Mount Kailash Parikrama

Faith is a powerful thing that all humans share. It is a belief that goes beyond logic and understanding. One of the perfect examples of faith is Mount Kailash Parikrama. With belief and faith, people from all around the world come here to walk this holy path. Mount Kailash Parikrama is located in the remote lands of Tibet.

Standing at a high altitude, Mount Kailash is more than just a mountain of rock and snow. From the very ancient times, Mount Kailash is taken as the symbol of holy power. It is worshipped by many religions like Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of Bon. They take this place as the center of the universe and it helps to connect the physical world with the spiritual one.

The Mount Kailash Parikrama takes the exams of your devotion, reflection, and inner growth. According to ancient beliefs, completing this walk cleanses the soul and brings spiritual freedom. For those who take this journey, Mount Kailash Parikrama shows the incredible strength of human faith and the life-changing power of belief.

Mount Kailash Parikrama

Mount Kailash Parikrama also called Kailash Kora. It is a holy walk around Mount Kailash in western Tibet. People from around the world come to do this sacred trek. To reach Mount Kailash Parikrama, travelers have to pass through the Dolma La Pass, which is 5,645 meters high.

How many days it takes to complete Mount Kailash Parikrama depends on the person’s experiences. Usually, local Tibetans can finish the Kora in one day, however, most visitors take three days, and some complete it in two. The entire Mount Kailash parikrama distance of walking is 52 kilometers. The walk starts in Tarboche Valley (4,600 meters) and goes from Darchen to Dirapuk, then to Juthulpuk, and back to Darchen. This route is known as the Outer Kora.

Do not forget, this walk is not simply for enjoying nature or adventure, for many religions, it is very important spiritually. Religion from Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon believes in a belief that if you complete the full walk around Mount Kailash, it will wash away a lifetime of sins.

Along the way, you will also see the famous Lake Manasarovar. This lake also holds a significant meaning in spirituality as it is believed to reflect the soul of the god Brahma. Mount Kailash is special to many religions: Hindus see it as the home of Lord Shiva, Buddhists as the home of Samvara, Jains believe their prophet Rishaba found enlightenment there, and followers of Bon see it as a place where their founder came down from heaven.

Four major rivers in Asia, the Karnali, Indus, Sutlej, and Brahmaputra, start from Mount Kailash. During the journey, you will see monasteries, yak caravans, and stunning Tibetan landscapes. This trek of spirituality starts either from Lhasa or Kathmandu.

Outer Kora and Inner Kora: What Are They?

Mount Kailash, also called Gang Rimpoche in Tibetan, is considered one of the holiest mountains in the world by followers of several religions. Mostly for people who follow Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bon religion, Mount Kailash Parikrama is the sacred place they wish to visit once in a lifetime.

As we already know, many believe that visiting Mount Kailash and taking a dip in Lake Manasarovar can cleanse them of their sins. Whether for religious reasons or personal exploration, a trip to Mount Kailash is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

One common question for those planning a visit is about the difference between the Outer Kora and Inner Kora of Mount Kailash. In simple language, “Kora” means walking around a sacred site due to its religious significance. Likewise, the Outer Kora and Inner Kora are the two different routes that people follow to circle Mount Kailash.

Moreover, the trek around Mount Kailash is considered one of the most challenging pilgrimage treks in the world. Along these routes, travelers will come across beautiful valleys, monasteries, fields, and lakes. Lake Manasarovar, an important part of the pilgrimage, is where many visitors bathe to seek spiritual cleansing and salvation according to their beliefs.

 Outer Kora

The Outer Kora around Mount Kailash covers about 56 kilometers. This distance also includes the paths to nearby monasteries. Due to this long distance, most pilgrims take three days to complete the trek. For overnight, you have to stay at Diraphuk and Juthulpuk. You will find some mountain lodges and tea houses, so no need to worry.

However, walking this much distance is easy for local Tibetans. They can complete the entire trek in just one day due to their quick pace and experience. On the other hand, some pilgrims follow a different practice as they promised in their “Bhakal,” a promise made to god for the fulfillment of their wish. Some lie flat on the ground or the way they promised with every step in devotion. For people who have bhakal, it takes much longer to complete taking about three to four weeks. Most pilgrims walk in a clockwise direction, however, followers of the Bon religion trek counterclockwise.

To understand in more detail, so that you can plan your trip here with ease, we listed down a simple outline of the Outer Kora itinerary:

• Day 1: Trek from Darchen to Diraphuk, covering around 21 kilometers in about 12 hours.
• Day 2: Continue from Diraphuk to Dzultripuk, trekking about 22 kilometers, which also takes around 12 hours.
• Day 3: The final stretch from Dzultripuk back to Darchen is 12 kilometers and takes about seven hours.

Inner Kora

The Inner Kora is a shorter but more challenging route that leads to the south face of Mount Kailash. It covers about 30 kilometers of distance. The trekking to Inner Kora is difficult and tough in comparison to Outer Kora despite being shorter. The trails have more steep cliffs and high passes.

