Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The Parikrama of Mount Kailash is a total of 40 km, which is covered in two and a half days. You can cover this distance either on foot or on a pony. The Parikrama starts from Yamdwar.

On Day 1, you will be covering 10 km from Yamdwar to Dhirapuk. This is the most auspicious day of the Kailash Yatra because Mount Kailash is visible throughout the day. We get the best view of Mount Kailash from Dhirapuk between 2 mountains. We also get to see Silver Kailash at night and Golden Kailash in the morning from Dhirapuk.

On Day 2, you will be covering 22 km from Dhirapuk to Zuthulpuk. The 22 km distance is divided into three parts- the first 6 km uphill, the next 6 km downhill, and the last 10 km plain. We start early morning by 4 a.m. because the first stretch of 6 km (Dhirapuk to Dol Mala Pass) is the toughest part of Mount Kailash Parikrama, and we try to complete it before the sun shines bright. The last 10 km is a beautiful stretch with the Karnali river flowing by the side.
On the last day, you will be covering 8 km. It is a plain terrain that gets covered in 2 to 3 hours, and with this, the Kailash Parikrama will be completed.

We can see the Golden Kailash in the morning during sunrise at Dhirapuk. The sunlight falling on the peak of Mount Kailash makes the white snow look golden. We can see Silver Kailash at night in Dhirapuk and Mansarovar Lake when moonlight falls on the peak of Mount Kailash, making the snow shine. The yatris reach Dhirapuk on the first day of Kailash Parikrama. We get to see the most beautiful view of Mount Kailash between two mountains in Dhirapuk.

The Nandi Parvat is located near Mount Kailash in Tibet. It is said that wherever Lord Shiva resides, Nandi Ji is also present there as a gatekeeper. It is situated just below the South face of Mount Kailash. The Nandi Parvat is a matter of surprise and is visible during the inner parikrama only.

Gauri Kund is a place of great importance for the Hindus. It is said that Lord Ganesha was born here out of froth and lather formed when Mata Parvati was taking a bath in the Gauri Kund. The Day 2 Parikrama of Mount Kailash is 22 km long from Dirapuk to Zuthulphuk. After a 6km trek, we reach the highest point of the Kailash Parikrama, which is Dolma La Pass. Just 100-200 meters ahead of Dolma La Pass, on your right, is the Gauri Kund. Since there is no walking track to reach Gauri Kund, you can’t go yourself to take water from the Gauri Kund. However, you can give some extra amount to the Sherpa who will get the water for you to take with you.

Most of the time, Kailash Parvat Kora is allowed. It is the sole decision and responsibility of the Tibetan guide whether Mount Kailash Parikrama will be done or not. In case of bad weather such as rainfall or snowfall, the guide permits to complete only the first day’s parikrama, i.e. up to Dhirapuk and then return to Yam Dwar. If there is snowfall in March and April, then the Mount Kailash Parikrama is stopped in May. In case of health issues such as discomfort or a drop in oxygen level, the Tibetan guide doesn’t allow the yatris to go for parikrama to avoid any mishap. In case of any casualty, for eg death of a yatri aged 65 years, the guide doesn’t permit the parikrama to all the yatris who are aged above 60 (any such age group). It is advisable to follow the instructions of the Tibetan guide, as it is for our benefit.

A basic fitness level is required for Mount Kailash Parikrama. Willpower matters more than anything. If you have strong willpower, you will get through it. However, don’t be adamant about doing Kailash Parikrama; take this decision at Mansarovar Lake after considering your health condition. It is advised not to force yourself to Mount Kailash Parikrama if your willpower and health do not allow it. It is advisable to consult the guide, and he will suggest to you according to the situation and prevailing conditions.

On the second day of the 22 km Mount Kailash Parikrama, after completing the 6 km uphill distance from Dhirapuk, you will reach the Dolma La pass, which is the highest altitude of the Kailash Parikrama. The height of the Dolma La pass is 5800 meters.

Yes, you can only complete the parikrama on the first day and then return. However, an ambulance or emergency help is the only means of return. Since there is no transportation from Yamdwar to your accommodations in Darchen or Purang Town, you cannot return on foot. For a drop in Darchen, the ambulance service will cost roughly 500-700 Yuan per person, and for a drop at Purang town, it will cost 900-1000 Yuan per person.

Located at a high altitude, the Mount Kailash area is a barren land where there is no greenery. Due to this, the rain showers last only a few minutes, and the land dries quickly. The rain does not affect the Kailash Parikrama much. Since the Kailash Yatra happens between May to September, which is the summer season, there is generally no snowfall during this time. In case there is any snowfall, then the Kailash Parikrama is stopped. For example, if there is snowfall in March and April, then Parikrama of only Day 1 is allowed, and that of Days 2 and 3 is stopped. It is important and a must to carry woollens and raincoats regardless of the month you are going for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Good quality walking shoes that you use regularly, a raincoat and a trekking stick, which you can buy from the local market (Purang town or Dongba/ Saga), are required for the Mount Kailash trek. If you want, you can even carry energy drinks and light snacks to keep yourself hydrated. Other essential items that one can carry are a monkey cap, gloves, hat, face mask, sunscreen, portable oxygen cylinder, etc.

