Overview
Mt. Kailash is the most Sacred of all mountains of the world and is considered as the centre of the universe. In inner Kora Kailash Pilgrimage you get an opportunity to move very close up with this holiest mountain and also do parikarma of Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva. In fact it is one of the most sacred and challenging tour among devotees. The journey involves climbing and camping . The route for inner kora is via Asthapad, visiting Sapta Rishi Cave and parikarma of Nandi you drive back to Kathmandu night halting at Darchen, Saga and Nyalam. The Nomenclature, Orthography and Entomology of Sacred Mountain.
It can be derived from the word 'kelasa' which means crystal. In Tibetan dictionary Chandra identifies the entry for kai la sha which is a loan word in Sanskrit 'kailasa'. The Tibetan name for the mountain is 'KANGS RIN-PO CHE'. Gangs or kangs is a Tibetan wordfor snow peak which means is an honourific meaning 'precious stone'. So the combined word may be translated as'precious jewels of snow'."Tibetan Buddhists call it Kangri Rinpoche; 'Precious Snow Mountain'. Bon texts have many names: Water's Flower, Mountain of Sea Water, Nine Stacked Swastika Mountain. For Hindus, it is the home of the mountain god Shiva and a symbol of his power symbol om; for Jains it is where their first leader was enlightened; for Buddhists, the navel of the universe; and for adherents of Bon, the abode of the sky goddess Sipaimen'' Another local name is Tise mountain which derives from ti tse meaning 'water peak' or 'river peak' in Zhang-Zhou language connoting the mountain status as the source of mythical lion, Horse. Peacock & elephant rivers. In fact, the Indus, Yarlug-Tsangpo/Dihang/Brahmaputra, Karnali & Satluj all begin at the Kailash- Mansarovar region.
RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE:-
In Hinduism : According to Hinduism, Lord Shiva- the destroyer of ignorance & illusion resides at the summit of the legendary mountain KAILASA, where he sits in perpetual meditation along with his wife Parvati. According to Charles Allen, one description in 'Vishnu Purana' states that its 4 faces are made up of ruby, crystal, gold & lapiz lazuli. It is the pillar of the world at the heart of 6 mountain ranges. The ancient 'Koneshwaram temple' is heralded as 'Dakshin Kaliasam'because it lies in the same longitude as Mount Kailash & due to its pre-eminence in Saivite belief. Koneshwaram early black granite cut architectural shared similarities between to the famous Kailashnathar temple.Many of the Kailasanathar temples sculptures and reliefs depict episodes relating to Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati, including Ravana's tale. (Ravana was a devotee of Lord Shiva. Ramayana does not document Ravana shaking the mountain.) Ravana's mother had fallen ill. As they were great Lord Shiva devotees, he had attempted to carry the temple on his back to bring it closer to his mother. Shiva, being stunned by his boldness, had blessed him with immortality as Ravana had passed Lord Shiva's test of devotion.
IN JAINISM : Kailash is also known as Meru Parvat or Sumeru. Ashtapada, the mountain next to Mt.Kailash is the site where the first Jain TIRTHANKARA, 'Rishabdeva' attained Nirvana (moksha).
IN BUDDHISM : Tantric Buddhists believes that Mount Kailash is the home Buddha Demchok also known as Demchog (or Chakrasamvara). There are numerous sites in this region depicting & associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) whose tantric sites around Tibet are finally credited with establishing Buddhism as main religion of the country in 7th- 8th century CE.
IN BON : The Bon, a religion which predates Buddhism in Tibet, maintain that the entire mystical region & nine- story 'Swastika' mountain are the' SEAT OF ALL SPIRITUAL POWER'.
PILGRIMAGE
Every year thousands make a pilgrimage to Kailash, following a tradition going back thousands of years. Pilgrims of several regions believe that circumbalating Mount Kailash on foot is a holy ritual that will bring good fortune. The peregrination is made in a clockwise direction by Hindus & Buddhists. Followers of Jain & Bongpo religions circumbalate in anti-clockwise direction. The path around Mount Kailash is 52 km (32miles ) long. Some pilgrims believe that the entire walk around Kailash should be made in a single day, which is not considered an easy task. A person in good shape walking fast would take perhaps 15 hours to complete the 52 km trek. Some of the devout do accomplish this feat, little daunted by the uneven terrain, altitude sickness and harsh conditions faced in the process. Indeed, other pilgrims venture a much more demanding regimen, performing body-length prostrations over the entire length of the circumambulation: The pilgrim bends down, kneels, prostrates full-length, makes a mark with his fingers, rises to his knees, prays, and then crawls forward on hands and knees to the mark made by his/her fingers before repeating the process. It requires at least four weeks of physical endurance to perform the circumambulation while following this regimen.