Like the Outer Kora, the Inner Kora also starts at Darchen of Mount Kailash Parikrama. Due to the shorter distance, most people complete the trek in two days, though some manage to finish it in one day. However, you have to be fully prepared and physically fit before trekking in Inner Kora due to its difficulty.

Unlike the Outer Kora, only a few tourists take the Inner Kora because of its difficulty. Similarly, according to the belief of Buddhist people, you should complete the Outer Kora 13 times before attempting the Inner Kora. Many pilgrims also visit Mount Kailash on April 15, a date considered to bring good fortune.

The simple outline of the Inner Kora itinerary is given below:

Day 1: Trek from Darchen to Drirapauk.
Day 2: Return from Drirapauk to Darchen.

The Four Faces of Mount Kailash Parikrama

Mount Kailash has four distinct faces and each face has its own spiritual significance and distinct features. During the Parikrama of Mount Kailash, pilgrims encounter these faces. All these four faces reflect the different aspects of the mountain’s divine presence.

Together, these four faces create a multidimensional view of Mount Kailash. These different meaningful meanings add charm to its mystical and divine aura. This is why pilgrims from around the world visit the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra despite being challenging. They are here to seek both spiritual enlightenment and a connection to the mountain’s sacred energy.

North Face

The north face is the first one pilgrims or travelers see. It is often called the “face of mystery” or the “gold face.” People believe that this face is to be made of gold. With sharp and imposing features, it symbolizes divine power and spiritual awakening. Hindus believe it represents a strong aspect of Lord Shiva, and meditating here is thought to help connect with the divine.

South Face

The south face is rugged. It has steep slopes and ridges. This side of the face shows the challenges on the path to enlightenment. Some pilgrims have reported seeing a straight line running from the top to the base. Likewise, Hindus interpret this line as the spine of Lord Shiva. This face is believed to be made of Lapis Lazuli. It signifies liberation and the perseverance needed to reach spiritual goals.

West Face

The west face is beautiful and peaceful. This side of the face is often linked to qualities like introspection, empathy, and tranquility. Some pilgrims claim to see a human-like face here. Though, it totally depends on their perspective. This face is thought to be made of Ruby, which encourages inner reflection and compassion.

East Face

Made of crystals, the east face is the most mysterious among the four. This side of the face is the most difficult to see and it is only visible from a distance. Its smooth surface contrasts with the ruggedness of the other faces. It represents new beginnings, spiritual rebirth, and rejuvenation.

How Hard is Kailash Parikrama?

Kailash Parikrama is a challenging trek among many. It will be difficult, especially for people who are not used to hiking or walking long distances. The difficulty largely depends on the weather conditions and physical fitness. When the weather is clear and sunny, the trek is more manageable. However, the bad weather can bring cold temperatures and icefalls, making the journey harder for everyone. You also have to be physically fit to walk for long hours.

Similarly, the trek to Mount Kailash Parikrama starts at a high altitude of 4,600 meters. Trekking at this Mount Kailash parikrama elevation requires good physical fitness to handle the great Mount Kailash parikrama altitude. On the first day, pilgrims reach 4,900 meters, and on the second day, they cross a mountain pass at 5,600 meters. There are also options to hire personal helpers and horses, if it is difficult to walk.

To complete the Kailash Kora, it’s important to prepare both physically and mentally for the high altitude and challenging terrain. Pre-trip activities like acclimatization can help improve your chances of success.

Can We Touch Mount Kailash during Parikrama?

During the Kailash Parikrama, touching Mount Kailash itself is generally not permitted. Pilgrims complete the trek by circling the mountain at a distance to show their respect and reverence for this sacred site.

However, many pilgrims do make a point to touch the rocks and stones along the Kora route. This might be considered as an expression of devotion. It is essential to follow local customs and regulations during the pilgrimage to ensure a respectful experience for everyone involved.

Altitude Sickness on Mount Kailash Parikrama

Going to Mount Kailash Parikaram is quite challenging and needs full preparation. Likewise, you have to be careful about high altitudes. If you start from Kathmandu, you will quickly climb from 1,400 meters to 2,700 meters. This sudden change in height can make you feel sick if you’re not ready.

To help your body adjust, it’s a good idea to stay an extra night in Gyirong before going to Mount Kailash. This break allows your body to get used to the higher altitude.

Tips to Avoid Altitude Sickness

Following these tips to avoid altitude sickness, so that you can enjoy your Kailash Manasarovar Parikrama.

• Take It Slow: Walk slowly during your trek, especially when climbing the Drolma La pass. This will help your body adjust to the altitude.
• Drink Water: Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. The air is dry at high altitudes, and you can get thirsty quickly.
• Acclimatize: Spend two to three days in Lhasa to help your body get used to the height before heading to Mount Kailash. Try not to take showers for the first two days in Tibet, as this can be hard on your body.
• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel. If you have headaches or feel dizzy, tell your guide and consider going to a lower altitude.
• Dress in Layers: The weather can change quickly, so wear layers of clothes to stay comfortable.
• Pack Light: Carrying less weight makes your journey easier. If you get tired, you can hire a horse or yak to help carry your things.
• Stay Healthy: Try not to get sick before your trip. If you do feel unwell, it’s better to wait and go later.

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