Introduction To Kailash Mansarovar Inner Kora Tour 10 Days
Starting the Inner Kora Kailash Mansarovar Tour for 10 Days is a personal opportunity for a deeply spiritual journey to the Tibetan region. This a carefully designed and well developed tour encompassing the Outer Kora circuit along with the Inner Kora circuit for a deep pilgrimage of Mount Kailash.
The trip starts in Kathmandu, which is the colourful capital of Nepal, and tourists pray in the important temples which are located in this part of the world, including the Pashupatinath and Jal Narayan Temples. It then moves overland through the Nepalese landscape to Syabrubesi and further to the border of Kerung and Tibet. While the expedition goes on, people travel across the huge Tibetan plateau; they see fantastic sceneries and get used to high altitudes.
One of the diversions is a visit to Manasarovar Lake, which is regarded as one of the most sacred lakes in the world. In this place, pilgrims wash away their sins and pay attention to the sight of the lake which lies beside the Kailash Parbat. It then proceeds to Darchen which is a starting point for treks surrounding the sacred Mount Kailash.
With a distance of 52 kilometres, Mount Kailash's Outer Kora is completed in three days. Pilgrims navigate through high mountain passes such as the daunting Dolma La Pass at 5,613 meters while visiting the Dirapuk and Zutulpuch monasteries deemed sacred. Amongst many stations in the Inner Kora - a tough, 34-kilometre trek- that takes people closer to the core of the mountain are some of the 13 Golden Chortens and Saptarishi Cave.
Travelers delve deep into Tibetan culture on the way, visiting ancient monasteries and intermingling with local communities. Ending in Kathmandu, participants take with them lasting memories of a mind-bending pilgrimage of physical challenge bonded with spiritual enlightenment.
Highlights Of Inner Kora Kailash Mansarovar Tour 10 Days
- When at sacred sites (e.g. Pashupatinath temple, Budhanilkantha), seek a blessing before the journey.
- Drive through the Nepalese countryside before crossing the Kerung border, allowing you to pass through various landscapes and cultures.
- Absorb the serene beauty of one of the world's holiest lakes set against Mount Kailash, and join in with Local rituals.
- You complete the 52 km around Mount Kailash in three days through high passes like Dolma La at 5,613 meters.
- Take on the slightly longer 34 kilometres closer to Mount Kailash, where there is an opportunity to visit the 13 Golden Chortens and Saptarishi Cave.
- Witness the Tibetan Way of Life: visit ancient monasteries, meet local communities and integrate with Tibetan culture.
- The route passes over breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas and high-altitude deserts with blazing lakes in between.
- When you finish both the outer and inner koras of Mount Kailash, you will experience a very deep spiritual accomplishment.
10 Key Facts about Kailash Inner Kora
- Duration: A day is required for the trek.
- Distance: The trekking distance in total is 34 km.
- Difficulty: Trekking involves high altitudes, high altitude conditions and mountain climbing.
- Start/Finish: The trek starts and ends in Darchen.
- Highest Point: The trek includes a sight of the highest point called 13 Golden Chortens & Saptarishi Cave at an elevation of 5,860m.
- Altitude Gain/Loss: The track of about 1,100m gain and loss in altitude.
- Region: The trek is within the western Tibet Autonomous Region, China, in Nagri Prefecture.
- Accommodation: There is no accommodation on the trek.
- Best Time to Trek: Trekking between May and mid-October is the best because weather conditions are best during this time.
- Trekking Route:
- Darchen (4,675m) – Selung Monastery (5,020m) – Foot of Mt. Kailash (5,600m) – 13 Golden Chortenand Saptarishi Cave (5,860m) – Mt. Yinjiento/Nandi Pass (5,805m) – Selung Monastery (5,020m) – Gyangdrak Monastery (5,060m) – Darchen (4,675)
Reach The Lord Shiva’s Residence With Kailash Inner Kora 10 Days Itinerary
The Kailash Inner Kora is a sacred journey that leads to the inner part of Lord Shiva’s house. The trail of this 30 kilometer trek, which contributes to 4 extra days to the 53 kilometer Outer Kora passes through high value sites like Kailash Nandi, Saptarishi Cave and Serlung Gompa. While the trail is challenging, rocky and technical, not exactly beginner friendly, experienced trekkers are the right crowd for this. With the 10 days allowing devotees to experience the spiritual side of Mount Kailash visiting both the Inner and Outer Koras, it is a complete itinerary. The route is a wonderful spiritual experience but it is a very physical fitness and stamina requirements route. People who have had prior trekking experience only are advised to undertake this sacred pilgrimage.
What Is The Difference Between kailash inner kora vs outer kora?
