Nestling in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet, Mount Kailash is a sacred site for the four major religions. It is the birthplace of the Bon religion, the site where Tibetan Buddhism’s Vajrayana sect achieved supreme victory, the residence of Lord Shiva in Hinduism, and the place where the founder of Jainism attained enlightenment. In the minds of believers, it is the center of the world.
1. Why do Kailash Parikrama in Horse Year 2026?
According to the Tibetan calendar, which uses the twelve zodiac animals and the five elements, there are three important pilgrimages in a twelve-year cycle, namely: circumambulating the holy Mount Kailash in the Year of the Horse, pilgrimaging the sacred Lake Manasrovar in the Year of the Goat, and worshiping the sacred forest in the Year of the Monkey.
It is said that making one complete circuit around the sacred mountain can cleanse one’s sins for a lifetime, while completing ten circuits can free one from the suffering of hell in five hundred lifetimes. Those who make one hundred circuits are believed to attain perfect merit and achieve Buddhahood.
The Tibetan Tantric Buddhism believes that the circumambulation path is a cosmic mandala (mandala) in nature. Mount Kailash is the mandala of Vajrabhairava, one of the five main deities of Tibetan Buddhism. Every time a pilgrim circumambulates the mountain clockwise, it is equivalent to holding a mandala ceremony.
In the Year of the Horse, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas hold grand ceremonies at Mount Kailash. A single parikrama of Mount Kailash in this year is considered to have the merit equivalent to making thirteen circuits in any other year. It can not only cleanse the sins of the past and present lives, but also bring great blessings in the next life.
Along the 54-kilometer-long parikrama path, numerous holy sites and miraculous landmarks can be found, almost at every mile, each accompanied by magical legends. Pilgrims stop at each of these sites to perform prostrations and offerings, in order to purify their sins and seek liberation for their souls.
2. How difficult is Kailash Parikrama?
Kailash Parikrama Distance: a total of 54 kilometers (or 49 kilometers if you don’t enter the temples)
Kailash Parikrama Altitude: Darchen (4,657 meters）- Dromala Pass (5,630 meters）
Kailash Parikrama Highlights: Dirapuk Monastery, Dromala Pass (the highest point) , Gauri Kund, and Zuthulpukh Monastery
Kailash Parikrama Age Limits and Physical Demanding: there is no age limit for kailash parikrama, but trekking at such a high altitude and long distance is a changllenge to your body. Please take it easy at a pace that suits you best.
3. How many days do I need in Kailash Parikrama?
Kailash Parikrama Time Planning: 1-3 days. The time required for the kora depends on individual physical strength and familiarity with the route, but most people can complete it within three days. It is said that local Tibetans can complete one circuit in as little as 10 hours. However, pilgrims are advised to assess their own condition and pay attention to safety at all times.
1-Day Kailash Parikrama: For Experienced Pilgrims or Hardcore Hikers, 15-18 Hours
- 5:00-6:00 AM: Depart early in the morning.
- 12:00 PM: Arrive at Dirapuk Monastery for a brief rest.
- 4:00 PM: Reach the highest point, Dromala Pass (5,630 meters). At this point, the physical challenge becomes significant due to the day’s exertion.
- 10:00 PM: Return to Darchen before dark.
2-Day Kailash Parikrama: For Those with No Altitude Sickness and Good Physical Condition
Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery (22 km, 6-10 hours)
- 9:00-9:30 AM: Depart after breakfast.
- 1 hour uphill: Reach the top of the hill where you can see colorful prayer flags.
- 1 hour downhill: Reach the stupa area (sky burial site).
- 3-4 hours of varied terrain along the Lachu River: Arrive at Dirapuk Monastery, with Mount Kailash visible on the east side.
- Overnight at Dirapuk Monastery: Accommodation costs range from 4 to 20 USD.
Day 2: Dirapuk Monastery to Darchen (34 km, 9-14 hours)
- 8:00 AM: Begin the ascent. This is the most difficult part, with a high altitude and steep slope.
