Kailash Yatra with Inner Kora 17 Nights 18 Days

Arrival & Meet: Your spiritual journey begins at Tribhuvan International Airport. Our representative will meet you outside the arrival terminal and transfer you to your hotel. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a vibrant hub of ancient culture and spirituality. The Evening Ritual: After settling in, you will attend a comprehensive Yatra Briefing. This session covers vital information on high-altitude health, trekking safety, and the religious protocols of the Kailash circuit. This is also the time to meet your fellow pilgrims and guides.

The Pilgrimage Begins: Spend the day visiting the most sacred sites in the Kathmandu Valley. Pashupatinath Temple: Witness the sacred rituals along the Bagmati River at this legendary Shiva temple. Boudhanath Stupa: Walk the kora around one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas, surrounded by the sound of prayer wheels. Jala Narayan: Visit the reclining "Sleeping Vishnu," a 5th-century masterpiece carved from a single stone. Kathmandu Durbar Square: Explore the medieval palace complex and the home of the Living Goddess, Kumari. Final Preparation: Use the afternoon to double-check your gear. Ensure you have your thermal layers, broken-in trekking boots, and a sturdy daypack.

The Himalayan Drive: Leave the city early for a 145 km drive toward the border. The route follows winding mountain roads, passing through terraced fields, deep river gorges, and small Nepali villages. Entry to the Mountains: As you reach Kyirung, you'll feel the air cooling and the landscape becoming more rugged. This lower altitude is the perfect first step for your body to begin its long acclimatization process.

The Frontier: Today marks your official entry into Tibet (China). You will spend time completing immigration and custom formalities on both the Nepal and China sides of the border. Deep Tibet: After crossing, a short 35 km drive brings you to Gyirung County. You will notice a dramatic shift in architecture and culture. Stay hydrated and rest well this evening to help your body adjust to the 2,800m elevation.

The Plateau Crossing: A scenic 270 km drive that showcases the vastness of the Tibetan Plateau. You will cross high mountain passes and catch glimpses of the snow-capped Himalayan range to the south. The Brahmaputra: One of the highlights is crossing the legendary Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Tsangpo). By the time you reach Saga, you are in high-altitude territory. Walk slowly and avoid overexertion.

The Rest Strategy: This day is non-negotiable for safety. At 4,400m, your body needs time to produce more red blood cells. Explore: Take a gentle walk through the Saga market. It is a great place to observe the local Tibetan lifestyle or buy any last-minute snacks, dried fruits, or oxygen canisters for the trek ahead.

The Holy Sight: A long 470 km drive through the high-altitude desert landscape. As you approach the holy land, you will see the peak of Mt. Kailash in the distance. The Mind Lake: Reach Lake Mansarovar, the world’s highest body of freshwater. Its turquoise waters are believed to wash away the sins of a lifetime. The serenity of this place, with the Himalayas reflecting in the water, is an unforgettable spiritual experience.

The Sacred Circle: Complete the 102 km circuit (Parikrama) of Lake Mansarovar by vehicle. Many pilgrims choose a spot to perform a holy dip and conduct a Puja or Homa (fire ritual) by the lakeshore. Base Camp: Drive 58 km to Darchen, a small settlement located directly at the foot of Mt. Kailash. This is the staging point for the trek. Finalize your daypack for the kora today.

Yamdwar: Start with a short drive to Yamdwar, the "Gate of Salvation." This is the official starting point of the 52km kora. The West Face: Begin a 12 km trek through the valley. The trail is relatively gradual and follows the Lha Chu river. You will witness the massive West Face of Mt. Kailash before arriving at Diraphuk, which offers a stunning, unobstructed view of the North Face.

Touching the Divine: This is an extra-special day for devout pilgrims. You will trek upward toward the very base of the North Face. The Source: Charansparsh literally means "touching the feet." According to the Bhagawat Purana, the nearby river is the first source of water on Earth. Here, you can meditate in the literal shadow of the mountain and touch the holy rock of Kailash before returning to Diraphuk.

The Inner Path: Today’s trek takes you through Khande Sanglam, a route believed to be where Lord Shiva himself meditates. Sacred Landmarks: The trail offers views of Shivasthali (a symbolic site of death and rebirth), Kuber Kund, and Kuber Parbat. If taking the standard Outer Kora, you would cross the Dolma-La Pass (5,630m). Both paths converge at Zuthulpuk, the site of Milarepa’s "Cave of Miracles."

The Final Miles: A gentle 8 km morning trek marks the final stretch of the kora. The trail levels out as you reach the pickup point. Transition: Rejoin your coach for the drive back to Darchen. After a brief rest and celebration of your trek completion, begin the drive back toward Saga.

Recovery: After the physical exertion of the first kora, this day is for rest. Mental Prep: The Inner Kora (Nandi Kora) scheduled for tomorrow is significantly more difficult and requires maximum energy. Use this day for quiet reflection, hydration, and light stretching.

The Ultimate Test: This is the most challenging day of the journey. A 22 km trek (up to 12 hours) leads you into the Inner Circle of Mt. Kailash. The Inner Sanctum: Visit Sherlung Gompa, Rishi Cave, and Nandi Parvat. You will trek toward Astapad and the Atmalingam, where you find the sacred Red and White lakes. The high pass between Mt. Kailash and Nandi Parvat is extremely steep and requires determination and physical stamina. Descend following the Kailashi Gange river back to Darchen.

The Homeward Journey: A long 450 km drive back across the plateau. With the spiritual weight of two koras behind you, enjoy the vast, open views of the Tibetan landscape one last time.

Descent: Drive 270 km back toward the border. As the altitude drops from 4,400m to 2,800m, you will notice an immediate improvement in your breathing and energy levels. Arrive in Gyirung for your final night in Tibet.

Back to Nepal: Complete your final border formalities and cross back into Nepal. The Final Drive: A 200 km drive brings you back through the lush greenery and bustling villages of Nepal, arriving in Kathmandu by late evening. Enjoy a long-awaited hot shower and the comforts of the city.

Final Blessing: After breakfast, you will be honored with an Appreciation Certificate to commemorate your successful completion of the Kailash Mansarovar and Inner Kora Yatra. Farewell: Transfer to the international airport for your departure flight, carrying home memories of the world's most sacred mountain.