Kailash Nandi Kora

The Kailash Nandi Kora is also known as the Kailash Inner Kora. It is one of the greatest pilgrimage routes in the world and is considered the ultimate spiritual walk. 

You may have heard about the Kailash Kora or Mansarovar Kailash Yatra. It is the outer kora of Mt. Kailash. The kora involves three days of walking from Yam Dwar to Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La Pass to Zongdui. 

However, there is also one more Kailash Kora route, which is known as the Kailash Inner Kora or the Kailash Nandi Kora. It is much more challenging than the three-day outer Kailash Kora. 

During the Kailash Nandi Kora, you will hike from Yam Dwar to Dirapuk. From here, you will cross the Kuberkunda Pass and descend to Zuthulpuk. The route to Kuberkund Pass separates from Shivasthal. 

From Zuthulpuk, you will descend to Darchen and hike to Serlung Gompa, crossing Nandi Pass. Nandi Pass involves technical climbing, so you may use ropes and other climbing gear. 

On the same day, you will also hike to Atma Linga and Saptarishi Cave. It will be around 34 kilometers walking in one day. Therefore, the Kailash Nandi Kora is recommended to travelers and pilgrims who are fit and strong. 

Where is Nandi Parvat Located?

Nandi Parvat is located below the celestial steps of Mt. Kailash’s south face. In the east, there are two small lakes, a Buddha statue, and a Shiva Linga temple. Likewise, Saptarishi Cave is also situated nearby. 

Nandi Parvat

Nandi is the sacred carrier of Lord Shiva. As per the legends, it is believed that he lives in the form of the hill near Mt. Kailash, which is the home of Lord Shiva.

Therefore, it is called Nandi Parvat (or Parbat). If you see the peak closely, you can see the bill shape. One of the Hindu legends says that Lord Shiva meditated deeply on Mt. Kailash. So, he cannot hear the prayers of his followers.

Nandi acts as a messenger who passes all the prayers to his Lord and also protects the gates. By doing the Nandi Kora (circumambulation around Nandi Parvat), you will complete all elements of Kailash Kora. 

Places you will visit during the Kailash Nandi Kora 16 days

Crossing the Kuberkunda Pass and Nandi Kora are the two main attractions of the Kailash Nandi Kora 16 days trip. However, you will also visit many religious sites, which are mentioned below:

• Mansarovar Lake: Mansarovar Lake is an integral part of Kailash Kora. Devotees believe that the water of this holy lake can wash off their sins. The lake is located 4,590 meters above sea level in the far western part of Tibet’s Ngari Prefecture. The water in the lake is from the Kailash Glaciers.
• Rakshas Tal: Rakshas Tal is situated near Nandi Parvat and west of Mansarovar Lake. Rakshas Tal translates to Lake of Demon.  It is located 4,752 meters above sea level.
• Yam Dwar: Yam Dwar is the starting point of Kailash Parikarma (Kora). It is located 6 km from Darchen. The Kailash Outer Kora begins from here. In Hindu mythology, Yam Dwar is considered the gateway to heaven. Yamaraj, the god of death, guards the entrance of Kailash Parvat.
• Dirapuk: Dirapuk is one of the first night stops during the three days of Kailash Kora. It is located 5,210 meters above sea level. From Darchen, you will walk 17 km to reach Dirapuk. This place offers an incredible view of the north side of Mt. Kailash. Dirapuk Monastery is the main attraction here.
• Kuberkunda Pass: You will cross Kuberkunda Pass between Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk. The pass is 5,600 meters high and offers stunning views of the east face of Mt. Kailash, along with the Nandi Hill, Asthapath, and the source of the Uma River. Crossing the Kuberkunda Pass is quite challenging. It is one of the highest points during the Kailash Inner Kora.
• Zuthulpuk: Zuthulpuk is another major location during the Kailash Nandi Kora. You will descend to Zuthulpuk from Kuberkunda Pass. Here, you will explore the 13th-century Zuthulpuk monastery. The present-day monastery was rebuilt in 1983. The monastery is associated with Milarepa.
• Nandi Pass: Nandi Pass is located 5,805 meters above sea level. You will cross it on the way from Darchen to Serlung Gompa. The trail is challenging, and some sections also involve technical climbing. It is the least traveled route on the Kailash trip.
• Serlung Gompa (Monastery): Serlung Gompa is located near Darchen at the base of Mt. Kailash. It is one of the key sites during the Kailash Inner Kora.
• Asthapath (Eight Steps): Asthapath is deeply connected to Jain. It is believed that Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara, attained Nirvana here. Jains visit Asthapath to pay homage to Lord Rishabhden and seek blessings for spiritual liberation.
• Atma Linga: Atma Linga houses a divine Shiva Linga that symbolizes the eternal connection between devotees and the Supreme. The Atma Linga is considered to embody the soul of Lord Shiva, which makes it one of the most powerful sites of the entire Kailash Yatra.
• Saptarishi Caves: The Saptarishi Cave is connected to the seven great Hindu sages. These sages are known as Saptarishis. They are believed to be mediated in the Saptarishi Cave. It is also believed that their divine energy still lingers in the cave, which makes Saptarishi Cave an essential stop during Kailash Yatra. 

Kailash Inner Kora (Kailash Nandi Kora) vs Outer Kora: What is the difference?

We have shared the major difference between the Kailash Inner Kora and Kailash Outer Kora below:

Difficulty, duration, and distance

Kailash Inner Kora is much more challenging than the Kailash Outer Kora. The inner kora can be done in one day, but the outer kora takes three days to complete. In contrast to duration, inner kora involves technically challenging sections.

