Dirapuk Monastery
止热寺
The campsite for the first night of the kora, directly facing the north face of Mount Kailash. It is the most dramatic place to see the sacred mountain up close.
Dirapuk Monastery stands at the head of the Lha Chu valley, due north of Mount Kailash, at about 5,000 meters. It marks the end of the first day of the outer kora, about 20 kilometers from Darchen. It belongs to the Drikung Kagyu school, and its name means “Yak-horn cave.” According to legend, Padmasambhava meditated here, guided by a female yak. Across from the monastery rises the vast snow-covered north face of Mount Kailash, just a few kilometers away. At dawn, the sunlight that lights up the north face, known as “Golden Mountain,” is a highlight of the kora. Beside the monastery and across the river are several guesthouses and tent lodges. Conditions are basic and beds are scarce, so you may want to bring your own sleeping bag. Pilgrims set out from here before dawn to cross Drolma La pass the next day. Temperatures at night can drop below zero, so dress warmly.
Opening hours
Open all day (temple open during daytime)
Nearby sights
- Drolma La Pass & Gauri Kund
- Mount Kailash & Kora
- Chuku Gompa (Nyenri Monastery)
- Gyangdrak Monastery
- Tarboche Flagpole
- Zutulpuk Monastery
- Darchen
- Chiu Gompa