Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 – Horse Year & 13 Kora Merit

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is significant for Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Bon followers and is one of the most important spiritual journeys. Mount Kailash located at Tibet Autonomous Region, China (in the Kailas Range) is considered the divine residence of Lord Shiva, and the ultimate pilgrimage destination for spiritual liberation.

Every year, thousands of devotees go to Kailash to perform Kora and Mansarovar Lake for purification. While this journey can be challenging but is also deeply spiritual.

According to Tibetan astrology, the year 2026 is special because it is a Horse Year, a rare cycle that is said to greatly increase spiritual merit. During this time, the pilgrimage is especially sought after because single parikrama (Kora) is said to have the spiritual value of 13 koras.

This blog is a complete guide for the 2026 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, covering routes, costs, permits, weather, itineraries, fitness requirements, helicopter options, and why Nepal is the most reliable gateway.

Understanding the Spiritual Importance of the Horse Year (2026)

An image of Mansarovar lake blue lake surrounded by snow

The Tibetan lunar calendar runs on a 12-year cycle, each year is represented by animal symbol like tiger, dragon, rat. The Horse Year happens to fall in 2026, and is considered the most auspicious time for the Kailash Mansarovar Tour. Tibetan monks, local communities, and ancient scriptures describe this period as a time when spiritual energies are at their peak, and blessings received at Mount Kailash intensify. Even a single kora is believed to be equal to 13 koras in other years.

Why One Kora Equals the Merit of Thirteen Koras in the Horse Year

There is a long-standing belief across Tibetan Buddhism and Hindu traditions that performing the Kailash Kora during the Horse Year multiplies the spiritual merit thirteenfold.
This is associated with:

Increased cosmic energy around the region
The symbolic strength and spiritual power of the Horse
The belief that Lord Shiva blesses devotees more intensely during this cycle

Due to this, 2026 is expected to witness extraordinarily high pilgrim flow, and early planning is strongly recommended.

Kailash Mansarovar Kora: Meaning, Route, and Significance

An image of Kailash Mountain

To understand the Kailash Kora, let’s first look at the meaning of ‘Kora.’ In general, ‘Kora’ means to go around or to circumambulate something. Likewise, The Kailash Kora or parikrama is a 52 km circuit around Mount Kailash. This Kora is generally completed in three days.

Even completing one Kora is considered a rebirth experience. Pilgrims performing the Kora during the 2026 Horse Year do so with the belief that the blessings they receive carry the power of 13 lifetimes.

Key Points Along the Kora

Yamadwar: Symbolic gateway of death and rebirth
Dirapuk: First overnight stop with magical views of the north face of Kailash
Dolma-La Pass (5,645 m): Highest point of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Gaurikund: A place linked to Goddess Parvati’s meditation and penance
Zutulphuk Monastery: A place linked to the meditation caves of Guru Rinpoche

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Cannot Be Accessed Through India

Direct Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from India is not allowed since 2020. At present, the Nepal–Tibet route (through Kerung) is the only functional entry point, and all pilgrims. So, all the tourist either Indian or international should travel via Nepal.

Due to this reason, Nepal has become the most practical and reliable starting point for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2026.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Itinerary from Kathmandu (16 Days)

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will welcome you and help you to transfer to your hotel. After check in and some rest time, we will be providing you with detailed briefing about your trip to Kailash Mansarovar including packages, cost inclusion/exclusion, safety measures and other policies.

Day 2: Biometric Day at the Chinese Embassy

On this day we will head towards Chinese Embassy after your breakfast. At the embassy, you will have to provide your biometrics as it is required for Tibet entry permit. Later you will return to your and prepare yourself for the trip, for instance last minuting shopping if you missed some gears.

Day 3: Rest Day & Kathmandu Sightseeing

While your group visa gets processed, you will have time to explore nearby heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (Monkey temple), and so on.

Day 4: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing & Visa Collection

On this day as well we will visit temples such as Pashupatinath, Gujeshwori, and Budhanilkantha (Sleeping Vishnu). Later, we collect your Tibet visa and again brief you on the upcoming journey.

Day 5: Drive from Kathmandu to Timmure (3560m)

Your journey officially begins today! After breakfast, you will drive from Kathmandu to Timmure which takes around 6 hours. You will stay overnight at the hotel near the border.

Day 6: Timmure to Kerung

Today we will complete your immigration process at Timmure and head toward Kerung. The drive generally takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on road and immigration conditions. You will stay overnight at Kerung

Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Kerung

This day is fully dedicated for acclimatization. Optional short walk and rest are highly recommended for this day. You will stay overnight in Kerung.

