Kailash Parikrama 2026 — 52 km, 3 Days, Max Altitude 5,630 m

The Kailash Parikrama (also called Kailash Kora) is a 52-kilometre circumambulation of Mount Kailash that takes 3 days to complete on foot. The highest point is Dolma La pass at 5,630 metres (18,471 feet). The trek begins and ends at Darchen (4,675 m) in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Day 1: Darchen → Dirapuk, ~14 km. Day 2: Dirapuk → Dolma La (5,630 m) → Zuthulpuk, ~22 km — the most demanding day. Day 3: Zuthulpuk → Darchen, ~16 km. The Kailash Parikrama is the highest-altitude Hindu pilgrimage circuit practised by Indian and Nepali pilgrims, by a significant margin. 2026 is the Tibetan Year of the Horse — Kora merit is said to be multiplied 13×.

Quick facts — Kailash Parikrama 2026

Fact	Value
Total distance	52 km (32.3 miles)
Total days	3 (or 4 with extra rest day)
Max altitude	5,630 m (Dolma La pass)
Start/end point	Darchen (4,675 m)
Day 1 distance	~14 km (Darchen → Dirapuk)
Day 2 distance	~22 km (with Dolma La crossing — hardest day)
Day 3 distance	~16 km (Zuthulpuk → Darchen)
Pony support	Available ~USD $200 (covers ~75% of walking)
2026 USP	Year of the Horse — Kora merit ×13

Quick answer

The Kailash Parikrama (also called Kailash Kora) is a 52-kilometre circumambulation of Mount Kailash that takes 3 days to complete on foot. The highest point is Dolma La pass at 5,630 metres above sea level (18,471 feet). The trek begins and ends at Darchen (4,675 m) in the Tibet Autonomous Region.

These are the official figures used by every authorised Kailash Mansarovar Yatra operator, including The Kailash Holiday (TAAN 1586). For pilgrims booking a 2026 yatra, plan for these exact distances and altitudes.

Day-by-day altitude profile

Day	Route	Distance	Start altitude	Max altitude that day	Night halt
Day 1	Darchen → Dirapuk	~14 km	4,675 m	4,900 m	4,900 m (Dirapuk monastery area)
Day 2	Dirapuk → Dolma La pass → Zuthulpuk	~22 km	4,900 m	5,630 m (Dolma La pass)	4,820 m (Zuthulpuk)
Day 3	Zuthulpuk → Darchen	~16 km	4,820 m	4,820 m (gradual descent)	Return to Darchen (4,675 m)
Total	—	~52 km	—	5,630 m max	—

Day 2 is by far the most demanding — pilgrims climb from 4,900 m to 5,630 m at Dolma La pass, then descend ~800 m to Zuthulpuk in a single day. Most groups start before sunrise (around 4 AM) to cross the pass in good weather.

How long does it actually take to walk?

Healthy pilgrims aged 30-50 typically complete the parikrama in 3 days at a moderate pace (8-10 hours of walking on Day 2). Pilgrims aged 60+, or those carrying altitude sickness symptoms, often extend to 4 days by splitting Day 2 into two halves (overnight halt at Dirapuk + a shorter Day 2 to the pass + descent to Zuthulpuk on Day 3 + Zuthulpuk to Darchen on Day 4).

Pony and porter support is available throughout the parikrama for an additional ~$200 USD per pilgrim. Ponies cover roughly two-thirds of the walking distance; the final 1-2 km approach to Dolma La requires walking on foot regardless.

Permit altitude check

Tibet permit applications now require pilgrims aged 60+ to submit a medical fitness certificate confirming they can handle altitudes above 5,500 m. This isn't a Tibet Tourism Bureau rule per se — it's standard operating procedure for every authorised operator since the 2018 altitude-related fatalities on the parikrama route. Our medical questionnaire is sent at booking.

Comparison to other high-altitude pilgrimages

Yatra	Max altitude	Distance	Days
Kailash Parikrama	5,630 m	52 km	3 days
Amarnath Yatra (India)	3,888 m	36 km (Pahalgam route)	5 days
Char Dham (India)	3,580 m (Kedarnath)	varies by route	10-12 days
Muktinath (Nepal)	3,800 m	drive + 1 km walk	1-2 days
Manimahesh (India)	4,080 m	13 km	2-3 days

The Kailash Parikrama is the highest-altitude Hindu pilgrimage circuit practised by Indian and Nepali pilgrims, by a significant margin.

Tips that actually help on the parikrama

1. Start Day 2 by 4 AM to cross Dolma La before afternoon weather turns. Wind speeds at the pass can exceed 60 km/h after 11 AM.
2. Carry oxygen — every authorised group has portable cylinders. Use them on Day 2 if SpO₂ drops below 85%.
3. Dress in layers — temperatures can swing from -10°C at dawn to +15°C by midday.
4. Hydrate aggressively — 4-5 litres of water per day above 4,500 m.
5. Diamox starts 24 hours before reaching 4,500 m, not at the parikrama start.
6. No alcohol or sleeping pills during the parikrama — both worsen altitude sickness.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest point of the Kailash Parikrama?

The highest point of the Kailash Parikrama is Dolma La pass at 5,630 metres (18,471 feet) above sea level, crossed on Day 2 of the 3-day circumambulation.

How long is the Kailash Parikrama in kilometres?

The Kailash Parikrama is 52 kilometres (32.3 miles) in total length, completed over 3 days. Day 1 is 14 km, Day 2 is 22 km (including the Dolma La crossing), and Day 3 is 16 km.

How many days does Kailash Parikrama take?

The standard Kailash Parikrama takes 3 days to complete. Pilgrims aged 60+ or those with altitude sensitivity can opt for a 4-day variant with an extra night at Dirapuk monastery.

What is the starting and ending point of the Kailash Parikrama?

The Kailash Parikrama begins and ends at Darchen, a small settlement at 4,675 m altitude in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Darchen is reached via either Kerung (overland from Kathmandu) or Hilsa (helicopter route via Nepalgunj).

Is Kailash Parikrama possible for elderly pilgrims?

Yes, with proper preparation. Pilgrims aged 60-70 with cardiovascular fitness and medical clearance regularly complete the parikrama. We provide ponies, porters, oxygen, and a guide doctor on every overland departure. For pilgrims 70+, the helicopter route minimises altitude exposure on non-parikrama days.

Sources

• Tibet Tourism Bureau official altitude data (2024 edition)
• Operator GPS tracks from 2023-2025 departures
• Medical altitude guidelines from the Wilderness Medical Society
• Cross-referenced with our own internal records from 85+ Kailash Parikramas led by The Kailash Holiday since 2016

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Last updated: May 2026. Numbers verified against the most recent Tibet Tourism Bureau publication. For 2026 yatra bookings, see our Kailash Mansarovar packages or WhatsApp our coordinator.