Mount Kailash: Sacred Peak In Tibet

Outer Kora

The Outer Kora usually takes 3 days to complete. It covers about 52 km and includes crossing the high Dolma La Pass (5,650 meters).

Day 1:

Darchen to Tarboche: 7 km drive by bus

Tarboche to Dira Puk: 13 km hike (5–6 hours)

Day 2:

Dira Puk to Zuthul Puk (via Dolma La Pass): 18 km hike (9–10 hours)

This is the most difficult day.

Day 3:

Zuthul Puk to Darchen: 14 km hike (5–6 hours)

Inner Kora (Asthapad & Nandi Parbat)

The Inner Kora usually takes 2 days to complete. It covers approximately 34 km and is more challenging and recommended only for experienced and physically fit trekkers.

The Inner Kora has been officially prohibited since 2014. Some people attempt it illegally, which is not recommended.

Inner Kora: Dira Puk to Touch Kailash (Charan Sparsh)

The Charan Sparsh (Touch Kailash) trek is usually done as a single-day hike from Dira Puk. It covers approximately 8 km, and the route is steep and physically demanding.

From early 2025, the Charan Sparsh hike is officially prohibited. Visitors can now walk only up to the viewpoint, which is approximately 2 km from Dira Puk.

We cannot bathe directly in Lake Mansarovar, as the main lake area is considered sacred. However, there are designated bathing spots around the lake where pilgrims and visitors can perform ritual baths. You can also fill a bucket with lake water and take a bath at these areas. 

Yes, pilgrims and travelers can perform Puja (ritual worship) during the Lake Mansarovar Yatra. Performing Puja at Lake Mansarovar is considered highly auspicious and spiritually enriching, making it a key part of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage Tour. 

Please ensure that all offerings, materials, and waste are removed after the ritual.

Yes, you can hire a personal porter or a horse for the Kailash Kora trek to make your journey easier.

Horse rental: Around US$450–500 for 3 days

Personal porter: Around US$150–180 for 3 days

You can ask your guide to arrange a porter or a horse upon arrival at Darchen

The temperature near Mount Kailash changes depending on the month:

May: -5°C at night and up to 9°C during the day

June: -2°C at night and up to 13°C during the day

July: 1°C at night and up to 14°C during the day

August: 1°C at night and up to 13°C during the day

September: -2°C at night and up to 10°C during the day

October: -10°C at night and up to 4°C during the day

Rainfall in Kailash Region

Rain is possible, especially during the monsoon months of July and August, but it is usually light.

Snow During Kailash Kora

Snow is possible, especially at Dolma La Pass (5,650 meters), the highest point of the Kailash Kora. Even in summer, you may need to walk on snow if there has been recent snowfall. Trail conditions depend on the weather at the time of your visit.

The human body can adjust to moderate hypoxia at altitudes up to approximately 5,200 m (≤17,000 ft) but requires time to do so. On the Kailash Tour, you may reach heights of up to 5,650 meters. At these altitudes, altitude sickness is possible. While it cannot be completely avoided, you can lower the risk by following a proper acclimatization schedule, staying well-hydrated, and eating nutritious meals.

To prevent or treat altitude sickness, doctors may prescribe acetazolamide (Diamox). 

• Prevention (AMS Prevention Dose): Take 125 mg every 12 hours for 3 days. This helps your body adjust to high altitude.
• Treatment (AMS Treatment Dose): Take 250 mg every 12 hours until your body adapts or you descend to a lower altitude and feel better.

Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication. Proper medical guidance is essential when using these medications.

The Kailash Tour is best suited for physically fit travelers, as it involves walking at high-altitude mountain passes during the Kailash Kora. We recommend joining the tour only if you are in good health.

There is no strict age limit for international tourists. However, travelers under 18 or over 70 may need to provide a health declaration letter if requested by the Tibet Travel Bureau.

Food options during the Mount Kailash tour vary depending on location and accommodation:

Drinks: Bottled water, milk tea, black tea, green tea, and boiled water are available for purchase at most hotels and tea house lodges.
Coffee and fresh fruits can be found in major towns and hubs.

Meals in Hotels: Most standard hotels serve Tibetan, Chinese, and simple continental dishes. Common options include noodles, fried rice, soups, vegetables, and eggs.

Meals in Lodges / Local Restaurants: Similar dishes are available along the route, but options are basic.

Snacks to Carry: It is recommended to bring cookies, chips, energy/protein bars, calorie gels, and dried fruits for trekking days.

Restrictions: You cannot carry fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, milk products, or cheese when entering Tibet/China.

On the highway: Public toilets are available near scenic spots. You can also ask your guide to stop at village restaurants with restroom facilities.

Hotels: Standard hotels usually have attached bathrooms.

Tea Houses and Lodges: At places like Manasarovar, Dira Puk, and Zhutul Puk, toilets are common pit-hole squat types located outside the main building.

While on the kora or during long drives, you may need to use the outdoors as a toilet in case of emergencies.

Electricity can be limited in remote areas such as Simikot, Hilsa, and Mansarovar, as well as along the Kora route at Dira Puk & Zhutul Puk.

Charging ports are limited, so it’s advisable to carry a good power bank to keep your devices charged. Extra batteries for your camera & head touch to go to the bathroom at night.

Power is usually cut off after 10 PM, leaving only minimal electricity for emergencies.

Most hotels and guest houses on the Kailash Manasarovar Tour offer WiFi, but it may be limited in remote or trekking areas due to heavy usage. To stay connected, it is recommended to buy a local SIM card at Kyirong or Lhasa with a data plan. 

International calls are not possible with a tourist SIM.

In Tibet, sites like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Gmail are blocked, and a VPN is required to use them.

The official currency in Tibet is the Chinese Yuan (Renminbi / CNY).

You can exchange Chinese Yuan in Nepal at authorized banks or money exchange counters before starting your journey. In Tibet, currency exchange is available in Kyirong Town and Lhasa, or you can withdraw money from ATMs.

The current approximate exchange rate for 1 USD is CNY 6.9 (Feb 2026).

Travelers often ask, “Can I extend my Kailash & Mansarovar Tour to Lhasa or Everest Base Camp (EBC)?” The answer is no. All group visas and permits for the Kailash & Mansarovar Tour are issued for a specific route and fixed trip duration, and travelers are required to exit Tibet on the scheduled date.

Overstaying, extensions, or route changes during the tour are prohibited in Tibet. 

You must decide your trip duration and route before applying for Tibet permits.