Table of Contents

An introduction to Mount Kailash's religious significance, the kora circuit, and practical guidance for pilgrims and trekkers planning a visit.

Why Mount Kailash Is Sacred

Mount Kailash is revered simultaneously by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of the Bon religion as the axis of the world and the abode of Lord Shiva in Hindu tradition. No religious tradition associated with the mountain permits climbing its summit, and it remains one of the few major peaks in the world never to have been ascended.

The Kora: Circumambulating the Mountain

The kora is a 52 kilometre circumambulation of Kailash's base, traditionally completed in 3 days on foot, though some pilgrims complete the entire circuit through repeated full-body prostrations, a journey that can take several weeks. Completing the kora is believed across multiple traditions to bring significant spiritual merit.

Dolma La: The Kora's High Point

Dolma La, at 5,630 metres, is the technical and spiritual high point of the kora, and pilgrims traditionally leave an item of clothing or personal belonging at the pass as a symbolic gesture of leaving behind their past. The crossing is physically demanding and requires proper acclimatisation beforehand.

Lake Manasarovar

Lake Manasarovar, near Kailash's base, is considered one of the most sacred lakes in the Himalaya, and pilgrims traditionally bathe in its waters before beginning the kora. At 4,590 metres, it is among the highest freshwater lakes in the world.

Reaching Mount Kailash

Most visitors reach Kailash via Lhasa, followed by several days of overland travel across the Tibetan plateau to Darchen, the starting point of the kora. Given the region's extreme remoteness, a minimum group size and considerable advance planning are required.

Physical Preparation

Given the extreme altitude throughout the trip, proper acclimatisation in Lhasa before continuing toward Kailash is essential, and prior high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended before attempting the kora.