The Kailash Kora (make a round to Mount Kailash) is a sacred and highly challenging pilgrimage in Tibet, China. Every pilgrim dreams of successfully completing the Kora around Mount Kailash during their Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. However, not everyone is physically fit for the challenging journey. I have witnessed many pilgrims facing various difficulties during each Kailash Yatra. The difficulty of Kailash Kora depends on pilgrimage physical fitness, proper acclimatization in right places, and the main thing is weather conditions.
Here are the seven key factors that determine the difficulty of the Kailash Kora:
1. Altitude
You will start your Kailash Kora from Darchen, at an altitude of 4,670m, and reach the highest point of your trek at Dolmala, at 5,630m. Sometimes, the high altitude makes breathing difficult, increases fatigue, and poses risks of altitude sickness (AMS).
2. Terrain
The trail of Kailash Kora is rugged, with steep ascending and descending, especially around the Dolma La Pass. Suppose you have some knee problem, and descending demands are challenging.Some on the trail may include loose rocks, small river crossings and icy sections.
3. Long & Exhausting Walks
The full kora of Mount Kailash is approximately 52 kilometers but from Darchen to Darchen is 56km. It can be completed within two and a half days but if you make an extra day in Dirapuk it takes 3 and half days.
Day 1: From Darchen to Yamadwar(by jeep/bus – 5 km) then to trek to Dirapuk is 15 km. So the total distance is 20km.
Day 2: Trek from Dirapuk to Zuthulphuk via Dolma La Pass. The 2nd day (22 km) is Toughest Section, climbing Dolma La Pass (5,650m) and descending steep, rocky terrain.
Day 3: From Zuthulphuk to Zomten valley then Darchen is about 14 km
4. Harsh weather Conditions in the Kailash area
The weather around mount Kailash is highly unpredictable, with freezing temperatures, strong winds especially after 11 am, and even in summer sometimes snowfalls that may make it slippery and cold.Summertime from May to September is the most favourable season for the Kailash Kora, but still at night time remains cold.
5. Physical Fitness
The Kailash kora demands excellent physical fitness. Kora trail is mostly ascents and descents. At least you need 7-8 hours of walking stamina for the Kailash kora. Even for fit individuals, the lack of oxygen can be demanding.
6. Limited Facilities
Basic accommodations such as tea houses and tents are available along the Kailash Kora. However, tea houses are scarce and offer limited facilities, including public toilets located outside. Medical assistance is minimal, and any serious health issue may require emergency evacuation.n.
7. Pilgrimage Rituals
Many pilgrims especially Buddhists and bons complete the Kailash kora by prostrating at each step, which increases significantly more the physical demand.Most of the pilgrims prefer to walk for a mode of completion, but local porters and yaks are available for your assistance.
Tips for Successful Kailash Kora
- Acclimatize well: Spend at least two nights at Darchen and Dirapuk. Darchen is 4670m and the next stop is Dirapuk(one of the best views of Mount Kailash, north face) an altitude of 5210m. These two places' acclimatization helps you to pass the Dolmala 5630m.
- Rough Train: Build stamina through trekking or hiking at elevations. The trail demands more stamina because some days you have to trek about 9-10 hours. Especially from Dirapu to Zutulpuk is a long day which covers 22km in one day. Till Dolmala top(5630m) ascending then descending until tea shop. Some parts are extremely slope down. but after the tea shop, the trail is flat to Zutulpuk.
- Gear Up Properly: We would like to advise you to carry proper trekking gear, warm clothing, and sturdy boots. Specially, warm jackets, windproof pants, warm hats, sunglass, walking poles, waterproof shoes, woollen socks, gloves, water bottles (for carrying hot water), heaters, cramped(in case of snow) and some oxygen bottles (for emergency purposes)
- Hydration and Nutrition: You need to drink plenty of water on the trek. Better to drink hot water, if not normal water also drink lots. You need lots of calories and energy so you can keep some energy bars(Snickers, Mars, Bounty or other dry food. Stay hydrated and eat energy-rich food.
- Travel with Guides and helpers: It is advisable to trek with a guide and helpers, especially helpful for first-timers. Make sure before starting from Darchen, you can walk or not 7-8 hours or more hours in a day. In that case, you can take a horse as well that’s helpful in the higher altitude.
why is the Kailash Kora important?
Kailash Parikrama: Pilgrims undertake a 3-day trek (around 52 km) around Mount Kailash, known as the Kailash Parikrama. This circumambulation is believed to purify the soul. The route is physically demanding, passing through high altitudes and difficult terrain, including the Dolma La Pass, which is at 5,630 meters (18,473 feet) above sea level. Pilgrims typically complete the parikrama on foot, though some may use horses or yaks.
Spiritual Significance of Kailash Kora
The journey is considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to achieve spiritual merit and liberation from the cycle of life and death (Samsara). It is believed that performing the yatra and circumambulating Mount Kailash can lead to Moksha or ultimate freedom. Pilgrims also engage in prayer, meditation, and spiritual practices during the journey.
Religious Practices of Kailash yatra
- Kora (Circumambulation): Pilgrims from all these religions circumambulate Mount Kailash, usually walking 52 kilometres around it. Hindus and Buddhists perform the kora clockwise, while Jains and Bon practitioners go counterclockwise.
- Spiritual Cleansing: Completing the circumambulation is believed to cleanse one’s sins and bring spiritual liberation.
Who Can Do the Kailash Kora?
- Pilgrims with strong determination.
- Those with strong physical endurance and good acclimatization.
- People without severe heart, lung, or knee problems.
- Recommended for those with prior high-altitude trekking experience.
Who Can Do the Kailash Kora?
- Not suitable for those with heart/lung issues.
The Kailash Kora is physically and mentally demanding, but for those prepared, it’s an unforgettable spiritual and adventure experience.
