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Introduction: The Spiritual Significance of Mount Kailash Parikrama
Mount Kailash Parikrama, also known as the Kailash Kora, is one of the most revered and spiritually significant pilgrimages in the world. Performed by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of the Bon religion, the Kailash Parikrama is more than a trek—it is a deeply transformative journey believed to wash away lifetimes of sins and bring ultimate liberation (moksha). Mount Kailash
, standing at 6,638 meters, is considered the physical manifestation of Mount Meru, the cosmic axis in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain cosmology. While climbing the peak is forbidden, the act of circumambulating it—known as Parikrama in Hinduism and Kora in Tibetan Buddhism—is a sacred rite that draws thousands of pilgrims every year.
Routes to Mount Kailash Parikrama
There are two main routes to reach Mount Kailash for Parikrama:
1. Via Nepal (Kathmandu to Tibet)
Most popular and organized through tour operators.
Route: Kathmandu – Syabrubesi – Kyirong – Saga – Darchen – Mount Kailash.
Requires Chinese visa and Tibet travel permit.
Most popular and organized through tour operators.
Route: Kathmandu – Syabrubesi – Kyirong – Saga – Darchen – Mount Kailash.
Requires Chinese visa and Tibet travel permit.
2. Via India (Lipu Lekh Pass or Nathu La Pass)
Organized by MEA (Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India).
Routes include: Dharchula – Lipulekh – Taklakot – Darchen – Mount Kailash.
Requires Indian government selection, medical fitness, and approvals.
Organized by MEA (Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India).
Routes include: Dharchula – Lipulekh – Taklakot – Darchen – Mount Kailash.
Requires Indian government selection, medical fitness, and approvals.
Kailash Parikrama – Route Breakdown
The total length of the Mount Kailash Parikrama is about 52 kilometers and is typically completed in 3 days. The terrain is rugged, with high-altitude passes, glacier-fed rivers, and dramatic landscapes.
Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk (20 km)
Altitude: 4,575 m to 4,950 m
Time: 6–7 hours
Highlights:
Start from Yam Dwar, the “Gateway to the God of Death.”
Walk along the Lha Chu Valley, with Mount Kailash towering on the right.
Reach Dirapuk Monastery, offering the best north face view of Mount Kailash.
Altitude: 4,575 m to 4,950 m
Time: 6–7 hours
Highlights:
Start from Yam Dwar, the “Gateway to the God of Death.”
Walk along the Lha Chu Valley, with Mount Kailash towering on the right.
Reach Dirapuk Monastery, offering the best north face view of Mount Kailash.
Spiritual Insight: This is the most scenic part of the parikrama and also the easiest. Pilgrims chant mantras and meditate with each step.
Day 2: Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La Pass (22 km)
Altitude: 4,950 m to 5,630 m (Dolma La), down to 4,790 m
Time: 10–12 hours
Highlights:
Dolma La Pass is the highest point of the trek.
Pass by Gauri Kund, also known as the “Lake of Compassion.”
The descent is steep and rocky, testing both physical and mental endurance.
Altitude: 4,950 m to 5,630 m (Dolma La), down to 4,790 m
Time: 10–12 hours
Highlights:
Dolma La Pass is the highest point of the trek.
Pass by Gauri Kund, also known as the “Lake of Compassion.”
The descent is steep and rocky, testing both physical and mental endurance.
Spiritual Insight: This is the most challenging and spiritually symbolic part. Crossing Dolma La is believed to represent rebirth, as one sheds their past karma.
Day 3: Zuthulpuk to Darchen (10 km)
Altitude: 4,790 m to 4,575 m
Time: 3–4 hours
Highlights:
Walk through gentle valleys and follow the river.
Visit Zuthulpuk Monastery, associated with the Tibetan saint Milarepa.
Complete the Parikrama by returning to Darchen.
Altitude: 4,790 m to 4,575 m
Time: 3–4 hours
Highlights:
Walk through gentle valleys and follow the river.
Visit Zuthulpuk Monastery, associated with the Tibetan saint Milarepa.
Complete the Parikrama by returning to Darchen.
Spiritual Insight: The final stretch is reflective. Many pilgrims feel emotionally transformed, spiritually elevated, and physically cleansed.
Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization
The Kailash Parikrama altitude ranges from 4,500 to over 5,600 meters. Acclimatization is crucial to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Spend at least two nights at Saga or Darchen before starting the Parikrama. Hydration, slow pace, and minimal physical exertion before the trek help prepare the body.
Fitness and Preparation Tips
Engage in cardio and endurance training 2–3 months in advance.
Focus on trekking with weight and practicing deep breathing exercises.
Carry essential gear: waterproof boots, thermal wear, gloves, walking stick, and high-energy snacks.
Pack basic medicines for altitude, fever, pain relief, and digestion.
Engage in cardio and endurance training 2–3 months in advance.
Focus on trekking with weight and practicing deep breathing exercises.
Carry essential gear: waterproof boots, thermal wear, gloves, walking stick, and high-energy snacks.
Pack basic medicines for altitude, fever, pain relief, and digestion.
Permits and Documentation
Foreigners (including Indians via Nepal) require:
Tibet Travel Permit
Aliens Travel Permit
Kailash Parikrama Permit
For Indian citizens traveling via MEA, permits are arranged by the Indian government.
Best Time for Kailash Parikrama
The best months to do Mount Kailash Parikrama are:
May to September, especially June to August for stable weather.
During Saga Dawa Festival (usually in May/June), many pilgrims gather, and the spiritual atmosphere is most vibrant.
Challenges and Demerits of the Kailash Parikrama
High Altitude: Risk of AMS, requiring proper acclimatization.
Weather Extremes: Unpredictable snowstorms and temperature drops.
No Medical Facilities: Limited emergency help on the route.
Remote Terrain: Physically and mentally exhausting.
Permit Restrictions: Bureaucratic delays and limited accessibility for some nationalities.
High Altitude: Risk of AMS, requiring proper acclimatization.
Weather Extremes: Unpredictable snowstorms and temperature drops.
No Medical Facilities: Limited emergency help on the route.
Remote Terrain: Physically and mentally exhausting.
Permit Restrictions: Bureaucratic delays and limited accessibility for some nationalities.
