Mount Kailash, rising to approximately 6,638 metres (21,778 feet), stands in the remote Tibetan Himalaya and is revered as one of the world's most sacred mountains.
For centuries, Kailash has held profound significance across Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon traditions.
For Hindu pilgrims, Mount Kailash is traditionally regarded as the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In Buddhist tradition, the mountain is associated with Kang Rinpoche and sacred Buddhist cosmology. Jain tradition connects the region with Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara, while the Bon tradition also regards the mountain as a sacred centre.
Nearby Lake Mansarovar is one of the most revered lakes in the Himalayan region and forms an important part of the pilgrimage. The journey culminates in the Kailash Parikrama (Kora) — the sacred circumambulation of Mount Kailash.
For many pilgrims, this is not simply a journey across the Himalayas. It is a journey of faith, discipline, reflection and devotion.
The Kailash Kora
The Kailash Kora is the circumambulation of Mount Kailash and is approximately 52 km, depending on the route and measurement used.
The traditional pilgrimage is generally completed over three days.
The Kora begins and ends in Darchen, the principal gateway to the Kailash pilgrimage.
Key points along the Kora include:
|
Sershung |
Yamadwar |
Lha Chu Valley |
|
Dirapuk |
North Face of Mount Kailash |
Dolma La |
|
Gauri Kund |
Zuthulpuk |
Darchen |
The Kora involves high altitude, steep sections and challenging terrain. Pilgrims should be prepared for long walking days and rapidly changing mountain conditions.
SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS
Circumambulation
Pilgrims traditionally complete the Kora in a clockwise direction, offering prayers and reciting mantras according to their individual faith and tradition.
Prostration
Some pilgrims undertake the Kora through repeated full-body prostrations as an expression of deep devotion. This is an extremely demanding practice and requires substantial physical endurance.
Prayer and Offerings
Pilgrims may pray, meditate and make appropriate offerings at designated locations, always respecting local customs and regulations.
The Kora is both a physical journey and a deeply personal spiritual experience.
Trip Features:
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Total Duration : 12 Nights / 13 Days
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Route: Kathmandu – Kodari – Nyalam – Saga/New Dongba – Mansarovar – Darchen – Kailash Kora – Kathmandu
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Journey Style: Overland Pilgrimage
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Kailash Kora: Approximately 3 days
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Trek Grading : Moderate to Strenuous
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Best Seasons : May to October
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Journey Starts/Ends : In Kathmandu, Nepal
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Accommodation: Hotels, guesthouses and locally available accommodation
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Meal: Vegetarian
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Group Support: Tibetan guide, tour coordinator and experienced Himalayan support team
Tour Highlights:
Sacred Darshan
Experience the sacred landscapes of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
Three-Day Kailash Kora
Undertake the traditional circumambulation of Mount Kailash, subject to individual ability and prevailing conditions.
Lake Mansarovar
Spend time beside one of the Himalaya's most revered sacred lakes.
Dolma La
Cross the highest point of the Kora at approximately 5,640 m, subject to route conditions and local measurements.
Gauri Kund
Witness the sacred high-altitude lake associated with the Kailash pilgrimage.
Himalayan Landscapes
Travel across the vast Tibetan Plateau, with views of high-altitude lakes, mountain ranges and remote valleys.
Kathmandu Spiritual Heritage
Visit important pilgrimage sites including Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Jal Narayan and Shakti Peeth.
Experienced Leadership
Travel with an experienced Shivalaya coordination and Himalayan support team.
Note
Tour itinerary may change based on weather, health conditions of yatris, and restrictions imposed by Chinese authorities. Shivalaya Tours will make all efforts to maintain the tour schedule and complete all important aspects of the Yatra.
BY OVERLAND YATRA - 2026
|
MONTHS |
FULL MOON DATE |
DATES |
|
APRIL |
21 |
15 |
|
MAY |
20 |
10, 14*, 17, 24, 31 |
|
JUNE |
18 |
7, 12*, 21, 28 |
|
JULY |
18 |
5, 12*, 19, 26 |
|
AUGUST |
17 |
2, 9, 11*, 16, 23, 30 |
|
SEPTEMBER |
16 |
6, 10*, 20, 27 |
|
OCTOBER |
15 |
4, 9* |
Note:
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The above dates indicate departure from India and arrival in Kathmandu.
