Mt. Kailash Tour/Kora

A Sacred Pilgrimage Beyond the Himalayas

For adventurers and spiritual seekers alike, Mount Kailash (6,714m) is one of the most revered and mystical peaks in the entire Himalayan range. Known as Ghang Rimpoche (Jewel of Snow) to Tibetans, this isolated peak in western Tibet rises majestically above the surrounding plateau and is considered a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon practitioners.

Often described as the spiritual counterpart to the physical challenge of the Everest Base Camp trek or Annapurna Circuit, the Kailash–Manasarovar Yatra is a soul-stirring journey unlike any other. While Nepal trekking routes offer breathtaking landscapes, Mount Kailash offers spiritual awakening and profound inner reflection.

The Sacred Geography of Mount Kailash

Geologically speaking, Mount Kailash is believed to have been formed over 30 million years ago, during the early stages of the Himalayan mountain chain formation. This timeless and untouched mountain has never been climbed, out of deep spiritual reverence.

Surrounding this sacred mountain are the origins of four major rivers of Asia, each flowing in different directions:

• Indus River – flows north
• Karnali River – flows south
• Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) – flows east
• Sutlej River – flows west

This geographic marvel is unparalleled, even when compared to popular trekking regions of Nepal like Langtang, Upper Mustang, or the Annapurna base camp trek.

The Kora – A 3-Day Pilgrimage Around the Mountain

The ultimate spiritual challenge of this journey is the Kora, a 52-kilometer circumambulation around Mount Kailash. Pilgrims take 3 days to complete the trek, walking clockwise (or counterclockwise for Bon followers) through high-altitude passes and rugged terrain.

• Starting Point: Darchen (4,550m)
• Highest Point: Drolma La Pass (5,550m) – physically demanding, spiritually rewarding
• Route Duration: Minimum of 3 days
• Optional Add-ons: Meditation by Lake Manasarovar, spiritual cleansing in its holy waters

Unlike traditional Nepal trekking trails that focus on alpine beauty and summits, this Kailash pilgrimage is a journey of purification and transformation.

Historical & Religious Significance

• According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva resides on Mount Kailash in eternal meditation.
• Jains believe that their first Tirthankara, Rishabhdev, attained nirvana here.
• Buddhists revere it as the home of Demchok (Chakrasamvara), a manifestation of supreme bliss.
• The Rigveda, one of the oldest Vedic texts, references the Himalayas and their sacred energy.

This makes the Kailash–Manasarovar Yatra not only one of the most spiritual treks in the region but also a profound journey for those who’ve completed physical treks like the Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, or the Upper Mustang trek and seek deeper inner fulfillment.