Short Kailash Tour Itinerary

Short Itinerary

11 June 2027 Day 01: Arrival Gonggar Tibet & drive to Lhasa
12 June 2027 Day 02: Day hike nearby Lhasa, Acclimatization 
13 June 2026 Day 03: Sights in Lhasa including Potala Palace
14 June 2027 Day 04: Drive to airport, fly Ali, drive to Darchen
15 June 2027 Day 05: Acclimatization / addition tour Astapad
16 June 2027 Day 06: Drive to Yam Dwar, start walk Dirapuk
17 June 2027 Day 07: Walk to Dolma La 5636m. & Zuthulpuk
18 June 2027 Day 08: Walk to Chongdo & drive Manasarovar
Full moon night in Manasarovar Lake 
19 June 2027 Day 09: Drive Ali airport, fly Gonggar and China  

Detail Itinerary

11 June 2027 (Friday)Day 01: Arrival Gonggar airport Xizang Tibet. The Tibetan tour guide welcomes all Kailash Yatri with Tibetan Khata (white garland). From the airport, everyone is driven to Lhasa city in a minibus or bus. We travel about 62.5 km away from Gonggar airport and it takes about an hour or bit more. We enjoy the amazing views of the naked hills, the settlements at the bottom of the hills and the agricultural land full of crops along the way. Check in at the hotel. Free day.

12 June 2027 (Saturday) Day 02: The Lhasa Nanshan Park (South Mountain Park) can be walked and hiked on a day trip. The walk spans the Lhasa River and takes between 2 and 4 hours. It reaches altitudes of 4,100 meters (13,450 feet) and offers panoramic views of the Potala Palace and the city of Lhasa. You can choose any hill that is suitable, or you can ignore hiking and acclimate in Lhasa.

13 June 2027 (Sunday) Day 03: Morning takes breakfast and start sightseeing in Potala Palace. Lhasa is the capital as well as the biggest city of Tibet. This city with wide road ways, sky kissing buildings is not less attractive than any developed western countries. Besides this, the palace of Dalai Lama: The Bharkhor Bazaar itself and Bharkhor surrounding are other worthy and attractive places to visit at Lhasa. Lhasa City is at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level. The Potala Palace lies at the central part of Lhasa city and it is situated in a place at 150 meters' height. This palace is also the adjoining place of meditative office building and administrative office building. The Red Palace symbolizes meditation whereas the white Palace signifies transparent administration. In Tibetan language, ‘Lhasa’ means ‘The Land of Gods and Goddesses’.

We can see different varieties of magical Buddha idols of Buddhist religion in the red Palace whereas; there are meditation room, living room and meeting room for foreign guests of Dalai Lama in the white Palace. Lhasa city is a valley which is also the adjoining place of two sacred rivers namely, Lhasa and Brahmaputra. According to Buddhists, it is believed that one can obtain ‘Nirvana’ meaning ultimate salvation, by having divine view (Darshan) of Potala Palace and visit at least once in the lifetime.

The Potala Palace was built at the time of Songchang Gampo in the 7th century; the 5th Dalai Lama extended the palace to its present size. At this time, it also succeeds in becoming the residing, the main political and religious palace of the Dalai Lama. The main palace was divided into two sections: the white palace and the red palace. It is 115.703 meters high with thirteen stories, including living quarters, temples, tomb stupas and monk dormitories. The countless cultural relics in the palace are images, murals, sutras, etc, which are of incredible value. These magnificent Tibetan arts and culture are not only classified as national treasure but are also listed by the state council as one unit of the important cultural relics to be specially protected.

There is gold plated entombment place of 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th Dalai Lama at Potala Palace. All these can be seen besides 13th Dalai Lama’s. Entombment of 6th Dalai Lama is yet unknown and mysterious. Likewise, experts say that the funeral rites of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Dalai Lama was done at Jokhang Monastery and then the ashes were kept safely there. There are one thousand rooms at The Potala Palace among which 27 rooms are been exposed for general public such as bed room, living room, study room, meeting room and the entombment Place of Dalai Lama. The current 14th Dalai Lama is living in India since from 1959.

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14 June 2027 (Monday) Day 04: The domestic flight between Lhasa Gonggar airport to Ngari Gunsa airport (Ali Gunsa) is called domestic flight within Tibet. Lhasa Gonggar to Ngari Gunsa flight is generally served by Tibetan Airlines once a day. The journey from Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) to Ngari Gunsa Airport (NGQ) takes approximately two hours. There is currently only one airline offering this route, Tibet Airlines. The drive route to Darchen from Ali Airport (Ngari Gunsa airport) is approximately 250 km and takes about 4 hours over the Tibetan plateau.

