Mount Kailash

　　　　Commonly known as Snow Spirit Mountain. Located north of Lake Manasarovar, a sacred lake in Purang County. It is the main peak of the Gangdise Mountains, standing at an elevation of 6,656 meters. It is one of the most famous Buddhist sacred sites. To the north of Lake Manasarovar, the mountain is capped with snow all year round, featuring symmetrical cliffs that form a rounded, pyramid-like shape. The summit is often shrouded in clouds, adding to its mysterious aura. The kora (pilgrimage circuit) around the mountain spans 51 kilometers, with eight monasteries located along its perimeter.

　　　　The four major rivers of the Ngari region—the Maquan River, Sengge Zangbo River, Yarlung Tsangpo River (also known as Elephant River), and Lhasa River (also known as Peacock River)—all originate from the four sides of Mount Kailash. Various religious traditions believe their deities are connected to this mountain. In Buddhism, it is regarded as Mount Meru, the center of the universe, formed from the four treasures of gold, silver, lapis lazuli, and crystal, surrounded by seven golden mountains, seven lakes, and twelve continents. In Tibetan Bon religion, it is considered the mountain where 360 deities reside.

　　　　When the founder of Bon, Shenrab Miwoche, descended from heaven, he landed atop this mountain. In Hinduism, it is known as "Kailash" and is regarded as the paradise of Lord Shiva. Multiple religious traditions revere Mount Kailash as the center of the world, attracting numerous pilgrims every year. Devotees from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, and other countries travel great distances and endure hardships to reach this sacred site. Along the journey, they prostrate themselves in prayer, and only after completing the kora around the mountain do they consider their spiritual mission fulfilled. The pilgrimage is especially popular during the Year of the Horse.

　　　　Mount Kailash is home to countless sacred relics and is a holy site revered by followers of many religions.

　　　　Tips:

　　　　1. Transportation: From the south—The only way is to hitch rides, moving forward bit by bit; from the north—Mainly by cargo trucks traveling to and from Sengge Zangbo, a distance of 330 kilometers, taking about a day and a half, with a fare of approximately 50–80 yuan.

　　Note: If the vehicle does not enter Darchen, you will need to get off at the Bagar checkpoint, 7 kilometers south of Darchen, and then walk to Darchen for accommodation.

　　　　2. Accommodation: Gangdise Hotel, with a fee of 60 yuan, and 10 yuan per day for luggage storage. If you bring your own tent, you can discuss with the hotel to pitch it in the hotel courtyard (pitching outside is not allowed), but you will still need to pay, around 15–20 yuan per person, though it’s more flexible. Darchen Hotel: Same price as Gangdise Hotel; electricity is supplied by a self-operated generator at night. Alternatively, you can inquire about accommodation in nearby tent restaurants, usually around 20 yuan per bed. It’s best to also have tea and meals at the same place, purchasing food from the owner and using their stove to cook yourself.

　　　　Note: Both places charge higher prices for foreign tourists, typically 50–100 yuan for the same bed. Neither hotel has a cafeteria. There are also Chinese-style restaurants nearby, but prices are relatively high. Behind Darchen Hotel, there is a Shandong dumpling shop with decent taste and pricing. Across from the dumpling shop, Ali Plateau Tea House serves passable sweet tea. Drinking some sweet tea before the kora is also a good way to replenish energy.

　　

　　　　3. Kora (takes about three days): You must bring your own food for the kora. Instant noodles, sausages, and chocolate are recommended. Food supplies in Darchen are limited, so it’s best to buy provisions in Sengge Zangbo or Lhatse beforehand. For drinking water, use water purification tablets or a filtration device. The monasteries that offer accommodation along the route also provide hot water and bedding.

　　　　Before starting the kora, store any unnecessary and heavy luggage at your hotel. Otherwise, overburdening yourself may lead to exhaustion, which can be dangerous at high altitudes. Each morning, there are porters waiting for work near both hotels. The standard rate is 60 yuan per day, but make sure to negotiate the price clearly. Confirm with the porter that payment is based on the number of days to avoid them quitting midway.

　　　　The route mostly follows the valley, where the river water is very clean. Given potential weather changes such as rain, it’s advisable to carry water purification tablets. The water is very cold, so take small sips at a time to prevent stomach discomfort. Pay attention to your health in Darchen, and approach the kora with realistic expectations. Take care to avoid catching a cold. Bring sufficient long-term medication and drink cold remedy sachets daily.

　　　　The mountain paths are generally well-marked, but the first monastery you stay at is about 200 meters away from the trail. To avoid getting lost, when leaving the entrance at the junction of the “stream and small bridge,” consider crossing the bridge and walking along the west bank of the river. The entire trek lies between elevations of 4,600 and 5,700 meters. The first day can be quite strenuous, especially in the afternoon as the path becomes increasingly steep, making breathing more difficult.

　　　　The second day is even more challenging, beginning with a steep ascent. This part of the climb is the toughest section of the entire journey. When you reach the mani stone pile at the mountain pass, wait until your breathing eases before taking photos—the spot marks the highest elevation of the hike, with Mount Kailash not far to the west.

　　　　After the mani stone pile, the path descends into the river valley, becoming much flatter. The surrounding river scenery presents yet another beautiful view. After the hardships of the first two days, the third day involves just a 6-kilometer flat walk. Most guided tours in vehicles will pick you up at the exit toll station; otherwise, you’ll need to walk an additional 3 kilometers to return to Darchen.

　　　　Day 1 (26 km, about 10 hours): Darchen westward → 5 km → entrance (where a 20-meter-high prayer flagpole stands) → 6 km → riverside (a monastery across the river offers accommodation) → 15 km → monastery (accommodation)

　　　　Day 2 (22 km, about 8 hours): Monastery → 4 km → cemetery → 4 km → mountain pass mani stone pile (5,700 m elevation) → 4 km → riverside → 10 km → monastery (accommodation)

　　　　Day 3 (9 km, about 5 hours): Monastery → 6 km → exit toll station → 3 km → Darchen.

　　　　Note: Mountain weather is unpredictable, with significant temperature variations. Check the weather forecast before ascending.

　　　　4. Entrance Fee: There is an entrance fee for the kora, which has been increasing year by year. In 2001, the price rose from 10 yuan in 2000 to 100 yuan, and 2002 was the Year of the Horse, during which many more pilgrims visit. The fee may increase substantially again.

　　　　5. Kora Timing: There is no time restriction. However, April 15th of each year is the birthday, enlightenment, and nirvana anniversary of Buddha Shakyamuni. On this day, a ceremony to replace the prayer flags takes place at the entrance to the sacred mountain. Tibetan Buddhism believes that the merit of doing the kora on this day is greater than usual, so the day is particularly lively.

　　　　6. Other: In Darchen and along the kora route, the area is quite mixed, so it’s best to use your own metal food containers. Additionally, pay attention to environmental cleanliness during the kora and carry garbage bags with you.