Eco Holiday Asia

Kailash Kora Trek Package

A focused three-day walking circuit around Mount Kailash via the Dolma La pass, supported by an experienced Yatra guide and a Kathmandu–Tibet logistics team.

The Kailash Kora Trek Package is built around the three-day walking circuit at Mount Kailash — the kora — while still handling the full Kathmandu–Tibet logistics that the journey requires. It suits trekkers and pilgrims who want to give the kora its full attention.

Duration14–15 days total
RegionKathmandu – Tibet (Kailash region)
Trip typeTrekking pilgrimage
DifficultyChallenging (high altitude trek)
Max altitudeapprox. 5,630 m at Dolma La pass
Best seasonMay – September
AccommodationHotels in Kathmandu; guesthouses / camps in Tibet
MealsFull board in Tibet
TransportPrivate vehicle & 4WD jeep + walking on kora
GuideExperienced Yatra guide
Permit / visaTibet Travel Permit & Chinese Group Visa
Community experienceLocal lodges & pilgrim community
CustomizableYes
Overview

About the Kora

The kora is a clockwise circuit around Mount Kailash, walked by pilgrims of multiple traditions for centuries. The route climbs from Darchen into the Kailash valley to Dirapuk, crosses the Dolma La pass on day two, and descends through Zuthulpuk back to Darchen on day three.

Highlights

Trip Highlights

  • The three-day Kailash kora as the centrepiece
  • Dramatic Dolma La pass crossing at around 5,630 m
  • North face of Mount Kailash from Dirapuk
  • Pilgrim community on the trail
  • Permit and document coordination
  • Experienced Yatra guide and support team
  • Acclimatisation built into the Tibet section
Spiritual Significance

The Sacred Circuit

Walking clockwise around Mount Kailash is considered an act of deep spiritual significance in Hindu, Buddhist and Bon traditions. The Dolma La pass is symbolically associated with rebirth and the shedding of past burdens.

Community Tourism

Travel That Supports Local Communities

On the kora we work with local Tibetan yak and pony handlers and use simple lodges at Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk. Spending stays close to the trail communities who serve pilgrims year after year.

We follow guidance from local operators on trail etiquette and respect for sacred sites.

Talk to a Nepal Travel Expert

Kailash kora trek with yak and pony support
Local Guide & Support

Trek and Pilgrimage Support

An experienced Yatra guide walks the kora with the group. Yak carries luggage; pony support is arranged for pilgrims who need it. A support vehicle waits at Darchen.

Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Days 1–2 – Kathmandu
Arrival, briefing and final preparations.
Day 3 – Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
Drive north toward the border.
Day 4 – Syabrubesi to Kyirong
Cross the border; overnight Kyirong.
Day 5 – Kyirong rest
Acclimatisation.
Day 6 – Kyirong to Saga
Drive across the plateau.
Day 7 – Saga to Lake Manasarovar
Drive to the sacred lake.
Day 8 – Manasarovar to Darchen
Short drive; preparation.
Day 9 – Kora Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk
Walk into the Kailash valley.
Day 10 – Kora Day 2: Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La
Cross the Dolma La pass.
Day 11 – Kora Day 3: Zuthulpuk to Darchen
Complete the circuit.
Day 12 – Darchen to Saga
Return drive.
Day 13 – Saga to Kyirong
Continue to Kyirong.
Day 14 – Kyirong to Kathmandu
Cross the border to Nepal.
Day 15 – Departure
Transfer to airport.
Includes & Excludes

What’s Included and What’s Excluded

What’s Included

  • All ground transport on the Nepal side (private vehicle)
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (3 or 4 star or as chosen)
  • Daily breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Experienced English-speaking guide
  • Permit and document coordination through authorised channels
  • Trip briefing in Kathmandu
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • Pre-trip checklist and packing guidance
  • Tibet Travel Permit and Chinese Group Visa coordination
  • All ground transport in Tibet
  • Accommodation in guesthouses and camps
  • Full board in Tibet
  • Yak support for luggage on the kora
  • Experienced Yatra guide