The Khojarnath temple is located 85 kilometers south of Lake Mansarovar in a small Tibetan village known as Khojarnath. According to legend, Lord Rama, Sita Mata, and Lakshmana spent a night here during the Treta Yuga while on a pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar. Khojarnath temple, built in the seventh century, house the idols of Lord Rama, Sita Mata, and Lakshmana, in memory of such a journey. A daily puja is held here. A journey of 170 kilometers from Mansarovar Lake go and back allows one to see images of Rama, Sita, and Lakshman in this temple. By car, it takes about 4 hours to make the round trip of 170 kilometers. The temple is located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

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Hinduism: A holy place for spiritual rituals, Mansarovar was created by Lord Brahma according to Hindu belief. The pilgrims believe that dipping in its waters is a means of salvation and washes away sins.

Buddhism: The Buddhists revere Mansarovar as a sacred site associated with Queen Maya Devi, the mother of Lord Buddha, while Mount Kailash is regarded as the father.

Jainism: A revered site for Jain devotees, Mount Ashtapada (Kailash) is the site where Rishabdev achieved enlightenment as the first Tirthankara

The Mysterious Phenomenon of Manasarovar: Occurrences that are unexplained; Pilgrims have claimed that the lake contains celestial beings bathing in it, and that the lake has miraculous healing powers, profound spiritual insights, and a purging of physical and mental discomfort. It is known that the lake's waters change color from time to time.

Connection to Rakshas Lake: There is a crescent-shaped saltwater lake nearby called Rakshas Tal, whose proximity to Mansarovar creates the symbolic contrast, implying opposites coexisting.

15 June 2027 (Tuesday)Day 05: Acclimatization, Rest / Day walking or optional tour to Astpada. Tour cost will be addition per person USD 100 extra. On the last day of Kailash Kora, we walk about three hours to Chongdo, then drive to Darchen. Check in 4-star hotel for overnight. Addition tour, after lunch and drive to Serlung Gompa walk for about 10 minutes to ASTAPADA and holy explore, have a Darshan of lord Kailashnath of South Face and Nandi Parvat. There is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery called Serlung Gompa, which is located on the hill and this hill is called it is revered by both Jains and Buddhists as a sacred site.

"The mountain hill of the eight steps" is also known as Astapad.  The nearby sacred site of Ashtapad is located at the foot of South face of Mount Kailash, in a mountain amphitheater. According to Jain mythology, Astapada is the place where the first Jain Tirthankara attained nirvana. You can see the Mount Kailash's south face as well as Nandi Parvat from Astapada, a mountain amphitheater at the base of Mount Kailash. Additionally, Nandi Parvat, which lies near Kailash, is visible from Astapada. Ashtapad is located about 5KM away from Darchen.

Mount Kailash: The Scared religious place, Kailash Parbat is located on the height of 6714meters above sea level. This region is supposed to be the purest religious place. It is supposed to be the central part of the world and origin of the world before the origin of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. Kailash Parbat is glorified in the holy books like Ramayana and Mahabharata. According to the ancient Asian stories, the civilization is incomplete without the description of Kailash Parbat. Kailash Parbat is located in Tibet. Scientific research of this region is not satisfactory. This religious Parbat is extended from Brahmaputra in the east to Karakoram in the west.

Different religious groups like Shaiba, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Bon-Po are respecting Kailash equally, though they explained it differently. In the Shaiba and Buddhist traditional literature, Kailash is described as the part of Sumeru which is supposed to be the center of the world. It is believed to be the residence of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati as per Hindus. Buddhist respects it in the name of Kang Rimpoche. Buddhists have accepted Kailash and Manasarovar as great natural Mandala. Mandala for them is the means of respect and salvation, Jain worship as Astpada for this isolated peak.

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The founding father of this religion Rishavadev had got spiritual salvation in the same place.

There are various logics to claim this Parbat as sacred. This isolated Parbat is also source to big rivers like Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Indus and Karnali. The total periphery of Mount Kailash is 53 km and pilgrims should walk 38 km within 3 days and if add Charan Sparsh (Touch Kailash) tour than it will be 4 days Kora. As described in Hindu myth, a person who moves around the Kailash Parvat will be free from all the sins made in life time. If they move round the Parbat for 108 times, they directly get Nirvana. It is also said that a person who moves Nandi once, he/she gets return as equal of moving round the Kailash for 13 times.

