Drolma La Pass & Gauri Kund
卓玛拉山口与托吉错
The highest point of the outer kora, at about 5,630 meters. Prayer flags cover the pass. Just beyond it lies Gauri Kund (Lake of Compassion), a sacred lake to Hindus.
Drolma La pass lies on the northeast side of Mount Kailash, at about 5,630 meters. It is the highest point of the outer kora and its most challenging section. The climb from Dirapuk Monastery gains more than 600 meters in elevation and passes the “sky burial” site, Sheva Tso, where pilgrims leave an old piece of clothing or some hair as a symbol of death and rebirth. At the pass, layers of prayer flags flutter, and believers throw tsampa and hang prayer flags in the name of Drolma (Tara). Beyond the pass lies a small green lake, Gauri Kund (Lake of Compassion, called Gauri Kund in India), which Indian pilgrims descend to collect water from. A steep descent follows, with loose rocks and slippery ground, so trekking poles are essential. The weather at the pass changes quickly, and it can even snow in June. Start before dawn and cross the pass in the morning. If severe altitude sickness develops, descend immediately.
Opening hours
Open all day (mountain loop road)
Nearby sights
- Dirapuk Monastery
- Mount Kailash & Kora
- Zutulpuk Monastery
- Gyangdrak Monastery
- Chuku Gompa (Nyenri Monastery)
- Tarboche Flagpole
- Darchen
- Chiu Gompa