Kailash Parikrama Trek
Everything you need to know

The Start of the Parikrama: Darchen to Dirapuk

On the first day of the Parikrama, you will cover approximately 13 kilometers from Darchen to Dirapuk through the Lha Chu Valley. As you walk along the soft but tenacious trail, you gradually discover the mountain's north face, which seems to be sizing you up. Occasionally, yak caravans pass by, the sky appears unnaturally close, and the landscape feels wilder with every step. You are rewarded by finally arriving at the magnificent Dirapuk Monastery, which lies at one of the truly breathtaking viewpoints in the Himalayas. At nightfall, a new view of the mountain glows in the moonlight, and the silence feels older than time.

The Parikrama Continues: Crossing the Dolma La Pass

The second day is the one everyone talks about, when you cross the Dolma La Pass from Dirapuk to Zutulpuk. At 5,630 meters, Dolma La is not fooling around. The incline is steep, the air is thin, and you need to take a break every few minutes, not because you are weak, but because the altitude demands respect.

When you finally reach the top of the pass, you are greeted by a gorgeous, chaotic mass of prayer flags fluttering like the prayers of everyone who has ever stood there. Just beyond the pass is Gauri Kund, a jade-colored glacier lake regarded as highly sacred. Then, you have that long descent through quiet valleys and rock fields until you reach Zutulpuk Monastery, an unpretentious sanctuary that seems to come straight from God after such a hard day.

The Peaceful Parikrama Concludes: Descent to Zutulpuk and Return to Darchen

Your final day is also your victory lap. The route back to Darchen from Zutulpuk is fairly straightforward, passing riverbeds and sandy flats beneath ridges and the sky. You can start to feel the spiritual buzz of the mountain settle into you, and when you complete the circuit, it has probably changed you for life, although you may not notice it right away. This trek is not for the casual observer, despite the emotional weight of the adventure. As most of the Parikrama is clearly above 4,800 meters, acclimatization is key. The altitude will sap the enthusiasm of even veteran trekkers.

Lake Mansarovar is a peaceful, large lake that provides a natural acclimatization break and adds an attraction for tourists. This hike is best done from May to mid-September. The area is inaccessible outside that window due to extreme cold, snow, and high winds. In the warmer months, daytime temperatures are bearable; however, nighttime temperatures remain below freezing. The passes are accessible, and the weather is more likely to be clear.

Required Permits and Travel Regulations in Tibet and other essentials

It is necessary to have permits to visit Kailash because it is located in Tibet. You need a permit to visit Tibet, a visa for China, and a restricted area permit, all of which require the traveler to go through a government-approved operator; you cannot obtain these yourself. You must reserve your travel through a licensed operator who handles everything, which also means you cannot trek alone, Tibetan law requires a group and a licensed guide. The top factor in packing is warmth.

You should pack thermal layers, a good down jacket, waterproof hiking shoes, trekking poles (especially for Dolma La), sunglasses, sunscreen, high-energy snacks, water purification tablets, and any necessary medicines. The accommodations along the way consist of simple guesthouses, shared rooms, minimal amenities, and food such as soups, noodles, bread, and tea. If you want variety, you will need to pack your own snacks.

Final Thoughts

That said, sensitivity is one of the most important things to bring. Mount Kailash is one of the most sacred places on Earth. Drones, loud behavior, littering, and rudeness near monasteries should not only be discouraged but are also culturally unacceptable. The experience is deepened by simply honoring the shared sacred space of this pilgrimage.

It’s not just about climbing a mountain; it’s about losing yourself in Kailash. At the end of the journey, participants may feel pain and exhaustion, but they will also feel a radiance, as if an invisible force, ancient and strong, is smiling at them. Kailash, regardless of your spirituality or thrill-seeking level, is able to gracefully, reliably, and lastingly reorganize your inner reality.