--- title: "Darchen to Dirapuk Guide 2027/2028: First Parikrama Day" description: "Prepare for the first Kailash parikrama day from Darchen to Dirapuk with pacing, high-altitude symptoms, support, facilities and the Dolma La decision." canonical: "https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/darchen-dirapuk-guide" last-updated: "2026-09-01T00:00:00+05:45" --- Destination guide # Darchen to Dirapuk Guide 2027/2028: First Parikrama Day The trek from Darchen to Dirapuk marks Day 1 of the Kailash Parikrama. Spanning 12 km with a gentle elevation gain from 4,675m (Yam Dwar) to 5,050m (Dirapuk), it takes 5 to 6 hours of walking along the western flank of Kailash through the spectacular Lha Chu river canyon. The day culminates at Dirapuk Monastery, which offers the most awe-inspiring, unhindered close-up vista of Mount Kailash’s sheer vertical North Face. **4,670 m**Darchen **4,900 m**Dirapuk **6–7 h**Walking reference **North face**Main view DB **By [Dinesh Bhusal](/author-dinesh-bhusal)**7 min read **✓ Reviewed 1 Sep 2026** Information checked against current official and local sources. Fees, access, permits and transport can change. [Sources & methodology →](/data-methodology) Also available in: [Deutsch](/de/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/darchen-dirapuk-guide) · [Français](/fr/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/darchen-dirapuk-guide) · [Español](/es/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/darchen-dirapuk-guide) · [Italiano](/it/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/darchen-dirapuk-guide) · [Português](/pt/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/darchen-dirapuk-guide) · [日本語](/ja/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/darchen-dirapuk-guide) · [简体中文](/zh-hans/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/darchen-dirapuk-guide) On this page ## Starting the kora Confirm the start point, luggage support, horse or porter arrangements and meeting time before leaving Darchen. Carry a warm layer, water, snacks and medication in your daypack. ## Dirapuk night Facilities are basic and weather can change quickly. Keep expectations realistic: the purpose is safe acclimatisation and pilgrimage, not hotel comfort or a guaranteed clear view. ## The first parikrama day sets the pace Darchen to Dirapuk is the opening high walking stage toward the north face. The objective is not to arrive first; it is to move conservatively, protect hydration and report any change before the group is committed to the next stage. - Confirm the trailhead, baggage arrangement and walking-hour range before leaving. - Keep water, medication, warm layers and documents in the daypack. - Use the guide's pace and planned rest points rather than a personal race target. - Ask what happens if a pilgrim turns around before Dirapuk. ## A useful first-day sequence Swipe to view table → | Point in the day | Practical focus | Decision | | --- | --- | --- | | Before leaving Darchen | Health check, weather, trailhead, baggage and support | Health Assessment: Guides evaluate pulse oximetry and physical stamina at Dirapuk (4,900 m). | | Early walking stage | Steady pace, layers, water and planned rests | Altitude Monitoring: Persistent headache or nausea mandates immediate rest and medical evaluation. | | Approach to Dirapuk | Allow for altitude, cold and slower ground | Pacing Safety: Travellers maintain steady hydration and pacing without rushing high ascents. | | Dirapuk overnight | Basic room or camp, food, toilet and communication | Pass Readiness: Crossing Drolma La proceeds only when climbers exhibit stable vital signs and good stamina. | | If the day stops early | Guide, escort, reunion and return transport | Descent Protocol: Dedicated assistant guides escort unwell pilgrims back to Darchen via the valley trail. | ## Prepare for a basic high overnight - Confirm room, tent, bedding, toilet, meals and charging expectations. - Keep electronics and medication warm and protected. - Do not assume a support animal is available, suitable or included. - Agree how the group communicates when signal is absent. ## Dirapuk is also the Dolma La decision point The next stage is higher and more demanding. A health and weather check at Dirapuk should be real, not a formality; a pilgrim who is deteriorating needs an early-return plan rather than pressure to continue because the parikrama has started. Local Planning Note · Amigo Treks Team **Field advice** This is general route and health planning, not medical diagnosis. Discuss high-altitude travel with an appropriate clinician before departure. ## From Darchen to Yam Dwar: The gateway of the God of Death The morning begins with an 8 km, 20-minute vehicle transfer from your hotel in Darchen (4,575m) across the plains to Tarboche and Yam Dwar (4,675m), known in Tibetan as the 'Two-Legged Chorten'. In Hindu mythology, Yam Dwar is the ceremonial gateway of Yama, the God of Death. Pilgrims pass clockwise through the archway of the chorten, symbolically shedding their karmic debts and sins before stepping onto the sacred circumambulation trail. Here, porters and yak/pony handlers are organized, walking poles are adjusted, and pilgrims take their first steps into the Lha Chu valley under the watchful gaze of Kailash’s western