Hiring Horse or Personal Porter for Kailash Kora (Parikrama)

Introduction: Kailash Tour And Kailash Kora

The Kailash Kora which is part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the most popular spiritual journeys in the world. Mount Kailash(Adi Kailash) is known as the axis mundi or ‘center of the world’, and it attracts pilgrims and adventure seekers from all around the world. A sacred peak revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon practitioners, this 52k kilometer route circles Mount Kailash.

Pilgrims believe that those who complete the Kailash Kora (Parikrama) bring blessings and wash away sins. Walking through the route of Kailash Kora will take you to the amazing landscape full of breathtaking scenery, such as traditional villages, rolling hills, pristine lakes, rugged valleys, and snow-capped peaks.

Although the mountain may appear to be spiritually serene, trekking the Kailash Kora is not for those who are physically weak. This trek demands endurance and determination because of the rugged terrain, the unpredictability of weather and the dizzying altitudes. It’s long distances across three days, and low-oxygen zones that even hardened trekkers will find challenging. But with proper planning and support (often in the form of a yak, Horse, or porter), this life-changing experience can become much less burdensome.

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about hiring horses or personal porters, including the cost of hiring for the Kailash Kora trek (circumambulation). This information will help you get out onto the trail without a hitch, allowing you to focus on the spiritual and natural beauty around you.

Hiring Horse or Personal Porter for Kailash Parikrama(Kora)

Recommended Trip

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra From Nepal | Registration Open 2026

16 Days

Moderate

US$2200

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Historical and Cultural Significance of the Kailash Kora

For centuries, Mount Kailash has been a place of pilgrimage to four great religions. According to Hindus, he is at home with Lord Shiva now in meditation and forever more. It is considered the earthly manifestation for Buddhists of Mount Meru, the center of all spiritual universes. The Bon faith regards it as the spiritual seat of their religion, and the Jains revere it as the place where the first Jain Tirthankara attained liberation.

Kora is a type of pilgrimage that the pilgrims undertake as a means of pursuing a conviction that they can circulate being sinful and nearer to enlightenment by walking the Kora. There are even some ambitious people who complete the trek by prostrating with bowed hands and knees, a vow taken with bowed hands and knees, and this can be weeks long. In addition to being a physical trek, it is also a profoundly meditative experience that resembles a spiritual ascent.

Understanding the Kailash Kora Challenge

Before looking into hiring options, it’s important for you to understand the particular requirements of the Kailash Kora:

• Altitude:

You may reach a maximum elevation of 5,630 meters (18,470 feet) at Dolma La pass with Kailash Kora. Low oxygen levels during walking at such high altitudes can make breathing difficult, leading to altitude sickness symptoms such as headaches, lightheadedness, nausea, and exhaustion. The severe stages of altitude sickness, such as HAPE and HACE, may develop if these symptoms are not addressed early. Even very fit people may have trouble if they are not properly acclimated to the hike.

• Terrain:

The Kailash Kora (Parikrama) around Mount Kailash is both stunning and challenging, with rocky pathways, glacier-dotted valleys, and steep ascents. Trekkers must always be focused and attentive due to the difficult terrain, which demands constant attention and effort.

• Weather:

Even though during the best time of the year the weather remains predictable. But sometimes, sudden changes in the weather can cause trouble for the trekkers. Nights at the high altitude are chilly, but when the weather becomes bad, you can expect heavy snowfall, strong wind, and brutal chill( tempering reaching below -17 Degrees Celsius) can add an extra layer of difficulty. Therefore, trekkers must prepare in advance for the sudden change in weather conditions, and before trekking, we suggest you check the weather forecast.

• Duration:

The outer Kora takes around 3 days to complete; however, due to extensive long hours of trekking, like 6-7 hours, walking in high altitude can be challenging. Beginner trekkers, while walking for long hours, can experience fatigue, muscle strain, and mental stress during the Kora. Long hours of walking demand a good level of energy, fitness and leg strength. So for those who are first-time trekking and don’t have any idea of high altitude trekking, it can be hard for them.

Continue reading:

Kailash Kora Difficulties and Preparation Tips

Options for Hiring Horses, Horsemen, and Porters

As you learn trekking in the high altitude of Tibet during the Kailash Kora is not a simple task. Your ability and dedication will be tested during this trek. So, if you are among those who find that it may be hard for you to do the Kailash Kora, then we suggest you hire a Horse or personal porter.

