Tibet — Darchen
Embark on a profound spiritual pilgrimage along the Mount Kailash Kora, a 52km circuit in Tibet's remote Ngari Prefecture. This demanding 3-day walk circles the sacred mountain, revered as the universe's centre. Traverse rugged highlands and alpine passes, witnessing breathtaking panoramas on this deeply rewarding spiritual route.
Distance: 52.0 km
Elevation Gain: 1200 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 3 days
The trek to Mount Kailash is not merely a physical journey but a profound spiritual pilgrimage, undertaken by millions of devout Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bön followers each year. Located in the remote Ngari Prefecture of Tibet, Mount Kailash is revered as the centre of the universe and the abode of deities. The most common and sacred pilgrimage route is the Kora (circumambulation) around the base of the mountain, a challenging yet deeply rewarding circuit that tests both physical endurance and spiritual resolve. This 52-kilometre trek, typically completed over three days, traverses high-altitude desert landscapes, crosses a formidable mountain pass, and offers unparalleled views of the sacred peak. It is a journey into the heart of Tibetan Buddhism and a testament to the enduring power of faith.
The Mount Kailash Kora is an experience that transcends the ordinary. The pilgrimage begins in Darchen, a small settlement that serves as the gateway to the sacred mountain. From here, pilgrims embark on a clockwise circuit, a ritual known as a Kora, which is believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual merit. The trail winds through starkly beautiful high-altitude desert, with the imposing, snow-capped pyramid of Mount Kailash dominating the horizon. The landscape is vast and austere, punctuated by prayer flags fluttering in the wind, mani stones carved with sacred mantras, and the occasional yak caravan.
The trek is divided into three main stages, each with its unique challenges and spiritual significance. Day one involves a relatively gentle ascent to Dirapuk Monastery, offering close-up views of Kailash's north face. Day two is the most arduous, culminating in the crossing of the Drolma La Pass, the highest point of the Kora. This pass is adorned with prayer flags and cairns, marking a place of profound spiritual energy. The descent from the pass leads towards Zutulpuk Monastery. Day three completes the circuit, returning to Darchen, with a final opportunity to absorb the sacred aura of the mountain.
The altitude is a significant factor throughout the trek. Reaching over 5,600 metres at Drolma La Pass, the air is thin, and acclimatisation is crucial. The weather can be unpredictable, with sunshine, wind, snow, and rain all possible within a single day. Despite these challenges, the spiritual draw of Mount Kailash and the sense of accomplishment upon completing the Kora make it a life-changing journey for many.
Mount Kailash holds immense religious significance across multiple faiths. In Hinduism, it is considered the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. It is believed that Shiva meditates at the summit, and the mountain itself is a representation of Mount Meru, the cosmic axis of the universe. For Buddhists, Kailash is the centre of the world, where the Buddha Demchog resides. In Jainism, it is the site where their first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, attained enlightenment. The Bön religion, indigenous to Tibet, also regards Kailash as a sacred site, believing it to be the soul of their country.
The practice of circumambulating Mount Kailash, the Kora, has been a central ritual for centuries. Pilgrims undertake this arduous journey to accumulate merit, purify negative karma, and seek spiritual liberation. The Kora is not just a physical act but a meditative practice, with many pilgrims chanting mantras, prostrating themselves along the route, or even completing the circuit in a single, monumental effort that can take weeks. The journey is often undertaken during auspicious periods, such as the Saga Dawa festival, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Buddha.
The region surrounding Mount Kailash has historically been a crossroads of cultures and trade routes. However, due to its remote location and political complexities, access for foreigners has often been restricted. The modern pilgrimage route has evolved over centuries, with monasteries and resting places established along the way to support the flow of devotees. The Kora remains a powerful symbol of devotion and a testament to the enduring spiritual traditions of the Himalayas.
The pilgrimage season for Mount Kailash typically runs from May to October, offering the most favourable weather conditions for this high-altitude trek. During these months, the days are generally longer and warmer, and the chances of heavy snowfall on the Drolma La Pass are reduced.
