The Kailash Inner Kora Tour
The Kailash Inner Kora Tour is a transformative 17-day journey that offers an opportunity to experience the sacred energy of Mount Kailash in a way that goes beyond the traditional pilgrimage. This tour takes you on an inner parikrama (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash, following a path that includes sacred sites such as Ashtapad, Saptarishi Cave, and Charan Sparsh. This detailed journey demands physical endurance, mental strength, and a deep spiritual connection. Here’s an overview of each day of the itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal
Your adventure begins upon arrival in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. After clearing immigration and customs, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you can relax and recover from your journey. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore the city, perhaps visiting nearby temples such as Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) or Pashupatinath Temple. These are important spiritual landmarks and will help you acclimate to the atmosphere of devotion and reverence that will characterize your journey.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Visa Arrangements
On Day 2, you’ll spend the day visiting some of Kathmandu’s most sacred sites, including the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Boudhanath Stupa. These sites are UNESCO World Heritage-listed and are integral to understanding the rich cultural and religious heritage of Nepal. Additionally, you’ll complete the necessary paperwork for your Tibet visa. This is an essential step for your upcoming journey into Tibet, as Tibet requires a special permit for entry. In the evening, you’ll rest and prepare for the next stage of your journey.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur
After breakfast, you will head out of Kathmandu towards the ancient city of Bhaktapur, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bhaktapur is known for its rich history, stunning medieval architecture, and beautiful temples. You’ll spend time exploring Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the 55-Window Palace, Vatsala Temple, and local artisan workshops. After a day of sightseeing, you’ll drive to Nagarkot for a peaceful retreat amidst nature, where you can relax and enjoy stunning mountain views.
Day 4: Drive from Bhaktapur to Nagarkot
On Day 4, you’ll journey to Nagarkot, a peaceful hill station located about 32 kilometers from Kathmandu. The town offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. Here, you’ll enjoy a tranquil environment and fresh air, allowing your body to adjust to the higher altitudes as you prepare for your journey ahead. The day will be spent relaxing, with the option to take a gentle walk or enjoy a peaceful sunrise over the mountains.
Day 5: Nagarkot – Leisure Day
This day is dedicated to relaxation and light exploration of the surrounding hills and villages. Nagarkot is a place to slow down and prepare mentally for the upcoming adventure. You can take a short hike to nearby villages, meditate, or enjoy the serene environment while reflecting on the spiritual significance of your upcoming pilgrimage. This day is designed to help you adapt to the altitude and find inner peace before venturing into Tibet.
Day 6: Drive from Kathmandu to Tibet (Kyirong)
On Day 6, you’ll cross the border from Nepal into Tibet, passing through the Rasuwagadhi border point. After completing the necessary border formalities, you’ll drive to Kyirong, a town located just inside Tibet. The journey offers beautiful views of the Tibetan Plateau, with its wide, open landscapes and the mighty Himalayas in the distance. In Kyirong, you’ll have the chance to explore the local Tibetan culture and prepare for the next leg of your journey.
Day 7: Kyirong – Drive to Saga
Today, your journey takes you from Kyirong to Saga, a town located on the Tibetan Plateau. The drive is long but scenic, passing through vast open landscapes, mountain ranges, and Tibetan villages. Saga is an important stop along the way to Mount Kailash, and the altitude here can be quite high, so it’s a good idea to rest and acclimatize. You’ll spend the night in Saga and prepare for the next leg of the journey, which will bring you closer to the sacred Mount Kailash.
Day 8: Saga to Lake Mansarovar
Day 8 marks a significant milestone as you begin the journey to Lake Mansarovar, one of the most sacred lakes in the world. The drive to the lake is filled with breathtaking views of the Tibetan Plateau and the surrounding mountains. Mansarovar is considered a holy lake in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. You’ll spend the day by the lake, reflecting on its spiritual significance and preparing for the next part of your journey.
Day 9: Mansarovar – Rest Day
After the long drive, you will have a rest day at Mansarovar to allow your body to adjust to the high altitude. This is a perfect opportunity for reflection, meditation, and spiritual practices by the lake. Many pilgrims take this day to bathe in the lake’s sacred waters and perform rituals, while others spend the time reflecting on their pilgrimage and the journey ahead.
Day 10: Drive from Mansarovar to Darchen
On Day 10, you’ll make your way to Darchen, the starting point for the Kora (pilgrimage circuit) around Mount Kailash. Darchen is a small town at the base of Mount Kailash and is considered the gateway to the mountain. From here, you will begin your trek around the mountain, a challenging and spiritually significant journey. The views of Mount Kailash from Darchen are breathtaking, and the atmosphere is filled with reverence and devotion.
Day 11-12: Begin the Inner Kora Trek – Ashtapad and Saptarishi Cave
Days 11 and 12 are dedicated to the beginning of the Inner Kora trek. The trek takes you to Ashtapad, a sacred site that offers panoramic views of Mount Kailash. Ashtapad is known for its association with many ancient legends and is a place of profound spiritual energy. After visiting Ashtapad, you’ll proceed to the Saptarishi Cave, a holy site where seven ancient sages meditated. This part of the trek is physically demanding but spiritually fulfilling, as you walk through high-altitude terrain and sacred landscapes.
Day 13: Continue the Inner Kora – Sin La Pass
On Day 13, you will continue your trek to the Sin La Pass, a high-altitude pass that offers stunning views of Mount Kailash and the surrounding landscape. The Sin La Pass is a critical point on the Inner Kora, both physically and spiritually. As you trek through rugged terrain, you’ll pass by sacred sites and receive blessings from the mountain itself. This day is challenging due to the altitude, but it’s also a deeply spiritual experience, and pilgrims often feel a deep connection to the sacred energy of Kailash.
Day 14: Zuthulphuk Monastery and Cave
Day 14 brings you to Zuthulphuk Monastery, one of the key stops on the Inner Kora. Zuthulphuk is known for its cave where the ancient sage Milarepa is believed to have meditated. This monastery holds a special place in the hearts of many pilgrims, and the atmosphere is filled with peace and reverence. As you rest here, you’ll have time for meditation, prayer, and reflection. The surrounding beauty of the Tibetan Plateau and the sight of Mount Kailash in the distance will further deepen your spiritual connection.
Day 15: Completion of the Inner Kora – Charan Sparsh
On Day 15, you’ll complete the final leg of the Inner Kora and visit Charan Sparsh, a sacred site located near the base of Mount Kailash. It is believed that touching this site will bring immense spiritual merit and blessings. Charan Sparsh is one of the holiest spots for pilgrims, and completing this section of the trek signifies the culmination of the spiritual journey around Kailash.
Day 16: Return Journey to Darchen and Drive to Mansarovar
On Day 16, you’ll return to Darchen from Zuthulphuk, marking the end of the Kora. Afterward, you’ll drive back to Lake Mansarovar, where you can rest and reflect on the transformative journey you’ve just completed. This day provides an opportunity to relax and absorb the profound spiritual experiences of the past several days.
Day 17: Drive Back to Tibet and Return to Kathmandu
On the final day, you’ll drive back to the Tibetan border and cross back into Nepal. From there, you’ll return to Kathmandu. This marks the end of your journey, and you’ll have the chance to reflect on the experiences and insights you’ve gained from the Kailash Inner Kora Tour. The tour concludes with a sense of spiritual fulfillment, having completed the most sacred pilgrimage in the world.
This 17-day journey will take you beyond the physical challenge of the trek, helping you connect spiritually with one of the most sacred places on Earth. Each day’s itinerary is crafted to offer both physical rigor and profound spiritual experiences, making it an unforgettable journey.