We value honesty. Here are the facts you need to know:
Visa Rule: You must come to Kathmandu 3 days early. We need your fingerprints for the Chinese Visa.
Road Conditions: The road to the border is bumpy. Some parts are under construction.
Food: We bring our own Nepali cooks. You will get hot Indian meals, not Chinese food.
This is the ultimate spiritual challenge. It is much harder than the standard tour. You must complete the Outer Kora first. Then, you go closer to the mountain for the Inner Kora.
You will trek to the base of the South Face. You will perform Nandi Parikrama. If the weather is good, you can touch the mountain (Charan Sparsh). This trip requires high fitness and a strong will.
16 Days
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Moderate
5,630 meters
1-50
Trekking and Tour
Luxurious Homestays
Nepal-China
Peak Year of the Horse pilgrimage dates. Limited permits and accommodation availability.
| Month | Full Moon | KTM Arrival | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | May 31 (Sun) | May 21 | |
| June | June 29 (Mon) | June 19 | |
| July | July 29 (Wed) | July 19 | |
| August | Aug 27 (Thu) | Aug 17 |
For Inner Kora, you need more than the standard list:
Boots: Stiff trekking boots with high ankle support (Mandatory).
Gloves: Heavy-duty gloves for holding rocks/ropes.
Helmet: Lightweight climbing helmet (Recommended for rockfall).
Spikes/Crampons: Micro-spikes for walking on ice near the North Face.
Whistle: For communication in fog.
We meet you at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Trip briefing and equipment check.
Visit the Visa Center for fingerprints. Sightseeing at Pashupatinath and Boudhanath.
Drive 7 hours to the Langtang border region. The road is scenic but bumpy.
Walk across the Friendship Bridge. Clear Chinese customs. Drive to Kerung town.
Rest day. Short hike to a local hill to prepare for high altitude.
Long drive across the plateau. View of Brahmaputra River and Shishapangma peak.
First view of Mount Kailash. Perform Puja and dip in the lake.
Short drive to the base camp. Final preparation for the trek.
Trek 12 km. Easy walking. Night view of the North Face.
Cross the highest pass. Steep climb and descent. Sleep at Zuthulpuk.
Short trek back to Darchen. We do not drive back yet. We stay in Darchen to rest. The guide checks your fitness for tomorrow.
We start at 5 AM. Hike past Serlung Monastery. Climb the steep Nandi ridge. Visit the Saptarishi Caves (Atmalingam). This is a technical walk with loose rocks. Return to Darchen.
If weather permits, we hike up the North Face valley to the glacier. You can touch the vertical rock of Kailash. Return to Darchen. (Note: Authorities may close this route without notice.)
We leave the holy mountain. Drive back to Saga.
Descend to the border town. Enjoy the thicker air and better sleep.
Cross the border and drive back to Nepal. Farewell dinner.
Transfer to the airport.
No. Beginners are not allowed. You must be an experienced trekker with prior high-altitude experience (above 5,000m). Our guides will assess your fitness during the Outer Kora. If you struggle on the Dolma La Pass, you will not be permitted to attempt the Inner Kora for your own safety.
The main differences are:
Outer Kora: 52km trek around the base. Moderate difficulty. Open to all fit pilgrims.
Inner Kora: 30km trek inside the sanctuary. Technical and dangerous. Takes you close to the South Face and Nandi Parvat.
Charan Sparsh means “Touching the Feet.” It is a side-trek from Dirapuk Monastery, where you hike up to the North Face glacier wall to physically touch Mount Kailash. This depends heavily the weather and Chinese military permission on the day of the trek.
Yes. The standard Tibet Travel Permit is not enough. You need a specific “Inner Kora” and “Nandi Parikrama” permit from the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) in Darchen. We handle this for you, but issuance is subject to strict government control.
No. Acclimatization is mandatory. You must complete the 3-day Outer Kora first to prepare your body for the higher altitude of the Inner Kora. Attempting the Inner Kora directly is dangerous and can lead to severe altitude sickness.
2026 is the Tibetan Year of the Horse. Buddhist scripture says the merit of one Kora this year is multiplied by 12. It is considered the most auspicious time in the 12-year cycle to perform the Nandi Parikrama.
If there is heavy snow or ice on the Nandi La pass, the local police (PSB) will close the Inner Kora route instantly. This is for safety. In this case, we will perform extra Pujas at Darchen or visit the Tirthapuri Hot Springs instead. Safety is our priority.