Day 8: Drive to Saga (4450m)

Drive through the scenic Tibetan plateau, passing Lalungla Pass, Paigu-tso Lake, and the Brahmaputra River. Overnight in Saga at an altitude of 4450 meters.

Day 9: Drive from Saga to Manasarovar (4560m)

Drive to the sacred Lake Manasarovar via Mayumla Pass (17,000 ft). On this day, you will enjoy the views of Kailash mountain for the first time. Later, you will perform parikrama by bus.

Day 10: Manasarovar to Darchen (4550m)

Begin the day with a holy dip and puja at Manasarovar. Then drive to Darchen, the base of Mount Kailash.

Day 11: Trek from Darchen to Dirapuk (4,950m)

On this day we will start the Kora (trek around) with a scenic 18 km walk along the north face of Kailash. Later we will stay overnight at guest house in Dirapuk.

Day 12: Trek from Dirapuk to Zutulpuk (via Dolma La Pass, 5,645m)

The trek from Dirapuk to Zutulpuk is the most challenging and sacred at the same time. We will be crossing Dolma La Pass and visiting Gauri Kunda. Afterwards we will hike down towards Zutulpuk and stay overnight in guest house.

Day 13: Complete the Kora & Drive to Saga

Trek 7 km to Chasang, finish the Kailash Parikrama, return to Darchen, and then drive to Saga. You will stay overnight in hotel.

Day 14: Drive from Saga to Kerung

On this day, we will start our drive early in the morning; we will return to Kerung for an overnight stay.

Day 15: Drive from Kerung to Kathmandu

Cross the border and drive back to Kathmandu (7–8 hours). Overnight at hotel.

Day 16: Final Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home. If you are planning extensions, consider our Nepal Tour Packages before departure.

Costs for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026

The cost varies based on the route, season, group size, and accommodation category. As of 2026, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Cost from Nepal (Overland, by road) is USD 2,500 per person: Enquire Now

Includes:

Hotels in Kathmandu
Tibet travel permit
Accommodation in Tibet
Transportation
Meals
Guides

To get detailed information about cost inclusion and exclusion, you can refer to Kailash Mansarovar Tour - 16 Days

Best Time for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026

The yatra is possible from May to September.
2026 is expected to be highly crowded during:

Full moon dates
Horse Year auspicious dates
June–July peak season

Booking early will help secure permits and accommodations.

Accommodation, Meals, and Facilities during the Yatra

First glance of mount Kailash

Accommodation in Tibet is simple:

Shared guesthouses
Basic dormitories
Limited heating facilities

Meals are mostly vegetarian and include:

Soups
Rice
Vegetables
Tibetan bread
Tea

During the Kora, facilities are minimal due to high altitude and remote terrain.

Permits Required for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026

All pilgrims require:

Tibet Travel Permit
Alien Travel Permit
Restricted Area Permit
Group travel authorization

Individual or independent travel is not allowed in Tibet.
Only licensed Nepali or Chinese travel operators can issue permits.

Traveling Through Nepal: Advantages for 2026 Horse Year

Easy access for Indian, Nepali, and international pilgrims
Reliable ground logistics
Better acclimatization
Multiple route options: road, helicopter
Flexible start dates
Better emergency support
Direct support from Nepali guides

For Horse Year 2026, Nepal is expected to handle maximum pilgrim flow.

Packing List for Kailash Mansarovar Trek

Most important items include:

Down jacket
Thermal layers
Trekking boots
Gloves, hats, scarves
Sunglasses
High-SPF sunscreen
Personal medicines
Reusable water bottle
Energy snacks

Weather near Mansarovar can be unpredictable, especially in 2026 when crowds will be high.

Conclusion

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a great spiritual journey that every pilgrim goes through, but also a profound inner transformation. This pilgrimage is held roughly every 12 years, with 2026 being a particularly important year due to it being the powerful Horse Year. Carrying out a Kora in 2026 is believed to hold the merit of 13. The chance to do one of these pilgrimages is very rare.

The only operational route to Kailash is through Nepal, so it is important to choose a trusted Nepali operator. Trekking Guide Team Adventure is one of the best. They provide organized itineraries, help with permits, manage logistics, and provide group departures so that all pilgrims can make the journey safely and with purpose.

This is the time to prepare, as 2026 will be the year of your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Make sure to book so that your spot is secured.