Spring (May-June): This is an excellent time to undertake the Kora. The weather is usually clear and sunny, with temperatures gradually warming. The landscape begins to thaw, and the first signs of life emerge. However, nights can still be very cold, and occasional snow showers are possible, especially at higher elevations. The crowds are generally smaller than in peak summer.
Summer (July-August): This is the peak pilgrimage season. The weather is generally warmer, and the days are long. However, this is also the monsoon season in the Himalayas, meaning there is a higher chance of rain and cloud cover, which can obscure views of Mount Kailash. Sandflies can also be present in Darchen and lower sections of the trail. Despite the potential for rain, the spiritual energy is at its highest during this period, attracting the largest number of pilgrims.
Autumn (September-October): This is arguably the best time for the Kora. The monsoon rains have usually subsided, leaving behind clear skies and crisp air. The autumn colours can be stunning, and the views of Mount Kailash are often spectacular. Temperatures begin to drop, especially at night, and frost is common. By late October, the weather can become significantly colder, and snow can start to fall, making the pass impassable.
Winter (November-April): The pilgrimage is generally not recommended during these months due to extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and impassable conditions on the Drolma La Pass. The region is largely cut off, and travel is extremely difficult and dangerous. Only the most experienced and determined pilgrims, often locals, might attempt parts of the Kora during this period.
Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery
Day 2: Dirapuk Monastery to Zutulpuk Monastery via Drolma La Pass
Day 3: Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen
Important Notes:
Embarking on the Mount Kailash Kora requires meticulous planning, primarily due to its remote location and the need for special permits. Foreign travellers cannot undertake this pilgrimage independently; it must be arranged through a registered Tibetan travel agency. This agency will handle all necessary permits, including the Tibet Travel Permit, Alien's Travel Permit, and potentially others depending on your nationality and entry point.
Logistics: The journey typically begins in mainland China (e.g., Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai) or Kathmandu, Nepal. From these points, you will fly or take a train to Lhasa, Tibet. From Lhasa, the journey to Darchen, the base town for the Kora, is a multi-day overland trip (approximately 2-3 days) by private vehicle or shared bus. This overland journey itself is an adventure, traversing high-altitude plateaus and offering glimpses of Tibetan life.
Acclimatisation: Given the extreme altitude (Darchen is at 4,575 m and Drolma La Pass reaches 5,630 m), proper acclimatisation is paramount. It is highly recommended to spend at least 2-3 days in Lhasa (3,650 m) before travelling to Darchen to allow your body to adjust to the lower oxygen levels. Rushing the ascent significantly increases the risk of altitude sickness.
Base Town: Darchen is the primary base town for the Kailash Kora. It is a small, functional settlement with basic guesthouses, teahouses, and shops catering to pilgrims. Facilities are rudimentary, and amenities are limited. It is essential to manage expectations regarding comfort and luxury.
Accommodation along the Mount Kailash Kora is extremely basic and primarily consists of simple guesthouses or monastery lodges. There are no luxury lodges or campsites in the traditional sense. The focus is on providing shelter and a place to rest for pilgrims.
Guesthouses/Monasteries:
Booking Requirements: Accommodation is typically arranged as part of your tour package by the Tibetan travel agency. You do not book these independently. The agency will ensure you have a place to stay each night of the Kora.
Facilities Provided:
What's NOT Provided:
Seasonal Availability: The guesthouses and monasteries operate primarily during the pilgrimage season (May to October). Outside this season, they may be closed or offer extremely limited services.
Costs: Accommodation costs are typically included in the overall tour package price. If purchased separately (which is rare for foreigners), expect very low costs, but the quality will reflect this.
Undertaking the Mount Kailash Kora as a foreign national requires a series of permits, which are strictly controlled by the Chinese government. Independent travel is not permitted; you must book your pilgrimage through a registered Tibetan travel agency. This agency will handle the application and procurement of all necessary permits on your behalf.
Key Permits Required:
Application Process:
Important Considerations:
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Trek Mount Kailash (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Trek Mount Kailash, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
While the Mount Kailash Kora is the primary focus for most visitors, the surrounding region offers other significant spiritual and natural attractions:
Altitude Sickness: This is the most significant risk associated with the Mount Kailash Kora. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Proper acclimatisation is the best prevention. If symptoms worsen, descend immediately. Consult your doctor about preventative medication like Diamox (Acetazolamide).
