Mount Kailash is said to be one of the world’s holiest mountains. It is a sanctuary of spirituality, faith, and devotion. Located on the western trijunction between India, China, and Nepal, this holy mountain is the abode of Lord Shiva. One of the interesting facts about this mountain is that it has remained unclimbed for centuries. A Buddhist spiritual poet—Milarepa could only climb this mountain. This mountain is sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bons. However, no individual has decoded the Mount Kailash mystery till today. Mount Kailash is popularly known as the ‘Centre Of The Universe’. This mountain balances the energy axis of the universe. 

Kailash Parvat Parikrama is one of the most coveted activities during the yatra. However, it is also one of the most challenging. It is the ardent desire of almost every Shiva devotee to do the Kailash Parvat Parikrama to seek Lord Shiva's blessings. However, only the Kailash Parvat Inner Parikrama is quite challenging. It requires a lot of physical effort and a great level of physical fitness. 

Are you interested in performing the inner kora of Mount Kailash? Read this blog to know everything about Mount Kailash's inner kora. We have enlisted all the sacred places that you will visit while doing the circumambulation of the holy mountain. 

Here’s what you need to know about Kailash Parvat kora. 

Mount Kailash Kora (Parikrama)

The Kailash kora (parikrama) is divided into two types—Inner Parikrama and Outer Parikrama. The inner parikrama of Mount Kailash is much more challenging than the outer one. The outer parikrama can be completed in 3 days and it's only a 40 km parikrama. In this parikrama, travellers will have only two overnight stays at Dirphuk and Zuthulpuk. 
Mount Kailash Inner Parikrama Route

Please note that for performing the Mount Kailash inner parikrama one will necessarily have to do the Kailash outer parikrama as well. In the outer parikrama, travellers can do the charansparsh of the holy mountain. The inner parikrama involves performing the full close circumambulation of the holy mountain. 

here's a five-day itinerary for Mount Kailash's inner kora tour--

Day 1: Trek from Yam Dwar to Dirapuk (10km, 8 hours)
Yamdwar is the starting point of the parikrama.Travellers will reach Yamdwar to begin their parikrama, followed by trekking to Dirapuk. It is almost an 8-hour journey, and upon reaching Dirapuk, they can witness the north face of Mount Kailash. 

Day 2: Trek from Dirapuk to do the charansparsh 6km, 4 hours)
On the second day of the parikrama, there will be a short trek from Dirapuk to do the Charansparsh of the mountain. The parikrama is only about 5-7 km and takes 3-5 hours only. While doing the charansparsh travellers will witness a closer look at the north face of Mount Kailash.

Day 3: Trek from Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk (22km,12 hours)
On the third day of the parikrama, there will be a trek of 22 km from Dirapuk to Dolma La Pass followed by Zuthulpuk. From Dolma La Pass, you will travel to Gauri Kund and trek along the Karnali River to reach Zuthulpuk. Here you’ll be staying overnight in a lodge. You will cross Shivasthal on the way ( it’s a sacred place where whatever we donate we get it in heaven) and Gauri Kund.

Day 4:Trek from Zuthulpuk to Yam Dwar (8km, 4 hours)
On the fourth day of the parikrama, you will trek from Zuthulpuk to reach back to the Yam Dwar.

Day 5: Trek from Darchen for Inner Parikrama and return (18km, 10 hours)
On the fifth day of the parikrama, you will start trekking from Darchen to perform the inner parikrama. 
The Kailash Mansarovar inner kora allows you to experience a closer darshan of Mount Kailash. The people performing the inner kora of Mount Kailash get to see the south face of Mount Kailash.  Darchen is the starting point for the Inner parikrama of Mount Kailash. The inner parikrama of Mount Kailash requires great physical strength and some sort of prior mountaineering experience. The inner Kora trek is not suitable for the elderly or children. 

Places To Visit During Inner Parikrama Of Mount Kailash 

A short hike of 24 km is a part of the inner kora of Kailash Parvat. The inner kora pilgrimage will take 3 days more after performing the outer kora. One will visit numerous holy places while being on the journey to do the inner parikrama. 

Here are the holy places that you’ll visit on your journey to inner parikrama 

• Kuber Kund 

As mentioned in our scriptures, Kuber resides in the southern direction. The Kuber Kund is one of the major attractions that you’ll discover while travelling for the inner kora. The East face of Mount Kailash is visible from the Kuber Kund.

• Sherlung Monastery

Sherlung Monastery comes on the way when we start travelling from Darchen. It offers close views of Nandi Parvat and Ashtapad. The monastery was established as a center for practicing meditation. 

• Nandi Parvat

Nandi Parvat is located just in front of Mount Kailash. The shape of the Nandi Parvat resembles the Nandi Bull (the vahana of Lord Shiva). Nandi conveys all the wishes and desires of the devotees to Lord Shiva. The inner parikrama of Mount Kailash is popularly known as Nandi Inner Parikrama. 

• Saptrishi Caves

Saptrishi Caves are another must-visit place while doing the Kailash Parikrama. The caves are named after the seven great sages—-Bharadwaj, Bhrigu, Gautama, Atri, Kashyapa, Vishwamitra, and Vashitha. All these seven sages were great devotees of Lord Shiva. 

• Ashtapad

The meaning of the word Ashtapad is ‘Eight Steps’. This place holds great religious significance for Jains. Rishabhdeva–the first Tirthankar of Jains achieved salvation or Moksha at this site. 

• Atmalingam

Pushpadanta is a snowflake emerging from the top of the Kailash Mountain, which is where the Atma Lingam is formed. It is said that the holy water of Sailodha River originates at Atmalingam. It can be spotted towards the west of Kailash Parvat

What Is The Best Time For Mount  Kailash Inner Parikrama?

The best time to go for Kailash Parvat Inner Parikrama is from August to September. Since the route of inner Parikrama is a challenging one, hence it requires clear weather conditions for the pilgrims to trek through the Nandi Parvat Inner Kora. August-September offers you the most convenient time for Kailash Mansarovar Inner Parikrama. 

Kailash Mansarovar Inner Parikrama Package

The Inner Parikrama Tour of Kailash Mansarovar is 12 nights and 13 days from Lucknow to Lucknow by Helicopter route. This Kailash Mansarovar tour package includes both the Inner Parikrama and Outer Parikrama of Mount Kailash.

For more details on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Inner Parikrama Tour Package, visit https://www.triptotemples.com/kailash-mansarovar/kailash-mansarovar-inner-parikrama or Call / SMS KMY Inner Parikrama on 8510007751