Darchen Town

Darchen is the base camp for the holy Mount Kailash Kora. This well facilitated town is the last stop for the pilgrims before undertaking the holy parikrama (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash, making it a transition point from where the physical journey transforms into a deeply spiritual experience.

Situated at an altitude of about 4700 meters in the Ngari Prefecture, western Tibet, Darchen is geographically an extensive and flat plateau that is surrounded by a series of mountains.

The altitude necessitates acclimatization, and thus, the pilgrims usually spend the first night at Darchen before they start the kora.

The atmospheric conditions, with low oxygen levels and a very tranquil environment, naturally make the travelers' slow down their pace, thereby giving them a chance to prepare both mentally and physically for the tiring trek that is about to follow.

The pilgrims heading for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nepal can reach Darchen following various routes. Travelers heading for Kailash Mansarovar from various routes (Drive, Helicopter or Flight via Lhasa) must reach Mansarovar first before reaching the town of Darchen.

From Lake Mansarovar, the trip proceeds through a vast and open high altitude area with fantastic views of the mountains towards Darchen.

The 35 KM drive, which takes around 2 hours, gives the feeling of isolation and calmness. During your drive, you can see snow-covered mountains in the distance, suggesting that Mount Kailash is getting closer.

Darchen offers far better accommodation than Lake Mansarovar and other distant areas along the Kailash route. Being the main base town for Mount Kailash pilgrims, Darchen has a large number of hotels that can cater to the requirements of yatris.

The amenities may still be basic when compared to city standards, but they are cleaner, more systematic, and more comfortable than the very few lodging facilities that are available near Mansarovar or in the high remote regions along the kora trail.

In Darchen, although tiny and quiet, there are various things one can do here. 

Kailash Kora Preparation

The pilgrims take this opportunity to book the yaks and porters and also get trekking sticks, oxygen cylinders and other last-minute supplies. Besides this, it is the location where the guides give the pilgrims information on the kora, weather, and safety.

Spiritual Atmosphere

Darchen is alive with nothing but worship and also the monks, the prayer flags, and the singing pilgrims. Just taking a stroll around the town would provide one with the very feeling of spiritual expectancy.

Mount Kailash Sightings

If the sky is clear, pilgrims might see Mount Kailash from a distance, which is a very powerful moment that usually leaves the visitors speechless. You will also get opportunity to snap some good pictures if the weather treats you well.

Acclimatization and Rest

Darchen, which is at an elevation of 4,700 meters, serves as the main factor in the adjustment of the pilgrims to the harsh altitude before they make the strenuous climb to Dolma La Pass (5,630 m).