However, the outer kora is not technically advanced and suitable for all pilgrims. Similarly, the Kailash Inner Kora distance is around 34 kilometers, and the Kailash Outer Kora distance is around 53 kilometers.

No food and medical supplies centers

On the Kailash Inner Kora, there are no food or supply points/tea shops. So, you have to be well-packed with ample water, food, and first aid during the kora. Only at Selung Gompa and Gyangdrak Monastery will you find supplies to replenish yourself.

However, this is not the case for Kailash Outer Kora. On the outer kora route, there is a good arrangement of accommodation, food, and medical supplies at every resting point.

Crowd

You will see a good number of travelers and pilgrims on the Kailash Outer Kora route. The trails are bustling with devotees, and the resting points are delightful.

However, on the Kailash Inner Kora route, you are more likely to walk alone. Very few pilgrims do the inner kora. There is also no mobile signal in most parts of the route.

Unclear trails

Compared to the Kailash Outer Kora route, the Kailash Inner Kora route is not well established. Therefore, the trails are not clearly marked and require expert guidance.

Kailash Nandi Kora difficulty

Kailash Nandi Kora is challenging because it involves steep climbing and crossing complex rocky terrain. There are two phases of the Kailash Nandi Kora. First, you will hike from Darchen to Dirapuk and descend to Zuthulpuk, crossing the east face of Kuberkunda Pass.

The trail separates from Shivasthal and continues to Kuberkunda Pass, instead of the Dolma La Pass. You will use climbing ropes and other equipment as per the trail conditions. From the pass, you will descend to Zuthupuk and then to Darchen.

Now begins the second part of the Kailash Nandi Kora. You will hike from Darchen to Serlung Gompa. From here, you will explore Ashthpad and follow a steep, rocky terrain to Atma Linga and Saptarishi Cave, crossing Nandi Pass on the way.

Then, descend back to Darchen, completing the Nandi Kora. Just before reaching Saptarisihi cave, you will walk past the 13 Golden Chortens situated in the narrow fissure on the south face of Mt. Kailash. This section is quite scary and difficult to navigate. You have to be extremely careful.

Is Kailash Nandi Kora suitable for you?

You need more than spiritual dedication for Kailash Nandi Kora. Anyone thinking of doing the Kailash Nandi Kora must be physically fit. Likewise, having a previous trekking or high-altitude experience is also recommended.

Even if you do not have the previous trekking or high-altitude experience, it is fine. Our guides will help you complete the Kailash Nandi Kora safely. However, you cannot compromise on your fitness.

The high altitude and walking during the Kailash Nandi Kora is no joke. It will test your limits. You have to push yourself. Similarly, if you have diabetes, asthma, arthritis, or a heart or lung problem, we strongly suggest you consult your doctor regarding the trip and get his opinion.

We, Leaf Holidays Treks and Expedition, have helped many devotees with several health issues complete the Kailash inner and outer kora. However, we need your honesty and full preparation for a safe and successful trip.

Best time of the year to do the Kailash Nandi Kora

Usually, the Kailash Kora is open between May and October, as it is the most optimal time of the year for this trip weather-wise. We hope you understand that the Kailash Nandi Kora is a high-altitude journey in the Himalayas.

So, the climate is going to be cold year-round. However, between May and October, the temperature is bearable. Therefore, traveling becomes safe and possible in these months.

The temperature ranges between -7°C and -28°C. The evenings and mornings are colder. The sun’s warmth during the daytime makes the journey pleasant.

From November to April, the Kailash trips are generally closed. The weather is not good, snow blocks the roads, and the temperature drops way below the freezing point.

If you want to do the Kailash Nandi Kora during a festival, then consider the Saga Dawa Festival. It happens in May/June. Thousands of locals from all around Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism followers flock to Kailash and Mansarovar to celebrate this vibrant festival.

Note that even during the best time, the weather and climate remain unpredictable in the Himalayas. There could be sudden snowfall, rain, or a storm. So, we recommend that travelers pack all types of clothes and essentials.

Some helpful tips for Kailash Nandi Kora

• You have to be extra careful during the Kailash Nandi Kora and do not wander alone. Follow your guide’s instructions for a safe Kora.
• Download the Kailash Nandi Kora map on your smartphone. Make sure it works offline. It is just for a backup.
• On the day, you will hike from Darchen to Saptarishi Cave, make sure you pack ample water, snacks, a first aid kit, and other essentials. It will be a long day. There is no shop or any facility along the way. So, you have to be well-packed.
• Pack electrolytes. It will provide you with instant energy and keep you hydrated.
• Buy trekking poles and rugged terrain suitable boots.
• Layer your clothes in the right manner. Wear comfortable underwear, then wear a thermal layer and top with a breathable base layer, and lastly wear a windproof/waterproof outer layer.
• Pack high-quality SPF, moisturizer, UV glasses, and lip balm in your backpack. Reapply sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturizer multiple times a day.
• Exchange some cash. You have to use Chinese Yuan to buy a souvenir or for any personal expense.

Kailash Nandi Kora cost

Our Kailash Nandi Kora cost starts at USD 3,250 per person. We provide a special discount for a group of more than 15 travelers. If you are a group of 15 to 25 travelers, the Kailash Nandi Kora costs USD 3,000 per person. Likewise, for a group of 25+ travelers, the Kailash Nandi Kora costs USD 2,800 per person. 

If you have any questions regarding the Kailash Nandi Kora package cost, feel free to contact us anytime. Our 2025 and 2026 bookings are open.