Itinerary
Holy Kailash Parikrama (Kailash Inner Kora) - 18 Days
Day 01 : Katmandu (1300 mts.) .Arrival by evening, our representative will meet at the airport and escort to the Hotel, Program briefing in the evening, dinner, overnight stay in Katmandu.
Day 02 : Katmandu to Nyalam (3700 mts. - 160kms.) - This is the first day of the Yatra. Very early with pack breakfast depart from Katmandu to China border by reserved tourist coach. It takes about 05 hours. Our agent will complete custom formalities and check into Tibet - an autonomous part of China. After lunch drive to a small Tibetan town called Nyalam. Overnight stay at Shishapangma Guest House. Breakfast and dinner in camp side and packed lunch will be provided prepare by our escorts.
Day 03 : Nyalam Full day acclimatization - Full day free for excursion of Nyalam city.
Day 04: Nyalam to Dongba/Paryang (4500mts. - 375kms) - After breakfast drive from Nylam to Dongba through Lalung La 16,000 ft ( Mountain Pass ) , Paigu Tso Lake and Brahmapura river for about 08:00 hours. Overnight stay at guesthouse.
Day 05 : Dongba/Paryang (4500mts. - 335kms) to Chi Gompa - After breakfast drive from Dongba to Mansarovar 07:00 hours passing through Mayumu La pass 17,000 ft Highest Pass during journey. Travel to Horchu (240 kms) and arrive at Manasarovar Welcome Station. Exchange vehicles and start Manasarovar parikrama by bus. Take holy bath near Tru-Gompa, view Rakshastal and reach Chiu Gompa. Mansarovar Parikrama by vehicle. This is the first day stay at the bank of the Manasarovar Lake, Overnight stay at Guesthouse.
Day 06 : Take dip in Manasarovar Lake and conducting Pooja, and spiritual activities according to tradition.After breakfast travel to Tirthapuri to see Basmasura Hill (subject to getting China permit) Correctly pronounced as "Dripda Pöri Gön.Situated at 4330 m where sacred hot springs and a geyser emerge above the embankment of the Langchen Tsangpo ( Sutlej River), is one of the traditional pilgrimage sites visited after Mount Kailash. Here the Sutlej flows past grassy paddocks.The original temple was constructed around the Vajravarahi Cave, where Padmasambhava and his consort Yeshe Tsogyel had meditated during the 8th century, by Gonchen Chonyi Zangpo of Dorje Drak. The temole formerly contained images of Padmasambhava flanked by Amitabha and Shakyamuni. In recent times, however, the buildings have been maintained by monks of the Drukpa Kagyu order - ten of whom are in residence.
The surrounding landscape consists mainly of red and white earth. Around the cave are dozens of unusual rock formations, almost all of which have become imbued with religious significance.The hot springs at Tirthapuri are clean for bathing and two small public pools with pleasant temperatures have been excavated.
Proceed to Darchen. Chi – Gompa to Darchen (4600mts. - 110kms.).Drive around 2.30 hrs to Darchen and overnight stay at Guesthouse.
Day 07 : Drive to Yamadwar – Diraphuk.View of North Face of kailash.Stay in Guest house.
Day 08 : Cross Dolma La Pass and have darshan of Gowri Kund. Reach Zuthulpuk by evening (total 22 kms trek). Night stay in dormitory rooms.
Day 09 : Complete last portion of Parikrama (10 kms) and reach Darchen. Visit Astapad in evening. Night stay at Darchen in dormitory rooms
Day 10 : Rest Day / Buffer Day for weather and health contingencies.
Day 11 : Early morning Drive by Jeep/trek Astapada and then to south face of Kailash, reach and pray at Saptarishi caves and complete Nandi Parikrama.Reach Zuthulpuk.Saty in Guest house.
Nandi Parikrama
• Start from Darchen 4670 m
• Silung Gompa 4985 m
• Astapada 5300m
• Horse Footprint 5550 m
• Stony Bed of Kailash
• Acent to Atma Linga
• Saptarishi Cave 6000 m
• Nandi 5500 m
• Silung Gompa 4985 m
• Reach Darchen 4670 m
Day 12:Reserve day for weather Contengencies.
Day 13:Reach Yamadwar by jeep and trek to Dirapuk with a stop near West face (12 kms). Night stay in Dirapuk in Dormitory rooms
Day 14:Visit North face and perform puja at Charan Sparsh and return to Dirapuk Night stay in Dormitory rooms
Day 15:Kailash Inner Kora via Kandasangla pass and Kuber Kund. Reach Zuthulpuk (25 kms) Night Stay in Zuthulpuk mud house
Day 16:Complete Kailash Parikrama (10kms) and reach Darchen then leave for Saga (420 km) Packed Lunch on way. Night halt at Saga hotel
Day 17:After breakfast travel Saga to Kodari (300km) complete immigration and travel to Katmandu (160 kms). Night Halt at Katmandu hotel
Day 18:Morning check out hotel transfer to airport, catch flight for next Destination.