face. - Darchen to Yam Dwar: 8 km transfer by bus or jeep, passing prayer flag poles at Tarboche. - Passing through Yam Dwar signifies symbolic purification and the formal start of the Parikrama. - Horse handlers and porters assemble here to collect allocated daypacks and meet their riders. - The trail enters a wide glacial valley alongside the rushing, crystal-clear Lha Chu river. ## Walking the Lha Chu canyon to the North Face of Dirapuk The trail follows the western river canyon on a wide, well-trodden gravel path. Across the river on the western cliffside sits historic Chuku Gompa (4,820m), perched dramatically against red sandstone cliffs. At the halfway mark (Tamdin / Dhipu), basic nomad tent tea stalls provide hot Tibetan butter tea and instant noodles. As you round the final bend near the 10 km mark, the breathtaking North Face of Mount Kailash suddenly erupts into view—a colossal, vertical monolith of dark layered rock and gleaming snow rising 2,000 meters above the valley floor. The trail crosses a suspension footbridge to reach the stone guesthouses of Dirapuk Monastery (5,050m). Spend the evening resting warmly and capturing sunset light reflecting off the North Face. - Distance: 12 km; elevation gain: 375m; walking time: 5 to 6 hours at a gentle, steady pace. - View Chuku Gompa perched on cliff walls across the river, holding sacred religious relics. - Rest stops at nomad tea tents provide hot boiled water and warm shelter from valley winds. - Dirapuk guesthouses sit at 5,050m directly opposite the monumental North Face of Mount Kailash. Continue planning ## Related planning guides [Related guide ### Kailash parikrama guide Place the first walking day inside the full three-day kora.](/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kailash-parikrama-guide)[Related guide ### Horse and porter support Check support availability, weight and early-return limits.](/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kailash-parikrama-horse-porter)[Related guide ### Kailash altitude safety Review symptoms and the Dirapuk decision point.](/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kailash-yatra-altitude-safety) Useful answers ## Frequently asked questions Can I drive to Dirapuk?+ Vehicle access is restricted and route-specific; confirm the current arrangement with the operator. What is the key risk?+ Altitude, cold and pacing. Worsening symptoms should change the plan immediately. How long is Darchen to Dirapuk?+ Walking time varies with route condition, pace, support and health. Request from the operator the current stage plan rather than relying on one fixed number. Can I use a horse on the first day?+ Availability, suitability and local arrangements vary. A horse does not remove altitude risk or guarantee that every section can be covered safely. What if I cannot reach Dirapuk?+ Stop and follow the guide's early-return or support plan. A partial parikrama is safer than continuing with worsening symptoms. ## Sources & methodology Use the dated sources below for the claims they support. Recheck time-sensitive permits, fees, transport and border procedures before booking. [**Tibet3.com — secondary Tibet travel and culture context (not a government authority)** ↗](https://en.tibet3.com/) [**Nepal Tourism Board — travel information** ↗](https://ntb.gov.np/) [**CDC Yellow Book — high-altitude travel and altitude illness** ↗](https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/environmental-hazards-risks/high-altitude-travel-and-altitude-illness.html) Continue planning ## Related Kailash guides [Destination guide ### Three-day parikrama Read the Three-day parikrama guide →](/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kailash-parikrama-guide)[Destination guide ### Kathmandu to Nyalam Read the Kathmandu to Nyalam guide →](/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/kathmandu-to-kyirong-guide)[India departure guide ### From India Read the From India guide →](/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/from-india)[USA departure guide ### From USA Read the From USA guide →](/kailash-mansarovar-yatra/from-usa) Personalised planning ## Plan Your Kailash Journey Tell our Kathmandu-based planning team your travel dates, group size and preferred pace. We will help you shape a realistic Kailash itinerary with clear inclusions and proper acclimatization buffers. [Plan with Amigo Treks →](/contact#planning-enquiry)[Ask on WhatsApp ↗](https://wa.me/9779851136878?text=Hello%20Amigo%20Treks%2C%20I%20need%20help%20planning%20a%20Kailash%20journey.)[Back to Kailash](/kailash-mansarovar-yatra) Plan with context ## Custom Himalayan Route Planning Our Kathmandu operations team arranges itemised itineraries, verified permits, and private transport matched to your travel dates and pacing. [Request custom itinerary →](/contact#planning-enquiry)[WhatsApp a trip planner ↗](https://wa.me/9779851136878?text=Hello%20Amigo%20Treks%2C%20I%20need%20help%20planning%20Darchen%20and%20Dirapuk.)[← All Kailash guides](/kailash-mansarovar-yatra) Talk through the next decision ## Ask a trip planner about Darchen and Dirapuk. Share your name, contact details and one short question. The planning team will use the page context to start in the right place. 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