What’s Excluded

  • International flights to/from Kathmandu
  • Nepal visa (available on arrival for most nationalities)
  • Travel and medical insurance (mandatory, must include emergency evacuation)
  • Personal expenses, drinks and souvenirs
  • Lunch and dinner unless specified
  • Tips for guide, driver and support team
  • Emergency helicopter rescue (covered by your insurance)
  • Any cost arising from itinerary changes due to weather, permits or unforeseen circumstances
  • Pony / personal porter unless pre-booked
  • Personal trekking gear
  • Any extra night caused by weather or permit delays
Permits & Documents

Permits and Travel Documents

Tibet & Kailash permits: Travel to Tibet and Mount Kailash requires permits and arrangements through authorised channels. Rules, border access and document requirements may change. Eco Holiday Asia verifies the latest requirements before confirming your trip.

High altitude & remote travel: This journey involves high altitude and remote travel. Itineraries may change due to weather, border rules, permit conditions, health needs or local authority instructions.

Season & Weather

Best Season and Weather

May to September is the operating window. June–August is warmer but busier; May and September can be quieter but colder.

Health & Altitude

Health, Altitude and Fitness

This trek includes a high-altitude pass crossing at around 5,630 m. Reasonable trekking fitness, gradual acclimatisation and travel insurance with high-altitude evacuation cover are essential.

We strongly recommend a check-up with your doctor before booking. Bring quality high-altitude clothing and a personal first-aid kit.

Travel Responsibly

Responsible Trekking Pilgrimage

A few simple choices keep your visit respectful and low-impact in sacred landscapes.

  • Respect local customs, dress modestly and follow your guide at temples, monasteries and sacred sites.
  • Ask before photographing people, rituals and the inside of monasteries.
  • Walk clockwise around stupas, mani walls and sacred sites where this is the custom.
  • Carry a refillable water bottle and avoid single-use plastic in remote regions.
  • Support local guides, drivers, lodges, restaurants and community businesses.
  • Follow permit, border and conservation rules at all times.
International Travellers

Planning Your Kora Trek from Abroad

International travellers often plan Himalayan journeys several months ahead, especially for permit-based routes. Our team handles every Nepal-side detail end to end — permit and document coordination, private transport, lodge bookings and travel advice. We coordinate by email (info@ecoholidays.com.np) and WhatsApp (+977 9851207214) across every time zone, and tailor pace, comfort and group size to suit families, senior travellers, pilgrim groups and small private parties.

Trekking Experience

We recommend prior multi-day trekking experience for this route, ideally at altitude.

Permit Timeline

Permits need passport copies several weeks ahead of departure.

Gear Hire

Some altitude gear can be hired in Kathmandu; we send a checklist before departure.

Private Groups

We design private departures for small trekking and pilgrim groups.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kailash kora?
The kora is the sacred circuit around Mount Kailash — about 52 km, walked over three days, crossing the Dolma La pass at around 5,630 m.
Is this package only the kora?
No. The package covers the full journey from Kathmandu to Darchen and back, but the focus is on the three-day kora as a trekking and pilgrimage experience.
How fit do I need to be?
Reasonable fitness is essential. The kora involves long days at high altitude. We plan acclimatisation in advance and brief the group carefully.
Is there support on the kora?
Yes. Yak support carries luggage and pony support is available for pilgrims who need it. A guide accompanies the group throughout.
What about altitude sickness?
We follow a gradual ascent profile through Tibet to allow acclimatisation. Travel insurance with high-altitude evacuation cover is mandatory.
Can the kora be done in two days?
It is possible for very fit and acclimatised trekkers, but we strongly recommend the standard three-day schedule for safety and the spiritual rhythm of the pilgrimage.
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Plan Your Kailash Kora Trek

Tell us your dates, fitness and trekking experience. We will design the journey to suit your group.