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Beyond the standard path lies the "Inner Circle." A journey for the most dedicated pilgrims to the very heart of the Diamond Mountain.
13 Outer
Circuits Required
22 km
Inner Distance
5,860m
Altitude
Extreme
Difficulty
While thousands complete the 52km Outer Kora (Parikrama) each year, very few attempt the Inner Kora. This sacred path brings the devotee to the base of the South Face of Mount Kailash—the face associated with the Lapis Lazuli color and the element of Earth.
The Inner Kora is not a mere trek; it is a profound spiritual initiation. It involves visiting the "Face of the Bull" (Nandi Parvat) and the sacred "Eight Steps" (Astapad). It is physically grueling, often involving steep climbs over loose scree and ice, but the spiritual reward is considered incomparable.
Get within "touching distance" of the sacred South Face, known as the "Face of Lapis Lazuli."
Experience true wilderness trekking with minimal crowds and challenging high passes.
Complete the most advanced circuit in the Kailash pilgrimage tradition.
Visit the sacred confluence of rivers at the base of the mountain.
The place where the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, attained Nirvana. Offers the most majestic view of the South Face of Kailash.
A massive rock formation resembling Shivas bull, Nandi. Pilgrims perform a circuit around Nandi to reach the very base of Kailash.
A naturally formed ice lingam and ancient meditation caves where great sages are said to have meditated for centuries.
• The Inner Kora reaches altitudes above 5,800m. Excellent health is mandatory.
• Permits are extremely difficult to obtain and are often denied at the last minute by military authorities.
• We only recommend this for pilgrims who have previous high-altitude trekking experience.
Inner Kora expeditions are only operated for small, private groups with expert Sherpas. Speak to us about organizing your advanced pilgrimage.