Weather: The weather at high altitudes is unpredictable and can change rapidly. Be prepared for extreme cold, strong winds, snow, and rain, even during the summer months. Temperatures can drop well below freezing, especially at night and on the Drolma La Pass.
Terrain: The Kora involves walking on uneven, rocky, and sometimes steep trails. The Drolma La Pass is a challenging ascent and descent. Trekking poles are highly recommended for stability.
Sanitation and Hygiene: Facilities are very basic. It is crucial to maintain good hygiene to prevent illness. Use hand sanitiser frequently, especially before eating. Ensure water is purified.
Food and Water: While teahouses offer food, the quality and hygiene can vary. Carry your own snacks and supplementary food. Always purify or boil water before drinking.
Communication: Mobile phone reception is unreliable and often non-existent along the Kora route. Your guide will have a satellite phone for emergencies.
Emergency Procedures: In case of a medical emergency, your guide will be responsible for initiating evacuation procedures. This may involve hiring a yak or arranging for a vehicle. Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is essential.
Respect for Local Customs: The Kora is a sacred pilgrimage. Dress modestly, be respectful of religious sites and practices, and avoid loud behaviour. Always walk the Kora in a clockwise direction.
Drolma La Pass (5,630 m): The spiritual and physical apex of the Kora. This high mountain pass is adorned with thousands of prayer flags, cairns, and symbolic offerings left by pilgrims. The views from the pass, when clear, are breathtaking, offering a panoramic vista of the surrounding peaks and the sacred Mount Kailash. It is a place of immense spiritual energy and a significant achievement for any pilgrim.
Lake Gauri Kund (Parvati Lake): Located just below the Drolma La Pass on the descent, this small, turquoise lake is considered sacred by Hindus, who believe it to be the bathing spot of Goddess Parvati. It is a place of serene beauty and deep spiritual significance.
Chiu Monastery: Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop overlooking Lake Manasarovar, Chiu Monastery offers spectacular views of the lake and Mount Kailash. It is a peaceful and picturesque spot for contemplation and photography, and a worthwhile detour for those with time.
Tholing Monastery: While a significant detour from the immediate Kailash region, Tholing Monastery is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist monasteries in Tibet, located in the former Gugé Kingdom. It houses ancient murals and statues and offers a deep dive into Tibetan Buddhist art and history.
Yak Caravans: Observing and interacting with the local yak herders and their caravans is a unique cultural experience. Yaks are essential for transporting goods and luggage along the Kora, and their presence is an integral part of the pilgrimage landscape.
The Mount Kailash Kora is a sacred pilgrimage route, and preserving its pristine environment and spiritual sanctity is paramount. As a visitor, you play a crucial role in upholding the principles of Leave No Trace.
Pack It In, Pack It Out: This is the golden rule. Carry out all your rubbish, including food wrappers, plastic bottles, and any other waste. Do not leave anything behind, especially in sensitive natural areas or religious sites.
Dispose of Waste Properly: Use designated waste disposal facilities where available. If not, carry your waste back to Darchen or your next point of civilisation. Avoid burying waste, as it can contaminate the soil and water.
Respect Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance and never feed them. Feeding animals can disrupt their natural behaviours and diets, and can lead to dependency or aggression.
Stay on the Trail: Stick to the marked paths to avoid damaging fragile vegetation and to prevent erosion. The high-altitude environment is easily damaged and slow to recover.
Minimise Campfire Impacts: Campfires are generally not permitted or advisable on the Kora due to the scarcity of fuel and the risk of environmental damage. Use a portable stove for cooking.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors: The Kora is a spiritual journey for many. Maintain a respectful and quiet demeanour, especially at religious sites. Avoid playing loud music or disturbing the peace.
Respect Religious Sites: Mount Kailash and its surrounding monasteries are deeply sacred. Be mindful of local customs and traditions. Do not touch or disturb religious artefacts, and always ask permission before taking photographs of people or inside monasteries.
Water Sources: Use water purification methods to treat water from streams. Avoid contaminating water sources with soap or waste. Wash yourself and your dishes at least 10 metres away from any water source.