- 3-4 hours: Reach Dromala Pass, where you will be greeted by a sea of prayer flags.
- 1 hour downhill: Reach the first tent stop, where you can rest and have lunch.
- 2-3 hours downhill: Arrive at Zuthulpukh Monastery, passing two other tent stops along the way.
- 3-4 hours downhill: Return to Darchen.
3-Day Kailash Parikrama: For Leisurely Walkers or Pilgrims with Elderly or Children
Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery (22 km)
Day 2: Dirapuk Monastery to Zuthulpukh Monastery (22 km)
Day 3: Zuthulpukh Monastery to Darchen (12 km)
This three-day option offers a more relaxed pace and is suitable for those traveling with elderly pilgrims or children, ensuring enough time for rest along the way.
4. Can we touch Mount Kailash during parikrama?
Yes, you can touch Kailash durning parikrama and add an extra day to your itinerary to take an additional trek to the northern slope of Mount Kailash. Starting from Dirapuk Monastery, you’ll walk 13 kilometers to reach Kailash northern foot, where you’ll have the opportunity to touch the sacred, rugged rock face of the mountain (Charan Sparsh). Afterward, you can return to Dirapuk Monastery for the night.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive exploration of Tibet’s mystery and beauty, we recommend joining our 16-day Kailash Parikarama and Charan Sparsh tour. This tour offers a deeper immersion into the sacred path of Mount Kailash and allows you to experience the rich Tibetan culture firsthand.
5. How to do pilgrimage to Dakini Secret Path (Khado Sanglam Pass)?
After completing 13 circuits around Mount Kailash, local Tibetans and devoted pilgrims begin their 14th circuit, which leads them to the Dakini Secret Path. This path takes them on a more challenging and sacred pilgrimage route. The journey typically follows this route:
Darchen → Dirapuk Monastery → Sky Burial Site → Dromala Pass → Togtso/Cibei Lake (Gauri Kund) → Budongditing (Immovable Ground Spike /Buddha Nail) → Entrance/Exit → Dakini Secret Path → Khado Sanglam Pass → Entrance/Exit
After several rounds of worship along the Dakini Secret Path, pilgrims continue their journey to Zuthulpukh Monastery and eventually return to Darchen. This route, however, is considered much more dangerous and difficult than the other paths, requiring crossing Dromala Pass twice and demanding greater physical strength due to its challenging terrain and high altitudes.
Pilgrims who choose this path are usually well-prepared, both physically and mentally, as it represents the ultimate spiritual challenge for those seeking deeper connection with Mount Kailash and its mystical energy.
6. How many days for Kailash Inner Parikrama (Mount Nandi Kora)?
Usually, it takes one day to complet Kailash Inner Parikrama. The Kailash Inner Kora trek also starts from Darchen, passing through Selung Monastery. As you ascend in altitude, the route eventually leads to Nandi Parvat (Yinjiento Mountain), before reaching the Thirteen Golden Stupas. According to legend, Nandi Parvat is considered the protector mountain of Mount Kailash, and the inner circuit can be viewed as a pilgrimage around Nandi Parvat itself, which is also called as Nandi Parikrama or Nandi Kora.
Though the distance of the inner circuit is around 26 kilometers—about half the length of the outer circuit—the terrain is much more difficult. After snowfall, the path can become indistinguishable, making navigation a challenge. Pilgrims can walk around the Thirteen Golden Stupas in prayer, then cross the Nandi/Yinjiento Pass, and return along the right side of the valley back to Selung Monastery, ultimately reaching Darchen.
Because fewer tourists take the inner circuit and there are no supply or rest points like the outer circuit, it is important to complete the journey before dark. If you choose to do the inner circuit, it’s typical to depart at 4:00 AM, and return to Darchen around 6:00 PM. Given the demanding nature of the trek, proper preparation and careful timing are crucial to ensure a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage.
