Kailash has 2 koras- Inner and outer. Mostly pilgrims do the outer kora parikrama which is longer. Permits for inner kora are rare. Inner kora is done in a day and takes around 14 hrs.

Outer kora parikrama is usually done in 3 days with lodging along the route at the end of each day.

Outer Kora parikrama starts from Darchen, the drop off vehicle drops you to Yam Dwar, this is where the parikrama begins. Those who don’t want to do parikrama can do Kailash Darshan from here too.

Start of parikrama from Yam Dwar (4910m) – 13 -14 kms / 6-7 hours trek

In the morning we drove towards Yamdwar  and started our parikrama. Before the start of trekking all the yatris get the opportunity get Kailash darshan from Yam Dwar.

We continued trek to Dirapukh by foot. Pony and porters are hired at this point for the whole journey. Porter charge 1000 yuan and Pony charges are 3500 Yuan. Ensure to keep minimum 600 Yuan handy for emergency evacuation.

Terrain is not very tough but the lack of oxygen and travel fatigue starts showing its toll now. Ensure you keep yourself hydrated and keep energy food handy. You can see Kailash throughout the first day. the views are outstanding so don’t miss the chance to capture some great shots. A lot of wildlife can be seen through the route. A couple of food tents can be seen on the way but everything comes on a price. The passing clouds are a big problem during Kora as they can make you wet anytime, so water proofing is very important. Make sure there is a spare set in the backpack that is also water proof else you cannot continue day 2 journey without spare clothes.

We reached Dirapukh in the evening and the rains converted to snow. It was wet and cold. But Kalash never fails to surprise. The Kailash view from our mudhouse was outstanding in the snow. We had brilliant Kailash darshan with a cup of tea.

The mud house is very basic with no electricity or heating (but they give you bedding). There is no way to dry the wet clothes. Those who reached soaking wet with no spares had to ask around for the dry clothes (which suddenly becomes a novelty) Once we reached Dirapukh we had great opportunity to take several memorable picture of Kailash from here.The nights get very cold here and oxygen drops in the night. Make sure you pack in warm in the bed; When you struggle to breathe, sit up and concentrate on breathing but don’t open door and windows in the room as whatever oxygen is in there will escape too. Deep breaths and keep warm is the key to survive here. Sleep with kit on apart from the trekking shoes.

Day 2 of Parikrama from Dirapukh to Zuthulphuk (4760m) 22 kms trek/10 hours via Dolma La Pass (5600m)

Not everyone from Day 1 continue onwards on Day 2 and day 3. Many return back from here as Day 2 is not as easy as Day 1. Due to weather condition we were warned of the dangers ahead so most of the group decided to not pursue onwards.

Early in the morning after breakfast we started trekking towards Zuthulpukh, enroute we will get the opportunity to pass Gauri Kund before we reach Gauri Kund our trek goes steep climb up continuously upto Dolma-La high pass (5600 m). The lying snow on Day 2 trek adds to the difficulty but keep walking at a slow pace. One basic rule on mountains is to keep moving and continue onwards. By the evening we reached Zuthulpukh. Accomodation here is dorm style but unfortunately, the dorm was full when we reached there and we were asked to continue day 3 parikrama to Darchen on the same day. This is where the evacuation has to be called in to drive us back to Darchen. Otherwise it was another 5 hrs trek the same day. Our 3 day parikrama got completed in 2 days. Adding details of 3rd day for reference only.

Day 3 trek to Darchen and drive to Dongba – 5 hours trek

Ideally today it should have been the last day of the parikrama. After breakfast we should have made a short trek about 4-5 hours towards Darchen.

This is where we met with the rest of the group we left behind in the morning of Day 2. We stayed overnight in Darchen and next morning after breakfast continued our drive to New Dongba by completing the remaining course (approx. 30%) of parikrama of Lake Manasarovar.

Once you reach Darchen post parikrama, there are plenty of options to indulge in shopping spree. There are a lot of shops selling mementos of Kailash and other Tibetian items. Do bargain here. But this is the only place where you get good Kailash mementos.

Darchen is also the last stop, before Kora starts to ensure that the kit is complete and any last minute kit shopping can be done here before you set off for Kora. Keep Yuan handy here as Nepalese and INR currencies might not be accepted everywhere.