Mount Kailash (Gang Rinpoche)

Historical Overview

Pre-7th Century: Bon religion considers Kailash the "Nine-Story Swastika Mountain," home to deity Shenra Lhabwo.

7th Century: Buddhism spreads, with legends linking Kailash to Mount Meru, the cosmic axis.

11th Century: Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditates in caves near Kailash, establishing it as a Buddhist pilgrimage site.

15th Century: The kora (circumambulation) tradition solidifies, with pilgrims completing 52-km treks in 1–3 days.

1980s: Chinese government opens Kailash to limited foreign tourism, requiring permits.

2015: Earthquake damages trails; restoration efforts focus on safety and cultural preservation.

Structural Layout

The Kailash region spans ~30,000 km² and is divided into three zones:

North Zone (Sacred Sites & Pilgrimage)

Mount Kailash Base: The "North Face" (Dorje Lakpa) is considered the most auspicious for meditation.

Chorten Monastery: 12th-century Buddhist temple with murals of the 84 Mahasiddhas.

Dolma La Pass (5,630m): Highest point of the kora, marked by prayer flags and ritual stones.

South Zone (Lakes & Natural Wonders)

Lake Manasarovar: World’s highest freshwater lake (4,590m), believed to cleanse karma when bathed in.

Lake Rakshastal: Saline "Lake of the Demon" contrasts with Manasarovar’s purity.

Gaurikunda Hot Springs: Natural sulfur springs claimed to heal skin ailments.

West Zone (Remote Trekking & Wildlife)

Inner Kora: Advanced 320-km trek circumnavigating Kailash and nearby peaks (requires special permits).

Tibetan Antelope Habitat: Observe endangered chiru migrating through high-altitude grasslands.

Ancient Petroglyphs: Rock art depicting yaks, hunters, and deities near Darchen village.

Supporting Structures

Darchen Guesthouses: Basic lodging with shared facilities (best booked in advance during peak season).

Yak Caravans: Hire yaks to carry gear on multi-day treks (¥300–500/day).

Medical Stations: Oxygen tanks and altitude sickness medication available in Darchen.

Major Attractions

Mount Kailash Kora: The 52-km clockwise trek (Buddhists/Jains) or counterclockwise (Bon/Hindus) takes 1–3 days.

Lake Manasarovar Bathing Ritual: Dip in the icy waters during dawn for spiritual purification.

Gurla Mandhata Viewpoint: Hike to 5,200m for panoramic views of Kailash and its sister peak.

Chiu Gompa Monastery: 15th-century Buddhist retreat with nightly chanting ceremonies.

Tirthapuri Hot Springs: Pilgrimage site with geothermal pools and ancient caves.

Suggested Itineraries

3-Day Spiritual Kora Tour

Day 1: Acclimatize in Darchen (3,700m). Visit Chiu Gompa Monastery for evening prayers.

Day 2: Begin kora (18 km) to Dirapuk Monastery (4,890m). Camp or stay in gompa guesthouse.

Day 3: Cross Dolma La Pass (5,630m), descend to Zutrulpuk (4,790m), and complete kora.

5-Day Cultural & Nature Tour

Day 1–2: Kailash kora (as above).

Day 3: Drive to Lake Manasarovar. Bathe in Gaurikunda Hot Springs.

Day 4: Trek to Tirthapuri Hot Springs (12 km round-trip). Visit ancient Bon caves.

Day 5: Explore Rakshastal Lake and return to Darchen.

7-Day Inner Kora Expedition

Day 1–3: Standard kora (as above).

Day 4–6: Inner kora (320 km) via remote villages and high passes (requires guide and yaks).

Day 7: Rest in Darchen. Depart for Lhasa or Kathmandu.

Ticket Purchase

Permits: Required for Kailash region; apply through Tibet Travel Agency (¥800–1,200/person).

Kora Fees: ¥200 (includes environmental tax).

Lodging: Guesthouses in Darchen (¥50–150/night); camping on kora (free but basic).

Transportation

By Flight: Fly to Ngari Gunsa Airport (NGQ) from Lhasa or Kashgar (1.5-hour flight).

By Overland Tour: 4-day drive from Lhasa via Everest Base Camp (¥2,500–4,000/person).

Local Transport: Shared jeeps from Darchen to kora starting points (¥50–100/person).

Best Time & Tips

Peak Season: May–September (mild weather, but crowded).

Off-Season: October–April (risk of snowstorms; fewer tourists).

Altitude Sickness: Acclimatize in Lhasa (3,650m) for 2–3 days before Kailash.

• Essentials:

Hire a local guide (mandatory for Inner Kora).

Pack warm layers (temperatures drop to -10°C at night).

Bring high-calorie snacks (limited food on kora).

Prohibited Items: Drones, religious icons for sale (must be gifted by monks), and littering.

Insider Tip: Combine Kailash with a visit to Guge Kingdom ruins (3-hour drive) for ancient Tibetan history.