7. Best Time to Kailash in 2026: April to October, Saga Dawa Festival
The best time to visit Mount Kailash falls between April to October for the warm temperature, stable weather, and clear vista. If possible, you can time your trip with Saga Dawa Festival to participate in the local celebration and experience the Tibetan Buddhist culture.
8. Tibet Visa and Permits for Mount Kailash Parikrama
1. For all foreign visitors: Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, and Military Area Entry Permit. If you enter Tibet from Nepal, you will need to apply for Chinese Group Visa in Kathmandu. Othervise, Chinese Visa (L) is required.
2. For Taiwan Compatriots: Taiwan Compatriot Permit (台胞证), Tibet Travel Permit, Border Permit, and Military Area Entry Permit.
3. For Hong Kong and Macau Residents: Mainland Travel Permit (回乡证) and Border Permit
Join our Kailash tour, Tibettrip.org will gaurantee all your travel permits for sure.
9. Mount Kailash Parikrama Essentials and Tips
A. Gear for the Kora
1. Clothing: Long-sleeve shirt + jacket + windproof shell + Thermal pants/quick-dry pants + windproof pants (mornings and evenings are cold)
2. Food Supplies: Chocolate + sausages + Red Bull + instant noodles (if you don’t want to carry them, instant noodles are available along the route)
3. Hiking Essentials: Hiking boots (must-have) + Trekking poles (must-have) + Sleeping bag (optional)
4. Sun Protection: Sun hat + Neck gaiter + Gloves + Sunglasses + Sunscreen
5. Miscellaneous Items: Cup + Glucose supplements/high-altitude sickness medicine (optional) + Power bank/charger + Wet wipes
B. Kora Tips
1. Sunrise and Sunset Timing: In the Ngari region, the sun rises around 7:00 AM and sets around 10:00 PM. You don’t need to worry about walking in the dark.
2. Rest Stops & Supplies: There are about 7-8 rest stops along the route, selling food, drinks, and hot water. No need to worry about accommodation or meals. (Prices for reference:Instant noodles: 10 RMB/bowl,Red Bull: 10 RMB/can, Bottled water: 6 RMB/bottle, Butter tea: 10 RMB/pot, Hot water is free)
3. Dealing with Altitude Sickness:Common altitude sickness remedies include Gaoyuan’an (high-altitude medicine), headache powder, glucose, and Red Bull. (Above 4,800 meters, headaches and shortness of breath are normal. Take breaks, conserve energy, and stay calm.)
4. Electricity & Charging: At accommodation sites, generators start working after 9:00 PM. You can ask the host to help charge your devices.
5. Hiking Poles Are Highly Recommended: They help reduce fatigue and improve stability when hiking up and downhill. If you don’t have trekking poles, wooden sticks can be purchased in Darchen.
6. Mobile Network: China Unicom users may experience no signal in most areas.
7. Music for Motivation: Listening to your favorite upbeat music can help reduce fatigue and keep you motivated.
8. Entertainment for Multi-Day Treks: If you’re on a 2- or 3-day kora, bring some entertainment, as waiting for sunset can be quite boring.
C. About Hiring a Porter
1. If you’re carrying a lot of gear or traveling in a group, hiring a porter is an option. Usually, 2-3 people share one porter.
2. Regardless of whether your trek is 1, 2, or 3 days, porters charge for 3 days: 120 RMB/day. (Total: 360 RMB)
3. If you feel confident in your strength and don’t have much luggage, carrying your own backpack is doable. Many find it not as difficult as expected.
10. Conclusion
Embarking on the Kailash Parikrama in the auspicious Horse Year 2026 is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey. Whether undertaking the outer parikrama, the sacred Charan Sparsh, or the inner kora, each step is believed to cleanse karma and bring immense blessings. Despite its challenges, proper preparation and guidance ensure a fulfilling pilgrimage. Join us in experiencing the mystical energy of Mount Kailash, where faith meets endurance. Let this sacred path deepen your spiritual connection and create unforgettable memories. Plan ahead, embrace the journey, and make 2026 the year of transformation.