Kailash. Passing through the Yam Dwar signifies leaving behind worldly attachments and joining on a journey of spiritual purification.

At. 07:30 AM: Start your day by having breakfast at the guest house prepared by your kitchen team. Today you will participate in a day Yatra from Derapuk for Charan Sparsh. The total distance you will cover today is around 7-8 KM. You will have to walk for 3 to 4 hours to touch the feet of Mount Kailash, which is known as Charan Sparsh. The north face of Mount Kailash can be seen during this journey. You will feel as if you have been blessed by Lord Shiva by actually touching the base of Mount Kailash. Once you have touched the holy mountain and received blessings, you will return to Derapuk, which takes around 1 and a half hours to 2 hours. You will stay at the guesthouse in Derapuk.

Charan Sparsh, or the act of touching the feet of revered figures, takes on profound significance during the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash. For many devotees, Mount Kailash is not only a physical destination but also a spiritual epicentre, representing the abode of Lord Shiva. Engaging in Charan Sparsh at this sacred site embodies a deep expression of devotion, humility, and reverence for the divine. Pilgrims often bow down and touch the ground or rocks at these holy sites, symbolising their surrender to the divine and their desire to receive blessings. This act signifies their humility and recognition of the greatness of Lord Shiva, who is believed to reside on Mount Kailash.

Have your breakfast in the guest house and start your trek towards Zuthulpuk. It is the actual route for inner Kora, which covers around 15 to 16 KM and will take around 8–9 hours of trekking. Starting from Derapuk, you will pass via Sanglam La Pass, which is at an altitude of 5680 m. From this route, you will be able to witness the east face of Mount Kailash. Following the trail, you will reach Zuthulpuk, where you will stay for your night stay. 

Note: If the route is not allowed to travel, then we will go to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La Pass, following the outer Kora.

At. 07:00 AM: Today you will walk about 8 KM and drive towards today's final destination, Saga. Have your breakfast and go to the ending point near Darchen, where you will meet our vehicle and drive to Darchen, merge with the group who didn’t go for parikrama, and then drive towards Saga together. The driving distance will be around 480 KM and take about 8–9 hours. As it will be a long drive today, once you reach the hotel, check-in and rest. You will stay the night at the hotel in Darchen.

At. 09:00 AM: Enjoy your breakfast early in the morning. Today, you will return to Kyirong following the same route back, which will cover around 155 KM and takes about 2-3 hours. As you will reach there in the afternoon, you can take a rest or walk around the town and refresh yourself. You will stay the night at the hotel in Kyirong.

At. 07:00 AM: Enjoy your breakfast early in the morning. Today, you will return back to Kathmandu. To reach the border, you will need approximately 1 hour of driving, covering 40 KM. Then, after completing the immigration formalities at both sides, start driving towards Kathmandu. The distance is the same 130 KM and takes 5-6 hours. Once you reach Kathmandu, you can check in and rest. As today is the last day here, in the evening, you can shop around the local market, Thamel.

Note: Heli transfer can be kept as an option for return; however, it depends on the weather condition. So, drive is provided here as a certain and reliable option.

As you enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel, the time to go back is already here. You can have some time of your own or add some additional activities until your flight time. Our company representative will escort you to the Kathmandu airport 3 hours before your flight. We hope you have enjoyed the holy tour and will be back for another tour in Nepal. Have a safe journey back! It will be our pleasure to be part of your journey if you want to extend your stay in Nepal.