Mount Kailash & Kora
གངས་རིན་པོ་ཆེ།
A pyramid-shaped sacred mountain reaching 6,656 meters, revered as the center of the world by Tibetan Buddhism, Bon, Hinduism, and Jainism. The outer circuit is about 56 kilometers long. Climbing is prohibited.
Mount Kailash is located in the northern part of Burang County. Its main peak rises to 6,656 meters. Its pyramid-shaped body and the swastika-like patterns on its south face make it one of the most sacred mountains in Asia. Climbing is prohibited. The outer kora (circuit) begins in Darchen (Barkha Township, about 4,600 meters) and runs clockwise for about 56 kilometers. On the first day, you walk about 20 kilometers along the Lha Chu valley past Sershong to Dirapuk Monastery, with close views of the mountain's north face. The second day is the most difficult stretch. You cross Drolma La pass at about 5,630 meters, then pass Gauri Kund (Lake of Compassion) and descend to Zutrul Puk, about 22 kilometers. On the third day, you walk back to Darchen along the gentler river valley, about 14 kilometers. Fit pilgrims can complete the kora in one day, but most visitors plan two to three days. There are guesthouses near Dirapuk and Zutrul Puk, and porters can be hired. 2025 official prices: 150 yuan per person for entry, 60 yuan for the entry shuttle bus, and 50 yuan for the exit shuttle bus. The shuttle can save you about 8 kilometers from Darchen to the start of the kora. Book through the “Leyou Xizang” WeChat mini-program. Note: Before starting the kora, spend at least two nights acclimatizing at altitudes above 4,500 meters. Bring warm clothing, a headlamp, and trekking poles. Weather at Drolma La can change suddenly, so try to cross the pass before afternoon. If you feel unwell, descend immediately. 2026 is the Year of the Horse in the Tibetan calendar, a “zodiac year” for the sacred mountain, so pilgrim numbers and accommodation prices will rise significantly.
Opening hours
Late May–Oct (per scenic area's mountain-opening announcement)
Nearby sights
- Dirapuk Monastery
- Drolma La Pass & Gauri Kund
- Chuku Gompa (Nyenri Monastery)
- Gyangdrak Monastery
- Tarboche Flagpole
- Zutulpuk Monastery
- Darchen
- Chiu Gompa