Here’s a detailed look at your options before you decide to hire for the Kailash Kora During Kailash Mansarovar Tour/Yatra.

• Hiring a Horse and Horsemen

Hire the Horse is one of the best options during the Kailash Tour if you find difficulties walking during the Kailash Kora. It will help you to reach the challenging Dolma-La Pass and difficult terrain without dripping sweat. The Horse is versatile as you can use it for carrying loads as well as riding. The best part of hiring a horse is that it provides instant support if you experience any difficulties or altitude sickness.  Additionally, your horseman knows how to guide you safely during the Kailash Kora.

• Pros of Hiring a Horse:
• • Reduced Physical Exertion: When you ride the Horse, your weight and the luggage weight will be carried by the Horse, relieving your legs and back from the effort required when walking.
  • Faster Trekking: The speed of walking horses is faster than human beings, so if you wish to complete the Kailash Kora in a shorter time, than it is possible.
  • Comfort and Ease: If you are among those who have pain in the Knee back or have any physical limitation, then hiring the Horse will be beneficial for you.
  • Enjoy the Scenery: A tired body and mind can’t appreciate the views as much as those who are fresh. Riding a horse allows you to focus on the breathtaking scenery without worrying about the strenuous walk in high altitudes.
• Cons of Hiring a Horse:
• • Ethical Concerns: As an animal lover, you may sometimes be uncomfortable with the idea of relying on a horse for help. To alleviate any worries, it’s critical to make sure the horses receive the right care and attention.
  • Limited Control: Progress is determined by the animal, not by you when you are riding.
  • Not Suitable for All Terrain: You might have to get off your Horse if the terrain is really rocky or steep. and horses will take you only to the top of Dolma-La Pass after the pass horse will not  be able to trek through Zuthulpuk deu to the difficult tarrain.
  • Dependency on the Steed: Your Kailash kora may be interrupted if the Horse is sick or hurt.
  • Spiritual Perspective: It is believed that to get the full spiritual experience it is necessary to walk the full Kora on foot.

• Hiring a Personal Porter

Perhaps the most suitable choice to get assistance for the Kailash Kora is to hire a personal porter for you. Porter can adjust to your speed and can provide a more customized experience than hiring a horse. You can stop whenever you want to rest and enjoy the view. Your porter can carry up to 20kg on foot which will contain all the necessary support items or if your luggage is heavy. Hiring them is a wise investment because porters, the ones you hire, are from the local area, and they know every path very well. They know the challenging portions and let you know about local insights.

• Pros of Hiring a Personal Porter:
  • Carrying Your Belongings: Porters reduce your burden by carrying your backpack, which makes walking easier and less exhausting.
  • Supportive Presence: Porters, who are frequently knowledgeable locals, can offer priceless guidance and support on the trail.
  • Cultural Interaction: It may be possible to gain knowledge of the customs and culture of the area by spending time with a porter.
  • Direct Connection to the Land: An important aspect of the pilgrimage experience, according to many, is walking the Kora personally.
  • Local Economy Support: When you hire a porter, it will directly support the local people living in that region.
• Cons of Hiring a Personal Porter:
  • Still, Need to Walk: Even though you hire the porter, you still need to walk the entire Kora by yourself.
  • Communication Barriers: All the porters may not know how to communicate as well as you expect. Also, they might not be able to speak a foreign language.
  • Finding a Reputable Porter: It might be difficult to find a trustworthy porter sometimes. So we suggest you hire with the help of tour operators like us only.
  • Not Carrying Weight Anymore: Although they can lessen the strain of carrying your possessions, porters cannot replace your physical weight.

Detailed Cost Breakdown: Hiring Horse & Porter For Kailash Kora

The cost of hiring the Horse and the porter depends upon the season. During crowded times, it can be more expensive due to the limited number of horses and porters available. Here’s the expected cost when you hire the Horse and porter in RMB(Chinese Yuan) for your Kailash Kora during the Kailash Mansarovar Tour/Yatra.

Note: When trekkers hire the Horse and the porter, they should not worry about the Horse and porter’s food, accommodation, and insurance. We also recommend you to decide whether you like to take a horse or the Personal Porter while you are in Lake Mansoraver for the better price. Please note the horse and the Horseman will only take you to the top of Dolma-La Pass. After the pass, you will have to trek to Zuthulphuk on your own!

Which Option Is Right for You- Hiring Horse Or Porter?