Aspect | Outer Kora | Inner Kora |
Distance & Duration | Usually, about 52 kilometres (32 miles), taking 3 days. | Usually, about 30 kilometres (18 miles), taken in two days. |
Route Highlights | Starts and ends in Darchen. - Chirapuk Monastery, Dolma La Pass, and Zutulpuk Monastery. Its monasteries and high-altitude passes are sacred sites encountered. It differs in its offering of diverse landscapes and spiritually varied experiences. | It starts from Yam Dwar and moves down the south face of Mount Kailash. - Also sacred sites are Asthapad, Nandi Parvat, Atmalingam and Saptarishi Cave. - It is closer to Mount Kailash but takes trekkers closer. - Involve steep climbs and rugged terrain. |
Difficulty Level | - Highly altitude and long, physically demanding. - It is manageable for people who are fit physically, and acclimatized to the climate respectively. - Moderate challenges and well-established paths. | - Much more challenging when there are steep climbs, and you can’t get the wheels of the bike going properly when on uneven terrain. - It carries with it a strong requirement of excellent physical fitness, mental endurance, and a bit of mountaineering experience. - (Navigation) Paths less defined, without proper guidance, difficult navigation |
Spiritual Significance | -Cleansed sins for a lifetime. - The cycle of life, death and rebirth is symbolized by. One sees crossing Dolma La Pass as a passing to enlightenment. - It is a profound spiritual experience which many can have. | - It has a deeper spiritual significance because Mount Kailash draws pilgrims nearer to the divine energy on the mountain. They are sources of immense spiritual power and sites like the North Face and Nandi Parvat. It is thought that completing the Inner Kora leads to profound spiritual awakening and depth of karmic cleansing. |
Accessibility | - More accessible and better for first-time trekkers and pilgrims. - Standard permits are required for travel within Tibet. - Along the route, supply points and accommodations to go. | Feels less crowded and more adventurous. - Also needs special permits, in addition to standard ones. - No food, no medical supply points; all trekkers must be self-sufficient. |
How Is Kailash Inner Kora or Charan Sparsh Done in 2025?
Kailash Inner Kora, is spiritually profound as well as Charan Sparsh is one of the extremely physically demanding pilgrimage. While it is possible to complete in a day, this test is in no way an endurance test but a devotion one. The inner kora is different from the traditional three day outer kora of Mt. Kailash, having three distinct challenges that pilgrims must overcome.
Step 1: Trek from Darchen Town to Selung Monastery (5,020m)
The first leg of the kora is a 4.5 km hike from Darchen Town (4,575m) to Selung Monastery at an altitude of roughly 5,020 meters. It is a good warm-up before things start getting really tough later on and an opportunity for trekkers to acclimatize themselves further while gaining mental preparation for more difficult stages that will follow the next few days.
Step 2: Ascending to the South Rock Face of Mt. Kailash (around 5,600m)
Shortly beyond Selung Monastery, elevation quickly rises just above 5,300 meters along rough trails covered with thousands-year-old rock fragments. Reaching the base of the south face of Mt. Kailash at around 5,600 meters requires consistent pacing and careful footing as the trail surface is very uneven and challenging.
Step 3: Climbing to the 13 Golden Chortens and Saptarishi Cave (5,860m)
The most dangerous part of the inner kora involves rock climbing, where one can see the rope and Tibetan prayer flags along with pilgrims crawling. Once you are at this stage at 13 Golden Chortens (5,860mt), built by Drigung Til Monastery enshrining the thirteen monks, the challenges continue further to reach Saptarishi Cave, which is a natural cave located on a cliff face.
Step 4: Performing Worship and Circumambulation
At the 13 Golden Chortens, you have reached a place of deep spiritual practice. Here, you will worship Mt Kailash by touching it and circumambulating the stupas built in memory of the monks. This is an integral part of Inner Kora as well.
Step 5: Traversing Mt. Yinjiento/Nandi Pass (5,805m) and descending
The last part of the inner kora is to cross Mt. Yinjiento, or Nandi Pass, at 5,805 meters. It is a very steep descent from the pass down to the valley that will take you back to Selung Monastery. Many people find this descent difficult because it requires some mental focus as well as sure footing on a loose and sometimes slippery trail. From Selung Monastery, you walk back to Darchen Town and have completed the inner kora.
Kailash Mansarovar Inner Kora Tour For Indians and all Pilgrims Cost 2025 and 2026
Inner Kora is a sacred 34 km trek around Mount Kailash. It is an essential part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The trek covers religious sites like Asthapath, Nandi Parvat, Atmalingam, Saptarishi Cave and Rakshas Lingam. The cost of Inner Kora depends on the size of your group and the type of package you select for your journey in the year 2025 or 2026. If you select a 17-day Kathmandu to Kathmandu tour from Nepal, it may cost you $2,450 per person for groups ranging from 2-30. Or a 10-day tour may cost from $1,400 to $3,500 per pax depending on the package category. These costs generally include transportation in Tibet/Nepal, accommodation, Meals, Guide services & permits required.
Kailash Mansarovar Inner Kora Trekking 10 Days Preparation as a Pilgrim
Always Trek with a Guide
Never venture out alone for Mt. Kailash's inner kora. A local guide is a must to decide which kora route is the safest and the best. The guide will help in case of urgency, too. Especially if you are on an offbeat trail or you climb up to the 13 Golden Chortens (5860 meters).
Download Map of Kailash Inner Kora
As there is mostly no mobile signal in the Kailash Region, better if you download the map to your smartphone. This will prevent you from getting lost or disoriented along the path.
Stay Hydrated and Bring High-Energy Food
Take enough water so as not to dehydrate. Take high-energy food like nuts, chocolate, bread, and energy bars so you don’t get hungry or have low blood sugar.
Prepare for Emergencies
Bring altitude sickness tablets and portable oxygen bottles. Wear your protective gear and helmets for safety. To protect from falling stones while climbing Mt. Kailash or crossing mountain passes, a helmet should be used.
Proper Footwear and Equipment
Sturdy and comfortable trekking boots, specifically made for rugged and rocky terrain, are a must. It’s a good idea to bring hiking poles with you, as the terrain can be quite uneven and steep at times.
Dress in Layers for Comfort
Wear moisture-wicking thermal underwear to stay dry. Shirts, a sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen will help protect you from the sun’s powerful UV rays.
Prepare Cash in Chinese Yuan
Carry some Chinese Yuan in cash with you that will be required for buying food or any personal requirement at Darchen, as credit cards may not be acceptable.ggg