The Parikrama of Mount Kailash is a total of 40 Kms 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 - the place from where we get the darshan of Nandi Parvat and Kailash Parvat.
On Day 1, you will be covering 10km 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 22km 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 8km. 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 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 yatries 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 nearby Mount Kailash in Tibet. It is said that wherever Lord Shiva is, 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 because such a creation at this height cannot be manmade. It is clearly visible from Yam Dwar.

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 derived formed when Mata Parvati was taking bath in the Gauri Kund. The Day 2 Parikrama of Mount Kailash is 22km 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 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 yatri 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 yatries 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 own 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 are not allowing it. It is advisable to consult the guide and he will suggest you according to the situation and prevailing condition.

The 22km Mount Kailash Parikrama distance of the second day is divided into 6km steep, 6 km slope and the remaining 10 km plain. After completing the 6km uphill distance from Dhirapuk, you will reach the Dol Mala pass which is the highest altitude of the Kailash Parikrama. The height of the Dol Mala pass is 5800 meters.

Yes, you can do only the first-day’s parikrama and come back. However, the only way to come back is through an ambulance (emergency help). You cannot come back walking as you will not get any transport from Yamdwar to reach your stay in Darchen or Purang Town. The charges for the ambulance service will be about 500 Yuan per person for a drop at Darchen and 1000 Yuan per person for a drop at Purang town.

Being 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 gets dried quickly. The rains do not much affect the Kailash Parikrama. 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 Day 2 and 3 is stopped. It is important and a must to carry woollens and raincoats regardless of the month you are going for 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 Mt. 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 Mt. Kailash parikrama in one day as it is neither allowed nor advisable. The Tibetan authorities have decided on this format of completing the 40km Parikrama distance in 2 and a half days. Trekking is not done at the night. There are 2 staying points, one at Dhirapuk and the other at Zuthulpuk where we have a permanent kitchen set up to facilitate Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims.

It is believed that passing through Yamdwar washes away your sins. Yes, you can perform the Yagya puja at Yamdwar only if you are not doing the parikrama of Mt. 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 10km trek distance, so if you want you can do a short puja.

The 40km Mt Kailash Parikrama is completed in 2 and a half days in which you cover a 10km distance and reach Dhirapuk on day 1 and you cover a 22km 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 yatries. There is a permanent kitchen set up at these places to provide freshly cooked meals to the yatries.

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

Since oxygen cylinders are heavy, it is difficult to carry them in the Kailash parikrama. Hence 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 yatries 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.

Quite 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).

Yes, horses are available for Kailash Parvat Parikrama. If you want a horse for the Parikrama, you need to inform the Tibetan guide at Lake Mansarovar. The horses will be available to you at Yam dwar through the chit system. The chits will be shuffled and you will be picking up the chit in which it will be written which one is your horse. In 2019, the horses along with the porter roughly cost 3500 Yuan which is approx 35000 to 38000 INR. The rate is fixed by the Union and is the same for all. There is no bargaining allowed.

In 2019, the pony and porter cost roughly 3500 Yuan which is about 35000 to 38000 INR. 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. In case you only want a porter, then it will cost around 8 to 10 thousand. The porter will be a shared one, he will carry luggage of 2-3 people at one time.

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. Whoever holds the rein (lagam), the horse belongs to only that person and no one else will be allowed to sit on the horse.

Yes, even if someone hires a pony, he/she will still need to walk in Kailash Parikrama. Day 2 of Mt. Kailash Parikrama is 22 km out of which 6km 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 recognize 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 do Mount Kailash Parikrama or not. Generally, parikrama is not recommended to them to avoid any mishap

The pony and porter are not included in the Kailash Yatra Package because it is not necessary that everyone will 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 Yatries 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. You can call them by their name and try to talk in sign language.

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 bag 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 up. People travelling with Trip To Temples are given down jackets with the company’s branding that 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 yatries travelling with us. The guides keep on 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 by foot or by horse. Commercial vehicles are not allowed on Mt. Kailash Parikrama route. The route from Yamdwar to Dhirapuk is motorable, however, it can only be used by ambulance in case of emergency.

An ambulance facility is available in Tibet or Mt. Kailash Parikrama Day-1 only, which is from Yamdwar to Dhirapuk. The charges for the ambulance service from Dirapuk (stop for Day 1 of Parikrama) will be about 500 Yuan per person for a drop at Darchen and 1000 Yuan per person for a drop at Purang town.

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 of doing Kailash Parikrama must be taken at Mansarovar Lake.

All the yatries go on until 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 ones who will not do the Parikrama. The yatries 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. Trip To Temples management team carries oximeters with themselves, you are advised to keep on 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 50km. 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.

After completing a trek of 10km 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 some 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 that we do of Mount Kailash is the Outer Parikrama in which you won’t be able to touch Mt. Kailash. In case you want to touch Mt. 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 the inner circle of Mount Kailash is known as Inner Kora (Parikrama). What we do now is Outer Parikrama, i.e. parikrama of the outer circle of Mount Kailash. It is very risky and practically not possible.

Ashtapad Darshan is not permitted by the Tibetan Authorities because it is a sensitive area and it could be dangerous for you to go there because stones keep on falling from above. In 2013, a big stone had fallen on a car and the passengers in the car died, hence since then, permission to go for Ashtapad Darshan is not given.

Now it is illegal to go for the Inner Parikrama of Mt. Kailash. Some companies claim that they do Kailash Inner Parikrama Package. Either these companies deny at the last moment or they try to misguide the yatries by taking them somewhere else and claiming it to be the Inner Parikrama and making money out of it. When we go for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, we must ensure that we are ethically right and are following the Law of Land. Doing any illegal activity may put you in big trouble, that too in China.

Trip To Temples also has Kailash Mansarovar Inner Parikrama Package but we do not announce any date or take any registration for the same until and unless it is officially allowed.

For more details on Inner Parikrama, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra contact us at 8510007751 or visit https://www.triptotemples.com/kailash-mansarovar/kailash-mansarovar-inner-parikrama

Mount Kailash is the resting abode of Lord Shiva hence it is considered a very auspicious and holy mountain by Hindus. It is in the shape of a Shiva linga, just like you cannot stand above a shiva linga, similarly, you cannot climb Mt. Kailash. Climbing Mount Kailash has been banned due to safety reasons. The Tibetan Authorities do not allow any sort of mountaineering activity on Holy Kailash Mountain.

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:-

i) 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.

ii) 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.

iii) Nandi Parvat- Next to Mount Kailash is the Nandi Parvat. Nandi Ji is believed to be the Vehicle (Vahan) of Lord Shiva, so wherever there is Lord Shiva, Nandi Ji will be there. The Nandi Parvat is a mountain in the shape of Nandi Ji.

iv) 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.

v) 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 said that if you donate something at Shivasthal, you will get it in your next life.

vi) 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.

vii) 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 bath and created Lord Ganesha.