Pilgrimage Itinerary

June 14-30, 2027

Days 1–3 | Kathmandu, Nepal

At long last, we arrive in Nepal. Meet the team and fellow pilgrims during our first gathering, orientation and welcome dinner.

Immerse yourself in Kathmandu's rich spiritual atmosphere as we visit sacred temples and holy sites.

These opening days provide time to settle in, receive journey briefings, complete preparations, and finalize visa formalities before our departure for Tibet.

Day 4 | Journey to the Tibet Border

We depart Kathmandu and travel by bus through the Himalayan foothills toward the Nepal–Tibet border.

Driving: 145 km | ~7 hour

Day 5 | Entering Tibet

After completing border formalities on both sides, we cross into Tibet and continue to Kyirong, our first destination in Tibet.

Driving: 27 km | ~3 hours

Days 6–7 | Saga & Acclimatization

We continue to Saga (4 630 m), situated near the Brahmaputra River. As we gain significant altitude over a short period of time, these two days are dedicated to rest, acclimatization, gentle activity, and preparation for the journey ahead.

Driving: 230 km | ~3–4 hours

Day 8 | Lake Manasarovar

We journey across the Tibetan plateau toward the shores of Lake Manasarovar (4 590 m). Parikramā of the sacred lake by bus. Weather permitting, this is often our first glimpse of Mount Kailash.

Driving: 470 km | ~8–10 hours

Day 9 | Darchen & South Face Excursion

We visit Chiu Monastery and Tirthapuri natural hot springs, then continue driving to Darchen (4 560 m) — the traditional starting point of the Kailash parikramā. Optional late afternoon excursion to Serlung Gompa, the South Face of Kailash.

Driving: 45 km | ~1 hour

Day 10 | Kailash Parikramā Begins

Parikramā Day 1. The sacred circumambulation of Mount Kailash starts from Yama Dwar and Tharboche. We walk through breathtaking landscapes toward Diraphuk (5 210 m) beneath the magnificent North Face of Kailash.

Trekking: 13 km | ~6–7 hours.

Day 11 | North Face Excursion

Parikramā Day 2. A special day dedicated to drawing closer to Mount Kailash. Excursion tour to Shivasthali and possible Charan Sparsh (Touch Kailash), which is subject to local permissions.

Trekking: 9 km | ~4–5 hours

Day 12 | Crossing Dolma-La Pass

Parikramā Day 3. One of the most profound and physically demanding days of the pilgrimage. We cross the sacred Dolma-La Pass (5 630 m) before descending past the revered waters of Gauri Kund and continue toward Zuthulphuk (4 790 m).

Trekking: 22 km | ~10 hours

Day 13 | Completing the Kailash Parikramā

Parikramā Day 4. We complete the final section of the parikramā arriving in Darchen (4 560 m). We continue onward by bus to Paryang, across the Tibetan plateau.

Trekking: 10 km | ~2–3 hours

Driving: 300 km | ~5 hours

Day 14 | Journey to Kyirong

We continue our return journey through Tibet toward Kyirong near the Nepal border, enjoying a scenic drive across the vast landscapes of western Tibet.

Driving: 390 km | ~5–6 hours

Day 15 | Return to Kathmandu

After crossing the border back into Nepal, we continue by bus to Kathmandu.

Driving: 172 km | ~8–9 hours

Day 16 | Integration & Closure

A final day to reflect on the journey. Relax and explore Kathmandu at your own pace. In the evening we will gather together for a final kīrtana and dinner feast.

Day 17 | Departure Day

Depart Kathmandu carrying the blessings, memories, and transformative experiences of the pilgrimage home with you.

The itinerary above serves as a general guide. Due to weather, road conditions, border procedures, altitude considerations, and the needs of the group, adjustments may be made during the journey.

Our priority is always the safety, well-being, and spiritual experience of all participants.

Map of Kailash Parikrama route showing Outer Kora and Inner Kora, with landmarks including Dhirapukh, Dolma La, Gauri Kund, Shapje Datok, Zuthulphuk, Darchen, Tarboche, Yam Dwar, Ashthpad, Serlung Gompa, Nandi, Saptarishi Caves, Milarepa's Caves, and mountain peaks like Kailash, Shivasthal, and Dolma La, along with trekking distances and routes.

Daily Spiritual Practice Integrated into the Pilgrimage

Throughout the pilgrimage, participants will have opportunities to engage in a variety of carefully curated practices, including yogāsanas, prāṇāyāma, mantra-meditation, kīrtana, and spiritual teachings led by Janne Kontala.

The exact schedule of these activities will vary according to travel conditions, altitude considerations, and group needs. In many locations, there will be a morning and/or evening program, creating opportunities for both personal practice and shared spiritual experience.

Participation in all physical and spiritual practices is entirely optional.

Whether you are an experienced practitioner, a curious beginner, or simply drawn to the sacred landscapes of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, you are welcome to engage as much or as little as you feel comfortable.

Reserve Your Place
A mountain valley with a river flowing between rocky shores, surrounded by snow-capped peaks under a partly cloudy sky. Prayer flags are strung across the river in the foreground.
A Buddhist monastery built into a rocky mountain slope under a bright blue sky with clouds. The structure is red with gold accents and multiple levels with intricate window frames. In front, a large stone with colorful Tibetan symbols and a carved animal head sculpture is visible, surrounded by rocks and sparse greenery.
Colorful prayer flags fluttering in front of snow-capped mountains under a cloudy sky.
A gray horse with a decorated saddle grazing on a mountain landscape. The background features rocky mountains, some with snow, and a partly cloudy sky.