The right option for you to hire a horse and porter will depend on your preferences, financial situation, level of fitness, and personal circumstances:

Choose a horse if you believe that you are not physically capable of walking the entire Kailash Kora or if you would rather be comfortable than get through a strenuous walk.

Choose a porter if You want to support the local community, want a more traditional and immersive trekking experience, want a more economical choice, and are physically capable of walking the trail. In either case, you should use the porter to carry your things.

The Importance of Trekking Light During Kailash Kora

Not just for convenience, trekking light is a necessity. The weight of every extra kilogram in your backpack grows twice its height as the altitude goes up. The thinner air amplifies physical exertion, so it’s better to carry only the basics to help you conserve energy for the longest gruelling months.

Thankfully, you won’t have to pack something like food or a lot of water along with you. Along the route, small tea houses sell bottled water, instant noodles, sweet tea and yak butter tea. These facilities, located about every 8-10 kilometres, provide badly needed rest stops and refuelling opportunities.

While Undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra/Tour it is essential to pack all the warm clothing, first aid supplies, snacks and trekking poles so you would be ready for the trek without sacrificing your time. Hiring porters or horses to carry bulkier items (such as sleeping bags and heavy jackets) is a sensible move.

Worth reading:

Step by Step guide for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and Kailash Kora

Important Considerations When Hiring- Horse & Porter For Kilash Kora

Whether you decide to hire either a Horse or a porter, remember the following in mind:

Use a Reputable Trekking Agency: When you choose a reputable trekking agency for the Kailash Kora, they ensure that the Horse and the porter are fairly treated. Also, they will not let your ethics die. Additionally, it will help you to provide the service with trust and reliability throughout the entire journey.

Pre-Book: The demand for hiring the hose and the porter can is high in the peak season, so we suggest you avoid last-minute booking to make your journey hassle-free. Also important things to keep in mind is to confirm whether you need assistance or not in advance. It is because once you start Kora without assistance and leave Darchen, you cannot get it even though you want to.

Negotiate Prices: In order to prevent misunderstandings, it is advisable to inquire about the cost in advance and only hire the Horse and porter once all parties have agreed.

Respect Local Customs: Dress appropriately and always respect the local culture and traditions. Ask for permission before taking photos of local people, religious sites, or rituals.

Be Prepared: Preparation is key to success, and for the successful Kailash Tour, we suggest you prepare in advance. Make sure you carry appropriate clothing, gear, first aid and personal items.

Tipping: Even though it is not compulsory to tip when you hire the Horse and porter, it is a great way to show gratitude for their hard work and show support.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

How to hire the horse or a personal porter for the Kailash Kora?
→To hire the horse or personal porter for the Kailash Kora you can either contact your tour operator or ask the Tibetan guide in Darchen which is also the Starting point of Kailash Kora.

How much would it cost to hire the horse for Kailash Kora?
→Hiring a horse for the Kailash Kora will cost you between 3000–5000 RMB (USD 400–680) per person for a three-day trek. Keep in mind that prices can go up during the peak season due to higher demand so always confirm the exact cost with the horse owner upfront. This will help avoid any misunderstandings about the rates later on

How much would it cost to hire a personal porter for Kailash Kora?
→Hiring the personal porter for the Kailash Kora will cost you around $120-$200 for three days.

How Much can 1 Porter carry?

→ Now, 1 Porter carries about 10 Kg of your backpack at a time.

How can I book the Kailash Tour Package that includes the option of hiring a horse or porter through a tour operator?

→To book the Kailash Tour package, which includes the option of hiring a horse or porter service, you can contact us at:

Phone/WhatsApp/Viber/Line: +977 9843294000
Email: [email protected]

Check out Our Fixed Departure Dates for the Kailash Mansarovar in 2026

Conclusion

The Kailash Kora is a deeply spiritual journey, and this place is a must-visit destination to get the blessing from this sacred place. Also, the beauty of this divine place is beyond words, which we cannot express. So, to experience the energy of this place and to immerse in the natural beauty of this holy place, you must visit once in your lifetime.

If you have already decided to visit Tibet for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and you are planning to hire a Horse or porter for Kailash Kora, then we, Namaste Nepal, can help you. We guarantee that your journey will be hassle-free as we’ll provide everything for the Kailash Tour/Yatra, like permit, food, accommodation, expert Tibetan guide, and logistic facilities.

Our affordable Kailash Mansarovar Tour package and arrangement of Horse and porter at a cheap cost will definitely make your journey memorable and adventurous. Also, we have a guaranteed departure date for the Kailash Tour with a special discount.

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