Kailash Parvat is regarded as the form of Lord Shiva and the water flowing from its snowy tip is worshipped as holy river Ganges. Mount Kailash can be observed more beautifully from the side of this Monastery. Observing from Dirapuk, Mount Kailash is seen in between Mount Manjushree at right side and Mount Bajrapani at left side. River Ganges, originated from Mount Kailash meets Lachhu River and gets mixed into Rakshas Lake. Every river formed from Kailash Himalayan Ranges gets mixed into Rakshas Lake. The river formed from the junction of Rakshas Lake is called Karnali. Water from Rakshas Lake escapes via Karnali River but water of Manasarovar is stored in the form of Lake.

16 June 2027 (Wednesday)Day 06: Darchen to Yam Dwar & Dirapuk: This is the first day of Kailash Parikrama / Kora. Morning drive to Yam Dwar and start walking to Dirapuk (4890 meters 12 kilometers). We do start for Kailash circumambulation [Kora] Circuit t/ Round / Parikrama from Yam Dwar. It takes 20 minutes for blue bus to reach there as it is at the distance of only 6km. This place is also known as Yam Dwar. Getting off from the bus at Yam Dwar, all the pilgrims are offering to Lord Shiva. Then, we moved round the Yam Dwar for three times. According to Hindu religion, this place is known as the Gate of the God of Death (Yam Dwar).

Yam Dwar builds shape of temple. Inside 3 bells hanging and its call Varma, Vishnu and Maheshwar. This temple makes 3-time circuit enter inside of door. Belling and get out and continue walking or riding pony to Dirapuk first day of Parikrama. (Journey on foot begins from Yam Dwar) Physically disable pilgrims distantly pay homage to Kailash Parbat and return to Darchen because the visit of Yam Dwar is believed to get equally religious gain as they do for Kailash Parbat itself. This path / trail is somehow busy with pilgrims, horses, local porters, yaks and Nepali workers.

Information first Day of Kailash Kora: In order to reach Dirapuk, Yam Dwar must travel approximately 12 km (8 miles) away from Yam Dwar on the first day of Parikrama. The pilgrims ascend to Dirapuk, offering breathtaking views of Mount Kailash's north face, often assisted by horses, symbolizing a spiritual journey from earth to heaven. Dirapuk is a sacred holy place on the first day of the Kailash circle, located at the foot of Mount Kailash's north face and serving as an overnight stop for pilgrims.

The highest resting point on the circuit, at 4900 meters (16665 feet), it offers unforgettable, breathtaking views of the mountain's north side and is a spiritual hub for Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Bonpo. Mount Kailash is a sacred peak in the Kailash range of the Tibet Autonomous region, China, considered the abode of the Hindu god Mahadeva and the holy center of the world. There are pilgrims who perform Pradkshina (circumambulations) around the mountain, believing this will lead to spiritual liberation, and who visit the sacred Holy Lake Manasarovar nearby to wash away sins.

After 3 hours long walking along the riverside path, we stopped for our lunch sport. Kailash Parbat is can be seeing clearly from here. Below the Parbat we can see a big stone in the shape of elephant. It is believed that God Indra rides on it. After 2 hours long walk, we can reach to Dirapuk. There is a Dirapuk Monastery situated on the edge of Lha Chhu River. The name of this place is given from the name of Monastery itself. This Monastery is located on the height of 4900m. Above sea level.

The scene of Kailash from here is like the heaven. Hundreds of pilgrims arrive at Dirapuk from Yam Dwar riding on the horse or on their foot every day. Here some Yatri prefer to take pony & local porter for the 3 days. (If you would like to take pony and porter, you should tell the Tibetan guide in advance for arrangement. This day, today have to walk continuously for about 5 to 6 hours. Yak will carry all our goods and equipment and your bags. From Dirapuk, you can see north face of Kailash very closed, overnight stay at Dirapuk mud house.

Charan Sparsh closed from August 2024: After breakfast; Pilgrims Walk for 4 hours (5kms) from Dirapuk to touch the feet of Mount Kailash which is known as Charan Sparsh. They feel like they have been blessed by Lord Shiva by actually touching the base of Kailash Mountain. Pilgrims offer Pooja and seek blessing from lord Shiva. While returning back, takes around one and half hour to 2 hours and it is day tour / Yatra from Dirapuk. Charan Sparsh and touching Kailash are prohibited in August and September of 2024; Accordingly, the accident and Yatri visit took place below the Charan Sparsh, the program will be kept for 2025 and we will see what happens.