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For helicopter tours, the mentioned dates represent arrival in Kathmandu. If arriving via Lucknow, your arrival will be one day later than the dates listed above.
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Departure dates are scheduled to coincide with the Full Moon at Lake Manasarovar.
Your package includes the following services:
Permits & Documentation
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Kailash-related permits
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Group visa arrangements as applicable
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Chinese visa fee, where included under the confirmed programme
Accommodation
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Kathmandu hotel accommodation
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9 nights of accommodation in Tibet at the best available hotels/guesthouses according to the itinerary and local availability
Transportation
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Airport transfers in Kathmandu
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Overland transportation as per itinerary
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Local transportation required for the pilgrimage programme
Kathmandu Sightseeing
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Pashupatinath
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Boudhanath
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Jal Narayan
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Shakti Peeth
Meals
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Vegetarian meals throughout the programme as specified in the itinerary
Trekking & Field Support
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Tibetan/local guide
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Tour coordinator
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Experienced Himalayan support team
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Trekking support arrangements
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Yak and yak handlers for designated trekking equipment, subject to local availability and regulations
Equipment & Group Support
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Complimentary duffel bag
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Daypack
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Down jacket on a return basis
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Group oxygen support
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Camping and kitchen equipment where required
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Supporting vehicle/truck for designated luggage, food and equipment
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Entrance fees as applicable
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Applicable taxes and service charges
What's not included
The following are not included unless specifically stated in the confirmed quotation:
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Emergency evacuation
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Medical treatment
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Personal travel insurance
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Pony/porter for personal use during the Kailash Kora
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Personal expenses
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Laundry
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Telephone and internet charges
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Beverages and personal drinks
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Tips and gratuities
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Additional accommodation caused by delays or itinerary changes
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Costs resulting from natural disasters, landslides, floods or other force-majeure circumstances
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Flight costs to and from Kathmandu
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Any service not specifically listed under Inclusions
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Your policy should be checked carefully for coverage relating to:
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High-altitude travel
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Trekking
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Emergency medical treatment
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Emergency evacuation
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Repatriation
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Trip cancellation
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Trip interruption
Pilgrims should confirm that their policy specifically covers the altitude and activities involved in the Kailash itinerary.
Important Travel Information
Kailash Mansarovar is a high-altitude pilgrimage in a remote Himalayan region.
The itinerary may need to be modified because of:
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Weather
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Road conditions
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Border procedures
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Permit availability
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Local regulations
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Government restrictions
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Health conditions of pilgrims
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Altitude-related concerns
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Natural events
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Transportation availability
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Other circumstances beyond the operator's control
Shivalaya Tours will make every reasonable effort to maintain the published itinerary. However, the safety of pilgrims and compliance with applicable regulations take priority over the scheduled programme.
Your Safety Comes First
The Kailash Kora reaches approximately 5,640 m and involves challenging high-altitude walking.
Pilgrims should:
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Obtain appropriate medical advice before travel
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Train adequately before departure
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Follow acclimatization instructions
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Walk at a controlled pace
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Stay hydrated
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Inform the team immediately about concerning symptoms
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Follow instructions from the journey leader and local authorities
No pilgrim should feel pressured to continue if their health or safety is at risk.
Pilgrims should confirm that their policy specifically covers the altitude and activities involved in the Kailash itinerary.
Passport
A clear passport copy should be submitted at least 2 months before the group's planned entry date, or earlier if requested by the operator or authorities.
The original passport should generally have at least 6 months' validity from the date of travel, subject to the applicable entry requirements.
Important
Visa, permit and passport requirements can change. Final documentation requirements must be confirmed before departure.
Payment Policy:
Booking Deposit
INR 25,000 per person at the time of submission of the naming list and passport copy.
Second Payment
50% of the tour cost is due one month before the group's travel date.
Final Payment
The remaining balance is due at least 15 days before arrival in Nepal.
Payment deadlines and amounts should be reconfirmed in the final booking confirmation issued by Shivalaya Tours.
Cancellation Policy
After submission of the group naming list; INR 25,000 per person cancellation charge applies.
Cancellation prior to departure
|
Cancellation Period |
Cancellation Charge |
|
More than 15 days before departure |
30% of tour cost |
|
Within 10 days of departure |
50% of tour cost |
|
Within 7 days of departure |
100% of tour cost |
The final cancellation terms applicable to your booking will be those stated in the signed booking confirmation / invoice.
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