Kailash Charan Sparsh Tour Overview
The Kailash Charan Sparsh Tour is a 16 days journey through Nepal and Tibet that takes you to the northern face of Mount Kailash, one of the most sacred mountains in the world. Instead of walking the full 52 km Kailash Kora, this tour allows you to trek directly to the base of the mountain from Dirapuk Monastery and touch the holy ground known as Charan Sparsh.
The trip starts in Kathmandu, where you will visit major spiritual sites like Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square while your Tibet visa and permits are processed. From there, the tour continues by road through Kerung into Tibet.
Along the route, you will stay in key towns like Saga and Darchen, with a special stop at Lake Manasarovar for rest and acclimatization. The main highlight is a short, high-altitude trek from Dirapuk to the Charan Sparsh point, the closest spot anyone is allowed to reach Mount Kailash.
This trek is physically demanding due to the high altitude (over 5,000 meters) and rocky terrain, but it's much shorter and more direct than the full Kora. It’s suitable for those with moderate fitness who are looking for a meaningful yet manageable experience.
The tour ends by retracing the same route back to Kathmandu. With cultural sightseeing, scenic drives, and a powerful mountain experience, the Kailash Charan Sparsh Tour is a perfect choice for pilgrims who want to be close to Kailash without taking on the full Kora trek.
What is the spiritual significance of Charan Sparsh at Mount Kailash?
Charan Sparsh means “touching the feet”, and in this tour, it refers to the rare chance to physically reach and touch the base of Mount Kailash. This point lies just beyond Dirapuk Monastery and is not part of the regular Kora route.
In many belief systems, including Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism, Mount Kailash is considered the home of Lord Shiva or the center of the universe. Touching its base is seen as a powerful act of devotion, and the closest any human can get, since climbing the mountain is strictly forbidden.
The trail to Charan Sparsh is short but steep and rocky, located at an altitude of over 5,000 meters. It’s a difficult but incredible opportunity for those who want a more personal and direct connection with the mountain even without doing the full 3 days Kora.
How is the Kailash Charan Sparsh Tour Different from the Regular Kailash Kora?
While both the Kailash Charan Sparsh Tour and the Regular Kailash Kora are sacred journeys, they offer different types of spiritual experiences.
The regular Kailash Kora (parikrama) involves a full circling of Mount Kailash, covering approximately 52 kilometers. It is a test of physical endurance, resilience, and spiritual devotion, symbolizing the release of past burdens and the renewal of one’s spirit. Completing the full Kora is highly meritorious but requires significant stamina due to the high altitude and challenging terrain.
The Kailash Charan Sparsh Tour, on the other hand, focuses on reaching the Charan Sparsh point, the sacred base of Mount Kailash. Instead of walking the entire circuit, pilgrims trek to the foot of the mountain to physically and spiritually connect with it.
This journey is less about endurance and more about intimacy with the divine. Pilgrims bow at the base of Mount Kailash, offering prayers and receiving blessings directly. The experience is deeply personal, centered on surrender, grace, and heartfelt connection rather than physical achievement.
What Can You Expect from the Kailash Charan Sparsh Tour?
The Kailash Charan Sparsh Tour is more than just a trip, it is a spiritual journey filled with faith, simplicity, and self-reflection. Over 16 days, you will travel through holy places and visit important sites for both Hindu and Buddhist followers. Starting from the cultural city of Kathmandu to the quiet mountains of Tibet, each part of the journey holds special meaning.
- Kathmandu is the starting point of the 16 day Kailash Charan Sparsh Tour. After your arrival, you will visit several sacred and cultural sites including Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Kailashnath Mahadev, before heading towards the Tibet border at Kerung.
- After crossing into Tibet via Kerung, the journey continues through towns like Saga and Darchen, with a stay at Lake Manasarovar for rest and altitude adjustment. This peaceful lake is considered sacred and many pilgrims take part in simple water rituals here.
- The main part of the tour is a trek from Dirapuk Monastery to the Charan Sparsh point, which brings you right to the base of Mount Kailash. The path is physically challenging due to thin air and rocky trails, but the experience is short and focused, making it possible for most healthy travelers.
- Expect basic but clean accommodations, meals, support from experienced guides, and medical backup along the way. The tour ends by following the same route back to Kathmandu.
How Difficult is the Kailash Charan Sparsh Trek?
The trek to Charan Sparsh is short but physically demanding because of the high altitude and rocky path. You will be walking at elevations above 5,000 meters, where the air is very thin and even short distances feel harder than usual.
The trail is steep, uneven, and not well-marked, so you need to move slowly and take regular breaks. Even people who are fit can feel tired quickly at this height.
Unlike the full Kailash Kora, this trek is completed in one day, as you will go from Dirapuk Monastery to Charan Sparsh point and back. Though it is shorter, you should still be physically prepared, drink lots of water, and stay mentally strong.
If needed, yaks or ponies can help carry your bags or assist you along the way. Oxygen and basic medical support are also available with the team.
In short, the Charan Sparsh trek is challenging because of altitude, not because of distance, but with steady walking and the right support, most travelers are able to complete it safely.