“Charan” means “feet” and “Sparsh” means “to touch”. Together they meaning to touch one’s feet”. It has been a tradition since time immemorial to touch the feet of Kailash Parbat. There is a scientific basis to “Charan Sparsh”. Since the human body is releasing vibrations touching the feet which encourages flow of energy and blessings, happiness and successful life. This exchange of energy gives one vigor, self-confidence and contentment. One experiences an inner glow. The blessings received after “Charan Sparsh” are like invisible amour. They motivate and give strength.

17 June 2027 (Thursday)Day 07: Trek from Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk. Today is very crucial day as we have to pass Dolma La or Dorma La Pass, which is 5636 meters above the sea level, the weather in unpredictable in Dolma La Pass with the risk of snowstorms some times. So, we need to try to start our journey morning as early as possible. On route we pass Lakes Ganesh Kund, Gauri Kund. Climb down the pass to Shapje Datok and onwards to Zuthulpuk monastery. In Zuthulpuk, stay overnight in a mud house.

Ganesh Kund (Sarovar): About 45 minutes before to reach to Dolma La Pass 5636m. (Kailash circuit) on right hand side of the walking trail, there is holy Ganesh Kund. It is 15 minutes away from walking trail. The shape of the Kund looks like lord Ganesh where he bathes.

The Legend of Gauri Kund:  Hinduism is Sanatana Dharma, according to its mythology there is story about Gauri Kund which has been mentioned in the legend of Shiva Puran.   The Puran says that Gauri Sarovar is for purify and compassion, it purifies the mind, body and speech of Kailash Yatri. So almost all the Yatri of Kailash Manasarovar tour include their tour program

This Gauri Kund is for holy bath to Goddess Parvati Mata where Gauri Mata had acquired her beloved son Ganesh, she had molded a picture of her son Ganesh from cleaning agent frothing on her body and resuscitates it. She placed Ganesh at the path to stop unknown to enter during her holy deep, at the same time Lord Shiva came to his residence Mount Kailash but Ganesh ji didn't recognize then Lord Shiva became furious and cuts off the kids head then Mata Parvati despairing stricken by seeing it and requested to Lord Shiva that child need to be brought again to the life restored so Parvati had her son back. This real story not only fascinates Kailash tour Yatri.

The Meaning Significance to visit Gauri Kund: The large number of Kailash Yatri visits this holy Kund during their Parikrama or Kora to purify their minds, body and speech by splashing the Jaal on their heads. They offer TARPANA and Jaal (holy water) to their ancestors to have peace in the heaven. Many of them bring holy water from the Kund to their home. 

Where is the Gauri Kund Located? After crossing steep descends of Dolma La pass, the highest pass during Kailash Manasarovar Yatra tour, the round turquoise colored round shaped GAURI KUND is located at 5608m. above the sea level but walking trail has not yet made, have to walk on massif Rock.

18 June 2027 (Friday)Day 08: Morning Walk to Chongdo and drive to Darchen, we collect all bags before Kailash kora, deposited drive to Manasarovar Kora (Pradakshina) starting from Darchen. Most likely, "Mansarovar circle" refers to Hinduism's, Buddhism's, Jainism's, and Bonpo's practices concerning the circumambulation of Lake Mansarovar. As part of the Kailash Manasarovar tour, reach Chiu Monastery at the bottom of the lake, which is where Hindu rituals begin for the Manasarovar Lake.  

During the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, Nepali Pandits perform Rudrabhishek, Hawan, and Aarti pooja at Manasarovar Lake. In order to purify oneself and gain Lord Shiva's blessings, one prays, chants Shiva mantras, and performs rituals like Tarpan (offering holy water). It is considered highly auspicious and spiritually potent to visit Lake Manasarovar during a full moon night. In addition to enhancing the lake's spiritual energy, the reflection of the full moon on its surface is believed to offer pilgrims and visitors a powerful and sacred experience. Full moon night in Manasarovar Lake.

19 June 2027 (Saturday) Day 09: An early morning drive of approximately 250 km is necessary to reach Ngari Gunsa Airport (Ali Airport). You would typically drive northwest across the Tibetan plateau for about four hours. Having said that, it is crucial to understand that this is a high-altitude, rugged route that requires planning and should not be taken lightly. We fly from Ali Airport to Gonggar airport Xizang Tibet, continue flight to China & continue final destination.
Note: Flight cancellations or any delays caused by unpredictable high-altitude weather conditions are generally not the fault of airlines or Kailash Yatra operator and no bear any extra expenditure.