One cannot complete the Mount Kailash Parikrama in one day, as it is neither allowed nor advisable. The Tibetan authorities have decided on this format of completing the 40 km Parikrama distance in 2 and a half days. Trekking is not done at night. There are 2 stopping points, one at Dhirapuk and the other at Zuthulpuk, where we have a permanent kitchen set up to facilitate Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims.

Yes, you can perform the Yagya puja at Yamdwar only if you are not doing the parikrama of Mount Kailash because you will have plenty of time in hand. If you are doing the parikrama then time will be limited to cover the first day’s 10 km trek distance, so if you want you can do a short puja.

The 40 km Mount Kailash Parikrama is completed in 2 and a half days, in which you cover a 10 km distance and reach Dhirapuk on day 1, and you cover a 22 km distance and reach Zuthukpuk. Both these places, i.e. Dirapuk and Zuthulphuk, have dormitories in which you will be staying. The dormitories will be on multiple sharing but will have separate beds, pillows and blankets for all the yatris. There is a permanent kitchen set up at these places to provide freshly cooked meals to the yatris.

Proper bathing facilities are not available during the Parikrama of Mount Kailash. Since the wind that is blowing is fast and cold, most people do not prefer taking a bath during Mount Kailash Parikrama. However, we ensure to provide warm water for freshening up.

Since oxygen cylinders are heavy, it is difficult to carry them in the Kailash parikrama, but oxygen cylinders will be available at the base camps- Dhirapuk and Zuthulpuk for emergency purposes. The guide travelling with the group has an oximeter with him to check your oxygen level from time to time. During Mount Kailash Parikrama, the trekking pace of all yatris differs, so practically it is not possible to provide oxygen urgently if needed. Therefore, it is advised to compulsorily carry 1-2 portable oxygen cylinders with you during Kailash Parikrama. You can purchase a portable oxygen cylinder from the local market in Tibet - Purang Town (by Heli route) or Dongba/ Saga (by overland route) that will cost Rs. 250 approx.

A lot of people have used Kapoor in Kailash Parikrama; you can try using it. It is up to you whether you want to inhale it or not. Our team has not used it, hence neither do we recommend nor do we deny using kapoor (camphor).

Horse service is accessible for Kailash Parvat Parikrama, and you must let the Tibetan guide at Lake Mansarovar know if you want a horse for the Parikrama. You can use the chit system to access horses at Yam Dwar. The cost of the horses and the porter is approximately 3500-4000 Yuan, as of 2025. The Union sets the rate, which is the same for everyone.

As per the 2025 price rate, pony and porter costs roughly 3500-4000 Yuan. The charges are fixed by the Union of Horses, which does not have a tie-up with any travel agency. This cost is non-negotiable, non-refundable, and is the same for all. However, if the charges are revised by the union, the amount mentioned here will also change accordingly.

No, the family cannot share one pony or porter on a rotation basis. The pony or porter is allotted to only one person and not on a shared basis.

Yes, even if someone hires a pony, he/she will still need to walk during the Kailash Parikrama. Day 2 of Mount Kailash Parikrama is 22 km, out of which 6 km is extremely sloping, where you will have to get down off the pony, as there are chances of falling on your face.

When the pony is allotted to you at Yam Dwar through the chit system, you are requested to click a photo of the pony man, so that you can recognise the pony during the Kailash Mansarovar journey.

If a person weighs above 80-85 kg, then it is the sole decision of the Tibetan guide whether that person will be allowed to take a pony during Mount Kailash Parikrama or not. Generally, parikrama is not recommended for them to avoid any mishap.

The pony and porter are not included in the Kailash Yatra Package because everyone doesn't need to take a pony or porter. The pony and porter have a union that doesn’t have a tie-up with any travel agent, so the Kailash Yatris need to directly book their pony and porter at Mansarovar Lake by informing their Tibetan guide.

The pony master and porter speak only the local language and will not understand your language. Tibetan and Nepali guides will help you in communicating with the pony master and porter.

In case you have booked a pony, then the pony master will also be your porter who will walk by your side. But in case you have booked only a shared porter, then he will not walk by your side because the porter will be carrying the bags of more than one person at a time. Our speed will vary from their speed because they have expertise in walking such terrain.

Each person has a different speed. Walk according to the rhythm of your body, do not hurry. People travelling with Trip To Temples are given down jackets with the company’s name, which helps the team of guides and tour managers to identify the group members. The Trip To Temples team is divided into groups to keep a check on all the yatris travelling with us. The guides keep checking for the group members. In case you are left behind, he will come back for your help and ensure that everybody reaches the next point safely.