Cost
Cost : ₹1,35,000/- (per person) from Katmandu to Katmandu for group size 9-10 members.
Cost Includes
- Arrival & departure transportation
- Sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath and Budhanilkantha.
- 3 nights stay 4 star hotel at Kathmandu on twin sharing basis with all meals
- Transfer to Kodari by tourist bus
- Tibet side: accommodation in decent hotel/tents
- While camping we provide two-man tents, mattresses, sleeping bag & camping equipments like dining & toilet tents
- Pure vegetarian meals prepare by our escort.
- A/C coach & support trucks
- English speaking Tibetan guide
- Nepali tour leader
- Gamow bag, oxygen, basic first-aid kit.
- Kailash permit & normal Tibet/China visa fee.
- Kodari land tax.
Cost Excludes
- All beverages, Photography charges and Telephone calls
- Travel Insurance of clients
- Emergency evacuation expenses.
- Riding Yak/Horse for Kailash Parikrama (direct payable to Yak/horse herder)
- Extra cost in the event of landslide for hiring additional transportation
- Expenses of personal urgent visa fee etc & Services other than specified
Photos
Photo Captions for Kailash Parikrama Inner Core
87 : View of Kailash East Face from Kandesungla Pass – Kuber Kund Top
15 : View of Ravana Ling from South face Base.
16 : View of South Face from Base.
28 and 30 : Saptharishi Cave during Parikrama
31 : View of Nandi Celestial Vehicle of Lord Shiva from Saptharishi Cave.
47 : Glimpse of Charan Padhuka.
71/72 and 76 : Trekkers Climbing Kandesungla pass 19,500 ft.
85 : View of High Altitude Kuber Kund
0554 : View of Kailash South Face
0230 : View of Kailash North Face.
FAQ
Q: Who can do this trek?
A: If you can walk on an average of 5 to 6km without a problem, then you can! If you have specific health issues like asthma, heart issues or the likes, consult your doctor before participating in the trek.
Q: How cold does it get?
A: It depends on where you come from, but from an Indian context – it can get quite cold. The temperature in the higher regions can touch -2 degrees at night. So be prepared and carry warm clothing. Although multiple layers will serve the purpose, it can get quite heavy and uncomfortable. Your best bet would be to buy a professional high altitude jacket.
Q: What should we carry?
A: The following items are a must-carry:
Shoes: A good pair of shoes is a must - a good pair does not mean your Adidas/ Nike/ Reebok/ Puma sport shoe. You need a pair that can withstand the wear and tear of walking for many days. A bad shoe can ruin your trek by causing blisters. Ask us, we can help you in choosing the right one for your budget.
The other things you need to carry are : gloves, a skull cap, a sun hat/cap, your personal clothes and toiletry kit, a good pair of sun glasses, a water bottle and your personal medicines (if necessary). Your sleeping bag, mat and tents will be provided to you by Summiters.
Q: What food do you provide?
A: We provide simple vegetarian food that is light and suitable for trekking. Don’t expect pizza hut or an Anand Bhavan - nor will you have to go hunting. You will have enough and when you are tired – anything served will taste superb!
Q: Is the mountain water safe to drink?
A: Yes. It’s as pure as it can be. But if you are finicky – you can buy mineral water
Q: How can I prepare myself?
A: Take daily long walks or jogs.
T&C
Terms and Conditions
*All about the elusive star*
Here are our conditions:
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Booking must be confirmed 30 days prior to date of departure by paying the full amount – It takes lot of effort, time and money in planning the trek in remote locations. So please give us enough time to make your journey a lifetime’s journey.
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All expenses accruing from change in schedule due to weather conditions or health issues are to be borne by the participants. Summiters will not be responsible for the weather or your personal health issues.
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Cancellation policy – We plan everything for you well in advance, so that your trip is hassle-free and as smooth as possible. This means that porter fees, permits, accommodation expenses are all paid in advance. Any cancellation will mean inconvenience and loss to all the people involved in making your journey successful. Therefore, it is only fair to pass on the accrued costs to you. Our policy is:-
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- Cancellation prior to 30 days from date of departure : Full Refund
- Cancellation between 30 days to 20 days prior to date of departure: 50% Refund
- Cancellation between 20 days prior to date of departure and departure date:No Refund
- No Show : No Refund
- Cancellation has to be confirmed by sending a mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Vishwanath : 
# 822, Dwarakawasa