The Mount Kailash parikrama can be done only on foot or by horse. Commercial vehicles are not allowed on the Mount Kailash Parikrama route. The route from Yamdwar to Dhirapuk is motorable; however, it can only be used by an ambulance in case of emergency.

Ambulance facility is available on the first day of Parikrama only till Dirapuk, after which the steep climbing starts. For a drop in Darchen, the ambulance service will cost approximately 500-700 Yuan per person, and for a drop at Purang town, it will cost 900-1000 Yuan per person.

You don't need to compulsorily do the Kailash Parvat Parikrama. You have reached the abode of Lord Shiva; this is a big thing in itself. If you are confident enough and physically fit, then only do the Kailash Parikrama. It is advised that the decision to do Kailash Parikrama must be taken at Mansarovar Lake.

All the yatris go up to Yamdwar on the first day of Mount Kailash Parikrama, from where the group gets divided into 2 parts- the ones who will do the Parikrama and the another ones who will not do the Parikrama. The yatris who are not willing to do the Mount Kailash Parikrama return to Darchen after the darshan of Mount Kailash and stay there till the group returns. If you start doing the Mount Kailash Parikrama and feel unwell and are not sure if you want to continue or not, then you can return on Day 1. The ambulance facility is available only on Day 1 of Kailash Parikrama. The cost of the same will be borne by you. The Trip To Temples management team carries oximeters with them; you are advised to keep checking your oxygen level from time to time. In case you are not feeling well, inform the team.

Rakshastal is located to the west of Mount Kailash at a distance of about 50 km. During the Mansarovar Yatra, the first glimpse of Kailash Parvat is visible from Rakshastal. It is said that Ravana took a dip in this lake before visiting Lord Shiva at Mount Kailash. He meditated and worshipped Lord Shiva at Rakshastal.

If the Chinese Authorities allow, then it is possible, after completing a trek of 10 km, you reach Dhirapuk on Day 1 of Kailash Parikrama. Charansparsh is roughly a trek of 3 to 4 km from Dhirapuk, and it takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete, as horses are not available for it. You need to pay an extra tip to the Tibetan guide who will take you to Charan Sparsh. It is advisable not to take any risk. If you are confident enough, then only go for Charansparsh because the ambulance facility won’t be available, as there is no proper path for rescue, and one can experience high-speed wind and thunderstorms.

The parikrama is the Outer Parikrama of Mount Kailash, in which you won’t be able to touch it. In case you want to touch the sacred Kailash, then you need to go for Charansparsh on Day 1 of Mount Kailash Parikrama. It is a 3 to 4 km trek from Dhirapuk that takes 4 to 5 hours to complete. The decision of going for Charansparsh must be taken as per health conditions after reaching Dhirapuk.

Parikrama of Mount Kailash's inner circle is known as Inner Kora, which is risky and not possible. Ashtapad Darshan is not permitted due to safety concerns. It is now illegal to go for the Inner Parikrama of Mount Kailash. Some companies claim to provide packages, but they may misguide yatris and make money. Ethical considerations are crucial when doing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

It is believed that Mount Kailash is the resting abode of Lord Shiva, hence it is considered a very auspicious and holy mountain by many religions, including Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon. It is in the shape of a Shiva linga; climbing or any sort of mountaineering activity on Mount Kailash has been banned for spiritual and safety reasons by the Tibetan Authorities.

Women can wear a saree in Parikrama. However, it is advisable to wear warm and comfortable clothes instead of a saree that properly covers you and protects you from the wind. While doing the parikrama, the saree might get stuck in your leg, causing you to fall and hurt yourself, so avoid wearing a saree. Salwar suits or trekking pants are comfortable and more popular options for Mount Kailash Parikrama.

During the two and a half days of Mount Kailash Parikrama, you get to see the following places:-

• Yamdwar- One of the most prominent attractions of the Kailash Yatra, Yamdwar is the Gate of Salvation. It is believed that passing through this gate washes away your sins. This is the point from where Mount Kailash Parikrama starts.
• Mount Kailash- The main motive to go on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is to get the darshan of the Holy Mountain Kailash. It is believed that Mount Kailash is the resting abode of Lord Shiva and his family.
• Dhirapuk- After completing the first day of Parikrama of Mount Kailash, we reach Dhirapuk. It is the place that gives the most beautiful view of Mount Kailash between two other mountains. One can spot the Golden Kailash in the morning from this point.
• Shiva Sthal- On the second day of Mount Kailash Parikrama, we get to see Shiva Sthal, which is the place where people donate clothes and ornaments, as it is said that if you donate something at Shivasthal, you will get it in your next life.
• Dolma La Pass- This is the highest point of the Kailash Parikrama, which is situated at an elevation of 6800 meters above sea level. You get to visit Dolma La pass on the second day of Mount Kailash Parikrama.
• Gaurikund- It is a perfectly round-shaped lake just ahead of Dolma La Pass and is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ganesha. It is said to be the lake in which Mata Parvati used to take a bath and created Lord Ganesha.